Prologue

Wearing a tricolored shirt, I lurk around to avoid people from transpiring my identity. I am now standing in the middle of the crowd with a camera between my hands, capturing every bit of event that may prove useful to us.

"Z, downloads?"

"Protons, parasites are in the area," I whisper to my ear piece.

The loud music abruptly stopped, making the crowd protest in loud voices. The fact that they are partying and enjoying themselves here while paupers and peasants are fighting for their lives makes my blood boil.

Suddenly, a loud static noise booms all over the area, making everyone clutch their ears. "BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!" the voice echoed, followed by the blast of rock music. The elites didn't mind the small interference that just happened, they resumed their unceasing party.

"EVOKE! EVOKE! We've been discovered! The hunters are coming!"

"Shit!" I run as I mutter all the curses I know under my breath. I can hear the violent reactions of the elites as I pushed them, making my way out of the crowd. It will be dangerous if they catch me. I can't expose myself, not now.

I removed the memory card from the camera and hid it somewhere the authorities wouldn't frisk. I glance behind me, trying to see if there are still people chasing after me. For now, there's no one around the area aside from myself. Along with the sound of my heartbeat, the surrounding is filled with deafening silence.

Although I have been running for almost an hour now, I don't really feel exhausted nor breathless. I am trained not to feel weariness and the situation I am facing is requesting a great amount of indefatigable spirit.

I'm getting agitated as time passes by. The place where I am right now is quite unfamiliar to me. How far have I ran to? I don't know how I managed to hasten finding a safe place to mislead the authorities. Everything just happened in a snap. Fortunately, my adrenaline cooperated very well today or else…

"Damn! My mission is getting far-fetched from completion now," I hiss at myself because of annoyance. This might be my first ever botched task.

I quickly scan the area to see if there's any possible alley that can hide me. Even though I don't see someone within proximity now, there is still no room for carelessness. It's not safe yet.

"Try finding her that way! This group, go this way!! Find her!" I hear the loud commanding voice from a nearby street.

They are close! I know they will not let me escape that fast, but I had no idea that today will be the day they finally seize me. "Oriole, can you hear me? Gherkin!" I whisper to my earpiece while still running in a feather-like manner.

I pass by the narrow street that bridges the quiet neighborhood I came from and the tumultuous place across it. Funny how a narrow alley is the only line separating two different worlds. Just like how the government tries to favor those that act as though they are above the law, while confining those who are oppressed by the unjust law. The difference is very visible, but why are our voices being muffled?

"01101000 01100101 01101100 01110000 00001010" I left an in-voice message before entering a secondhand clothing store. I quickly grabbed two pieces of clothing before hiding behind a corner to swiftly change my clothes. While putting on the new set of clothes, my eyes are sharply observing what is happening outside. I saw a couple of people checking some pre-loved items inside the shop. I think no one in here is looking suspicious.

After changing, I combed my hair using my fingers and started acting like a normal customer. I tried to talk with this one customer in a friendly and energetic tone. "Hello! Can you help me? I'm not really good at finding clothes here, and I see that you have such great taste!" I greet her while pointing at the clothes hanging on her left arm.

"Oh! Really? Thank you! I really like vibrant colored dresses. What kind of clothes are you trying to find?" the girl smilingly asks me.

From my peripheral vision, I saw how the police passed through the alley I came from and scattered around the area to search for their target.

"I'm looking for a pastel colored sweater. I love pink and blue!" I exclaim cheerfully.

I saw one police officer look inside the store I am in, but before our eyes met, the girl blocked my sight and quickly grabbed my arm and led the way to the opposite side of the store.

"I am always buying clothes here, so I know where the beautiful ones are located," she says while browsing the sweaters that were hung in front of us.

"I must be so lucky to ask for your help then!" I grin. I silently thanked myself for being such a good observant of people's personalities. Good for me that this girl is really friendly and talkative. The other people might see us as friends who've known each other for years. I think this way, the cops will not notice me.

"Have you seen someone looking suspicious?" I hear the cop ask the sales attendant while his eyes are quickly scanning everyone inside.

I stayed energetic beside this girl who introduced herself as Sherly. "Hey, Ann! I think the cops are trying to find someone," she says while curiously looking at the group of white men who are interrogating other customers.

"OMG! Why do you think so? Maybe there's a criminal who escaped?" I shockingly say while acting terrified.

The police are coming near us. I have to do something!

"W-what do you mean?" Sherly starts to look nervous and afraid.

"We should get out. I think the criminal is near, It's dangerous!" I suggest, trying to add more fuel to her nervousness.

"You think so?" She looks so scared. I am so sorry for her, but there's no way I will stay still here and do nothing. I will not let those minions arrest me for fighting for the truth.

"Let's go now."

Sherly quickly nods and perturbedly hooks her arms on mine. We silently walk outside the store while avoiding the cops. We successfully fled away but we still continued to walk until we reached an abandoned-looking area.

"I think we're safe now. You should go home, Sherly." I smile at her. She should stay away from me now. Even though the cops are far from here, I can't promise her safety if she continues to stay beside me.

"Okay, you too," she bids me farewell.

"It's nice meeting you! See you again," I say before we part ways.

My eyes follow her until my sight can't reach her anymore. When I confirmed that I am alone again, I checked my phone to see any reply from Oriole or anyone from the group, but there was none.

"What happened to the plan?" I ask myself.

I don't know if we succeeded since I didn't finish my task. I was in the middle of my venture when the authorities came and surprisingly attacked me. How the hell did they even know about our scheme?!

"Is there a traitor among us?"

I was lost in my reverie and only came back when I felt someone forcefully pull me while covering my mouth. I can't see my assailant because of our position, but I know that he is strong and bigger than me. He drags me inside the abandoned building while I conserve my remaining energy to break free when I find my chance.

"Uhmp!" I tried to kick him and escape from his strong grip, but halted when I heard something.

"Check this place! She might be hiding here."

Wait… If those are the cops looking for me... Who is this?!