Individual Project 2015

                This is the prologue to a novel that I've thought of for a really long time. I wrote something else for NANOWRIMO, so with the option to do whatever I wanted for my individual project I decided to start on this idea.

                I ran down the halls of sick, miserable souls as fast as my legs had ever carried me. My breathing was in tune with my heart as it raced in my chest. I stretched my arms out in front of me and I pushed my body against the double doors to his office. He stood with his back to me, staring out the windows at all the souls below. I crossed the room and stood behind his shoulder to get a quick glimpse of my dying world.

                Medical teams ran from tower to tower trying their best to comfort each and every soul that clung to their help. No one had succumbed to the illness yet, but death was at the door for most. My heart ached to see my people in so much pain. The yearning to be healed was in everyone’s heart.

                Croix wasn’t always like this. There was a time of health, when everyone laughed and enjoyed the strength they had. It wasn’t until one soul caught the virus that it spread like sand in the wind, getting stuck in every place it touched. Before long the happiness that was there before dissipated.

                I am a part of a small group that has yet to be infected. I had waited for days while my family fell ill, waiting for my turn to get the virus, but it never took over my body. Ronan, the leader of our world, gathered all of us immune into one group. He gave us the hope that we would soon find the cure.

                The cure of course doesn’t exist; at least not an existence that we have knowledge of. Bands of researchers have pried open the mysteries of the universe trying to find it. There has been word of its whereabouts, and it’s about time, any later and I was sure our world would cease to live.

                I turned to Ronan at the sound of his sigh. My eyes traveled over his face for sign of what he had to say. His countenance gave nothing away.

                “Is the word true? Has it been found?” I whispered. I didn’t want to disturb his thoughts by raising my voice too high. He moved his eyes to peer down at me.

                “We will discuss it as soon as the others arrive.” He told me. He turned around and reached for his chair. I waited as he lowered himself into it before I walked to my chair in the half circle in front the desk.

                My mind was crawling with curiosity. It was almost too much to bear. I began tapping my feet together to let the energy escape. My eyes focused on the edge of the red and gold rug that swept under the desk, to keep from letting them fly around the room. At the sound of the door creaking open I twisted around. Maiblee crossed the room, and slumped into the seat next to mine. Her bright glowing orange hair slid over her shoulders. I reached up to twist my plain as night black strands self-consciously. I always admired those born with bright colors. My sister’s was pink before her sickness. It was now a pale white, as was all those under control of the illness.  

                I continued my stare at the rug. It felt as if the rest of them just weren’t coming. In my mind I begged Ronan to just tell. This was news I’d been awaiting for more than I can count on my fingers.  Someone bumped into my chair and I glanced up to see Cylan sit beside me. I hadn’t even heard the door creak at his entrance. I could feel tension radiating from his soul. I nudged him with my elbow, and turned my head to the side, asking if he was okay. He just shook his head and fixed his eyes away. The points of his ears were a bright red.

                “Sorry I’m late!” Rocco spoke as he ran through the doors. I winced at the volume of his words. It had been so quiet. Ronan shook his head and gestured to the chair next to Maiblee. She rolled her eyes as he took the seat, and stared at the ceiling. Rocco wasn’t late. Enzo had yet to arrive. He was always the last.

                “Can we just begin? It could take forever for Enzo to appear.” Cylan sighed. It was obvious he wanted to be anywhere but here. I wished I could free him from what was captivating his mind.

                “We must wait for every member.” Ronan stated. Cylan groaned and put his head back against the chair. It took Enzo even more feet tapping before he decided to show.

                “Sorry.” He apologized with a smirk. I never approved of him. I constantly wished he would somehow get the virus so he would be forced to leave the group. It would make the whole team happier in the end.

                I took a deep breath and focused on Ronan. I was more than ready to hear the great news. I felt myself move to the edge of my seat.

                “It has been found.” He simply stated. I sighed in relief. Just the confirmation made my heart skip. Rocco tapped the edge of the desk with his fingers.

                “Where?” He questioned. His eyes were full of excitement and wonder. I shared the wonder as Ronan thought deeply.

                “It’s on a planet far from here. The people there refer to it as Earth.” He said. I watched his eyes as they searched each of ours for a reaction. I was confused. I’d never heard of such a planet.

                “How many light-years away?” I asked. I knew most of our souls were to die any moment, the closer this Earth is the better for our world.

                “It will take quite a while to reach.” Was all Ronan answered with.

                “Not too long right? Our time is scarce.” I reminded him. He nodded slowly.

                “It’s not like there’s another choice, Azlin. We’ve been looking for the cure for long enough. I’m willing to take as long as needed to reach that Earth.” Rocco said. I nodded taking in his words. I would take as long as needed as well if it meant helping my dying planet.

                “We will begin the trek after the next two moons.” Ronan told us. His eyes were foggy and fixed far away from where we were. His mind was in another place. We each took that as permission to leave his presence. I followed behind Cylan until we were far down the hall.

                “Something is bothering you.” I pointed out when I knew the others could no longer hear us. He nodded and stared at the sliver coated floor. His eyelashes brushed against his cheeks as he blinked a few times.

                “I’m just ready to rid these people of the death they’re so close to.” He whispered. He looked up, and fixed his eyes down the hall. I followed his purple irises to three elders lying in their beds. Their faces were torn, and full of pain. It was odd seeing them so dull and colorless. Even their eyes had lost the normal violet and were now a solid black. I was ready to rid them of it too.

                “Just a few more moons and we’ll travel to Earth.” I assured him. The souls would be able to hold on until then I hoped. Cylan nodded slowly. I could tell his shoulders relaxed a bit, but I was still aware of the tension. I smiled at the thought of how to help him loose the grip on his thoughts for a small amount of time.

                “Follow me.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall. I let my feet carry me down the flights of stairs until we came to the tall glass entrance. I led him out into the square. The suns in the sky warmed my skin where it wasn’t covered by a white t-shirt and white shorts. White and black were the only colors we were allowed to wear. The colors of our hair, and eyes were enough.

                “Azlin, I really have to check in on my family.” Cylan tried to protest. I shook my head and kept pulling him along.

                “You’re with them every second of the day. It’s beginning to get to your head.” I jumped down a small curb and pulled him across the square. The fountains around began to fill my ears with sound, I could no longer hear Cylan argue. I led him down an alley and out into the fields surrounding our city. The tall green grasses reached my hips as I waded through them. Suddenly Cylan stopped dead in his tracks. It yanked my arm.

                “I think we’re far enough.” He claimed. I turned to him and pointed to the tall trees a few yards in the distance.

                “I want to take you to the trees. Trust me Cylan; your family will be fine.” I pulled his arm with all my might to get him to walk again. He sighed, but gave in and followed close behind. Before long he dropped my hand and began to run. I smiled and chased after him. At the first tree trunk he turned around, his brown and purple hair was swept away from his face.