Everyone and everything once thrived in harmony with one another. Not a single person in this world could have ever imagined what was to become of them. It’s like on the first page of our story the future seemed so bright, and this thing turned out so evil and corrupted. I don’t know why they seemed so surprised that such a tragic and horrific end could come. Everything collapsed in the year 2012. It was destroyed under the rule of the president; we aren’t supposed to say his name it’s forbidden and the punishment is death by hanging. Their plan was to get one of their own ‘kind’ nominated and voted into the presidency where he would slowly chip away at the dignity of society. Devils are what we call them behind their backs all the while we are forced to call them saints of our dying civilization. Many people have revolted and many have died, but I know with careful planning we can succeed. We can take down the menace and I am determined to lead the revolution.
****
It’s the year 3012 on the eve of the destruction of humanity and the beginning of death and torment; the Menji celebrate by sacrificing one of us, preferably someone who is a virgin. They believe if they make this offering to their ‘master’ than their reign will last for another year. Who knew our civilization would last a thousand years under the circumstances they have us live under. Most of the world is covered in constant fires. Water sources are contaminated and we have to boil every single drop before we drink it and bathe in it. Sure the ashes from the fires are good for the soil and what we are allowed to grow grows like a weed on a hot summer day. Our living conditions aren’t so bad. We live in stone buildings that were constructed by the first few generations of the new world. The streets are made of stone, and there’s not much grass. The sky always seems to have a tint of red to it, and I’ve always wondered what it would be like to actually see a blue sky. In the books I read the world was a happy place and everything had a happy ending, but here in the real life it’s cooperate or die.
I couldn’t help but gnaw vigorously at the inside of my cheek as I started down at the horrendous red things. Tonight was the night the Menji retrieved their victim for their ceremony the next evening. I could see multiple people looking out their windows with fear in their eyes that they would be next. My heart dropped as I watched their grotesque bodies walk up to my friend Cadence’s house. Cadence and I go way back. We grew up together and attended the same few classes that were offered. We would always talk about which boys we liked and we even had sleepovers. I was there for her when she was proposed to by Ian, and I was there for her when he backed out just a few weeks ago. I remember she cried forever, Ian was the one she had fallen for and well Ian was nothing but a user. He never got what he wanted from her and left it was as simple as that. Even though I never dated, and I have yet to receive my first kiss or marriage proposal I know she would have been there for me when it happened.
Though the hard fact of life when I watch the Menji yank her from the door way and drag her down the road as she kicked and screamed I knew that none of that mattered now. She was chosen, and she would never get married. She would never have kids, and she would never be happy again. I pounded my fist into my frail window sill causing it to split under the force. Instantly my hand throbbed with pain, but it was nothing compared to the pain I felt growing within me. Another person I come to care about has been taken by the Menji. My anger flared I wanted so badly to chase them down and kill them for my friend.
“Vivian Vivian! They took Cadence! Oh Vivian please don’t say she was chosen by the Menji please!” My youngest sister ran up to me holding onto my leg and looked at me pleadingly for me to tell her it was all just a misunderstanding. Though I knew that she looked for a reprieve something that would actually give her some sort of hope in this wasteland, but I couldn’t give it to her. I promised to myself the one day she asked me what Menji meant that I wouldn’t lie or keep things secret from her again. Menji stood for death and evil in its finest purest form, and that’s exactly what escorted my best friend down the dirty stone streets of Brunwhick.
“Sam I’m not going to lie to you, but it wasn’t a mistake honey they are going to sacrifice her.” Tears sprang to her eyes and she pounded her fists against my shoulders and howled in agony. I could feel the tears inside of me begin to spill out of my brown eyes and I quickly wrapped her into my arms despite her fighting and held her tight against me afraid to let go. My mom came into my room with a pained expression across her face dreading the fact that she may have to tell us the news that my best friend had been taken, but a slight relief washed over it as she saw us huddled in the middle of my floor.
