1 Hour Later

May 19, 2069

1340 CDT

West Olympia, Kansas. Near The Styx River

Teresa Young's Point of View

“Why in the world would she do that?” Drew asks in confusion.

“You know how she is, Drew,” I say. “I don’t actually need your help, but I knew you’d be interested in this one-of-a-lifetime downtown throwdown between gals.”

I haven’t seen you in a long time, Drew. You are a very inquisitive fellow you twelve-year-old suave young boy. Black with a fresh buzz cut, and a fellow lover of books. Your plain white T-shirt and blue jeans reinforce your lack of style. Heh. Maybe Ruby can teach you a few things when you finally become a couple.

The Styx River is directly behind Hades, this massive stone wall that surrounds Olympia. I doubt that there’s an actual river down there now that I think about it, but no way am I going down there to find out. This entire area feels like a barren wasteland. So quiet, eerie, and ominous, but I swear I can hear death waiting on the other side.

“Let’s go, big brother. I wanna see!” Drew’s younger sister, Jaliyah, comments as she tugs on his shirt.

You’re taller than me now, Jaliyah, and still love the color pink. You’re wearing a magnificent pink dress, beautiful hair tied into a ponytail, and still retaining that innocent smile.

“I expect you to come with us, Drew,” I say. “I did not walk all this way for nothing. I’m little, in case you haven’t noticed, dude.”

“Violence on the inside, and violence on the outside. Life is awful, and this wall is the only thing preventing us from becoming zombie food,” Drew says aloud at the wall, completely ignoring me.

“Um, I don’t think we should loiter around here for too long,” I say. “The world does suck, but when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In other words, we should find something positive in bad situations, such as gambling, candy, root beer, or watching Ruby throw down with a Black Scorpion.”

“How many zombies do you think are down there, Teresa?” Drew asks, still ignoring me.

“Enough to get the heck outta here, now come on dude!” I say. “And don’t make some lame excuse like you need to read or something. We’re young! We should enjoy our freedom before we start boot camp. Ruby needs your support too!”

“Drew and Ruby are finally dating?” Jaliyah asks with a curious look in her eyes.

“No, Jaliyah, we’re not. Teresa is just irritating, as usual,” Drew denies in annoyance.

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“Hey Teresa, speaking of boot camp, shouldn’t you be studying for the apprenticeship test?” Kiko freaking reminds me.

You and Drew are massive buzzkills.

“Heh. Study?” I ask. “What’s there to study when you know everything? Eating candy is much more fun than practicing for a stupid test. (Don’t look at me like that you three!) Last chance, Mr. Pouty.”

“Ok, fine. We’ll watch the stupid fight,” Drew mumbles.

“That’s the spirit, Drew!” I say.

Heh. All this excitement is making me hungry.

*

Meanwhile in Flex-a-Lot, Central Olympia

Luke Miller’s Point of View

Sonya Grey, a perplexing girl who’s the same age as me. I don’t know why but, I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. Afro-Latina, two long black braids on your back, and your bangs partially cover your piercing bright brown mesmerizing eyes. You’re wearing a silver tank top, blue basketball shorts, and you always seem so serious.

“This will be sufficient enough for me,” Sonya announces as she inspects the gym.

“You like exercising?” I ask.

“Yes. I must stay in top shape at all times should I wish to live,” Sonya explains in a nonchalant tone.

Gyms are awful! The gym’s right side is filled with people doing aerobic exercises. The left side contains weightlifting machines, and the middle of the gym has a giant blue mat, most likely used for sparring matches.

“Yeah, I like exercising too,” I say.

“Luke, you think that you feel the need to impress me, but I’m asking you not to. If we’re going to be friends then I don’t want you to lie to me. I like you for you, so consider this a warning, and don’t ever try to bullshit me again,” she says in an aggravated tone with a death glare.

“Got it. Won’t do it again.,” I say.

Wait. Did you say you like me?

“Excuse me, but does this wimp not like exercising?” A boy’s voice says from behind.

Who’s this guy? He’s a big muscle-bound, greasy black-haired boy, Asian, has a unibrow, and is wearing a white V-neck and brown shorts.

“You two must be the new kids that everyone’s talking about,” he arrogantly chuckles. “But everyone is talking about you, especially,” he says with a creepy smile to Sonya. “My name is Ho Vắn Duy, and my lady friend at my side is Julie Young. I’m interested in knowing your name,” Duy rudely introduces.

Ah! What the fuck, dude? You didn’t have to push me to get to her! Your lady friend agrees as well, based on her reaction. She’s a shy-looking Caucasian girl with short blonde hair, a mole on her right cheek, and is wearing a purple dress.

“Oh?” Sonya says with a grin, obviously unimpressed.

“Hey!” I say.

“What’s your problem? What the hell do you want? Can’t you see that you’re rudely interrupting my conversation?” Duy ignorantly says in my face.

You’re testing me! Trying to make me look as bad as your unibrow!

“You think I don’t know what you’re doing?” I ask.

“Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m sorry, but not really. I must have forgotten to ask for your name. What’s your name, kid?” Duy asks with a sneer.

Kid? We’re the same age, jackass!

“My name is.”

“Don’t care!” Duy says.

“That’s it!”

“Woah woah. Ladies, don’t get your panties in a twist,” an unknown voice interjects from behind. “My name is Jayce Soleus, and my father owns this gym. Medical supplies are limited, so let’s settle this dispute with a classic arm-wrestling match instead of beating the shit out of each other,” Jayce offers with a grin.

Everyone has strange haircuts in Olympia! Jayce is a tall Caucasian boy with a spiky black mohawk, wearing a pink tank top, and golden Muay Thai shorts.

“Fine! I’m kicking your ass, Duy!” I say.

“Kick my ass? I’m like twice your size kid, but fine, I could use some entertainment. I’ll embarrass your scrawny ass and steal your girl for your lack of manners,” Duy says.

This is not what I thought Olympus would be like. The first person I meet is a total jackass, but after I beat his ass, I’ll gain respect among my new peers! Not only that, but I’ll be able to impress Sonya.