Human Race (Boyxboy) #1

Chapter One: Destroyed

The world was taken over years ago.

Millions of humans dead and the rest scattered. You're probably wondering what has killed off the human race, has taken us prisoner and had sent the rest in the run.

It's hard to explain in a few brief words, but it didn't happen in moment.

Humans harbored this planet for thousands of years, made civilization as it prospered. Eventually, they took too much. They tainted the land with their greed, poisoned the waters with their waste until the rivers ran black, and stole the most brilliant jewels until there was nothing but dirt. It wasn't long until Mother Nature intervened, creating monsters from the deepest parts of nightmares to take back her planet - making humans the most endangered species of them all.

[Eight years ago]

"Sketch! Sketch, wake up! I need you to wake up." My mothers' gentle, but panicked voice rang through my sleepy head.

I opened my eyes slowly, expecting to see daylight peak through the windows but darkness remained. My mother stood before me, stricken in a panic that washed across her beautiful features in waves. The moon delighted its cool light into my small room, focusing on my mothers hasty movements to fill my school bag with clothes.

"What time—?"

"Don't worry about that," she pulled off my comforter, "come on, you have to get dressed."

In a haze, I didn't question it and dressed into warmer, winter clothes she had set out for me. It was as if I was still sleeping, but remembered it much better than any dream.

My mom forced a smile as she slung the bag around my shoulders, tucking stray pieces of hair into my cozy hat. I rubbed tiredly at my eyes, wishing to be back in the warm blankets of my bed.

The coldness around me stifled suddenly, and only heat grew against my cheeks.

"What's going on?" I asked, but she didn't answer.

Her face contorted into a grimace, pressing the last memory of her into my hands. My bear was worn down over the years of having it, but I gripped it tight, somehow knowing I would need it.

She grabbed my hand and led me through our living room, keeping silent on our way but I could hear her sniffling. My brother Sam was already there, his eyes red and sunken - like he had been crying. I stifled, my brother never cried. My father had one heavy hand on his shoulder, his face reflecting my brothers like a mirror. They talked in hushed tones, but halted once my fathers eyes landed on me.

Sam and I were dressed the same, but my parents remained in their night clothes. Questions bubbled around my head, but with one look in my direction Sam stilled, and wiped his tears.

"Mommy and Daddy love you so much, baby. You and Sam need to leave now. We won't see each other for a little while, but always know that we love you." I nodded slowly at her words but I didn't know what she meant.

They hugged us in a bear crushing grip that seemed like it was gone in seconds, and the warmth of their arms had faded from my body. I wanted to stay, I didn't want to leave them.

My Dad smelled like honeysuckle and I couldn't help but bury my face deeper into his shirt, trying to remember everything about him. He kissed my head one last time, uttering three words that still haunt me to this day.

"Run like hell."

A shudder racked my body as they pushed us to the door.

"I love you, now you both must go. Now!" my Dads eyes glossed over, reflecting a red glare behind us.