Oh please just read it… My first fanfic ever! Sci-Fi

The Longing

By serpentine's fang

CHAPTER 1

Knowing

CLAIRE VIRENDRA

"There are certain things in this world that are bound to happen, things that may or may not be according to our will. Though the course of our lives may change, just remember this, Claire: Change is inevitable; it is the most constant thing in this world. The point here is, the universe always finds its way to respond to your thoughts or actions; good or bad, it doesn't choose. So, promise me, whatever you do, do it right."

Those were the last words I heard from my father a day before we got the news that he was dead, seven years ago. He was found shot in his laboratory, which also happened to be his office. Three FMJ bullets ran across his chest, making the liquid red known as 'blood' ooze out of him, turning him pale and closing his eyes forever.

Investigations were made, thorough examinations by the most well-known and expert group in the district. But no matter what they did, the culprit was never found. The government quickly assumed that maybe it was just done out of curiosity, revenge or anger to him.

God, I hate the government, I always thought those days, when his death was still clear in my eyes. They ruled and made us their pets –slaves. They easily gave up; and not even once did they do their jobs well. I know my dad better than anyone else. He was a good man, a well-known and successful scientist. He brought this place, this region to the 21st century. He was the reason of these huge improvements. Everyone was his friends. Well, I think. Nevertheless, I know that the reason of his loss was not anger nor madness.

I sighed. Those painful years stabbed my heart as if I was the one being shot. Is this what really happens to a certain someone if the person he or she made a bond with, a connection or an attachment, was found murdered and the person responsible for it was never caught? I heaved another sigh. Here I am today, in my desk still thinking of it. I couldn't move on, even after all those seven years that passed. I couldn't. My dad was my inspiration, courtesy to my mom, but he really was.

A year after I graduated in my school, Science Academy, I became a teacher there. With a major in science, I lecture knowledge and skill most particularly in the field of Physics. I finally decided to continue my dad's legacy on me. For what it's worth, I believe it's the right thing. He would've wanted me this way.

In the evening, after I finished working in my desk –checking papers, lesson plans and stuffs, I walked home. As I was strolling effortlessly and alone outside of the school, which was already dead silent since there were no houses nearby, the person I expected met me there. "You were right, Claire. I found these documents on his agency," the man, whose face was concealed by darkness, said. I smiled as I gave him the 'thank you' gesture.

He left afterwards, taking the opposite route of the road. I was now ambling unaccompanied. But while walking, I looked at the files, papers inside the brown envelope. The written records did not surprise me. For either way, I somehow... expected it. After all, I knew there was something fishy stirring beneath those white walls of the management building –things that they've kept secret for a long time, a horrible secret that whoever has full knowledge of it has his life hanging on a thread.

And I wanted to know that secret, so much to the point that I was willing to risk anything for it... just like my father.

I'm not scared, I said to myself. I never was, for I knew that this is the reason countless of people had died. I just hoped no one finds me, well, at least not yet. I have the urge to deepen my research on our empire's history along with the other districts. These papers aren't complete, there are still missing pieces. It only contained names and, yes, one of them is Filbert -my good father.

Though I might have answered some of my questions but this solution leaves me to more issues, subjects that I couldn't understand. And I am more than determined to know every but of it. By then, I don't want to get killed or arrested not until I find something worthy.

All I know were these facts: dad was one of the people, innocent people who knew about their secrets. That's the reason why he died. They never found the culprit since they, everyone, thought it was a hard-killer when in fact it's just the 'thought to be' angel-like government's twisted ideas.

Second, all of these people were killed except for one. And that person... could be my only answer.

Name: Thina Shannon

Relationship: Unknown

Living: Inventing and managing

District: District 9

"Thina Shannon," I said out loud. Sure that it's normal for all people living in District 9 to be inventing. That's where they're famous for –technology, buildings and stuffs. Each district have their own specialties. I never knew the exact reason why. My mom said it has something to do with efficient division of labor.

On the other hand, District 12, my district, is known for its research. Most scientists came from this district and I'm proud of it. Beneath the meaning of 12, it symbolizes universal fulfillment and I know someday, I'm going to do just as that –fulfill the forgotten mission of being a united country. There are actually thirteen districts before. The thirteenth is where the center of the government previously lies but sadly, it's dead long ago –bombarded suddenly by unknown. And thus, Region 1 became the place where the Capitol starts anew which in fact, in number symbolism, 1 represents beginnings and primal cause while 13 to what others believed to be the unlucky.

