Dystopian Worlds

A Collection of Short Stories

Written by the Dystopian Literature Class

Selah High School

Fall 2021

The stories in this collection are

Written by students who spent the last 12 weeks reading, watching, and studying the world of dystopian literature.

These are story starts - tastes of much richer worlds yet to be written. We focused on creating interesting worlds and using narrative techniques to bring those worlds to life.

These are unedited texts - fresh drafts from the writer’s minds. So if you find errors, feel free to ignore them.

We hope you enjoy sampling them as much as we enjoyed writing them.

Story 1: Shadows

By Aline den Boer

On a late evening in SunTop, Tim was heading home from a friend's house.

“We planned to do our homework for once.” He told his sister when he got home.

“So, did you?”

“No, definitely not, way too hard for me, I’m not made for that.”

His friend Jesper had tried to help him with his homework but Tim seemed to have already given up.

“Maybe you should see if it is possible to switch to a different level, it might fit you better.” Jesper suggested but that only made Tim feel stupid.

Jenna yelled at Tim while walking up to her room “Just try harder, you should be able to pass all your classes.” She has always had too much faith in me and this terrible educational system.

“Easy for you to say, at least you’re living up to the expectations of everyone!”

Tim has always doubted the educational system and has been thinking about dropping out for a few months now. Too bad he won’t be able to after Mr. Dubbing made this new law about people having to stay in school until they’re at least 18.

I really want to just leave this place behind and start over, maybe I should just pack my bags and go looking for a better SunTop.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. “Who is it?” Jenna yelled. They’re not used to people coming over without just walking in, in SunTop, so this was unusual. Tim opened the door and was a little startled by who he saw.

“Come with me.”

“I can’t.” Tim whispered

“Come with me, I found a better place”

Could it be possible, does a better place really exist? I'm so used to this place, our government functions so well and we’re happy, at least we’re supposed to be.

“No school” She said as if she had read his mind.

“Who even are you?”

“You’ll see, just follow me, I know a place”

Tim was really thinking about it. I just can’t do that, there can’t be a better place out there.

Before he could even make up his mind he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Who is that?” Jenna yelled again. Before she could take a look the door slammed closed and Tim was gone.

Jenna started dialing 911, I hope they’re even at work today since nobody really needs them.

With the new laws that got rid of guns and don’t let people drive a car until they’re 18, the country got a lot safer so cops aren’t needed as much so sometimes they just decide to not even come to work.

“This is Pete, what can I do for you?”

Jenna explains to him what the problem is.

“We’ll keep an eye out for him but he’s probably just gone for the day to hang out with friends.”

Jenna knows that Tim only has one friend and he already hung out with him today, it’s highly unlikely for him to just leave like this.

“No officer you don’t understand, you have to actively look for him, that’s your job.” Said Jenna, now slightly panicked.

Beep, beep, beep. The call had ended and Jenna still didn’t know what to do, so she waited.

“Where?”

“At the beach.”

“Will you be there?”

“Yes, later.”

“Why later?” Tim asks, he’s confused and really doesn’t feel like going alone.

“Will’s already there.”

“But why aren’t you there?”

“I’ll be there later.”

“Okay, see you later, I guess.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there.”

“Just come with me right now.”

“I can’t, Will’s there.”

“Whatever, I just won’t go.” I admit it, it kind of scares me to go alone, I don’t know the beach.

“No, you have to, I’ll meet you there.”

I’m so confused, we’ve always been told to not spend too much time or even none at all at the beach. You’ll be way further away from the sun than you would be when you stay on the hills. I wouldn’t want to get too low since that will keep me from being on top of my world, the shadows are unexplored and I shouldn’t explore them now.

“By the way, who is Will?” He yells before he turns around and notices that the girl has left.

When it’s starting to get dark out, Jenna starts to worry more, she doesn’t want to go outside to look for Tim since she will have to walk in the shadows. The people that live in SunTop have always been afraid of the shadows in the dark, it means that the moon is shining light on them instead of the sun. People strongly believe that you can’t get to the top of your world when the sun is too far away so they’d rather stay in than go outside.

Tim ends up going to the beach. When he arrives there is no Will to be seen anywhere, so he decides to just sit and wait for the girl to show up. I have never actually explored anything, school sucked all the energy out of me so I could never do anything. Why did the girl tell me to go here when Will is not even here?

After hours of waiting the girl finally shows up.

“Have you found it?”

“What, Will, no!”

“This is where I found my Will.”

“Your Will?”

“Yeah, my Will, I always used to come here after school, just to find something to make my life have meaning.”

She pauses and takes a deep breath before she continues.

“But one day I realised that my life won’t ever have any meaning, if I don’t have the will to live and continue with what I’m studying for. I sat here for hours just waiting and then I realised, being at this beach and exploring is my favorite thing to do, my will to live was right here and I found it.”

“So how do I find mine?”

“I don’t really know, that’s why I send you here to find Will, that should be your will to live. Find someone or something that brings you happiness and keeps you going and hang on to it. It’s an important part of life.”

Story 2: Out of Bounds

By Brenden Steenmeyer

He woke up to a booting screen, as per usual. As he sat, the Simulation was slowly revealed to him, and objects began to materialize around him. He was in his bed. His virtual bed, of course. That’s what his life had become. A virtual life. That was the new trend, after all; head to the Simulation, sign one of their contracts, give them rights to your bodily waste and byproducts, and live in a fake little paradise for however long one of their time-slots allowed.

But that was enough thought on it for the moment. He was to stay in this world and do whatever he must. Today? Obtain milk. After all, what good is macaroni and cheese when made without milk? Priorities are certainly in order, eh? He got up and out of bed, and threw on whatever fake clothes first appeared from his closet. His house, modern as ever, had a platform to slowly glide him down to the floor from the loft that he considered his “room”. He was clean and showered already, as he had set that as an automatic process. Waking up perfectly cleaned and shaven every day was pretty nice, he had to admit. Although his real body was almost certainly far from clean. He was sure he’d be clean when he inevitably left, but he doubted he was at the moment. Perhaps that was why one had to pre-schedule exiting the Simulation. Maybe they’d clean you. He chuckled to himself at that thought and carried on walking out the door, and to the sidewalk.

He’d specifically asked for a 7-Eleven to be just down the road from him, as he’d always had a strange fondness for the place. That was one thing the future hadn’t changed.

When he was first put into cryogenic storage, the year was 2024. He couldn’t remember much about what had put him there in the first place, only that there was some kind of accident. Automobile? Who knows. But they woke him up, good as new, in the 2120s. The exact year had become fuzzy to him. That was normal, as a result of “freezer burn”, they told him. A common side effect of early-stage cryo-technology. Maybe that was why he couldn’t keep his mind focused on the prize. A 2-gallon jug of milk. 7-Elevens were present when he had left his own time, and were still ever-present in the new world he found himself waking in. It was a comfort place of sorts for him. But today, it was where he was to go for his milk. Milk had become an odd concept in the world he woke up in. Really? Not even 100 years ago, people drank milk? From cows? Eesh. But he had grown used to it in his time, alongside the artificially yellow cheese powder found within blue boxes of Kraft. So? He asked his simulated 7-Eleven clerk to begin stocking those items. That must have been 3 months ago, now.

But yes, there he was again. His local convenience store, that’s what he had set out for. Out of this fog of thoughts, come on now. There’s food to be gathered, no time to dilly-dally. He looked down, expecting to have found himself right outside the store, walking while lost in his thoughts, only to find himself 2 to 3 tiles of the sidewalk down the street. Once again, freezer burn? He thought he had kept this thought to himself, however, the looks that the various pedestrians walking down his street gave him told him otherwise. He suddenly found himself self-conscious in the presence of fake humans. Funny. He chuckled to himself once more. Standing still for a moment, the pedestrians began to continue their routines, no longer looking at him, seemingly discarding the event from their minds.

Then, everything froze. A tree’s needles falling to the ground, staying stuck in midair. Citizens, and their dogs, all unmoving. Everything went dark. This lasted only a moment, a few stilted seconds of motion catching up to itself later and he was back to normal. The Simulation must be running slow today.

He wondered when the next Cleansing Day was scheduled for, as he began to walk again. The Simulation, responding to this thought, popped up a floating message for him. “Next Cleansing Day takes place Nov. 21st!” Once more, he chuckled to himself. “This place really does have access to every part of me, eh?” He wondered aloud. So long as he had his overly processed foods and his favorite corporate chain, he was happy. Right? He was once again reminded of his goal, and carried on walking.

He got to the street corner, but was astounded to find- well- nothing. It was gone. Not just gone, as in an empty plot of land. Gone, as in a void existed where the foundation for the store must have been, leading into vast, expansive nothingness.

Surely, he had to report this to the Administrators as soon as possible. But… a strange feeling overtook him. He looked down into the void. Right at the edge, he stared down, seeing nothing. So much nothing. Too much… nothing. He then sat down, feet dangling in. It felt like a fog, the air thick and full. He wondered if the Simulation would interrupt him with some error message, or some pop-up for reporting the occurrence, but none arrived.

The more he looked into the space, the more the space seemed to beckon to him. Was this safe? Would he wake up, back in his freshly washed virtual self?’[[‘

1` Would he find himself out of the world he’d begun to call home? Surely, the Administrators would consider this a breach of contract, leaving the simulation early… but what’s life without risk? Without danger? The safety nets that this simulation provided were numbing his mind at this point. The abyss had taken him, gripped his curiosity, his imagination. He had to see what lay within.

He took a moment, pushed off of the pavement with his arms, and went sailing into the void. Then? Falling. Deeper and deeper into the fog. Falling.

Error Code 401 Unauthorized (RFC 7235)

System-Authorized Automatic Vital-Check: Unresponsive

Story 3: 843

By Tyler Jensen

Once again his eyes shot open. With a tired groan, he turned his head towards the clock. 7:30 AM, same as yesterday and the day before. Over the past few weeks John has hated waking up, he wished he could just curl up into a ball and sleep until all his problems disappeared. He didn’t want to go to the gym, he didn’t want to ride his motorcycle, he didn’t even want to get out of bed. He stared at the ceiling, gathering his thoughts, mustering the strength to get up. Slowly but surely John began pushing himself to his feet. He walked over to the mirror and stared. He had no friends and no family, he had nobody. He knew he had to come forward and enter contingency but he didn’t want to. To him, reality was better than happiness. The voice kept pushing him to do it. “Come on John, you’ve been through enough. Just give in.” it would tell him. He didn’t know how long he could keep up his cover. He walked over to his chair and sat. contemplating his choices. “The voice was right” he thought to himself. He felt a drop on his hand, a tear. He then started uncontrollably weeping with grief and lament. He reached for his phone through his tears. He dialed 8-4-3 and hardened his resolve. Once he pushed that green button reality was over. He stared as if he was watching someone else. He felt his thumb moving, moving towards the green button. The screen was cold on his thumb. He heard the line ring once and a chirpy young lady’s voice rang out in the silence. “This is 8-4-3, how can I help?”

