I jump as I feel a hand being placed on my shoulder. All day, we've been making preparations, teaching everyone with a new Chip how to use it. Now, I've been pacing around the kitchen as the clock inches closer to midnight. It's been a few days of training, and it's almost time to meet anyone willing to help at the cemetery. After that, Leane is going to strike. Tomorrow is the day everything goes downhill.

"Autumn?"

I blink, then turn towards the voice. Cody wears a concerned expression, so I attempt to plaster a smile on my face. I fail. Before I can blink again, I'm being pulled into his arms. I let my head rest against his chest, let his arms tighten around me. Slowly, I feel my anxiety drift away, replaced by a warmth spreading through me.

"You need to stop worrying. It's going to be okay," he whispers into my hair.

I shake my head. "Don't lie to me, Cody. You don't know that."

Cody pulls away and places a hand under my chin, lifting my eyes to meet his stern hazel ones. "If you keep thinking like that, we're not going to get anywhere!"

I let out a breath. "Okay, you're right. So, how's it feel to have a Chip?"

He smiles, taking a step away from me. "It feels amazing. Powerful." Then, he runs a hand through his hair. "Are you going to go to the cemetery with Molly?"

I nod. "Of course. She might be installing the Chips, but I'm the one that told people to go there."

 He smiles softly. "Okay. Then I'm going with you."

I shake my head as my gut twists. "No. It's-"

"Too dangerous?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. "It's dangerous for you, too. I can handle myself."

I glare at him while crossing my arms. "Why do you want to come, huh? I'm not the fragile girl I used to be. I can defend myself, too."

He takes my hand and squeezes it. "I know. It's just good to have backup. Plus, I want to go. This is my fight, too?"

"Am I interrupting something?"

I spin around to face Molly, and Cody drops my hand. My cheeks burn at the smirk on her face. "No, you're not. Is it time to go already?"

She nods. "Yup. It's time to set this whole thing into motion. You ready?"

I nod, putting a smile on my face. I'm ready for anything the world decided to throw at me. Grabbing Cody's hand, I rush out of the kitchen, through the hallway, and out of the house. In front of the house, I spot an unfamiliar car. Molly runs to the driver's seat, and Cody and I hop in the back. Eva sits in the front seat, turning around to smile at us.

"You're coming, too?" I ask her.

Eva nods. "This is all of our fight to see through."

I nod, leaning back against my seat as the car speeds down the road. My eyes drift closed, the exhaustion of little sleep catching up to me. I think of my parents, who are safe in the basement. My parents, whose who lives have been turned upside down because of me. I've barely had time to converse with them, but they even got Chips implanted. My parents are willing to fight for my cause, and it warms my heart. So many people are. What crushes me is that some of them might die, and I'll blame myself.

Before I know it, the vehicle stops. I didn't fall asleep. How could I? My eyes pop open and I hop out of the car. There can't be enough people to defeat Leane. These people could die, and I'll have myself to blame. Then again, it's their fight too.

My eyes snap up, and my jaw falls open. There have to be at least three hundred people here, milling about the street and along the fence. Soon enough, my friends around me, all of them as flabbergasted as I am. Molly wastes no time, rushing over to begin inserting Chips. My breath catches as eyes drift in my direction. People begin cheering and chanting about how we'll triumph, how things will get better. My lips curve upwards. These people have high spirits. I just hope they're not let down.

"Looks like you have a fanbase," Eva laughs beside me.

I shrug. "No. This cause does."

Cody stands on my other side, and we just watch. My nerves stand on edge, and I can't help but fear the worst. We're out in the open, and this meeting place was broadcasted to the whole city. What if Leane shows up? What if Derek shows up? Memories spring to my head, and I try to force them away. This cemetery holds so many memories for me. I press a hand to my face, trying to force all the memories and emotions to leave me.

I feel an arm wrap around me and a hand squeeze my shoulder. I lean into Cody, opening my eyes to smile at Eva. At least my friends have my back. Nothing will be truly horrible as long as I have them.

My body tenses as I hear sirens. There's so many of them, and I feel like they're tapping us in. I spring away from my friend and boyfriend, pulling out the gun I hid at my waist. I hear them click the safety off their owns guns, and I glance at all the Etcher vehicles around me. I point my gun at the nearest vehicle, the red dot focused on the driver's door. I notice that the civilians have their own weapons. Some hold kitchen knives or makeshift bow and arrows. A smile spreads across my face as Molly pulls out her own gun. However, it swiftly drops as government officers head in our direction. I hold up a hand, shouting at my allies not to fire. I don't want to start an unnecessary fight.

My eyes widen as I recognize one person heading towards us; Jared's father. Cody tenses beside me. I had no idea he was alive. Does Jared know? That question is swiftly answered for me as Jared walks behind him, Teresa beside him. I clench my teeth, anger building up inside of me. What's going on?

