Chapter 1: Living Hell
Ever since Marko was little, he exhibited an innate rebellious spirit. From a young age, he usually refused to heed advice or follow a prescribed path. This nonconformist streak would become the defining force in his life when a corrupt government seized power, thrusting him into a battle for justice.
The oppressive announcement echoed through the bland foggy city square that had a few decaying trees and trash all over the floor. A man walked onto the concrete podium wielding authority like a weapon. "ATTENTION CITIZENS! We will be collecting everyone’s monthly tax at exactly 9 PM!” He yells through the microphone on the podium “Ten thousand silver for each adult and two thousand for each child! Remember the consequences if you fall short!" With a malevolent satisfaction, he descended from the platform, leaving the crowd in a state of despair.
Tears fell in the eyes of a distressed woman, voicing the fears shared by many. "N-no... I won't have enough to pay this time." Another person, shocked by the drastic increase, murmured, "It was only two thousand per adult last month… This is crazy..."
Amidst the collective despair, a fearless young figure rushed up the stairs onto the podium secretly – Marko Stewart, a child with a voice that resonated louder than the oppressive decrees. Stepping onto the podium, he addressed the beleaguered crowd with unwavering confidence. “No! We will not pay” He yelled into the microphone"My name is Marko Stewart! Instead of submitting to these corrupt monkeys, why don’t we fight back?"
Gasps rippled through the crowd as they witnessed this audacious challenge. The man in charge, twirling his pistol with a sinister grin, confronted Marko. "So, Marko? You want to fight back?" His laughter rang out, ominous and scornful. "You'll pay for that, boy. What did you say your surname was? Stewart, was it?" His grin widened devilishly. "The first person to reveal exactly where this boy’s family lives won’t have to pay taxes!" His squadron chuckles
The lady from earlier spoke up “I’ll tell! I’ll tell you!” Marko looked at the lady in shock and fear “No no! My family has NOTHING to do with this” The man spoke again with his grin growing even wider “Where is it woman?” “It’s room three hundred and one in building three!” The woman replies with no hesitation. Marko looks angry “FUCK YOU!” Marko screams already knowing what they would do to his family. “Go get his family! Go soldiers go!” He ushers his squadron away. The soldiers march over to Marko’s building..
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With a swift and ominous march, the soldiers advanced toward Marko's building, their boots resonating in the hushed square. Marko, realizing the impending danger, desperately reached for a small pistol concealed in his pocket. He aimed it at the man in charge, hope glimmering in his eyes as he pulled the trigger. However, fate intervened as the weapon jammed.
"BANG BANG FUC- oh my god..." Marko's exclamation hung in the air, a mix of frustration and horror etched on his face. He dropped the malfunctioning pistol, his hands trembling with a mix of rage and helplessness. The man in charge seized the opportunity to taunt him further. "Attempted murder?" he sneered, relishing the chance to inflict more pain on Marko and his family. "Your family will be punished even more for that!" The man smiled malevolently “Lieutenant Ross Restrain him!”
As Lieutenant Ross, a conflicted soldier caught between duty and empathy, rushed over to restrain Marko, he whispered an apology. "S-sorry kid… I have to do this…" Marko, tears streaming down his face, locked eyes with Ross, the weight of the situation sinking in.
Footsteps are heard from the distance mixed along with the pleads and cry’s of Markos family “CLEAR THE WAY PEASANTS!” One of the soldiers yelled. The crowd clears a path out of fear of the soldiers and creates a massive circle in the middle of the square. Markos family is plopped into the middle of the square onto their knees. “Let us make an example of this boy’s actions!” The man starts to laugh uncontrollably. His laughter sounds psychotic. He's enjoying this. Marko tries to speak and protest but he can barely even mutter a word ‘N-no’ echoes through Markos mind.
“First let's hmmm…” The man stabs the little boy and beats him senseless leaving him alive but having him being gravely injured. The crowd gasps. The man laughs more ‘N-no not Alec’ Marko mutters in his head tears stream down Markos face. “Now! I assume this is the father?” The man stabs the father through the stomach and cuts all the way up to his neck then kicking him towards the floor letting him bleed out. Markos mind is silent, he just stares at his mom eyes filled with tears “NO NO PLEASE NOT MY MOTHER” Marko yells breaking his silence. Markos mom looks at Marko with a faint smile “It’s n-not your fault Marko.” The man shoots her foot then her head, killing her. “Awwww.. so sad… a dead pack of rats laying on the floor!” “LOOK MARKO! YOU CAUSED THIS!” The crowd filled with fear silently stares at Marko and his dead family. Even lieutenant Ross is secretly trying to comfort Marko.
The man hops up onto the podium squatting to get on Markos level. The man touches Marko’s nose. Mockingly frowning at Marko. “Well what a shame Marko! Such a sad way for your family to go out! By the way, consider your tax paid! This was fun for me!” The man gets up and twirls his gun, ushering his squadron to leave. Lieutenant Ross writes a quick and secret note for Marko and stuffs it into Markos back pocket. Marko just lays on the floor looking lifeless; he's having trouble processing all of this.