The Secrets
-Story Thread-
Who would ever guess that the core of the Earth, was really just a secret
town, waiting to be explored? Each year, recruits of Vermilia (the town) are assigned to bring back kids to join Vermilia. This 'event' was created to
"rescue" kids from their horrible reality, and bring them into a hidden paradise. There's only a few rules- all secrets about Vermilia are to be kept in Vermilia, even it's
very existence. Anyone 18 or below are allowed to reside there, that is- until they're eighteen. Once a full-pledged member of Vermilia, you will be sent off to thieve for things from the world above. But trouble arises when seven new recruits are assigned to retrieve
seven kids from the world above...
~
Characters
Aubri Morsak - @Phenix
Marianne Fuerte - @Bori
Wolfia Parker - @Wolfy
Hyun Jae - @Chanyeol
Malachai Jenkins - @PepperPancake
Alexander Silver - @PrqyForTheWicked
Alfred Feather - @QualityCasual
Kiro Nakamura - @Spirits
Pharas Masicho - @sippyclouds
Clove Woods - @Val
Anika Myles - @ElizaRoses
Atlas Salem - @sippyclouds
Rain Halligan - @AJules
~
-Story Thread-
Who would ever guess that the core of the Earth, was really just a secret
town, waiting to be explored? Each year, recruits of Vermilia (the town) are assigned to bring back kids to join Vermilia. This 'event' was created to
"rescue" kids from their horrible reality, and bring them into a hidden paradise. There's only a few rules- all secrets about Vermilia are to be kept in Vermilia, even it's
very existence. Anyone 18 or below are allowed to reside there, that is- until they're eighteen. Once a full-pledged member of Vermilia, you will be sent off to thieve for things from the world above. But trouble arises when seven new recruits are assigned to retrieve
seven kids from the world above...
~
Characters
Aubri Morsak - @Phenix
Marianne Fuerte - @Bori
Wolfia Parker - @Wolfy
Hyun Jae - @Chanyeol
Malachai Jenkins - @PepperPancake
Alexander Silver - @PrqyForTheWicked
Alfred Feather - @QualityCasual
Kiro Nakamura - @Spirits
Pharas Masicho - @sippyclouds
Clove Woods - @Val
Anika Myles - @ElizaRoses
Atlas Salem - @sippyclouds
Rain Halligan - @AJules
~
The town was filled with squeals and cheers. The crowds roared with excitement and celebration. Streamers hung from the stone ceilings of the hollow sphere. Confetti floated down after being launched skyward. The stage was empty except for two large bowls, each containing hundreds of paper. Each paper had a name inside- one bowl was for the selected. The other for the chosen.
The chosen were kids who lived in Aboveland. The selected were The Runaways, also recognized as citizens of Vermilia. Vermilia is located in the center of the Earth. Scientists are correct about the center of the Earth being incredibly hot. But in all honesty, it really is just a cover-up.
The center of the Earth is protected by a heat barrier, capable of burning anything that it touches. Luckily, there are hundreds of ice tunnels to keep the heat out for citizens to easily pass to and from Aboveland. The ice is also a magic barrier, known as a frost barrier. It keeps the air inside of what it is surrounding cool enough for citizens not to be affected by the heat.
Screams up-roared as a young girl gradually walked onto the stage. She was dressed in a blue and yellow gown, wearing a crown of lush green leaves. Jewels were attached to each leaf and dazzled when the light hit it. She had platinum blonde hair, easily to be mistaken for pure white. Her dark skin was smooth and soft.
She tapped a couple times on the microphone located in the center of the stage. “Ahem.” The sound roared through the speakers. “Welcome all to the annual event of the Choosing!” She announced triumphantly. Citizens yelled and screamed in response. “Aha, settle down children. To begin with, I would like to personally thank you for all you have contributed towards the making of Vermilia. Every thieved item is greatly appreciated.”.
She waltzed over to the selected bowl looking inside it. “We shall start off with the Selected. Six recruits will be chosen to prove their trust to Vermilia by safely escorting the Chosen from Aboveland to here. If they are successful, they will be blessed for as long as they reside in our community.” The crowd cheered.
Once the audience settled down, she began to speak again. “Our first recruit…” She took a long pause and gently put her hand in the bowl. Mixing around the paper names, she pulled one card out. She opened it with caution, peeking at the name. “Wolfia Parker! Congratulations love, make your way up to the stage.” She spoke calmly into the mic.