“Oh Vivian and Samantha I’m so sorry.” She made her move to wrap us into a hug but a hard knock at the front door sent her sprawling in the opposite direction. Gurgling voices filled the dense air and my mother began to shriek hysterically. Two Menji entered my room and yanked my little sister from my arms. Utter horror filled my body and I stood abruptly.
“What’s the meaning of this!? Why are you taking my sister?” I clenched my fists at my side digging my nails into the palm of my hand as I held back the urge to strike them.
“She has been chosen.” They began to drag her towards the door again and I couldn’t move. My legs were like led all I could do was reach out for her hand as she thrust it in my direction.
“Why? You already took Cadence why her too?” A small chuckle escaped one of their greasy fat lips. “Because our master declares we sacrifice two.” With that they exited the door my mother laid on the floor crying hysterically. Dropping to my knees I placed my head into my hands, but no tears came just the overwhelming feeling of despair.
Running footsteps flooded the street and Alec burst through our open door stopping abruptly as he surveyed the scene. “Vivian I just heard the news it’s everywhere that they took Cadence and Sam.” I felt numb I just sat there and gawked at him like he was just a walking piece of wood. “Viv, I’m so sorry.” He knelt down and wrapped my motionless body into a hug. On any other occasion my heart would be soaring with happiness from his touch. Alec and I go way back about as long as Cadence and I did. I instantly felt a connection with him, and it was obvious to me that he didn’t feel the same. He had asked Rylee to be his wife and not me. Our only fit for survival in this hectic life was to ‘bind’ ourselves into marriage no matter the cost. Nobody married for love anymore it was just a tactic to live another day. Babies were born and the Menji always smiled in approval knowing that they would have future generations to rule.
“Viv, are you okay.” These words struck a chord in me that seemed to spark me to life. “Am I okay? Alec, my best friend and my own flesh and blood are being sacrificed in tomorrow’s ceremonial execution, and I know you should know better than to ask me such an absurd question. It’s obvious I’m not.” I let my head fall onto his shoulder as he pulled me closer to him. Sucking in a sobbing breath I could smell hints of mint on him making me wish that I could smell I forever.
“I know Vivian it was a stupid question. I’m sorry for asking it, I’m just concerned for your well-being.” I held my tongue from saying that if he was so concerned than why is he marrying Rylee and not me, but I knew why. She was so much prettier than me. Her skin was flawless, not one single scar despite all the work we’ve been put through. Her hair was long and ran like waves of gold down her back. Her hazel eyes glistened in what light was provided during the day. She was smart and she was funny. I was always so jealous of her. I had always wished my short layered brown hair was longer, and my plain green eyes would glimmer and dazzle boys senseless. My skin was covered in little tiny scars here and there which always annoyed me. So I knew from the get go who he would choose, it just sucked to know I was right.
I could hear him sigh as he pushed on my shoulders lightly so we were face to face. His strong jaw bone was set in a rigid line and concern was clear on his gorgeous face. A small scar sat just above his left eyebrow, and his eyes were like pools of crystal clear water. Just having his hands on me made relief wash over my body and I was able to focus my thoughts. “Rylee said I should stay and keep an eye on you and your mother tonight. Is that alright with you?” I shut my eyes tight and pushed away more thoughts of how much I would enjoy this if the Menji didn’t rule every aspect of our lives. The only thing I didn’t get was why she wasn’t over here and she sent him instead.
“Yeah I’m fine with it Alec, but how come she didn’t come?” I really could use some company to get the execution and my crying mother off of my mind, but it still bugged me why she sent him instead. Was it to test his will power or just to get some time alone? I mean she’s been a bit loose when it comes to her own temptations. All her previous suitors before left her because she always went for someone who could provide a more secure environment. She looked at them as assets nothing more.
“Glad to hear it, but I’m not sure why she said she was busy doing a few things with her mom tonight.” Getting up I turned around and rolled my eyes knowing better now. I knew that line, I remember Greg talking about it the day he found out she was in some other man’s bed instead of helping her mom. Poor Alec, he had no idea what he was getting into, but when everything hits the fan I’ll be there for him. Sighing I saw my mom had passed out on the floor. Probably from crying her eyes out which is what I should be doing, but I didn’t have any tears to cry I had to be strong for the both of use because it was quite obvious she had fallen to bits and pieces.
