The World We Have Ruined, Chapter 1

Ay, JWD here. This is the start of my newest book, The World We Have Ruined. Before I start, I'd like to say this story is not my idea. @Smg was the one who came up with this story, and he started his own version long ago. However, he didn't make it very far. With his permission, I am now remaking the story. Once again, thanks Smg for this amazing story line. I hope you all enjoy! c:

Chapter I

I woke up once more, and once more I took in the terrible reality I had been put into.

I looked out my shattered window. It seemed like only yesterday the tank of unsafe serum had exploded, and created the diabolical creatures that turned our world into a wasteland. It was still a fond memory.

.:Flashback:.

My father was touring me around his lab. I had to admit, it was very interesting. I didn't know what half the things I was looking at were.
'You're going to meet my main assistant. He's a government official.' My father told me.
I still can't believe the government is okay with this. I thought.

My father was trying to perfect a superhuman serum. It would be injected into a pregnant woman, and her baby would grow up like any normal human, yet extremely enhance in all categories. Intelligence, athleticism, you name it. It would begin a new era in human history, where everyone could be perfect.

I didn't understand why he wanted to do this. Humans are perfect the way they are. Flaws are what make us beautiful. There's no reason to get rid of them.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when we finally reached the top secret area of the lab where the serum was being perfected. A very pale middle aged man with dark blonde hair, eyes with bags under them, so dark they almost seemed black. He looked up when he noticed us approaching.
'Ah, Mr. Gludwick! Welcome back.' He looked me in the eye. 'This is Daniel I presume?'.
'Indeed. Daniel, this is Mr. Carr. He has helped me immensely with this project. A scientific mastermind.'
Mr. Carr chuckled. 'Your father has done all the real work.' He told me.
I was tired of the small talk, I wanted to know more about the project.
'So what exactly is going on here?' I asked.
Mr. Carr sighed. 'Well, to put it simply, the whole serum is a compound of elements, most of them are radioactive, which makes it dangerous to work with. The element that makes it special was the new element that your father created, Gludwickium.'
I didn't know how to react now that I knew my father had named a new element after himself.
'If we can perfect the measurements and the mixture, the serum will be completed. The only problem is, we can't seem to perfect it. However, it will be finished soon.'

My father and Mr. Carr launched into a conversation. I had no idea what they were talking about. I explored the lab for a little while, until I heard a rumbling behind me.

'Carr, what's going on?!' My father demanded.
'I-I have no idea sir!'
I looked at the tank of radioactive waste in the corner of the lab. It was violently shaking. My father pulled out a walkie-talkie.
'Evacuate the lab, immediately!' He shouted. He then ran up to inspect the tank, but he never got there. The tank exploded, and he was engulfed in radioactive waste. That was the last I saw of him.

I was extremely lucky to survive. Others, not so much. Most of them became infected. They turned into zombie-like creatures. A war was fought, and our world was destroyed.

.:Current Time:.

I am now one of the last thirty-six humans on Earth. We all struggle with survival. Our food supply is very limited. I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it. There's always hope though.

I looked through another window and took a peek at the town hall, where most of the last humans stayed. Among them was Kacie Clark. Man, she was something. Her light brown hair always managed to look perfect. What I loved most about her was her personality, she was adventurous and fearless, and not afraid to be a leader. I found myself smiling at her. However, that quickly disappeared when another figure walked up next to her. I scowled. It was Ryder Jamesworth. We used to be the best of friends, but the apocalypse tore our friendship apart. Now, he was looking to become the leader of the community. I knew that deep down, he was only in it for himself. Not only that, but he had been dating Kacie for about two months now. They were so easy together, it hurt me. Ryder and I had become arch-rivals. I also wanted to become the leader of the community. I was confident in my ability, I knew I was capable of being a good leader.

Having nothing else to do, I decided to visit the river in the forest to the west of the town. Some residents stayed in the forest, away from the city. I liked to visit often. It was a good place to clear my mind.

I walked up to the river and stared at my reflection. I hadn't shaved in days. A beard and mustache were growing. I focused on the scar on the side of my head. The memories of having to fight for my life, and having to kill still haunted me.

'What's going through your mind?' A voice behind me said. I turned around to see Jake Hill leaning against a tree, as usual. Jake was more of a lone wolf. He was independent, but also very smart. He also tended to crack a good joke now and then, which could brighten spirits. I stared into his icy blue eyes and sighed.

'Just thinking about Ryder.' I lied. I didn't want to tell him I was still thinking about the apocalypse.
'I hear that he wants to be leader.'
'Yea. With him leading, this community will go downhill. I just know it.'
'What do you plan to do about it?'
'I guess the only way to stop him is to become leader myself..' I said.
'You sure about that?' Jake asked.
'What's that supposed to mean?' I asked. I had a bad tendency to get angered easily.
Jake thought for a moment. 'Nothing. I think you should get the town together for an election, and let the community decide who should lead us.'
I thought for a moment. I was sure if an election was held, Ryder would win. He was more popular around town. I would have to win the hearts of many people.

'I'll call for a town meeting later. Thanks Jake.'
He nodded. 'No problem.' And with that, he disappeared into the forest.



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