"What do we have left if it not for each other?" Kate 

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"Dear Kate,

Its dad here. I know that I haven't always been that involved in your life, and that my silence was the big-gest presence in your life, but I want you to know that I love you. As your trek on this new journey, the danger may overshadow the joy, but please remember that you are strong at that, all of what happens to us in life is how we respond to it. I am not sure if we will ever see each other again, but please know that whatever you do, we will be standing right behind you. The greatest love you will ever find is the one that exist in a family unit. However cold the world out there gets, just remember that there is always a warmer place right inside of you. Take care." 

- Dad.

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I could feel the sun on my face before I actually saw it. The train was slowly coming to a stop. My eyes readjusted to my surroundings, and I could feel the dry tears that had now stained my face. This was it. This was the place where my life would begin or end, which ever one comes first. 

As I walked out onto the platform memories of how the new era came about flooded my mind. It was a society governed by fear. Before my 21st birthday a meteor had hit earth and had wiped out a third of the human life. So we gathered together, seeking "protection" and "a way to keep moving forward." We trusted those who were at the top, those with money and a plan. We trusted them and in turn they gave us rules and regulations. Rules that not only divided us into status and sectors, but rules that made what use to be humane and normal, seem distant and far-fetch. With the Axis in power, kids didn't play double scotch on the streets, nor did video games exit. The word distraction was so readily taught at school, that anything that pointed to the meaning of that word was eradicated. The Axis reasoned that, "If the rulers of the pre-era had been less distracted with the consumer society, social media, fun and games, they would have taken precaution to watch for the signs before the Meteor had hit the earth. So now kids, went to school, parents went to work, the group came home, the ate, cleaned and slept. There was no more going out with friends, Friday parties, sleepovers nothings. Some agreed with this notion and those who went against it were instantly removed. 

I read my name on the long list of names hang on the display board. I was number 89. One short from the cut of point. 

I looked around and saw the difference from where I came from. The Axis lived in hybrid world. One the encapsulated the art of money and the world I once knew. The air smelled of coffee, and the streets were filled with lights and trees with all sort of flowers. The people were dressed in all sort of style and fashion. The atmosphere felts unreal. However despite those pretty dresses, well-groomed hair cuts, and modernization, this lifestyle had a high risk attached to it. Just how bad were the consequences I don't know. The rumors were great. The Axis being a greatly feared group. No one had actually seen them, a powerful family who didn't think your mere existence  enough to be in their presence. 

"Are you planning to move any time soon?" A voice said behind me. 

I turned around looking up to the guy who was speaking to me. "Sorry." 

He shook his head and went on to look for his name. 

"Do you even know where you need to be?" He asked throwing his bag over his shoulder. 

"Um...not entirely." I mumbled. 

"Let's go." He said. 

"I don't even know you." I resorted. 

"Who do you actually know in this place?" He asked. "I am Jake by the way. From the fifth division." 

I nodded. "Kate, sixth division." 

"Yikes that must have hurt." He said. 

I looked at him wondering how to react to that. There were seven divisions, the further you are away from number one, the lower you are in the food chain. So, my life wasn't the easiest, yet it wasn't exactly hard. I was as happy as one could be, I guess. 

"Are you coming?" Jake said looking over his shoulder. 

Although I didn't know him, my insides weren't screaming "danger", so I picked up my travel bag and trekked behind him. I knew how to fight and defend myself if push came to shove, but I knew for a fact that my mom and Betty wouldn't have agreed on this. We walked for a while in silence until we stood in front of a metal gate. I looked through the bars hoping to know what was behind it, however the thickness just didn't allow for it. 

"State your name and your number." the intercom spoke. 

"Kate, 89." I responded. 

"Jake, 54." Jake said. 

Soon the metal bars were moving and a sudden gush of wind hit my face. It took a bit of time for my eyes to readjust as we walked in. Was this a dormitory? A block of flats? I was unsure, but as we kept walking the building and the shape became clearer. Living spaces. Apartments. Bigger than what my whole family shared. I watched as various individuals went on their day, some watering the plants, others sweeping the front door or hanging up the washing. I was confused as to the silence as these various activities were conducted. No one was humming or singing, no smile or hellos as we passed by. It was if there were on some sort of spell. 

"What a greeting." Jake observed. 

"Yeah, I was just thinking that." I replied. 

"Well your room is over there. I am a few stories up." He said. 

"Thank you." I said. 

He nodded and went up the flight of stairs and suddenly paused. "And it was nice to meet you Kate." 

I smiled and walked towards the door which held my number, 89. I tried the handle and slowly pushed the door open. The room was dark, but the small amount of light coming from the window was enough to allow my eyes to adjust. It was comfortable, and simple. A bed, a shower and a kitchen, all in one space. The only that separated the shower from the rest of the room was a small curtain. 

I put my bag down and felt the bed. It was not the most comfortable, but it was enough. I wondered if I should lie down or get up to explore. I laid on my back for a moment and a flicker of the light caught my eye. I stood up and went towards the crack in the wall. Was it just the light from outside? I felt around the wall to see if I could find an opening, but to no avail. Maybe my mind was being paranoid. I backed away and looked around for any instructions awaiting me on my arrival, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. 

"Coming," I said slowly walking towards it. There were no way to know who was standing behind it, which made me feel a bit uneasy but I opened the door. I stumbled back at the crowd standing at the door. They all looked like they were part of some royal army. 

"Are you Kate?" The man in front, who I assumed knocked, asked me. 

"Yes, I am Kate." I said trying not to sound scared. 

"Here. A royal invitation to start working at The Axis palace starting tomorrow morning." He said extending his hand which held a rolled up piece of paper. 

I took it and nodded my head.

"Another thing." He said bring out a small knife from his pocket. "Show me your hand." 

I hesitated, but he had already grabbed my left arm. Slowly he cut a vertical line down arm, which made me cry out in pain. Then he proceeded to insert a small device into the bleeding skin. To think it was just about over, he asked a man behind me to pass him a box which once opened revealed a needle. Slowly he began sewing the skin back which once he was down, the stiches dissolved into my skin. My brain was spinning, while my right hand formed a fist. I bit down on my lower lip to prevent the cries of pain that shock my body. 

"This is a tracking device, we see, we know, we keep you in line. If you remove this you will die, as simple as that." He said. 

I nodded and with that he left. 

I closed the door and collapsed to the ground. My left arm felt like it had come alive, an electrical charge and pulse running through it. I slowly walked to the fridge hopping to find an ice pack, but to my dismay. So I grabbed a clean towel and ran my wound under cold water. My arm felt heavy and I suddenly lost my balance. I crawled my way to the bed and laid there on my back staring at the ceiling above me. 

What did tomorrow await? Why had I been chosen above all the others that could have been picked? I looked at the letter, that was slightly crumbled in my right hand. I tried to hold it up so I could read it, however my hand gave in and my eyelid  slowly began to go shut.