The Cleansing.

Chapter 1.

All I see is darkness. It's like a dream I can't wake from. I don't know what I'm thinking, or where I am. I'm trying to separate the dream from reality, but I can't.

I snap.

"Adette!" Cason yells.

"Cason," I cry. Tears spill down my face, "Is that really what we're about to face?"

"I'm afraid that's exactly what the battle is like. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Promise you'll stay with me, Cason. We can't get separated. Not now, not ever."

"I know. I'll never let you go."

My breathing steadies and I attempt to settle down. I can't, though. Not today. We have till midnight to pack our bags and say our goodbyes, and then we're plunged into our death.

Unless you make it out alive. Which is quite likely.

I wouldn't say that what they're doing is savage. I mean, they're just ensuring that we progress forward and that no one slows us down. They want perfect people.

I look at my bag. "What are you bringing with you, Cason?"

"It's survival of the fittest, right? Why bring anything?"

"Well, what if it rains? You'd get awfully wet."

He laughs, "Adette, if it rains I'll make due. We'll only be there for a day."

"Yeah, I know." I sigh and lean back against my couch. I'm going to miss this place.

"You'll be back by the end of tomorrow."

"For an hour. The survivors move to the city."

"Or get trailed on how they made it out."

"They can't throw you back in, can they?"

"Wouldn't doubt it." He sighs and walks out the door.

I look around my room and can't help but laugh. I look at the picture of my mom on the wall. I haven't seen her in three years. She's living in the city, while I'm in the living quarters with all the rest of my age group. At least in my sector.

I stop to stare at myself in the mirror. My golden blonde hair in delicate curls framing my face. My make-up is smearing but I don't mess with it.

I need comfortable clothes, but everything I have is more.. dressy. I throw a pair of jeans, my combat boots, a black tank top, a baggy white lace shirt, and my hoodie on the bed.

I sigh and leave my quarters.