All of the characters are in the picture above! Hope you enjoy! 😏

     "You can't honestly be serious? I thought you were the intelligent one," Ash glares at me, exasperated by my apparent lack of understanding.

"Nope," I reply, feeling maybe slightly pleased by her comment, but also a little nettled. "I've been lying to you just for fun. And my intelligence is solely defined by my opinion on the subject, and therefore I am nothing but an idiot," I say sarcastically.

"You know the prompts for the Debate mean nothing. They're just supposed to make us feel like we are in power. But we have no say in anything. I think Delphi is right."

I look around. No Delphi to be seen. Beginning to feel nervous, I turn back towards my paternal cousin.

"You know you can't say things like that. Both of you will end up punished. Don't get your feelings involved in this. Think logically. You can't do anything about it, anyway, especially if you bring dishonor to your name."

I watch Ash's face as she contemplates what I say, blue eyes searching for an answer, pale skin and boyishly cut red hair looking impertinent in a comical way, reminding me of a pixie in the ancient children's stories we study in class.

     Her thin, wispy brows are furrowed in a severe expression and her lower lip sticks out for a moment; a face she frequently makes when thinking.

      Hoping to intimidate her out of doing something she will regret, I continue to stare at her in the most judgmental way possible until she sits back down.

"You know it's true," she mumbles.

"How is it true?" I ask.

"It just is, okay? And we need to do something about it."

"You can't do anything about it until you have a legitimate argument," Rebuking cleanly, I feel proud of myself for even temporarily restraining the constant fire that is my cousin. She huffs, knowing I'm right but making sure that I know that she's upset about it.

"Hey, guys. Ash, Willow. What's up?" Xander Rothe pulls up a chair to where we are sitting, biting into an apple as he does so. My brain instantly scrambles. People.

"Fine, thank you," I say, perhaps too curtly. He glances at me a moment, and I feel very uncomfortable. But I don't know what else to do but stare back, so I do, trying the hard gaze that worked so well on Ash moments ago.

"So," Xander continues -leaning back in his chair, not intimidated at all- "You nervous for the Debate?" He takes another bite of his apple. I ponder what to do. I'd rather not reveal my vulnerability of having no public speaking skills.

"Well, I'm personally excited for it," Ash thankfully responds first. "I love a good crowd. Don't you?"

"I have to admit, there is definitely a certain energy to it. But I mainly just enjoy how so many kids who aren't from our sector are here. It's been fun meeting and talking with people that I've never met before. More gatherings should be held like this among the sectors, it's great."

I don't think it is possible to enjoy getting attached to temporary friends that you'll never see again. Xander is obviously faking his enthusiasm for some reason. No one is that sociable, even Ash.

      He is likely trying to sound more promising to the Senate. They track all of the words we say with a bracelet that everyone wears. Most of our conversations aren't examined closely, just stored into digital profiles for each individual.

      I suspect that conversations including keywords are instantly sent to human monitors, but I can't be sure. Clearly Xander is trying to manipulate the system, which I don't appreciate. Mainly because I didn't come up with it myself.

Wanting to end the conversation, I remember that Delphi is his friend and my sister is always telling me that I appear unapproachable to other people.

"Yes, it's a heartwarming experience for everyone. I would love to stay and talk, but I just remembered that I made plans to meet someone... I'm five minutes late."

      After gesturing to the standard grey watch that everyone wears on the wrist of their writing hand, I again congratulate myself internally on what I consider to be a very polite and friendly goodbye.

Xander and Ash look at me quizzically, but I'm already leaving.

     Everyone arrived to the city yesterday, and it has been a completely exhausting experience.

      Everywhere I look, there are kids my age, with so many expressions and faces and words, with so many of them wearing so many colors, they all seem to blend together like a watercolor painting and their voices pound against my head as I wind through the extensive maze of halls to my cubicle.

      Sliding the watch into a small indent on the wall, I huff a sigh of relief as the door slides open at an incredible pace. The space is minuscule, with nothing but spotless white walls about two feet across and seven feet long, and a closet-like space that barely holds my body mass, intended to be my shower.

      The small toilet barely fits in the room, and my actual bed is in a compartment in the wall that isn't much larger than I am in any direction.

     I love it.

     For some reason, I've always loved tight spaces. Our homes aren't very big in the first place, but this is taking it to a whole new level. Especially because I share a cubicle with Delphi at home. Being by myself is refreshing. I don't have to worry about disappointing anyone or saying the wrong thing. I can just be.

