Why

As the sun rises on the peaceful island of Aaia and a new day begins. Jack was sleeping in his comfortable bed at his house, similar to a villa. His alarm went off and he opened his eyes instantly with a bright smile. He jumped out of bed, opened his windows, and felt the sun against his skin as he looked at the birds playing.

Jack: Today is the day!

Jack quickly prepared himself and rushed downstairs to where his mother Layla was making breakfast and his little sister was in a baby chair, playing with her toys.

Jack: "Morning mom!"

Layla: smiling, "Morning, you seem excited today. I wonder why?"

Jack: "You know why, I bet you are excited too."

Layla: Upset, "If it wasn't for the letters I sent every month, I would forget he even exists,"

Jack slightly smiles, "I know you're excited too mom, you just don't want to show it ".

Layla: "Whatever, I don't care anymore,"

Jack took up his little sister.

Jack: "Do you know who is coming today, Nichole!?"

Nichole started smiling and making funny sounds.

Jack: "That's right, dad is coming home."

Jack hugged his sister excitedly while Nichole drool on his shirt. Jack quickly stopped hugging her.

Jack: "Nichole!".

Nichole started laughing. Jack put his sister back and took two pieces of bread off the table and ran to the door.

Layla: "Where are you going?"

Jack: "At the shipping stop."

Layla: "Don't you want breakfast?"

Jack; "When I get back!"

Jack ran off.

Layla kept on making eggs.

Layla: Now that I think about it, he didn't give us a time when he's coming…

Lily was behind the back of her house washing some clothes while her father was reading the newspaper and drinking his coffee.

Lily's father: "Why can't people learn that these politicians always come with the same sales pitch and it always works?"

Lily: "But dad, you still vote,"

Lily's father: "Not this time, I swear on my life, I'm not going to vote unless someone fixes the hot spring at Mr. Jelly,"

Lily rolled her eyes, "Whatever you say" "

Lily's father skipped the newspaper and saw someone running for mayor, fixing the hot spring as his mouth was opened in shock.

Lily's father: Did God hear my prayers?.

Jack called out Lily's name behind the short wooden fence in front of her.

Lily: "What brings you here?"

Jack: "Just wanted to see if you need any help."

Lily: sarcastically," That's so kind of you, Jack".

Jack: "That's why they call me Kind Jack."

Lily: Chuckling, "Yeah, keep telling yourself that."

Lily's father noticed jack.

Lily's father: "Hey, Jack"

Jack: "What's up Mr. wright?".

Wright: "I'm doing great. How about you?".

Jack: "Never been better,"

Wright: "Is there anything you want?".

Jack: "No, just stopping by to talk to my best friend, Lily."

Wright: "I didn't know you were so close."

Lily: "Don't listen to him dad, he wants something."

Wright: "Well, see you around."

Wright went back to reading the newspaper.

Jack: "You too".

Lily: "I'm busy at the moment, so whatever you want, just say it."

Jack: "I'm going to the ship stop to wait for my dad. Wanna come?"

Lily: "I'm ok"

Jack: "Oh, well."

Jack walked off.

Jack: "I guess it's me and the guys then!"

Lily: "Hey!".

Jack turned around.

Lily: "But if you wait a little longer, I can come."

Jack climbed over the fence.

Jack: "Let me help."

Lily: "Can you even wash?"

Jack: "Never wash clothes in my life,"

Lily: "Woah, talk about being useless!"

Jack: "Just get a washing machine, granny."

Lily stepped on Jack's toes while she went back to washing.

Jack: Bitch!

At Henry's house, he was watching a romance series in his messy room.

Henry: "Come on Juliet, just say you love him. This is the perfect opportunity."

As Juliet was about to profess her love, the episode ended.

The Tv: "Will Juliet confess or will she go back to being just friends? On the next Love & Death."

Henry: "Oh my god, I hate these romance series, just say you love him, geez."

Henry took up the remote to look for the next episode, but that was the last one.

Henry: "You gotta be kidding me. I have to wait a week to find this out. I swear if someone interrupts her confession, I'm going to kill myself."

