Red Dawn Rising

By Debora Hellinga

“Had she known that in a world of gods and mortals, she was a Titan?”

It’s the middle of the 23rd century, and life has never been better. But for those less privileged, things have never been worse. Torn from her childhood at just four years of age, Morgan has known only suffering. Her young life spent locked up with others just like her in one of many underground facilities known as Basements, where they’re used for torturous experiments so severe that many never make it out. And even those who do are never truly free of the horrors they have experienced.

After years of suffering, Morgan, whose eyes have turned a chilling metallic grey from the experiments she’d endured, is freed by the Rebellion.

Now known to many as Titanium, Morgan seizes the opportunity to inflict revenge for everything that was ever done to her and quickly works her way up until she becomes the leader of her own army, the Titans, named after their fearless metallic-eyed leader.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley
• Release date: Aug 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463121320

Debora Hellinga

Besides her study (English Language and Culture after three years of Social Work), Debora (b.1994) loves to be occupied with tea, books, fun with friends and films. She is always looking for something to amaze her and for new adventures, however big or small, as much as she likes to get lost in her own world.

Book preview

Prologue

How It All Began

White snow twirled down fast and would soon cover the entire world. Opposite of Zack, the building carried small painted blue flowers. He wondered if she had known, if she had known people were rising and united in the name of Titanium. If she had known people killed and were killed in the name of Titanium.

The apartment felt strangely quiet with all the whispering shadows. He could still see the three of them sitting on the blue couch, but that had been many years ago now. They had gone and had left him with their phantom memories.

The white vase with the blue forget-me-nots stood on the table, silent and strong. They cost him a fortune, still he always made sure he had some.

Zack slowly inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth as he looked at the pen and an empty notebook by his hands. Gerard’s good luck note still lay on it. People needed to remember Morgan the person, not Morgan Titanium the idea. But where to begin? Should he go back to her beginning, or the historical beginning?

The thought of them did not sting like a hot blade nor did her memory scratch its nails against his walls. Now he could sit and remember. Not understand, he would only try to remember. Deciding to just start writing, he wondered if she had known that in a world of gods and mortals, she was a Titan.

My name is Zack Smith. I was born as the son of Captain Peter and nurse Astrid in the year 2198 as their third of five children. We lived in Adir, a small city in the Twelfth Region. I was with Morgan, also known as Titanium when she rose up and fell down. Still, the beginning of this all lays many years before us.

When the crisis, wars, and anxiety all around the world had reached its highest, when many nations were in debt, even more were at war with each other, countries were either thriving on the wars or dying by it. Several world leaders joined together and formed a new government to save their countries. Over the years, their power grew and grew as more nations joined them, some by choice some by force. The Empire conquered the entire world and divided it into Provinces and every Province into Regions.

In the beginning, they truly wanted to do what was right for their people. They wanted to help them, feed them, keep them safe. Yet as their land grew, as their power grew, so did their hunger for more ever more. The Council, existing of 53 men and women who ruled over the Provinces, began to doubt each other. Rumours and conspiracies were born, which led to murders, bribes, and returning unrest. The Council lost sight of their people and were only busy with their money and seats. To keep the people obedient and safe, the Batavi were created. Once human, Batavi have become order-following killing.

To make sure the Batavi existed of the best-trained people, they began to take people from their homes. Children, teens and young adults were kidnapped in the dark of the night, never to be seen or heard from again. Adults were taken less often, because they were already working and because of that ‘useful’ to the Empire. Some of them were used as human preys or punch bags, and some were used as lab rats in the name of science. And the Council did nothing to stop them.

The biggest and worst locations in Regions are named ‘Basements’, because of their large size and many items, as people are called, that are kept within. Once you’re in there, you either die there or get turned into a dead killing machine. It reeks of death and no one cares who you are. You will be tortured, beaten, experimented on, and eventually broken.

While I was hunting with Joey, my oldest brother, the Batavi appeared out of nowhere. My brother tried to stop them so they shot him and took me with them. I was blindfolded and pushed into a loaded truck, filled with the whispers of at least twenty other people – both younger and older than me.

We were brought to the Basement, got our first beating, a cold shower and were burned with our new identity. Mine was X-6.823.