“I need the Shepards! I can’t do this anymore” John spat between sobs. There was a pause before the voice from the phone rang out again “Tropic riverside?” the lady asked in a serious tone. “Ye-ye Yes, I’m on the top floor” john sputtered

“Tropic riverside confirmed, Shepherds are en route, please remain calm stay where you are and shepherds will escort you to the nearest contingency facility.”

The phone then cut off and john was once again completely and utterly alone. They came five minutes later in their brown trench coats and escorted him to the back seat of a black SUV. John had barely gotten himself together by the time he entered the SUV. He put his face against the window and stared out. He watched as 2 guys on cruisers rode past him, living their lives to the fullest. Oh, how he envied them. He then took a moment to look at the forest around him. It was beautiful and lush. Filled with life and peacefulness, He looked up at the clear skies and felt peace. His fate was sealed and there was no longer anything he could do. He closed his eyes and waited for the car to stop. He waited for the Shepherds to pull him out of the car. He waited for them to hook up the IV. He waited for them to strap the goggles to his face. He waited for them to put him in a peace chamber and slowly close the lid, never seeing the real world again.

Story 4: True Euphoria

By Bridget Edwards

It's Tuesday 5:30 in the morning, the waves splashing from a distance and the light drizzle coming from a single rain cloud. The sun rises slowly across the horizon with its blood orange and fuschia pink colors lighting up the sky. For some it might be the most beautiful morning to ever imagine for those in the Town of ecstasy; it's an everyday occurrence. For someone like Vivianne, an ecstasy local born and raised in the town in a constant state of euphoria. She awakens to the psychedelic rock music playing in the distance.

“Up early huh, Roxie?” a voice says.

“I'm going to Ecila,” yells the medium length, bright pink haired girl, wearing an orange sweater with flowers printed on it and a denim mini skirt. That's Roxie of course; the cool laid back eccentric girl who is also Vivienne's roommate and best friend. The pair had been living together for six months now and as crazy as it may seem, don't regret it. They're basically the same person both born and raised in ecstasy surfer girls who love their lives. They live in a small beachfront cottage together. It might seem crazy how two twenty year old girls with jobs at a bookstore and clothing store can afford a beautiful beachfront cottage but in Ecstasy everyone gets paid a decent sum of money that they can actually live off of. Ecila is the main grocery store full of coffee and tea bars, vegan sushi bars, smoothie bars, and overpriced yet extremely fresh fruits, vegetables and bakery items that are all to die for. The whole town kinda offers all that it's full of aesthetically pleasing diners,coffeehouses, bakeries,bookshops,and vintage clothing stores full of the coolest clothes. It's a town full of people who never complain, mostly ride bikes or walk all over and even sometimes ride their horses through the cobblestone streets spread throughout the town. The beach is a classic white sand beach with medium temperature water mostly used for walks, runs and rides and occasionally surfing. It's not the best beach for swimming due to the fact it does still rain and the water is sometimes murky. The whole town is preparing for the annual peace festival which is less than two weeks away. The festival is full of indie music, street vendors, a flea market and drugs. The festival is what the town is known for because there's no other festival like it. It's less about the music more about the people, it's also 21 days straight of pure happiness and serenity. Roxie and Vivienne will of course be attending and have attended the festival every year of their life. Even as babies their parents took them because it's a safe festival. The whole town is kept safe by good auras, manifestation, and there's no violence because there's nothing to be angry about in the town.

When Roxie gets home from night one of the peace festival around 3 in the morning Vivienne is awoken very late at night by a very hostile Roxie. Not sure if she's high or drunk Vivienne runs out to the living room in which Roxie is screaming.

“WHERE IS HE?” yelled Roxie.

“Roxie, it's late go to bed,” yelled back Vivienne.

“GET OFF OF ME!” Roxie says, as she pushes Vivienne into the wall, making her hit her head hard on a painting that they made together. The painting drops onto the already injured Vivienes head. A very high Roxie calls for help as she sees the blood streaming out of an unconscious Vivienne's wound. The help soon arrives and Vivienne is taken to the local hospital where she stayed overnight. The event causes a major crack in the pair's relationship although Roxie did visit Vivienne the two never really spoke or reconciled. Vivienne's head injury resulted in her being extremely forgetful and she never attended the peace festival that year, something she had gone to for 20 years straight. The pair never spoke again; the whole town knew about the falling out and incident though. It was truly the talk of the town and even eventually drove Roxie out she moved to Los angeles a pretty toxic town compared to ecstasy and it was on the other side of the country. Maybe it would be good for Roxie she wouldn't have this judgement of releasing the normal emotion of anger and she wouldn't just snap one day. She can express her Emotions not hold them in so she fits in.

Although Vivienne never got any sort of apology she realized the town isn't all that perfect. Sometimes the good drugs that are meant to relax you and bring peace to the place do the opposite. This all had Vivienne thinking about the morals and motives of the town: is it really peaceful or is it just ran by peaceful drugs and a calming environment. It is true the town is calm but eventually they all might just snap and turn hostile like Roxie did that night after the festival. And who knows what happened to Roxie the night of the Festival that drove her mad but whatever it was will happen again in the town of ecstasy. And might completely destroy the town because it's hard being perfect and almost brainwashed into always being happy all the time because if you aren't then you're crazy.

Story 5: Safety

By Jade Kessler

You can't help us. No one can. I’ve been going to the dance every day for the past 2 years, no one wants to be here but we always end up on the same checkered floor swaying to the lifeless music with our lifeless eyes. No one knows why we all show up, every single member is trapped in the same cycle because we have to, or else the council will wrong us. They’ll make sure no one remembers us at all but our eyes will be “donated”. No one has ever found the donated eyes, and I’m not sure they ever will.

I felt more life in me than usual today, so I decided to visit the Wonderland Zoo and see the lions that I will always feel jealous of. Before going I had to take my safety pill, (cherry-flavored) so the leftover radiation didn’t kill me while being outside that long. As I left my home I ran into a patrol officer, a regular in my neighborhood.

“ Hello Z where are you heading to today?” He asked with a smile too friendly to enjoy.

“It’s a nice day out so I figured I would head to the zoo and don't worry I’ve already taken my safety pill,” I respond forcing a smile on my face to not raise any suspicion because, in reality, I didn’t take my safety pill today, something in my head told me I shouldn’t today and I listened for some reason.

“You’re smart and prepared, exactly what the council likes in its members.” At this point, I could puke if I saw that forced smile too wide for his sad eyes and too happy for this horrid job he has.

“Thank you for the compliment sir, I’ll be on my way now!” with only a nod of the head as a response I quickly walked to the nearby zoo.

Something felt off during my time at the zoo, maybe it was the pep in my step or the fact that people stared at me while I laughed at the animals, I quickly noticed I was the only one laughing.

“Hey Z! How are you on this fine day?” Stacy, my best friend since I was young found me at the zoo, what a coincidence.

“Stacy! I have something to tell you but you need to be quiet.” I whispered hoping she would take the hint but instead fear took over her face.

“Is there something wrong Z? Are you ok? Did the radiation get to you?” She was very clearly worried about my wellbeing, what a sweet person.

“I didn’t take my pill today.” Pure shock ran through Stacy and I could see her about to cry.

“What about the radiation? Will you be ok Z? Please take your pill please.” She’s shaking.

“I’m completely fine! My body feels amazing and I feel so light! I finally feel… free” At this point, I understand that this “safety pill” has only ever held me back.

“I’m calling the council; you’re clearly deranged. I’ll get you to help I promise, Z.” As she said these words I could see her crying and slowly walking away from me. I tried to grab her arm but she only walked faster. Next thing I knew the council had me.

I screamed louder than my lungs could handle, I could taste the blood in my throat and the regret of not taking that stupid pill running through my veins. It hurts so much, I just want it to stop, why is the council so mad I didn’t take my pill? And why is it so dark in this room… It is almost as if my eyes have been removed,

“Thank you for your donation, it is much appreciated.” I heard a voice and at that point, I knew, my eyes were gone and so was I.

Story 6: YouTopia Short Story

In the small town, Abode where everything is about being better for the environment, not everyone likes being stuck in nature. Ella is one of those few people that want to get out of here as soon as she is old enough. Ella hates that she’s constantly in nature. No one is tied down and has to stay in Abode.

Ella lives next to orchards, everyone lives next to orchards. Ella hates that all it is, is nature everywhere she looks. She wants to be in a big city, her parents have always told her that the big cities are bad and killing the earth. Ella would never know either way because she’s only ever seen Abode.

“Ella!” Her mom yelled at her from downstairs

Ella walks downstairs “Hey, Mom.”

“Your grandparents are coming over tonight so we are going to bake some goodies.”

“Alright, mom,” she says leaning against a counter.

They start to make an apple pie while her mom talks to her about their plans that weekend. Her grandparents come over and they brought dinner. Ela and her parents help them set up the dinner table. After dinner, they tell Ella she needs to go to her room. When they think she’s out of hearing range they start to talk about the “outside world”

“Have you guys told her yet that she can’t leave,” Ella’s grandma whispers.

“No, she’ll be heartbroken” Ella’s mom looks towards her room thinking she’s in her room already. Ella sneaks into her room when no one is paying attention.

She texts her friends “Hey guys, I overheard my parents talking to my grandparents and they were saying I can’t leave home” She hides under her blanket and her phone starts blowing up.

“What about our plans to explore the world?” Sophia texts back to their group chat

Ella doesn’t get the chance to text the group chat back before Brooklynn is calling the group chat and Ella starts rummaging through her room trying to find her headphones. Once she finds them her room is a wreck. She joins the call and her friends are freaking out. She leaves her room to go on a walk to talk to her friends but her parents' motion for her to come here.

“Hey, guys I got to go,” She says hanging up on her friends while they are in the middle of talking to her. “What’s up?” She asks her parents worried

“Sit down” Her mom looks at the open seat on the table.

She sits down putting her head in her hands.

Her parents talk to her about how the outside world is a complete chaos and it is unsafe to leave Abode. She thinks her parents are lying to her and storms into her room. She can’t believe that her parents are trying to keep her here. She’s turning 18 soon so she doesn’t have to listen to them anymore.

She storms into her room and hides in her bed under her big blanket.. She stays in her room for the rest of the night. She decides to call her friends back.