Wolfia made their way up to the stage and carelessly grabbed the microphone from the girl. “Call me Wolf, thank you.” She demanded in a strict voice.
The girl snatched the microphone back. She took a deep breath then continued the ceremony. “Ah. My sincere apologies, Wolf.” Wolf rolled their eyes.
The girl grabbed Wolf’s hand and raised it together. “Wolf Parker! Our first recruit. Step this way, love, to the side.” She guided them to the bleachers. Wolf took a seat at the first of seven chairs.
Wolf was perfectly fine about being selected. They had wanted this position about being rescued from their monstrous life. Of course, they never really talk about it nor do they want to.
The girl continued to speak. “The second recruit.” She exclaimed, reaching for another card. She took the card closest to the top of the bowl. She opened the note-card and read off the name. “Malachai Jenkins! Congratulations love, come on up and take a seat next to Wolf!”
Malachai quickly went up and took a seat. He had a determined spark in his eye, ready for the adventure to come. Wolf scowled. “This ain’t no board game, you know. This is real life.”
Malachai shook his head. “I’m aware. I am just excited to venture back to Aboveland.” He replied calmly, focusing on the roaring crowd. He avoided eye-contact with Wolf.
“Hey, look at me when I’m talkin’ to you!” Wolf nearly slapped the side of his cheek. “Aboveland is a curse, a living hell. This is why we were all chosen to be brought to Vermilia- to escape from that place.” Wolf shivered, horrid memories returning.
Malachai ignored Wolf, tuning into the ceremony.
“Our next recruit, number three…” She pulled another name and unrolled it. “Clove Woods! Congratulations love. You know the cycle, take a seat next to Malachai.” She addressed.
Clove walked up on stage, thanked the young girl, and took her seat. She didn’t speak a word to Malachai or Wolf but simply ignored them as if they did not exist.
The young girl reached a hand into the bowl. “Our fourth recruit… Kiro Nakamura! Congrats love, c’mon up here and take the fourth seat.”
He quietly and swiftly took his spot among the seven chairs. No conversation flowed between the newly recruited.
Another paper was drawn. Another name announced. “Anika Myles, will be our fifth recruit. Take your time walkin’ on up here, dear. I understand it’s overwhelming’.” The girl chuckled lightly.
Anika relaxed her shoulders, stood up from the wooden bench she sat upon and strolled up to the stage. Her eyes were focused on the girl and did not smile. She looked grave at the crowd. She politely gave the announcer her hand and quickly rushed to her seat on the podium of seven.
The girl’s hand dipped back into the gigantic clear bowl, her fingers mixing the thin paper around. She gripped one tightly and read the name aloud. “Alfred Feather!” She exclaimed. “I will be the first to say congratulations. As instructed before, walk up to the stage and take your rightful seat among the seven.” She emphasized rightful as if there were a hidden meaning behind it. None did it send to the crowd, but Alfred raised his eyebrows. Something told him that rightful shouldn’t be taken lightly nor forgotten.
He shook his head and blew the thought aside. Not now, he whispered in his mind. He made it to the stage, climbing up the staircase towards the girl. He squinted, noticing few details on her dress. Wording, it appeared to be. Near the bottom lacing said seven planets. Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. He stared at the dress like an investigation.
“Sir? Are you alright?” She asked Alfred. He nodded peacefully, shook her hand and sat down. He pondered into his thoughts before the microphone’s vibration broke his concentration.
The young woman’s smile beamed with delight. “Our last recruit…” She boomed. She swiftly picked up a piece of paper. “Lana Cherriwood. Make your way up to the stage, you, darling, are our last recruit!”
Lana got up out of her seat and marched towards the girl. She did not intend to be picked nor did she wanted to be. “Thank you darling, for your dedication towards this settlement. Take your rightful seat among the seven.”
There it was again, Alfred thought. Rightful. What was it supposed to represent, he questioned. He was familiar with the word rightful, but never was it used in Vermilia. Especially during a precious ceremony like this.
“We will now pick the Chosen. As a reminder, the Chosen are children who have a devastating life and desire for an escape. As escorts, you will need to put your Chosen Child’s needs before your own. If you fail to deliver them safely to their new home, not only will be banished from Vermilia but Aboveland also.” She explained briefly while waltzing over to the next huge bowl.
In other words, death, Clove thought. She has heard of death before, and it isn’t delightful that words can provide. It’s the game-over button, she said to herself.
The youthful female tapped on the microphone. “Starting from the top! Wolf Parker, your Chosen Child is…” She slipped a paper from the bowl to her fingertips. She gently unfolded it. “Alexander Silver!”
