I stare at Derek. He stares back at me, and then both of our gazes move to my friends behind me. Students keep milling by, completely unaware of what's about to take place. Completely unaware that a rebel leader stands in the midst, or what's at stake. Eva smiles encouragingly while Cody seems a bit wary. Jared's nowhere to be seen, and that unsettles me. He's been on edge lately, and something tells me my friend is a new problem entirely.

Derek clears his throat. I wave at my friends, then turn to follow Derek. He easily maneuvers through the teenagers milling about after school hours. Something about him doesn't call attention, but once it's called, makes him seem important. Maybe it's the way he squares his shoulders, or the cold set of his eyes. Yet, he can perfectly dodge through crowds while seeming completely easy going.

The rebel leader stops in front of a familiar car. It's a fiery red, a color difficult to miss. It easily stands out against the others zipping by on the street. It's parked in a familiar fashion, one that slightly blocks traffic. It sits next to the curb, just like it did last time. Last time, things were so different. Last time, the government was different, my life was different, and my goal was different.

The driver's door flies open right as another car zips past. In a flash, I'm engulfed in her arms, my school bag sliding down to my elbow. Her familiar scent envelops me, and I tightly cling to my aunt. Derek no longer matters. It matters that my aunt is okay. My aunt, who I learned was a rebel and was taken by the Etchers, is okay. I don't cry, but I feel her tears moisten my shoulder. I awkwardly pat her back, allowing myself to smile as she finally releases me.

"Aunt Becca," I gasp, then smile.

She wipes away her tears. Her deep chocolate eyes glisten, and they hold unspeakable horrors and truths. Her curly hair has been cut to shoulder length, and her signature red lipstick shines bright as ever. Her smile is definitely brighter than the last time I saw her, and her teeth seem to shine brighter. Her body has more muscle, but she'd also slimmed down. It's almost like she'd been training as I have been. Clearly, she's noticed that I've changed as well. Her eyes scrutinize me, checking for any remains of the Autumn she last saw. I'm pretty sure we've both changed.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispers. "It's been awhile since we've seen each other, and look what you've done!"

I smile slightly, then glance between her and Derek. "I thought you were a part of The Others."

Her whole demeanor changes. "Um, no. I was actually part of The Others. I still am. Sort of. I'm the one that suggested Derek team up with you. After they let me out, I rushed to find the rest of The Others. They filled me in on everything."

"But, Ash-"

She shakes her head then lets out a breath. "Ashley and I- we chose different paths. She wanted to stay with Leane. I choose to join The Others. I loved her. I really did. But, this rebellion kind of ripped us apart." She sniffs, and her eyes become glossy all over again. "If I had one more chance, things would be different. I couldn't tell you before, Autumn. But, I wish you could've known. I wish my daughter didn't die. I wish so many things would've been different." She swipes at her invisible tears. "I need to focus on the present. I'm sorry."

If only she knew. If only she knew the truth, that Ash is alive. However, I can't give my cousin away if she doesn't want me to. So, I offer my aunt a soft smile. "Ash knew you loved her." I'm sure she knows. "Are you going to be driving us?"

She nods, then turns to Derek. "Well, the car drives itself. But I'll be riding with you guys if that's what you're asking. However, the talking and going inside will be up to you guys."

Aunt Becca turns to return to the driver's seat. I hop into the passenger seat, and Derek makes himself comfortable in the back. The same gray leather lines the seats. The AC is still on full blast. I toss my bag in the back next to Derek, then allow myself to settle back into my comfortable seat. The reality of the situation hits. I've gone through too much to be terrified of this, or of Herold. However, nerves settle within me. I know that a lot rests on whether or not the government decides to help us. With our world in disarray, we need all the help we can get. Not only that, but we need to see what 'government' we're now dealing with.

We speed down the road. Derek said he knew where the government building is, but he never said we'd drive there. I honestly thought we'd walk. This wasn't what i expected at all, especially the part where my aunt showed up. Alas, I'm glad I don't have to walk all that way. I just need to lie back and wait.