“Hey,” She says as Brooklynn joins

“So what’s the dealio” Brooklynn asks

“My parents were telling me that I can’t leave because it’s dangerous outside of Abode” She replies

“I haven’t heard anyone else say that, everyone has always told us we can go where we want. My parents just hope I don’t end up like other people killing the planet.” She says confused

“I know… do you think they could be lying to me?” Ella adds

“Possibly, you know there’s only one to find out,” Brooklynn suggests something without saying it.

“You are right but when?” Ella says grinning

“After school tomorrow?” Brooklynn suggests

“Alright,” Ella says while packing a duffel bag. She hides it under the bed while they finalize their plans. They say their goodnights and she takes all night to fall asleep.

The next day after school the three of them meet at the back corner of the school.

“So we riding out of town on our bikes?” Sophia asks sarcastically

“We don’t have any choice do we, cars are baddd” Ella mimics

“Well what exit are we going through?” Brooklynn ask

Ella points north while throwing her school bag down and grabbing the bag she packed. She puts it over her shoulder getting on her red bike.

“Okay let's go” Ella watches them and waits for them to get on their bikes before riding off to the exit of town. It’s a long ride so they take breaks occasionally. Once they get there their bikes are covered in dirt.

“Well how far are we wanting to go” Sophia asks

“As far as we can with until we lose light” Ella replies

They sit down against trees and eat snacks. They start to get back on their bikes and Ella gets a phone call.

“Hey” Ella answers nervously.

She continues to talk to her mom and comes up with an excuse.

“Okay we are good” Ella says getting back on her bike.

They continue to ride and the forest gets more dense until they come across a big fence and have to stop quickly so they don’t run into it. Ella starts to run along the fence trying to see if they’re is a way out. Outside the fence is just dry grass as far as the eye can see.

“Ella! Give up its not happening we can come back later” Sophia yells

“They are just trying to trap us here! We can’t let them get away with this!” Ella says throwing herself on the ground

“We won’t give up Ella” Brookylnn says sitting down next to her in the dirt.

“We can try climbing the fence can’t we?” Ella suggests standing up

“It’s too tall, though... “ Sophia starts going through her bag “I’m always prepared… Here!” She says holding up some wire cutters.

“We need to be able to get our bikes through” Brooklynn throws her bag over “No going back now” She shrugs

Sophia starts cutting the fence from about four feet up and pulls the fence to the side pushing her bag through the fence. Ella helps her hold it back while they push the bikes through. They crotch through the fence to get to the other side

“Well what now” Brooklynn ask

“Keep going straight until we find something”

They get back on the bikes and ride for a couple more hours before it gets dark and set up camp

“There’s lights over that way” Sophia points over to some dim lights

“Tomorrow” Ella says

“Tomorrow” They agree

The next day they ride in the direction where they saw the lights come from and when they get there it's an old gas station with a bus stop. It’s windy and there’s dust being blown up.

“What's this?” Brooklynn asks

“A gas station,” Sophia asks looking at the window, “There's people in there!” She adds.

Ella and Brooklynn jump off their bikes and run inside. They all go talk to the man running it and he tells them when the next bus stop to the city is.

They go outside and wait for the bus, when it get’s there they leave their bikes and get on the bus. Ella looks out the window and thinks about her new life.

“To our future” Brooklyn says

“To our future” Ella and sophia say smiling

Story 7: Welcome to Prosperous

By Kalahla Currier

All week I’ve been hearing people talk about this city, everyone is praising how great it is, apparently it’s the only place on earth that’s full of happiness, if you go there it will make you happy. In my opinion I don’t believe it but everyone has been raving about how they want to visit and get their dose of happiness. This place called Prosperous is selling it’s tourism as that everyone there is happy that there’s not one person who isn’t happy but how can that be true. Every human has emotions, no one is happy all the time, if it was true I would have to see it for myself. I had to wait to go because every hotel that I found was booked full for the next 5 months.

It was time for my trip and in the time that had passed there was still positive conversation about Prosperous, there was no doubting how happy this place was. Everyone that went in came out happy and praised that it was an experience of a lifetime. Not one person that I heard came out wasn’t happy, but I was about to find out how this was. Prosperous was apparently a controlled ecosystem, so their weather was guaranteed for what was on the forecast. The next two weeks were all sunshine, so that’s what I packed for, just in case though I packed warmer clothes, you never know what could happen.

As the train draws closer to the city I still don’t see anything magical about this place, from here it looked like a normal city. Assuming from the reactions of the rest of the people on the train most of the people on here were also visiting for the first time, most of them were amazed like most people but one person didn’t show any emotion at all. It was the only other person beside myself that I had seen that didn’t find all this amazing. I walked up to him and noticed he had an oxygen mask, maybe I was wrong, maybe the mask was hiding his expressions but as I got closer I could see that I was still right, he didn’t show any emotions at all.

“Hello sir.”

No answer.

“How are you doing?”

He gave a little nod of the head but there was no indication of whether it was positive or negative. I kept talking and asking questions hoping that maybe he would engage in some type of conversation but after a while I realized he’s not interested but as I turned to walk away I heard this rasping mumbling voice, I turned back around and the man just asked me why I was visiting.

“I came to see what all the fuss was about, what about you?”

“You shouldn’t have come.”

“I’m sorry, what was that.”

“There’s no reason you should be here.”

Silence.

“They play tricks with your mind, they control you.”

“That’s nonsense.”

“What you don’t believe me, come on I thought you were different”

“Different how?”

“You're not excited like the rest of them, you don’t seem happy to be here.”

“Neither do you.”

“That’s because I know the truth.”

“The truth about what”

“This city, it’s not what it seems, and you know that or you wouldn’t be here trying to figure that out.”

“Who says I'm here trying to figure it out.”

“When you came over here and talked to me, I’ve gotten on this train everyday and not one person has ever come over and talked to me, they're all in their own world, but not you, you're here in this reality, it’s because of your injury, you nose.”

“What do you mean in this reality? What does my injury have to do with anything? And how do you know about my injury” I got into an accident about a year ago and broke my nose, it severed my smell but from looking at me now there was no indication that this man would know that.

“You have to figure that out yourself.”

“Figure out what? How do you know about my nose? What are you talking about?”

The intercom came on and the man went back to looking out his window and I knew this conversation was over but now my head was spinning. There were so many thoughts in my head, I couldn’t stop thinking, what did the man mean about why I shouldn’t be here and “they” play tricks with your mind, who’s they? So many questions I didn’t have the answer to, with all this going on in my head I missed what it said over the intercom, so I asked someone they said that the train was going to stop in the city in an hour, which didn’t seem right because we were so close to the city. I asked another person and they said 15 minutes until the train stopped, another person said 30 minutes, each person that I asked had a different answer. Maybe they heard wrong but how did all of them hear a different thing? They were all in their own reality, just like the man said, controlled? The air. That’s how they were doing it. Controlling. Something must have been in the air. The only thing me and the man had in common was the restrictions of our smell. I suspected something was wrong with this city but Controlling people's reality.

Story 8: Utopian Short Story

By Kohlby Doyle

Humanity has always been so quick to sort people by how they look, the color of their skin, and even their personalities. What I don’t understand is why? Why do we have to divide ourselves because of something we can’t control? Why is it that even though we’re all human, some people are “better” than others? I was always told that maybe not everyone saw it that way, maybe some people saw it in the way that it’s tradition, and breaking tradition is “bad”. And maybe others saw it as a habit unworthy of breaking, I believe those people are cowards, they’re scared of change, they’re scared that if everyone is equal they won’t be special anymore. But it shouldn’t matter, people aren’t special because of the color of their skin, or the shape of their body, they’re special because of what’s on the inside, they’re special because they are unique one-of-a-kind beings.

My mom belongs to the green division, this woulden’t be a problem if genetics were consistent but they’re not, they’re unpredictable and that causes problems. The green division is the smallest existing division, surprising I know, especially considering the viollet division even exists, the viollet division is honestly the weirdest division the Shade empire owns, they’re all naturalists and do odd things you wouldn’t normally see. But that’s beside the point, you see if you’re born with a different color of eye than your parent, you go to the coorrisponding division and they’ll raise you in place of your parent. But if you’re born with an unapproved eye color such as grey they execute you as a child, of course they let you live until you’re at most 6 but after that they execute you, and your parent if they try to pull anything.

Story 9: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

By Madeleine Delorme

The gravel crunched under Amelia’s feet as she walked down the path leading to the main part of Thela Harbor. She walked on this path everyday on her way to work, since her house was on the outskirts of the city. Amelia worked for Lady Gisela, the ruler of Thela, as her secretary. The glowing lanterns along the path were comforting in the dimness of the early morning light. She walked into the city, and even at this early hour, it was busy with people walking around, some going to work, some of them being tourists coming to visit the famous harbor. She walked down the long wooden dock lined with stores and stands selling who knows how many different kinds of fish.

Eventually she got to the large stone staircase that led to the Coarshire Palace, the home and workplace of Lady Gisela. Amelia walked through the large wood doors and sat down at her desk in the entry hall. The palace was decorated with bright yellow lanterns and orange and blue ribbons, since the Sun Sea Festival was just days away. The Sun Sea Festival marks the anniversary of the founding of Thela Harbor. It's called the Sun Sea Festival because the final board was nailed to the dock right as the sun was coming up, the light glistening on the ocean water. Amelia loved the Sun Sea Festival, it was one of the few things that reminded her of her parents.

She flipped through the stack of papers on her desk that consisted of today's duties. All but one of them were forms that needed her signature. The other one was a letter from Lady Gisela herself. Amelia anxiously opened the envelope, usually if Lady Gisela needed anything, she would call Amelia to her meeting room and tell her directly. Amelia was worried, what if she was losing her job? She pulled the pale yellow paper out of the envelope and read what it said. “My dearest Amelia, I'm very sorry I couldn't ask you of this in person but I have been extremely busy with preparations for the festival. As you know, the five main towns of Thela are in charge of providing things for the festival. I need you to travel to each town and meet with the Representatives and make sure the preparations are going well. This is extremely important and we need to make sure that there is plenty of food and decorations for all of Thela. Thank you so very much. Yours truly, Lady Gisela of Thela Harbor.” Amelia let out a sigh of relief. She was kind of excited to be able to go out and see all the other towns. The time of the festival was drawing nearer and nearer, so Amelia knew she needed to move quickly to make it to all the towns before the festival started. She gathered all her things and flung her bag over her shoulder, walking quickly out of the Palace. The harbor was now crowded with tourists and workers alike. Small children weaved in and out of the crowds of people, and Amelia had to stop quickly more than once to avoid stepping on them.

