2038
ClaryI don't know how much time has passed when I hear the door above the stairs open. Expecting it to be the protectors coming to get me, I stand up and get ready to be escorted out. But it's not. Its him. My father.
"Clarissa... why did you do it?" He stops a couple of steps away from the cell. Like he's afraid to get infected with insubordination.
"I wanted too." My voice is calm. Calmer than I thought it would be. "You were suffocating me. You have been for years. Like you are suffocating everyone in The City. Ever since mom..."
"DON'T TALK ABOUT HER!"
My heart stops for a second and I step back. The fury in his eyes scares me. He's gone mad. I can see it. I haven't always been able too, but now it's as clear as day. My mom's death drove my father to the brink of insanity.
His face turns back to looking concerned. I don't even know if it's real or an act anymore. The man in front of me is not the father I once loved. This man is a sociopath. And a very dangerous one at that.
"Maybe... if you apologize... Let the council know that you regret your actions.... Then maybe I can save you. Let them train you to be a houseservant."
"Don't you mean slave...?" I don't look at him when I whisper the words. I know he heard it... but he ignores it.
"You would be alive." He steps closer, "if you don't do it, you'll die Clarissa. Don't you see that?"
"My name is Clary. Not Clarissa."
"Clary. Clarissa. Does it matter? You'll be dead by nightfall! No one survives outside of these walls! And I don't want to lose you."
"Then maybe you shouldn't have turned me in." Now I lift my gaze and stare straight into his eyes. I want him to feel the betrayal. I want him to live with the fact that he killed his only daughter.
"The obligations are the law for all of us, Clarissa! Not just some of us! The law is hard, but it is the law."
"IT'S YOUR LAW! YOU CREATED IT!" My palms are sweating and my heart pounding. I have never yelled at my father before, but what do I have to lose?
He sighs deeply and pinch the brink of his nose. For a second, I almost believe I got through to him. But I'm just a fool for believing that.
"You used to be such a good kid. What happened to you? Why do you insist on rebelling against me?"
"I was terrified of losing you just like I lost mom! So, I just did whatever you wanted me to. Because I wanted you to be proud of me. To love me! I pushed down my own feelings. My thoughts and opinions. Just to make you happy. But it was never enough!" Tears begin to stream down my face. "I was never enough for you..." suddenly I feel drained. I've said what I needed to say. I have no more words left.
Somehow, I think he knows there's nothing more to talk about. Without a single word, he turns around and leave me. But it doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Afterall, I didn't lose my father today. I lost him the day my mother died. It just took me this long to realize it.
***
As the light slightly begins to fade, I know my time has come. It's a matter of minutes before they'll come and get me now. I take a deep breath and stand up. When the door open, I'm already prepared. I can see the slight confusion in the eyes of the protectors, but only for a second. Then they open the cell.
"Clary Morgenstern, turn around and place your hands behind your back."
I do as they say. The rope itches against my skin, but it doesn't hurt when they tie it. It would be easy to rip my hands out of it, but there's no point. They place the fabric over my eyes and begin to lead me out of the building.
Right now, a lot of people is standing on the roof of the courthouse with their binoculars. Watching me as I walk to my fate. It's disgusting how we humans are drawn to travesty. We thrive on dramatic events and horrifying scenarios. Death excites us. And now, we use it as entertainment.
Humans are disgusting...
Once we are outside of the gate, they help me into the boat since there are no longer any bridges connecting Amager Island to Zealand. My father made sure they were torn down as soon as he had evacuated all the people he wanted. Now the only way to get to the Wasteland is sailing or swimming.
The wind is strong as we row across the river. But thankfully, the wind is carrying our scent away from the shore. That could give me a slight advantage. Maybe.
As we reach the shore, one of the protectors does something I have never seen before. He removes my blindfold and unties my wrists. Usually, the protectors would throw a deviator over the side of the boat,
"Don't run to the buildings. It's a Killzone. Run along the shore. Follow the river."
This familiar voice, that I can't quite place, is low but not so low the other protector can't hear him. He doesn't do or say anything. He just stares at me. And I stare back. Not comprehending a word.
"Clary, do you understand? Can you hear me?"
I nod slowly, but I don't understand. Why should I stay by the river? The buildings would be safer... and why is he helping me?
"All right, that's enough. Get out." The other Protector stands up with the paddle in his hand. Ready to strike me with it. Without even thinking, I lean back and let myself fall into the water. It's freezingly cold, but I manage to swim to shore. I'm not completely sure how, but I make it.
As I watch them row away, I suddenly hear the steady breath of the creatures lurking in the shadows. When I look closer, I can see the shape of several beings, crouching down. Waiting for the hunt to begin. Their black eyes watch me as I slowly begin to back away.
It's now or never.
YOU ARE READING
Deviator
FanfictionIt's the year 2038 and a deadly virus has consumed the world for more than 14 years. In Denmark, an unknown politician took it upon himself to create a safe space from the infected. As long as you abide by the 8 Obligations, you are allowed to live...