The Red Rebel

Prologue

A/N I'll be completely honest, I wasn't happy with how the book turned out so I decided to take a few months off and come up with a proper plan on how this book will turn out. Sorry if anyone was actually hoping to continue reading, but give it another shot.

My fingers carefully graze the top of the market table, inching towards the golden bangle that was purposely set out to show its glimmer in the sun. An overpriced product waiting to be sold to the next upper-class idiot.

"How much is this bangle?" I question the women who owns the cart "it would go great with my outfit."

Or costume. My light blue romper, small brown boots and black shoulder purse. The clothes I always wear to help myself fit in with the upper-class residents.

"40 silvers." Her face contorts to a grin. Overpriced. The upper class can get away with anything here. "This is the last one. Better grab it while you can."

She shouldn't worry, because I will. I grow a fake small smile and reply "I'll keep that in mind. I'll just look around a little longer."

The woman turns to her left, unimpressed with her lack of sale and talks to another man asking about a purchase. This was too easy. My fingers continue to slide closer to the gold circle as my body moves forward.

I swipe the bangle and continue walking through the streets putting it safely in my black bag filled with other stolen goods. I don't keep these goods though. I don't need them. Instead, I give them to those who are dying in the streets or young girls and boys who could sell them for a better future. Having enough money can grant you a place in the upper class, but chances are you won't.

I wasn't around when the village was split into divisions. The only stories I heard were those passed down through generations that eventually came to me. Apparently after the war, the village spilt into three divisions, a wall in between to keep violence to a minimum.

The upper class was the first. The snobby rich residents lived here and had it all. Flaunting their money, power and safety over the rest of us. Here the streets are filled with other residents of the upper class, all shopping to prove they belong here. They must keep their identity looking rich and powerful, otherwise they disappear. God knows where.

They also make up the government, and control with an iron fist, putting in rules and regulations to stop contact with those who weren't in the upper class. The government ruled over the whole village including the other division.

The lower-class residents.

Me. My division lived on the opposite side of the wall that split the two divisions in half. Our side? Small and run-down. Not an inch of wealth seen on the streets. We lived in run-down buildings the upper residents had never seen. It was tough.

But people had told me there was worse. The third division. The outsiders. Trapped on the outside of the village in the heat of the desert. I had never come in contact with an outsider, but I've heard they were dangerous and cruel. Or so that's what we are made to believe.

The outsiders were those who had been banished from the village after the war. They made up the group of rebels who continued to revolt against the government, and for that, they were forced out.

Personally, I believe the outsiders have it better. Away from the watchful eyes of the government.

I look up onto the roofs over the old apartment buildings and see the small surveillance camera watching people's every move. It's hard to steal when those are there, but I was stealthy and haven't been caught yet.

I walk quickly towards the alley closest to the wall I would use for my escape and turn my head to make sure nobody follows me.

Two guards, however, catch my eye. Their blue and silver uniforms make them stand out, along with the big rifles that stand by their side. A threat.

I turn to my left and to see yet another guard who makes instant eye contact with me.

My heart beats in my chest. I know what's happened. I've been recognised.

I turn back towards the streets and walk fast. Pushing people to the side, muttering an excuse me, eager to find another way out of here.

A piercing alarm blares throughout the street. The alarm telling people about a guard chase. An alarm telling people to get out the way.

The street parts and I continue to gain speed. Yells and shouts of guards and fellow upper class' fill my ears but the adrenaline keeps me going.

I don't know where I'm running to. The only way out is over the wall, and with alleyways being blocked. I don't stand a chance.

But I can do this.

The previous cart I had stolen the golden bangle from, stands a few meters in front of me. I've used this exit once. If I climb on top, I'm able to reach the roof and jump onto the wall. However, I'll be in plain sight. Easy to shoot.

I take a chance and jump onto the cart, knocking everything over in the process. I fling myself into the air and onto the roof.

The guards follow behind though. I miss the jump onto the wall and run onto the next roof climbing closer to the edge of the upper class, closer toward the outside wall. Closer toward the lower class.

My foot stumbles under my ankle and I jump before I fall over. The wall is a couple meters wide easy for me to land on.

The guards come to a stop, rifles in the air, ready to shoot.

"Come back down and we won't shoot." The guard to my right yells.

I chuckle. A pathetic attempt.

"State your name and return back down." The guard yells again.

I get ready to jump down towards the lower division, but not before turning to face the crowd and guards gathered below.

"Haven't you heard my name before? Well, I'm the Red Rebel."----------

This is my first book and I know it won't be the best. However, please feel free to comment anything I can improve on.

I would just like to make a side note; this book, at first glance, may be similar to The Runner (by so1tgoes ) in a few ways, (red hair, dystopia, stealing) however I will make it very different and it will have a different ending!

I did enjoy the runner series a lot BUT I have my own ideas and they won't be the same!

Be sure to vote and comment!

-Ash xx