[C O M P L E T E D]
Finished on 1 Jan 2019
It is now the 22th Century and the year is 2112. Times are extremely different from the 21st Century. Now, the world is divided into only four continents- and Alara Berrera resides in Excidium.
In Excidium...
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TWO DAYS LATER
MAREN
Alara's horrific revelation had shocked him to his core and stayed with him as he could hardly phantom how somebody could do such a monstrous thing to a wee child. It was practically publicly subjecting the child to torture under the pretense of a 'punishment', not to mention public humiliation.
He wasn't sure if he himself would have survived being ruthlessly whipped at the mere age of eight. Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't, but he was glad that he would never have to know. Apparently, this incident occurred shortly after Alara's childhood friend Qas uluated grievously at the loss of Alara's brother and another village girl, Rosariae, in the marketplace just after the Amorals' abductions.
From what Alara had told him, Qas's emotions seemed to get the better of him and had been naturally unable to control it. Just because of that, Qas's true feelings spiraled out of him which consequently landed him in a deep pit.
It might as well be a literal pit too- to Maren, being completely paralysed was similar to being buried and trapped in one's own body for all of eternity. In all honesty, he would rather perish than live as a paralysed man.
To not be able to move, eat, use my own limbs... he shuddered. To have my friends help me to shower, feed me... To imagine that my own body is a permanently locked coffin...
And that wasn't where the horrendous nightmare ends.
The most crucifying part of it all was that when Qas's mother begged for her son to be executed, an official from the Governors' office had refused to, and even dared to roar with laughter when he heard that Qas had not only survived the whipping, but was paralysed too.
"Your son deserves it for bad-mouthing us. We've done so much for you, and you people repay us through vile accusations." The official had spat at Joanne, Qas's mother, and had boldly continued, "No wonder you're in the low-class. It's because you are destined to live your life as a lowlife."
Maren couldn't believe the obstruction of justice committed by the same party that governed them. He was not a stranger to their egregious deeds but this was outrageous. The majority of these deeds were unknown to people from the middle and higher classes as all of these acts were done in the most remote and rural areas of Excidiums. The Governors ensured a tight monitoring of censorship in the more affluent parts, rightfully fearing that protests or revolts may happen if they were made aware of the truth. They truly didn't care for the low-class.
When I get back, I must report this to Valesque. The Agency exists for change, and there must be at least some form of equality between the classes.
There's so many things on my plate lately... and today, I have to break some news that will undoubtedly make Alara downcast.
With a heavy heart, Maren headed to the back alley of the tavern to meet Alara.
