The Twins

Chapter 1: Matthew and Marie

(Part 1: Silver)

   "Edis was finally built in 3091, but the idea of a city in the sky has been around for hundreds of years. The world simply never needed a city such as this one until the third world war happened. As you all know, the radiation from the nuclear bombs used in the war completely wiped out all vegitation on the surface, forcing the surviving nations to hide underground. Communication was lost with the outside world almost immediately and we fell into another dark age." The young teacher at the front of sector 43's history class spoke clearly and with authority. She was small for her age, and she carried herself with a kind of compassion and kindness that, usually, only mothers possess.

   "It wasn't until the survivors of the nation called France discovered an old satellite tower and used it to communicate with others, that the world even started trying to rebuild. Once all the nations reconnected though, that is when something truly incredible happened." She continued speaking to the class, going through a holographic slideshow with diagrams, timelines, and pictures. "The nations sent small groups of representatives to a meeting that lasted for several years. That is where they came up with the notion to build Edis and when they agreed on the laws and customs of that which we call home. The meeting was nicknamed "the holding of gods" due to the great amount of influence the committy members had over the future of our world."

   "The holding of gods." Matthew thought. He had always found the title interesting to say the least. The notion of "gods" was an intriguing one to him. Not many people were still religious in Edis and those who were tended to be less vocal about their beliefs than their predecessors but nonetheless, people still used the word and Matthew still found religion to be interesting. Even so, there was simply no need for gods anymore. Human ingenuity lead Edis to be built and Edis was as close to perfect as possible. What more could any god offer humanity?

    "It was 40 years after the war until the holding of gods happened and 5 more until the plans were finished for Edis. In the 60th year after the war our city was finally built and the nations moved into their sectors and started living life." The teacher continued,"Things ran smoothly until the 70th year, when the Saru Tokai appeared."

   The whole class was suddenly paying attention. The Saru Tokai was everyone's favourite subject for understandable reasons,"Doctor Arthur Yiung had been the one who first discovered and studied the genetic mutation which caused the Saru Tokai and dispite it being 15 years since It's discovery his study on the subject is still where we get all the information with which we teach you." The teacher explained. Even she couldn't hide the  sparkle of exitement in her eyes when she spoke of the subject,"As you all know, most Saru Tokai find the first signs of the mutation develop around the ages of 16-23 and reach the 4th stage within 5-7 months. As a review, can someone please tell me the 4 stages of the Saru Tokai mutation and their symptoms?"

    A few hands came into the air hesitantly. Everyone knew the answer, but It was rare for anyone to want to stand up and say it. Even after years of improvements and reform to the school system, public speaking still remained an issue for most students. Matthew was one of those students who preferred to stay silent. His sister on the other hand...

    Matthew looked over at his twin sitting beside him. Her hand was raised confidently and her green eyes sparkled. Everything about her expression screamed self-assurance and pride. Of course the teacher chose her to speak. It was hard to resist Marie's bright and sunny disposition,"silver, blue, purple, and pink are the 4 stages of a Saru Tokai, Ms. Mortal. These are defined by the changes in the colour of their eyes." Marie says answering the question with certintanty. The teacher, Ms. Mortal, nodded her approval.

   "Yes that is correct. Also an important aspect of the Saru Tokai, is their gifts or tokens, as some call them." The teacher spoke the words that everyone was waiting to hear. The tokens of the Saru Tokai are what make them such a legend, their power. Each one was unique although it wasn't uncommon for them to look similar. For example one that can increase their muscle strength can sometimes run as fast or faster as someone who has super speed as a token,"each of the four stages increases the amount that a Saru Tokai can use their token." Ms. Mortal continues,"it increases their strength."

   Matthew looked around the classroom. All the students found the Saru Tokai to be incredible. They were the superheroes of the day. Selfless guardians in a bright and shining world. The Saru Tokai were the ones who took care of the great pillars that kept Edis in the air. Once the government saw that their token had awakened they were taken down to the surface, a cold and dangerous place. There they sacrificed the last few months they had to protect the people of the great city. The pillars weren't their only responsibly though. The Saru Tokai were also the ones that monitored and sometimes...disposed of the criminals of Edis.

   Even the most amazing of places has their share of bad people. People who refuse to follow the laws that kept everyone safe. Those who care more about themselves than for the majority. People who lie, cheat, steal, harm, and murder. Edis was no different. The only difference was that Edis would not put up with criminals. All those guilty of a third degree crime or more would he sent to the surface. Back to a secluded place where they would attempt to live. None of those sent would survive more than a year. It was a brutal system but a necessary one. War is what forced Edis to exist, and the government refuses to allow war or disobedience to cause Edis to be destroyed.

   Ms. Mortal checks the time and turns off the 'gram machine or g.m, causing the holograms to disperse like smoke,"Alright everyone you are dismissed. Please ensure you understand the material we discussed today and if you do not study hall will be open until 22:00 today."

   The class gets out of their seats and files out of the room chatting happily. Matthew takes a moment to look out the window. The glass dome surrounding the city was shrouded in silver clouds,"looks like the weather department programmed rain for today." Marie comments, looking at the same view as Matthew. He simply nods in response and the two twins leave the room. As they leave Matthew glances at Ms. Mortal, noticing for the first time how similar her eyes were to the clouds outside the window.