“Can you help me get her into bed?” I pointed to her crumpled up body as he got up from the floor. “She must have cried herself to sleep. Can you get her head and I’ll get her feet.” He shook his head and we carefully picked her up and carried her to her bed. Silently I shut the door and plopped down on our wooden couch. “Thanks Alec.”
“You’re welcome Vivian.” He sat down next to me and stretched out lazily. “I wish we could do something about the sacrifices.” I hung my head low and shook my head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you again.” I could hear the concern in his voice and I couldn’t help but look at him and give him a half smile.
“You’re fine Alec. It’s not your fault.” He sat forward and shook his head in a yes motion. “I know Viv, it’s just I wish we could do something about them too. I think it’s horrible that they’ve tormented out race for so long and no one has really tried to break through and make a stand. Sometimes I wish I could lead the revolution you know?” He leaned back against the rough wood and sighed as he looked up at the tin roofing. I reached my hand over and squeezed his gently which caught him off guard and he pulled his hand from mine instantly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that it just caught me a bit off guard.” He reached back over and squeezed my hand to make his point.
“Alec, I know what you mean by wanting to lead the revolution. I dream about it each and every day. I have no idea how our race has even lasted as long as it has. The books I read are ancient, but they describe a world I wish we all could live in. “Hero’s and heroin’s it’s just amazing to even think someone could fight such a power, and what drives me to believe that one day they will be destroyed.” I cracked my neck and looked back down at the dirty imperfections on the floor.
“I heard a rumor that some people believe that it’s not just the Menji’s master that can turn into a human, but if the Menji themselves are trained well enough that they too can disguise themselves into humans. Many people believe that they have done it from day one, and that several are running around here in this very town.” I turned my head and gawked at him in awe when the words finally processed in my brain.
“Do you believe that?” I shifted uneasily and leaned back. “Yea I do actually. I believe pretty much anything anymore. I personally believe that the people they take are actually are demons themselves, and that they use ‘killing’ them as just a way to scare us all and stop us from rebelling against them.” I raised my eyebrow and crossed my arms.
“What about my sister Alec? I know for a fact she wasn’t one of those vial things. There’s just no way.” He shook his head absentmindedly as he thought for a moment as he considered my words. “Maybe they actually believe they have to sacrifice an actual human now to get their master’s attention. Maybe just maybe they are actually afraid they are going to fall soon.” He put a finger to his lips as he knitted his eyebrows together to think.
“Could be, there is talk of people wanting to start the rebellion. Maybe they are taking two victims in hopes of striking more fear into us?” I chewed on my bottom lip and joined in with his thinking process.”
“Vivian, I think….” He was cut off when we heard a loud thud come from my mother’s bedroom. We both looked at each other with shock in our eyes and instantly Alec was up and running towards my mother’s bedroom with me trailing behind. He cracked the door open and we saw her sprawled on the floor. The moon caught her crumpled body just right there was a small knife laying in her bloody hand and I could see her blood seeping onto the dirty floor as it ran freely from her throat. “Mom!” I leaped for her, but Alec grabbed me pulling me away from the scene.
“Don’t she’s gone, Vivian there’s nothing we can do. We’ll find someone in the morning.” I sobbed and collapsed into his arms knowing he was right. There was no way I could bring her back. Frustration took over and I screamed as loud as I could, wanting nothing more than to let out the building feeling of hatred. It’s not fair nothing in this life is fair. We are forced to abide by the Menji’s rule or face certain death. We couldn’t go for help, because all humans were under a strict eight o’clock curfew. Alec discreetly shut the door and picked me up carrying me into my room.
“I’m staying in here with you.” He said as he laid me down onto the bed. I reached out and grabbed ahold of his arm. I didn’t want him to leave my side and sit in the far corner. “I don’t want to leave you alone tonight, not after all that’s happened.”