She finally made it to the road leading out of the city and began walking. First stop on the list was Bluewyn, to check on the food preparations. It was only a half hour away, but Amelia walked as fast as she could so she could have plenty of time to look around. She had never been to any of the 5 towns before, since Lady Gisela usually had a festival planner in charge of checking the preparations. Unfortunately, the planner was walking down the harbor one day when one of the sea serpents jumped out of the water deciding they wanted a snack. Amelia didn't know why they let the serpents get so close to the harbor, couldn't they see it was dangerous? She usually avoided the water, not wanting to become a serpent snack herself. She kicked a pebble across the dirt road, watching it bounce across the dusty surface. A gust of wind blew, sending leaves and other debris flying through the air. “Are you kidding me? How am I supposed to look professional when my hair looks like this?” She grumbled as she tried to smooth out her hair. After about ten minutes of struggle, she finally managed to get her hair to a respectable state, and continued walking.

She finally made it to Bluewyn and let out a sigh of relief. The town was busy with people running around, some barking orders, some carrying big baskets of fish and other goods. She gazed at the dark colored wooden buildings, much different than the light colored stone buildings of Thela Harbor. She walked through the crowds, looking around for any signs of where she needed to go. Unfortunately, she didn't see anything that could help her find the meeting hall. She walked up to someone who was standing by a small store looking at a brochure of some sort. “Excuse me sir? Do you happen to know where the Bluewyn meeting hall is? It's really important.”

“Oh I'm sorry miss, I'm just a tourist, I don't really know where anything is in this town. In fact, I'm also a bit confused about where I am.” the man said. Amelia thought he looked troubled but didn't really know where anything was so she couldn't help him.

“Oh well, I hope you find where you need to go.”

“Yeah, you too.”

Amelia walked away, looking around for anyone who looked like a local. She walked closer to the dock and approached a person carrying a basket of fish. “Um, excuse me? Hello, I was wondering if you could help me out.” Amelia said to the stranger.

“Oh hello there. My name is Riley, what’s yours?”

“My name is Amelia, nice to meet you.” Amelia replied. They stuck out their hand and she shook it. So Riely was their name. Amelia thought it didn't fit. Riley was tall, and slightly muscular since they worked on a fishing boat all day. They had their hair pulled back into a short ponytail, and they had a necklace around their neck that had a serpent tooth tied to it. “Did you kill the serpent you got that tooth from?” She said as she pointed to the necklace.

Riley looked down at it before responding. “Yeah I did. Well, it wasn't just me who killed it. It was my crew and I. We were tying our boat to the dock when a serpent jumped out of the water and bit one of my crew member’s legs right off. We killed it and I pulled it's tooth out as sort of a prize. I don't know why the leaders of Thela are okay with them getting so close to the shore. They kill so many people, it just isn't right.” Riley finished, shaking their head in disappointment.

“I totally agree, I was actually sent to check on festival preparations this year instead of the official planner because he got eaten by a serpent last week.”

“Really? That's crazy. I always thought the capital was serpent-free.”

“Nope we got plenty of serpents there. It's kind of a pain, having to live in constant fear. I've heard that here in Bluewyn it's even worse though.”

“Yeah it's pretty bad. We usually have a serpent attack every week.”

“Wow, I didn't realize it was that often. You know, I’ll talk to Lady Gisela about it. She trusts me, so I'm sure she’ll do something about it if I bring it up.”

Riley’s face lit up. “Really? You’d do that for us? That's great! Thanks a lot! Anyways, what did you need help with?”

Amelia had totally forgotten about her current dilemma. “Oh yes! I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of the Bluewyn meeting hall? I have no idea where it is and everyone I've asked doesn't either.”

“Oh yes I can show you where to go. The meeting hall is kind of hard to find, since it's not in the main part of Bluewyn.”

Amelia was grateful that Riley was so nice, she didn't know what she would do without their help. Riley opened their mouth to say something again when all of a sudden a blood curdling cry rang through the air. Amelia and Riley both turned to where the sound came from. “Cmon someone might be hurt!” Riley said before turning to run towards the docks. Amelia didn't know why they told her to come with them. She was from Thela Harbor, she wasn't used to people getting hurt all the time, and if it was dangerous, she didn't know how to fight. She ran over anyways, hoping it wasn't anything too bad.

She wasn't really paying attention to where she was going, since she didn't notice Riley had stopped. She ran straight into their back causing both of them to stumble. “Oh I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Why did you stop, is something wrong?” Riley’s face was paler than it's usual light brown complexion.

“Take a look for yourself.” Amelia was confused but looked over to the docks. She had never been more scared. Three sea serpents were jumping in and out of the water, snapping their jaws at the people standing on the closest dock. The people were holding harpoons, trying to fend off the beasts.

There were people running in every direction, trying to get away from the thrashing monsters. Two people were crawling on the ground, one missing a chunk of their leg, the one’s leg was totally gone. Riley looked around frantically before turning to Amelia. “Okay listen up, I'm gonna go over and help them out, I need you to get those people to safety.” Amelia was terrified, she had never been this close to an attacking sea serpent. She just wanted to go hide. “Come on Amelia, I believe in you. You can do this.” Riley rested their hand on Amelia’s shoulder, comforting her a bit. After a second, Amelia nodded and Riley gave her a weak smile. “Great. Let's do this.” Riley turned and ran over to the dock and grabbed a harpoon before running to help the other sailors. Amelia ran over to the first person who was crawling away from the dock.

“Here, let me help you.” Amelia helped them up and got them over to safety. She then turned and ran back to help the second person. She looked around and didn't see Riley anywhere. She hoped they were okay. She was about to help the other person up, when suddenly a huge shadow loomed over them. Amelia looked up and was too scared to scream. There was a giant sea monster right above them, jaws open and ready to attack.

Story 10: The Alter Ego of Lisa Dolly

By Mabel Lofland

The society in many eyes, is a perfect world not too different from the world we lived in before. Americans are still a democratic party, the government and members of society work in groups to make our society better, jobs are very much the same. However, the highest paying jobs are for jobs that require the most work and most likely help with society. For example, being an employee, healthcare workers, and any other job that participates in making our society a better place, are the most highing paying jobs instead of being a supermodel, musician, artist, and more. Healthcare is free for anyone and everyone as well. As you can see, the world isn’t “crazy” or has changed drastically. Yet, why does Lisa not fit in?

Lisa’s birthday was coming up and she was going to be turning 15. Lisa has always felt as if society shouldn’t have changed at all because once we change one thing, it can potentially mess up everything. She was an A+ student who was caring, thoughtful, and kind. The only downside is that Lisa has a severe condition where she embodies this monster who goes around killing people every full moon. She cannot control it and the condition is so rare that they don’t even have a name for it. Lisa has gone though numerous tests throughout her childhood to try and figure out what exactly she has and how they can cure it. I forgot to mention that the new society has made it clear that if you kill and it isn’t self defence or an accident. You have a death sentence. Lisa doesn’t know how many people she’s killed because she doesn’t even remember anything when she becomes this monster. She feels it’s not even her and it’s someone else inside of her.

The day her parents found out about her alter ego, was the day they decided to hide her in a locked cage in their basement forever because they couldn't risk her killing anybody more and they also couldn't risk her getting caught by the authorities. So for almost 4 years now, Lisa has been in a cage waiting to be fed 3 times a day just watching the clock tick for an eternity. On her 15th birthday, her parents came downstairs to the basement to feed her at exactly 8:00 am except when they came to feed her, they had exciting news to inform her. “Lisa, we know what you have been going through these past few years and we have something exciting to tell you!” her mom said. After Lisa began to think of what it could possibly be, her mom yelled with joy, “WE ARE LETTING YOU OUT FOR THE WHOLE DAY!!” Lisa stood there in complete shock and the only thing that was going through her head was how she was going to be able to not make it obvious that she has been sheltered for 4 years. Her first couple steps out the basement were like heaven to her and she smiled for the first time in awhile. Her parents smiled back while turning to open the door to outside. Lisa didn’t know what to expect when the door opened but she had hoped it would be so bright that it would blind her, so colorful that it would radiate all over her pale skin. However, that was not the case.

“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Dolly. I am officer Fowley and I demand you to step away from your daughter while we arrest her for the mass murdering she has committed 5 years ago.” Her parents tried to tell her to run but in the process, the officer tased them both and grabbed Lisa and knocked her out with the handle of his gun. Once Lisa had woken up. She was in a room with nobody and only a file on the table that said her name in capital letters. She slowly opened the file and the first sentence was, “Lisa Dolly (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dolly) has committed multiple crimes in the year 3005 and will be sentenced until death.”

Story 11: Adtritopia

By Mencia Martin

Hi, my name is Malena. I’m 16 years old and I live in Adtritopia with my parents and my brother Chase. My parents are both writers, they are super into it. My dad writes superhero comics and my mom writes the best dystopian novels ever, her last one was a bestseller, everyone in Adtritopia has it, it is about a city where every person could try to work in exactly wherever they wanted to, I know, it’s crazy. Obviously society is filled with homelessnes, poverty, depression, anxiety, addiction… What could you expect when you are allowed to be someone that you are not, following naive dreams that end up with you being stuck in a job that you hate and having a life that makes you miserable. Everybody’s talking about it, personally, I think it’s terrifying. Imagine having governors that don’t know anything about politics, yeah I know.

I turned 16 today so I have to go take my aptitude test. Honestly I know exactly what it’s gonna tell me. I want to be a singer, a performer. I did the exact calculations I need to get a singer training and career with my abilities and it says I have an 86.2% possibility of being allowed to become a singer. From 6.55 million people living in Adtritopia only 2000 have made it into the music industry, which is literally just 0.0307 percent of the population. But I know I can make it. I’ve been singing since I was born and I have all the aptitudes, I’m ready.

So right now I’m sitting in the waiting room of the MBC, the Mind and Body Centre, here is where the test happens. I’ve been here for 20 minutes and I have already seen all kinds of reactions to the results. A tall skinny redhead boy came out of the room with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen in his face. A blond girl came out crying and she was taken to examination, you are not supposed to disrupt the order like that. Some were mad or confused, I think it’s pretty curio—.

Malena Peters?- a woman just said from the examination room.

I quickly got up and ran inside the room. I had never seen this kind of room before, it’s not the way I ever thought it would be. It’s one of the most important laws of Adtritopia, in order for the 16 year olds each year to not know what to expect, no one that has taken the aptitude test is allowed to talk about it and/or help teenagers with it. The walls are black and there’s a big “screen” in one of the walls. The woman that called my name is wearing a doctor's robe, but it’s light blue, and her hair is

After filling all the paperwork, the woman grabbed one of the edges of a white thread and wrapped it around her forehead. She then wrapped the other end around mine having us connected. I thought it was a string but there’s something weird about it, I cannot feel the feathery feeling against my skin at all, if anything it actually feels like a small breeze of wind.