Henry's mom called him from downstairs.

Henry's mother: "Henry, your friends are here!".

Henry went.

Henry: "Well this is a surprise".

Jack: "Ready?".

Henry: "For what?".

Jack: "We are going to the ship stop, remember?"

Henry face-slap himself.

Henry: "Just give me one second."

Jack: "No problem."

At Sarah's house, the kids were standing in front of the door, knocking on it for a while.

Jack: "Is there anyone home, Endless, Sogetsu!?"

Lily: "I guess they aren't here."

Henry scratched his head.

Henry: "Where could they be?"

Somewhere in the calm Green ocean, a purple narrowboat was making its way to Evergreen. The inside was fancy; expensive wine and calm music were playing. There were two people inside, Russel and Tobi. Russel was looking at the sea while Tobi was operating the boat and continuously looked at Russel through the glass above him.

Tobi: "It's a great day to be alive, wouldn't you agree?".

Russel did not answer.

Tobi: I guess I'm not worth his time.

Russel started to stretch his hands.

Russel: " Are you usually this quiet?".

Tobi: "Are you talking to me?".

Russel looked around.

Russel: "Unless there is someone else here?"

Tobi: "I was talking this entire time, but you weren't responding."

Russel: "Shit, I must have been daydreaming."

Tobi: "It's ok Mr. Russel, it wasn't anything really important."

Russel: "Ok then".

Russel was about to look back outside.

Tobi: "Ummm, I was wondering what's it like being a keeper?"

Russel: "Do you want to know anything specific?".

Tobi: "No, just what's the life of a keeper like?".

Russel began rubbing his beard.

Russel: "It's dangerous work, that's for sure. You get special perks than the average person and a bunch of other stuff. Honestly, I just do whatever I want, so I'm not the best person to ask."

Tobi crying inside. Why is he acting like a keeper isn't a big deal? People would do anything to be in his position."

Russel: "I guess you want to be a keeper?".

Tobi: "Yes sir, just like you, I want to be one of the elites."

Russel: chuckle, "One of the elites, so what's your story?".

Tobi: "About what?"

Russel: "What made you want to become a keeper?".

Tobi: "My dad".

Russel: "Oh, so you're the child of a keeper?".

Tobi: "Oh no, He just left a big impact on my life. That's all I can say."

Russel: "I guess you could say the same to me."

Tobi: "What's your story, Mr. Russel?".

Russel: 'Enough with the formalities. Just call me, Russel. My father was a keeper, so that's how I became one ".

Tobi: ``Woah, it must be cool having a dad who is a keeper".

Russel: "It was hell, that's for sure, but I can't complain. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be alive."

Tobi: "So, are you looking for someone to carry on the legacy?".

Russel: "I have a son, but unlike me, I want to give him options. I believe a man has to shape his destiny."

Tobi: "I agree. Have you ever thought about taking on apprentices?".

Russel: "Well, of course, everyone has to at some point."

Tobi: "How was that? I bet you were a good teacher."

Russel took a bottle of wine and drank it.

Russel: upset, "One of my many mistakes, that idiot is most likely off somewhere causing trouble."

Tobi: "HA HA, but I bet he's still alive, so that's good news."

Russel: smirk, "We made a bet with him. I predicted that he would die in two years with his recklessness."

Tobi: awkward, "That's a really strange bet with your student, wouldn't you say?".

Russel: "He was the one that brought it up. He better have my money too, even if I have to get it from his corpse."

Tobi: "Well, um, good luck on the bet. "

Russell: "hmph"

Tobi: "Since you failed, ever thought about trying again?".

Russel: "One time is enough for me and even if I wanted to, I'm not suited to train anyone at the moment."

Tobi: Disappointed, "Oh I see".

Sarah was holding both Endless and Sogetsu's hands while their eyes were closed as she led them.

Endless: "Mom, where are we going?"

Sarah: Cheerful, "You will soon find out baby."

Sogetsu: "It's noisy here. Where are we?".

Sarah started giggling.

Sarah: "Ok we are finally here!"

