Blurb: This is a dystopian story about a young boy, Ryker who is facing the challenges of his over-controlling government: known as the Skyliners. The story is appropriate for younger readers :)
“Grandfather!” shrieked Ryker, trembling in fear. He stood dead in his tracks staring down at the body lying on the floor. His grandfather's face stared back up at him frail and tired, empty eyes struggling to stay open, hands twitching, sharp inhales followed by jagged exhales. Ryker shifted his sight away from his grandfather and scanned his surroundings as if he hadn’t lived in the apartment his whole life. Tears were now running down his face and his heart was beating so loudly that he couldn’t focus on anything else. He glanced to his left where an oval shaped surface jutted out from the floor in the kitchen. Acting quickly, he dashed over to the countertop and pressed the square green button. The machine inside the counter produced a crisp staccato beeping sound, and the green button began flashing. Ryker knew this would happen, the machine would only accept his grandfather's thumb-print. Ryker looked to the far-right side of the countertop, where the other identical button was already red, for he had already taken his capsule today. Realizing that he had no other option, he reached under the countertop and pulled the red emergency lever upwards.
The lever was installed in every apartment for emergencies only, in the scenario that the machine in the kitchen island had a malfunction, and you couldn’t get your capsule for the day. However, when the lever is pulled, the action is reported to the Skyliners who come to check in on the incident. Ryker did the math in his head, I have less than ten minutes to leave before the Skyliners will arrive and take me away.
Finally, a whirring sound started up from within the kitchen island and a small hole appeared in the countertop. Emerging from the hole, the emergency only capsule rose out of the counter. Ryker impatiently grabbed the capsule, his palms sweaty, as he did so, the green button turned red as an indication that the pill had been taken. Breathing a sigh of relief, he forced the pill into his grandfather's mouth and down his throat.
Almost instantaneously, his grandfather’s eyes fluttered open. He gasped for air and went into a coughing fit. Ryker stood, his hazel eyes wide in fear, unable to move.
“Ryker,” wheezed his grandfather.
“Grandfather! Are you okay? What can I do? You need to get help! Don’t worry, the Skyliners are on their way!” Ryker exclaimed hysterically.
His grandfather’s face took on a troubled look as he spoke, like he was remembering something important.
“Ki… *Cough*... kitchen. Look under the kitchen…. *Cough* … island,” his grandfather began another coughing fit. Ryker could see that his grandfather was struggling to breathe again, life slipping out of his eyes.
I only have five more minutes to get out of here before the Skyliners will arrive to take me, thought Ryker, I’ll end up in the system.
Ryker ran to his loft and pressed the green button under his bed. Instantly, the bed began shrinking down, and disassembling itself. Meanwhile, Ryker grabbed his favorite jacket and slid it onto his body; it had warming and cooling technology installed within the folds of the fabric, designed to keep your body at the right temperature without having to change clothes. Turning back around he faced the empty space where his loft used to be. At his feet lay a small square block that now fit into the palm of his hand. He bent over to picked it up.
Ryker stepped back into the room where his grandfather lay motionless. Ryker wasn’t sure if he was dead, but he didn’t have the guts to check. He was too scared to face the undesired truth. A large, salty tear escaped Ryker’s eye and rolled down his tan skin. He kneeled next to his lifelong guardian, not wanting to leave, but also not having much of a choice. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered his grandfather’s last instructions; to check under the kitchen island. Ryker turned back around and decided to at least check to see what was there.
Ryker gave the metal counter a shove, but the island was clearly not going to budge. Puzzled, he placed his hands on the side of the countertop, hoping for some more leverage, and pushed with as much strength that he could muster. Still, the large chunk of metal would not move.
“Ugh!” Ryker huffed, ready to give up.
He kicked the kitchen island in frustration. Then, a square of metal gave way, opening up a hole to inside of the island. Peering into the hole Ryker spotted a transparent bag, and a piece of paper lying on the floor inside the hollow countertop. He reached his arm in through the hole to grab the two items.
Paper and bag in hand, he stood up to observe the items. Out of the blue, a buzzing noise came from above the apartment.
Skyliners! thought Ryker, I have to leave NOW!
He placed the two new items in his bag alongside his decompressed bed and a few other items.
