Original Story: Pandora's Box
Title: Pandora's Box
Category:Original
Rating: Pg-13
Link: http://piratesboard.net/fiction/viewstory.php?sid=314
Summary: The world ends when people stop caring.
Notes:
Based on a dream. I do not own Matt, Sybil, Nimily, Naia, or Hikou. I do own myself though.
Pandora’s Box
A world of Peace exists within the Human realm. In this world Vices and Virtues live hand in hand. There is no superior because no one can rise above the other. There is no one to tempt or tease but each other. Without others they have no power. This world was created to house fourteen people - Seven Virtues and Seven Vices. All were children, or rather creations, of a scientist named Pandora. Each held an inhuman ability that allowed them persuade and sway the masses. Originally the children were allowed to do what they pleased. When seven got out of hand it was up to their siblings to stop them.
As such, Hope rounded up those with like minds and successfully managed to overpower the others and they agreed to stay out of “normal” life.
In a not so distant future there exist seven horrible sins. In that same future the virtues meant to stop them are dwindling. Justice is dead. Kindness was not too far after. Love is dying. What was once a peaceful land is war torn. Peace lives simply because the planet desires so. Courage wanes in her endeavors annoyed that she has been cast aside for quick self gratification.
Hope is aware she lives only for Peace of Death. For now this suffices until they find Pandora.
Exactly one year ago The Box was opened. Seeing how sheltered and burdened the children were, the loving Pandora opened the Box and vanished into the realm of humans.
At first, only Hope stayed. She was greeted by her siblings and convinced that she would be the only one who could reason with Pandora.
Drifters and unwanted by the people the cause for freedom is fading quickly. Hope finds Pandora amidst a group of children.
Peaceful Naia trails in the back with bright red hair and teal eyes. The smallest by far she lives in her own world, bobbing her head to some unheard beat.
Two inches taller than Naia - Rae stands at 5’4”. Code named Hope she has blonde hair, gray eyes, and a small build that would label her as fragile. Her clothes are dusty and dirty from too many days traveling without proper shelter. She is a far cry from her former glory. She stands at the head of the group.
Courage, or rather Hikou, to her left. She stands one good inch taller than Rae does. Hair as dark as night cut short to keep it out of her face, with an ever increasing annoyance for humans. Her arms cross as she glances to the woman in the center of the children remembering a time he had been that way. Despite her annoyance she has kind eyes.
Behind Hikou, Nimily slouches tiredly over a few thoughts. She mutters every word of honesty but her own name. Her hip length hair is knotted and dirty, she loathes the water but finds even a bit might be more enjoyable that the rat’s nest she now calls hair. Dark eyes glance at the children in such a way one might mistake that she is waiting to hear her name from their lips.
Pandora recognizes their presence immediately. She ushers the group of children away and stands as tall as she can. She is 5’8” the same as Nimily but she feels much smaller in comparison.
“What are you doing here?” A biting tone is not at all unexpected; however, it is also not welcome.
Rae’s smile seems like it ought to be misplaced amongst the growing irritation. “What indeed.”
Pandora’s golden eyes focus on the dirty boots of the group. “Where are the others?”
Nimily speaks exactly as she always has, “Matt is dead in a world where money buys equality.” She scowls, “Sybil wasn’t too far after that. When Justice died, so did Kindness.”
Pandora’s face jolts up to meet Nimily’s defiant tone. “You should have protected them better.”
Hikou dryly laughs, “Said the woman who condemned us. Thank you. This has been so eye opening.” She rolls her eyes turning back to Naia who waits silently with their fifth companion. Hikou believes it best to leave the conversation where there will be the least amount of blood shed.
But Nimily just echoes the younger woman’s words. “Hikou’s right. Had you not opened the damn Box - we’d all still be alive.”
Rae’s hand rises to stop the rest of the conflict.
“We are not here to condemn. We are not here to scold.” She looks at her companions then back to Pandora, “We do not care that you opened the Box anymore. We only want to return there. But we can’t shut it on our own.”
Pandora immediately disagrees. “It’s too sheltered. You children should live in this world.”
“Love is dying.” Rae simply responds, “We all are. Some more slowly than others but we would like our remaining days to be in peace.” With a sigh she continues, “We would like it to be free of the strife that brings this world to destruction with every passing day.”
“You’ve seen it first hand,” Nimily coos, “But you don’t care, do you? Kill us all too free half of them. Kill us all so seven of us can have what we want. You are nothing but a lousy enabler.”
The Truth is often the harshest thing to fall upon one’s ears. Pandora harbored these silent words for many months, and to hear them spoken so bluntly only pushes her further into the pit of despair she has created for herself.
“Nimily.” Rae half groans.
The older girl shrugs, “It’s the truth.”
Behind them Hikou and Naia are trying to hide the giggles.
“What is it you want?” Pandora asks again, “And what must I do to get you to leave me alone.”
They are used to being shunned.