My muscles tense as officers crowd us, their weapons at ready. Immediately, I take aim at Jared. He notices and simply raises an eyebrow. Jerk.

"Now, Autumn, is that really the wise thing to do?" Jared's father smirks.

My grip on the gun tightens. "I think it's a pretty wise thing to do. Your son is my enemy, and I have no idea what he plans to do."

Jared's father laughs. "It's not about what he's going to do. It's about what you're not going to do."

My eyes narrow. "What?"

"You are going to stop this stupidity right now! Getting civilians involved?" Jared scoffs, then shakes his head.

Eva tenses beside me.

I look to Jared's dad, then to the government. It suddenly clicks. "Your secret weapon was the government. Wow. Bravo. If I wasn't holding a gun, I'd sarcastically clap."

"I see you found your father, and now he's helping you be foolish," Cody laughs bitterly. "I thought I didn't have to hate all of my family. I guess I was wrong."

"Don't you see that your little girlfriend isn't perfect?" Cody's uncle chides. "She's a stupid, overrated child. Let the adults handle this."

I roll my eyes as my anger increases. "Are we seriously fighting over who's going to take down Leane?"

Jared shakes his head, pulling out his gun. "It's so much more than that."

A part of me wants to shoot Jared, but a part of me knows that I can't. 

Jared's father lifts a random civilian into the air and flings them over the cemetery fence. I flinch as dread and anger fill me.

"That innocent person did nothing to you!" I shriek.

Eva steps forward and lifts up her arm. Before Jared's dad realized what she's doing, he's airborne, flying back into a car. Jared's eyes flare, and his gun becomes aimed at Eva. His dad stirs, and I know that he's still alive.

I glance at all the government people. "Really, you people can help us. Is this really the way you think things should be done?"

Teresa sighs as Jared aims his gun at me. She yanks the gun out of Jared's hand and points it at his heart. "She's right, you know. You're not doing this for the good of the city and you know that."

Jared fumes, then reaches towards Teresa. She fires, but he flicks the bullet away and lays a hand on her arm. She convulses as he sends electricity through her, and she falls to the ground. Her chest still moves, so I know he just stunned her.

My eyes widen as I realize something. This was Leane's plan all along. To pit us against each other, to give every single one of us Chips to fight each other with. Leane wasn't going to march into the city to take control. People already have Chips to control them whenever she desires, and she'll get the rest after the government and I stop destroying each other.

The worst part is that these Chips can't be removed.

In frustration, I gather a ball of electricity into my palm and fire it at Jared. He ducks, and it hits a random officer. He falls to the ground, dead. In order to stop us all from becoming slaves, I don't need to waste my time fighting these people. I need to kill Leane, and Jeremy.

So, I back away as bullets begin to fly through the air. I look at Cody, then to Eva. They're both rushing forward to fight. With I sigh, I run in the opposite direction, turning myself invisible while I holster my gun. They'll be too preoccupied to notice my absence. In the midst of the commotion and screams, I hop into a cop car. Using my electricity, I get it to start. Then, I begin to drive. I'm not very good, but it's my only choice. My dad let me drive once, and that was it. However, I do remember the way to Leane's base.

I drive swiftly, and arrive at the base in no time. I park the car a little ways from the base, then rush towards the crumbling building. People are already rushing out of it, towards our city. Anger and adrenaline fuel me, and I don't even feel tired. I feel more energized and powerful than I have in a while. I push fast the throng of people, still invisible. I ran until I get to the hatch. I know Leane has to still be in there. I somehow manage to get down there, to rush past the door. To save my energy, I allow myself to become visible. It's not like it matters now with all the chaos. Sweat lines my brow, but I push past it. I just try to blend in while I pant, trying to locate Leane. Is she in her office? With everyone else?

Before I can move another step, I feel electricity run through my body, and it isn't my own.

My eyes inch open, and I realize that I can't move my limbs. Looking down, I realized that I'm strapped to a chair in a familiar room; the room Leane used to question me about my Chip in.

"Oh, she's awake."

I glare at Jeremy, struggling against my bonds to no avail. The bright lights hurt my eyes, but I ignore it. I just focus my gaze on the man in front of me, on the enemy standing too close for comfort. "What's the meaning of this?" I hiss. Panic consumes me as I slowly begin to remember the events that lead up to this. The huge fight, my revelation, and running into this facility.

He smirks. "So, you've figured out our plan?"

I struggle against my restraints once again. "You're a sick person. I hope you know that!"

He chuckles. "Oh, Autumn. You and that sense of humor."