She gestured for Wolf to come to her. She handed them the slip of paper and directed them to back-stage. “Take your Chosen Child’s name and head to the back. Additional information, such as location will be provided there. Thank you for your service.” Wolf rolled their eyes again, walking away.
“I swear, when I get back from my escorting job I’ll knock her pretty little tiara off her pampered head and back into Aboveland.” Wolf snarled.
“Next up, Malachai Jenkins, you will be escorting…” The crowd roared. “Rain Halligan! The location of your Chosen Child will be provided in the back.” The girl directed.
Eager to pull another name, she swooped her hand back into the bowl with another paper. “Especially for Clove Woods, your Chosen Child is none other than Marian-”
Clove leaped towards the girl and took the microphone away from her. “I’ve been here for quite some time, but never have I heard your name. Instead of calling you girl or ‘princess’,” She snorted. “What’s your real name, huh?”
The girl backed off of Clove and closer towards the bowl. “Kiara.” She said plainly. “I am Kiara Blackleigh.” Silence covered the town, citizens no longer having the courage to cheer for Clove. “Ahem, excuse that. Any-hoo, your Chosen Child is Marianne Fuerte. Make your way towards the back, Ms. Clove. Thank you for your service and public question.”
Clove gave a slight growl and disappeared from sight of the crowd. The next recruit was already lined up by Kiara. “Kiro, your Chosen Child will be Pharas Masicho. Follow Clove towards the back please, and thank you for your service.”
The crowd was quiet and nervous after the scene Clove had made. Kiara’s name was never publicly known and never was it sought to be known. None of the citizens had wanted to know a higher-up’s name neither did they have the strength and courage to ask. They sat down, no longer cheering, clapping, or bouncing with excitement.
“Our fifth recruit, Anika Myles, please step forward.” Anika did as she was told and walked into center-stage. “Your Chosen Child is Hyun Jae. More knowledge on your child will be given to you in the back. Thank you for your service and have a safe journey.”
Another paper was pulled from the jar. “Our sixth recruit, step forward please Alfred Feather. Your Chosen Child shall be Atlas Salem. Thank you for your service.”
Alfred tilted his head in confusion. Most of the previous recruits got long speeches and wishes of safety or praise, but here, he received a simple instruction. Something was wrong with Kiara Blackleigh, even if that’s who she was. He wandered off the stage and into the vast room of workers.
“Last but not least, Lana Cherriwood. Step forward and meet your Chosen Child.” Kiara announced. “Your Chosen Child is…” She stuck her hand in and pulled out another slip. “Aburianna Morsak. Thank you for your service and make your way towards the back please.”
Lana quickly left the stage. Kiara stepped forward.
“And for all of you, thank you for joining me in this ceremony- It means a great deal to us Council Members.” Kiara spoke kindly. “I am aware that Council Member names aren’t to be revealed, yes, although I felt it was fit for me to say it now as I’m closer to all of you. People of Vermilia, stand with me and fight for a brighter future in-” Her words were cut off.
The world stopped at that moment. All movement in Vermilia paused and every citizen stared at Kiara Blackleigh fall to the ground. A puddle of blood dyed the tan stage-wood, a dark red. The sound of a gunshot bounced off the walls of the stone-caved city. One of it’s representatives fell into the sea of gathered people, quickly to separate in fear.
The town of Vermilia hid from the Earth above, but quickly changed to hide from itself too.
The chosen were kids who lived in Aboveland. The selected were The Runaways, also recognized as citizens of Vermilia. Vermilia is located in the center of the Earth. Scientists are correct about the center of the Earth being incredibly hot. But in all honesty, it really is just a cover-up.
The center of the Earth is protected by a heat barrier, capable of burning anything that it touches. Luckily, there are hundreds of ice tunnels to keep the heat out for citizens to easily pass to and from Aboveland. The ice is also a magic barrier, known as a frost barrier. It keeps the air inside of what it is surrounding cool enough for citizens not to be affected by the heat.
Screams up-roared as a young girl gradually walked onto the stage. She was dressed in a blue and yellow gown, wearing a crown of lush green leaves. Jewels were attached to each leaf and dazzled when the light hit it. She had platinum blonde hair, easily to be mistaken for pure white. Her dark skin was smooth and soft.
