Scarlett: Dawn Of Rebellion

By I. G. Lilith and Rusty Apper

Scarlett grows up in the small town of Gregville, Arizona.

Isolated from the developing world the town still lives in the spirit of the twentieth century. But the plans of the Global government are completely different for the world! Plans which very soon are reaching the small community and the town.
A small group of rebels stands against the new laws and changes. And after the bloody rebellion, Scarlett goes on a journey filled with many battles against the army and new enemies from an unknown alien race.

Gifted children with supernatural abilities, bloodthirsty reptilian creatures, corrupted politicians obedient to a powerful figure behind the curtains of the political scene.

THE WORLD IS CHANGING, AND THE HUMAN FREEDOM IS THREATENED.
WHO IS THE MASTER OF THE WORLD?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781471662164

Book preview

Prologue

13.o5.2045 - Gregville, State of Arizona, Area North America

The sound of a baby crying spread in the birthplace after Amber Coleman had endured giving life to her daughter for two hours. She was exhausted, but she had a little more strength left to hold for the first time, in her maternal arms, the long-awaited little minim. The smiling nurse returned to her with the baby - bathed and wrapped in a blanket.

Say hello, to your lovely daughter! The sweet woman gave her the child. She’s hungry.

Amber, barely eighteen, took her daughter, and a gentle maternal smile appeared on her face when the newborn sucked milk from her breast. She was too young to have a child, but she did not accept this lovely creature as a mistake. On the contrary, it was probably the best gift that life could ever bring her - a little, cute girl with beautiful blue eyes and golden-blond hair. She had her father’s eyes - a college boy, a summer adventure for one night. He was a boy, from which Amber had not expected a lot, but which had made her grow and mature for the last nine months. She had not seen him since their single night spent together, and she did not have a desire for it either. Even after realizing that she was pregnant, she did not even bother to pick up the phone and tell him that he was going to be a father. She did not need him. Amber could do it alone. On this sunny and warm May day, she would no longer feel lonely - she already had Scarlett with her.

Do you want to call a relative or loved one? The nurse was still next to the hospital bed.

The moment Amber embraced her daughter, she no longer acknowledged that she was in the hospital. But the question sent out to her had brought her back to reality.

Relatives? She had no such, nor nearest and dearest. All she had was the woman who was introduced to the doctors as her aunt, who she knew for a mere few months. Still, the sweet Grace deserved a call and an invitation to visit her in the hospital. She owed her this much. At the very least, for the three months she had taken care of her after finding her begging on the streets of Las Vegas.

Grace was on vacation there. Amber had ended up homeless on the streets of Las Vegas after her parents kicked her out of the house. To find out that their seventeen-year-old daughter was pregnant, nonetheless with the baby of an unknown boy. Her refusal to have an abortion led her to the streets. She could cope without them! She did not need them to survive and give life to the little minim growing in her. For those three months, Grace had given her so much care and affection. More than her parents had been able to give her for all her seventeen years. She never needed to beg her entire life, but that night when she met Grace with a hand and a request for some money, Amber had collided with the bitter side of life. She was released from her job as a waitress in a casino because her stomach had begun to show. During that night - hungry, without money and a roof over her head, she was afflicted by the child that lived inside her. She was also cursing God for having left her alone on the street. Frustrated by the grim development of her life, Grace had emerged as a ray of light over her. This woman was her guardian angel. Still, Amber had someone to call and invite to see her newborn daughter. Grace was her nearest and dearest.

***

The woman was not a person to hesitate or waste any time, and thus, half an hour later she arrived at the hospital. She entered the room with a wide, joyous smile. And Amber felt happy to see her.

Where’s the lovely little pearl? Grace spoke, and looked around for a vase to put the beautiful bouquet she had brought to the young girl.

If you are not quiet, you will hear the copper voice of this pearl, Amber signaled her with her forefinger to her lips for silence. She showed her the little bed beside her. She’s sleeping. Her stomach is full, and she is happy.

Grace slowly moved closer and peered curiously. Her green eyes filled with love when she looked at the little Scarlett.

God, dear, this kid is lovely! The woman exclaimed.

This kid is alive, thanks to you! I am alive thanks to you, Amber’s eyes were tingling.

I am so grateful to have met you! For these three months, you made me feel like a mother. Something I have not been able to experience until now in my life. I will be by you and your child forever! You can stay here with me in Gregville. Grace sat down in the chair beside Amber’s bed.

The young girl yearned for a family to accept her and her daughter. A family that would not kick her out. Grace will not make her cry. Amber had nothing to lose if she stayed in town.

