Enhanced (first draft)

Chapter 16

"So what are you going to do then?" I finally manage to ask. I am shell shocked by this revelation. Even though it probably isn't true, it is still surprisingly plausible.

Trace shrugs with a guilty look on his face. He hadn't thought that far into the future. This idea must have just come into his head. "I honestly don't know if there is much that I can do," Trace starts. "I mean, if Xander's execution was only an act, there must be some reason why they made it that way. I doubt that they want me to know, and I doubt that Xander even wants me to know. Something is being hidden from me that is never intended to come out. I suggest we just drop the subject for now."

I am almost certain that my face is one of disbelief. Trace, who once would do anything to save Xander, now doesn't seem to care about the fate of his brother. Even if Trace claims that he doesn't care anymore, I do and I'm going to find out exactly what happened.

I grab ahold of Cyrus's hand, much to his surprise. Neither of us have really acknowledged the other since our argument after Trace had abandoned us for a little while out of frustration. His eyes widen, but he follows my lead without question.

"Trace, Cyrus and I have to go check something out quickly, but we should be back soon. Don't go too far away from here." I say a little loudly. Trace seems a little out of it, just staring at the ground. It's not that he's sad, though, just detached.

Rather than giving a response, Trace just slightly grunts in acknowledgement. I wasn't really expecting anything more from him, though.

Once we are far enough from Trace, far enough so that he cannot hear us speak, Cyrus pulls his hand from my grip. I am left trying to grasp the cold air, but there is nothing to hold on to. I close my hand into a fist.

"Where are we going?" Cyrus asks through gritted teeth. He isn't even trying to hide his distaste for me, although I have no clue why he feels so. He has always seemed to feel something nearing emnity towards me. The only possible reason that may be the cause is due to our status. I am Enhanced; he is an Outcast. But why would he be mad at me for that? It wasn't my choice. I sure as hell wouldn't have chosen this if I was given an option! I never could understand how people could harbor an animosity towards those who were forced into their own situations.

"We are going to find out what really happened to Xander." I say, not even pausing from my steady stride to look back at Cyrus.

"But why did you bring me with you? Why not Trace?"

I let out a deep sigh. Why does Cyrus have to ask these questions. Why can't he just go along with what I say and trust that I have a justified reason for whatever I do?

"Do you have to be so damn annoying all the time?" I ask, making sure to glare at Cyrus this time.

I am only answered with a chuckle. I smile. Even though there is animosity between us, we both have one major goal: to protect Trace. That brings us together and makes it so I can't always hate him.

"I felt that I would be better able to convince Trace of what the explanation is if you come with me. Also, I didn't want Trace coming in case his brother truly is dead and he was just harboring crazy thoughts." Surprisingly, Cyrus sees the logic in my decision. I never really thought he would concede to my point.

We finally make our way back to Avery's household. The door is still shattered, but I'm not really surprised as there hasn't really been any time for him to get it fixed. I gently press the doorbell, and hear it ring throughout the house. I could have just walked in the gaping hole in the door, but I decide to be polite.

Avery makes his way down the stairs and notices us. A pained expression appears on his face, which quickly turns to confusion. "Where's Trace?"

I take the lead, as I do not really trust what Cyrus may think this is all truly about. "We left him back in the town square. We wanted to talk to you and Kali, if possible."