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Chapter 20: Breakout

Shout out to another reader RayneBeckham !

Just trying to show you guys how much you are truly appreciated! <3

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Atlas blinked as the picture popped up. His face was sunken and tired in the picture, but he had more weight in his face that he did currently.

That must have been after they took me in.

Atlas scanned through the file, looking for anything to trigger his memory, but nothing of value surface. He pounded his fist on the desk. Dropping his head into his hands, he threw his helmet across the room. Sweat streamed down his brow, soaking his lips in salt.

Atlas glared at the computer once as if threatening the electronic would resurface his memory. He continued his search, desperately, and noticed a small link that he hadn't seen previously. The link was labelled 'Relation' with another set of numbers and words underneath it: 145157- held in Washington. Atlas tapped his finger to the screen, navigating to the link. Immediately, a new file lit the screen. Atlas' eyes went wide as he stared at a stern woman's face. Her black hair made her look young and fierce. It made her look like Atlas.

No―I look like her.

That old pain was back. This time it was more intense than it had ever been. Atlas was thrown onto the floor next to the strangled security guard. He withered in agony as images flashed around him. He could hear the woman's melodic voice in his head.

"It's okay my darling. You father will be okay."

He saw her in that field, just like in his dream the night before. She was facing away from him, but once Atlas tugged on the bottom of her dress she spun around with a brilliant smile, "How is my little man?"

The visions were getting more intense and coming at blinding speeds. A high pitched screech threatened to burst his ear drums before his thoughts traveled to Hope. She was there holding his head in her lap. She was staring worriedly down, her hair blocking Atlas' view. Atlas blinked as he stared at the beautiful woman. He remembered her. He remembered all the adventures, the crusades they had lead together. He loved her.

Without hesitation, he reached up to cup his fiance's face. Those familiar green eyes widened as he stroked her cheek with his calloused thumb. The plush feel of her skin was a familiar sensation. Slowly, Atlas snaked his hand to the back of her neck, the baby curls tickling his knuckles. He brought her lips to his in a clash of flesh. He had missed her and she had been here the entire time. He had not been himself, he had been an empty shell.

Atlas was now aware of the past few months. The raid on the camp. The horrifying lab. Everything was clear now. He knew they couldn't risk being caught, but he could stop that helpless part of him that needed her. So, he deepened the kiss, pulling his fiance close. Only, Hope did not seem to share his sentiment. She didn't resist at first, likely out of shock, but after she realized what was happening she shoved the man back.

Heat expelled from Atlas body only partially from the emotion-filled kiss. So many memories swirled through his mind like a carousel of images. He felt dizzy as he watched Hope from half-lidded eyes.

Hope scrunched her eyebrows in annoyance, "Focus, Atlas. We need to find my mom and free these people," Her arm swung wide to gesture to the camera screens above them, "Can you do it? Did you remember?"

Dismay took over his face as he watched the woman he loved speak. He should have been more considerate.

I might remember everything, but she doesn't.

The thought sent a wave of sadness through his body. His heart had felt so complete only moments ago to now be shattered and stomped to the curb. Keeping as composed as possible, Atlas stood to his feet and nodded. He offered a hand to Hope to which she took and quickly released, stepping away awkwardly.

"Sorry," Atlas mumbled as he tapped away at the touch screen. Hope stood behind him watching his fingers fly across the pad. She bit her lip nervously as she watched.

"It's fine. Just don't make a habit of kissing me without my permission."

Atlas chuckled, "Wouldn't dream of it." She was a wild hurricane waiting patiently to pass through. He had seen what she was capable of and felt bad for any poor soul who would decide to pick a fight with her. She was tiny, but she was undoubtedly tough and persistent.

With a few more clicks and a little bit of concentration, Atlas had pushed through the firewall and into the prison override system. He turned back to Hope, his face serious when he spoke.

"When this button is pressed, they will be free. Every door will be bust wide open. We will need to meet them at the front entrance to lead the escapees into camp." Walking into this, Atlas had only cared for saving Adira, but that was before his memory had resurfaced. Now he knew. The senseless bloodshed was similar to a horror movie in real life. He couldn't let the government slaughter innocent people any longer. Not like they had murdered his brother.

Atlas' fist clenched involuntarily as he glared at the button. All of his hatred for the government was poured into that single stare. He reached his hand out to push the intrusive button when a small dainty hand moved to cover his. Atlas raised his head and locked eyes with Hope. Her face was determined as she turned her focus back to the promise of freedom. Atlas sucked in a deep breath, their hands moved in tandem to secure the prisoners freedom with a single press.

Instantly, red strobe lights blinded the couple and alarms blared through the complex. The pair covered their ears to drown out the obnoxious siren. Hope reached for a microphone attached to the computer. She watched as prisoners looked around confused. Nobody moved from their cages, shaking. Atlas remembered that feeling as fear of the guards.

Feedback screamed from the microphone when Hope pressed the button next to it, "You're free now. The only thing that will keep you safe is to stand and fight!" This seemed to spark something in the prisoners as their skinny forms lept from their cramped cells. Hope watched as they stampeded towards the exit with their fists raised high. Some were cautious and weary of the situation, but most seemed ready to take the risk in exchange for a little hope and reprieve.

Guards ran at the prisoners wielding stun batons. Atlas flinched when he saw the weapons. The scent of his burning flesh was a memory he wanted to keep suppressed. Even with the terrifying imagery, the hoard trampled over the guards instantly. They never stood a chance. Hope grabbed Atlas' hand and pulled him to the door.

Their escape was cut short when Atlas tripped, ripping his hand from Hope's. Looking down his leg, he saw the security guard they had knocked out previously. She had a nasty mark around her neck where Hope forced her windpipe closed. Her yellow teeth sneered at Atlas as she dug her nails into his ankle. Moving quickly, Atlas twisted his rifle free from it's strap and jammed the butt straight into the woman's thick skull. With a thud, her grip released like the jaws of a tranquilized beast.

Atlas jumped up and kicked the woman's limp hand away. He turned back toward Hope, never looking back at her crumpled body. "And that's for my mom."