Apple Tree // Chapter 1: Ice

Instructions

Chapter 1 || Ice “Ugh Lucile , come on, it’s almost 7 let’s just play kickball before the Elders send us off to bed.” Lucile was panting as she was climbing up and down from the apple tree on the hill facing the cabins. “I already told you Arthur I’m training for my blessing and for The Honors”. Arthur just scoffed. “Your so obsessed with those dumb games and pfft- powers. Your family’s rich and you're really skilled, you don’t have to worry silly”, laughed Arthur as he pulled Lucile by the wrist down the hill. Lucile Martinez and Aurther Kris were born in a rather weird society. After the world went into a downfall the new government rose . It was decided that only the Elders would govern over the new world. The first rule was the more richer you were, the more power and freedom you had. Along with the new system it was discovered that people could be born with “blessings” or powers. You can also train for them in order to earn them. It's not up to the elders, only the universe. It’s very rare to be born with Blessings and some blessings go undiscovered until the kid is around 8. From these powers the elders invented The Honors. The Honors are a series of obstacle courses in which you have to navigate to. They’re dangerous and difficult but the farther you go the more money you get. The camp Lucile and Arthur are at is a camp to train the future racers. They were sent there by their families when they were only 5 meaning Arthur and Lucile have practically grown together. Both coming from important families. Arthur’s dad is a very important government figure and Lucile comes from a long bloodline of amazing Honor racers who all possessed amazing blessings. Her whole life she’s been pressured to fill in those huge shoes. The elders or rich men bet on the Honors competitors so The Honors benefits both the racers and the elders. You can either be successful and have a power with a well known name or have to work your way up the ranks. Fame and success in The Honors isn’t always guaranteed tho. I wonder what paths our 2 friends, Lucile and Aurther, go down. Lucile was outside training doing every grueling exercise in her routine as Aurther was reading near the tree where she was training, sometimes glancing from his book to see her. “She’s a real beast that Lucile ain’t she Conner”, chuckled one of the elders as he looked out the window. “Why of course she is Bernie, you yourself should know how being in the Honors is difficult for a woman”. The Elder chuckled as he took a sip from his cup. “Say Conner.. that boy, what do you think about him”? the man paused, grunting as he stared at the boy. “I believe that boy has potential as well Mr. Arthur is very kind hearted though as well as sluggish he wouldn’t last a minute in the race”, laughed the other man. “It will be no surprise who gets power and who doesn’t “. “Come on Arthur I brought you out here to train yet you’re here reading “. As Lucile was scolding the boy Arthur just looked up and smiled. “I like it when your hair is in a ponytail Lucy. You look really beautiful”. Lucile was taken back. “Don’t say w-weird, gross stuff like that you Booger”, huffed Lucile as she playfully punched his shoulder and sat next to him. They both stared at the sunset as Lucile gently laid her head on his shoulder. “Say Arthur, do you believe we’ll still be friends while we’re, y’know, competing”? Arthur just laughed as he softly put his book down. “Well of course! I could never forget about you!". Lucile just smiled while she hinted Arthur to climb the tree with her. “We’ll get a better view of the sunset from up here I promise”! Arthur was hesitant at first but once he got up there, he was taken aback by the beauty. The skies were painted with gold, orange and pink and the view of Lucile’s face beaming with joy made everything perfect. “Arthur, look I see the moon-“! Time just stopped. The branch Lucile was standing on cracked. As she fell to what would most definitely be her death Arthur just looked, shocked, terrified. “NO! STOP”! He locked his eyes shut as he reached out, hoping something would happen, as tears flew out his eyes. He didn’t hear anything. He slowly opened his eyes to reveal and terrified, crying Lucile on a slide of ice. Ice? His hands were cold.