Ezekiel's gaze shifted from Xylia to his innocent little brother, Nathan, who stood there unknowingly, his small hand still clasped tightly in Ezekiel's.
A mixture of determination and conflicted emotions flickered in Ezekiel's eyes as he contemplated his options.
He had come to this city with one clear purpose in mind - to seek vengeance upon his parents for the pain and suffering they had inflicted upon his beloved brother, Nathan.
She said , her voice soft , "Now, we understand that you came here with a purpose, but the circumstances have changed. Your parents are not in their apartment, and if you continue with your plan, it could lead to consequences that you may regret later. We're not here to stop you, but we want to offer you another option.."
Ezekiel felt a mix of frustration and confusion as he tried to distance himself from Xylia and Frank. He was determined to carry out his plan alone, believing that he couldn't trust anyone but himself.
However, Xylia's persistence caught him off guard as she ran after him, clutching something tightly in her hand.
Breathless, she reached out and gently placed the object into Ezekiel's palm. Her touch was surprisingly gentle, contrasting with the tension between them. Her eyes pleaded with him, silently urging him to reconsider.
"Please, just take this. It's important that you know," she implored, her voice filled with sincerity.
Reluctantly, Ezekiel glanced down at his hand, finding a small, folded piece of paper. Curiosity got the better of him, and he unfolded it to reveal a meticulously drawn map.
It detailed various locations and marked routes, along with cryptic notes. It was evident that this map held valuable information about their group's whereabouts and operations.
Xylia stood beside him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "I'm giving this to you because I believe you deserve to know what we're fighting for," she explained, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
"You may choose to go your own way, but remember, we're here to fight against the injustices and protect people like you
Ezekiel hardened his heart and remained resolute in his decision to walk away from Xylia and Frank.
He believed that going solo was the only way to ensure the safety and justice his brother deserved. Ignoring Xylia's presence beside him, he quickened his pace, determined to distance himself from their persuasive words.
Xylia, though disappointed, understood that she couldn't force Ezekiel to change his mind. She watched as he receded into the distance, her expression a mix of concern and regret.
Deep down, she knew that his stubbornness stemmed from his overwhelming love for his brother and the pain he had endured.
Frank, who had been observing the interaction silently, couldn't help but voice his frustration. "Why are you wasting your time on him, Xylia? He clearly doesn't want our help," he grumbled, his tone filled with annoyance.
Xylia turned to Frank, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and empathy. "Because, Frank, he's hurting, just like Nathan. We can't abandon them. We have to show them that there's another way, that they don't have to fight this battle alone," she replied, her voice resolute.
With a heavy sigh, Frank reluctantly accepted Xylia's explanation, realizing that her compassion and unwavering belief in their cause were what made her special.
Frank's frustration lingered as he observed Ezekiel disappearing into the bustling crowd. He scoffed at Xylia's attempt to reach out to him, finding it pointless to try to sway someone so stubborn.
"That little freak isn't interested in joining us," he remarked, his voice dripping with disdain.
Xylia, undeterred by Frank's cynicism, looked back at Ezekiel one last time before turning away. She knew that her efforts might have been in vain, but she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope.
"I know," she replied softly, her gaze fixed on the distance where Ezekiel had vanished. "I just thought I should try."
As they walked along the bustling street, Frank couldn't help but question Xylia's persistent optimism. He glanced at her, his expression a mixture of confusion and skepticism.
"He's completely weird," Frank remarked, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Did you look into his eyes? It feels like he's dead inside."
Xylia's steps slowed as she contemplated Frank's observation. She remembered the haunting emptiness she had glimpsed in Ezekiel's eyes—a reflection of the pain and burden he carried.
Her smile faded momentarily, replaced by a somber expression. "I think there's more to him than meets the eye," she said, her voice filled with empathy. "Perhaps he's just lost in his own anguish, unable to see the light we're trying to offer."
Frank raised an eyebrow, still skeptical of Ezekiel's potential. "And you think we can change that?" he asked, his tone laced with doubt.
Ezekiel was completely focused on his mission to find and confront his parents for what they did to his little brother Nathan.
As he walked through the crowded streets, he did his best to avoid attracting any unwanted attention, especially from the security cameras that seemed to be monitoring his every move. He was determined to reach his parents' home, no matter what it took.
Eventually, he arrived at their building, but something felt off. He couldn't sense his parents' energy anywhere in the vicinity, and that only confirmed what Xylia and Frank had told him earlier.
However, he didn't let that stop him. He quickly put on a disguise and made his way to their apartment.
Once he was inside, he felt a wave of emotions wash over him. It was a mix of anger, sadness, and disappointment.
His parents had left without any warning or explanation. He felt like he had been betrayed once again, but this time it was different.
Nathan, his little brother, was crying and begging Ezekiel not to leave him there alone. It broke his heart, but he knew he had to leave him there for the time being. He sedated Nathan, making sure he would be safe until he could come back for him.
"Sorry little one, don't cry over them, not yet anyway !" He whispered .