Short Story: An excerpt from Ruins - Book One by Eric Key

Two stories in a few minutes? I guess this little feature is growing and I am not going to complain. I'm loving this! This story comes in from a friend I've known for probably ten years now. I first met Eric while doing this thing called E-Feds. We would pretend we were pro wrestlers on the internet on the now defunct MSN Groups. We would talk smack and it was a whole lot of fun. But I got to say after reading this ... Eric has a future writing comics. This is a forward to his comic book conception called Ruins and it's for one of the many characters of the series. Pretty sweet, if you ask me. But don't take my word for it. Read it, love it, and enjoy it.

Rated T for Teen

Got a story? Send it to me at scaredsheetlessncn@hotmail.com and remember to put "Short Story" as the title, so I know you're not trying to sell me these "enhanced manhood pills."

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            I am the Tempest. Raised in a world where everyone is exactly the same. A world where anyone different; whether by race, culture, or personal choices; are either wiped out or banished. Citizens are forced to either give up their rights of freedom, or face the wrath of the new World leader.

                Michael Juda, once a wealthy owner of multiple pharmaceutical companies, he would soon use his immense wealth and influence to gain control of the military and use them to execute America’s leaders.  We were once free as a nation; we could dress and worship how we wanted. But now, what are left of America’s people are all mind wiped one race individuals who remember nothing of freedom, culture or ethnicity.  It seems only I remembered the way it was, but that’s how I ended up banished to the wasteland.

                I grew up in Pennsylvania in a small neighborhood. My father was a legal attorney working to ensure our everyday way of life was protected by the law. He would always fight tooth and nail to make sure justice was served. His time was mostly spent helping the poor and impoverished people to have income for housing and food. My mother was a librarian, I remember how she used to read me books from all over the world, I learned myths, other languages and lifestyles of places I hoped one day I’d see. And I was there most cherished possession; they put so much effort into giving me the best education and teaching me the importance of equality.

                When I reached High School, I was what you would call a free spirit. My hair was dyed, my friends came from all backgrounds from rich to poor, but my love for books and learning was always there. That is until senior year, Global Pharmaceuticals began development of an experimental drug to be used by the military. Juda claimed he had harnessed the elements and could cure all disease that plagued so many. These drugs of course never saw the light of day, for one day after this big announcement; every living organism in the West Coast was wiped off the face of the Earth. Juda would hold a press conference declaring this an attack by the latest terrorist faction. Within weeks, bombs were dropped on Pakistan, China, Japan and Africa until there population ceased to exist.

                Juda began peddling his influence, gaining the nation’s military to help him raid the white house and assassinate the entire US cabinet including the President to become the ruler of his new world. Any by some, miracle remnants of his former drug began to hit the streets, becoming the new illegal drug on the market. I would be lying to say I didn’t try it, but to my knowledge it had no effect of any kind. The pills were, red and tasted like a jalapeno candy. My school was changed too, Global took control of every market, and history class was a thing of the past. Instead classed were focused on our “nation’s hero” Michael Juda who in their words “made the world”. I left school only to find my Father’s law firm and my Mother’s library were burned to the ground and they were arrested for treason. Suddenly our entire life before became illegal. I went into hiding with the peddlers of the drug I had taken because my home was no more. I watched as my parents were brought on live television and executed as thousands of brain washed citizens cheered.

                The world had become evil, worshipping a false God that had killed innocent people with such pleasure. I wanted to leave but I knew in my heart there was nowhere to go. Food, shelter and technology were owned by Global and his America was closed off. What was New York down to Washington was all that was left of what was. A closed off world owned by Juda, the rest was a barren desert where people born different were exiled too. Nevertheless I couldn’t live in this world anymore and one night I planned my escape. I snuck past the guards, and had climbed halfway up the wall towards my freedom when I heard an ear piercing pop. I knew it was gun fire but I never imagined the burning pain I would feel in my right shoulder. The warm, hot blood pouring from it was too much for me and soon I fell from my perch. Freedom fading as I fell.

                I awoke to darkness; I could feel my arms being stretched out and tied with rope. Whoever was doing this made sure to make this as uncomfortable as possible. The rope burned into my wrist as it tightened almost tearing into my veins. Afterwards the veil was pulled from my eyes. My body was cold, I had been stripped of my clothing and put on display like a gladiator in the arena. And right in front of me stood Michael Juda; the figure behind the World’s torment. He began to pour gasoline at my feet and he laughed. “Steal my drugs? Escape paradise? You will be an example that no one leaves my America!” I feel his hand come across my face, but not before he stares at my naked body trying his best not to make a perverse sexual advance in front of the people he judged.  He lights the match and drops it at my feet. I scream but there is no pain, the flame warms me, it invigorates me. Instead of burning my flesh, it heals it and then the flames begin to embrace me.

                Juda looks on not sure what to think of this, he seems shocked, almost scared. My binds burn away as he rushes to get to higher ground. And I feel stronger, better for everything. Freedom had come. I remembered my Mother’s explanation of wild fires. How it must burn away, to bring new life. This is what this had to be, my own personal wildfire. The embers bring hope. A fighting spirit awakens inside of me. The anger of being victimized. No longer, I was hope. I was a beacon for justice. And Michael Juda would burn for his actions.

I am the Tempest, the hope of humanity. A little girl no longer, the fire has become a part of me. My name is Wildfire and I am going to save the world I once loved.