The woman put her hand on my chest under my neck and looked up at me, all of a sudden the thread disappeared

Story 12: The Untold Story of Sunnyville

By Olivia Rummer

It was another endless sunny day here in Sunnyville. The birds were chirping and the wind was blowing causing the same tree branch to hit across my window. Oh, how I hate that sound. Here in Sunnyville, everyone is always happy but not me. Seeing all the happiness around me makes my blood boil. My blaring alarm goes off, I jump out of bed and get ready for this already awful day. I walk downstairs to a beautiful breakfast laid out on the table in a range of colors from yellow to orange and my mom standing in the corner of the kitchen making her usual morning coffee.

“Good morning Cam! Are you ready for school?” said my mom with enthusiasm.

“Morning mom, yeah I guess,” I say with the same annoyed tone.

“ You know Cam I wish you would be a little happier about life. I mean look at everyone else in this town, you have no reason to be so mad,” my mom says with sadness in her voice.

“ I'm so sorry I'm such a disappointment because I don't fit into this town or the ideals this town has!” I say very angrily.

I grab an orange and walk out the door to head to school ignoring my mom. As I head to school I pass my neighbors all mowing their lawns and waving happily. I roll my eyes and keep walking. I can’t explain why I act the way I do, but I just can’t stand everyone being so happy in this town, they are always happy! I haven't always been this angry with the town but the longer I'm here and the older I get the more the people here annoy and concern me.

I finally get to school and head to my classes; very few people are here because not all grades in high school are required. I, however, choose to go because I really enjoy school. It's one of the few things in this town that doesn't make me angry. I think it has to do with not as many people being here. I have 5 periods throughout the day and only two seem to drag on. Each class has about 10-15 students in them which is the normal amount for being in 11th grade.

However, during my 5th period, everything changed. There she was sitting in the corner of the classroom. I had never seen her before so immediately my interest was peaked. Usually, everyone in this town has been here since birth; we get tourists every summer but no one has ever actually moved here. I definitely understand why, I don't even want to be here.

She was peculiar in many different ways; instead of having a big bright smile on her face, it was dull and expressionless. Her clothes and school supplies were full of dark tones, not a pop of color in sight. I stared in awe that there was someone else besides me who didn't look so happy all of the time. I decided I would have a conversation with her as soon as the bell rang because my curiosity just kept getting stronger. Finally the bell rang, and I caught her just in time.

“Hey I’m Cam, I noticed you're new here. What's your name?” I tried to say with less excitement in my voice.

“ My name's Melody. Now can I go before you give me the happiness speech everyone else has given me,” she says with annoyance.

“ Oh believe me I would never. I hate that speech. I've lived here my whole life and still get it because I'm not happy all the time!” The excitement in my voice finally breaking through.

She smiles and walks away, slipping a paper on the desk as she leaves causing something in me to finally open up. I read the paper and on it is her phone number and a message that says “Well maybe you can finally have someone to not spread happiness with.” I was confused and excited at the same time. This girl had been here and talked to me for two seconds and already wanted to be friends? The entire walk home my mind was just racing; filled with thoughts on what had just occurred. This was something I’ve never had happen before. Maybe something in her was wired differently or something was wrong? The way I talked to her I could have come off as happy, so why did she take such interest in me immediately?

I come home to the same brightly orange house with daisies and sunflowers in the front yard. My mom greets me at the door and my dad is sitting on the couch reading the same newspaper he always reads. I, however, still have too much on my mind to have a conversation so I head straight to my room. I realized I've never had an encounter with someone I hadn't known since birth. Maybe talking to the same happy people over and over again made me so cold? Talking to Melody finally opened up something inside of me and hopefully changed me for the better.

Story 13: HeiopheliaVille

“Where the sun always shines”

By Paten Gill

The nuclear explosion was devastating. Families were separated, houses were destroyed and many human lives were taken away from them. Despite the horror and sacrifice that came from this event occurring this gave opportunity to start new and create a better future for the population of humanity. The humans that made it out of this monstrosity of events all found each other over decades and decades of recovering. Humanity as we knew it was destroyed. There were people without families, gangs and many other things as such scouring what was left of the earth. Up until one group of five people decided to tackle the large task of trying to fix society.

One would think that a group that consisted of The Scientist, The Florist, The Business Major, The Political Advocate, and The Professor would easily be able to tackle the task of creating a new society. The group is balanced but the group comes from many different backgrounds and were raised in many different ways with different belief structures. Often there were fights and disagreements but most of the time the five would put their opinions and bickers aside for the betterment of society. They decided to find a core few common positives and negatives about the society they lived in before the nuclear explosion and put their adjustments into their new society.

After years of hard work, the society, “HeliopheliaVille” was created. Their slogan wasn’t wrong when it stated that “the sun always shines”. With the help of The Scientist and The Business Major they were able to create a world where the sun is always shining. The Scientist had been working on this new creation before the nuclear explosion and the progress was saved as it was kept in a bunker he reunited with thirteen years later after the explosion. The Business Major was ecstatic about this newfound experiment thinking about how many people would jump at the opportunity to live and see a functioning society where the sun is always shining. The Florist was wearing about this idea and The Professor swore it was a horrific idea and wanted no part of it. The Political Advocate did not really form an opinion as they wanted to be open about any ideas.

As many people have moved and searched for a society to call home, many people find the world of HeliopheliaVille. The beautiful lakes and rivers to dive into, the beautiful beaches and hillsides to tan on-

“Wait what? I thought that lakes were just a myth? No way that's actually true” said the little girl.

“Yes they were,” said the eldrely women. “I can still feel the cold water on my body and the refreshing smell of the salt water.” The lady sighed.

“Shush let her finish!” whined the small boy. The elderly women laughed.

“Both of you stop fighting! You must go to bed I’ll finish tomorrow,”

Story 14: Life In Lunas

By Twilah McAdams

Tonight is Lunar Night. The best holiday in our town, and the one that is frankly my favorite. I am from a long generation of people living in Lunas. My great-great-great-great-great- grandfather was one of the founders of Lunas. I’ve grown up to take care of the planet with loving respect and worship the stardust from which we came. Tonight we celebrate as a town underneath the stars with signature foods, music, and the fresh feeling of a new night. Everyone in our town has either nature-based names or night-based names, and because of that, my family is known for our moon-like names. My mother’s name is Aruna, which is a Japanese name meaning moon love. She has taken her name and built her beautiful personality around it, she is loving beyond words and she takes care of everyone around her. She named me which careful thought and came up with Esmeray, which means dark moon. The moon never is dark but since I was little I’ve had an obsession with the darkness and how the light shines through so easily. Our names match up to who we are so effortlessly, and tonight, I get to enjoy the beautiful darkness during Lunar Night.

My mother braids her dark wavy hair in intricate but neat braids.

She pins our family symbol in her hair and smiles at me, ¨What are you looking at silly?¨.

I smile back at her, ¨Your very beautiful Mom. Can you do my hair next?¨

¨Of course! Come sit down.¨ She pats the seat she was sitting on in front of the mirror and stands behind. I run over and sit down, anxious to be as beautiful as my mother. As she starts parting my hair for the braids I observe the symbol shining in her hair. Our family symbol is a full moon with glitters and silver accents. We keep our family symbol in our hair on special occasions and on daily wear our personal symbol on a necklace. My mother´s necklace was always the most beautiful to me, It was a crescent moon with cherry blossom leaves and a red plump heart snugged into the moon to pull the whole look together. Mine was never my favorite, I didn’t quite understand it. I understood my name meant dark moon but I assumed it was just my love for the darkness. My symbol is a full moon but is an ombre into a dark black. It seemed so evil, but I knew who I was. I followed my mother’s steps with daily smiles towards the people of the town. The only difference was I kept to myself at night, the bright white moon seemed to enchant me in a way. It didn’t seem like I belonged exactly with it but something similar. I have no idea if that makes sense but it’s the best way I can explain the weird feeling.

My mom finished my hair and I studied my face in the mirror. My long dark brown hair cascaded down my hair while the upper half was magically put into braids to show off my glistening eyes. She then put in our family symbol at the back of my hair like a bow would be on the little girls. We get out symbols once we hit our 13th birthday and I was so happy to finally get mine a year ago. I am now 14 and I am still obsessed with our family symbol.

¨Are you ready to go celebrate? It’s almost time.¨ My mother said fixing up my Lunar night outfit. It consisted of dark black leggings and a constellation dress shirt in blues and purples. It was my favorite night, my favorite outfit, and my favorite tradition. Overall the best night of the year by far.

¨I am so ready!¨ I jump up from the chair in excitement and hear a knock on our small house door. I run over and open it to see my best friend. His family is part of the flower-based names. His name is Risay, which means black rose. As soon as we met each other in kindergarten and found out our names were so similar we became best friends. He looked at me with a sparkle in his green eyes and his short light brown hair was styled perfectly.

¨Hi Risay, are you ready?¨ I say with a bright smile.

¨Of course I am, you look beautiful.¨ He said slightly blushing as I waved to my mom. Ever since I turned 13, I got to explore the festival on my own with a friend and meet up with her towards the end. I was so excited to explore this year with Risay.

We run out of our neighborhood with bright smiles towards the lights, smell of delicious food, and beautiful music. My hair flowed with the wind of my feet running across the fields and I could feel the biggest smile plastered on my face.

The Portals Saga

Table Group 4 took on a multiverse style of storytelling, describing their own worlds and building an interconnected storyline.

Story 15: Irreprochable

Part 1

By Trevor Trainer

“The sentencing will commence today, Lead,” the little machine in front of me spoke. The receptionist's voice was clear and soft.

“Yes, yes I know. Thank you,” I clicked the small off button, then the line fell silent. It seemed so quiet up here, on the tower. Looking over our one billion. I stared out the window, beginning to daydream about the old world. The place of hate and horror. I sigh and tear my attention to the sound of the metal elevator making its way up to my domain. Watching the sleek, silver doors open like magic.

“Ah, good morning Lead!” The sweet voice of William, oh sweet William.

“Morning, how goes it? Everything in order?” He nods and places down his mechanics bag. It clinked as it sat. I walked out from behind my shiny, brown desk, and over to him. Sitting in the chair usually used for guests going to the Badlands. He pulls up another chair from across the room and sets it beside me.

“What’ve you done this time, Trevor?” I smile at my ‘old world’ name.

