~Cynthia~
"May I have your attention, please?" a voice booms from a megaphone.
Around me the after school crowd settles down to a complete stop. I, too, lift my head to pay attention as I close the smooth, paper back book. Oddly, it seems there is more of a crowd here in my little town than normal, although this is the time of day that everyone is about. Before the school building, which is at the focal point of this town, is an impromptu wooden stand with a portable podium. It looks very mediocre in comparison to the huge, polished high school.
A heavy set man who appears to be approaching the later stages in life stands behind the podium. Even from my place in front of the tiny bookstore, one of the many open shops in this area, I can see the shiny beads of sweat trickle down his face. His snow white hair and mustache stand out against his bright red cheeks. He's dressed in a pitch black tuxedo, a great contrast from the normal mix of casual outfits and school uniforms. I instantly recognize him as our mayor. I'm curious as to what he has to say though it is probably just a minor announcement about upcoming events.
"I-I have some v-v-very bad n-news," the mayor starts, looking like he's about to cry, "It...it...a-appears as if our w-world is f-f-f-f-falling apart."
At first there is silence as shock freezes my body. Then laughter crackles through the town as if our mayor is joking. I don't laugh, and it upsets me a little that people would think such a thing to be a prank. But still, it's easier not to believe, and I don't want to believe. After all, wouldn't they announce such a thing on the radio? It's true, Darksiders control that and they aren't the most trustworthy, so I would assume there are probably more announcements going on in other towns by their mayors. But our world...ending? That just seems impossible! However, there have been some strange phenomena happening lately, especially with that- No. Don't think of that Cynthia. Plus, the mayor, though I don't know him personally, really isn't a silly man.
"Guys," the mayor practically whispers in the megaphone, "This is serious..."
Soon laughter shifts to panic, the cries deafening to my ears. All I can do is absorb the terror of this life wrecking moment. I feel very bad for the mayor, having to tell this to the public.
"P-Please calm down everybody," not even the mayor's megaphone can carry his words to the panicked people, "C-calm down! Be quiet please!"
But the chaos only raises in volume. Now a tear begins to trickle down his face. A tiny bit of annoyance strikes me. How can these people be so rude towards authority? Look at them, some are even beginning to shout insults at our mayor!
"SHUT UP!" the mayor bursts. Everything is instantly silent. People who were just screaming at our mayor now keep their mouths shut in surprise from the discourtesy of his words. He continues, more politely now, "I greatly apologize for that. This is a serious matter, and I'm just as scared as all of you. However, the government has been discussing the odd events that have been taking place as of late. So it does indeed look like our world is dying. Further research has concluded that this is because somehow the Keys have been displaced from the Tower."
Screams erupt from the crowd again, but only to fade away. The Keys are an important part of life. They are the gods and goddesses in their true forms, and from their rightful place in the Tower they control our world. Even though the mayor has spoken professionally and clearly, it is plain to see that this is destroying him inside. It is tearing me apart, too. I want to cry and panic like everyone else, but I don't. It is best not to make the situation any worse.
"B-but not all our hope is gone, folks!" the mayor begins again, "We are not quite sure that this is the case. To be honest, we don't particularly know all this for sure, so someone needs to check things out. Unfortunately, only ryges can enter the Tower. But, um, if any of you would be able to check things out, would you please be willing to volunteer?"
Ryges. Ryges are (kind of) immortal "copies" of either a human or ponmik that possess elemental powers. Ryges also possess the ability to travel from Sunnyside to Darkside and back again. Which ends up terribly, as then no one knows who to trust.
No one makes a move. No person in the right mindset would volunteer. We all know the Tower is a dangerous place. None can volunteer. Ryges are rare. It's way too easy to stand still and pretend that this isn't taking place. To go back home and live a comfortable life until this place is fully decayed. It's too easy.
"Anyone?" the mayor pleads.
Easy as it is, I know I could never live with myself if I let these people down. Even as the dread fills my soul. Even as I worry about revealing my long kept secret. Even as I fuss over the danger inside that Tower. Even as the memories haunt me of people who I thought were my friends running from me. Even as I am well aware of how easy it would be to let it all slide-
I place the cook book back on the shelf and take a step forward.
I find present tense easier.
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