Chapter 2

"Now that everyone has introduced themselves, let’s get down to business. All of us are from different parts of the world and have many different interests. Am I right?” Daemon looked at each of them.

    They all nodded in response to what he had said. 

     “Time to represent the countries you all come from and the issues they face,” said Daemon. “Who wants to go first?"

     “I represent North Korea. I have traveled all over the north side and seen many problems that must be fixed. I read all the resources available to North Korea, some of which were false. It's terrible that the rich can live normally while the poor live in a bad state with no help and struggle to make ends meet for their families,” said Ji-Hu. 

      “Another issue is torture and other cruel, inhumane things that happen there,” said Ji-Hu as he got a little upset. 

       “I represent Thailand, and the issue is restrictions on freedom of expression and torture and enforced disappearances, human rights defenders, and violence,” said Anong Suwan.

    “I represent China. The main issue is the cost of housing and medical care, and the population is also a key issue,” said Jaw-long. 

 “I represent North Vietnam, and the main issue there is economic reform and food production, which they rely on in the south,” said Chien Thu. 

    “I represent South Vietnam and the issues there are corruption, nepotism, and administrative ineptitude,” said Thiên hà Le, her voice carrying the weight of responsibility for her country's challenges. 

     “I represent Japan, and I know that Japan did a lot of damage in the past; it was horrible; the first issue is the comfort women that happened from 1932 to 1945,” said Kaeya, her tone reflecting her unwavering determination to address the past atrocities. 

       “It was the government that ruled over that time, and when I learned of this, it made me upset that cruel things could happen when all those women wanted was a peaceful life. The other main issues were labor costs, political matters, petty fines, and the death penalty,” said Kaeya, her voice filled with hope for a better future despite the challenges. 

      “Hi, I represent South America, and the issue is the environment, soil erosion, and water pollution. Water scarcity, sea level rises, and poverty are issues everywhere, and this is a significant problem,” said Clover Lilac. 

    “Well, I represent North America, and the issue is conflict, political issues, shootings, violence, and stealing,” said Ambrose Lupin.

      “I represent France, and while my country is known for many things and sightseeing, the key issues are the undergrounds where everyday people and tourists get kidnapped for their looks and beauty if you are not careful, and this issue needs to be addressed,” said Sylvie. 

     “I represent Africa, and our issues are almost the same as those of the other countries but slightly different. The issues there are hunger and malnutrition, climate change’s threat to economic, social and environmental normality, and disease,” said Karmaria Ade.

    “The country I represent is Mexico, and the major issue is the dangerous cities located in Mexico and the related crimes like violence, kidnapping and human trafficking, human migration, and discrimination,” said Azura Cielo. 

     “I represent Germany, and we were known for the war a long time ago; the significant issues are surveillance and freedom of media. Women's rights, climate change policy, and racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, including violent hate crimes,” said Sterene Otto.  

    “I represent England and the issues there are drug abuse, violent crime, and teenage delinquency. Family breakdown, welfare dependency, poor urban environments, educational failure, poverty,” said Daemon. 

     “It sounds like everyone has finished what they represent, so what’s the next phase?” asked Kaeya, glancing at Daemon. 

    “I invited you all here to clean this world of the mistakes made in the past and selfish actions that cause people and the animals that live here to suffer,” said Daemon, clearing his throat.

      “It seems we represent our countries and the major issues of past and present issues,” said Kaeya. 

    “Why don't we move on to the real reason why we're here?” said Daemon. 

    “Now that is over, why not tell us what you plan to do with all the knowledge we acquired from our countries and the places we visit and research,” said Kaeya. 

     Everyone was curious and eager to know what was going on. Anticipation was high as they waited for more information to be shared. 

    “It seems everyone is waiting for the news. I did make you guys wait, but I will now tell you the big news,” said Daemon as he took a deep breath. 

    “I want to change the world and make it a place where everyone has equal rights, where there is no fighting, and people get along without hurting the innocents,” said Daemon.     

      Daemon's speech was so powerful that it moved everyone in the room. His vision of a world inspired them without conflict and inequality. 

    They all applauded him for that wonderful speech he gave them.

    “We can tell you mean it since it's coming from your heart,” said Kaeya.

