By Ülvi Gitaliyev

Note: The image for the article is A.I. generated.

In 2024, the world as we had known it collapsed, its downfall shrouded in the mists of time. The vast repositories of human knowledge crumbled into oblivion, taking with them institutions like Berea College. However, faint echoes of the old world lingered on. Scarps of papers, monuments, and anything else survivors could get their hands on became distorted from their original meanings.

Generations passed, and the survivors’ descendants around Berea, calling themselves “One Blood” began to revere blood as a symbol of their sacred bond. In their mind, the cause of the collapse was a lack of grace by ungrateful people The most pivotal rite in their new world was the blood pact, an initiation ritual steeped in solemnity and gravitas. Every member was compelled to partake in this pact, sealing their allegiance to the community in blood. Those who refused were faced with a harsh ultimatum: accept the pact or face exile from One Blood forever. The following story is from one such blood pact in the One Blood community.

Chapter I

“Wake up, Cheryl, the elders are waiting for you!”

Our main character was startled awake from their long slumber. Cheryl quickly got dressed in a blue and white tunic provided to her by One Blood and ran to her mother’s room.

“Where were you last night? I heard you coming in well into the night!” Asked Cheryl’s mum impatiently.

“My classmates and I were practising the oath for the blood pact, mum.” Cheryl was actually reading books from the pre-collapse world, but the truth could come later.

“Practising does not do you any good if you are going to be late, go get ready before the bell rings!”

The bell, situated in a tower in the middle of New Berea, stood as one of the few remaining buildings from before the age of the ungrateful in a landscape of ruins. It was considered a great honour to ring it, and only the most grateful among the One Blood were allowed to touch it. Cheryl’s parents told her that a long time ago, there was a huge classroom next to the tower, where visitors from all over the world would come and entertain the local population, but it disappeared. Now, the area around the bell was used for the blood pact, and it was time for Cheryl to prove her allegiance to One Blood. As she approached the area once known as the “quad” Cheryl stood next to her classmates in a circle. Some were nervous, others excited, but all were ready to graduate and commit to the blood pact.

“Cheryl, I was worried you would not make it. Are you ready? Asked Ostap, Cheryl’s best friend and one of the best students in Berea. He seemed more excited for the blood pact than anyone else.

“Not as ready as you Ostap, I am surprised you are not bleeding already” Answered Cheryl sarcastically.

The two friends’ conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the Elder Dean, Myriam. Her red and black gown could be noticed among the blue and white of Berea. Ever since anyone could remember, the One Blood community had been ruled by a council of Deans, each presiding over one part of daily life. The Elder Dean, the highest among the Deans, was chosen in the tunnels of what was once Hutchins Library. Challenging their authority was the easiest way to be banished from Berea. As was customary, Cheryl, and others began to chant before she began to speak.

“One blood, one blood, ONE BLOOD!” Shouted Cheryl and her friends. She was used to chanting before every class, but it felt special this time.

“My dear One Blood community, as you join the ranks of the One Blood, understand the gravity of this commitment. The circle in which you now stand represents the unbreakable bond that we have fostered. Yet, you must complete one more step before being equal members of our community, the blood pact.” intoned Elder Dean Myriam, her voice resonating across the quad.

Cheryl listened attentively as Elder Dean continued the ritual. The bell tolled intermittently, underscoring each solemn moment with a haunting echo. Elder Dean Myriam produced a ceremonial dagger, its blade catching the flickers of sunlight that penetrated the overcast sky. She approached Cheryl, continuing her speech as she handed over the dagger.

“In the face of adversity, we stand united. As your blood falls into the cup, so too does your essence become intertwined with the spirit of One Blood. May your commitment be unwavering, and may the bonds forged here stay strong and true.”

Cheryl, with only slight hesitation, took the dagger and extended her palm, ready to fulfil the expectations of her parents, friends, and all of Berea.

“Cheryl, by the authority vested in me as Elder Dean, I affirm your dedication to One Blood. May your allegiance strengthen our community and guide us through any dark days brought on by the ungrateful.”

As Cheryl’s blood dripped onto the cup, onlookers observed in reverent silence. The ceremony unfolded seamlessly, each graduate partaking in the ritual, sealing their commitment to the One Blood community. Ostap was spilling so much blood that the cup almost overfilled. To her own shock, Cheryl’s blood was brighter than the others in the circle, but no one else seemed to notice. When the blood of all new members had been spilled, the cup was brought back to Cheryl. It was time for her to complete the ritual. Even as her hands were shaking, she yelled “One blood!” before taking a sip. More yells of “One blood!” followed, until the cup was bone dry. Pleased with the result, Elder Dean Myriam proclaimed:

“Let us celebrate the arrival of these new Bereans, begin the dances!”

 Just as the sun disappeared, people old and young appeared from work, ready to unwind and dance. Cheryl did not how to feel. She wanted to feel closer with all other graduates, but something about her was different. Was it her interest in the past, or did every new Bereans have these doubts, or more worryingly, was it something in her blood? Cheryl had to find out the answer soon. Before she could open any books though, Ostap held out his non-cut hand and asked:

“Care to dance Cheryl?”

Without even thinking, she answered yes. Cheryl supposed that the answers could wait for just a little.

Part II will be coming out soon!