Rae sighs having to reiterate herself, “We want to go home. But we need you to close the Box once we’re there. Once that happens we’ll never bother anyone again.”
They know the answer before it comes. The disappointment sets in and Naia who has not spoken a word stands up and takes Hikou’s place on Rae’s left.
“I cannot.” Pandora begins to weep, “I have sinned and locking you children there would be a fate worse than death.”
Naia blinks slowly, “We have you to thank for that. To thank for the Bliss of Death.”
Naia’s words slap Pandora so hard and swiftly that when she returns to kneeling to care for their ill-fated companion the woman just stammers.
“But, no. I…I…I was only..I was only trying to help.”
Nimily steps back into the conversation despite Rae’s protesting glance, “No one asked for your help.”
“Pandora, please, you could easily take the requests of Greed and Envy. We have asked nothing of you before now.” Arms cross as Rae tries to remain calm, “Now when we need it most you cast away like yesterday’s trash. We are dying.” She wants to add in exactly as you wish but does not, “So please, help us.”
Between Pandora’s sobs they hear, “No, no, Hope, you were supposed to stay. You were supposed to stay locked away in the Box forever more.”
Rae answers softly, “Which would have been easier had someone closed it.”
“Do you hate me?”
The four exchange a glance and collective thought.
“We do not hold such a trivial emotion such as hate.” Nimily argues, “I do not hate you, however, I do feel you are an idiot.”
“The only thing idiots are good for is killing.” Hikou nods, “But everyone’s so lazy that a good adventure is out of the question. I blame you for that, but I don’t count that as hate.”
Naia shrugs, “It’s all the same to me. Peace and Love go hand in hand just as War and Hate. If I were to hate you, I wouldn’t be me.”
“We do not let dark thoughts linger in our doorways.” Rae concludes. “Now, may we please go home?”
But there is little hope for those who have long tossed it away. And perhaps it is Fate that has led Rae and her sisters to stand here before their creator. Perhaps it is the fate of human that is should end this way.
Pandora answers, “I cannot.”
Whether this is because she does not want too or because she is not capable of being the woman she once was it does not matter. For virtues die when no one cares for them. Without a sanctuary there is no need.
Rae finally turns away form Pandora as she picks up the dying Love. “Very well then, Pandora. I am sincerely sorry that you feel that way.”
Hikou and Naia take to either of Rae’s sides and chat back and forth hoping to keep Love alive just a few moments longer.
Nimily trails behind before turning and looking back to Pandora. And where there should be horribly truthful words there is nothing but a sad smile. A smile that says ‘You know what you have done.’
This is how the world ends
Category:Original
Rating: Pg-13
Link: http://piratesboard.net/fiction/viewstory.php?sid=314
Summary: The world ends when people stop caring.
Notes:
Based on a dream. I do not own Matt, Sybil, Nimily, Naia, or Hikou. I do own myself though.
Pandora’s Box
A world of Peace exists within the Human realm. In this world Vices and Virtues live hand in hand. There is no superior because no one can rise above the other. There is no one to tempt or tease but each other. Without others they have no power. This world was created to house fourteen people - Seven Virtues and Seven Vices. All were children, or rather creations, of a scientist named Pandora. Each held an inhuman ability that allowed them persuade and sway the masses. Originally the children were allowed to do what they pleased. When seven got out of hand it was up to their siblings to stop them.
As such, Hope rounded up those with like minds and successfully managed to overpower the others and they agreed to stay out of “normal” life.
In a not so distant future there exist seven horrible sins. In that same future the virtues meant to stop them are dwindling. Justice is dead. Kindness was not too far after. Love is dying. What was once a peaceful land is war torn. Peace lives simply because the planet desires so. Courage wanes in her endeavors annoyed that she has been cast aside for quick self gratification.
Hope is aware she lives only for Peace of Death. For now this suffices until they find Pandora.
Exactly one year ago The Box was opened. Seeing how sheltered and burdened the children were, the loving Pandora opened the Box and vanished into the realm of humans.
At first, only Hope stayed. She was greeted by her siblings and convinced that she would be the only one who could reason with Pandora.
Drifters and unwanted by the people the cause for freedom is fading quickly. Hope finds Pandora amidst a group of children.
Peaceful Naia trails in the back with bright red hair and teal eyes. The smallest by far she lives in her own world, bobbing her head to some unheard beat.
Two inches taller than Naia - Rae stands at 5’4”. Code named Hope she has blonde hair, gray eyes, and a small build that would label her as fragile. Her clothes are dusty and dirty from too many days traveling without proper shelter. She is a far cry from her former glory. She stands at the head of the group.
Courage, or rather Hikou, to her left. She stands one good inch taller than Rae does. Hair as dark as night cut short to keep it out of her face, with an ever increasing annoyance for humans. Her arms cross as she glances to the woman in the center of the children remembering a time he had been that way. Despite her annoyance she has kind eyes.
