Heroes

Practically A Death Sentence

Before I could even finish reading the dreadful letter, my front door flew open and Jun bounded in, grumpy as all hell.
"Dude! Have you read this fucking letter? The Scalleti's are shipping off their own people now? What the hell?" He was livid.
"I know! What are they thinking? We can't go, I mean there's got to be something that we can-"
As a result of all the noise my sister Renée walked down the stairs, clutching a teddy bear.
"Rivio? What's all the noise?" She was bleary eyed and looked really tired.
"It's nothing, just go on back to bed. We'll talk later, okay?"
She nodded and headed back up the stairs. I couldn't leave my sister behind. I was the only one who could look after her. Oh shit!
Jun beckoned for me to follow him outside, and I did.

The hazy orange sun washed over my smallish brick house as Jun and I stepped outside. We headed down the quiet streets, and Jun just kept rambling on.
"We need to go see Aria, get her dad to change this crap. I ain't going to war! It's practically a death sentence!"
"Calm down, it won't help anyone if you get angry."
"Sorry. It's just not right for them to do this."
"So what do we do?"
"I say we go find Aria, and then go see Mr fucking Scalleti!"
"Sounds good! But don't go crazy at him, alright?"
I heard the waves rolling off the white sand as we made our way to Lizzy's house. Aria would most likely be there. Lizzy lived alone, other than Aria, who occasionally crashed at her house. Her parents were Coldhearts, the northern family that thought the country should be known for its army. Obviously Lizzy didn't agree with them, and moved South, to join the Scalleti forces. Each family had their own vision.
The Scalleti's wanted people to have the right to do whatever they want, with practically no laws. This system has some flaws, but for me it's the best solution. The guards keep things in check to make sure no crimes happen.
The Feric's were determined to have equality for all, no matter the cost. This meant people dressing the same, learning the same things and there were even rumours of mass surgery operations to make everyone literally the same. They truly believed that it was the way forward.
The Ceryn's were focused on religion. They believed we should do whatever it takes to please some mythical God.
And finally, the Coldhearts were based on battle. They thought humans were made to fight, and fighting was our destiny. Children were forced to fight for them, and that's why Lizzy left.
Jun spoke to me as we neared Lizzy's house.
"Look, we just can't sign up. My family needs me, and I know I need them. They're out of town, but what if they come back and I'm gone, or hell, if I'm dead!"
"I hear you. I'm the only thing Renée's got left, and as bad as it sounds, I feel like my mum can't look after her."
"We'll figure something out Rivio. I know we will!"
Lizzy's house was a small villa. It was paid for by Aria's dad, Lui Scalleti.He insisted, showing his gratitude for a new "family member" he said. Now he was gonna make her fight, risk her life.
Outside Lizzy's house, Jun banged on the door. A dazed Lizzy opened the door, and grumbled.
"Huh? What? Oh it's you two. Come in."
"Hey Lizzy. Is Aria here?" I said my words quickly before an angry Jun could.
"Yeah. She's upstairs, I think?"
"Cheers. Did you get the letter?"
"What letter?"
Me and Jun exchanged worried glances.
"You didn't get the letter?"
"Nope." Oh shit. She didn't know.
Jun answered for me.
"Doesn't matter. I'm gonna find Aria."
Jun darted upstairs, and kicked open the door to Aria's room.
"Oh my god! What the fuck, get out!" Aria was annoyed.
"Nice to see you too! We need to speak to you, like now!" Jun sounded urgent.
Outside, after a while, Aria joined the three of us and we headed over to Lui Scalleti's house.
"Why the fuck do we have to go see my dad?"
"Because," said Lizzy, "these guys need to speak to him. What do you even need to talk to him about?"
"We'll tell you after, I swear." I felt awful when I said that. They had no idea they were going to war in about a week's time. Hopefully Lui would be able to change that,
As we neared the Scaletti household, a terrible, terrible noise cut through the air, sending a chill down my spine.
Gunfire.
I turned around startled, and saw smoke in the distance. My house.
With my sister still inside.