I was brought to a room with several people dressed as doctors. They took some of my blood, my hair, my saliva, and I was weighed, checked, and got a pat on the head. They gave me a grey tank top and grey pants. No shoes, no underwear.

Afraid and tired I was thrown in a dark cell with only room for two small wooden beds, which had no mattress and only a thin sheet to keep me warm in the night. There was a small opening at the bottom of the door which allowed some light and sound, but everything else was dark and silent. Through the small opening, I heard careful voices: whispers, muffled cries, noises of fear, but one was calling me.

He said his name was Robby, he told me to take care of Morgan as she was in touch with Taoiseach, who could get us out.

Taoiseach was the only shadow we trusted, dwelling among the guards yet working on our behalf. I was told to stay strong: help was on its way. The Rebellion was doing everything they could to get us out. To which Robby snorted, but dared not to disagree. Taoiseach ignored him and told me I was sharing my room with a friend who had been living in this hell since she was four: Morgan. Taoiseach promised me that if I hurt her, I’d be dead.

Morgan, dear Morgan.

I remember the first time I saw her, shortly after Robby spoke to me. She was thrown into the room, completely numb. Her brown hair was wild and her green eyes stood dull in greyish skin. There was a bandage on her left arm and crimson blood dripped through it. Her face and limbs were bruised. I tried to wake her up but the guard laughed at me and told me she would probably be sleeping for the next few days. After he had left, Robby whispered to me Morgan was one of the few (I later learned there were a mere 327) who had lasted a long time in the Basement. She was often used for experiments, yet always tried to resist but it always ended with being heavily drugged or receiving a beating.

Morgan was a fierce little girl, summoning her strength from fear, anger, and the damage that the Batavi had done to her. She had close to no memories of her short life before the Basement, nothing but vague images and blurry ideas. All she knew was her name and her number, Y-3.229 – nothing else.

Robby told me in one of our whispered conversation that most of the time Morgan had been alone in her cell. At first, she had shared it with other children of the same age. They either died, were turned into Batavi, or were shipped off. After that, she had been alone in her cell, sometimes even on the block. Other times, she had been in a white room, in an ice cold bath or a burning hot bath.

The guy before me had been placed there by the Batavi. They knew Morgan somehow communicated with the outside world, but did not know how. It was up to this guy to find out how she did it. First, he had tried to be friends, then he started manipulating her, even bullying and threatening her. Eventually, she strangled him. Morgan had only been a teen.

We whispered softly in the nights and took care of each other when we were hurt. It had been Morgan who warned me about the nightmares that lived in the walls and whispered at night. She warned me about the demons that would creep into your skin over time. Who would blame you for everything that had happened and made you see danger in everything. The demons who would suck your joy away and feast on every inch of hope. At first, I thought she was overreacting a bit, but it didn’t take long for me to discover how horribly right she was.

I spent almost three years in that hell. Though it seemed like forever. I had no idea what day it was, what time it was, what was happening outside – nothing. Most of the time I had to either wash and cook or be a punching bag for the Batavi. Thank Heavens they never used me for experiments like they did on Morgan. For short amounts of time, she had lost her sense of hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling, and even the ability to speak, to sleep and to walk. Each time she could only wait and pray it would return.

Don't get me wrong, there were others like Morgan, many many others, and what was done to them is horrible, but Morgan was…she was my family. She pulled me through hell. She was a Titan amid gods.

Zack sighed and looked up from his paper. A smile curled his lips as he shook his head. O yes, he remembered. He remembered it all…

Chapter 1

September Fifth, 2226

Soft thumping echoes of boots on concrete filled the hallway, causing the soft whispers of the prisoners to stop as the people crawled back into the safety of their darkness.

Open cell 6.21! the guard ordered with a harsh voice and waiting for 6.21 to open with a cold shrieking noise. Zack stood at the end of the cell and after he had blinked a few times against the bright light, he stared at the guards. There is no point in talking to those who think of you less than the cockroaches in the cracks. Plus, if he would say anything he risked getting a beating. The two guards pushed Morgan roughly into the cell, causing her to trip and fall. The tallest guard spat on the ground and looked at Zack, challenging him to open his mouth. Zack only looked back, his gaze met the guards for a moment then he stared down at Morgan.

He needs a shave, the spitting guard mumbled.