The ride there is pretty silent. The car barely makes a sound, and the humans in the car are even quieter. All I can hear is the sound of my breathing. I can also hear Aunt Becca drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. Derek lets out a sigh, and I wonder what thoughts are crossing his mind. Then, I realize I don't care. We all have our worries.

As for my worries, I start thinking about what I'm going to say to Herold. I don't know anything about him. "Do you know anything about-" does he even know Herold? "the government as it is now?"

"Herold? Not really. I just know that he's taking the place of power right now. Once people start to get their bearings, there's going to be an election."

I let out a breath. "So, we're going in blind."

"Well, what choice do we have?" He scoffs. "Do you want to run a whole background test on him first?"

I roll my eyes even though he can't see them. "No. I just wanted a vantage point, to maybe know what we're dealing with and how to negotiate this."

"Well, we have nothing. We just better hope this works. We also better hope that Jeremy really was the linchpin to the old government."

I furrow my eyebrows, trying to catch a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror. "What do you mean?"

He lets out a laugh. There's nothing in it that hints at humor. "Autumn, don't get me wrong. It was cool when you fried Jeremy and got rid of Chips and what should have been him as well. But, did you really think it would be that easy? That as soon as he was gone, and that Chips were gone, everything would be okay?"

I fold my arms across my chest. The AC is becoming a bit too chilly. "I wasn't thinking about that. In the moment I did what I did, I just wanted to save my friends. You were there. You were part of the threat to my friends. You should have an idea of the state I was in."

"Look, I know we're not exactly friends. But, if we're going to be allies, I just want you to see the bigger picture. Don't expect everyone in that building to be your biggest fan, and keep a lookout for anything that could go wrong."

My head leans back against the headrest. My heart drops. He's right. "Okay, fine. I'll keep an eye out."

The vehicle comes to a halt. My eyes widen. We're in a rundown neighborhood, one on the poorer side of town. We're completely motionless, and I'm pretty sure the head of the government isn't located here.

"We have to drive from here," my aunt explains. "Vehicle's GPS systems don't lead their."

"Of course. That figures. You know where it is?"

She nods. "Derek told me." Then, she presses a button under the radio. Her fingers grip the wheel like she means business, and her foot presses against the pedal. The car lurches forward, and with the turn of a knob next to the wheel, my aunt is in complete control. I've never witnessed someone driving before. Vehicles usually drive themselves. Sure, there's the option to manually operate vehicles, but why do that when you can just sit back and relax?

My aunt's pretty good a driving. Sure, she's not as perfect as a machine, or as smooth. However, she still manages to be safe. Derek seems unperturbed in the back of the car. What's looming ahead doesn't seem to bother him at all. In fact, he's mindlessly swiping around on his watch. His lips tilt upwards ever so slightly, and I nearly scowl as he raises an eyebrow in my direction.

"Can I help you, Autumn?"

I roll my eyes, then turn my eyes back to the windshield. A sharp turn later, the car comes to a halt. In front of us sits a huge buildings made entirely of glass. You can't see in, but I'm sure they can see out. The mere presence of the building and lack of faux greenery sets my nerves on edge. Suddenly, I don't feel so brave. I feel like the mere sixteen-year-old that I actually am. Letting out a breath I didn't realize I've been holding, I exit the car. No need to make this more difficult than it has to be. Get in. Get out. Simple as that. And also as simple as convincing the government to side with me.

"Good luck!" My aunt chirps, but I can see the wariness in her eyes.

I smile tentatively, then shut the door. Derek is already walking towards the building, and I hurry to catch up with him. There's a simple, straight pathway that leans directly to the double doors. They gleam under the harsh rays of the sun, which are partially blocked by the few clouds overhead. On either side of the pathway, short grass sways in the wind. It's the only greenery in sight. No trees, shrubs, or anything to make this place seem more alive.