Ryker slammed the door of his apartment just as the Skyliners dropped down into their apartment through the roof access window.
The city lay in front of Ryker, thousands upon thousands of apartment stacked in rows.
Ryker tilted his hands upwards, There are cameras everywhere. I need to get out of the city as fast as I can.
Ryker began his trip out of the city, progressing his way through alleyways and side streets to avoid the traffic of Skyliners and cameras. About thirty minutes into his trip he reached the outskirts of the city, the old elementary school was in sight now, Ryker remembered the years he spent in that building. However the building looked worn down and empty now, the school was shut-down after the Skyliners created a new system where students could stay at home and learn from a digital, prerecorded,
curriculum.
Ryker glanced at the multiple billboards surrounding the school, all flashing the message: Don’t forget to take your capsule! Capsules will keep you looking healthy and fresh! Capsules are Skyliner approved!
Ryker continued to travel towards the mountains made of rock. The ground was dusty and caked down. Ryker looked down where the slope was just starting to incline. He was well out of the city now, and spotted a rock big enough to sit on, just to his left. Ryker could tell that he was right on route. Unfortunately, the sun was setting, and he needed somewhere to spend the night. The land behind him was deserted, exposed and barren, not ideal for a runaway to hide.
In front of him, the rocks began to build up into a range of mountains. Ryker couldn’t turn back now, and he certainly couldn’t go around the mountains. The mountain range formed a barricade all the way around.
Standing at the base of the mountain, Ryker couldn’t quite see the top, It will probably take at least 4 hours to scale, Ryker estimated. He was tired, and was almost out of a light source, since the sun had plunged down behind the mountains. Deciding to stop for the day, he removed his compactable bed from his bag, but also saw the two other items. Curiosity got the best of him, and he pulled them out of his bag.
“Capsules!?” He questioned.
In Ryker’s palm sat a gauzy pouch containing at least six capsules! The next item was a letter, addressed to Ryker.
“Ryker,
I know we have already spoken about the emergency escape plan, but I decided that I was already weary, and had no more desire to live in such a fake world. I didn’t take my capsules for a week, knowing it would kill me. Use the capsules wisely, they won’t last forever. Eventually you are going to have to find another way of staying alive. You already know where to go, but if things are looking dim and you won’t survive alone go back to the city. I believe in you, I believe you will find another way. Never lose sight of your goals. I love you. Shred this letter as soon as you’ve read it, and spread its remains in various places. If you get caught with the letter still attached to you, very bad things will happen.
Take care,
Grandfather.”
Ryker awoke the next day just as the sun crept its way into the sky. It was balmy and humid, a typical day. Ryker had learned in school that when his grandfather was a boy, seasons existed, and the weather could change drastically from month to month. However, Ryker had never experienced anything but the same, muggy, suffocating air his entire life.
Ryker decided to not take a capsule until later that evening and began his trek up the mountain. Ryker followed the map that had been drilled into his head. It wasn't until the next morning when Ryker stumbled upon a hole in the ground. He was surrounded by craggy rocks now now, in a desolate environment. The mountains slope was steep and the rocks were ragged and brown like the color of his hair. Ryker was moving at a slower pace than normal. Especially considering that he couldn’t set up his compactable
bed on the steep mountain side and was forced to sleep on a flat ledge.
Ryker was intrigued by the unexpected, large, hole in the otherwise indistinguishable rocks. He decided to enter through the hole. He ducked his head slightly, but the hole was rather tall and wide. He walked on a dirt surface that led Ryker downward, the air became cooler, and more damp than before. The walls of the hole were also made of dirt, and every so often a drop of water fell from above.
Water!
Amazed, Ryker began to run towards the light at the end of the tunnel. The closer he got to the other side, the louder it became. The sound was similar to that of a jet about to take off, soon Ryker was overwhelmed by the roar of cascading water. A waterfall! Now sprinting Ryker reached the bottom of the tunnel, where a gentle misted brushed his skin. In front of him the water moved with power and purpose.
