Saving Bearville

chapter one: drown the darkness

For the one millionth time, I stand in town square. To the naked eye it's nothing but a couple of benches and a telephone booth, but to me it was the whole world. But today I don't stand here for a town scavenger hunt or to get into my cub condo, I stand here waiting for the end. The killing of the codes, as The Gamemakers call it. As many other Bearvillers have done, I have done my research. The plan of the Gamemakers is to replace our humble world with one of cheaply made furry friends, but even Reese's, my innocent bear, knows they are the enemy.
"ABIGAIL" the voice belongs to my best friend, Kylie. I turn and walk quickly to her, eager to get in one last no doubt heart felt conversation. But the look on her face is not filled with fear like mine and everyone else's. She grabs my hand and begins speaking quickly. "Abigail it doesn't have to be the end, we can fix this!" She begins running and I follow her, willing to try anything.
We come to the Chloe show building where we had once come to watch interviews and the debates. I have no idea what Kylie is thinking. We burst through the door and Kylie runs to the camera, and I'm finally beginning to understand. I take a seat in the spotlight and Kylie turns up the speakers before taking the guest seat next to me. We are on the air. I speak and my voice booms through the speakers around Bearville. "Friends, neighbors, family." I say. "We can stop this. We can keep our nation alive. Do not give up." Suddenly it's not my choice coming through the speakers, but that of the Gamemakers. It rings louder than mine, and I shake at the sound. "10, 9, 8" neither Kylie nor I speak. There is nothing to say but goodbye, and we are both far too stubborn for that. "7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2" I close my eyes, wanting to see darkness that is my own. "1." Everything goes dark. Screams linger in the air, but die out quickly. But I am still here.