G3+Group+1

__//**LUKE**//__

Rats.

Their infernal squealing echoed through the streets, striking fear into everyone’s minds. They had The Mad Plague- that horrible disease that made the Earth go mad. And maybe a little bit cannibalistic. It was the plague that brought out the worst of humanity. The plague that separated our family.

I hate that disease. Nobody knows where it came from, or when it started. All I know is that it plagued the world. I know it separated me and my twin. Me and sky. This disease changed my life, and it sucked up my dad’s time. You see, he was a scientist who worked on a cure for the plague, working day and night, sometimes sleeping at the lab. His visits home became fewer and fewer, and finally stopped coming home altogether. Finally, Sky, mom, and I finally got tired of him not being around, so we packed up our things and headed out to the car. I remember that it was very cold in that car.

My memories about that day were fuzzy at best. I remember hearing this gruesome wailing sound coming from all around. Then I saw a black wave of… rats. Mom panicked, her blue eyes wide with fright. Her old sneakers slammed down the gas pedal, but the rats bit the tires and popped them. We couldn’t move. They flung their tiny bodies at the windows, trying to get at us. I took a breath. Then I opened the door. Immediately, the screeching grew louder. Then, suddenly, it stopped, as the rats saw the open door. Mom and I jumped out before the rats started moving.

That’s when they attacked. Sky got out of the car, but rats immediately swarmed up her legs. She kicked at them, screaming like a maniac all the while, and rats flew all over the place. She finally fought her way out of that black tide of fur, but it was obvious she was not entirely unhurt. Her legs were bloodied and bitten, her brown hair was severely frazzled, and her usually bright, happy eyes were dilated and dull. Mom and I held her up as we slowly, painfully slowly, limped towards the dark, forbidding woods. The rats, preoccupied with the imagined greater threat of the car, swarmed it and covered the entire thing. I shivered, thinking about what would have happened if we were still in there. It was not a pretty thought. We then started the long, long trek through the snow to dad’s lab.

When we finally got there, we were cold and sore, but most of all, spooked out of our wits. We rushed past several scientists, some curled up on tables, rocking back and forth. When we came to our dad's office, the door was ajar and we could see papers in disarray, thrown all over the floor. Sky broke free of us and limped into the room as fast as she could. She looked around- and after a moment, she screamed.

//__**SKY**__//

It's been six months since that horrible incident. Since my dad's death. We're living in the lab now, Luke, Mom, and I. Our little "stronghold" of people may be the only group left untouched by that infernal plague. Our dad's time, apparently, had been completely wasted. He had been developing a vaccine for the plague, but it was unfinished when the lab was attacked. Mostly, to pass the time, I just read the books I had packed in my luggage.

While I was reading one of the books Lee, one of the scientists who worked with Dad, came into into my room. He said, "Sky. Everyone is being called to the main lab for a meeting, and you have to come too." I knew there was no point in trying to get a 'why' out of him, so I just followed him down the long hall to the main lab.

We were the last ones to arrive, but it wasn't as if the room was filled with people and we could just slip in the back. There were only eleven people in the room, so as soon as we came in, everyone turned and looked at us. //Great. Attention//, I thought sourly. I hated attracting attention. I would rather be invisible in a corner with a book than be at center stage, like my brother likes to be. Speaking of my brother, there he was, standing up next to Head Scientist Yuu. Our mom was there too. He, of course, was waving very obviously at me, for everyone to see. I walked over to him and slapped down the offending arm that had been frantically waving to me. As if i couldn't see him! He can be really obnoxious.

"As you know, many of our people have been bitten by the little //Oni// you call rats," proclaimed Yuu as soon as he had gotten everyone's attention. He had climbed up onto a chair- he was very short. He always tried to be the boss, but dad always took over from him, until... Anyway, his name, Yuu, even means 'superior'. He was bossy all the time. He even had his own "council" of people he selected specifically so they wouldn't disagree with him.

"We have been discussing the problem of having possibly infected people in our facility and have decided that they will be thrown out at noon tomorrow," he continued. "The rats that have bitten you may have had the plague, so to eliminate all possibility of the disease spreading, and to keep the madmen outside, where they can't affect us, this is the conclusion we have come to."

That hit us hard. An immediate silence fell over the people, then soon after, followed by an overwhelming wave of outraged cries. I felt mad, and when I get mad, I channel all emotion into one, focused point of fury. I quietly got up, and walked slowly, purposefully, towards Yuu. On my way, I vaguely noticed my brother, who apparently was having a heated conversation with the head scientist. As if //he// could help. I stomped up to Yuu, and promptly kicked the chair he was standing on out from under him. He fell to the ground with a little yelp, and was laid flat out onto the floor.