"I wasn't trying to be funny," I deadpan. I scan my body, trying to find a way out of the metal ropes that restrain me. I try to spark my electricity, but nothing happens. Glancing around the room, I notice there's nothing to use as a weapon. Looking down, I realize that they've taken my gun.

Jeremy takes a step towards me, almost like he's taunting. "You've lost. My army is out in that city while the government is fighting yours. You're severely outnumbered, little girl. And, with a press of a button, I'll have control of Chips once again." Then, he grins like the maniac he is. "Tell me, how do you want to die?"

I can't help it; my eyes widen. 

He shakes his head, amused. "What, you really think I'll let you live after all the trouble you've caused? Not a chance. But, for all your bravery, I'll give you the chance to choose how you die."

My mind spins. Could I find a way slow enough for me to wiggle my way out of it and escape? My eyes still dart around the room. It looks the same as it always has, save a stray mark of blood by the door. I feel sick to my stomach; it probably belonged to Monica.

Jeremy paces around the room. "You cheated death once, Autumn. I'm sure it'll be glad when you pay the price for all you've done."

I narrow my eyes. "You cheated it, too. I should've killed you. You're just a sore loser."

He scoffs, taking a step forward and aggressively grabbing my chin. "Just tell me how you want to die, you little brat. If not, I'll make it nice and painful."

I spit in his face, and he stumbles back. His hand smacks my cheek, but I no longer care. I barely feel it as my mind keeps spinning. After everything, we can't just lose. There has to be a way out of this, a way for things to be righted.

I squeeze my eyes shut and reopen them. I need to give him an answer. Glancing around the room again, I try to think of something that will at least get me out of this chair. I glare up at Jeremy. "I want you to hang me." It's the first thing that comes to mind, and I'll probably have to get out of this chair for that to happen.

Jeremy sighs, then narrows his eyes. "No tricks?"

I smile sweetly. "No tricks. Now, hurry up and kill me already."

Jeremy grumbles under his breath, then exits the room. Leaning back in the chair, I take a deep breath to calm myself. I'm not going to let myself die this time. This time, more than my life is on the line. So much is on the line, and I have to stop Jeremy from taking over the population again.

Jeremy swiftly returns with a rope. I gulp as he swings it upwards, hooking it onto the metal piping above. He hums to himself as he does this, as he fashions the noose. Then, he walks over to me with a malicious smile. As soon as he unties me, I attack him. As soon as he unties me, I have to get out of here alive no matter what.

Jeremy detaches me from the chair, but makes sure my arms and uncles stay shackled together. I try to wait for the right moment, but Jeremy seems to be on high alert. As I get ready to attack, Jeremy pulls a needle out of his pocket. He grins. "A sedative. You think I'm stupid, little girl?"

I try to struggle away from the needle. Before he can prick me, his body begins to convulse. He drops the needle, then falls to the floor. I gap at Teresa, who stands over his body with a smirk on her face.

"I'm guessing you didn't notice me hop into the car with you," she laughs, materializing.

I tetter, trying to keep my balance since my ankles are still bound.

"Oh, better untie you."

I let Teresa grab something sharp, then snap the restraints on my ankles and wrists. After that, I jump away from her.

"Why are you helping me?"

She lets out a breath. "I joined Jared because I thought he had a better chance at getting things done. But- I was wrong. He's a complete jerk. He's not the one that came here. You are."

I shake my head. "How do I know that I can trust you?"

She smiles. "Because I just saved your life." She points to the rope hanging from the ceiling. "You wouldn't be talking right now if I hadn't stepped in. You're welcome."

I run a hand down my face. "Is he dead?"

She shakes her head, then bends over his body. "We need him to tell us about that button, and how we can destroy it. Now, are you going to help me or not?"

Reluctantly, I grab Jeremy's legs and help Teresa prop him onto the chair. After that, she ties his ankles while I tie his wrists. I step back, admiring our work. Then, I turn to study Teresa. She looks the same, but a little buffer. Her honey eyes seem more worn, and her blonde hair longer. 

Teresa grimaces, then takes a step back. "Well, I guess we wait for him to wake up."

I glance back to the door, still not sure if I can trust her. I'm not sure who I can trust anymore. "Someone is bound to come in any minute!"

Teresa shrugs. "Chill, Autumn."

I glance back at Jeremy, then reach for his pockets. I curse when I come up with nothing. "Ugh, where could that stupid button be?"

Teresa shrugs. "I have no idea."

I heat commotion outside the room and curse. Glancing back at Jeremy, I realize he's coming to. Smirking, I get right up in his face. "Who's tied to the chair now, huh?"

"I'll go stall whoever's outside!" Teresa calls to me.

I absentmindedly nod to her, then glare at Jeremy. "Where's the button, Jeremy?"

He scoffs. "You really think I'd tell you that?"