I gave out, for the third time, another sigh. Too much for number symbolism! What I need to worry now is on how am I going to find her? District nine is far away from here. I couldn't leave the electric fences as well. I stopped my tracks for a little stretching. God, I'm tired, I thought to myself.

I placed back the documents to the brown casing. As I did it, I noticed a person wearing a black or was it dark blue? I couldn't figure the color since it was basically dark. But the way that person looked at me sent shivers down my spine. Who is he?

I became nervous. My suspicion arises that maybe he could be a rapist, a drug lord or an addict. Oh, I couldn't help thinking about it. My head ached. I quickened my pace. He also gradually increased his speed, his unswerving gaze fixed on me. Who is this person? I asked myself again. But my eyes were still focused on what's ahead and Bingo! I found an intersection.

I walked faster than my rapid velocity and took a quick turn to the right. I breathed out as a sign of relief. But my heart once again hastened its beat when the person chasing after me was there in the middle of the intersection, looking left and right.

I hid at the back of the tree closer to where he was at. Basically and obviously, I could hear him. The evening was serene and no noise could be heard, maybe except for my heartbeat and his breath, from a distance. I didn't know if he left but I better stay put –I want him to be the first one to take the move.

"Every action has equal and opposite reaction," I reminded myself of Isaac's third law of motion. If I go out which may or may not be a bad thing, either way, good or bad force will welcome me. If I risk myself on the left track, I might as well be left crying and regretting.

After minutes, which in fact felt like hours, of hiding on the opposite side of the tree trunk, I heard a double BEEP sound. I came back to my senses, wondering if that sound came from the same person. Then, I heard another BEEP sound. However, this time, I heard it once.

The man started talking, "I lost her, Harold" Harold? Well, isn't he the mayor? So, he's not an addict? I thought after hearing him. I leaned closer to the trunk, hoping to hear more. "Though, I'm not sure but she's holding an envelope and some papers. It would've been false but-. Okay, as you wish. Kill her tonight then? Okay," then another beeping sound was heard.

I froze in my place. My heart thumped louder. Kill me tonight? I need to go. I slowly revealed myself and found out he was already gone.

I ran fast back home, hoping that mom was still alright and that he haven't found me yet or was dangerously nearby. When I was already inside our cemented gates, in the lawn, I saw my mom opening the door. She always knew when I'm already home from the office. She greeted me with a smile which sooner turned into a frown.

"What's wrong, dear?" she asked me, visibly worried about my state. I look horrible for Pete's sake! My uniform –working uniform –was dirty because of that mucky tree, my hair was messy and I am running! Running I tell you! I didn't even have time catching my breath, which in fact shouldn't be in my mature age. I'm eighteen for heaven's sake –well, it's good to be a genius! Finish school faster and earn a living easier.

As I said, I don't have time to catch my breath and I don't have a second to answer her either. I rashly ran upstairs, to my room and took out my backpack. I hastily opened my wardrobe and instantly grabbed all my shirts and jeans and place it on my bed. My mother, who happens to have followed me upstairs, leaned on the doors and gave me a questioning look while raising her brows. Ruthless to say but I ignored her.

"Where are you going?" she asked me. I did not answer. I just stared at her when I exited my chambers, completely dressed into something that does not say 'I'm a teacher.'

I ran downstairs. My pack isn't that heavy –just a few clothes and water.

Mom trailed behind me, shooting me various questions. I still kept quiet though I'm slowly losing my patience, my sanity. I went straight to the kitchen and firstly opened the fridge and got three apples. I don't have time to do calculations on how it'll last but if I need to act fast and run fast, my loads should be the first one I'll consider.

I was about to depart the house when mom grabbed me by the wrist. She asked me for the millionth time why am I leaving. I just glared at her. Okay! I'm not telling her just because I'm irritated but because I don't want her to know. Sure, when the agents would reach my house and find me missing, they're going to interrogate her. Of course, she'll answer that she didn't know but what if they put her in that memory scan and found out she actually knew because I told her? I can't take the risk of losing someone dear to me again.

