For our Futures

Town of Ashes

Opening: On My Own (Ashes Remain)

Chapter 1

Town of Ashes

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The sun started to set, alerting the boy with black hair in purple that, as the light from the giant solar sphere above began to vanish, so would another light. The boy, who appeared to be around eight or nine, knew there wasn't much time. This was the time to be beside his father during his final hours. Unfortunately, this was the most he could do. He still had his mother to look after, once the man she loved was gone forever.

"I can't believe this is happening..." the boy murmured somberly, sitting up from the grass he was laying on. "I guess all there is left to do now is say farewell...and be there for Mom. I know he's counting on me to do that much."

After hoisting himself up, he began dashing towards the direction of his house...or would have, had it not been for the sound of screams coming from the far right of the boy's direction. This caused the boy to skid to a halt from what he hadn't sensed just moments before.

This was not the time for detours, but he was full of compassion, brought to answer calls of distress. The boy was troubled by this new dilemma: be by his father's side during his final hour, or save a stranger who, thanks to his aid, might live to see another day.

"I-I..." the boy sputtered.

Swallowing hard, the boy reacted to his nature and followed the sound of screams. Black smoke appeared to be rising from the hill, and he dashed faster than he had ever recalled.

"Please, let me get there in time!"

He didn't like seeing anyone or anything destroyed—especially when there was no warning of damage inflicted.

As soon as he arrived at the small town at the top of the hills, he could see his wish had not been granted.

"Oh my gosh!!!" he gasped, eyes widened and mouth hung open in disbelief to what he saw.

Piles of ashes from destroyed homes and charred corpses blew passed his feet. Trees tattered from left to right; roofs of houses began to cave in. Though the boy knew the odds were stacked against the situation, he could not give up. Not yet.

"Can anyone hear me?!" he shouted over the crackling flame at the top of his lungs, hoping there would be a survivor or two that would respond. "Hello?!"

As the smoke and smell became too much for him, he pulled up the scarf-like article hanging from his neck to cover up his nose. Next, he shielded his eyes from the heat waves, keeping one eye open and rushed towards the nearest house—surprisingly still standing.

"Is anyone in there?!" he called out again.

Again, there was no answer.

"They never had a chance..." he thought aloud, eyes shut tightly and fists balled up. "This isn't fair!!"

Just then, a shadowed figure appeared behind him. The boy quickly opened his eyes and whirled around. There, in front of him, stood a woman. She was covered in burnt marks and fresh cuts of different sizes. She gasped for air, in desperate need for water as well as medical attention. Despite her condition, she was hugging a small bundle of dirty white rags to her chest.