The Annihilation Code

Chapter Twenty-Two ✰ Chase Huxley ✰

"I know Atlas formed a cerebral link with you." She said.

I chuckled nervously. "What? No. We would never do such a thing. That would be irresponsible and annoying. Who wants someone in their head all the time? Not me!"

She crossed her arms and shot me a dubious look.

"Okay, fine! I'll admit it. We formed a link. It was his idea."

A wistful smile spread across her face. "I'm not upset.
I always hoped, when he finally opened up about his trauma, I'd be the person he'd talk to."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's just that we were so close as kids. We told each other everything. Ever since joining the army, I feel like I hardly know him. It's like he's an entirely different person." She stared down at her empty hands. "I want my little brother back."

I gave a sympathetic nod as I listened. "I get it. You miss the person you grew up with. I can't imagine how hard it is to watch someone you love, change before your eyes."

"I still love him, you know? He's so different now, I don't know how to connect with him anymore."

Let me just say, as someone who has connected with Atlas recently, the Atlas I know is pretty amazing. He's smart and compassionate and so talented." I rolled up my sleeve to proudly reveal the seagull painted onto my arm.

The smallest trace of a smile formed on her lips. "You're a good friend. I can see why Atlas likes you so much."

"Of course, he likes me. I'm flawless and everyone adores me."

"Thank you for listening to me." She tried to wipe away the remainder of her dripping makeup with her sleeve.

I rifled through my pockets for a handkerchief I could offer her. I was still wearing my outfit from the top party. Everyone else changed before coming here, but I got distracted and lost track of time. I felt a piece of paper brush against my fingertips. I took it out of my pocket and unfolded it. It was the charcoal drawing Atlas had done of me.

Marisa caught a glimpse of the sketch in my hands and let out a soft gasp. "Did Atlas make this?"

I nodded.

"It's beautiful! His art has improved so much! He captured all the details perfectly. He has a gift, doesn't he?"

I nodded. Her pride for her little brother made my heart swell. I knew it wasn't too late to mend their relationship. Unless Bionic Corp kills us before they get the chance. I thought glumly.

Marisa promptly stood up and dusted herself off. "That's enough crying. Let's keep moving."

I rose to my feet and followed her downward.

After descending several flights of stairs, we found ourselves in a pitch-black corridor. The cold, dank air raised goosebumps along my skin. Marisa grabbed a flashlight out of her pocket, and I activated my night vision. There were three doors along the hallway. One to the left, one to the right, and one at the very end.

Marisa and I shared a wary glance as I reached for the doorknob to the first room.

"Wait!" Marisa said in a hushed tone. "We shouldn't be snooping around here. This is probably just an ordinary small business, and we're trespassing. Let's just go."

She had a point, but I was too curious to leave now. I pushed open the door and looked around. The room was filled with metal shelves with cardboard boxes stacked on top of them. I grabbed one of the brown boxes and rummaged through it. It contained a large stack of books and newspapers. "Who the hell still reads newspapers?"