From afar, they opened their eyes and saw Gates that were made of Green wood, with no end in sight and so tall they felt like the walls of a castle. There was a big sign in Bold that said: "Evergreen Garden".

Endless: shocked, "What are we doing here? Aren't we supposed to go on our birthday!?"

Sogetsu: "This can't be real,"

Sarah: "Well, there has been a change of plans."

Sogetsu: "What changed!?"

Sarah: "What's with the questions? I thought you boys would be excited?"

Endless: "We are"

Sogetsu: "But this is so sudden."

Sarah: "Everything is OK. we just haven't gone anywhere in a while unless you want to leave?".

Sogetsu and Endless: "No, no, no!"

Sarah: "Then let's go inside."

Endless ran off.

Endless: "Meet you guys at the entrance!"

Sarah: "Endless, you can't just run off by yourself, This isn't home!".

Sogetsu ran after him.

Sogetsu: "Wait for me!".

Sarah started walking fast.

Sarah: "Wait for Mom!"

From behind the Evergreen Garden, the narrowboat dock at a small port. Russel walked off slowly while Tobi followed him and they were greeted by Mr. Small. He was a short man but was dressed in a tuxedo suit.

Russell: "Damn, I haven't seen you in a long time, shrimp."

Small: smile, "Still an asshole, somethings never change."

They both shaked each other's hands tightly.

Tobi: "Good day, Mr. Small."

Small: "So what do you think of the famous Russel, Tobi?"

Tobi: "I just met him, so I'm not sure what to say."

Small: "Ahhh I see, well me and Russell are going to catch up, Take care,".

They walked off while Tobi watched them and scratched his head.

Tobi: "I feel like I'm forgetting something."

Small: "Let's get down to business, shall we?"

Russel: "That's why you're no fun, always business with you."

Tobi ran past them at high speed.

Russel: "What's wrong with him?"

Small: "who knows"

Sarah, Endless, and Sogetsu were in a waiting area, along with a bunch of other people.

Sogetsu: "What's taking our guide so long?".

Endless: "I wanna see the animals."

Sarah: "Let's have some patience. We aren't in a hurry."

A small ball came rolling in their direction and Endless caught it and a boy came running to him.

The boy: "Hey, throw it over here."

Endless threw the ball at him and he caught it but fell on his butt because of the impact.

Endless: "I'm sorry!".

The boy: "Ha ha, I'm ok, nice one."

The guy threw back the ball at full force and Endless caught it easily.

The boy: "Nice catch! wanna come play with us?"

Endless pointed at himself.

Endless: "Me?"

The boy: "Yeah, you".

Tobi was running through a gigantic room that had an immense aquarium while sweating.

Tobi: Sometimes I wish this place was smaller!

He went up a long staircase and came to an elevator.

Tobi: tired, "Finally".

He got inside and went to the first floor. He looked at his reflection inside the glass elevator and tidied himself. He saw the group he was guiding today and quickly hurried.

Endless and Sogetsu were playing with a bunch of other kids while Sarah was interacting with the parents.

Sarah: "Every year?"

Elia: "Yes, that's what all the kids want to see, the animals."

Sarah: "Isn't that a bit expensive?".

Elia: "Yes, that's why we go together and you also get a discount because of the kids."

Sarah: "A Discount… I didn't know that."

Elia: "Kids can even come inside free sometimes."

Sarah: "Really?".

Everyone heard the sound of a whistle and turned around.

Tobi: "I'm sorry I'm late, I will be your Guide today. You can call me Tobi!"

The kids rushed to Tobi while he was overwhelmed by the questions.

Tobi: smiling "I know you're all excited, We will see the animals soon."

Tobi led the group while all the kids followed him and the parents were behind them. They went inside the elevator and went to the second floor as they stepped inside. Endless, Sogetsu and Sarah were amazed while everyone else was excited.

There were many animals in sight, each in its unique cage. Tobi took them to an animal similar to a frog, but walked on two legs, and had long flimsy hands. They jumped at great height trying to catch the flies with their tongue that had a long reach. While others were floating in the water as if they were dead.

