Imperfect

Wrong (Extension Short Story)

A/N- Well, the first version of Imperfect was a practice for a Short Story test, but I may have gotten into the test and wrote something different, but set in the same place, basically at the same time.... the next day. So, here's the other story that I wrote instead. I'd like to know which one you like more :) Personally, I think the original is always best.

I stared throught the glass, watching men and women going about their business. I glanced at my watch... the news should be on soon.

Just as I thought, a woman appeared on the glass, the background fading into darkness until I was looking at a screen. People around me quietened down, turning to look at the lay, with her hair pulled so tight back that her forehead looked like it was about to split. 

"Breaking news," she began, with her sweet voice. "Imperfect Alex Young has finally ben captured. The Imperfect had murdered a man and was caught by the Hunters and Markers. Alex has been executed. I would personally like to congratulate the Markers for eliminating such a threat."

The lady's voice had risen in her excitement as a picture appeared on the screen. A young boy, 15 or 16, was smiling widely for the camera. Dark hair hung in his grey eyes.

"That's wrong," I muttered to myself. "They shouldn't do that."

A middle aged man stared at me with wide eyes, as if I had just revealed the secret to immortality. Squeezing my lips shut, I pushed my way through the small crowd gathered to watch the news.

I'm crazy. Why did I say that?! There's no way I'm going to get away after critisizing the Government.

I felt tears prick my eyes as I jogged down the perfect street with mowed lawns and identical houses. I quietly turned and walked up to my front door.

"Happy Birthday!" my mother cried, holding a chocolate cake with the number "15" written on it. "My darling Carley is a big 15!"

"Mum," I whispered, folding myself in her arms.

"Carley? What's wrong?"

"I've done something bad, Mum," I whispered, trying to calm my breathing.

"Sweetheart, you're perfect," she said. I wish she didn't say that. Everyone in this city is perfect,except for a few, who always end up dead. I don't feel special.

Just as I was about to speak, I heard shouts from outside, followed by a banging on the door.

I crept to the window, as my mother went to open the door.

The Markers charged in. Shouting.

Running.

I didn't think. I just ran. It is my only hope.

"Stop!" A man yelled behind me. I didn't.

I burst out the back door.

Into the arms of a Marker.

"Let go of me!" I yelled, kicking.

"You are Imperfect, you..." his voice faded into nothing as something pricked my arm.

No...

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I woke to a young man, carrying me down a long, white corridor.I pushed against his chest for a second, hoping- but already knowing- that he would let me go.

"Calm down," he muttered, placing me on my feet. "I'm not going to kil you. I'm not."

I stared at him for a second. Well, here goes nothing.

I shoved against him, pushing him against the wall as I ran past.

And just a I thought, I tripped over.

So much for my great escape.

I heard the guy laugh behind me as he pulled me to my feet, then continue to escort me down the corridor. 

We passed a room with a glass window, allowing us to look in. I stopped, watching as a woman in a science coat put a needle into a dark coloured snake. It froze, then turned to face the windowI was looking in to. Suddenly, it lunged at me, slamming against the glass. 

Damn.

The guy chuckled. "Amazing, isn't it? I never knew you could genetically modify animals to sense an Imperfect. This boy will probably help hunt down one on the run right now."

"Why a snake?" I questioned, a horrible feeling bubbling up my throat. 

"The boy we're huntin likes to hide in rafters. We know which street he's in, not what house. We'll put the snakes up there and flush him out."

I shuddered as he dragged me away.

To a cell.

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I don't know how long I was there. Just that time seemed to slow.

Finally, a large man opened the door and took me out. I whimpered as we walked down a hall, the roars of a crod getting louder with every step we took.

He opened a single door, and light blinded me. Just outside the door was a quickly built stage I recognised. The execution stage.

My whole body froze as he forced me to walk. The crowd immdiately went quiet as they saw me. The man positioned me over the top of a trap door, with a rope hanging down, just long enough to wrap around my neck.

I stood there, staring at the crowd, at the massive screens around the square, my terrified face shown on every one. 

I focused my attention on a boy about my age, staring at me from the front row.

Then a booming voice shocked me, making me jump.

"Carley Ashton. You are Imperfect. You have risen against the Government who has never done anything to harm you. Your mind does not understand the consequences of your actions.You are Imperfect. I sentence you to death."

The crowd was quiet as I shook. I locked my eyes onto the boy in the front row. I focused on his blue eyes that held disgust. For me, or for my sentence, I don't know.

I tried to communicate with him, hoping agains hope that he'd understand.

You only have to be the spark that changes the world, I thought.

Please kill me quickly. Please don't let me be strangled to death. Please be and honourable death.

The door disappeared beneath me. I fell.

I heard the snap.

A/N- So, I only just realised how short this story is... well, it is a short story, anyway. And yes, I usually do kill my characters at the end of every short story. I gotta stop doing that... nah XD