Chapter 1

### Chapter I

A long time ago, the Earth was just as it was. Life was in every structure and aspect, the waters were clear, the land was dry as nature sprung around it, Taylor Swift continuously slays as a celebrity and singer, and of course, everything was average. People were living their everyday lives, as they should be. Not equally, as every being wasn't treated fairly. And at the same time, Earth is just a cruel place to be alive in.

That was until, surreptitious bombs exploded throughout every country, wiping out 95% of the human population. Every country was severely damaged. Such little of it was left, the remains of every building fell to pieces. The majority of humanity had passed away. Some managed to survive, there were some that were trapped inside the crystal caused by the remains of the bombs, and some turned to metal of an unknown cause.

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, months turned to years, and years turned to decades. Ever since that tragedy, the Earth was contrasting slowly into a corrupted planet. As sad as it was, many believe it was a punishment from the Gods itself.

(Scene shifts to a red-haired character waking up)

### SCENE 1

**There was huffing, pants of breath…**

*‘The crystal, did it break?’*

**My eyes blinked owlishly, I had a difficult time catching my breath.**

*‘Where the hell am I?  The last time I checked, I was running away from a burning house... Was it mine?’*

**I thought aloud, I could barely control my own body.**

*“Ugh... Where... Where am I?”*

**As my eyes inspected my surroundings, it seemed darker than before.**

**After a while, I could finally move my body and I began to stand up. I spotted a building, just a few meters away from me. My eyes started to glance around on its own. There were lots of others, trapped inside the crystal. And each of them had an android guarding them. What a weird but realistic dream...**

**One specific android approached my direction. It was colored red, it had three eyes, and its figure was entirely built in silver. I could feel my whole body paralyzed. My eyes seem to deceive me, I couldn’t believe it.**

*“Wow, things like these really exist now huh?”*

*I uttered, as I examined the android. My hands explored the android carefully.*

*“Great dawn, fellow flesh blood. I am not what you entitled as a ‘Thing’. I am Android 101.”*

**The android suddenly spoke, and it made me jump backward.**

*“You can talk??”*

**The android’s bottom was then unlatched, and there came out a voice system. It started to vibrate, as a voice spoke;**

*“You have awakened, my dear; kudos! You are presently referred to as a Spring, and playing the game is obligatory. Find me is the aim of the game. I won't offer you any guidance; you must go in search of me on your own. If you do, I'll grant you the ability of eternal luminosity. But be aware of the risk.”*

**The voice was unfamiliar, but it sounded like the voice of a young man. It was different from the Android’s input.**

*“Hey, hey! Am I allowed to ask questions?”*

*“Very well, go ahead.”*

**I swallowed a lump in my throat, as I opened my mouth.**

*“Who are you, exactly? Where are we? What are you? Why are we referred to as springs? And what do you mean by ‘beware of the risk’?? This must be a simulation. Are you playing with us?”*

*“One at a time, sweetheart. Allow me to introduce myself.”*

**He giggled before answering.**

*“I am Lightscar. I am the scientist that rebuilt the society you are currently in. Think of it as a silly game. Everyone needs amusement. After all, the world's a stage… And the stage is the world of entertainment. You are the Fourth Spring, dear Amana. Appraise it as your pen name or alias. Your people can not be trusted. Bear that in mind.”*

*“What do you mean? My people can’t be trusted?”*

**My voice almost cracked, this can’t be real. This whole thing going on is too bad to be true.**

*“A game of tag. A game of trust. You can’t risk your life for any relations. There are people who would take advantage of you.”*

**I scoff. Who does this guy think he is? A game of trust? What is he? A ‘my little pony’ kinnie? Power of friendship, my ass.**

*“For sure, you’re one of them. And how do you know my name, huh?”*

*“I was simply trying to warn you, and this is how you treat me?”*

**He was chuckling like a maniac**

*“You are one reckless girl.”*

**I rolled my eyes**

*“You still haven’t answered my question. What are these ‘risks’ anyway?”*

*“That’s for you to find out. Adios, fair lady.”*

**The voice system then glitched, the voice was there no more. I gritted my teeth as I took a deep breath.**

*“You want me to play your silly little game huh, alright then. I’ll keep you entertained.”*

