The Split

Casagrande Bodega

01 07 2018

0700 Hours

Detroit, Michigan

Invasion Clock: 0004 Hours

"Feels nice to just relax once in a while." A tired Ronnie Anne says while leaning back on the wall to the four story apartment. "Isn't that right Sid?" Her friend doesn't reply back. "Sid?" Ronnie Anne says again. With a quick glace over her left shoulder, she sees her friend Sid Chang, slounched over, asleep. With a quick elbow to her shoulder, Sid jumps out of her early morning nap with a small gasp.

"I thought you wanted to enjoy the weather." A slightly annoyed Ronnie Anne says.

"Sorry, I didn't sleep well last night."

"How so?"

"I kinda was... reading magazines."

Ronnie Anne chuckles.

"Hey I was looking to see if any band was going to be in town. Plus I was studing some Chinese."

"Can't you already speak Chinese?"

"I can speak it, but I have forgotten how to write it."

"How does that work?"

"Long story."

"Well tell me something in Chinese."

"Xiàng shénme?"

Ronnie Anne gives Sid a very confused look. Sid now gives off a small laugh. "You didn't understand did you?" Sid asks.

"No I didn't."

"I said, 'like what?'"

"Oh... well how about 'the weather today is very nice today' to start small."

"Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo."

"Wow Sid, that is awesome. Where did you say you were from again?"

"Taiwan."

"Where in China is that?"

"It actually isn't in China, it is an island off the coast of the mainland."

"So why did you leave?"

"I don't know everything, but from I understand it was because of something to do with ties and politics, and something of a policy or something like that."

"So what is it like in China?"

"I've never been to China."

"What? I thought you were from Taiwan."

"Taiwan isn't China. They are two different countries... at least I thought."

"Why do they speak Chinese then?"

"I'm not exactly sure. But Taiwan is not the mainland, and China is not Taiwan."

"... I don't understand."

"I don't blame you."

"I'm pretty sure Taiwan even calls themselves the Republic of China."

"So there is technically two Chinas?"

"Yeah..."

"So who is the actual China then?"

"Well it depends on how you look at it. The mainland is called the People's Republic of China while Taiwan is the just the Republic. The Republic of China was made after the Qing Dynasty fell into civil war. There was the war with Japan and somehow the People's Republic of China began fighting the Republic of China. The Republic fled to Taiwan but kept the name of the Republic of China while the PRC took the mainland."

Ronnie Anne stared speechless until she could finally think straight. "How do you know all this?"

"We have schools in Taiwan you know. Plus I still have some pride in me that I took with. So because of that I say that Taiwan is still the true China, we just didn't want kick the PRC's butt too hard."

"That's pretty awesome Sid."

"Thanks I've done my be-" Sid suddenly cuts herself off before her face changes to confusion. Ronnie Anne instinctive looks the same way. She is as well shocked by what she is seeing.

You guys didn't think I would just forget the duo would you? No no no, they might be needed later. But if you guys are expecting the ending to be joyous and happy, well you have have a big surprise coming your way. I would suggest you keep on your toes.