Tobi: "These are called combloies, they are omnivores and are very tricky creatures."

Endless: "Mr. Tobi, I have a question!?"

Tobi: "That was fast. Go ahead."

Endless: "Can you tell me more about these animals?".

Tobi: "Of course, don't worry, I'm going to tell you all about the animals and if you want more information, I will be more than happy to help .".

Endless: "Nice".

Tobi: "The Combloies are very harmless creatures and mostly run away from danger, since they have very weak bodies. But they can squeeze themselves in very tight places that would be impossible for us humans.".

A boy: "That's lame."

Tobi: "Well, they aren't the most exciting animals."

A girl: "But Mr. Tobi, why does it look like some of the Combloies are not alive?"

Tobi: "I assure you they are. Combloies are great actors when they want to play dead, but they even can use Seaweed as a camouflage. It's impossible to tell the difference at times.''

Sogetsu: "They sound a little cooler."

The parents were taking pictures of the animals and Sarah looked at the cameras.

Sarah: I should have bought one of those.

Elia came and touched Sarah.

Elia: "I caught you staring at the cameras, forgot to carry yours?"

Sarah: "Oh no, I don't have one."

Elia: "Well, every mother should. You won't get to experience this twice, trust me, when they all grow up they will be too busy to stay with you. Taking photos can help with that. So, please take this."

Elia handed her a camera.

Sarah: "Thank you.".

Elia showed Sarah how to operate the camera.

Sarah: "Boys!".

Endless and Sogetsu turned around.

Sarah: "Cheese."

They both smiled.

They went to another animal called the Gogodol, which is known for its speed and beauty. The Gogodol had a similar shape to an ostrich with their rainbow feathers glistening in the sun as they performed for the crowd with their incredible speed, which could give a cheetah a run for its money. The gogodol caught everyone's attention, and the kids were excited as the birds raced one another.

A girl: "Mommy, I want one of those, PLEASE!".

The girl's mother: "When you make your own money, go buy one."

The little girl folded her hands in disappointment.

Mr. Tobi carried them to an aquarium where they saw fishes of all kinds and shapes; some could swallow a whale, others were smaller than your pinky, while some were able to glow or their bodies were as transparent as water.

Their journeys to different floors opened their worlds to different animals, some were stranger than the next, others were so dangerous an alligator would be a preferred opponent, some were so cute there could be religions around them and others were so strange they weren't words to describe.

Russel and Small were staying in a room on the higher floor. Russel took his shirt off and there were scar marks all over him and a large one across his left chest where his heart was.

Small: Shock," How bad was it?".

Russel: "... I almost died, Luckily my heart was not damaged badly."

Small: "Was the opponent that strong?"

Russel: "I was outclassed."

Small: smirk, "but you're alive,There's always next time."

Russel: sad tone, "I don't think there will be one."

Small: confused, "What's wrong?".

Russel: low tone, "I'm losing my Chi. I can only feel it in my hands mostly, but the rest of my body it's like I'm numb."

Small: "Since when?".

Russell: "It's been about two years."

Small: angry, "Are you crazy?".

Russel: "I know, I'm helpless."

Small: "You're damn right. It's a miracle you're still standing here. What were you doing all this time?".

Russel: "Trying to see if there was a way to get it back."

Small: "And?".

Russel: "There was nothing."

Small: "Quit then."

Russel: Shocked, "What?".

Small: "You heard me quit. You have enough money to live comfortably until you die."

Russel: "You know I can't do that."

Small: "What do you mean you can't do that? I did it and so many others."

Russell: "I'm different, small, you wouldn't understand."

Small: Laughed "Oh yeah, I forgot it's Russel, one of the fucking elites. How could I understand? Get off your high horse, You're just human like the rest of us."

Russel: "Hmph! high horse, you're right, how could you understand when you broke down like a damsel in distress and quit!".

Anger took control over Small as he threw an iron ball at his friend, which missed and shattered a mirror.

Small: "Fuck you, you know there was more to it than that."

They both stared at each other, then Small looked away.