Bloody bastard, the other guard said with a disdainful sniff but took no effort to waste any more words on the prisoner, and closed the door.

As soon as the lock turned, Morgan sat up and lifted her head with a sigh and cracked her neck. Her arms and ankles were bruised, but she was sober. Perhaps she had to tell them what was happening to her during the experiment.

Motherfuckers, she sighed and shortly massaged her left shoulder.

Morgan? Zack slowly came closer and kneeled beside her. Her eyes had turned from green to an unnatural icy blue colour. How had they done that, Zack wondered, what ungodly things had they done to her this time?

Hi, Zack, Morgan touched his face with her hands. They ran from his brown locks to his sharp nose, then his jawline and down to his small beard. Her fingertips were cold and rough, but kind in their touch.

He whispered, What…

How long have I been gone? Morgan still moving her eyes restlessly as if she was looking for something, trying to see even a hint of light.

The guards had brought him bread four times and soup three times. But whether it was midday or the end of the day, he did not know. Morgan slowly let her fingers trail his chest and his arms, checking if he was okay as he replied, Four days, I reckon.

What do you see? she asked when she was sure he was fine.

Your eyes are… For a moment Zack paused in confusion, They’re blue.

What kind of blue? Morgan’s voice was calm.

Like ice. So light and…they just look like ice. He refused to say 'unnatural' so he quickly cleared his throat and continued, Can you see anything?

Vaguely, she lied as she shrugged and started crawling to her wooden bed. Zack wanted to reach down and help her.

Don't! she snapped and yanked her arm away before he could touch it.

Morgan, Zack sighed, annoyed by her same old attitude.

Don't. Her voice was clear and authoritative, I don't need any help.

Alright. Zack backed off and sat down on his own bed, trying not to sigh again. Morgan always wanted to prove she was not a sad little girl who needed people to take care of her. She wanted to prove she was strong, that she could take anything, that she was indestructible. Mostly, she wanted to prove to herself that the Batavi were wrong and that she had some worth. Morgan rubbed her eyes, but they kept moving restlessly. She cursed unladylike and kicked her bed.

Where did they take you? Zack asked. Morgan lifted her head and tried to look at him, even though she could hardly see a thing and gazed straight passed him.

Second level, she said and lifted her head even higher as if she tried to look through the ceiling.

There were five levels underneath the ground. The lowest level was where all the cell blocks were and where the cooking and cleaning was done. There were seven cell blocks, all with forty cells. The fourth level was for the beatings, the killings and most gruesome experiments. The third level was for other experiments and what unjustly were called medical rooms. On the second level was a training area for the guards and Batavi, and several other white rooms. And the first floor, well none of them truly knew what was up there. It seemed to be the way out, though no one knew how to get there.

I was so close, Zack. So close, her voice was fragile and her hidden longings were uncovered, I could almost smell the fresh air.

Why did they take you up so high? Zack asked, it made no sense to him.

I don’t know, she sighed, How have you been?

Fine, Zack replied, Nothing new, nothing bad.

Good. Morgan took her hair and started braiding it when suddenly she stopped.

What? What is it? Alarmed, he lowered his voice. He listened but could hear nothing.

Did you say I’ve been gone for four days?

Yes, why? Zack frowned as he saw Morgan’s eyes quickly moved from left to right and back again in thought as she counted her fingers.

You’re sure about that? she asked again.

Yes, Morgan, why?

There was no reply as Morgan moved to the door and sat down. Her face towards the door, Zack knew she would sit there facing the door with blinded eyes for hours if she needed to. He ran his hands through his hair, both in annoyance and curiosity. The shallow breathing of Morgan told him she was still in pain.

For some time, Zack tried to get some rest while Morgan sat in front of the door and waited, though Zack had no idea for what or who. The moment echoes of boots filled the hall, the whispers of the prisoners were silenced as they drew back into dark safety. Hearts fastened in delicate hope as they recognised the person walking through the hall. By the tapping of his club against the walls, Taoiseach announced their arrival and stopped in front of cell 6.21. Morgan heard it and leaned against the door so she could hear the whispering on the outside.

Happy Hanukkah, Taoiseach spoke softly. For some reason, Zack always imagined a smiling thirty-year-old who had their life on track, was happily married and worked a nine to five office job, but no one around here could be like that.