Soon enough, Derek's holding the door open for me. I gulp down my nerves and walk inside. Of course, they wouldn't leave the center of the government unguarded. About five guards stand in our path. They're all dressed in black, and armed to the teeth with guns (similar to Leane's), knives, and anything else that could potentially be lethal. I'm sure there's more that's hidden from the eye, as are their actual eyes. Each of them wears dark shades, and their different colors of hair are left to flop around or stand at attention.

"Halt!" The one in the center commands. He has a golden badge pinned to his shirt, which the others do not. The others do, however, wear the same bulletproof vests.

Derek and I come to a halt beside each other. I don't let the guards unnerve me. I took down their past leader, I tell myself. I have abilities now, I remind myself. These idiots shouldn't scare me.

The one in the center takes a step towards us. His head snaps in my direction. He's studying me, and I'm pretty sure he knows who I am.

"We're here to see your leader. Herold," Derek states. Not a hint of fear can be detected in his voice.

The head guard lets out a laugh. "What makes you so sure that you can do such a thing?"

Derek sets his mouth into a firm line. "I have important business to discuss with him. The fate of this city and this government are at stake."

The guard shakes his head. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. I have no way to know of your intentions. I don't even know who you are. This is a secure facility and you shouldn't be here. Please move along."

"You know who I am," I spit, taking a step towards the guard. "And I have important information for Herold."

"Yes, I do know who you are, Autumn Morales. The girl who removed Chips, and who fried our last leader, if I'm not mistaken."

"You're not." I didn't realize the government would know about me. Not like this. I really am some type of- I don't know. Well known person?

"What's to say you're not here to kill our temporary leader?"

I scoff, crossing my hands over my chest. "I wouldn't be asking you for entrance, now would I? Look, did you like Jeremy? Or Chips? Or his crazy ideas?

The guard shakes his head. "You're just a little girl. You don't know anything."

"I think I know quite a lot." I do. I've seen so much first hand, and this is my fight now. My anger begins to boil to the surface. I'm not sure why. I'm just- tired, and I don't appreciate this government guard thinking he knows better than me. "You didn't die. You didn't experience the brutality this world has to offer first hand like I have."

"How are you alive, exactly? Why do you want to help the government? Don't you hate it?"

I let out a breath, trying to calm myself. "I care about the people of this city. I've started this fight, and I'm going to finish it. Now, you're not in charge and you don't get to make the calls here."

"Just let her in to see the boss!" One of the other guards snaps. "I'm sure he'll be interested in seeing the girl who helping make him temporary leader, anyways. I think it's time she's met with the government."

The leader takes a deep breath and nods. "Very well. We'll escort you. Just you."

"He comes with me," I bark. I'm not sure what's taken over me. I feel more authoritative, more brave. Maybe all that's happened has finally taken it's toll. It's time for me to toughen up, anyways. "He's an ally, and he is as much a part of this as I am." The last part leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, but it's the truth. Derek is now my ally, and I need his help whether I like it or not.

I guess the leader's tired of fighting, because he just nods. He leads us past a receptionist desk and to a glass elevator. The door slides open and we all cram into it. I can barely move as the leader hits a button I can't see and the doors close. Then, we're going up. I haven't been on many elevators, so the sensation of moving upwards leaves me feeling a bit sick in the stomach. Nonetheless, I scramble out of the elevator and follow the lead guard, who's in front of us. Two take up the sides of Derek and I, and a final one the back. Even if I wanted to escape or do something violent, I'm not sure how far I'd get.

The floor and walls are glass. I can see outside. I can even see my aunt's fiery car waiting for us. We're pretty high off the ground, but that doesn't bother me that much. I simply turn away and face the glass door in front of us. We can't see in as the lead guard raps against it. The door swings open of it's own accord, and Derek and I are ushered in. The guards never leave us, which makes me feel a bit uneasy.