***– End of Scene 1 –***

### SCENE 2

**I finally stood my ground and decided to saunter away. Hopefully to find more survivors from this hellish place. I scanned my areas and was surrounded by crystalized people. Android 101 seems to like me though. It followed me throughout my whole journey.**

*“Listen Android 101, if you’re gonna keep following me, you’re gonna have to form a close bond with me.”*

*“I apologize. I don’t associate any relation with Springs. However, I can guide you to survival.”*

*‘Okay I take back what I said’*

**There was a brief moment of silence as the two were still on their journey.**

*“So, where can I find food? Or shelter?”*

*“You fabricate your own shelter, if you have the right amount of materials. As for provisions, you have to earn them by tonight before sunrise.”*

*“EARN it? Like in Hunger Games? We fight other Springs for… FOOD?!”*

*“Not quite. You are right about one thing, though. In this instance, surviving is the first priority. Each individual who makes it through one night will be given a weapon of their choice. Supplied by our field of business.”*

**Her eyes went wide. She started to ponder deep in her thoughts. ‘What if I can’t make it tonight? What will happen to me? Am I gonna end up dying in this stupid game?’.**

*“Um… what happens to a Spring if they can’t find any supply of food by tonight?”*

*“Great question. I do not have the knowledge to answer that. However, there is a possibility that one will undergo circumstances.”*

*“Circumstances like what? If you don’t mind me asking…”*

**The android became silent. Spilling too much information for a Spring is a risk an android is afraid to take.**

*“Hello?”*

**She called out.**

*“I’m afraid that’s all I can share.”*

**The girl’s expression changed as she sighed.**

*“Alright, alright I get it. You’re scared of your superior. We’ve all been there. I won’t annoy you anymore.”*

**A wave of relief spread throughout the Android’s frame**

**Amana looked around and noticed a bush of leaves, and the leaves seemed similar to her.**

*“Hey.. are these peppermint leaves?”*

*“Ah, yes. Those naturally grow around here.”*

**She smiled and walked towards it.**

*“I guess I can pluck out a few. I might need it for the future.”*

**Suddenly, rustling sounds can be heard coming from the bushes. The redhead paused in her stride to check it. The rustle ended as soon as she did.**

*“Hey… did you hear that?”*

*“No, I do not hear anything.”*

**Curiosity got the best of her, so she thought nothing of it and purposely checked what was under the bushes. The Android followed behind her.**

**She instinctively unlatched the bushes, and there lay a woman. No, a man. Wait, just a person? She was unsure of their gender. The person was panting heavily, almost as if they just ran from a marathon.**

*“Um... Hey man, or lady, are you okay?”*

**They opened their eyes and were greeted with purple orbs staring down at them. Just as the person noticed the Android beside her, they instantly stood and jumped back.**

*“Get away from me!”*

**They yelled and pointed something sharp toward the two**

*“I know your little tricks.”*

**She stood there confused, unable to comprehend why the person is suddenly threatening them.**

*“What are you trying to say? Aren’t you a Spring too?”*

**Amana asks worriedly, her eyebrows softening.**

*“Don’t give me that. You think I have resources, don’t you? Well, guess what, I was just robbed!”*

*“Miss Amana, I believe this person thinks you’re an enemy.”*

**They suddenly laughed**

*“EVEN THAT BOT IS PROGRAMMED TO PLAY PRETEND! How funny! You two make me wanna cackle.”*

**Their mood changed in an instant**

*“I won’t play nice. If you drop your weapons, I’ll drop mine…”*

**Her eyebrows then furrowed**

*“I don’t even have any weapons on me. If you think I’m a threat, then you’re assuming things way too quickly.”*

*“Tch… Don’t make me say it twice.”*

**She froze in her stance, she didn’t know what to say. But we can’t exactly blame them. They could be a runaway from a chase and has major trust issues.**

**The Android looked at Amana and then at the unknown person standing in front of them.**

*“Miss Amana, I suggest you run away now. This person will be hard to convince.”*