Morgan rose to her feet when Taoiseach spoke. Her eyes moved fast, looking left and right without seeing.

Happy what? Zack said surprised and tried not to make too much noise.

The words I tell you are the words that were given to me. Remember them to find the way. The light will shine and the light you must follow, Taoiseach recited the hint twice, giving Morgan the chance to take it in. After the second time, she took a deep breath and nodded.

When? she asked shortly, understanding what he was talking about. Zack, on the other hand, looked at her with a puzzled face and wondered what in the name of everything that grew was going on.

Soon, was all Taoiseach promised before walking and disappeared in the concrete hall. Morgan remained silent for a while, then made up her mind and gave three fast knocks and two slow knocks on it. When no reply came, Morgan mumbled curses and knock again.

Yes, Robby sounded tired and Zack wondered when he last had had a decent night’s rest. One without haunted nightmares and whispering shadows.

Morgan whispered as loud as she could, Happy Hanukkah.

Are you sure? Robby immediately knew what she was talking about, to Zack’s surprise.

Absolutely.

How do you know?

The words I tell you, are the words that were given to me. Remember them to find the way, she recited with some effort, The light will shine and the light you must follow.

Robby remained silent for a moment, before he echoed, Happy Hanukkah.

Spread the word. Morgan slowly stood up and went back to her bed. Because she had been blinded before, it was not all too difficult to find her way. She laid down on her back and covered herself with her blanket up to her chin. Zack waited until her breathing was steady then sat down next to her on her bed.

Morgan, what is happening? he demanded with a whisper while he could hear Robby talk softly to other people.

Do you remember Kyle? The one who got away.

Of course. How could he forget the one who had shown it was possible to escape this inferno.

Well, how should I say this, Morgan took a deep breath, Come here.

Zack got to his feet and took his place next to Morgan. Both laid on their side, their heads close together. This way they could talk so soft, they could hardly it themselves. It was the safest way to share that which could even hardly be whispered.

Kyle escaped nearly five years ago, she spoke slowly, as if she was breathing, How, I don’t know, but he got out. And now he’s coming back.

Coming back? Zack hissed surprised. Coming back was even stranger than getting out. If you could escape hell, why would you return to it?

Sh! To get us out, of course. They will blow the first floor up to lure the guards. Play with the electronics to open the cells and start an attack. We just have to run as fast as we can, to escape.

Zack frowned, They?

The Rebellion, of course, she sighed annoyed, Come on, Zack, keep up!

How are they going to get everyone out?

They won’t, Morgan replied, That’s impossible. Everyone has to run for their own life, that is why Robby has to spread the word and everyone needs to keep telling it.

And you’re okay with that? Zack frowned in disapproval.

They can’t save everyone, Morgan replied simply, Choices have to be made and sacrifices will lead to freedom.

What about the sick, the weak? Do you just mean to leave them here?

They would have died here any day soon anyway. Her words struck him, there was something in them that told him she was not just talking about the sick and the weak.

And what of you? You can’t even see!

If I die, I will take as many of those manufactured beings with me as I can, she said, It doesn’t matter.

You don’t mean that, Zack hoped.

What do you know about me? Morgan swallowed the rest of her words, Look, you just run and take your freedom. If you want to play a hero during your running, do it and die with it. But try to make it, Zack.

I’m not leaving you.

I don’t need help.

Don’t be so stubborn, Morgan, Zack replied annoyed. It felt like talking to a child.

Don’t treat me like I’m helpless! Morgan hissed. This time, Zack swallowed his words and a short silence fell between them.

Thank you, for the heads up, he said instead. Morgan gave a small nod, her hands still clinging to her bed sheet.

Let’s try to get some sleep, Morgan suggested when she heard Zack yawning.

Yes, Zack stood up and laid down in his own bed, Sleep well.

Sleep well. Morgan waved her hand to get his attention again, Zack, I mean it. Run as fast as you can.

You too, Morgan, he whispered as he turned on his back and fell asleep.

Zack did not know how long he had been sleeping and cared little for it. It had been a restless sleep with a haunting dream of whispered accusations. When he opened his eyes he could see Morgan was sitting up straight on her bed. She was squeezing her eyes towards the door, trying to see something with her blind eyes. Through the hallway, running feet echoed, which was strange since guards were never running through the hallway and there were never more than three. Zack could see nine shadows passing through the small opening at the end of the door. No one said a word, but even after the guards had left the air remained thin and the concrete echoed the racing heartbeats. Zack leaned forward and whispered.