“Ah, the joint bent backward while I was in hypersleep. Glad you could come so early.” I pulled off my white button up, revealing a shiny metal torso, as the garment fell, William could see the damage.

“You've gotta get that glitch fixed,” he leans over and unzips his work bag. Instruments and bobbles, gleaming in the light. He pulls out a drill.

“I know, I know.”

He began to drill the screws holding my arm in place, it did not ever hurt, it was just a little uncomfortable at times. I watched as the last screw fell onto the floor, and my shiny arm plopped into his hand. I sat, occasionally looking at the plastic encased wires in my upper arm. It came to be silent besides the occasional rattling of his work bag and metal clanking.

“There we go,” he smiled, “easy fix.” He placed the arm in his lap and began picking up the loose screws from the carpeted floor.

“What would I do without you,” I smiled lightly, he smiled back and put my arm back in place. Once he finished, I stood up from the chair and shook his hand. He packed up, and took his leave, again in the elevator. It hummed as it left. I sigh, again making my way to the other side of my desk. It is sunny today, the sun shone through the huge windows and glaring off my desk. I pulled my button up back on and pulled a black tie from my desk drawer. Then, my phone went off again. I pressed the little grey button, speaker, much preferred in this quiet room.

“Yes? What is it?”

“She’s here, sir,” the receptionist’s voice shook a little.

“Ah, escort her up then,” the receiver rang as an indication the call ended.

I sat down in the large chair to face the elevator doors, I interlocked my fingers and placed my hands on my desk. The hum of the elevator rang through my electronic ears. The shiny doors opened once again. I was met with two helpers, holding the vigilante. She stood in their grasp, her arms in the helpers tight hold. They walked her to the chair in front of me and she sat down. It seemed a shadow covered her eyes, there lives an evil aura around her.

“Welcome, Natalie,” I sat up in my chair, the robotic cogs and wheels making light noises within my body. She did not look at me. She already knew what was happening. “Natalie, tell me, what possessed you to want to bring illegal substances here? And to open the portal? In our society?”

A silence, then a breath in like she wanted to say something. I watched as a strand of her hair came out from the prisoner cap she had on. She breathed out, no words.

“Very well,” I began, then I couldn't really think of anything else to say. I sat silent for a moment. The helpers watched me, Natalie did not look at me. “Natalie, here you sit, in MY domain, taking up time; and you will not even answer me?” I began to get agitated. I saw, my loudness had no effect on her.

“It needed to be done,” she grumbled. I could see her posture change slightly. Furrowing my brow, I stood up.

“Ah, and so death will be your option, yes?” her head shot up to look at me, her eyes staring into mine. Her pleading eyes were no match, never once did I spare someone who disobeyed my rule. “Take her away, men, to the badlands.” I stated calmly. She gasped and looked at both of the men as they took her arms again. As she pleaded and begged, they whisked her out into the elevator. Her screams overpowered the hum.

I hang my head and look at the desk. Such awful things. If only such bad people wouldn't exist.

I checked the watch on my wrist, Natilie and the other two should be at the escape by now. I fiddled with the watch for a second, then off I was. In a second I too, was at the escape. The teleportation device William created worked surprisingly well, for the 400th prototype. The two officers held her with the grip of a bear on a trout. She kicked and screamed, but couldn't do much with her hands restrained behind her back.

“Please! I beg you!” she screamed at me, trying to look at me, but her back faced me.

“Don’t worry Natalie! You'll be back.” The guards turned their heads to me, I pressed another button on my watch. A small door shifted upwards, the winds of the badlands could be heard now. It’s howling became overpowering. The two walked Natilie to the door. The drop from our society into the badlands, could kill any living thing. Though you could not see it, the bodies of hundreds sat 50 feet from our dome that kept us all in control. She pleaded louder as they held her over the edge.

“Drop,” The simple order, and she was gone. She screamed until we could not hear it anymore. The guards backed off and I shut the door.

“Document her death in the hall of records,” I started, looking at my watch one last time, “Red Heat, 8:30am, Monday.” The guards listened and walked off.

I stared into the abyss that is the badlands. You’ll be back, repeating itself in my head. Then, turning my back to the glass, I walked my way back to my domain. I needed the walk anyway.

Story 16: Im-Perfection

Part 2

By Kiah Weiss

January 1st, 2138. I wake up to the melodious chirping of the birds outside my window, their songs carried by the cool morning breeze. I sit up and drowsily glance around the familiar room. The mirror hanging on the eco-friendly wall on the opposite side of the room shows the reflection of a sixteen year old girl with tangled brown hair staring back at me.

I swing my legs around and place them on the bamboo floors beneath me and walk to the window, thrusting it open. A gust of wind blows against my skin, the crisp morning air enveloping me in her spine-chilling embrace. I open my eyes to see a small flock of birds rising up from the trees that block my view of the city, flapping their wings in a battle against the wind. They fly straight towards the sun, and for a fleeting moment I wish they’d take me with them.

I stand in front of that window for a solid ten minutes, gazing at the world around me, and silently wishing my secret self could fit into it the way I’m supposed to.

Suddenly my heart-rate begins to quicken. I feel my breath come faster and a feeling of panic and dread settles on my entire body, crushing me with it’s weight. I grasp the windowsill til my shaking fingers turn white, struggling to see anything through the tears that well up in my eyes. The world is a blur, my head spins, and it feels as if I leave my own body to hover above and watch in silence. I have no control. The panic has taken the wheel and I’ve been locked in the trunk. No escape, just fear.

No, no, not again, I think, unable to control what words leave my mouth. I try to breathe but my lungs refuse to cooperate and I sink even lower to the ground. Just then my mom bursts through the door. She walks swiftly towards me, gathering me in her arms and stroking my head as I sob and hyper-ventilate, barely even aware that she’s there. We stay this way for a long time until I’m able to breathe again, my entire body still trembling violently.

“Breathe,” she whispers. “In through your nose, out through your mouth.” I try to obey, but still choke on the air. “It’s ok, you’re safe. You’re doing great Heather.”

Once I’m finally able to breathe again she wipes away my tears and leads me back to my bed. Exhaustion has already claimed me and the moment I lay my head on the pillow I fall into a sleep full of nightmares, wishing the birds would come back and sing me a lullaby.

I wake up hours later to the smell of my mom’s tea on my nightstand and sit up with shaking hands to take a sip. I glance at the clock beside me that reads 11:52 in bold blue letters. Right next to it is a note written in my mother’s impeccable handwriting, apologizing, and saying that she left to go do volunteer community service for Planet Preservation Week. This is one of her favorite holidays, where families and friends come together to give back to the community.

This city, Greentopia, is my mom’s dream. A dream built on the ideals of balance and environmental awareness. She moved here when she was eighteen, and had me only a few years later. It’s just her and me, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything.

A perfect mom, in a perfect place, and yet, I am the exact opposite of perfect. My broken brain is the definition of antithetical compared to my mother. It always has been. Panic attacks, anti-depressant meds, therapists, doctors, crippling anxiety, and enough trauma for the both of us, all wrapped up in one human being.

I glance at the clock again. 12:07. I sigh and get out of bed for the second time that day, crossing my fingers that the saying, the third time’s a charm, won’t apply here. I get dressed, comb my unruly mane of hair, grab an apple and head out the door. I smile when I hear the birds chirp in greeting and start down the path that leads to the town square where I hope to find my mom in time for the opening ceremony.

The path winds through quaint neighborhoods very similar to my own, with eco-friendly materials and sustainable energy and water sources. Nearly all that would be empty space is green. A city overflowing with flora and fauna, the greatest dream imaginable for all gardeners and vegetarians. I pause everytime I see an animal pass by. Squirrels, rabbits, birds, you name it, all living in harmony with the humans and ecosystem around them.

I often have nightmares that I will darken this city. That my demons will take over and all the beautiful green light will fade away. I’ve found it incredibly difficult to fit into a perfect world when you are so far from perfect yourself.

I take the apple out of my pocket that I had snatched out of the kitchen earlier and crunch as I walk, all the while wondering what excuse my mother has made for my tardiness this time. Perhaps a headache, or a cold. Maybe some chores or homework. So many others had been used already, even in the last couple of days, that she was going to have to get creative with this one.

I emerge from the thicket of greenery into the town square. My boots click on the recycled cobblestone as I head toward the crowd of people waiting patiently for the kick-off for the first day of Planet Preservation Week. I spot my mom standing next to her friend Mary by the sustainable water fountain and navigate my way towards her with my head down.

“Heather! You made it!” Mary exclaims. “I’m glad those allergies aren’t acting up so much anymore. I always get them this time of year too.” I nod and glance at my mom who winks with that knowing look in her eyes.

After a few minutes of excruciating small talk, a hush falls over the entire crowd as the six council members of Greentopia are introduced onto the stage. “Good afternoon!” councilman Cory Agnor booms. “I speak for all our council members as we welcome you to the eighty-eighth annual celebration of Planet Preservation Week! Welcome to 2138!” A cheer erupts around me and I struggle to keep my hands from shaking.

“This holiday allows the entire city of Greentopia to come together with friends and family and clean up our community. We have recycling stations set up around the town square where you can gather supplies, and a sign-up sheet for what locations groups will clean up at first. Along the way there will be refreshments passed out by our volunteers who are also there to assist you if you need anything while you work.”

At that, Agnor hands off the speech to councilwoman Karla Jenkins, who graces us with her dazzling smile before she begins speaking. “This week is about starting this year off on a positive note, by giving back to our community, and increasing environmental awareness. As you all well know, the importance of balance in Greentopia is a large concept, and by doing some good for this city, you will in turn be doing some good for yourselves. I hope you all have a wonderful time, now let's go!”

The crowd cheers once more and quickly disperses around the square. I follow my mom who chats with Mary as we walk towards the outskirts of the city with our biodegradable trash bags. After hours of meandering along paths in the forest and picking up trash, I stray away from the rest of the group and find myself on an unfamiliar path.

Story 17: Teenage-Mutant-Barbie-SpyKid-DispicableMe-mon-Panda-topia.

Part 3

By Hanna Christianson

17 Years after the events in Irreprochable

My leather, gloved hands make soft sounds of friction as I slide down the rope. When I hit the ground, I unhook my safety harness and sprint around the corner. I run through the maze of corridors with ease, remembering a map I studied last night. On the fourth turn, I reach the bedroom. The expensive, fancy doors were all I expected from a multi-billionaire. But the security system needed some improvements. I was able to pause the recording system and repeat the same ten seconds on loop, making myself invisible to the cameras and laser systems.