Ryker’s jaw fell open at the sight beyond the waterfall. An enclosed cavern filled with a vast garden of plants and animals lay before him, a lush sanctuary, a hidden paradise, a safe haven. Vibrant colors from fruits, vegetables, and flowers speckled the hillside. A scent unlike any other entered his nostrils. Blossoming flowers gave off a floral air that carried on the wind. It was fresh and clear unlike the stuffy city he’d lived in. The natural air flowed into his lungs. A gust of air gently tickled his skin. Ryker felt energized and whole, the air seeming to work its magic like an elixir. Sunlight peeked through the cracks in rocks above them. The cavern was bright and golden, and the rocks provided a shelter from the outside world.
Ryker let out a laugh and reached his hands toward the sky, taking in the glory of it all. The joyous sound echoed across the hollowed cavity. At this, the deer, rabbits, birds, and skunks stopped dead in their tracks. The animals all retreated to their hiding places. Ryker was too stunned to care, and raced down the hillside. He rolled in the grass, ate the berries, smelled the flowers, listened to the birds chatter, and watched his reflection in the pond. When night fell, he didn’t even bother setting up his bed, instead he bedded down with the deer.
Ryker spent the next two days living alongside the animals and forgetting about his problems. When he awoke on the third day, he was happy and full from the plethora of food, but something was missing. Ryker longed to check on his grandfather, to see if he survived.
He would never forgive himself if his grandfather was alone without the only thing that gave him a will to live: Ryker. Worry and angst were starting a conflict in his heart. Ryker wanted to stay in this underground paradise, but was getting extremely lonely to the point of paranoia. His heart wanted to stay, but he had already made up his mind. He feet had already started hiking up to the waterfall, and his hands had already packed his bag full of food. I can always come back, decided Ryker. With that in mind, he exited the glorious cavern.
Once Ryker reached the outskirts of the city again, he was unsure where his grandfather would be. He was anxious to find the truth. He dreaded the idea of his grandfather dying, so he pushed the thought completely out of his mind. He has to be alive. I’m sure he is just sitting in the apartment, same as always. Ryker assured himself. He continued to work his way through the alleys until he reached his apartment. When he reached his door he heard a voice coming from inside. I knew it!
“Grandfather!” Exclaimed Ryker throwing open the door.
“Not Grandfather,” replied the man inside, “you’re coming with me.”
Ryker found himself restrained in an enclosed room. The Skyliners had stationed one of their men in Ryker’s apartment, almost certain that Ryker would return home after a short amount of time.
I am such an idiot! Ryker thought to himself, I should've known they would be waiting for me! I never should've come back. Ryker kicked the table sitting in front of him, frustrated with himself for walking right into their trap. The Skyliners can have me, but at least they’ll never find out about the cavern. Ryker told himself. He kicked the table again, putting at of his strength and anger into the blow. Next, he spotted the camera spying on him from the corner of the room. Certain that he had gotten the attention of men watching him through the camera, he lifted his hand-cuffed wrists in that direction and flipped his middle finger upwards. Making himself smirk with pride he thought, Serves them right.
Just then, the door to the room opened up, and a man approached Ryker. They exchanged no words as he removed Rykers restraints. No longer being strapped to the chair, Ryker rose to his feet as the man escorted him away, then traveled out of the room, and down a series of hallways.
The carpet was crimson red under his feet, and the walls were filled with mysterious art. As soon as Ryker was sure that no one was in ear shot, he swung his knee upwards into the groin of the man's body. The man doubled over in pain as he clutched his crotch. Ryker followed up with a blow to his nose.
He sprinted down the corridors, turning at each intersection to throw off the pursuers that were now chasing him in full gear. Suddenly he heard his name coming from behind a large, shiny door. Ryker stopped in his tracks and crept nearer until his ear was pressed against the cold, metal door.
“Look! The kid has no idea that we are holding his grandfather captive,” A deep, sharp voice cut through the air, “or that he’ll end up in the system, or that we’re going to burn the little sanctuary he found to the ground.”
“What about his parents?” A different voice questioned.
The voice was back again, “He thinks they’re dead! He hasn’t seen or heard from them since he was a child. He will never know what we did to them, no one will! It’s a simple thing. Citizens who follow our rules stay out of trouble. On the other hand, people who question our authority and the laws of the Skyliners get punished. Just like his parents, and his grandfather, and sooner or later, him.”