Microstory 773: The Curse of Mexico

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When the creator of the universe, Alaha saw that her most precious creation, Earth was in danger of being destroyed by Adversary, she made a plan. Though she would not be able to protect the entire universe from Adversary’s rule, she could at least protect this one planet. Unfortunately for her, she overestimated the amount of time it would take for Adversary, and his twisted minions, to take control of the realms. She was only able to place the protective enchantment over a small chunk of land. As time went on, and the humans spread across the globe, this piece of land came to be known as Mexico. Its borders were likely drawn by an innate sense of its range. Though the effects of Adversary’s influence on people could remain while within Mexico’s borders, new hexes could not infect them. Everyone inside of Mexico is perpetually shielded against his anger, as long as they remain there. Even demons who crawl onto Earth are unable to pass through, which is what makes the border itself so incredibly dangerous. Anyone attempting to cross over will have to fight against the wrath of the evil ones, even through indirect means. It is for this reason that a young woman formed an organization designed to keep what Adversary refers to as The Curse of Mexico a secret. Should the rest of the world discover the truth, the country would be overrun with people fleeing from the danger. Fortunately, Adversary had no intention of revealing his true nature to the people of Earth. He breaks them down by subtler means, gradually turning them over to his side, while leaving them oblivious to what’s happening to them. Had he not kept himself a secret, the reality behind Mexico’s enchantment would too come to light. That might even be enough to overload the system, and undermine the enchantment entirely. But even in balance, this paradise cannot last forever, and when Adversary’s wicked armies begin to descend upon the Earth in the final battle between good and evil, perhaps not even Mexico will remain a safe haven.

Microstory 9: Sticks and Stones

Young Samuel Doolin sat in his class, hardly paying attention to what the teacher was saying. He was brighter than the other students, and should have been placed at least two grades higher. But he didn't care enough about school to let anyone know that. One phrase the teacher said, however, caught his ear. "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."

Samuel cleared his throat, prepared himself, and raised his hand. Once called on, he said, "you're a stupid f***ing c***."

In the principal's office, Samuel was calm and collected. The principal, of course, asked him where he learned those words, and why he felt that it was necessary to say them. "Well, I speak English, don't I?" Samuel asked. "And they were necessary to illustrate a point."

"Which is?" the principal asked, curious.

Samuel began the apology. "There are three things wrong with the sticks and stones rhyme. First, it's just a lie. Words are powerful. And they can hurt deeply. Walk into a room of black people and say the "n" word, and just wait for the reaction. Secondly, the rhyme gives bullies free rein to say whatever they want, without repercussions. Obviously, that can't be true either as I am sitting right here. Thirdly, the rhyme places the responsibility on the victim to change their behavior. The bully was just saying whatever they wanted, as they are free to do. Should the victim is simply grit their teeth and ask for more?

Samuel continued, "you may either punish me for my actions, and reform your policies, or you can let me go and stick to your outdated and ridiculous values. But I will not stand for hypocrisy. Either I can say what I want because words can't possibly hurt others, or I can't, and the rhyme should be abolished from the curriculum."

The principal sat for a long while after the speech. "Okay. That makes sense. I won't punish you, because you brought up some good points. But we will change."

"No," Samuel insisted."You absolutely must punish me. That's part of the reformation. I did this in order to elicit change, not to get a rise out of you and my teacher. If I expect you to not be hypocritical, I cannot rightly be so myself." He was given detention for a week. And things began to change. Slowly.