C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)

Chapter 25

"Quiet," I hissed, holding Magnus back. "They'll see us."

"Who?" He asked, about to step out of the shadows again.

"The Security," I replied, biting back a sigh. "Things were easier when I was by myself."

"I don't think sneaking out is a lesson the Republic teaches." He retorted, his voice getting increasingly louder on each syllable. One of the Security snapped her gaze towards us, and I quickly shoved Magnus back to the wall. Both of us froze.

The Security scanned the parameters once more, then slouched against the lamppost, her head drooping.

"If you get us caught, you're cleaning my room for an entire week," I whispered furiously, grabbing a fistful of his hoodie. "I'm serious."

"If we ever get out alive, that is." He muttered, prying my fingers away. "You're getting it all crinkled up." He complained.

The chugging steadily increased until I could hear wheels zooming on tracks, and finally, the blinding headlights that illuminated the area ghostly white.

"It's coming," I whispered furiously. "On my count."

"Wait, do we just run inside?" He squinted at the distance between us and the locomotive, then glared back at me. "We'll die!"

"We just jumped out of a building, so I'd shut up if I were you." The locomotive was nearing, the sleek and shiny cabinets gleaming. "The next locomotive comes in 30 minutes, and the meeting is in 30 minutes."

"Can't we just be civilized Republicans?" He groaned. "This secrecy thing is really annoying."

The locomotive was screeching to a halt, the cabinets rattling. "Now!" I whispered furiously, yanking Magnus, or rather his wrist, along with me.

"Stop it!" He yelled. "It hurts!"

A few heads turned towards us. I ignored them as I continued shoving Magnus forward. "Come on!" I hissed.

"Doors closing in 5... 4..."

Heaving, I sprung both Magnus and I onto the locomotive.

"3... 2..."

"1..." Both of us landed on the floor with a grunt.

"You're squishing my arm," I complained, shoving him off me.

"You just decapitated my wrist," He retorted but quickly rolled away from me.

"You sound like Jamie." The locomotive continued chugging, the trees blurring to inky lines black.

"Who's Jamie?"

"Your other," I replied, propping myself up with my palms. "The voice in your head that's cheerful, optimistic and highly oblivious."

"Oh, that one," he mused. We then settled into a steady rhythm of silence, enjoying the gentle thrum of the locomotive as we zoomed closer towards the Wastelands.

"So, what's the Revolution like?" He asked, scratching the back of his head.

"They're mostly friendly. I'll introduce you to our junior team leaders. They can definitely show you around." It had been well over a week since I had last seen them. And last time, things did not end well.

"The person in the simulation, was he close to you?" Caelan. My throat constricted, and I swallowed down the urge to cry.

"No, not really." I forced out a shaky laugh. "We had a few conversations here and there, but it's so strange to see someone suddenly... Gone."