The morning fog of smog hung heavy over the city. Ingio pulled his mask tighter, feeling the filtered air scratch at his lungs, but he ignored it. The streets were alive with citizens moving in unison, heads down, eyes glued to the giant screen above the square.
"Good morning, Citizens," Big Brother's voice boomed, warm and suffocating all at once. "Remember, your purpose is life. Your work honors all of us. Big Brother watches, and Big Brother is proud!"
Ingio clenched his fists. Proud? They were nothing but cogs, burning out under the weight of endless labor, their sparks smothered before they could flare. He had been called crazy for wanting more. For wanting freedom.
He spotted Ayumi walking in the crowd, her eyes briefly meeting his. A flicker of understanding passed between them. Quietly, they navigated the throng, avoiding the ever-watchful drones and cameras.
Ingio's heart hammered, not from fear, but from the thrill of defiance. Perseverance is a flame that refuses to die. The thought ignited him. He wouldn't be a tool. He wouldn't be controlled. Even if the world tried to crush him, he would burn on.
A screen flickered nearby, and Big Brother's eyes seemed to pierce right through him. "Inigo," the voice said, scanning the database. "Your compliance is expected."
Ingio smiled just a little, dangerously. "Compliance is for the dead," he muttered under his breath.
The fire had started. And he wouldn't let it die.