Flora was torn.
She was supposed to leave The Island yesterday, but still lived in the cramped tent with Henry and Lucas. The disgusting smell only worsened as the injured people came in and out, but there weren't many more left.
It killed her to force Henry to live in these conditions, but leaving felt wrong.
Last night, August finally felt it was necessary to tell her and Lucas about The Island's secret. While telling him was understandable, Flora was surprised that she was also informed. It turned out that Lucas was adamant that Flora was told as well.
However, they were prohibited from telling another soul about the core, or the punishment would be severe.
Flora had figured out a lot since then. She realized Cullen also knew the core's location, most likely because of his compasses, and that's why he left.
It was wrong. August said that it was used for research, and no one had expected the Kamikazes to be created. Still, they didn't show any signs of planning to destroy The Island.
The only hope for that was Cullen.
'Isn't that what Gifted should be? He is fighting to save innocent lives, and I'm stuck in this camp doing nothing.'
When Flora first met Cullen on The Island, she insulted his morals and questioned why he had been chosen. Isn't she exactly what she described back then?
Suddenly, Lucas entered the tent and approached Flora.
"It's time for you and Henry to leave. There's a helicopter waiting to take you to the Academy."
His melancholic voice had no excitement, and his face was expressionless.
"I-"
Flora looked down, not knowing what to say. She hated herself for it.
"Don't worry, Flora. August has allowed me to stay guard until Cullen comes back. We knew he would fight the core eventually, and I'll protect him when that happens."
She still said nothing.
"You have to take care of Henry, so let me take care of Cullen. I promise I'll bring him back."
With that, Flora left.
She watched from the helicopter as it lifted over The Island, scanning the bright green treetops, hoping to find Cullen sitting atop one.
***
Ten years ago, inside a building in Hong Kong.
"This is all bullshit!"
Ten businessmen sat in a dull conference room, one of whom had sprung to his feet angrily.
"This contract is a bunch of nonsense! Do you really expect me to sign something like this with our situation?"
A month ago, monsters started appearing and terrorizing humanity. It was entirely out of the blue, which caused people to be skeptical at first... until the reality set in. Airports closed, stores ran out of supplies, and basic needs like clean water and electricity were starting to disappear.
"This company will crumble to the ground if we continue like this. Please compose yourself; we are all still adjusting to the circumstances."
Although it was rare to meet one in person, these monsters were already known as Abominations. Rumors arose, claiming that they crawled out of the earth's core or were aliens from outer space. Or, they were humans who turned into monsters.
"Let the company fall! Who cares about it anyway? We all might die any minute, yet we're worried about these insignificant problems."
The governments worldwide united for the first time, or so everyone thought. Greed still infested these countries, erasing any possibility of total cooperation. Although they could fight some of the Abominations, stronger ones started to appear with inhuman powers.
"Fuck you! If we can't stop the Abominations, humanity is doomed anyway. We might as well assume otherwise and attempt to save our profits!"
However, hope had risen after a single human defeated an Abomination with godly powers. As she stated, a divine being had offered her a deal. "Kill Abominations, and I will give you the power to do so."
"Cmon, language! There's a kid here!"
The most imposing man sat at the end of their table, looking over at the young boy. Eleven years old with black hair, his son sat in a comfy chair while watching the grown men scream at each other. Then, the man spoke for the first time.
"It's fine, he's used to it. Right, Lucas?"
After the man talked, the whole room turned silent, giving him their full attention. Lucas simply nodded and returned to gazing out the window into the city.
"If you feel endangered staying in this city, you are welcome to leave. However, you will no longer be a part of the company if you do so. I plan to leave my son a strong business, so I will not abandon this."
No one moved.
The rest of the meeting went smoothly as Lucas's dad sorted things out, explaining what the company's future would look like. Meanwhile, Lucas was still fixated on the beautiful city view.
Countless skyscrapers plunged out of the streets, shining with vibrant colors during the night. Yet, no one down below was here to enjoy it anymore. It was only about survival.
Lucas had been to too many meetings, so he already knew how this would go. Since everyone was scared of his dad, they always shut up and did exactly what he said. But maybe it would change. After all, something even more terrifying was out there now.
Following the meeting, Lucas returned home with his dad.
He sat on the leather seats of their limo, playing with his fingers in the dim lights while his father bombarded him with questions about the meeting. Lucas was far advanced for an eleven-year-old, so he already knew most of the answers.
"Once we return home, you can help your mother cook dinner. I also want to teach you a few more things before you go to bed, so come to my study after we eat."
His father didn't show it, but a look of worry was on his hidden face. He could die any day to the Abominations, leaving Lucas alone. This is why he was pushing him so far, but Lucas didn't understand that.
Instead, he was annoyed by his parents' persistence.
"Fine, but can I read my books after?"
Instead of approval, Lucas only received a sympathetic glance from his father.
"We have a long day tomorrow, and I want you to sleep tonight. Maybe tomorrow afternoon."
When they got home, he found his mother waiting for him in the kitchen. She was teaching him how to make Fried Rice today, just like he learned Kung Pao Chicken yesterday, and Char Siu before that.
Grabbing the lid to the pan, Lucas lifted it to check if the rice was done cooking.
"I think it's finished now. What's next?"
His mom was busy preparing the other ingredients.
"Bring it over here and pour it in the pan, but get rid of the water first."
He lifted the pan and brought it to the sink, but the handle slipped out of his grasp. Losing control, the boiling water splashed over Lucas's arm and his mother's hand.
Recoiling in pain, he let out a small yelp before his mom held him.
"It's ok, you'll be alright. Hurry and put your arm under cold water."
She looked at him regretfully, helping him tend to his burn.
"It's not your fault, Lucas. Mistakes happen."
He couldn't stop crying as tears streamed down his face, and his father came running from his study.
"B-But what about your hand?"
Lucas looked, but her hand seemed completely fine. He was sure that water splashed over it.
"It barely missed me, sweetie. Don't worry, you could never hurt me."
His father gave a look to his mother before approaching Lucas, placing his hand over his back.
"If it makes you feel better, I'll let you read your book tonight. We can push my stuff until tomorrow night. How's that sound?"
Sniffling, Lucas agreed and spent a little time reading before falling asleep that night.
The next day, Lucas and his father arrived at his work as usual. But this time, Lucas noticed him acting strangely before entering.
Staring at the towering skyscraper, his dad muttered something to himself that only he could hear.
"Not today…"
Another day went by, then another.
With each passing day, Lucas's parents taught him different ways to live independently. Although he learned a lot, it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay focused.
"No!"
Lucas screamed at his parents, catching them off guard with his unusual behavior.
"No one else I know is doing this! Why can't I live a normal life? I don't want to keep preparing my whole childhood. That's all I do now!"
While his dad was in shock, his mom knelt down to look at him.
"I'm sorry, but you'll understand one day. Please just hold on a little longer, ok, sweetie?"
A tear fell down her cheek. He didn't mean to make her cry; he just wanted to take a break. He wanted to do something fun for once.
Lowering his head, he went to bed and slept.