DIVERSITY

DIVERSITY- Chapter 1

I took a deep breath. Trying not to shake from fear.

Today was examination day. I was of age. Finally my time. Today would determine the rest of my life. Either I would pass the test and move into a job category, or I fail and begin stage 2.

If I fail, my opportunity for leading a simple life would be over.

Once you fail the test you go off to stage 2 where they test you again.

If you pass the second time you are accepted into the war squad, the city's police. They stop war breaking out in the city.

And if you fail, your banished to a life outside the city walls.

Everyone here works for the Elder. Melanie Smith. The keeper and ruler of the city. She fled from the ruins of the world and found safe ground here. On her own she built gates around the city. As the people filed in, she was determined to keep the peace between them.

As she began to notice special talents among some of the people, the categorization was made. So was the test.

The test that would determine if their was a magical bone in your body. A bone different from the rest of the community.

We walked through the empty roads. All the other kids were too scared to go roaming around. Especially today.

Declan trodded loudly beside me. I could tell he was watching me with concern. When I turned my head to meet his gaze, his eyebrows were lifted in worry and his lips were curled into a frown.

Declan. My overprotective brother. We were the same age yet still he always years older then me. Declan looked like my father. His short golden brown hair, big brown eyes. Polite. My father all over. I didnt really look like my mum. Some similarities were featured.

Declan, He was smart. So was I. I just had bigger issues to worry about then who's the smartest, competitions. He was Sometimes annoying, but we all stick together in this community.

No matter what.

So they say.

"Goodluck for today." He says still not looking away from me. This is the first thing he has said from when we left school.

"You too." I whisper back, knowing it wouldnt help. In an hour all the kids who are 16 will be collected one by one and tested.

As we neared towards our home, Declan stops us. He looks down on me and then pulls me into a hug. I rest my head on his shoulder.

"Aria?" He voice is muffled by my jacket.

"Yes?" I reply.

"If...if I dont pass the test... look after mum and dad for me. Promise?" His last word was a cry.

Forcing back the tears that threatened to spill, I gathered strength.

"Yes . Yes I promise. " He nodded to himself and ran a hand over his face, letting go of me. Looking at me with a forced calm face we continued to the house.

Passing a bunch of townspeople laying on the ground next to a pile of bones sucked dry of meat, I thought of me. If I don't pass the test, I could become homeless and starve to death as well as these people.

We both stepped inside the house through the wooden door. All of the houses in the city were small. I inhaled a delightful smell as the kitchen came into view. My mother was standing at the sink peeling vegetables for a soup. She dropped everything she was holding as we walked in. For a moment, I was convinced that she was never going to smile again. Then, wiping her sweaty hands on her apron, she smiled.

"Look at you two. All grown up. Why don't you two go and clean yourselves up before supper? Im sure it will be your turns soon. Then you just do your best. Aria? Dear, ive left you a dress on your bed. Why not go and try it on?"

She didnt wait for a response. A whisp of dark curly hair fell from her bun as she began nervously chopping again.

We didn't argue. Declan went to change clothes, giving me a small smile.

I did the same.

Turning into my room, I noticed the dress that was spread out onto my bed. The springs in the small bed squeaked as I sat to examine the dress. It was beautiful. The colour was lavender. There were frills at the bottom and short puffy sleeves.

After slipping into the dress, I stood in front of my mirror. A thick layer of dust had gathered. I dont normally look in the mirror. I wasn't like most girls my age, who were really concerned about their appearances.

I would always catch my class mates staring at me. When I confronted them in why, they had said that I was very beatiful. Gazing at myself now I could clearly say they were not wrong. But I would never brag about the way I look.

I had long burgundy hair down to my waist. Deep sea blue eyes. And petal pink lips. My cheeks were normally rosey. And, like everyone in the town, I was very slim.

A quiet knock at the door interrupted me.

Declan stood in the doorway.

"Aria, mum says supper is ready. "

Declan and I took our regular seats across from our father, who was already eating.

He works in farming the city. So we are entitled to 50% of the crops he grows. The other 50% is sold in the market in town, but is expensive. The workers in the city only earn a quarter of what they need to survive off.

When mother joined us, we ate in silence.

After supper I helped wash up. A loud thud at the wooden door interrupted our chores.

My mother paused for a few seconds before opening the door.

It has been proven that even if your parents passed the test when they were young, does not mean that their children are the same. The gas that they intoxicate you with is a serum gas, that unlocks your full brain potential. Only then will you find out if you have an ability. Leading up to that moment, you wouldn't have a clue if you even had one or not.

Mother opens the little door.

Revealing a war squad soldier. He was tall and wearing a black leather outfit.

"Declan and Aria Marae are summoned to complete their special abilities test."

Then his eyes fell on me.

So did you enjoy the chapter? Please show your support by vote/comment/
Flirtylashes607