Orb

Chapter One

       ORB

  Brian Wynne

  Chapter One

     I sprinted down the shiny silver sidewalk. I ran, not away from the danger, but towards it. I stopped for a second, breathing hard. I looked down at the small map I held in my hand. Tracing my path on the strip of paper, I glanced up to check my surroundings. I was not familiar with the city, and didn't plan on staying long. Hopefully it would just be in and out. That was how it was intended, how I wanted it to go. I was running again, my heart beating fiercely in my chest. The light over the whole city was a vivid blue. The strange color tinted the glossy surface of the small houses next to me, creating an eerie setting. 

     So far I had seen a few people, but only two had seen me. And those who did were as clueless as the rest of them. My knife had made sure of that. As I got closer to the center of the city the size of the structures grew. To make myself less noticeable I slowed to a brisk walk. I slipped the map and the blade into the inside pocket of my jacket. I shifted uncomfortably, the items were rubbing against side. I was wearing a loose shirt and jeans, I wished for the strange clothes of these people. Even without my weapon exposed I stared getting too many unwanted stares. And there were so many now, too many to quietly take out from behind. I looked down at my dirty black sneakers, and let my long hair fall in front of my face to hide me.

     A thought suddenly struck me, and I stopped walking. Why was nobody stopping me? Why were they just letting me walk through? I became aware that the people around me all dropped what they were doing to watch me. They stared intently at me, confused but curious. I kept walking, reaching into my jacket, and gripped the handle of my knife for reassurance. As the street widened the crowds grew, with more eyes observing me. There was almost total silence, the only sound being my footsteps. I reached an intersection and turned right. My eyes lifted on their own accord as I saw, for the first time, the source of the unnatural light. There in the center of the metropolis, towering over the surrounding skyscrapers, was a massive glass orb.

     I stopped in my tracks, stunned by its size, and overcome by the feeling of power it gave. I perceived the faint sound of laughter at my reaction, by those nearby. I smiled, and stepped towards the giant blue ball. Its shiny surface emitted the bright blue color, which could be seen everywhere. I wondered how I had not seen this before now. I figured that the buildings must line up so that the sphere can only be seen directly from certain angles. In my awe I had not noticed that it had become deathly quiet again. A small child gasped, and pointed behind me, a surprised look on his face. I spun around, drawing my knife. A large man was lumbering towards me, and was not stopping.

     He was carrying a bent metal beam, but held nothing for defense. Judging by his carelessly selected weapon, his impulsive behavior, and his body size, he would be easy to take down. I took a step, back as he quickly approached, and held up my weapon as a warning. But he did not stop, and swung his makeshift sword at my head. I ducked easily under his slow attack. His momentum carried him into me, and I lifted my knee into his gut. As he bent over, I forced my blade upwards, into his eye. His bloodcurdling scream was cut off, as the knife was driven though his head.

     I pushed his limp body off up me and got up. I pulled the knife out, and with a sickening gurgle his blood ran down my hand. The people stared at me in disbelief and horror. I paused, waiting to see what they would do. Would they attack me, or would they turn and run? I looked to the boy who had saved my life by warning me. He was inching away from me, terror in his eyes again. But this time it was me he was afraid of. I did look intimidating, with my wild hair and bloodstained hands, though I meant no harm to them. But not knowing my intent, they were scared for their lives. I stared down the road, not sure what to do now. But my decision was made when the blue orb abruptly changed to a dangerous red, and the fighting began.

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I hope you liked this chapter, as there will be many more to come.

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