**The Android whispered behind her.**

**She thought for a moment. As much as she wants to befriend many like her kind, this is a life-or-death situation.**

***- End of Scene 2 -***

### SCENE 3

**Amana was about to open her mouth but was stopped when they heard a roar in the distance. It came from the forest.**

*“Please tell me you guys heard that too.”*

**They glanced at the forest for a hasty moment.**

*“I definitely heard that.”*

**The person muttered. It wasn’t like any roar. It wasn’t a roar that sounded like an animal’s. It was rather eerie. It echoed throughout the whole forest, and it was indeed spooky.**

**She sighs as she turns around**

*“We should find a place to hide. That does not sound like a friendly noise.”*

**She says as she started jogging. The Android followed but was also keeping an eye on the unknown survivor. Fearing that they might do something to Amana.**

**They were left with no other choice but to follow her.**

*“Just because I’m following you doesn’t mean I trust you both.”*

**They uttered under their breath**

**She scoffs**

*“Do I seriously look like someone who will rob a person?”*

**They narrowed their eyebrows, still unsure if she is to be trusted. So they stayed silent as a response.**

**The roar was getting louder and Amana feared that it was getting closer.**

*“Hey Android 101, any idea on what creature is making that eerie noise? It’s making my ears bleed.”*

**The Android looked down for a split second before turning its vision toward the forest. It stayed silent.**

**The roar was now near and was louder than before.**

*“Android? Please… say something.”*

**The sky was turning dark, as the three sped up.**

*“That bot can’t be trusted! We’re in a situation where we are CLOSE to dying, and it won’t say anything!”*

**She sighed.**

*“Android… If there’s a limit on the information that you can leak, then I’m wasting the last one now.”*

**The bot remained silent. It just kept running like the others do.**

**She was getting impatient but she firmed to be calm instead of losing her temper.**

**Instantaneously, an ominous and eerie entity came out of the darkness. It appears as a tall, humanoid figure standing at around 7 feet (2.1 meters) in height. Its entire body is shrouded in a swirling mass of inky blackness, resembling a living shadow. The creature lacks any distinct features as if its form is constantly shifting and warping.**

**Its elongated limbs move gracefully, enabling it to traverse the darkness with unearthly agility. The creature's hands end in long, bony fingers that taper to sharp points, allowing it to ensnare and capture its prey. Within the depths of its obsidian core, piercing red eyes glow with an unnerving intensity, reflecting the malevolence that resides within.**

**Their eyes went wide as soon as they witnessed the entity.**

*“WHAT IN THE NAME OF GODS IS THAT?!”*

**They both shouted in unison. The shadowy creature matched their pace and roared even louder, resulting in the two covering their ears. Their legs were throbbing from all the running, and they were almost out of breath. The creature was only a few inches behind them. It wouldn’t stop chasing them until they are weak and tired.**

*“These creatures are called Risks!”*

**The Android finally spoke to get both of their attention.**

*“A WHAT now?!”*

**They shouted in frustration.**

*“THIS IS WHAT LIGHTSCAR MEANT?!”*

*“LIGHTSCAR?? WHO THE HELL IS THAT?!”*

*“DO YOU SERIOUSLY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND US?!”*

*“NO?! I WAS TOLD THAT ROBOTS AND ANDROIDS WERE EVIL AND THAT I SHOULD STICK TO SURVIVING!”*

*“WHAT IN THE GODDAM–”*

*“Please prioritize your survival in this situation before engaging in arguments! The shadowy creatures known as "Risks" have an aversion to light. They will disappear immediately if you expose them to a sudden burst of illumination!”*

**They searched in their pocket and thankfully found a lighter.**

*“Give me that handkerchief!”*

**The survivor spoke as they noticed a handkerchief hanging in Amana’s pocket. She nodded and threw it towards the person and successfully caught it. In an instant, they burnt the handkerchief as they launched it against the Risk.**

**The Risk let out another eerie and loud noise as it was banished from their sight.**

**The two stopped running as they couldn’t stop panting, and both were suddenly dropped to the floor.**

*“I found a tent in sight. Perhaps you two can spend the night there.”*

**They looked at each other and then back at the android.**

*“In a minute… I’m still exhausted from all that running.”*

*“Yeah… me too.”*

***- END OF SCENE 3 -***

### SCENE 4

**\*\*FLASHBACK SCENE\*\***

*‘Wake up…’*

**It kept echoing back and forth in my head. As soon as my eyes opened, I spotted a group of people through a crack in my crystal. They were exploring the area. A feeling of relief spread over my body as I glanced at them.**