I smiled at her and hugged her as I leaned down near her earlobes and whispered, "I'll be back, that I promise you. But you have to also swear to me that you'll be fine." I looked at her. She nodded. I gave out another beam and finally walked out of the gates. Her gaze was still locked on me.

Just as when I was on the corner, I could hear the screeching of tires. I continued walking without looking back, not until I finally turned on the left. I peeked behind the fence of the house and my instinct proved me right. It was a government van –the agents! The door slid open and from inside came out those uniformed armed jerks, terrorizing my house.

I breathe out. I can't help my mom now. They got her –just as how I've predicted. And they're going to bring her to that awful room where they'll make her confess. I'm glad I didn't tell her anything or God knows what. I just hoped she'll be alright.

I started to walk away. I am sorry mom, I said to myself.

.

Now, I needed to focus on how I'm going to find this Thina. I also just hoped that I find her before they do and that she's a friend and not an enemy. I needed to know what she knew. I needed every piece of this puzzle. I needed to make it whole and I needed her.

I kept walking until I finally reached the barbwire fence that served as boundary. It may look safe but it's electric. I think I've got another problem. If I accidentally touch this even just a single strand of hair, I'll die. If ever I managed not to die, it'll send frequencies, signals to the government agents' building that I've escaped and sooner or later, they'll catch me. Either ways, I'll die. I'll die if I stay. I'll die if I got hit by this thing. But I won't die if I'll be careful –hah! But that's the problem, how can I cross without touching this? And I better hurry, I haven't got all night.

I looked around and started walking, the boundary lying beside me. I just hoped this thing has an ending which is practically impossible. This town is eventually impound-like where we are the dogs, the mutts the government think they could play with. I just wished I could fly or better yet I could find something like… A tree! I quickly ran to it. God, I'll be blessed!

When I was already standing right before it, without a moment's hesitation, I climbed. Sure, the tree was high. And now I wished I won't die of broken bones. Luckily, I wear sneakers instead of sandals or slippers. I'm much more comfortable with them and after minutes… perfect landing! Whew! And I thought my days were over. I think God might've wanted me to live a little longer after all or maybe my death does not lie in the hands of this tree but to something or someone else.

Three days pursuit with an apple a day and water. I tried avoiding roads though my route was near the road so that I wouldn't lose my way. I went on, past district after district; eleven, ten and meters from where I stood was nine.

I obscurely turn my head left and right, wondering if I might've found another tree to use to cross into the other side. Though I don't know if their gates are electric like ours but you know district nine –their technology and inventions are way more advance than ours. So, it's better to be safe than gamble the possibilities.

Luckily, after a few moments, I found one –just my luck! I climbed. Fortunately, it was dawn when I went down. My presence was concealed in darkness. It was quiet and no one noticed me as an intruder. I brought a little amount of money and quickly went inside a 24-hour restaurant to have a proper meal.

Okay! I was saving this cash for my stay here in District Nine, looking for her -for a girl named Thina Shannon. I assumed that it might've take long since unfortunately, her complete address and photo were not placed in her document.

After I finished eating and paid the bills, I stood up and gaze upward. Even this diner's ceilings were way more advanced than ours. I was sucked to my imaginings that I accidentally bumped on the waitress, causing some of the glasses to fall. I turned up, she glared at me. The manager, who happened to be standing on the counter, saw what happened and called the waitress.

"Becca , come here!" the manager commanded. I was about to go out and pretended as if I was never part of the mess. But, what I heard next was something I did not quite expect.

"Yes, Thina," the waitress replied.

Wait! Did she just say... Thina?

Author's note: Though, I don't know if this is really Sci-Fi. What can you say? I'm just thirteen, a freshman turning into sophomore… Hey, I'm not against the government or anything! Don't accuse me of anything! I'm still young and I value my life. Write on what you think! I was just scribbling their names and here's what I got! All of it actually got meanings and I think you know that already…

Harold means Army ruler (Scandinavian, I think?)

Claire means pure, shining, etc (French, I guess?)

Virendra means brave (Hindi)

Filbert means brilliant (English)

Becca shorter term for Rebecca means servant of God (English)