Smoke and Blood

Chapter One - Abigal Emily Poole

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun
Which is my sin though it were done before
Wilt thou forgive those sins through which I run
And do them still though still I do deplore
When thou hast done
Thou hast not done
For I have more

-John Donne

    

      

I'm going to die today. I deserve it, I think. No. Actually, I know. I deserve this fate of mine. I deserve to be hung for my horrible crime. My father always said that I adapt well, but he's gone now. It was my fault. I killed him. I deserve what I'm getting.
        I survived the wave of Euthanasia that swept over our nation, Potestas. It killed all the children who caught the deadly disease. Well, almost all of them. I lived to tell the tale, along with others. All those who survived are in hiding. They call themselves the Young Justices. They're trying to make the world better for all who have suffered from this disease because the survivors come out of the sickness different, more powerful. They have strange abilities that are out of this world. Some can call on the power of fire, some can direct the winds. They're deadly when they decide they are going to go on a mission. 
        They're greatly feared. I could become one of them if they decide to save me.
        I had gotten the Euthanasia when I was nine. My mother had gotten it as well, and she had died. I have lived in heartbreak for seven years. My father sometimes turns bitter against my sister and I. We have lived with it. 
        My father and I were out for a stroll one day, when it suddenly started to rain. We hurried away but we were already drenched. He suddenly snapped.
        "Idiot! I told you we shouldn't've taken a walk today!" he said angrily. I shrank away from him and looked away from him. My anger and grief started building up. I felt the need to release it. I pushed the feeling down. Suddenly, he grabbed my arm and I cried out in fear. I let go of my feelings and suddenly, he was on the ground. His hands were over his face and his hair whipped around. My eyes widened. My fear spiked and the large oak tree next to us swayed. My breathing was heavy. Was I doing this? I thought. The thought disgusted me. That's when the tree fell on top of him. He was crushed. I backed away. My hands shook and the rain ceased as suddenly as it had started. I realized it was me.
        I ran to the house again.
        He was a popular lord, and this would just shame us even more than I was already. I had a dark mark on my arm in a strange shape and wasn't wanted as more than a young girl. I was sick to everyone else. 
        I grabbed the things I had saved up if I ever had to run away. I slung it over my back, and suddenly my sister, Hannah, comes from her room. She looks at me, agape. 
        "I-I'm sorry. I have to go," I cried. She gently takes my hand.
        "What is it?" She looks at me with her wide hazel eyes.
        "I can't explain. Take care. Be safe," I said hurriedly. I kissed her cheek and pulled away. Tears streamed down my cheeks. She's only thirteen. I didn't know if she'll be alright, but I had to hope and trust. I ran to the stables and hopped onto my favorite horse, Windbreaker. His name almost made me laugh. It's vaguely appropriate. We ran into the rain that had started once again.
        We rode for days on end. We rested underneath trees and behind old barns. But I'm found one day. I was too careless and the Jurisdiction found us. They took me to their prisons, and here I am, a rat in a trap and no way to escape. I was facing my own death. I stared at it straight in the eyes. And I was scared. I didn't want to die. But it's not my choice. So I accept this fate.
        It's over too soon, and I'm dragged from my cell to the gallows.