Ivory Chronicles

Act I - Catalyst Revolt Part 2

BEYOND ORDINARY

As we headed to Ivory's house, we found ourselves in the town of Pueblo Jaguabico. Despite its size and popularity as a tourist destination, it was also one of the poorest areas on the island. Many homes were in disrepair, with crumbling walls, leaky roofs, and broken windows patched up with makeshift materials. Narrow, pothole-riddled streets made travel difficult, and the town's outdated sewage system overflowed with even the slightest rain. This was particularly problematic because it constantly rained, even on sunny days when clouds seemed miles away, you could catch winds of rain anywhere in the city. Government support was minimal, leaving residents to fend for themselves, and it was evident that maintenance was a low priority for many.

Highway Rose, the island's Great Artery, led from the cruise port to the airport, linking numerous other roads that crisscrossed the island. Leaving the main expressway, we entered a street marked by a faded sign that read 'Barrio Mezcla.' The house was located in a quiet, secluded alley, which felt like stepping into a forgotten corner of the town, marked by a distinct lack of activity. The alley was flanked by run-down homes with rusting metal gates and overgrown lawns, meaning the people here were beyond caring anymore.

As I entered, I was quickly greeted by Braden, who had an indifferent face when he saw me. He's a vocalist and guitarist for the famously local band, 'Los Mártires', and that fame got to his head and he always looks at others as if he's superior to them and ignores anybody who is not in his circle, I speak from experience.

Braden wears punk-style clothes and has a vibrant red mohawk, with the sides of his head shaved. Braden it's his stage name. He's one of the people in Vanity Island who changed his name to one in the 'Columbia Registry Names List', a list where you choose your USC name when one changes his citizenship from Vanitans to Columbians

"Hey, Braden, right? I'm Ellion." I introduced myself but he just turned away and acted like he didn't hear me. He then walked to an armchair grabbed a wooden guitar that was next to it, and sat down.

What an asshole. I then slowly walked to the middle of the living room and looked around to see the house. A spacious living room, with a comfortable sofa and one armchair next to it. Walls painted on a warm neutral color and adorned with portraits of old photos of the people of Vanity. The floors of the entrance of the house were made of polished hardwood and the rest of it was made of cheap ceramic tiles but with a large rug in the middle of the room. From the living room, you could see the small kitchen with a gas stove and a refrigerator. There is a sliding door that leads to the backyard. I would never have guessed that Ivory lives as humble as most in this forsaken island.

Charles was nowhere to be seen but Alexander was at the end of the sofa on his cellphone. "Want something to drink?!" yelled Ryan while he was heading to the kitchen.

"Water is fine," I replied.

"Water is not fine. I'll bring you a beer, we're still keeping the party going!" He got two local beers out and gave me both of them. I looked at him confused. "You chug the first one and the second one you slowly drink it. That way, you get a quicker buzz, it stays longer, and you puke much later on. Enjoy it, fucker, you're going to need it." He winked at me while going back to grab two beers for himself. The wink worried me a little. I'm still unsure about all of this and I feel kind of out of place here.

As soon as Ivory walked in from the hallway, she greeted me and quickly introduced me to the others, even though I already knew most of them, I'm sure they don't know who I am. "Yeah, we all know Ellion. Ryan never stops talking about him." A voice came from the screen door, and a tall light brown skin girl came in. She had a ponytail with unconcerned eyes. I don't think I know who she is.