Shift

Before

Earth. In the future, life has changed.

Some say for the better.

Most say for the worst.

Humanity, and life itself, has always been about survival of the fittest. Even in this world, that rule applies. The fittest? Humans with power, status, and money. They rule this world and it's remaining people. Kingdoms are as common as republics and unions. The oceans are divided, and land is fiercely guarded.

People have always been afraid of disease, but the disease known as Markling will forever be remembered. Anyone was able to be affected, its mercy to the strong the same as to the poor. It passed through here seven years ago, more or less. Thousands died in Saveria alone. No, even that number may be too small. It was more likely in the hundred thousands, if not millions.

Markling was horrible. It mostly affected the weak, old, and children. Over 90% of the old and weak died. The children suffered losses of about 45%. Of those remaining, every one out of twenty-five were Marked.

The Mark was always a physical anomaly, one that didn't hinder a person ability to live, but one that will forever separate them from the rest of society. It might be a discoloration on the skin, or hair of a different or unusual color. There were some whose eyes changed color. Some children had their fingernails grow in a different color.

But that wasn't it.

See, with these Marks came something more. It wasn't everyone. In fact, it was rare. Every one in thousands. But the children that were that low percentage had more than just a physical change. Something inside them changed as well. The very genetic makeup had been altered.

Altered enough to lead to powers.

These powers can range from telepathy to strength to control of light and illusions. Almost every single possible thing that could be creepy or threatening has appeared as one of these abilities. There are some that are better at controlling what power they have, too. A year ago, a seven year old with indigo hair stirred up a hurricane when someone took the last of the candy in the shop. Eight people died as a result, including the child.

That's another thing. Fear of those with Marks has ripped across this kingdom as fast as the disease itself. Now, everyone who is Marked is hunted. Hunted by the people, hunted by the court, and hunted by ruthless bounty hunters. We try to hide our Marks, but only so much can be done. That's why a lot of us live as far away as possible from any form of military and distance ourselves from society in general.

We don't want to die.

My name is Kella Blackwood. I live on the outskirts of a major sea port called Lyvian in Saveria. I was infected with Markling seven years ago, and my Mark appeared a year later. My parents threw me to government dogs a year after that. I got away, but now I survive mostly on my own, unusual for a Marked. Still, I refuse to join anyone in a group. I've stayed alive like this for five years, a whole third of my life, so why stop now?

Rumors. Maybe that's a good reason.

They're small, whispers, in fact, but they're still there. Rumors of a rebellion against the government that suppresses us. Marked vs. normal people. Three days ago, I was contacted by another Marked claiming to be with the Marked Rebellion. He filled me in, told me there would be more details when I joined. I told him to give me more time to think about it. And time he has given me.

This morning, he returned again. A companion joined him this time, a teen about the same age as me. The whole time they stayed there. Never once did he speak. Never once did he remove his cloak. Yet the way he moved held this noble air around him. The companion seemed to be the leader, yet seemed to step aside to simply observe.

His amber yellow-orange eyes seemed to follow every movement. It was a kind of unnerving, even more so since he never moved his gaze away from me. The mix of red and black hair was strange, yet somewhat normal for a Marked. His face was delicate yet stern, his body much the same. He looked regal even though his clothes were anything but.

Throughout the whole discussion, he never said a single word. The way he watched me reminded me of a wild animal carefully watching his prey, only it was still deciding if the prey was worth killing and eating. It was unsettling, to have the feeling that he was the leader of the situation and still look at me like that. Still, it didn't change my answer.

That lead me to where I am now, walking with all of my possessions in a simple bag on my back as the three of us navigate a tunnel. It is cold and dark with barely enough light to see. The first man is walking in front of us, leaving the amber-eyed man in the middle. Even in the darkness, his silhouette look familiar. There is just something about him...

But this isn't the time to be rambling on about who or even what he is. This is the time to start thinking of my future. Now is the time to think about what I can do in this rebellion, and what kind of power lies just at the end of my fingertips. Before we left, I was told to remove the disguise I wore, and now any doubt about the dormant power that lies within has faded.

My black-silver hair falls around my face, annoying me as I watch the teen in front of me. The Mark on my cheek, a set of five red lines below my emerald eyes, seems to burn in the dark.

My cause is not a noble one. I know that. Revenge powers me, takes up every second of my waking thoughts. It has been three years since my sister died. Because of me. Because of my Mark and their fear. Revenge on the government that stole from me is hard, but not impossible, and will lead to a world she could have happily lived in.

I am part of the Rebellion. I may not know what part I will play, but I know one thing for certain.

I will have my revenge.