She tapped a couple times on the microphone located in the center of the stage. “Ahem.” The sound roared through the speakers. “Welcome all to the annual event of the Choosing!” She announced triumphantly. Citizens yelled and screamed in response. “Aha, settle down children. To begin with, I would like to personally thank you for all you have contributed towards the making of Vermilia. Every thieved item is greatly appreciated.”.
She waltzed over to the selected bowl looking inside it. “We shall start off with the Selected. Six recruits will be chosen to prove their trust to Vermilia by safely escorting the Chosen from Aboveland to here. If they are successful, they will be blessed for as long as they reside in our community.” The crowd cheered.
Once the audience settled down, she began to speak again. “Our first recruit…” She took a long pause and gently put her hand in the bowl. Mixing around the paper names, she pulled one card out. She opened it with caution, peeking at the name. “Wolfia Parker! Congratulations love, make your way up to the stage.” She spoke calmly into the mic.
Wolfia made their way up to the stage and carelessly grabbed the microphone from the girl. “Call me Wolf, thank you.” She demanded in a strict voice.
The girl snatched the microphone back. She took a deep breath then continued the ceremony. “Ah. My sincere apologies, Wolf.” Wolf rolled their eyes.
The girl grabbed Wolf’s hand and raised it together. “Wolf Parker! Our first recruit. Step this way, love, to the side.” She guided them to the bleachers. Wolf took a seat at the first of seven chairs.
Wolf was perfectly fine about being selected. They had wanted this position about being rescued from their monstrous life. Of course, they never really talk about it nor do they want to.
The girl continued to speak. “The second recruit.” She exclaimed, reaching for another card. She took the card closest to the top of the bowl. She opened the note-card and read off the name. “Malachai Jenkins! Congratulations love, come on up and take a seat next to Wolf!”
Malachai quickly went up and took a seat. He had a determined spark in his eye, ready for the adventure to come. Wolf scowled. “This ain’t no board game, you know. This is real life.”
Malachai shook his head. “I’m aware. I am just excited to venture back to Aboveland.” He replied calmly, focusing on the roaring crowd. He avoided eye-contact with Wolf.
“Hey, look at me when I’m talkin’ to you!” Wolf nearly slapped the side of his cheek. “Aboveland is a curse, a living hell. This is why we were all chosen to be brought to Vermilia- to escape from that place.” Wolf shivered, horrid memories returning.
Malachai ignored Wolf, tuning into the ceremony.
“Our next recruit, number three…” She pulled another name and unrolled it. “Clove Woods! Congratulations love. You know the cycle, take a seat next to Malachai.” She addressed.
Clove walked up on stage, thanked the young girl, and took her seat. She didn’t speak a word to Malachai or Wolf but simply ignored them as if they did not exist.
The young girl reached a hand into the bowl. “Our fourth recruit… Kiro Nakamura! Congrats love, c’mon up here and take the fourth seat.”
He quietly and swiftly took his spot among the seven chairs. No conversation flowed between the newly recruited.
Another paper was drawn. Another name announced. “Anika Myles, will be our fifth recruit. Take your time walkin’ on up here, dear. I understand it’s overwhelming’.” The girl chuckled lightly.
Anika relaxed her shoulders, stood up from the wooden bench she sat upon and strolled up to the stage. Her eyes were focused on the girl and did not smile. She looked grave at the crowd. She politely gave the announcer her hand and quickly rushed to her seat on the podium of seven.
The girl’s hand dipped back into the gigantic clear bowl, her fingers mixing the thin paper around. She gripped one tightly and read the name aloud. “Alfred Feather!” She exclaimed. “I will be the first to say congratulations. As instructed before, walk up to the stage and take your rightful seat among the seven.” She emphasized rightful as if there were a hidden meaning behind it. None did it send to the crowd, but Alfred raised his eyebrows. Something told him that rightful shouldn’t be taken lightly nor forgotten.
He shook his head and blew the thought aside. Not now, he whispered in his mind. He made it to the stage, climbing up the staircase towards the girl. He squinted, noticing few details on her dress. Wording, it appeared to be. Near the bottom lacing said seven planets. Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. He stared at the dress like an investigation.
“Sir? Are you alright?” She asked Alfred. He nodded peacefully, shook her hand and sat down. He pondered into his thoughts before the microphone’s vibration broke his concentration.
The young woman’s smile beamed with delight. “Our last recruit…” She boomed. She swiftly picked up a piece of paper. “Lana Cherriwood. Make your way up to the stage, you, darling, are our last recruit!”
