Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Ancient Lineages
A long time ago, there was a war. It was fought over and with creatures known as “spirits.” These possed powers that could be augmented onto the user. They realized they would be used to destroy the entire ancient race and, in one last gambit, ended the war. In the process they went into a comatose-like hibernation. They remained dormant as the ancients rebuilt their shattered cities. Now two millennia later, the bloodlines have been severely thinned by humans. Few can claim to have even half-ancient blood. However, three youths will soon discover their heroic parentage and ignite the war anew.

1.
Peace and unity, Sort Of
It was a special day in Neo Oured, the capital city of the Federation of Amereco. It was the 60th anniversary of the end of the War to End All Wars. There was a parade scheduled, plus a speech from the president, and a giant picnic on the Lawn. It was also Lash’s birthday. He was a normal freshman, he did well in school, loved video games, and stayed active. He was strong and handsome, however he had a scar on his face from an accident as a child. It traced a line from his right eyebrow down his eyelid to the top of his right cheek. He was watching the parade from his favorite rooftop, away from the crowd.
“I think it’s a little rude to go to a parade and not invite your friends,” a voice said from behind him. He turned around to see his two best friends Souji and Kenji Okita. They were twins; Japanese. Both had sleek black hair and obsidian eyes. They looked about as alike as a brother and sister can be.
“Yeah, but that’s not why we’re here.”
“Your mother sent us…”
“to get you,” Kenji finished.
“The presidents about to make…”
“His speech.” They both smiled, perfect doppelgangers of each other. Lash laughed in spite of himself.
“Well then, I guess we shouldn’t be up here. Lets go.” The three used the fire escape to get down to ground level. Then they hopped on their hover boards and took off. They zoomed through the city doing tricks when the opportunity presented itself. A Jamaican guy was upbraiding another man about a song at the fruit market.
“That’s not the way ya sing that song mon. Its, ‘everything’s gonna be all right, yeah’ that’s the way ya sing it mon.” Lash and the twins whizzed by then, causing both me to duck.
“Hey, slow down mon. Oh, and happy birthday Lash!” he called as the teens disappeared around a corner.

President Hardisan was to give his speech on the steps of the Capitol building. People were gathered on the Lawn and street as he walked up to the podium and cleared his throat.
“Ahem, citizens of Amereco, please lend your ears to this speech. Today is the 60th anniversary of the end of the War to End All Wars. Sixty years of peace, and prosperity!” This statement was greeted by thunderous applause and cheering. The president motioned for silence. “Yes, peace is sweet, but it comes at a price. We must never forget the price paid by those brave men and women in our armed forces. Their ultimate sacrifice will be honored forever in their memory. We must also remember the cost of maintaining peace day by day; constant vigilance!” As he went on Lash snuck silently up on his mother.
“Guess who?” he asked as he covered her eyes from behind.
“Hmm, it’s Lash,” she exclaimed. He let her turn around and she hugged him. “How is my only son on his birthday?”
“Much better for seeing you,” Lash replied.
“I wanted you to hear the presidents speech. I was about your age when the war ended.”
“I’ve been listening, mother.”
“I’m sure you’re all as hungry as I am, so lets eat!” the president finished to great laughter and applause.