Descendants: The rise of red

Red Cross syndrome

Red felt a mix of anxiety and relief: Heather genuinely wanted to help her, but she didn't know who Red and Chloe really were. Red dared not reveal the truth, fearing Heather might react badly or, worse, tell someone who could threaten them both. After all, time travel was a secret that few could comprehend or believe, and her true identity could be dangerous it could change her entire life in a heartbeat.
Heather, unaware of any of this, squeezed Red's hand, her face full of compassion. "Don't worry, Scarlet. I'll do whatever it takes to help you find your sister." Her gaze grew steadier, as if the thought of reuniting two lost sisters struck something deep within her. "You must love her a lot to have gone through all this to find her."
Red nodded, forcing a smile. "She's... like a sister to me," she said sincerely. It wasn't a lie; she'd shared more adventures with Chloe than with anyone else on Earth. She'd been a faithful presence through this strange journey, through risks and jumps in time. For Red, being stuck in this unknown place was like a nightmare she couldn't wake from—she could only imagine what Chloe was going through right now.
"Then it's settled," Heather continued with determination. "As soon as it's safe, we'll go to my grandmother. She has the right connections, and no one's more discreet than she is. She's been my partner-in-crime since I was born." Heather smiled, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "You know, it's not easy to keep secrets around here... especially if you're connected to someone important."
Red stiffened slightly; she'd have to play along, hoping to reunite with Chloe and find a way back to their own time as soon as possible.
As Heather turned to gather a few last things, Red held her breath, caught between gratitude and fear. She couldn't let Heather find out the truth... not yet.
Red watched her as she moved around the room—there was something familiar about Heather, though she couldn't tell what. Heather was gathering a small backpack and a few objects that looked technologically far too advanced for Red, still disoriented by this future. Was she really risking so much for a stranger? An involuntary laugh escaped her, breaking the silence.
Heather turned, surprised but curious. "What's so funny?" she asked with a slight smile.
"Sorry," Red replied, shaking her head. "It's just... do you really trust a complete stranger this much? Someone you found hiding in your wardrobe, no less. It's not exactly... normal, right?"
Heather chuckled, lowering her head. "Can't say you're wrong," she admitted. "Even my mother always scolds me for it, but... what can I say? I have this 'fixer complex'—if someone needs help, I just can't turn my back." She paused, her face thoughtful. "And there's something about you, Scarlet. I don't know exactly what, but I feel there's something good in you. And that maybe, without realizing it, you came here for a reason."
Heather's words struck Red more deeply than she wanted to admit. Since she'd arrived, no one had looked at her like that—like her being there was meaningful. Red sighed, trying to shake off the strange feeling of being "seen" by Heather, maybe more than she'd intended.
"Well, anyway, thank you," she said finally, lowering her gaze. "You're right... maybe we aren't here by chance."
Heather smiled, holding out the backpack. "Then it's decided. We'll sneak out without drawing attention." She moved to the window, checking to make sure the hallway outside was clear.
Red nodded, grateful that Heather hadn't guessed the true nature of her mission or her real identity. But at the same time, she wondered if she'd ever be able to tell Heather everything. Right now, though, there was no time to worry about that. Red pulled her hood tighter and, following Heather, prepared to leave quietly.
Once outside, she felt a bit more vulnerable, but with Heather by her side, her fears lessened. Heather walked quickly and confidently, moving naturally through the narrow streets, illuminated by metallic glows and brilliant, futuristic architecture. Every step brought Red closer to Chloe, and every breath mingled with that hidden hope that, despite everything, they might soon find each other and return home together.
"Ah, here we are," Heather whispered, a glint in her eyes. Red tried to stay calm, but the tension inside her grew.