Chapter 3: Central Gate

"Mark's eyes refocused. He'd been thinking about the war between humans and the Three-eye race. His crutches clicked on the sidewalk as he walked home to Central Gate, the estate where he grew up.

 Built by the world government for homeless kids like him, Central Gate was a refuge for those under sixteen who'd lost their parents to the war. Mark lived on the second floor of the first four-story building, in a small room with a desk, a TV, and a box that held all his clothes."

He opened the door to his room and dropped his backpack on the floor. He sat down at his desk, running his hands through his hair. His eyes wandered to the TV, but he didn't feel like watching anything. He thought about doing his homework, but that didn't seem appealing either.

After a few minutes of sitting there, Mark got up and walked over to his box of clothes. He rummaged through it, looking for something comfortable to wear. He pulled out a worn-out t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants, and changed into them.

As he was changing, Mark's mind started to wander back to his history class. He thought about the war and the Three-eye race. He wondered what it would be like to be a part of something like that, he just shook his head and stop thinking about it.

After changing, Mark lay down on his bed, trying to sleep. But his mind kept wandering back to the war. He thought about his parents, and how they died fighting the Three-eye race. He remembered the day he found out, and how his world had changed from there.

As he lay down on his bed he tossed and turned, unable to shake off the memories. He tried to focus on his breathing, but his mind kept racing. He thought about the history class he had earlier that day, and the stories of the war. He wondered what his parents were like, what they did during the war and how they were killed.

As the night wore on, Mark found himself wide awake, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. He couldn't sleep, haunted by thoughts of the past.

Just as he was starting to drift off, a knock came at the door. "Who is it?" Mark called out, but there was no answer. He got up, reaching for his crutches, which were leaning against the wall. He slowly made his way to the door, his legs weak and uncoordinated.

When he opened the door, a fist flew towards him, catching him off guard. Mark tried to defend himself, but his crutches slipped out from under him, sending him crashing to the floor.

A punch to the stomach sent Mark flying back into his bed, losing consciousness.

.....

When he came to, Alex and his gang were sitting around him, pouring cold water on his face. Mark's eyes fluttered open, groggily taking in his surroundings.

Central Gate, where Mark lived, was a sprawling estate built by the world government for homeless kids like him. But over time the older kids who have now awaken their Bio-chemical beast and officially became chimeran -humans who are genetically enhanced with superior strength and agility with some having special powers- had taken over, dividing the estate into twenty sectors. Each sector was controlled by a different chimeran gang, who ruled with an iron fist.

Mark lived in Sector 7, controlled by Alex and his gang. And every evening, Alex would come demanding "rent" from the regular humans living in his sector.

Alex sneered, his gang snickering behind him. "Rent, Mark. You know the drill. You live in my sector, you pay me."

Mark slowly reached for his crutches, trying to sit up. He knew he had to pay up, or face the consequences. He rummaged through his desk drawer, pulling out his comms

In this age, humans don't use physical currency anymore. They now use digital currency called Neuro (NRO). Mark, and every other kid in Central Gate, usually gets a monthly allowance of ten Neuro paid by the government.

After doing the transfer, Mark's hands clenched into fists as he watched the transfer confirmation on his comms device. Two Neuro, gone. Just like that. He felt a wave of anger wash over him, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of hopelessness. What could he do? Alex's gang was everywhere, and with over twenty Chimerans at their disposal, no one dared to cross them.

After performing the transaction Mark's eyes burned with tears of frustration as he stared at his comms device, the transfer confirmation still glowing on the screen. Two Neuro, gone. Just like that. He felt like he was trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and intimidation, with Alex's gang and the other gangs holding all the power. The government's monthly allowance was supposed to be a safety net, but it was barely enough to survive, especially with Alex and his goons constantly demanding more.

As Mark walked away walked to his bed, he couldn't help but wonder what Alex and his goons are doing with all the money. Would they find another one of his "neighbor" and keep demanding for rent.

"Hey mark, what's stopping you from paying?, Alex questioned seeing Mark walking back to his bed. Mark was surprised and paused, he told Alex that he has already done the transaction, Alex just raised a eye brow and denied see the transaction that Mark should do it again.

Mark's eyes widened in outrage about Alex denying receiving the transfer. "What do you mean you didn't get it?" Mark asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "I just sent it to you, right here in front of you! You're trying to scam me!"

Alex sneered, his expression cold and menacing. "I didn't receive anything, Mark. You must have messed up the transfer. Pay again, or you'll be pulling an all-nighter... for seven nights straight."

Mark felt a chill run down his spine. He knew Alex's gang would make sure he didn't sleep for a week if he didn't comply. He reluctantly initiated the transfer again, seething with anger and resentment.

As he waited for the transfer to confirm, Mark wondered if there'd ever be anyone that can be able to stand up to Alex and his gang. Were they always going to bully him and the others and then get away with it?. "No I should report this to Mr Chris the central gate officer".

The transfer confirmed, and Alex smirked, his eyes glinting with triumph seemingly pleased with himself. "Good boy, Mark. You're learning.

 "And Mark? Don't even think about trying to report this to the authorities. You know I've got eyes and ears everywhere. You'll only end up making things worse for yourself."

With that, Mark knew he was trapped. Alex had him right where he wanted him. But Mark's anger and frustration were simmering, waiting to boil over but he didn't dare show it else he might not be able to face the consequences.

"After threatening Mark not to report, Alex stood up ready to leave but he turned back when he got to the door and told Mark that by exactly 4pm tomorrow he should come and find him in his house, he has a job for him."

Mark's eyes widened in surprise as Alex turned back from the door. "What work?" Mark asked, trying to hide the tremble in his voice.

Alex's smile was cryptic. "You'll find out later . Just be on time, Mark. I don't like waiting."

With that, Alex turned and left Mark's room with his goons, leaving him feeling uneasy and wondering what he had gotten himself into.