Can you see anything? He looked at Morgan and she shook her head but kept squeezing her eyes in a stubborn attempt.

If you see a light, Zack, Morgan whispered, run.

What kind of light? he looked from the door back to Morgan, who tilted her head a bit.

What are you, stupid? she hissed, Just run towards it when it comes, alright?

What about you? Zack looked at her. Morgan’s eyes moved hastily, almost nervously. Her jaw was shut tight and her body was stiff. Still, her shoulders were pushed back and her body shouted resistance.

I’ll be fine, was her reply and he knew she was lying. In the silence, Zack feared his loud heart and rapid breathing would lure the guards back, but nothing moved and no one came, yet. He had a feeling his hope would finally come true. Or was it more a longing?

The last time both Morgan and the guards had been acting like this, had been a few months ago when some professor came to check on the experiments. Morgan had tried to choke him, failed, and had ended up in a cold bath for two days, a broken wrist, three broken ribs and a couple dozen bruises. Zack highly doubted the professor would be back this soon, the rich man had much better things to do than visiting his experiments.

Just when Zack wanted to open his mouth again, he heard a loud rumble above his head and a light jolting echoed through the walls. A moment of complete silence followed so sudden it was deafening, lasting a few seconds. Then the sound of breaking concrete made the cells shake and the lights went out. Complete darkness filled the cells. Zack could hear people scream and children cry.

Calm down! Taoiseach yelled.

Where the bloody hell did they come from? Zack mumbled. Morgan only sniffed entertained in reply.

Everyone, calm down! We’ll be fine! Taoiseach spoke with a clear voice.

We’re going to die, a voice cried.

No, we’re not! Robby yelled, We’ll live because of this! Unlike Taoiseach, who sounded like a leader, Robby sounded like a maniac who was ready to die.

It’s starting, Morgan whispered from her bed, enthusiastic like a child before Christmas, and made her way to the door.

Shut up! Taoiseach roared above all the whimpering and demanded silence.

Be still and wait, was all Taoiseach said. The screams became less but from higher levels, violent echoes were heard. Which was also strange, usually no noise came through. To Zack, the sounds reminded him of thunder, though he knew that was impossible.

Morgan, what is happening? he demanded, Weren’t there people up there, our people?

Whatever you do, Zack, Morgan whispered, ignoring his questions, Keep running.

Something slid underneath the doorpost and Morgan quickly picked it up.

What’s that? Zack knew what it was, he just could not believe it. In her hands, Morgan was holding a small knife. Zack recognised it as one of the guards’ knives and had no idea what she was imagining she could do with it, but it could not mean much good. Morgan not answering his question only confirmed that.

Morgan—

Save it, Zack, she hissed and got up. Morgan restlessly made her way to her bed and back to the door. Knowing her current limits, she went slower and carefully, counting her steps as she made her journey. Zack looked at her and knew it was useless. She could do nothing like this, nothing but end up dead.

Ten guards ran passed the cells on their way to the higher levels and another moment of silence followed. A loud snap took everyone’s breath and Morgan cautiously pushed against the door. It opened and guardedly she got out. With her followed several others, who ran as fast as they could to their freedom.

Go! Taoiseach’s voice echoed through the hallways, urging people towards their freedom.

We’re free, a girl whispered and others joined in the realisation.

We’re free! the girl said louder as she picked up a child up and ran away.

Come on, go! Go! Robby yelled and made his own way out. Some pulled people out of their cells and pushed them towards the end of the hall, while others ran now they had the chance. Morgan clung to her knife, ready to stab anyone who would cross her path.

Stop it! Zack smacked the knife out of her hand and kicked it away.

Fuck, Zack, what are you doing! Zack yelled, staring straight passed him with her blind eyes. People were screaming and running, the noises dull amongst the concrete. Taoiseach’s voice was encouraging them to run upstairs and keep running until they were in the forest, while Robby ran at the beginning.

You never would have hit any of the guards! Anger boiled up inside of Zack like the adrenaline that began to rush through his veins.

How do you know that? she challenged him with burning blind eyes.