A young man sits behind a glass desk. I expected him to be older. Instead, he's probably in his thirties with dark hair and eyes. He also sports a five o'clock shadow. His eyes light up at the sight of me. I expected him to be calloused. Instead, he rises to his feet and holds his hand out to me.

"Autumn Morales. A pleasure," He smiles. I'm pretty sure it's fake.

Fighting past my hesitation, I shake his hand. I need to get on his good side after all. My nerves come rushing back, but I quickly push them away. "Herold, correct?"

He grins, showing off his perfect teeth. "You're correct. Who's your friend?"

"Derek," the boy in question pipes up, then sticks out his hand.

Herold seems skeptical, but shakes his hand nonetheless. "Leave us!"

"But, sir-"

"No buts! I can handle myself!" Herold exclaims.

The grumbling lead guard obeys, and they all file out. Once the door closes behind them, Herold drops his smiling act.

"So, why are you here? Last I heard, you were dead. Then alive thanks to a crazy rebel leader. I'm also sure you're not a fan of the government."

I once again push past my nerves. I need to be strong. And brave. "Well, I care about this city, Herold. I care about these people and the fight I started."

"You gonna kill me, too?" He cracks a grin. "Kidding, of course. Thank you for getting rid of Jeremy. He was quite annoying. The way he used his wife's invention- disgusting. Chips seemed so innocent until there was a curfew and people patrolling the streets."

"Yeah, it wasn't good. We get that," Derek snaps. He doesn't have much patience.

Herold's grin turns sour. "What are you here for?"

"Allow me to reintroduce myself," he smirks. If he says what I think he's going to, this might not turn out well. I mean, please tell the government that you're the leader of a rebel group. "You've heard of the rebel group The Others?"

Herold nods, lips pursed.

"You're staring at their leader."

"And, why should that make me trust you?"

"Because he's agreed to help me fight Leane and Jeremy," I spit out. I can't hold it back anymore. I need to get to why we're here in the first place. "I'm sure you've heard the rumors. Jeremy isn't dead, and Leane is the crazy rebel leader that had me in the clutches. She's created a new Chip thanks to Jeremy. Both of them are ultimately going to try and regain Jeremy's reign of control. It's going to be worse that before. Derek's troops will help me defeat them. I have some people working with me. But, she has a lot of trained troops that have been given abilities thanks to her new Chips. We're going to need more than what we have to fight her and save the city."

Herold raises an eyebrow, clutching his hands behind his back. "So, you've come to me for help? Why should I help you rebels." He sneers in disgust at Derek. "Why should I put any of my men on the line?"

"Because, if they succeed, they won't be your men. They'll be his," I sigh. Herold isn't going to relent easily. I feel like he's not a horrible guy, but I still don't trust him. Then again, who can I easily trust anymore?

Herold runs a hand down his face. "Look, I want to believe you. I really do. But, why should I believe two rebellious people standing in my office? Both of you have something against the government."

"The old government," Derek reminds him. "We didn't come here looking for enemies. I mean, things have obviously changed."

The temporary leader of the government shrugs. "Look-"

"I know that you've known all of this information!" I blurt. James told me so, and I choose to trust his word. "You're just ignoring it! It doesn't matter who I am, you just don't want to believe in a threat right now because the government is in shambles! Whenever this election is, you might not be the leader anymore. This is your chance to make a difference."

He shakes his head, his lips forming a scowl. "Get out!"

"No!" I scream, poking a finger at his chest. I know I'm desperate. It can't end like this, but he's also just like Jeremy. He doesn't give a damn about anything but his precious government and his reputation. "You need to open your eyes and see the threat for what it is! Do you want Jeremy to come back and turn the government into what it used to be, only worse? You're no better than him, and I'm not going to let you put this whole thing at risk because you're stupid!"

He shoves away my finger. "Who are you to-"

Derek grabs my arm. "Let's not waste anymore time with him. What's done is done. Come on, Autumn!"

