Chapter 33: Maya

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The makeshift cafeteria sat inside the dim hall of the abandoned church, with long, wooden tables and mismatched chairs scattered. Flickering candles in the old pews cast shadows on the crumbling walls, adding to the eerie setting. The stained-glass windows, now cracked and grimy, reflected the sparse light, giving the entire space a ghostly, ethereal quality.

Orchid detailed how Carrie had been tormented and rejected by her peers and adults for years, leading to the tragic Black Prom massacre. She recounted the pain Carrie faced and when everything spiraled out of control, resulting in devastation and loss. She also included how Jago, her brother, took her in when he returned to the Tiger Shrine.

Maya’s eyes widened as she listened, her hands trembling around her coffee cup. “I can’t believe something like that happened. I heard of a tragedy in the United States months ago but didn’t pay attention because I was so focused on finding Kan-Ra.”

“Quests can consume us, but staying aware of the world is important.” Orchid paused, her expression sad. “Carrie’s story reminds us what happens when pain and power collide.”

“No kidding. A troubled youth with power can bring disaster. Can we save Carrie, or is it too late?”

“Carrie’s young, so there’s still time,” Orchid said. “With the right guidance and support, she might master her abilities and heal from her past. What concerns me is Ultratech and other external factors. They might exploit or use her as a weapon if they get their hands on her. It’s another reason she’s here with us, so we can keep her safe. Now, I fear we could be in danger.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, her powers are like a lure. It’s unclear how that works, but it sends a signal. It makes our location vulnerable to attacks from those who sense her presence.”

“So, we’re not just protecting her; we’re all in the crosshairs now. Is Carrie aware of how her abilities are affecting others?”

“Not at first, but she became alarmed once we addressed it. It took some reassurance to understand that none of this was her fault. She’s still learning about herself and her powers.”

“It’s a heavy burden for anyone, let alone a young girl. Have you found solutions to mask this signal?”

“We’re working on it, but it’s difficult with our resources. The last Ultratech attack caught us off guard before she appeared.”

Maya mused, scratching her chin. “The citadel might hold an artifact to conceal her presence. I’ll contact my personnel if it’s still there.”

“That would be awesome. Any chance we have to protect her is worth pursuing,” Orchid said. “Keep me updated once you find out anything.”

***

The agents didn’t linger in the sleeping areas as morning approached. Instead, they gathered in the meeting room to brainstorm and plan their next moves.

Carrie, Pemba, TJ, and Jago were the only ones in the room. The latter rested on his cot to recuperate from his attempt to rescue Nikita from the Dreamlands. An IV drip connected to Jago’s arm as it delivered essential fluids and nutrients to aid in his recovery.

Carrie watched over the monk, concerned and curious. She was to blame for Jago’s plight because her powers messed with everyone’s dreams. In addition, it almost sent Nikita to the Dreamlands, a realm fraught with danger. A wave of guilt washed over her as she rested her hand on the monk’s hand. Although unconscious, she whispered an apology to him.

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