Chapter 1
They called it the cold touch, but in actuality it was a disease and an omen of death. It was a disease only known to Terrafirma and was one of extreme danger, killing millions of innocent people. It started like a mass outbreak of the flu, but the comfort of knowing that humans were safe was short lived. Many of the previously ill began to form a blue crystal like bacteria upon their skin that ate at the body. The disease was painless until just before death, for it turned the organs of the victim into a slush that leaked from the rectum. Although Terrafirma was a safer place than the dying Earth, the ice had continued to wipe humans out. Despite the beauty of the cancer it was a plague.
“Grandfather, why are they here?” Questioned a small child.
The elder took a long sigh, “Listen well my children. “ He looked directly at the twins at his feet, with his wise eyes wide open, before he continued, “War broke out on the Earth long ago. The death and poison of greed caused the land to die. When humans became aware of their mistakes, it was too late to reverse the damage. Their governments came all together under one house and began to find a solution. This was a major step for the humans, for they were natural enemies with all those who were different. That, however, is not of importance. The men in power had decided that Earth was not suitable for them to live. They began to sort people into groups. Those with money were sent upon a self sustaining airship to live happily until death. The middle class was given a choice; depending on their behaviors on Earth and the size of their family, they could go on this airship or they could come to our home. Those left to be sorted were the sick, the criminal and the poor.
A mass genocide of men broke out, those left alive were forced to live on earth, those killed were the criminal, the sick and few elderly. They had to make due and adapt to the broken world around them. The land was against them. The water was tainted, the fruit mutated and would change composition from a deadly poison to something that could save your life. The animals were also mutated, changing their eating habits. Human flesh was no longer appealing, but it was a thrill for the once, sweet harmless animals to shred off. What the humans tell me is ‘hell’ had finally hit Earth.
The humans that came here started their own civilization adjacent to our. That is where you come from my children. Your father was one human out of many that respected our culture. He met and fell in love with Talia, my daughter. You both were born from their bond.” The old native smiled, his winkles were finally made apparent through his eyes as he closed them once more.
“ But Grandfather, why are we not with them?” The young girl asked yet again.
“It is tradition my little ape. As a part of the customs of our people when you are old enough to walk and learn you are given to your elder. You will live with me until you are old enough to birth children, for your father’s blood that is 13, then you shall return to living with your parents.” He exhaled deeply expressing his exhaustion from speaking, “ That is enough for today. Leave me.”