They were gone when you got out, Morgan. Zack heard the fatherly tone in his voice and saw a flash of annoyance on Morgan’s face but could not care less about it, You can’t see shit, how were you supposed to hit them?

Morgan! someone yelled, You’ve got to get out of here!

Don’t treat me like a child, Morgan yelled.

What? I… Zack took a deep breath and decided he would argue no more. He grabbed Morgan’s hand and ran. She tried to stand firm but Zack was stronger and pulled her along. Following the pushing crowd, Zack passed the other cells, up to the open gate. He turned left, passed other gates, ran up the wide stairs and quickly passed other people who were slower.

A white sign on the wall told him ‘-5’. A girl passed him and yelled directions. The hallway seemed to have more people than oxygen. Zack passed a small crying boy of three on the floor. For a moment he hesitated, then he turned, picked the boy up and went back up the many stairs. The echoes of bare feet on the concrete stairs whispered the fear of being too slow and being too late. They had to hurry.

Keep running! Whatever happens, keep running! a voice kept yelling. Morgan had stopped fighting Zack and followed his lead up the stairs. With her, others were damaged by experiments too, they were missing limbs, were blind or deaf, or were deformed in other ways.

Zack was breathing shallowly as he passed the sign saying ‘-4’. People were pushing as if their demons themselves were following them from the cell blocks. The desperate clapping of feet on concrete and whimpering panting gave Zack chills.

Aye! Stop them! Loud voices roared and people screamed as a reply. Guns were fired and both Zack and Morgan lowered their heads as they kept walking. Zack pulled Morgan along and noticed his arm holding the little crying boy began to ache.

Come on! This way! a man panted as he yelled and opened a door at the end of the hallway. They had reached the third floor and would have to find the next stair leading them up, which meant crossing the floor. Zack forced his way through it, yanking Morgan along and hoping he could carry the little boy all the way.

The usually white medical rooms were a nest of chaos. Dead bodies were scattered on the ground and the walls were black by the explosions. Zack gasped, shocked by what he saw.

What is it? Morgan looked around with blinded eyes, What do you see?

Zack remained silent, not wanting to think too much about what he saw let alone describe it. The guards and Batavi who were still alive turned and began shooting their prisoners, only to be shot in the back.

The Rebellion! a teen yelled and was quickly joined by others between the other wordless cries. Unlike the Batavi, who mostly wore white suits with the golden emblem of the Empire, the Rebellion wore dark blue with a red stripe either on their right upper arm or across their shoulders and chest.

This way! one of the rebels yelled and waved his arm. As the gunshots kept firing, the prisoners followed a group of rebels. They led them across the second floor.

Zack tried to duck away from the bullets and protect Morgan and the boy from the surrounding danger at the same time. Hoping he could do it all and reach the other side before anything happened to them, Zack continued on sheer will power.

As they crossed the second floor. Zack saw the training area had turned into a war zone. It looked even worse than the floors before. Blood covered and burned down, the inside of the Empire was exposed.

Batavi were fighting the rebels. Some with guns, others tried to fight with their bare hands. Zack was panting and kept looking back to see if Morgan was still alright. She looked grim but was unharmed. After the second floor, the prisoners reached the first floor awake and alive for the first time since their arrival.

A cold breeze and soft snowflakes welcomed them. Some of the prisoners had to stop running, blinded by the gentle sun and, like Morgan, covered their eyes with their hand. Zack narrowed his eyes and tried to adjust them to the bright light as he followed the rebels. Large parts of the roof were blown away and the sun was kindly shining through it. There were several meeting rooms and areas to eat, but the scenery had been blasted apart and smeared with black and crimson red. Zack had never thought it possible to see so many corpses in one place.

People ran with their hands partially covering their eyes. Only the ones who had been brought in recently could run as fast as the rebels. The sounds of the world around him seemed distant, vague like walking through a dream. The air was fresh and crisp and somewhat stinging to his lungs.

Was it really over?

The rebels led Zack and the others into the snow covered forest where they were taken in trucks. Each time a truck was full, it quickly drove off. Zack gave the little boy to a woman who climbed into a nearly full truck but before he could follow into the truck as well, a rebel tapped on the side and it drove off. Zack walked to another one, still pulling Morgan alongside. She had her eyes covered and had no idea what was going on.

