//The Anarchist Rising//

3 // hope is a city // REWRITTEN

      ***THIS CHAPTER HAS BEEN DRASTICALLY REWRITTEN. PLEASE READ BOTTOM FOR EXPLANATION.

  In my case, hope was a city standing tall and grand, contrasting against an emotionless grey sky. It looked small and defensless in the distance, but then it morphed details and seemed to expand as I neared it.

The two terrains seemed to cancel out each other-the entire scene looked photoshopped. Rural grasses clashed with an urban, bustling city. As the sun rose, my ankles throbbed with pain from the grasses grabbing at my ankles. I felt drained of all energy. What happened? One moment I feel exhilarated, the next I'm weak on my feet. And what was that voice at the back of my head earlier? Dark magic was ablitorated years ago. All those with that gift were exhiled so that they couldn't cause trouble.

Suddenly, all these things seemed to link together. I'd never met my mother. She died during childbirth. Was she killed for practicing dark magic when I was an infant? The idea seemed out there, so I didn't overthink it.

I was probably starving to death. Maybe just hearing voices because I was going insane with hunger.

But that voice was so vivid...

Just a few more feet. I had to run to keep myself concious. I finally made it to the city, gasping, hands leaning onto my knees. I felt eyes on me. I was slightly uncomfortable, and I self-conciously trotted down the street

Suddenly, I felt my feet collapse under me, and my vision faded into oblivion.

-

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The machine and my heartbeat were syncronized. I immediately recognized I was in a hospital.

I sat up and exclamations of distrust told me to lay back down. "You're extremely dehydrated, Miss." I sighed. "We have you hooked to several IV's, and we're doing our best. You should've been dead by now."

"But I feel fine." I felt my words come out slurred and groggy, all in one piece.

"We'll only keep you another 24 hours. That's enough to get the average amount of vitamins into your system."

I slowly analyzed the room-nothing ornate, just the pale blue wall, my own cot, and some medical supplies.

A rather tall doctor burst into the room. The momentum interferred with my heartbeat.

"What's your name, m'am? I can't find anyone of your appearance in any files."

I felt more energy now, but I still didn't feel completely energized. I looked at the clock. 6:45.

"I'm Rowan Ilere."

The doctor's burst out laughing. My face turned red and my brows furrowed in confusion.

"Very funny, Miss. I see that you're a jokester. But seriously, what's your name?"

"That joke made my day."

"I'm dead serious. Rowan Ilere. I don't know where I am."

"That's not funny the second time."

"No, just give it up, kid. Tell me your name now."

"Rowan Arevaunt Ilere. I come from the Avarite layer. I have no clue were I am, and I'm so confused on what's funny, so if you could just tell me, this conversation would be over. I am not in a joking mood."

The room went silent. Both the doctor's eyes went wide. They exchanged a couple of glances before the tall one spoke.

"O-oh my god.