To Hope

The previous ritual occurred 108 years ago. Since then, the security system was successfully installed throughout the United States. The government ended up having to compromise; in exchange for installing the cameras and tracking system in the remaining dangerous cities, they would be more lenient in regard to some of the chip’s usage. This was to cater to those who refused to carry one.

It took 20 more years for that to happen, bringing the crime rate to an all-time low within the following decade. The cities have also been revitalized and cleaned up tremendously. No more garbage scattered about, a major decrease in homelessness, and fewer abandoned or run down buildings.

After watching its success, other countries expressed interest in the security system, with Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe the next to adopt it. Although it’s still the original product, they added their own perks that better suit where they live. Some people rioted, but it didn’t reach the extent of what the cities in the US experienced.

The sole survivor of the ritual, the young woman with the sword, spent her free time training and reading. She tried remembering all authors and titles Andres mentioned, wanting to read anything he did. That made it feel like a part of him was still with her. Sometimes one book took an entire day to complete, helping her to better understand why he read while stuck at home. To spend the day immersed in another world, temporarily forgetting the loneliness around her, it became her favorite hobby.

The changes in the security system allowed her to travel more freely since she no longer had a chip of her own. She lacks an identity as well, since Jessica should be dead by now, and has always worn a hat or hood to hide her face from all security cameras. She has been to most states within the country, but always found herself back in Philadelphia. For some reason, she can’t escape the city. Though recently when she watches the citizens, she only feels sorrow.

Her go-to spot when visiting the city is the Edgewater Apartments where she once resided with her grandmother. The building is still intact and with the sea levels rising, the first floor is half submerged in water and has since been abandoned.

Sitting on the rooftop, watching as people pass each other on the sidewalk, she grips the sword at her side, suddenly remembering the previous owner’s bright smile. How were you able to continue smiling after all this, Yuuki?

Just then, she spots something familiar in the crowd. She stands up, jumps to the lower roof and runs a short distance before leaping to the sidewalk. She put in a lot of practice over the years; running in different areas, jumping from building to building, having now perfected the rate of speed necessary for any situation. She’s also confident the cameras can’t spot her when running and therefore has no reason to hide.

As she continues to run, she grabs a man by the collar and enters a dark alley, pinning him against a brick wall. All color is immediately drained from his face. With her left arm keeping his body pinned, she unsheathes the sword using her mouth, and holds the blade close to his throat. Blonde hair and blue eyes, she could never forget this face. The man who sacrificed her friends; Michael.

This is the moment she’s been dreaming of, bringing about a feeling of euphoria. With labored breathing, she steadily moves the blade closer and, just as she’s about to slice through his skin, his face suddenly changes to that of a man with brown hair and blue eyes. He simultaneously raises his hands and apologizes profusely.

“I’m so sorry! Please don’t kill me!! I’m here to help, I swear!!”

From that, she can figure out who, or what, he is. Right, Michael would never be this weak. Dispirited, she lowers her blade and steps back.

The man lets out a heavy sigh, “That was terrifying. You really got a good handle on your ability.”

Remaining quiet, she stares with emotionless eyes. Displaying an awkward smile, he introduces himself.

“Sorry again for tricking you. It’s been difficult to locate you, and I thought this might draw you out. Anyway, my name is Chase. I’m sure you already know what I am.”

A ‘shapeshifter’. Michael used that word before leaving, making her deduce he was referring to Kahler. She knew she’d encounter another at some point. A bright and cheery guy, and a one-syllable name, could he be…?

“Did you get that name from your father?” she asks.

“Was it that obvious? Before leaving mom and I, my father, Kahler, gave me that name.” He holds out his hand to greet, “It’s nice to finally meet you. Do you prefer Jessica, or…?”

Through the years, no one has called her by a name. During any interaction with people, she never gave one either. She was just some girl passing by. She already decided ‘Jessica’ disappeared along with the others, so to hear it now is almost too painful.

Trying to think of a name, nothing good comes to mind, until she remembers her other name chosen by Yuuki.

She grabs his hand in return, “Call me Hope.”

“Understood. Then it’s nice to meet you, Hope.”

In September of the year 2230, Hope’s time alone ended, but that doesn’t change her goal. The main thing on her mind is killing Michael and this brings her one step closer.