I shake off his hand, shaking with anger and fear. Fear for what this will mean for everything I've been working towards. "Please. Just think of the bigger picture, Herold. Do you remember anyone named James?"

His face falls. "James left. Things are different now."

"What would he say? Actually, he's the one that told me to talk to you, that you'd probably help me!"

He shakes his head. "James chose to leave. Now, you can do the same, or i can have you escorted out."

I clench my fist. I can't control what happens next. My anger, frustration, desperation, and fear all blend into one, and I can feel my abilities stirring within me. Electricity explodes from my palm and I shot it towards the window. The pane shatters, spraying the whole room in glass. The men around me duck, but I don't. My hyper senses allow me to dodge, and a blast of energy leaves me, pushing back the shards of glass. Herold sports of few cuts, and Derek and I are fine. I grit my teeth, and I know I should calm down. I know that I'm showing Herold my abilities, but he needs to know. He needs to know what Leane, Jeremy, and their whole army are capable of. He doesn't stand a chance.

There's more to my Chip than I thought. I feel power courses through me. The Chips were for increased senses and strength in battle, but you can unlock more. Just like when it helped spark my memory, or the fact that Jeremy and I can turn invisible. I look down at my hand and realize it's not longer there. At least, not visibly. My arm isn't there, my whole body is nowhere to be seen.

"Autumn!" Derek screams. "Stop!"

I realize that a strong wind is swirling around me. Glass flies everywhere. It now cuts into Derek, and another pane is destroyed by another flash of electricity. Suddenly, I can see my arm. My scream fills the air as a piece of glass slices my arm. As blood pools down my flesh, I squeeze my eyes shut. Once I open them, everything has stopped, and fear consumes me. My eyes widen as I glance around the room. The glass desk is in shambles. Derek's bleeding from various places, but Herold seems to be bleeding the most. Nothing lethal. I slowly back away from the scene, and then a bolt. I bolt past the guards coming to see what's happened, past everyone who spares a glance in my direction. My arm stings, but I don't care. That was crazy! Maybe I'm crazy. This whole world is crazy, and now we're clearly screwed.

As I hop into the elevator, Derek slips in beside me. He's panting, and I realize my training and increased strength has really helped me out. As the elevator doors slide closed, I force myself not to panic. I force myself to calm down.

"That was epic," Derek breaths.

My eyes widen. "Are you crazy? I could've killed you! Or him! And now I've probably caused a lot more trouble than I'm worth."

Derek shakes his head. "I mean, yeah, what the heck? Of course that was uncalled for, but Leane's Chips are really something. You're something. And, he kind of deserved it."

I rush out of the elevator as soon as it dings. I don't have time to feel sick to my stomach this time. "We're screwed! Do you not realize that?"

Guards rush towards us. I grab Derek's arm and hope this works. Then, I force myself to turn invisible, and I force my ability to transfer to Derek. I glance to him. He's invisible, and so am I. I grin at the confusion on the guard's faces. We weave our way to the entrance, then rush towards my aunt's car. As soon as Derek's in, I let us become visible and jump in myself.

Aunt Becca's eyes widen, glancing between me and the rebel leader. "Oh my gosh, you're-"

"Drive, Aunt Becca!" I scream.

_____

Well, that was long. 4131 words to be exact, in case you were wondering. I just had a lot to write. I've got a lot planned so stay tuned! Also, please spread the word of Removed, especially since it'll hit shelves next year! (Still can't believe it!) As for editing, my first editor is almost done, just needs about 10ish more chapters! She's helping me edit for the basics like spelling, grammar, plot holes, whatever. That's exciting!  I'm not sure if I should upload some edited chapters. Of course, not the ones to be published, but from my first revisions. Maybe just the first chapters? I don't know. Thanks for reading all of this! Btw, this is unedited.

Long or short chapters?

Thoughts? Predictions?

-Sarah