The World After Red
Chapter 12 - The World After Red
The existence of enhanced people could no longer be hidden.
Congress held emergency hearings.
Helix executives were arrested.
Fort Halcyon became evidence.
Ana entered a secure medical facility by choice, not imprisonment. The Core was gone, but seventeen years of captivity remained inside her.
Maya visited every day.
Sometimes Ana remembered everything.
Sometimes she woke believing Maya was still a baby.
Elena came too.
The mother who gave Maya life and the aunt who raised her learned to sit in the same room.
“I used to resent you,” Ana admitted.
“I used to fear you would return and she would no longer need me,” Elena said.
Maya held both their hands.
“I need you differently.”
Briarwood suspended Sienna for the restroom attack.
When Helix’s involvement became public, many people demanded that Maya forgive her.
Maya refused quick forgiveness.
Sienna began volunteering at a center for newly awakened children.
She never wore red lipstick again.
Gabriel founded the Guardian Initiative to protect enhanced people from trafficking and teach them control.
Eve joined first.
Marcus joined after negotiating a salary.
Lena became medical director.
Maya refused a uniform.
“I’m still in school.”
“You lifted a building,” Gabriel said.
“I also have algebra.”
Her abilities returned slowly.
She could move objects, accelerate perception, and fly short distances.
One evening, Maya stood on the Guardian headquarters roof with Ana.
“Are you afraid of becoming me?” Ana asked.
“Yes.”
“Good. People certain they cannot become dangerous rarely notice when they do.”
An alarm sounded.
A train had derailed near the river.
Ana touched her arm.
“You don’t have to save everyone.”
“I know.”
“Then why go?”
Maya looked toward the smoke.
“Because I can save someone.”
May you like
She jumped.
Red light carried her into the night.
