The Awakened World

Epilogue, Part 2

"What a mess..." the man muttered, scanning the room.

The black uniform he was wearing revealed that the man was an officer of the awakened corps. Once, these enforcers of the world government had spread fear throughout the non-awakened populace, as they had been granted unlimited authority with regards to how they conducted their work. In essence, this meant that anyone foolish enough to oppose them usually ended up dead in harrowing ways. However, the corps had been recently converted into a force that hunted down any awakened who used their powers without permission – that is to say, people like Jason and Janet. The officer's eyes stopped at Jason, and his expression became stern.

"You, there. Let that man go," he said in a firm tone.

Jason turned to face the newcomer, still dangling the gunman in the air. Despite the fact that an officer of the law had entered, he was still grinning.

"Who's going to make me? You?"

"I'm sure you're familiar with my uniform."

Jason scowled.

"I sure am. Wore it myself at one point."

"Then you must understand that not following my orders is a really bad idea."

Jason's eyes narrowed and he hunched forward ever so slightly.

"And you should understand that, as I said, I was a part of the force as well," Jason growled, "So I am fairly certain that I can wipe the floor with traitors like you."

Janet could feel her heart beating out of control. She had feared that an awakened officer would arrive, and his arrival had made the situation even worse. People like Jason, those who had left their positions as officers to protest the depowering of the awakened, absolutely detested those who had chosen to stay and enforce this new world order. Now, in his agitated state of mind, it was clear that a conflict was inevitable. Janet knew that she should interfere now to minimize the punishment the two would receive. But deep down, she didn't want to. Though she wasn't as bitter as Jason, she, too, sorely missed her previous position and felt that she had been wronged. She reached her hand toward Jason, but then stopped.

No. It is not my place to step in. This government's lapdog decided to step in of his own will. Let him bear the consequences.

The officer clenched his fist – the only sign of any emotion from the man.

"Why did you do this?" he calmly asked.

"Because these bastards thought that they could attack us only because we were awakened!" Jason yelled back. "This has all been self-defence."

"I don't think the man floating in the air would agree with you."

Jason stared at the officer, not making any effort to disguise his naked contempt for the man – and everything he stood for.

"Don't act like you are better than us! You did the same things we did, enjoyed the same privileges... The only difference is that when the change came, you and your cowardly ilk decided to suck up to those who decided to steal our world from us!"

The officer shook his head. There was a brief hint of anger on his face, though he quickly suppressed the emotion.

"Believe it or not, I am not like you. Now, I will give you one chance to let the man go and come along peacefully. Unfortunately, I'm still not very good at controlling my powers, and should you attack me, I cannot guarantee your survival."

Janet raised her eyebrow. What did he mean by not being good at controlling his powers? After all these years? A terrifying thought dawned on her, and suddenly the officer's words – and the fact that he was by himself – started to make sense. Immediately, she turned to warn Jason, but it was already too late. Unfortunately, Jason had not shared Janet's epiphany, and instead, he had become furious. He gathered all his might – and released it in a terrifyingly strong attack. What followed was an incredibly loud bang, accompanied by a shockwave strong enough to throw all loose furniture against the walls. Even Janet struggled to keep standing as her telekinetic shield protected her from the pieces of shrapnel that suddenly filled the air. As the dust began to settle, she could see that the entire front wall of the restaurant had disappeared. However, the officer had not disappeared. In fact, he hadn't moved an inch. And, more concerningly, he was now enveloped by a soft green glow. It was as Janet had feared. The rumours were true – second generation awakened did exit, and this officer was one of them.