**‘Should I… go out there?’ I thought to myself. ‘They could be nice… No no, who am I kidding? They could be mean… Then again, I have nowhere else to go.’ My thoughts rained deeper. I started to move my body, but the crystal was too hard to crack. Almost as if my whole body was frozen.**

*“Hey! That person over there is awake! We should bust their crystal open!”*

*“Hold up Steve. We’re not sure if that person is good or not.”*

*“I don’t care what y’all think. I just wanna survive from all of these.”*

**Three of the survivors then came to an agreement and grabbed their daggers to crack the crystal I was inside in. Thankfully, they were successful.**

*“Hey. Do you remember who you are?”*

*“Don’t scare them, Cass.”*

**He laughed as he looked at me**

*“You can trust us, don’t worry. You’re safe.”*

*“Such a try-hard you are, Filip.”*

*“Shut it.”*

*“Don’t mind my friends. What’s your name?”*

*“I… I’m Ziam. I think..”*

*“You think? What are you? A robot too?”*

*“Cass. Be nice, please.”*

**He scolded. Filip only cackled beside them**

*“You can stay with us for now. If you find any androids or robots, leave them to us to destroy. They’re evil.”*

**Steve warned. I wasn’t sure if I could trust them. But they were being helpful, so I stuck with them.**

**My first few days with them were fun. They had shelter, food, and a campfire. It felt nice to be treated well for once.**

**The next day, however, was a disaster. We were robbed by other survivors. And my companions… got heavily injured. Steve and Cass didn’t manage to make it. As for Filip, he escorted me away as he stayed as a distraction for the robbers.**

**So I ran until my legs were sore. I couldn’t stop sobbing throughout the whole chase. It was a nightmare.**

*“And then, I met you while I was running away from the thieves…”*

**They finished as they glanced at Amana**

**Her face was in complete horror. To think that other survivors would be too cruel to ruin others just as a way to satisfy themselves. Such selfish creatures whose pride gets to take over anything.**

*“What happened to… Filip? Is he okay?”*

**She asks, her head was tilt sideward in curiosity**

**They shook their head**

*“I don’t know, sadly. I just really hope he’s alright.”*

**Ziam muttered, folding their legs**

**She frowned as she offered Ziam the peppermint tea she made.**

*“Ahh… That’s… rough. I’m sorry that happened to you. But hey, as long as we’re together we’ll be okay. And I promise we’ll find your friend along the way.”*

**Amana says with a gentle smile. Hoping to cheer them up a little**

**Ziam’s lips formed a tiny smile as they took the tea from Amana’s hand.**

*“Thanks…”*

**Was all they could reply while taking a sip.**

**She lay down as she stared at the ceiling, then took a quick glance at Ziam’s chest.**

*“That’s a nice necklace you’ve got there.”*

*“Hm? Ah, a stranger called ‘Tim’ gave it to me.”*

**They responded.**

**For a brief moment of silence, they looked at Amana.**

*“How did you meet this Android?”*

*“It approached me when I woke up. It told me things I should keep in mind about… this new era on Earth. Lightscar, the ‘Scientist’ was the one who rebuilt this society. He thinks that this will be a silly game he hosts and calls it ‘Entertainment’. It honestly sucks.”*

*“Lightscar huh…”*

**They muttered as they slowly lay down.**

*“How come my former companions never told me about this…”*

*“They have their own beliefs. And probably had a brawl with their androids due to major trust issues. But honestly… My Android and I seem to get along just fine.”*

**They scoffed, thinking how stupid it was.**

*“I wonder what would’ve happened if I met my own android.”*

**She chuckled**.

*“Then we wouldn’t have met… Or encountered that Risk.”*

**They laughed.**

*“That’s one thing for sure.”*

**The Android continued watching them. A small smile formed on its face as it witnesses the bond between the two.**

***- END OF SCENE 4 -***