𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧

1

Complete and utter silence filled the room. One so intense and unnerving that I would be able to hear a pin drop. It went on like that for a  short while until...

"Fuck my life..."

My head whipped to the side until I was facing Tony, facing downward seemingly contemplating.

"We are so screwed." He finished.

I quickly exchanged a glance with Nora before facing Tony again.

"What in Titan's name do you mean?" I asked.

His head instantly snapped at me. He gave me a look as if to say, 'Are you kidding me right now?'

"The planet is decaying as we speak and your dear little sister here does not have any answers as to how we can fix it!"

"Nora was at least able to provide a clue as to how we can start." I interjected as calmly as I could.

"Mend the mistakes? Really, Mak?! Mend the mistakes of dead people who were killed by the most fearsome being our people have ever faced?!" He yelled.

My eyes immediately darted towards Nora, hoping to get a little help. She only looked at me, in utter defeat. As much as I hated to admit this, as much as I wanted to deny the truth. He was right. This was insane, earlier this morning my biggest problem was getting up on time. Now there may be a chance that I might not get up at all.

I immediately pushed the thought out of my head. I could not let my emotions get the better of me. Not now. I stepped closer towards Tony and placed my hand on his shoulder. I looked at him, indirectly telling him to calm down. With a wavered sigh, Tony complied and went over to the seat closest to him.

"Hey, sis?"

"Hm?" Nora responded.

"How long do you think we have until... you know...?" I asked, somewhat reluctantly.

"I'd say, about four months."

Her tone already had an heir of sorrow. As if she had already accepted our impending fate.

Shit

"Her core... the energy feels so weak, so unstable. I worry how the other psychics may be handling this." She concluded.

"Well?" Tony started. "What are were going to do?"

"The hell if I know... but I know the best place to start."

I headed out of Nora's office, waving goodbye as I did so. A minute later I hear Tony's footsteps trailing behind me. It seems that while we were talking, everyone else had been cleaning the war zone the quake had left. The clean halls brought back a sense of normalcy. In response, I let out a breath I hadn't even realised I was holding in. I ventured further and found myself in front of a door. A large holographic projection displayed text over it reading 'Head of security.'"

"Uhm... Mack?"

"Huh?"

I quickly turned to face Tony. He had a puzzled expression on his face.

"What are we doing here?" Tony asked.

"The chief is one of the highest-ranking necromancers for a reason. Maybe she might be able to come up with a plan as to what we can do. Maybe she could give us some idea about the mistakes of the victims of Morto."

He shrugged in response and gestured for me to go ahead. One step forward and the door opened revealing a woman looking out the window of her office. She was well built with a height that would rival most men, giving her an heir of dominance.

"State your name and business." The chief said, not bothering to turn around.

Her voice was stern like that of a strict mother. As if on instinct, I straightened up and gave a salute.

"Officer Mackenzie Morress, ma'am. Requesting assistance in regards to the recent earthquake."

"Officer Anthony D'cann. Requesting the same, ma'am."

Neither of us broke our stances. After a quick heel turn, the chief marched over to us. Her face was stoic. And before we knew it, the three of us were caught in a staring match. After what seemed like forever, the chief's face softened and a smile started to appear. She bent downwards and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead.

"Good stance, honey. At ease, officers."

I slumped my shoulders in response. Tony did the same, letting out a quick groan as he did so.

"Mother, you terrify me sometimes."

"Kenzie, darling. It is literally my job to do so." She responded, a small smirk plastered on her face.

"She's got a point, Mack." Tony interjected, with a shrug.

Mother motioned for us to sit and we did so. 

Ivanna Morress had been the chief of security following the defeat of Morto. She and a group of necromancers aided in the construction of nature's aid alongside the technomancers. And made friends with the founder, Edwin K'leal, one of the few technomancers, who aided in the search for my father, Victor Morress. Mother had drawn inspiration from the loss of my father. And so, she rose through the ranks. And eventually took over the security department of nature's aid. To personally ensure the safety of the titan's inhabitants and in a way honour my father's bravery.

Mother's determination towards the security of her fellow inhabitants had always been a major inspiration since I was young. If anything, she was one of the main reasons I had become an officer in the first place. Being protective seemed to run in our family. I just hope that one day I live up to my parents. I mean, if there even is a one-day to look forward to.

***

"I assumed you went to your sister before coming to me. What did she tell you?" She asked as she took a seat.

"We have four months until, Titan's inevitable demise."

Mother's eyes widened, but her usually stoic expression never faltered. She said nothing, waiting for me to continue.

"The planet's core is weakening, and only getting more unstable."

"Did Nora provide any information as to how we may prevent this?" She asked.

I gave a quick nod in response.

"She told us that, our one chance to bring her strength is to mend the cracks formed by the fallen."

She gave a questioning look in response.

"Mother, we need you to tell us any information you may have on the victims of Morto. It could be the only thing that could save from extinction."