For the first time since she could remember, Morgan smelled fresh air and felt the sun on her skin. Her bare feet walked in the soft cold snow instead of concrete and she jumped from one foot to another, unsure whether she liked the new feeling or not. Sounds of the fight were still close by and soft crying or mumbling by the strange sounds and surroundings fought the shooting violence.

Here, over here! a man in rebel uniform gestured to Zack and helped him into a truck.

Morgan, come on, Zack tried to lift her up but the darkly skinned rebel easily lifted her into the truck and gave a small nod to Zack. Morgan mumbled in disagreement and let go of Zack’s hand as soon as she found a seat.

Let’s go! The rebel smacked the side of the truck a few times and jumped into the truck himself. The engine roared and Zack could see Morgan stiffen completely. Carefully, he laid his hand on her knee when the truck drove away like it was being chased by the Devil and her armies.

It’s okay, we’re in a truck, Zack explained, We’re leaving.

I know, Morgan lied and tried to calm down, but she allowed his hand to stay on her knee and took it for reassurance. Her blinded eyes looked straight ahead, slightly unsettling the guy who sat opposite of her and Zack tried to hide his smirk.

The sounds of the battle disappeared behind them and a seemingly endless ride began. The entire journey was in silence. Everyone was overwhelmed and a bit uneasy. Some by the truck, others by the country they passed, and some just by the fact that they were out of the concrete inferno.

Every now and then, Zack took a deep breath just to enjoy the freshness of it. He delighted in the entire ride, he used to drive a lot himself and it reminded him of the days before. Now he noticed how much colour the world had, even as it was covered in snow. Not a tree had the same brown trunk. Not an inch of the forest or any of the nature they passed looked the same. Not a bush, nor stone, nor piece of road was the same. The wind blew cool in his face and Zack stared at the clouds stacking themselves with the wonder of a child.

The world was beautiful.

Chapter 2

Camp Blue Spider

When the moon climbed up for the third time and snow once again fell from the sky, the trucks finally stopped. The rebels helped the survivors out of the truck and told them to wait near a tent camp. Zack heard some other rebels mumble to each other how they had lost five trucks so far. From the safety of the trees, rebels came out of their tents towards them, curious and cheerful.

Zack became aware of the gentle cold on his skin and took a deep breath as the snow covered some of the dirt. When Morgan felt the snow she hunched a bit forward, fearing it would hurt her.

Don't worry. Zack reassured her, It's just snow.

It's… Morgan held up her hands and moved her fingers across her palms to feel the snow, it’s soft.

Yes, it is, Zack smiled as he noticed her toes moving in the snow. Slowly they seemed to become aware of the feeling and the coldness of it, That's snow as well.

Okay. Morgan looked down without seeing a thing.

The rebels from the tents walked up to a group of freed people, introduced themselves and invited them to come along. Morgan heard it too and squeezed her eyes to see something, but failed.

What's happening? she asked, her eyes moving restlessly, What are they doing?

I think they're finding everyone a place to sleep, Zack guessed as he looked at the rebels.

We have to stay together, she stated and straightened her back, making it clear she would not allow anyone to tell her differently. Zack pitied her, she was blinded, wounded, and had no idea what the world was like.

I agree, he said nevertheless, Should anyone ask, we're siblings, right?

Right, Morgan nodded. Zack took her hand and looked around. The dark skinned rebel who had been in the truck with them walked up to Zack.

Welcome, I’m Captain William Balu, he said and shook Zack’s hand.

Zack Smith, he replied and gave a nod towards Morgan, This is my sister, Morgan.

Miss Smith, William reached for her hand, but Morgan could not see it and gave just a nod, Before you’re brought to your bed for the night, I can imagine you’d like to freshen up and receive some new clothes. There is some food if you’re hungry. Tomorrow morning we’ll eat together and Colonel Wayne will speak to all of us.

Where are we? Morgan asked. William looked at Zack, who only returned his look curiously.

You are in Camp Blue Spider, which is under—

Where are we? Morgan’s eyes were still moving without rest.

Tenth Region, south-east area, William said, If you'd follow me now.

Of course, Zack replied quickly. Before Morgan could ask more, he pinched her hand and they followed the Captain. He led them past several tents, which he said were used as dormitories before he reached two smaller tents.

Left is for the men and right for women, he said