Red Sun

Chapter 1

"Congratulations, Norman, your shipment date has been set. You'll be leaving tomorrow."

Everyone fell silent

Norman was going to be shipped

Norman was going to die

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"You have to find a way to escape!" Ray yelled, grabbing Norman by his shirt collar.

"Sorry, Ray, but it's the only way." Norman said, his voice and face even, if Ray were anyone else he wouldn't have seen the glint of sadness in his eyes.

"No! It isn't! There has to be a way! I refuse to let my 6 years of planning all go to waste!" Ray yelled getting more frustrated at his friend, Norman couldn't die. He can't.

"I'm sorry Ray, please, escape with everyone."

"Dammit...no...!" Ray's grip got tighter but his body started to go limp.

Norman wrapped his hands around Ray's "I'm sorry, but it's the only way. In chest you have to sacrifice some pieces in order to win." Ray gritted his teeth, trying to avoid the tears threatening to fall, Norman continued to smile gently, "Live, escape, and survive, ok? For me?"

Norman hugged the raven head, Ray didn't make a move to return the hug. "Bye, Ray. I have to go now " Norman whispered in his ear before letting go. Ray fell into the bed, head down and bangs obscuring his face.

Norman signed and cleaned his first to avoid shaking. He was scared, he did want to die, but he had to, for their sake.

Then the albino went down stairs.

His siblings were all gathered in the dining hall, where they usually gathered whenever someone got "adopted".

Norman had always dreamed of the day when he'd be one up there getting adopted but now that he is he wanted nothing more than to go back. Funny how things change, huh?

His siblings all greeted him with both excitement and sadness, Norman responded to all of it with a smile.

His siblings all hugged him, some even cried, and made him promise to write to them. If only he'd be able to keep that promise.

Sherry was one of the ones crying, she was particularly attached to him, he could say she same about himself.

Norman bent down to reach her level "Hey don't cry. Say bye with a smile." He said, wiping her tears.

"I'll miss you!" The young redhead exclaimed.

"I'll miss you too."

Norman noticed Phil right behind her, he was a quiet one, but smart nonetheless. He was close to becoming a full scorer despite only being four.

"Phil," the young boy came close to hearing his name called, "Take care of her for me, ok?" He nodded, "Keep an eye on Ray too."

"I will!" Phil responded, taking Sherry's hand and heading back into the crowd of their siblings.

Both Gilda and Don along with Nat and Anna had sad and terrified looks on their faces.

"I believe it's time to go, Norman." Isabella said.

"Alright mom." Norman waved goodbye one last time.

He saw Ray standing by the door, arms crossed and facing away from him, no doubt angry.

"Mom, can I say bye to Ray?" Norman asked, Isabella gave him a suspicious look but nodded.

Norman went to Ray and without saying anything hugged the raven. "I'll miss you."