     Delphi doesn't like it very much. She's been spending as much time as possible with other people before returning to the "lonely" rooms. I consider planning for the Debate, but I don't really know how. I wonder if Delphi has even considered doing preparatory work...

Probably not.

     For the Debate, we have been split into five groups of ten children. I believe that each group is diverse in debating skill level, because Ash and Delphi both happen to be in group 2. From what I know, Ash cannot argue logically for her life; and Delphi is gifted at the art.

      Meanwhile, I am alone in group 5 to manage the claustrophobic feeling of being watched by so many people as I try to defend my opinions. On the spot. Improvisation. So many eyes, analyzing, judging. Profiles of me and records of my performance. Just the energy of the vast body of people around me has gotten me nervous lately.

There are 21 total sectors in Nkri. Each sector has brought fifty of their most eligible competitors, so the numbers add up fast. Especially because all of the necessary government officials from each sector who are present, as well.

      I hate crowds.

      A digital voice tears me from my thoughts.

      "Dinner will be served in the Consummation Facility momentarily. Any citizens residing must report to the CF immediately."

       Groaning about the lack of time to myself, I drag my feet as I exit my cubicle, reluctant to deal with any more people for the day. This is probably the longest span of time that I have been so uncomfortable. But it will be over in a few days.

       As I edge my way to the CF, I begin to hear loud shouting coming from the general direction of the room in question.

       Curious, I begin to sprint down the hallway, turning the corner swiftly. Ash stands before me in all her glory, donning the scarlet uniform of our sector. Standing on top of a table, she is shouting as loudly as possible.

       The rest of the children are either nervously sulking towards the corners of the room or cheering her on.

        Ash. And a riot.

"Make our voices heard!" She chants, and the crowd begins to follow suit.

"Make our voices heard!" The voices get louder as food is thrown against the walls and dishes are flung to the floor. Seemingly in slow motion, Ash spins around with her fist out, and as she does so, she unintentionally punches a petrified Guardian in the nose.

       Finally no longer in shock by such a rare event as a riot, the punched Guardian pushes children out of the way, lifting Ash from her place on the table. His nose is bleeding heavily.

    Seeing this, the other Guardians begin grabbing students from the top of chairs and dragging them to the corner of the room. It occurs to me that Delphi would have participated, but as I scan the room, I don't see her anywhere. Hopefully she will stay out of trouble long enough.

     As perhaps ten students are being chastised and punished with more labor requirements, Ash is dragged to the middle of the CF, her rebellious face starting to show fear.

     "What is the punishment for questioning your government?" The Guardian holds her firmly, barking roughly at the paralyzed room.

      "Living without it," all of the students reply in monotone. I can't believe this is happening.

      "Due to her youth and natural stupidity, Ashlynne Tameron will be shown mercy because of our generosity," the man glares around the room, asserting his dominance with size and demeanor, "She will be Abandoned for a month. If there is a second offense, she will be Abandoned forever. It is your choice to question us. Choose wisely." The blue-clad Guardian thrusts his arms under her shoulders and hoists her into the air, hustling her out of the room. She no longer struggles, her body stiff with the realization of what will come next.

      People are rarely Abandoned. And when they are, they are adults; never shown mercy for their outbursts. The Abandoned never return. She might just be the first. Certainly in my lifetime. Unless, of course, she can't survive without the government... No. I cannot bring myself to think of it.

      Suddenly I'm sprinting towards her, needing to say goodbye. After following them around another corner and away from the sight of my other classmates, I catch up to them and tug on Ash's pant leg in my desperation to see her. Thankfully, the Guardian puts her down.

     "You have thirty seconds," in a raspy voice no louder than a whisper; I think he is again showing us mercy. I grab Ash by the shoulders, squeezing her hard in my fury.

      "Ash! Damn you. What were you thinking? Do you think this will make a difference? That it was just the perfect time to start a riot? That you would actually be heard? I told you that you weren't ready. You are so stupid sometimes!"

      To my surprise and guilt, Ash begins to cry, her face wet and as red as her uniform.

      "It just happened," she sobs, "and all of the sectors were together and you were gone..."

      "What about your parents? How are you supposed to say goodbye? You aren't equipped to handle yourself. Ash, you didn't think this through."

      "Delphi is safe. She tried to stand up with me, but Xander took her down. He tried for me, too, but too many people were around me... Willow, I don't want to see that place again."