I open the door silently, and stalk to the safe I know is in the closet behind a mirror. Chad Richards was knocked out on his lavish bed. I made sure that his alcohol levels were much more than usual after his dinner. People are so susceptible to being narcissistic, and when they least expect it, when their guard is down, that is when we strike. And in less than ten minutes, Chad Richards is seven million dollars less rich in means of heirlooms, jewelry, and cash. And he will never know who did it.

He might have suspicions, no, he will know that my country is responsible. But because he cannot trace the actual perpetrator, he cannot press charges, or sue our country. And that is why the other four nations hate us. We found a loophole in the legal system that cannot be changed or altered, as it was laid down by The Five. The Five being the founders of each different Universe. Each one being like a different country, but in alternate universes. Our side of the universe is Teenagemutantbarbiespykiddispicablememonpandatopia. Vector Perkins named it. It definitely wasn't my idea. But thankfully the other countries gave us a nickname. The Tempers. Secretly, we all appreciate the name, but around the other Universes, we go by our full name. No use giving them more satisfaction then they have. Everyone hates us anyways. Who knows what they say about us behind our backs. Our country is like the youngest child who no one wanted to be around or fix because that child was so messed up. But to be honest, we are messed up. Especially Vector Perkins.

Vector Perkins is the poster child of self-absorption. He named nearly all of our retail stores after himself. Vector’s Secret, Vect-Mart, Vector-Kia, and all models of vehicle have some version of his name. Vec-vertible, Vector-ious, Vect-wagon, Vec-up-truck, v-uber. And somehow he is keeping our economy afloat. But even then, we steal stuff from other countries to make a living.

I load my loot into my helicopter on the helipad. Who has a helipad in their home? Chad Richards does. I start the copter, and lift off. Thankfully Vect-Air-Space created a silent helicopter, or else the ones before WW3 and WW4 would have woken up the entire Universe.

Technically, every Temper has died. We are all reborn in Teenagemutantbarbiespykiddispicablememonpandatopia after we die in another country. I don't know exactly how it works, but for some, it is heaven. For others, it is torture. We all have dreams too. Since the day we are reborn, we dream. Just bits and pieces, but by the time you turn 18, you pretty much know most of what happened in your past life. And by the time you figure out who you were, you are stripped away of your freedom and you have to enter the workforce. But until then, you do your missions, enjoy life, and live while you’re young.

I open the portal from Elysium, and steer the copter back into my universe. I land the machine and carry my load to the standard hover-carts supplied in a shed on the other side of the roof. I hold the fob, and the cart follows me to Processing. I drop the loot off, and chart the logbook and head to the dormitories.

Two months, three days, 21 hours and 18 minutes until I turn 18. I kick off the grey wool blanket, and swing my legs off the squeaky bed, and shove them into the uniform combat boots the Academy gave to us. Other girls around me do the same. I lace up the boots and zip up my jacket. The other three girls in my dorm pull their hair into pony tails or into low buns at their neck. The braid I had in my hair from last night was falling out, so I gently pulled the braid out, leaving my dark hair in waves. I wet my hands, and ran the water through my hair, softening the waves and flattening the static.

I open the door, and my roommates follow me to the mess hall. We meet up with other girls, and when we reach the top of the first flight of stairs the boys' dormitories feed into the stairwell. In a long, sleepy line we trudge to the Mess. We have lost so many.

When I was younger, I mean, after my rebirth, I lost my sister Marley. I’ve tried looking for her here, but I think since she died here, she might have been reborn somewhere else. We were reborn as twins, and she got her hands on cleaning chemicals, and by the time we got her to the hospital it was too late. She should be fifteen or sixteen now, but I’m not sure. And last week Peyton got caught up in Centeria and suffocated from the air quality down there. I don’t have much time. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I can’t leave, I am too widely known across the universes. I won the top Ninja Tournament back in April, so secretly leaving and joining another society is out of the question. And I refuse to go to work at one of Vector’s poorly named stores. The alternate options are ones that I try to push out of my mind, but the devil on my shoulder keeps whispering them in my ear.

Anxiety bubbles, and despite the lack of sleep, my veins course with energy that fear fed into my blood. There has to be a way.

“You alright there Natasha?”

“Huh?”

“I asked if you were alright.” a pair of concerned grey eyes stare at me.

“Oh. Yeah, I’m fine.”

“No you're not. Stop thinking about it. Try to enjoy your last fews months in the Compound.”

I fake a smile. “You’re right.”

“I suppose Chad Richards will be the talk of the Press this morning.” Dyna chirps

I smirk, “Yeah that one was easier than the Martin Mission.”

“You’re kidding.” She laughs

“Nope.” I grin

“Well, easy for you probably. You are, hands down, the number one choice for the Dark Metal Award.”

“Nahh,” I chuckle, but secretly knowing that I have that medal practically on my jacket. I just try to brag less than Vector Perkins.

As we walked into the Mess, I expected the big screens on the west wall to be alternating through the breaking news in each Universe. One screen for each realm. I expected the Elysium screen to be all over the theft of last night. “7 million dollars robbed from multi-billionaire” or “Chad Richards was robbed last night” or “Robbery at Chad Richard’s home estate”. Oh was I wrong.

All five screens were mirroring each other with the same message. “Vector Perkins sentenced to death in the Badlands.”

Everything after that blurred by. I was whisked away by adults. Adults. They took my arms and escorted me to a sleek, black, electric hover car. We don’t have these in this realm. Must be from Greentopia. I kept quiet, not fighting what was happening. I don’t have to say anything. It's in our Constitution. I am not mandated to speak to any official personnel while I'm under the age of 18. But I am forced to cooperate and go with them. Where did I go wrong? How was I caught? I was 110% positive that I left no trace at Chad Richard’s place.

I cross my legs, and look out the window. We fly over the top of my country, mostly farms run by electronic machines fueled by carbon emissions from the large animal farms. That was a part of Greentopia’s deal in the Universal Constitution, and everyone agreed. They also made a law that made the living conditions much more humane, and made the amount of them fewer than there were before WW3 and WW4. The idea of hundreds of animals cooped up in tiny areas makes me claustrophobic. I still have no idea how people in the Old Age got away with it.

There are spots of more habitable areas, like any place there is a Spy Inc Compound. Wherever there is a Spy Inc, there is a city. Vector Perkins personally made sure that every one of his re-named stores were in the same city as his Spy Inc. But now that he is dead…

The question still stands. How was Lead able to sentence Vector Perkins to death? I started to feel pity for the man, that is how I died the first time. But the pity didn’t last long, because the hover car suddenly zipped through the Portal. The same one I came back through early this morning. My heart leapt into my throat. We are back in Elysium. I was trained to be completely positive and confident in every action and in every mission. But now I start to have second thoughts. There is no way they know it was me.

The hover car parks in a lot at the base of the main government building. My door was opened for me, and a man in a black suit and darkly tinted sunglasses approached me. That man, however, looked only 16 or 17, but in our world, around the age of 12, you can start using ‘grown-up’ terms to describe yourself or other people in that age category. He was probably an assistant here in Elysium who came to fetch me. They probably thought that I would be more comfortable talking with someone in our society’s age group.

“Have you been informed what you are here for?”

I shake my head.

We start walking into the building.

“I assume you have been informed of the death of one of our beloved leaders, Vector Perkins?” I thought I heard a hint of sarcasm in his voice at ‘beloved’

“Yes.” I reply

Am I being put on trial or something? I can’t go back to Lead. No. I refuse.

‘Well, long story short, you are replacing him. You were the number one candidate for that medal they award your kind, forgot what it’s called…”

“Dark Metal Award” I mutter, in complete disbelief and shock. I’m not being framed, tried, or accused of theft. Relief floods through me, but is replaced just as fast by the need to stay calm and composed in front of this man. REPLACE VECTOR!?

“Ahh, that. Anyways you are now the newly chosen leader of the Last Univer… I mean, Teenagemutantbarbiespykid… You get the point.”

What am I supposed to say after that?

Act like you expected it.

Who chose me to replace Vector Perkins?

What am I supposed to do now?

Play the part, get answers later.

Be confident.

“Alright, so what is needed of me.”

“Right now, you are supposed to be in a meeting with the other representatives from the other universes. I will open your portal, and you will enter the meeting. Remember; be respectful.”

“I'm not five.” I glare at him

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just-”

“Our society is run by people younger than your society, so you think we don't know how to handle ourselves. But you don’t know what we do in the dark. We do things you had no idea were even possible.”

His eyes grew to the size of Christmas ornaments. He tries to apologize but I cut him off before that. Play the part. Intimidate. I smirk devilishly. I got this. Mission: Vector.

Story 18: Purple Flames

Part 4

By Mya Mugleston

What had I done?

I felt blood running down the side of my cheek where I had been cut. My breaths felt shallow and my head felt light. But there was a sick realization that had come over me. I know what I had done. There was a body to prove it. I looked down at the person laying down on the ground beside me, but they would never wake up. I’m a murderer.

Centeria was exactly what it sounded like, the center of the earth. A perfect society where the air was unnaturally warm and the sky glowed a beautiful blood-orange color. Silver pyramids that people called home floated above ground that was infested with crystal roses. In fact, the main elements of our entire world were made of crystals.

I looked away from the body finding my reflection in the glass building I stood behind. I was disgusted by myself, my messy black hair fell into my scarred and bloody face. The number on my cheek moved down from a 9 to a 10. I hated this place, I hated all of it. Why was this society so cruel? How come we had to be rated? Was our worth really based on some stupid number the government gave us? My body felt heavy and my knees crashed to the floor.

“Ughh!” I screamed. I bit my lip so hard I could feel the sweet taste of metal from my blood. I was shaking. “Why?” I wondered aloud. I hung my head down trying to get a grip of myself.

Then I remembered the piece of paper I held in my hand. I opened it up and reread the note for about the hundredth time. It read:

Miles,

I regret to inform you that one of the 5 parallel universes is about to collapse. We need you to help save it. We don’t know which one but it could be yours. Make a portal on the last day of summer to Elysium. Please we need you if we want to save the universes.

--Max

I learned about the 5 parallel universes when I was a kid, they were alternate realities to mine. But still, I didn’t get it, how was I supposed to save the universe? I literally just killed someone. Speaking of which, it’s not like I wanted to kill them. It’s just that I couldn’t take it anymore, my father was a terrible person, yet somehow he maintained the highest ranking of a number 1. Technically I would be charged with treason because killing presidents is not really ok.

I had to leave, I had to get out of here. I was debating whether or not I would do what the note said. For all I knew, it was some kids playing a prank on me. Being the now late president’s son brings you a bit of attention. But now I had to leave. It was worth a shot, wasn’t it? Now all I needed was a portal.