Behind Hikou, Nimily slouches tiredly over a few thoughts. She mutters every word of honesty but her own name. Her hip length hair is knotted and dirty, she loathes the water but finds even a bit might be more enjoyable that the rat’s nest she now calls hair. Dark eyes glance at the children in such a way one might mistake that she is waiting to hear her name from their lips.
Pandora recognizes their presence immediately. She ushers the group of children away and stands as tall as she can. She is 5’8” the same as Nimily but she feels much smaller in comparison.
“What are you doing here?” A biting tone is not at all unexpected; however, it is also not welcome.
Rae’s smile seems like it ought to be misplaced amongst the growing irritation. “What indeed.”
Pandora’s golden eyes focus on the dirty boots of the group. “Where are the others?”
Nimily speaks exactly as she always has, “Matt is dead in a world where money buys equality.” She scowls, “Sybil wasn’t too far after that. When Justice died, so did Kindness.”
Pandora’s face jolts up to meet Nimily’s defiant tone. “You should have protected them better.”
Hikou dryly laughs, “Said the woman who condemned us. Thank you. This has been so eye opening.” She rolls her eyes turning back to Naia who waits silently with their fifth companion. Hikou believes it best to leave the conversation where there will be the least amount of blood shed.
But Nimily just echoes the younger woman’s words. “Hikou’s right. Had you not opened the damn Box - we’d all still be alive.”
Rae’s hand rises to stop the rest of the conflict.
“We are not here to condemn. We are not here to scold.” She looks at her companions then back to Pandora, “We do not care that you opened the Box anymore. We only want to return there. But we can’t shut it on our own.”
Pandora immediately disagrees. “It’s too sheltered. You children should live in this world.”
“Love is dying.” Rae simply responds, “We all are. Some more slowly than others but we would like our remaining days to be in peace.” With a sigh she continues, “We would like it to be free of the strife that brings this world to destruction with every passing day.”
“You’ve seen it first hand,” Nimily coos, “But you don’t care, do you? Kill us all too free half of them. Kill us all so seven of us can have what we want. You are nothing but a lousy enabler.”
The Truth is often the harshest thing to fall upon one’s ears. Pandora harbored these silent words for many months, and to hear them spoken so bluntly only pushes her further into the pit of despair she has created for herself.
“Nimily.” Rae half groans.
The older girl shrugs, “It’s the truth.”
Behind them Hikou and Naia are trying to hide the giggles.
“What is it you want?” Pandora asks again, “And what must I do to get you to leave me alone.”
They are used to being shunned.
Rae sighs having to reiterate herself, “We want to go home. But we need you to close the Box once we’re there. Once that happens we’ll never bother anyone again.”
They know the answer before it comes. The disappointment sets in and Naia who has not spoken a word stands up and takes Hikou’s place on Rae’s left.
“I cannot.” Pandora begins to weep, “I have sinned and locking you children there would be a fate worse than death.”
Naia blinks slowly, “We have you to thank for that. To thank for the Bliss of Death.”
Naia’s words slap Pandora so hard and swiftly that when she returns to kneeling to care for their ill-fated companion the woman just stammers.
“But, no. I…I…I was only..I was only trying to help.”
Nimily steps back into the conversation despite Rae’s protesting glance, “No one asked for your help.”
“Pandora, please, you could easily take the requests of Greed and Envy. We have asked nothing of you before now.” Arms cross as Rae tries to remain calm, “Now when we need it most you cast away like yesterday’s trash. We are dying.” She wants to add in exactly as you wish but does not, “So please, help us.”
Between Pandora’s sobs they hear, “No, no, Hope, you were supposed to stay. You were supposed to stay locked away in the Box forever more.”
Rae answers softly, “Which would have been easier had someone closed it.”
“Do you hate me?”
The four exchange a glance and collective thought.
“We do not hold such a trivial emotion such as hate.” Nimily argues, “I do not hate you, however, I do feel you are an idiot.”
“The only thing idiots are good for is killing.” Hikou nods, “But everyone’s so lazy that a good adventure is out of the question. I blame you for that, but I don’t count that as hate.”
Naia shrugs, “It’s all the same to me. Peace and Love go hand in hand just as War and Hate. If I were to hate you, I wouldn’t be me.”
“We do not let dark thoughts linger in our doorways.” Rae concludes. “Now, may we please go home?”
But there is little hope for those who have long tossed it away. And perhaps it is Fate that has led Rae and her sisters to stand here before their creator. Perhaps it is the fate of human that is should end this way.
Pandora answers, “I cannot.”
Whether this is because she does not want too or because she is not capable of being the woman she once was it does not matter. For virtues die when no one cares for them. Without a sanctuary there is no need.
Rae finally turns away form Pandora as she picks up the dying Love. “Very well then, Pandora. I am sincerely sorry that you feel that way.”
Hikou and Naia take to either of Rae’s sides and chat back and forth hoping to keep Love alive just a few moments longer.
Nimily trails behind before turning and looking back to Pandora. And where there should be horribly truthful words there is nothing but a sad smile. A smile that says ‘You know what you have done.’
This is how the world ends