Yuu pushed himself up off the floor, apparently seething mad. His usually stern face was all scrunched up, and had turned the color of a tomato. "You idiotic little girl! Even if you weren't bitten by rats, you should be thrown out for this, insolent little act of... of... insolence!!" He seethed.

Of course, his little minions crowded around him, comforting and soothing him, while shooting me dirty looks. I didn't care. He deserved it, no matter what anyone else thought. I stomped off to my room, and packed my belongings silently, throwing supplies into a backpack haphazardly. When I was sufficiently calm, I picked up all my stuff, organized it into the bag and pulled out my favorite book to start reading. Gradually, I stopped seeing red. I finished my book, and went to sleep.


 * //__SKY__//**

We, the exiled, set up camp in an abandoned house on the outskirts of Tokyo after trekking half the day. Walking through the neighborhoods and districts of Tokyo was depressing. This beautiful city that was once bustling with life now echoed with the moaning of the mad. We never stayed in one place for long, and we always had someone looking back and someone scouting ahead. We were always on our toes, ready to make a run for it at any strange movement in the shadows. If we got caught by victims of The Mad Plague, we were done for. The maddened creatures the plague had created were vicious and cannibalistic. While wandering through the streets, we occasionally found one or two people who had had sufficient shelter from the rats. Our numbers grew. Eventually, we reached an abandoned military bunker. Perfect. We immediately decided to stay here and build up our defenses against the rats.

After 5 hours working and slaving away to secure our base, we finally had a chance to rest. Half of us, at least, went out like a rock. I didn't. I thought about my brother. I've always tried to ignore him because he had always been annoyingly cheerful. But he was always there, and encouraging. I suppose the saying "You don't miss the water until the well runs dry" is true. We've always had a special connection; we've always been able to tell what each other is feeling. I've always contributed to the fact that we're twins, but now I think it's because of all the hardships. But he was always the one to hold us together, the one that got stronger after getting knocked down. I guess I'm the real idiot for holding on to the past.

//Now that I'm over that sappy moment,// I thought, //I can actually start coming up with a reasonable plan,// //a plan that would bring us back together.// I came up with several ideas, but I couldn't come up with a complete plan. I needed Luke there to help me, because like it or not, we depended on each other. And no matter what was in my way, I will get our family back. Before I drifted off to sleep I thought of a brilliant, simple minded solution, //All I have to do is meet up with Luke somewhere!// With that exciting thought in my head I went to sleep.

After about a week, John, the leader of the Exiles, called a meeting and announced that we would have to have a scavenging party go out to collect food, because we were nearly out. I immediately volunteered; this would be the perfect opportunity to meet with Luke.

In the end the scavenging party was A.J. and I. He was a medium-height teenager, with black hair and brown eyes. Right now, his hair was extremely frazzled, and he had a stupid grin plastered onto is face like it was his birthday.

"AJ, you're an idiot." I said. The grin immediately disappeared. "We're on a scavenging mission, not a happy fun trip."

AJ shot back, "I know it's not something fun. But I know you. You probably aren't planning on doing a scavenging mission, are you?"

I replied, "No, as a matter of fact, I'm not. We are going to take a trip to the facility, to talk to Luke about getting us back into the community."

AJ whistled. "Isn't that a little bit impossible?" he asked.

I replied, "No, not really. We could take Yuu out of power, therefore abolishing his 'no possible madmen in our community' rule."

He looked at me like I was one of the Mad. "Are you crazy? Yuu has established to strong of a hold on that community. How the heck are we supposed to do it?"

I replied, "We? What we? We were going to do it ourselves."

"It definitely won't work without more than two people. I am helping, whether you like it or not." The worst part was, it made sense. I //DID// need help. And lots of it.

"Fine. Come with me. But promise me this. Don't help us with the plan. Please. You're going to mess everything up if you do." I said, in a very resigned tone.

AJ was taken aback. "Oooookaaaay. Then what am I supposed to do?"

"Stand back and guard." I said, and promptly walked away.


 * //__LUKE__//**

When Sky was thrown out of the community, I spent many sleep-deprived nights wondering: Is she dead? Did the plague get her? Was she killed by rats? I thought I would never know. After about a week, I heard a tapping at the window. It was Sky. I went over and opened the window. I had so many questions, but I was silenced with a wave of her finger as soon as I started. She waved for me to come outside.Quickly, I pulled on some clothes and followed.

“Before you say anything, I have a few things to tell you. One, we are going to overthrow Yuu. Not by ourselves, of course. I have a few people who are going to help. I have a half-formed plan, but you will have to help with the rest."