Small: "What about your family?"

Russel: "What about them?"

Russel: "Don't you have a newborn, a boy, and a wife waiting for you at home, or are you telling me being a keeper is more important than them?.

.

Russel: "...it is"

Small sat in a chair and shook his head as he looked down.

Small: "Then why are you going to visit them?".

Russel: "I need somewhere to think."

Russel puts on his shirt and opens the door.

Small: depressed, "If this is what it is like being one of the elites, I'm glad I quit: My family means everything to me,"

Russell: "You will never be one of us and that's a good thing.

In the Garden rest area where people go to eat food and there is also a playground for the children. All the children were playing and interacting and the parents were watching them.

Elia: "Ok, so who's coming to buy lunch?"

Everyone had a no thank you face.

Elia: "Come on, I can't go alone, they will eat me alive in there.".

Pearl: "The last time I went, I nearly fainted."

Samuel: "Fine, I will come."

Elia: "That's one, I need another person?".

Everyone looked away from her.

Elia: "Unless you guys are ok with your kids starving?".

As someone was about to come along.

Emma: "Why don't you ask the lady, what's her name again?".

Elia: "Who?".

Emma pointed at Sarah, who was taking pictures of her boys while they played.

Elia went over to Sarah and put her arm around Sarah's arm."

Elia: "Sarah, we are friends right?".

Sarah: Frighten, "Ahhh, I guess".

Elia: "And friends help each other out, right?"

Sarah: "Yes".

Elia: "Can you do a friend a favour and come with me?"

Sarah: "Sure, but where?"

Elia: "To get food."

Sarah looked at her kids.

Elia: "Don't worry, everyone else will be watching them."

Elia pointed at the group, who waved back.

Sarah: "Ok".

Elia:" I know I could depend on you. Don't worry, it isn't too far from here".

Sarah: We are just going for food. It shouldn't take long.

The Lunch building was packed with people like an army of ants.

Sarah: "Maybe we should come back later."

Elia laughed.

Elia: "We will never eat if that's the case. It's always like this in the garden. We have to fight our way through the lines. That's why I'm glad Samuel is here with us."

Samuel went into the restaurant, then they followed. Because he was large, he was able to push up closer to the front while they waited to be next.

In the maintenance room of the garden, there were dozens of workers working to make sure everything was ok. Two men, Nerd and West, were walking around inspecting the place.

Nerd: "West, how are we looking today?".

West: "Everything is ok sir, just like any normal day."

Nerd: "That's good to hear. The angry ant incident that happened while I was away was fixed?".

West: "Well sir, there was an investigation, but they concluded that there was no way for it to escape, unless it had been when they were being transferred here."

Nerd: "West, you know I am a man of possibilities. Are you sure they checked everywhere?".

West: "Well yes, everywhere except the control room."

Nerd: "why didn't they?".

West: "The control room is the most secure place; nothing can't get in without the key."

Nerd rushed off to the control room, and Nerd followed him as they entered. There were three men in the room and they greeted them.

Nerd: "Is everything fine here?"

Control men 1: "Yes sir, is there something wrong?".

Nerd looked around the room slowly.

Nerd: "Has there been an issue down here while I was away?".

Control man 2: "Other than the magnet problem, no sir."

Nerd: "How did that happen?".

Control man 3: "One of the devices malfunctioned."

Nerd went to where the devices that control the magnet were and opened it and he saw nothing out of the ordinary.

West: "As I said, everything is fine."

Nerd: I can't shake the feeling something isn't right…..

Nerd put his hands on the cover of one of the devices to take it off while West was worried.

West: "Be careful Sir, if something happens to those things we could lose our job."

Nerd: "Just shut up."

As Nerd removed one of the covers of the devices. He was greeted with the pleasant surprise of angry ants roaming around devouring the liquid which helped power the device.

West: "Oh God….".

The buildings in the garden that had bolts along with magnets supporting them were no longer getting supported by the magnet, only leaving the bolts to withstanding the pressure. While people were roaming, enjoying their time, unknown to them, death came to join the fun.

To be continued.