I have several feelings about this statement, but I don't speak. We are forbidden from speaking about that incident for the rest of our lives, on the penalty of Abandonment. But I suppose, for her, she has nothing to lose. Our time is up, and I know I'm supposed to be sentimental, but I don't really know how to be tender and I have no idea as to what I should say.

      "I love you, Willow." She thrusts her arms around my neck, and my initial reaction of repellence melts as I hug her back.

      "I will see you in a month," I whisper into her shoulder. And then the Guardian is again picking her up and taking her away to who knows where, and all I'm thinking is that she might die, she might die, she might die. And in that horrible place...

      "Ash! I- I love you!" And I know she hears me because she stops crying for a moment. Then he opens the door of the hallway and they are gone.

      Making my way back to find Delphi, I feel weightless. Ash is not really gone. She will not be Abandoned. She will not have to fend for herself without the guidance of the government. She will come back in a month. She will not die.

      When I open the door from the extensive hallways into the CF, Delphi is already there to greet me, face pale.

      "Willow. I'm sorry."

      "How could you participate in that? You are both so stupid sometimes!"

      "Willow-"

      "She might die, and it's all because of you!"

      "Willow-"

      "You always put ideas into people's heads. If Xander hadn't saved you... tell me, did you like the feeling of his arms around you as he so bravely whisked you to safety?"

      "There is a gate nearby. They will have a ceremony to release her officially right now. We have to go."

Wordlessly, I push past Delphi, leaving the hallway and following the extensive crowd of eerily silent students being herded to the gate. The Guardians check to make sure everyone is in line and in the right order, and then we march. Delphi does not attempt to console me. We are not allowed to speak, anyway, but she also knows it will only make me more upset with her. I almost wish she would try so that I would have an excuse to yell at her again.

After we have all walked about a half mile in an eerie silence, all of us children are lined up in front of one of the gates to the nation. Some of the other rebellious students are dragged from the lines and made to stand on some stools that the Guardians have pulled out.

Soon, Ash herself arrives, dressed all in white. She carries a small white backpack with a few basic items that she can use to attempt at survival, but she will have to find her own food and water. Her face is still puffy from crying, and I can't help but thinking that I wish she would have more pride. Ash takes small steps to the Guardian that she punched, who is holding a small pot filled with red paint.

"Ashlynne Tameron, you are guilty of questioning your government. But the motives of the Senate are honorable and for the benefit of the Republic. You are allowed to question the motives of such an honorable society, so long as you embrace the consequences. In thirty days, you will hopefully be located and brought back to our incorruptible nation of Nkri. Until then, consider yourself Abandoned."

The man leans over, painting a stripe on her left cheek.

"One stripe for the family you have shamed."

Another on her right cheek.

"A second stripe for yourself, for you have also shamed your own being eternally."

A third on her forhead.

"A final stripe on your head, to represent your loss of logic and appreciation towards the government that protects you."

He again dips a finger in the painting pot, scribbling on her shirt.

Ash lets a sob slip from her throat. His hands violate her privacy, but I suppose those rules do not matter now that she has been Abandoned. The Gaurdian steps aside to reveal to his audience what he has written on her. All the audience members sigh, trying to be empathetic towards my cousin.

The gates open slowly, revealing nothing but a blank wall. A small passage will take her to the outside. We aren't supposed to know what is out there.

"Goodbye, Ashlynne Tameron," the Guardian says. "I hope you will have learned your lesson if you return to us."

Ash turns and faces all of us; her peers, her friends, and her cousins.

"I will be back. Make sure my family knows that. And make sure they know I am sorry that I have shamed them," she states, trying to sound brave.

She waves farewell to everyone, her eyes lingering particularly on Delphi and I. Then she turns away, making her way slowly past the gates and into the unknown. The Guardian grunts, content, and presses a button for the gates to close again. Terrified by her situation, Ash turns around when she hears the gates move, and the last thing I see of her is the red scribbling of the word Shame in paint across her chest.

Pronunciation Key (Because let's face it, you're confused):
Delphi: DEL-fee
Nkri: KREE
Kyrakos: KY-rah-ko-sh
Hermes: HER-meez (Based on Greek messenger god)
Parom: pair-OME
Xander: ZAN-der

Also, if you are looking for a good horror story, Delphi just published her very own! Check it out on our account. "How Beautiful Is The Rose?" is truly spooky and is especially suitable in the dark... alone.