“Please stay right here and lay next to me. I really need someone that I care about near me.” A pained expression flashed across his face but instantly replaced by sadness.
“Of course I will Vivian.” I could feel the pressure on my bed as he climbed in next to me. I turned to face him and curled up next to him as he encircled me in his arms.
“Why did they have to do this Alec? It’s not fair I’ve lost everything.” The numbness returned and I couldn’t cry anymore. All my emotions were as raw as freshly cut meat.
“Life isn’t meant to be fair at least not anymore. I wish I really knew exactly why they do the things they do, but I hope their end comes soon and those bastards get what they deserve. They say that if you kill their ‘master’ then you kill them all.” Hope sparked throughout my body with his words and I nuzzled my nose underneath his chin bumping it slightly to let him know to go on. “I hear that this master of theirs can be summoned with the right tools. I know that the lead guard supposedly carries the paper that contains it all.” He squeezed me tighter and let out a ragged sigh.
“Where did you hear this?” I mumbled into his shoulder. “From one of them, I actually over heard one of their conversations awhile back. I haven’t told anyone but you.” For a moment I forgot that everything I cared about has been yanked out from underneath me and all that mattered was him and me in this very point in time. My heart began to beat wildly as I felt him adjust and loosen his grip on me. “Vivian I…” He stammered and cleared his throat and instead of answering he placed his lips upon mine. “I’m sorry.” He pulled away quickly and placed his head slightly above mine. “I didn’t mean to do that it’s just well never mind. Get some sleep okay.” I opened my mouth to tell him it was okay and that I didn’t mind it one little bit, but I could tell her wasn’t in the mood to talk about it. I took in a deep breath of the dense air and drifted into sleep before my thoughts of death and loss could torment me once again.
***
The sun gleamed brightly through the white puffy clouds. I could see tiny bits of blue here and there and I smiled to myself as I lay in the long lush green grass. I loved visiting this place where no death and no worries followed me. Everything is as how it should be. Perfect. Not a single piece of rubble and soot in sight. Sighing I got up and began to twirl in circles until I saw three figures walk my way. Stopping my vision spun and finally focused on the three people that stood in front of me. The sky darkened and explosions shook the earth, everything was instantly consumed by the hungry flames. My Mother, my sister, and Cadence smiled brightly at me as if they didn’t have a care in the world.
“Are you just going to stand there and watch me burn?” Sam’s voice came out into a whisper and flames shot up around her ghostly form. I stood there and watched flames consume her. “Are you just going to stand there and hear me cry?” Tears sprang to my eyes and I collapsed in agony as I she touched my ghostly mother’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t a better mother Vivian.” My mother reached out as she spoke to me. “I had to leave there was so much pain and so much anger. I knew you could take care of yourself.” Looking up I reached my hand out to touch hers, but it went straight through it. Instantly she disintegrated into a puff of smoke.
“You were always there for me. Why aren’t you here when I need you the most?” Eerie screams escaped Cadence’s mouth as her forum melted into nothing but ashes. I fell sideways into a fetal position and I could feel tears streaming down my ash streaked face. I choked on the thick smoke and my vision began to blur once again. My lungs began to burn and grew tighter with each and every breath. The flames turned into waves I opened my mouth to scream but nothing came out and the flames washed over my body.
****
Screaming I jolted from my sleep and landed with a thud on the floor. My heart felt like it was about to burst from my chest, and I could swear I could still feel the burning sensation on my body. Alec was there on the floor with me within the instant and wrapped me up into a hug.
“Shhh, what happened? Are you okay?” Alec’s calm voice somewhat helped mellow my erratic heartbeat. Cold sweat ran down my face as I leaned on him for support. My lips felt chapped as I slid my tongue across them.
“They have to die Alec. I will not let them get away from taking everything from me. I just won’t.” Sudden determination rattled my bones. Removing myself from his arms I stood up and began to pace the room. “We need to come up with a plan and rally some troops. Start training people in secret we will get that paper.”
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