"Tell me, or else," I grit out. "This is going to end, and people are going to obtain the freedom they deserve."

He laughs. "No, they're not. There's more to this than you think."

I glare. "Please, enlighten me."

He smirks. "Do you think this city is all there is, Autumn?"

My eyes widen, then narrow. "I- that's not what this is about. Where's the button?"

Jeremy rolls his eyes. his lips tilting upwards. "You don't even know what you don't know."

I shake my head, grabbing a fistful of his shirt as anger fills me. "Tell me where the stupid button is, Jeremy!"

His eyes bore into mine, and he wiggles against the ropes, cursing. "Leane will pick up where I leave off. There will always be people like me. You'll never win."

Annoyance floods through me as I step back, realization flooding through me. "You don't even have the button. Leane does."

Jeremy rolls his eyes, and I leave him there as I exit the room. Teresa is shooting balls of electricity in many directions, but I can see that she's outnumbered. As I rush to her side, she turns to shake her head at me.

"Go, Autumn! Do whatever you have to!"

I shake my head. "There's no way you can handle this by yourself!"

She smiles sadly. "If you fight with me now, this will have all been for nothing. Avenge me. Avenge us all."

Tears fill my eyes, but I force my feet to move in the other direction. Teresa covers me, and I force myself to become invisible. I feel drained physically and emotionally. My muscles begin to burn, but I push myself forward. My eyes rapidly scan for Leane, trying to locate her amidst the chaos behind me. I curse as I realize I've found my way back to the door I entered this place through. She could be in an office somewhere, but I bet she's up there.

I rush through the door and back to the surface. My legs pump as fast as they can, and I've pretty sure I've allowed myself to become visible. I can hear gunshots and shouts in the distance, and even catch sight of smoke rising up into the air. I keep moving bypassing the car I left parked. Leane made the journey on foot, so she shouldn't be far. 

My mind is on fire, but so is the world. I need to be faster, so I keep pushing myself. Finally, I come to a screeching halt. I barely recognize the ice creamery. It's up in flames, and Leane's army is everywhere. A knot forms in my throat as I glance around for any of my allies, anyone to help me put a stop to this madness. Leane isn't anywhere, just chaos. People are fighting, rebelling. Everywhere I look, I see people fighting for their freedom. Hasn't Leane pushed her button yet? Shouldn't we have lost?

All of a sudden, I spot a flash of blue hair. Leane stands in the middle of the chaos, flanked by her soldiers protecting her. I flinch as I hear feet approaching me, and spin to spot two familiar, similar looking girls walking towards me. My eyebrows furrow as I recognize Hannah, a girl I met when I didn't have my memory. She was incredibly sweet, and beside her walks her not-so-nice sister, Annette.

 They both stop in front of me, taking me in. Hannah smiles widely despite our situation.

"Hey, long time no see," Hannah says timidly.

Annette rolls her eyes. "We want to help in anyway we can, Autumn."

I cross my arms. "You knew who I was the whole time, didn't you?"

Hannah sighs. "I'm sorry, okay? We couldn't say anything. Please, just let us help you now."

I turn to Annette, raising an eyebrow.

"We want Leane to take over this city about as much as you do/ She has a button, and-"

I put up a hand. "I know."

Both of their eyes widen.

"Can you guys help me get that button?"

They both nod. Annette reaches forward and grabs my wrist before I can react. She presses something over where my Chip is, then steps back. I raise my wrist to my eyes and glare at the white dot radiating heat.

"What the-"

Hannah smiles softly, then shows me her own wrist. She has the same dot. "Relax, Autumn. If she hits the button before we get to her, this will stop it from affecting us."

My eyes widen, and I suck in a breath. "How many of these do you have?"

Annette sighs impatiently. "Not many. Leane's waiting to press the button because she wants people to fear her first. In fact, the button is a last resort. She wants people to give into her, to her power. We need to stop her, and I know you're as good of a hope as any."

I glance around, my nerves on edge. "Have any of you seen Aubrey? She'd be with my friends, my allies."

They both shake their heads, and I run a hand down my face. I need them all to be okay. If anyone comes out of this alive, I want it to be the people I care about. Then, I remember Jared. I wonder if his group is still fighting mine at the graveyard, completely oblivious. Then, I notice a familiar face mixed in with the civilians and smile. Cody. I also realize some of the citizens fighting don't have Chips. That's good, right? Well, besides the fact that they're dropping like flies.

I turn back to the sisters. "Can you get me to Leane?"

Annette shakes her head. "It's not that easy. Don't you see the freaking war going on around us?"

I roll my eyes, turning to watch balls of electricity and people fly through the air. Gunshots constantly ring out, and blood coats the pavement. So many bodies have fallen that I feel sick to my stomach. I want to end this as fast as possible. The less blood shed, the better.