“Ok, so what do you have? It's easier to add on a part if you know what the other part is.” I replied.

“I have the skeleton of the plan, but you will have to contribute. We will lure Yuu outside, then scare him somehow, and block off his path into the building. When he tries to run, we will trap him somehow, and threaten to leave him there until he resigns as leader." She explained.

“So, I'm guessing I will be luring him outside?" I asked.

"Duh!" she said.

"So that means that I will not be able to scare him. Where will you be?" I continued.

"I am going to be with the volunteers helping with the rebellion, blocking off his path into the building," she replied.

"Ok. That means we cant have people to scare him. But we do have fake people." I said.

"Fake people?"

"Yeah. You and the volunteers can make snowmen! That way we can give the appearance of a large army, and Yuu will be scared out of his wits!"

"That's one of the stupidest plans I've ever hear, but it might work! And when he tries to bolt, we can dig a pit trap! That will make the danger of being left greater, because he might be attacked by rats if he stays! He will have to surrender," She replied enthusiastically.

"Let's get to work." I said.

//__**SKY**__//

AJ and I were walking back to our bunker, thinking and organizing the plan, when we were surrounded by five people. It was entirely our fault; normally we would have been aware of their presence a lot earlier, but we weren't paying attention to our surroundings.

The breath caught in my throat, but I still managed to whisper softly to AJ, “We’re dead, aren’t we?”

“Yes, most probably,” he replied in a frightened murmur.

Slowly, we turned so that we were back to back, surveying the people facing us. They didn’t look mad, but looks can be deceiving. Very deceiving.

Regaining control of my voice, I yelled at them, “Hey, who are you?”

This was a test to see if they are victims of the plague. Most victims couldn’t speak, there was a theory that the Plague also affected the speech part of the brain, but it was a good test to check if someone was Mad or not. We had always suspected that there was another colony, and we would be very lucky if this was part of it.

“The name's Charles! What you little childrens doing out on this frostbitten afternoon?” One of the men called to us.

AJ and I nearly sank to the ground in relief. “Thank god, we thought you were mad!” I sighed.

“ Uh, how insulting. Why don’t we take you home, dangerous to be walking around this mad part of the city,” he offered.

AJ answered immediately, “Sure. Sounds great we can always use the extra company and food.”

“Great! As you can see, we have both!” He explained happily, gesturing to his group.

When we got back, I knocked on the door of the bunker, and almost immediately I heard about 10 locks click out of place and the door was flung open.

“You’re back! Finally!” Mr. Thompson cried, going to hug his son. Then, he stopped, noticing the group of people standing behind us.

He looked at us with a critical eye, “I thought we sent you out for food, not people.”

“Yeah, well we picked them up along the way and they have food! Now will you let us in? It’s freezing out here!” To make my point, my teeth let out a loud chatter.

“Fine, fine, come on in,” Mr. Thompson said, waving us in.

Once inside I asked politely if Mr. Thompson could gather everyone up in the living room, and that I had an 'announcement' to make. When everyone was sitting comfortably on old sofas and chairs, I stood up and walked into the middle of the room.

“Today, I met with my brother,” I started, “and we came up with a plan that he created to get us back inside!” Everyone was excited, even the new group because they were finally getting a place to stay. But, that was all the talking I needed to do, everyone in the room agreed that it was a good idea to go back to the facility.

“That was surprisingly easy,” I mumbled to AJ as I slid down next to him on the floor.

The next morning we started our march back. Everyone was in high spirits, laughing and joking as we walked. When we arrived at the facility we would have a lot of work, but for now everybody was playing. They were probably so happy because they could feel the adrenaline, I know I could!

After about three hours of walking we arrived at the area of the facility, and we started working.

“Charles,” I shouted to the Brit that we had joined our group, “you and your mates wrap up your hands because you’re going to be building snowmen!”

He gave me a puzzled look, but complied, yelling “Okay, I bet that I’ll make more than all of you put together!” With amazing vigor, they got to it.

Turning to the rest I said, “Okay, let's get digging.” I tossed the five shovels I had brought on the ground. They all picked one up, and started to work diligently. It took us several hours but finally it was set. At five o’clock I sent up the flair which was the signal that I’d finished my part of the plan, hopefully Luke was done too.

//**__LUKE__**//

After meeting with Sky, I was thrilled. Our plan was about to be put into action. I was so outraged at Yuu; I just wanted to see his stubby little legs fall into our trap. No one could stop Sky and I bringing our family back together. But first I had to start figuring out how to gather some followers on the inside. This was not going to be easy. While I was thinking about who would join me, I saw Lee walking down the hall. //Uh-oh,// I thought, //h//e's Yuu's right hand man. He could ruin us. Big time.

