Art Knights Dystopia

Nat's Note

Planted face first into the ground, I lay there for a while before forcing myself to at least make it to bed.  Groaning as I sat up, I noticed a white edge sticking out from underneath the edge of the carpet. Has that always been there? I could've sworn Nat ripped out the tag when he bought it earlier this year. Out of curiosity, I reached over and pulled on the white edge, discovering that it was a slightly crumpled piece of paper. As I began to unfold the paper I was met with an all too familiar, scratchy and rushed handwriting. This handwriting belonged to my missing friend, Nat. I quickly scanning the paper, unable to contain my excitement. Disappointed by the lack of context, I turned on the light hoping to see something new. About to give up, I scanned through the crumpled note one last time until I saw Nat's handwriting in all caps scribbled all across the bottom, I could hear Nat's panicked voice in my head scream, "YOU MUST SPEAK WITH TOKI AS SOON AS YOU SEE THIS!" Heart pounding against my rib cage, louder than the thumping of boots against marble, I steadily made my way towards the door of my apartment. Fully aware of the guards that surveillanced the hallways, I quietly turned my door knob, sticking my head outside to check for guards. Surprised at the sign of no guards, I decided to follow the route Toki provided me anyways, just in case. Slowly but surely, I finally came to a stop at Toki's door. I was about to knock until the door opened revealing the tall and lean figure of my friend that I came to know all too well.
Confused as to how Toki knew I was coming, I started, "How—" but then was quickly interrupted by Toki, "I was on my way out until I saw you through my window." As if he was reading my mind, he continued, "All the Knights were called in to guard the gate tonight, that's what the meeting was about. Apparently, there's been some suspicious activity going on lately around the borders." I was confused, "What? Suspicious activity? It's probably just protocol for those pranksters that keep hanging around the borders." His tone was serious, "No, Noki listen to me. It's not those kids, it's different this time. The AK suspects that people are crossing the boundary to smuggle goods... even people." I was taken aback, "Who in their right minds would cross the border?" Everyone knew, from elementary school, that there is nothing outside, thanks to the war that started fifty years prior. Or so we were told anyway. "That's not all," Toki interrupted, "I think Nat has also been taken across the border."
"Across the border?! But there's nothing outside the city!" My tone raised, getting defensive, "I thought we were being serious here!" Toki quickly raises a finger to his lips, "Shh! One of our neighbors might hear us!"
"Sorry..." I lowered my head. He slowly cocks his head to the right with a puzzled expression. Then suddenly, his face dawned in realization, "Oh, that's right! You don't know."
"Know what?" I asked in anticipation. Taking a moment to gather himself, he explained, "Despite what everyone taught us in school, there's actually a whole economy outside the city."
"Wha—" I started. "Just let me explain," he interrupted and cautiously looked around, lowering his voice, "this is highly classified information okay? Do not tell anyone about this." I steeled my nerves and took in a shallow breath, "Okay... I'm listening."
           "So," he began, "behind the borders and the illusion of the sea actually lies more land and a thriving, but poorer, population. They are the working class, the ones who supply us with necessities like food, water, etc. Makes sense right?  Where else did you think we got them?" I never actually thought about that. "The AK split those of a lower intellectual creativity among us and made them the working class. The higher ones like us, were kept inside city borders. Though I suspect that they might be using us for other purposes..."
           "Okay, so if what you're saying is true, then why would Nat be sent outside?" I questioned. He looked off to the side, "Well... think about it, don't you think Nat has really begun to struggle keeping up with the demands of his work as of late?" What? No way, Nat? Struggle? Him!? The one who's always had my back in school and now, when the times were tough? Does not compute.
           I fell to my knees, murmuring, "What? There's no way Nat was taken across... Everyone knows that it's a wasteland beyond the borders. Hahaha... He's still taking a vacation, like everyone says he is." My mind was in shambles. Feeling a strong, sympathetic hand grip my shoulder, I look up at Toki, tears welling up in my eyes, "I-I know he's not on vacation... It all makes sense now..." The note, him leaving without a word, everything. Sure, maybe he has been coming to his apartment later than usual and doesn't really have the time to talk to me anymore. Whenever we go out, he does seem to avoid talking about work and always seems tired. Does this mean he's never coming back? A hot stream of tears began to roll down my face. I'm so lost, so tired...Toki pulled me close as I began to bawl, clutching his chest, sobbing. "I think there might be a way for you to see him again..." Toki mentioned softly. "W-what? How?" I pulled away, gasping for air. He began slowly, "I have a plan. Tomorrow, I'm going to be assigned border patrol. I think I might be able to help you get across to go find Nat."
            "Really?!" I asked, my face lighting up. Then I stopped to think about it, weighing what could be at stake for doing such a thing and its repercussions.
"Let's do it," I made up my mind, "for Nat, it's worth it. Just as long as we don't get caught, right?"