As Xylia and Ezekiel walked through the city, she guided him to a place that housed the authority of her group. To his surprise, they were situated right in the heart of the city, fearlessly operating in plain sight, hidden in a location the government would least suspect.
A towering building stood before them, spanning almost twenty floors—a place where the group conducted their clandestine missions.
Silence hung in the air between them as Xylia led Ezekiel through the bustling streets. She knew that he was unlikely to respond, especially after their conversation the previous night, where he had made it abundantly clear that she would never comprehend the burdens he carried.
Upon arriving at their destination, Xylia was greeted warmly by her male comrades, who looked upon her with admiration. Ezekiel paid little mind to their attention, only now realizing the extent of her fame among them.
Unbeknownst to him, Xylia was one of the most formidable leaders within their ranks—a fact she had chosen not to disclose. It was evident that with the right guidance, Ezekiel had the potential to surpass even the strongest among them, as their leader had previously indicated.
Accompanied by his younger brother, Nathan, Ezekiel was led to the office of an elderly woman he had encountered before.
Xylia stood by his side, displaying utmost respect for the matriarch. The woman observed Ezekiel intently before introducing herself properly as Karina, the person in charge of the entire organization.
Ezekiel, uninterested in formalities, curtly responded, urging her to skip the pleasantries and provide him with the necessary information to become a part of their cause.
Karina's gaze remained steady as she explained, "The Arcane Rebellion is a secret organization that has existed for centuries. To become a member, Ezekiel Cooper, you must demonstrate unwavering respect for the rules that govern us."
Intrigued, Ezekiel leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. He had always been a lone wolf, navigating the harsh realities of his world without anyone to rely on.
He just looked at her with a stoic face then said :" What rules !"
Ezekiel's gaze remained fixed on Karina, his expression stoic and unyielding. The idea of adhering to rules had always been a foreign concept to him—a notion he had purposefully distanced himself from throughout his tumultuous existence.
Karina met his unwavering stare, her eyes filled with a blend of understanding and wisdom. She recognized the resistance in Ezekiel, the inherent rebelliousness that had shaped his very being.
With a gentle yet firm tone, she replied, "The rules of the Arcane Rebellion serve as the foundation upon which our organization thrives. They provide structure, discipline, and guidance, enabling us to effectively challenge the injustices that plague our world."
Ezekiel's features hardened, his skepticism unabated.
"I've never been one to follow rules. They only serve to confine and control," he retorted, his voice laced with defiance.
The scars of his past had taught him the futility of relying on external systems, leading him to rely solely on his own instincts and abilities.
Karina nodded, acknowledging his resistance, but she refused to be deterred. "I understand your aversion, Ezekiel. Rules can be oppressive, but within our organization, they are not chains that bind. Instead, they provide a framework for unity, a code by which we operate. They ensure that we move forward as a cohesive force, maximizing our collective strength."
Karina continued, her voice steady and persuasive. "In joining the Arcane Rebellion, you will gain access to knowledge, resources, and a network of individuals who share a common purpose. Together, we possess the power to effect meaningful change, to dismantle the oppressive systems that have shaped our world."
Ezekiel's resolve hardened once more, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. He weighed the potential benefits against the perceived constraints.
Xylia, standing silently beside him, sensed the internal struggle he faced. She had witnessed the walls he had erected, the self-imposed isolation that had defined his existence.
In a voice barely above a whisper, Xylia interjected, "Ezekiel, you've fought alone for so long, carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Imagine what we can achieve together. Our strength lies not just in our abilities, but in the unity we forge, in the trust we cultivate."
As Ezekiel's gaze shifted towards Xylia, a storm brewed within him. He despised the assumption that he longed for connection or camaraderie. His sole purpose, the burning flame that fueled his existence, was the relentless pursuit of his parents—to find them and make them pay for the pain they had inflicted upon him and his brother.
"Let's be perfectly clear here, Xylia, Karina," Ezekiel spoke with a steely resolve, his voice laced with a mixture of determination and bitterness. "I have no interest in staying or enjoying the company of others. My purpose in joining the Arcane Rebellion is to harness your resources and capabilities to protect my brother and exact vengeance upon those who have wronged us. Nothing more."
Karina's disappointment was palpable, her eyes filled with a mixture of empathy and concern. She regarded Ezekiel, recognizing the depths of his pain and the driving force behind his every action. With a sigh, she composed herself and responded, her voice carrying the weight of understanding.
"Ezekiel, I comprehend the anger and desire for justice that burns within you. The Arcane Rebellion can offer you the means to protect your brother and pursue your personal vendetta. But I implore you to consider the potential for growth, not only as an individual but as part of a collective endeavor. We are more than just a resource to be utilized. We are a community, united by a common purpose."
Ezekiel's gaze hardened, his determination unyielding. "I have spent my life relying solely on my own skills and instincts. Trusting others has only brought me pain and betrayal. I am not naive enough to believe that this organization is exempt from such risks, ."
Xylia just looked away when Karina said to him :" Try staying with us for a while and decide, young boy, I would love to have you here by outside when the war begin"