Scarlett would have a loving grandmother, and she would have a mother who would not scold her for getting pregnant too young. God was giving her a second chance for a good and normal life. It was far too dangerous for her to wander through the streets. The times were such that the empowered major government was controlling the lives of the citizens not only in America but throughout the world.

The world had changed so much, it was no longer what people remembered. Every capital of the former countries had now become a district central city of the new government. There were no borders, nor states. There were only areas. For five years, the appearance of the cities, towns, and villages had gradually changed. New technology was being developed swiftly - high buildings taken out of movies about the future were beginning to take the places of the old architecture. The means of transport were using gravity, and modern cars were coming without tires. They did not need them to move around. Years ago, no one was taking things seriously. These were mere fantasies of the world and how it would look as if it was on the big screen. But now people were witnessing the reality around them. The world they knew was slowly disappearing in front of their eyes. Amber knew what was in store for her if she was in the group of wanderers - death! No one needed such people. The military, instead of being there to help people, was more like a set of liquidators. They were compassing every region of the world, cleaning the streets of the crowds of wanderers and protesters. Wanderers do not give money to the government, so they did not need them, and the protesters played a treating role against the ones in power. From a legal point of view, the protests had turned out to be something beyond the law and would most likely be punished with prison or death if they were to decide to stand up against the law-keepers. For the rulers, the awakened people were parasites. The young girl could not afford to wander with her child this way. She would be putting it in danger. She had not made it this far, after nine months, to let someone take Scarlett’s life.

With a warm smile, she turned to Grace:

I’ll show my parents soon. I will prove them wrong - there are still good people left. People like you, Grace! This little girl will have home and family in Gregville.

Amber, you can hardly imagine the joy I get from your answer. After you come home, we’ll start preparing the nursery. Little Scarlett will have a wonderful childhood in this town. The woman clapped with hands gleefully.

The baby cried disconsolately in the bed by the noise that disturbed its sleep. Grace apologized and leaned toward the newborn. She took it in her arms and started to talk kindly. From this moment on, Amber’s and Scarlett’s new life began.

Chapter 1

Scarlett’s twenty-first birthday had arrived as quickly as the years since her birth had passed. Amber and Grace agreed to organize a party. They decided to invite her closest friends with the stipulation that they would keep their intentions secret and make the event a pleasant surprise for Scarlett. Everyone agreed to make this day special for the charming blond daughter of Amber. An extraordinary young girl such as her also deserved her special day, filled with smiles, joy, gifts, and the pleasant company of friends and family. The two women were busy all day preparing the meal for the party.

After graduating from high school, Scarlett did not have the opportunity to enroll in college. Her mother and grandmother worked a lot, but their money was always just about enough to merely cover the costs of their own needs and bills. Thus, what Scarlett had to do after high school was to start work at the local diner to help her family. She had completed the first shift today, and they expected her to be home at three o’clock in the afternoon, but Amber and Grace could not cope with the preparation within just these few morning hours. For this they had asked Scarlett’s best friend, Christopher, to pick her up after work and take her by the river that is passing through the town.

I cannot believe twenty-one years have passed so fast! Amber said softly while Grace, along with her, decorated the birthday cake.

This morning, when I woke up, the same thought went through my head, Grace said with a warm smile on her face, and put the last cherry on the icing on the cake.

We managed to keep her secret, to be able to celebrate today, alive!

I deprived her of college because of this secret. We do not have the money, but had it not been for it, I would have found a way to save up and pay for her education. She is talented - she writes books and draws as a professional. I’m filled with regret every day. I push her future to the diner!Amber’s eyes filled with tears.

Protecting her does not mean you’re depriving her of a future! You gave her a chance to live, stay away from problems, and have a calm and normal life. Scarlett has friends here, as well as us, her family. You know children like her are a public threat to the Global Government! Grace approached Amber and put her palms on her.

I know I’m experiencing the difficulties of her temperamental character myself. I also know that work in the diner ruins and cages her. Grace, she hates her job! Hate, which one day will result in hatred towards us. We stop her from developing, stop her from being herself. Oh, Grace. You know very well that our Scarlett was not born to work in a diner! Uncontrollably weeping, Amber turned her face toward the elderly woman and hugged her.

I know, darling. She is extraordinary .

* * *

Christopher had decided to take her best friend to a meadow near the river passing by the town. Amber has known him since they were kids - a kind person with whom they had a lifelong friendship. Inseparable and growing up together, almost without secrets from each other. Scarlett longed for years to share with Chris about her abilities, but Grace and Amber had explicitly warned her that this secret could not leave the boundaries of their home. She did not want to hide anything from him, but her mother took care of her for years, explaining to her how dangerous the world was for such people with abilities as hers. Amber’s fear made her stay in Gregville with ambitions, dreams, and goals for her life that she felt unable to fulfill. Scarlett did not want to live in this town, but she did not say it out loud at home, but there was a plan to get out of her mother’s chains. She needed to be herself, to not feel like a prisoner, and to play her role on Earth - whatever it was.

