What Is Unknown *Chapter 1*

The breeze was chilled, but perfect on this warm spring day. The sun was high, but our hearts sank low. This illness, Rin Plague, was getting worse. It's hard knowing one of your own can be brought down by something so much stronger than yourself.

The view of the deep valley and wilderness was beautiful. It's strange envying something that doesn't have the ability to know it's own beauty and charm. And knowing that if you'd happen to slip, you could fall to your own death.

"Elizabeth." A familiar voice called. It was Elric. His eyes sparked with sadness. "What's wrong?" the words slipped out of my mouth and burned my tounge. "They need you." he replied I knew what he meant, so I started toward the village.

Many people lived there. We were at more risk of the plague than anyone. Few had had the illness so far. They were kept in a small building. Not many people were willing to go help the dying victims, but me and Elric were, as I'd say, brave.

I walked into the small building, covering my mouth with a cloth. It was hard for them to understand when we would talk, but not much talking went on. There was a lot of coughing. There were blood stains on the sheet from which people had thrown up their own blood.

People never seemed to stay long before giving up on life. The pain and agony was too much for them. I couldn't imagine giving up my life to something like that. Some cry and some don't do anything but lie there waiting for their time to come. Everyone seems to be afraid of things they don't know.

Elric stayed by my side like a loyal dog. Walking my every step. We walked to a woman in her early 20's. She'd been sick for a few days. Her skin had been infect badly, which turned her whole arm and one leg black. Her chest was black and spots of her face were. She still looked so pretty though. "Let me see your other arm, the uninfected one." I told her my voice muffled, but she understood. She pulled her sheets down a little and pushed her sleeve up. Black was all her arm was now.

She didn't seem surprised or scared about it. "I want to live for my daughter." she told Elric and myself. I felt the sadness come to my eyes. She had a daughter. "She's turning 5 Sunday. I promised to go to her birthday party, but I have to get better first." She smiled but it faded to a frown. She knew she'd never get better and her promise would be broken.

The birds sang a song. Not knowing the sadness that was going on inside the tatty building. The light shone brighter in the room. A spark of hope that was surely lost in seconds. The woman turned her head and painted the curtains dark red with her own blood.