    “Aren't you all sweet for that? Why don't we drink some tea? I bet you guys are tired from cleaning a lot today,” said Daemon as he made the tea himself. 

   “For once, you brewed it yourself. Half the time, when I visit, you tell me to do it, or when you are at my place, I still have to brew the tea myself,” said Kaeya as she sighed.

   “Hey, I take offense to that remark. I like it when others brew the tea, and it tells me if you put any dedication into the pot before boiling,” Daemon said to her.

     “Since you made it yourself, let's see how good your skills are,” said Kaeya as she blew on the tea. 

     After it cooled down, she drank the tea and listened to everyone's conversation. They talked and felt the plan was all right.

   “So how is it? It's not bad, right?" said Daemon. 

   Everyone was stunned by how good it was and by Daemon’s tea skills.

   “You even made it better than me,” said Kaeya as she gave it another sip to get the actual taste. 

   “Cousin, you're just going to have to up your game on this,” said Daemon as he laughed, knowing he had won his victory for the day. 

   “Everyone will have a turn making refreshments for the club along with snacks,” said Kaeya. 

   They all agreed and continued to enjoy their tea for the moment. 

     “My question is, when we take action, what will you call this planet,” said Kaeya. 

    “Instead of Earth, they call it number 40 since there are so many Earths in this vast universe,” said Daemon. 

    “I didn't even know so many existed out there, and I'm not saying that other planets don't exist,” said Ji-Hu. 

    “It's interesting how different cultures have different beliefs about the world's shape,” said Azura, wanting to do more for the world and learning more about each place.

    “It could be due to how we can walk in a straight path and not land upside down,” said Anong. 

     “They should get it in their thick skull that the world doesn't work like that; how foolish of them,” said Jaw-Long.

     “I doubt they would care about what we have to say,” said Chien. 

     “Is there any way to make them realize that half of their actions are wrong? Their so-called equality doesn't work,” said Sylvie, crossing her arms.

   “People are cruel and full of lies; aren't we also made up of them?" said Thiên hà, shrugging.

   “Yes, but we want real change, not this garbage they dish out to everyone like it's okay,” said Clover. 

    “We have to consider the animals as well. They have done nothing wrong, and many have died due to the recklessness of people,” said Sterene. 

 “That is true; it's dumb. They don't realize that animals have souls and feelings as we do,” said Ambrose. 

  “We have a lot to fix, but with all our knowledge, we can fix this planet and make it flourish,” said Karmaria. 

     “Let's work hard on this long project of ours and make it a success,” said Min-Young. 

      “It's great to hear from all of you, and let's do our very best, shall we?" said Kaeya as she cheered for their future success. 

   “This is why I picked all of you guys for this project; I'm grateful for your assistance,” said Daemon as he raised his teacup in the air, and everyone else raised theirs. 

     “What is the plan for world change?" said Kaeya as she glanced over at him.

      “Analyzing any key points in the world whether it’s small or big,” said Daemon, placing his hands together on the table.

     “This world is so big; how can we accomplish that?” Min-Young said as she thought about it and looked at them. 

       Everyone thought of the same thing, feeling the world was big and wondering how they would accomplish their goal.

     “Think about all the countries that were said and those that weren't. Those are the missing parts we need,” replied Daemon. 

      “Is there a deadline, or do we have enough time to finish?" said Azura, looking at him.

    “Not really, we have plenty of time. This club is for planning things thoroughly,” said Daemon, shaking his head.

    “You want us to pick the remaining places that weren’t mentioned and look for their issues, right?” Kaeya said as she looked at the book. 

    “That doesn't seem too hard; we can just travel there on our break and write down all the hardships that happen,” said Ambrose. 

      Everyone nodded and agreed, and they looked at the books to see where they had to head once their break started.

     “Gather around and choose where you want to go,” said Daemon as he showed them a list of names to pick out from. 

     “We should pick four each and make it easier, and for the remaining, we'll all go together," said Kaeya. 

   They began to pick out other countries and get started on planning. 

   “When spring break happens, all of us will report back to tell the news of their discovery,” said Daemon. 

    They nodded and continued to enjoy the tea, and after-school clubs ended. 