What are you thinking about? Chris had noticed her long silence and the worry in her blue eyes.

Are you not tired of this town? Instead of answering, she gave him a question.

And you are still asking?! This little closed community is driving me crazy. The town is poor. You graduate from the local high school, and instead of enjoying college life - you stay here. We are forced to work jobs that we don’t stand! He laid down on the grass and put his hands behind his back as she continued…

At least your father has the opportunity to send you to college. I want to be like him, a free bird in the big city.

She settled beside him, gazing with a dreamy look into the clear sky.

As you know, my parents don’t get along well. The last time my father attempted to take me to live with him in Los Angeles, my mother completely lost it! She made a clear point that I am not to even set a foot out of Gregville. A grim emotion settled on his face.

Today, I am officially coming of age. Just like you did five months ago. No one can give us orders on what to do. We can now go and visit your father. A devious flame appeared in her eyes as she spoke.

You do realize how tempting that sounds, coming from you, don’t you?!?

Chris, let us do something forbidden and crazy for a change!

* * *

Surprise! Cried the party organizers in a chorus of voices as they stepped in through the front door. A party was, by far, the last thing Scarlett expected when she opened her eyes this same morning. She had not celebrated her birthday for several years now, and did not initially plan anything different this year, but obviously, her mother and grandmother thought otherwise. However, they both ignored her wish to pass on celebrating it this year.

Her coming of age changed nothing at all in her life. She started working in the diner three years ago, regardless of her various hopes and plans for a better life. Nothing out of routine ever happened to her. She lived a dull life. The boredom was rising to levels, which were dangerously close to ridiculous. Tonight, she was going to enjoy herself, but the sunrise returned the gray reality of her days.

Scarlett recalled the suggestion she gave Chris by the river - to visit LA. She was dead serious when she proposed the trip.

She was fed up with Gregville herself. Not for one second did she plan to go through her life trapped in this miniature town without at the very least tasting every side and face this place had to offer.

Come on in! Don’t just stand there hanging at the door.

Amber’s voice brought her back to reality as her mother paced her way to them and captured her daughter’s hand.

"I know you did not want anything special for today, but with Grace’s help, we came up with the idea of this home-atmosphere party. That way you can celebrate with your friends and with us.’’

Well, you sure surprised me with it! Thank you! Scarlett gave her mother a warm smile and met Lucas and Samantha with a warm embrace.

As much as she loved her family and friends, the young girl could not stop herself from thinking about the world outside Gregville. In a way, she understood Amber‘s maternal instincts to protect her child, but that very instinct was turning her into a prisoner. For many years, they tried to tame her and train her to be obedient, but Scarlett hardly ever obeyed anyone. It was a regular event, for her boss at the diner, to make his remarks in front of Amber, regarding the stubborn disobedience of the young girl. His latest complaint was about a month back, when her mother even begged Mr. Jericho not to fire her daughter. After the accident in question, a fight had started and, in its own turn, unlocked one of Scarlett’s abilities, neither of which she, nor her family knew of at the time.

At the peak of her breakdown, Scarlett had felt a strange sensation, as if her palms were burning from within. Suddenly, out of the blue, they were set on fire. The pain was unbearable! Scarlett screamed, collapsing on the floor from exhaustion and pain. In the spur of the moment, Grace was luckily able to react and try to demolish the fire with the nearest fire extinguisher. She was, unfortunately, out of luck. Even though she knew exactly what was happening, Amber panicked! She had seen her daughter move objects with the power of her mind and witnessed her teleportation from the living room to the kitchen, but she had not seen her ability to create fire through the palms of her hands. After what had happened, it was concluded that Scarlett’s anger had shown her another ability that they did not suspect existed. Amber’s daughter was not, by far, an ordinary girl. This secret was kept hidden behind the walls of their home. The two women kept it as vigilant as they kept Scarlett safe from the outside world.

The party did not last long. They drank, had dinner and cake for dessert. The blue-eyed girl accepted her gifts in the living room, they talked, listened to music, and joked around. Yet, every time Scarlett looked at Christopher, she recalled instantly proposing to him that they leave the town!