Lana got up out of her seat and marched towards the girl. She did not intend to be picked nor did she wanted to be. “Thank you darling, for your dedication towards this settlement. Take your rightful seat among the seven.”
There it was again, Alfred thought. Rightful. What was it supposed to represent, he questioned. He was familiar with the word rightful, but never was it used in Vermilia. Especially during a precious ceremony like this.
“We will now pick the Chosen. As a reminder, the Chosen are children who have a devastating life and desire for an escape. As escorts, you will need to put your Chosen Child’s needs before your own. If you fail to deliver them safely to their new home, not only will be banished from Vermilia but Aboveland also.” She explained briefly while waltzing over to the next huge bowl.
In other words, death, Clove thought. She has heard of death before, and it isn’t delightful that words can provide. It’s the game-over button, she said to herself.
The youthful female tapped on the microphone. “Starting from the top! Wolf Parker, your Chosen Child is…” She slipped a paper from the bowl to her fingertips. She gently unfolded it. “Alexander Silver!”
She gestured for Wolf to come to her. She handed them the slip of paper and directed them to back-stage. “Take your Chosen Child’s name and head to the back. Additional information, such as location will be provided there. Thank you for your service.” Wolf rolled their eyes again, walking away.
“I swear, when I get back from my escorting job I’ll knock her pretty little tiara off her pampered head and back into Aboveland.” Wolf snarled.
“Next up, Malachai Jenkins, you will be escorting…” The crowd roared. “Rain Halligan! The location of your Chosen Child will be provided in the back.” The girl directed.
Eager to pull another name, she swooped her hand back into the bowl with another paper. “Especially for Clove Woods, your Chosen Child is none other than Marian-”
Clove leaped towards the girl and took the microphone away from her. “I’ve been here for quite some time, but never have I heard your name. Instead of calling you girl or ‘princess’,” She snorted. “What’s your real name, huh?”
The girl backed off of Clove and closer towards the bowl. “Kiara.” She said plainly. “I am Kiara Blackleigh.” Silence covered the town, citizens no longer having the courage to cheer for Clove. “Ahem, excuse that. Any-hoo, your Chosen Child is Marianne Fuerte. Make your way towards the back, Ms. Clove. Thank you for your service and public question.”
Clove gave a slight growl and disappeared from sight of the crowd. The next recruit was already lined up by Kiara. “Kiro, your Chosen Child will be Pharas Masicho. Follow Clove towards the back please, and thank you for your service.”
The crowd was quiet and nervous after the scene Clove had made. Kiara’s name was never publicly known and never was it sought to be known. None of the citizens had wanted to know a higher-up’s name neither did they have the strength and courage to ask. They sat down, no longer cheering, clapping, or bouncing with excitement.
“Our fifth recruit, Anika Myles, please step forward.” Anika did as she was told and walked into center-stage. “Your Chosen Child is Hyun Jae. More knowledge on your child will be given to you in the back. Thank you for your service and have a safe journey.”
Another paper was pulled from the jar. “Our sixth recruit, step forward please Alfred Feather. Your Chosen Child shall be Atlas Salem. Thank you for your service.”
Alfred tilted his head in confusion. Most of the previous recruits got long speeches and wishes of safety or praise, but here, he received a simple instruction. Something was wrong with Kiara Blackleigh, even if that’s who she was. He wandered off the stage and into the vast room of workers.
“Last but not least, Lana Cherriwood. Step forward and meet your Chosen Child.” Kiara announced. “Your Chosen Child is…” She stuck her hand in and pulled out another slip. “Aburianna Morsak. Thank you for your service and make your way towards the back please.”
Lana quickly left the stage. Kiara stepped forward.
“And for all of you, thank you for joining me in this ceremony- It means a great deal to us Council Members.” Kiara spoke kindly. “I am aware that Council Member names aren’t to be revealed, yes, although I felt it was fit for me to say it now as I’m closer to all of you. People of Vermilia, stand with me and fight for a brighter future in-” Her words were cut off.
The world stopped at that moment. All movement in Vermilia paused and every citizen stared at Kiara Blackleigh fall to the ground. A puddle of blood dyed the tan stage-wood, a dark red. The sound of a gunshot bounced off the walls of the stone-caved city. One of it’s representatives fell into the sea of gathered people, quickly to separate in fear.
The town of Vermilia hid from the Earth above, but quickly changed to hide from itself too.
If you have any suggestions on what to add, like to fix part of your character, or have any other concerns regarding the story, you are always welcome to start a conversation with me. Enjoy the story, and thanks for reading.