   “Hey, Daemon, what name did you come up with for the club?" asked Kaeya as she walked beside him. 

    “The name of our little club is Meridian,” said Daemon as he showed them how it looks and how to spell it. The font he chose for it was Playfair display.

     “Where did you come up with that name?” Kaeya asked as she tried to look it up but found nothing about it.  

     “It came to me in a dream. The name kept echoing in my head, and I thought it sounded like a great name,” said Daemon. 

    “From now on, we have to study and be the best if we want our goal to be a reality,” said Kaeya as she stretched her arm into the air. 

     “I have my grades covered, and you should work harder at number 2 on the ranking list of the elite school we're in,” said Daemon as he walked off. 

    “Hey, don't count me short on this! You're always ahead because you study every day without a break,” said Kaeya. 

       “Look here, cousin—I'm just saying to step up your game, or that man will take second place from you,” said Daemon as he passed her. 

       “You mean the man with the funny name and attitude? Ha! He has got nothing on me; I can say that with confidence,” said Kaeya as she passed him. 

   They began to run to see who could get home first.

   “You can't beat me; eat my dust,” said Kaeya as she started sprinting so she wouldn't lose to Daemon or have to listen to his demands.  

   “You'll be kissing my shoe if you lose to me,” said Daemon as he ran faster to catch up to her. 

   “Not on your life, I won't!” said Kaeya as she beat him. 

   “You won't be lucky in the next race, so watch out for water leakage on the way in,” said Daemon, smiling. 

  “Thanks for the concern, but watch your step on the way in,” Kaeya said, smirking. 

     They opened the door and looked around to see if the coast was clear. 

       A soap bar and water fell on Kaeya's head when she let her guard down. 

    “OUCH! What the hell! This is my favorite outfit…” said Kaeya as she pouted and walked up the stairs soaking wet. 

     A giant cake appeared before him, and a pie slammed into his face. Since he couldn't see, he fell onto the cake and landed on the ground. 

   “AH MY FACE AND MY OUTFIT!” said Daemon as he sulked and went to wash up. 

    Due to the incident at the door, they started screaming in the shower. Kaeya's parents were confused because they saw nothing; they only saw water and soap on the ground. Daemon's mom saw the smashed cake and pie on the ground. 

    “He got me good with that prank, but I won't lose next time,” said Kaeya. 

     “She might have gotten me with a tempting cake that got ruined, and it had to be a cheesecake. How could she? I'll get her next time for that,” said Daemon as he sobbed quietly in the shower.

   They finished their showers after a long day of school and their after-school club. 

   The following day, at 6:00 am, they got up, got ready, talked to their parents, and left for school. 

  “How did you like the water and soap prank,” said Daemon as he laughed.

    "That lame prank of yours wasn't funny, and how did you like my prank?” Kaeya said as she laughed at him. 

  “How dare you? I like cheesecake, and you go and tarnish my favorite thing, which I love eating the most in the world; you have some nerves,” said Daemon. 

      “Hey, what about my outfit? That was the prettiest one I’ve ever owned,” said Kaeya. 

      “It seems we're equal; it was a good prank you came up with,” said Daemon. 

     “You're not too bad with pranks either, so let's see who has the best prank,” said Kaeya. 

     They shook in agreement, laughed it off, and headed to school. They waited for the bell and went to class; they only had a few classes together. 

    The club members would all meet for lunch, club meetings, and occasional outside meetups.  

   From behind the scenes, a man had been taking notes of their activity and what they were planning.  

   Finally, one day, Kaeya turned around and saw him being sneaky and kicked him to the ground. 

   “Violence doesn't suit you,” said the man as he shrugged at her.

       “Rank 20, I suggest you go away. You're a pest. What do you want?” Kaeya shooed him away.

     “Nothing, and don't call me that. I have a name, you know,” said the man as he got up and tried to punch her. 

     She swung her arm at him, and he fell on his face within seconds.

   “It seems luck was on your side. I'm not fighting back because I would rather not injure your face,” said the man as he got up and dusted off his clothes.  

   “Ha, quit lying to yourself; you want to hurt me back for all those times I kicked your ass across the hall or into the classroom wall for being slow,” said Kaeya as she glared at him.