* * *

The clock struck two in the morning. Scarlett was hopelessly attempting to sleep for the past few hours. Reflection on her life had taken over her mind, thus making her toss and turn continuously. One particular question was consuming her - Was this the best life could offer her? If so, what use is there of all her supernatural gifts, while living in the middle of nowhere, working in a diner with a seemingly great chance to even retire there. The more thought Scarlett gave the situation, the less confident she felt in the imagined perspective of making it to retirement, if Jericho got fed up compromising, thanks to her mother’s efforts to reassure him, her disobedience is a phase! Scarlett could not stand orders, and giving such was all every boss loved the most! It was clear as day – even outside Gregville’s borders, she would never learn to be obedient - it was against her nature!

If the job at the diner was the best this life had on the slate for her, then these abilities had no role to play, nor place in her body to begin with. Yet, they existed inside her, which meant her life was the cover-up, the detail outside the frame. She was extraordinary, different from the other people, and as a result, her life was meant to play a unique role and have an unusual purpose. Her mother kept repeating on and on that the restrictions she created were there to protect her from enemies.

The blue-eyed girl learned the lecture about how the Government looked down on people like her. Evidently, there were more! It was not just her, after all! Gifted people were supposed to be free to lead extraordinary lives instead of being protected and locked away in the cages of their fears! Scarlett felt with every fiber of her body that she was destined for more in this lifetime and was determined to find out what. The first step was to get the hell out of this town!

Chapter 2

Did you have time to rethink my idea about Los Angeles? Scarlett engaged in conversation with Christopher, who, as usual, came over to grab a bite in his lunch break.

You were serious about us skipping town? Obviously, he initially thought her outrageous idea was just a joke.

Do you honestly want to waste your whole life working on the Kelvin Russel farm? Her merciless gaze trapped his eyes as she was serving him his lunch. Christopher knew very well indeed the meaning of that look in her eyes. This girl was not a fan of small talk.

You make it sound like I have a choice, asking me like this. He looked away and started eating. The bus stop has the attention of every soul in this town. I know my mother. She might as well arrange the sheriff himself to tail us.

I thought, after coming of age, we are free to go where we want and do as we please?! She slightly rose the tone of her voice. This place is as good as any prison. I can’t take it anymore! I’ve had it with my mother making all my decisions for me. I am fed up with this stupid diner and the moody Jericho! Here is not where I belong. She poured juice into his cup.

The world outside Gregville is completely different, Scarlett, if you don’t like it here, you will hate it out there.

You sound just like Amber, Scarlett answered calmly, and redirected her attention to a new client waiting at the bar.

***

I think our girl had a great time last night. Grace was enjoying her cup of afternoon coffee.

It’s been a while since I last saw her this happy Amber agreed.

Word around town is that the new financial law is soon catching up with us. Big old Max stopped by the shop this morning and filled us in on the news.

The elderly woman shared this information with an even dose of worry in her voice.

How did Big old Max even find out? There is nothing mentioned on the news on the subject.

Max has connections in city hall. He still recalls when his brother was mayor back in the day. I haven’t told you this story, and after all, you are in this town for twenty-one years now. Four years before you agreed to live with me in Gregville, the post of mayor was occupied by Andrew Lockdoor. Those years were the times when the Chief Government set up every political post in the cities of the districts of the world - their people had the power and control. Everybody loved Lockdoor - no one in town wanted him to leave the mayor’s office. Andrew himself was very honest and caring - the citizens loved him. But they took him down, and in his place, without any election or vote, Hammerdell settled down. As you can see, he has not moved from the mayor’s office to twenty-five years now. Grace, made a short pause to sip her coffee. Lockdoor, led by citizens, began to protest against the government and the laws of the new one. With the rise of the new system, human rights were abolished. Of course, Hammerdell made sure to close his mouth. And one day, Max found his brother in the yard of his house - the body of an unfortunate man, hung with a tied rope at his neck on one of the older and bigger trees. Of course, the incident was considered to be a suicide.

Someone had overheard a conversation about the new financial system and had told Big old Max. Amber felt the worry build up inside her.

Never expect the box with a screen to note everything happening around the world. On the contrary, it is a powerful weapon! People think they hear and see the truth about reality, but it’s actually a theater. The military squads will go to Gregville very soon and put on us those tattoos. We’ll turn into numbers! I have never mistaken the town for a place to remain the same without being affected by modern civilization. I’m afraid for Scarlett when the soldiers come out of Phoenix - they’ll make us obey.

The old woman pushes her empty glass over to the inside of the table.

And we all know about this problem. There is a great danger of Scarlett losing her nerves and triggering one of her gifts in front of a stranger’s eyes. The young woman’s hands began to tremble slightly at the scene in her