"Luke," said Lee sternly, “I know that Sky contacted you yesterday." His expression seemed to lighten up, "You twp have started up a nice little plan of rebellion. However, you need help. You won’t be able to carry out a rebellion all by yourself. Also, Yuu has suspicions." he said. He knew. This was not good. The plan might fail completely, even though he was right. I do need help.

“I am tired of Yuu treating me as his slave. I could tolerate him before, but he has gone over the line with his exile of the so-called 'plagued people.' You will need my help in overthrowing him. I know him well. I can help."

"You realize, that you will be charged for treason if the resistance is found out. You will be thrown to the rats." I said.

Lee replied in a grim tone of voice, "I know. I promise that I will do all in my power to aid the cause of your resistance."

“But I will only let you join if you capture one of Yuu’s council men." I said. This was a test to see if he was actually serious and truthful about his offer.

“Sure,” he said.

Then he turned around and started off to the library. It made sense, because one of Yuu’s council men is always there. I trusted him, to get his job done; now all I had to do was wait for the signal from Sky. This was going well! For an hour, I actually picked up a book. I sat close to the window so we would be able to see the signal. It would be bad if we had bad timing. Then I saw a red streak go through the sky out of the corner of my eye. Now it was my turn to do my part of the plan.

I set out to start alarming Yuu. Yuu’s room was surrounded by his “council”. I barged past them with ease and ran over to Yuu. “THERE'S TROUBLE OUTSIDE OF THE BASE.” I screamed.

Yuu looked annoyed. “Shut up little boy! Some people are trying to relax and you’re shouting as if we are being attacked!”

“That’s because we **are** being attacked!” I shouted in distress, “We need your help!”

That got his attention. He liked it when he was needed and in an important position. He was a greedy old man.

“Well, I guess I will need to fulfill my duty by helping you.” He was trying to sound in control and calm, but he just came across as aloof and scared.

I led him outside by running ahead, and urging him to hurry up, making him even more scared. When we got out our trap started. The first thing Yuu saw when he walked out was a lot of big hulking shapes and shadows, and the first thing he heard was terrifying screams. Terrified, Yuu tried to run back in but Sky, her volunteers, and I blocked the door.

“They need you, Yuu.” I said, glaring at him, “We don’t need you.”

“What is going on here?” he said, “You can’t do this to me. You do need me!”

“Too late!” I exclaimed victoriously.

“This cannot happen to me,” Yuu said shakily, “Lee will take over and my Government will carry on. You have not stopped me; you have merely slowed down the process. You have failed and I will prevail on.”

“There may be a problem with that plan” said a voice. Lee stepped out of the crowd. It seems that Lee carried out his part and captured a council man.

“Lee, good man, you saved my council man and you are here to restore order, right.” Yuu said hopefully.

“Not exactly” he said, “I am sick and tired of you treating me like your sidekick.”

After hearing this Yuu tried to make a mad dash to where the snowmen were. He fell right into the pitfall. We all rushed after him.

“Let me out of here” he hollered, “You let me out, now."

“Only when you promise to resign your leadership of stronghold,” I yelled down the hole, “and let the others back in.”

“I will never do that, I am the rightful leader of this stronghold” said Yuu. “Luke and Sky, your own father trusted me.”

Right there he crossed the line. Sky looked outraged and I was steaming. “OUR FATHER DIDN’T TRUST YOU, YOU TRIED TO KILL HIM AND YOU WERE ALWAYS JEALOUS” I screamed, “YOU WOULD BE THE LAST PERSON MY DAD WOULD WANT IN CHARGE.”

I stormed off into the building. Sky and the resistance followed, some of them making rude gestures at the pit where Yuu was. It took some time but I finally calmed down. I sat in my room, so mad at Yuu I could not even put it into words. After I calmed down, the resistance, Sky, and I headed back outside to the pit but it was covered in black. I looked more closely and saw that it was fur, and it was moving.

“Run! Get back inside!” I yell at everyone, "The rats are back!"

We all turned and sprinted to the stronghold. We needed to get inside before the rats got there. We all ran faster than we had ever run in our life. Thankfully, we reached the building in time. We burst inside, slamming the door behind us. We could hear the little pests trying to swarm the door, their little claws scratching at the door, sending chills down our backs. Turning around I counted everyone in front of me. Everyone was there, except Yuu.

“What do you think happened to Yuu?” said Sky, sounding half scared and half vengeful.

“I don’t know,” I said, "He probably already got bit, like, 4000 times.” “Well, I guess we still have to find a cure,” said Sky as she was walking back to her room.

“I guess so,” I said, heading to my own room, “I guess so.”