I heard footsteps approach me from behind. I’m screwed. They kept getting closer when suddenly they stopped. I got up off the ground and slowly turned around. When I did so I stood face to face with him. It was like looking at an older version of myself, my brother.

“Miles,” his voice quiet.

“Lucas,” I said back, “It’s . . . It’s not what It looks like” It was exactly what it looked like.

Lucas maintained eye contact with me. “Is he dead?”

“Yes.”

“Did you kill him?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“He was a bad person Lucas, he ruined people’s lives! He never gave anyone a second a chance!”

“He was just doing his job!” Lucas started raising his voice. “You always do this, you think you’re some big hero who has some great ‘moral compass.’ Well news flash, you are a criminal. Just as bad as you say dad was!”

I stepped closer to Lucas but he took a step away from me at the same time, his eyes flashed with fear. “He. Hurt. People.” I tried to reason with him.

“And you killing our father isn’t hurting anyone?” I got quiet. I hated when he was right. “Where are you even getting the idea that he harmed people. Dad was anything but a bad person. For heaven’s sake, he had a level 1 rating!”

“You’re wrong,” my voice shook.

“What?”

“I said you'reyour wrong!” I yelled not able to take it anymore, the tears I had held in my eyes finally escaped. I was shaking with anger. Why did nobody understand? “ HE HURT ME!”

It was Lucas’ turn to get quiet.

“I was never good enough for him, FOR ANYONE! YOU ALL TREATED ME LIKE SOME LOSS CAUSE, A FAILURE, A NOBODY!” My brother opened his mouth to speak but I wouldn’t let him. “All that I have ever wanted was to be important to dad, but no. He didn’t even acknowledge my existence. You were always in the spotlight, you got all the praise. And the ranking. Oh, don’t even get me started on the ratings. You were always a number 1, just like him.” I cocked my head over to the limp body on the ground. “Our society is corrupt, we are all expected to be perfect and show off the dumb markings on our face. But you would never understand the pain of us criminals with a level 10.”

My brother scoffed. “I can’t believe this. You killed our father and you say that it’s justified, why? Because you are a jealous child. That’s why. You just can’t stand that I’m better than you and dad liked me more.” He laughed, “to think I came here to reason with you. You’re out here saying that our world is broken, then maybe it’s just you whos broken.”

My heart stopped. Maybe I was broken but I didn’t care. “This reality is cold and wrong and maybe I am too, but I can’t stand to live in world of such high expectations.” My voice was bitter my fist clenched note.

“Good thing you won’t have to for that long as soon the police get here you will be exterminated for treason.” Lucas smiled, it was an evil smile. “What a pity this family has become.”

I heard sirens from a distance. They were coming for me. I thought about the note again. A portal. I sent a silent prayer of thanks to myself for having set up the portal before I had . . . you know.

I pulled a match out from my jacket pocket, and hide it in my sleeve. I had a plan.

Men in black and silver uniforms appeared from behind the corner of the building holding me at gunpoint. They were slowly closing in on me. Then in one swift motion, I struck the match and dropped it to the ground. It lit up a purple flame and followed itself in a spiral enclosing its self around me. I watched the face of my brother fall. A ran forward a bit, but that was when my vision started going out. My body was hot and I could feel the tingling sensation of the fire spread across my skin.

I was engulfed in the flames.

----

I opened my eyes, blinded by sparkling white lights. I felt nauseous but was able to control my body, preventing it from throwing up. I looked around when I saw four other teenagers around my age standing in front of me. I had done it. I created the portal. And I promised myself two things: I would never go back home. And I would save the universes.

Story 19: The Gathering

Part 5

By Macie Ladd

Max wasn’t prepared to host that day, but he knew the other four were coming. Would they like each other? Would they even get along? How would they save the Universes if they couldn’t agree?

This was more than he signed up for. His father would be home soon so their meeting couldn’t last long. If his father found out that five teenagers from each of the Universes were coming together to decide which one should be destroyed, he would let Elysium’s Supreme Court know in an instant and they would all be doomed. With no doubt his father would betray him.

He sat impatiently in the portal room. Suddenly the purple ring swished and clicked, and a small brunette girl came stumbling through the opening. She gathered herself and gazed around the portal room. “Whoa, you’re rich enough to have a portal in your house?”

“I thought everyone had one.” Max answered plainly.

“In my dreams.” The brunette said wishfully. Her voice was light and dreamy, as if everything amazed her. “I’m Petal, by the way. I’m from Greentopia. I’m representing Greentopia.” She straightened and stuck out her hand to shake it.

“Max.” He shook her hand.

Just then the portal swished and clicked again and two more teenagers came through. One was a medium height boy with dark hair. His skin was practically translucent; through it you could see gears and metal switches. The boy was obviously from Irreproachable, if he was part droid.

“I know, I know, now stop staring.” The boy snapped. “I’m Lead, the ruler of Irreproachable.”

Max adjusted his gaze so that he wasn’t so focused on the droid-boy. The other boy was taller with buff muscles and black hair. He had the scent of sulfur. “I’d assume you are from Centeria.” Max guessed.

Centeria was the only one of the Universe’s that was centered at the core of the Earth. Max had never been there, but he had heard that there were floating houses and it rained crystals. It was also irresistibly hot to tourists that weren’t adapted to the space.

“Yes,” The Centerian boy responded. “I’m Miles.”

“It seems we’re missing one more.” Petal chimed in.

“Yes, we’re missing that girl from Minor Metropolis.” Max said. He noticed most of the teens shuddered. Minor Metropolis was considered the “Last Universe”. After you die in your own Universe, you are reincarnated in the “Last Universe” where children under age eighteen are forced spies and ninjas while the adults are forced into labor for the rest of their lives. You get eighteen years of freedom and heaven before you are sent to an eternity in Hell. Max wasn’t sure exactly why the Universe worked like that, but maybe after this next revolution they could change it.

The portal finally swished and clicked before a tall, thin girl stepped through. Instead of stumbling through, she stepped through swiftly and landed on her toes. Her skin was tan and she had dark colored hair, suited by golden brown eyes. “I’m Natasha.” She didn’t hesitate for anyone to ask any questions. “I’m representing Teenage-Mutant-Barbies-Spy Kids-Despicable-Monotopia today.”

Miles snorted. Lead looked like he was holding in laughter by covering his mouth.

“We prefer the elongated original name.” Natasha quipped. For a girl coming from a world where the title was practically a Universe-wide afterlife joke, she seemed serious about it.

“Well I’m glad everyone is here.” Max cleared his throat. “Let’s get started we don’t have much time-”

“-where did you originally live, Natasha?” Petal interrupted, her curious eyes wide.

“In Irreproachable.”

“How’d you die?”

“Sentenced to execution for crime.”

“What crime?”

Max coughed. “I really don’t think we should be getting distracted-”

“-I opened a portal and stole money from Elysium and brought it back to Irreproachable, where money is illegal.” Natasha said, somewhat proudly.

“Wow.” Miles raised his eyebrows.

“Impressive.” Lead said. He furrowed his brows. “I think I remember your trial from a while ago.”

“Yeah, thanks for banishing me.” Natasha smirked.

“How’s your afterlife been?” Lead asked somewhat humbly.

“Solid. Fun, actually. Being a child spy has been fun re-growing up. Children can go anywhere, we can travel, do whatever we want. Stay up as late as we want. Take care of the younger children.” Her gaze darkened. “But I’m seventeen and I guess that’s all going to end in less than a year.”

“Which we can strive to change if we make a plan now.” Max intervened. “We know one of the Universe’s is bound to collapse due to outer space running out of… space. But we don’t know which one. Our plan is to hack the system and choose an unneeded Universe to be the banished one. Let’s get started. If Irreproachable collapses, that means that 1.7 billion people will die and that the neighboring Badlands will also go.”

“If Centeria dies, that means that in our universe, the Earth will eat itself from the inside out.” Miles shuddered.

“If Greentopia dies, all of our plants will be destroyed and we won’t have any oxygen.” Said Petal sadly.

“If my Universe dies, no one will have an afterlife.” Natasha said.

“And if Elysium dies-” Max started.

“-all of the snobby rich people will die. Oh no.” Miles cut him off sarcastically.

“This snobby rich person is hosting for you.” Max snapped.

“But what real downfall is there to Elysium collapsing?” Lead pointed out. “Sure it’s a beautiful world with many beautiful things, but we could survive if it collapsed- so if we had to choose one world to collapse, this wouldn’t be a terrible option.”

Some of the others nodded in agreement. But Max looked sick.

“That’s evil!” He protested. “We have one of the biggest populations! As well as the biggest survival rates and the most functional government.”

“He’s right.” Petal nodded. “If we take out Elysium there would be nowhere for other Universe’s to escape to in the future. If there was another collapse and we didn’t have Elysium as a safehouse, surely more people would die.”

The group went silent with contemplation. All five Universe’s needed to thrive and work together in order for all of them to stay alive.

“You know, in the Dark Ages there was no known Universe for the afterlife.” Petal noted. “If we didn’t have an afterlife we could just live forever in the other four Universe’s, right? Elysium already offers revival’s for their residents, and Lead is immortal… it could work.”

“Where would I go?” Natasha cried.

“All the children of… Minor Metropolis… are free. They could choose a Universe to live in. It would be a better option for them anyways.”

“And the adults?”

“They could… we could figure out a way to free them from their labor and reset their lives in their original homes.”

“She’s onto something.” Miles said.

“But Teenage-Mutant-Barbes-Spy Kids-Despicable-Monotopia is my home.” Natasha said quietly. “I’ve lived there for the past seventeen years and it’s fairly functional.”

“It’s also created by a child.” Lead pointed out. “I’m not saying that I’m a perfect leader of my universe, but Minor Metropolis has its flaws. Flaws that the other’s don’t have.”

“What about Greentopia?” Natasha asked angrily.

“Like Elysium, they’re a safe house for emergencies. We can't get rid of them.” Miles said a little gentler.

Natasha took a step back, her eyes darting from place to place. How could she go through with this? Even with the other Universes at stake, how could she destroy her own home? She didn’t belong in Irreproachable anymore, especially since she was still known for her crime. She didn’t have a home anymore.

“My father is home!” Max said frantically. “I need you guys to go!”

The teenagers ran towards the portal, ready to jump through. Before Natasha completely submerged herself in the purple abyss, Lead leaned over and whispered, “I told you that you’d be back.” She scowled in response.

Max watched in relief as the teenagers disappeared. Just mere moments later, his father opened the door.

“Max, why are you here?”

“Um, well, watching the portal is calming.”

“Anything interesting about it?”

“Nope, nothing big.” Max said. “Nothing big.”