Apocalypse: The echoes of Madness

Emily led Rose through a narrow hallway, deeper into the complex. The air was thick with silence, and Rose could feel the weight of what she was about to learn pressing on her chest. They arrived at a small, hidden room—almost a sanctuary within the chaos of their world. It was dimly lit, with shelves of old books and scrolls lining the walls. The room smelled of dust and aged parchment, the kind of place that felt untouched by time.

"This is where we keep the records," Emily said softly, as she moved to an old wooden desk. "The knowledge of those who came before us. People like you, and me." She pulled out a leather-bound journal from the desk and handed it to Rose.

As Rose sat in the dimly lit room, the weight of her hidden abilities pressed down on her. She had always felt that there was something different inside her, something powerful but untapped. But she hadn't known how dangerous or uncontrollable it could be—until now. Emily's voice broke through the silence, gentle yet serious.

"Rose, I know what it's like to feel like there's something inside you, something you can't explain. But whatever it is, you need to learn to control it," Emily said, her eyes meeting Rose's with an understanding that made the hairs on the back of Rose's neck stand up.

Rose was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I've always felt... something. But I don't know what it is, and it scares me. I think it only shows up when I'm in danger or when things get really bad."

Emily paused, considering her words carefully. "I don't know exactly what kind of power you have, Rose. But what I do know is that people like us—mutants—often have abilities that we can't control at first. And that makes us vulnerable."

Rose clenched her hands together, her knuckles white. "I don't know how to control it," she admitted. "It's like... everything goes blurry, and I lose track of what's real."

Emily nodded, a sad understanding in her gaze. "When you're under extreme stress, when your life is at risk... that's when our powers tend to surface. But the more you resist it, the harder it becomes to control. What you need is focus. You need something to help you keep grounded."

Rose looked up at Emily, a question in her eyes. "Grounded?"

Emily smiled faintly, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small object—a smooth, polished stone. "This is a focus object. It's simple, but it works. Hold it when you feel your power rising, and try to calm yourself. The power is inside you, but you can't let it take over. Breathe, center yourself, and remember who you are."

Rose took the stone from Emily's hand, its cool surface calming in her palm. She didn't know if it would work, but she had to try. "What if it's not enough? What if I can't control it?"

Emily's eyes softened. "We can't stop what's inside us, Rose. We can only learn to use it. And it takes time. But if you don't try, it will control you instead."

Rose swallowed, the weight of Emily's words sinking in. She knew this was just the beginning, and that her hidden power was far more dangerous than she had ever realized. But in that moment, with the stone in her hand, she felt a small sense of hope.

"I'll try," Rose said, her voice steady. "I'll learn."

Emily gave her a reassuring smile. "I believe you will. Just remember—power isn't something to be afraid of. But you have to learn to control it, or it will destroy you."

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"the file said my power is reality-bending psychic power," Rose muttered,frowning. I should probably find a book about it.But,of course, there's nothing useful here.Ugh, i should just leave."She turned to Emily.

" Let's go".

"Why don't you eat with us at the cafeteria?" Emily suggested with a shrug."There'll fere people now."

"I'm not hungry,"Rose replied,brushing her hair back.

Emily smarked. "Not hungry?You know we can go three days without food, right?But stil...we're mutants. Hunger could turn into cravings for human blood and flesh."

Rose froze,staring at her. "WHAT?! are you serious?"

Emily burst out laughing." No! i was joking."

Rose glared at her. "You really shouldn't joke about things like that". She signed, shaking her head. "Fine, let's go to eat.I'm not scared of anything. But if I see him starting at me wiredly again today,I swear I'll gouge his eyes out."

Emily clutched her stomach, laughing harder,You? Gouge his eyes out? oh, I'd pay to see that!"

I' serious. Rose snapped,though a small smile tugged at her lips.

"sure, "sure, Emily said,grinning as they walked off.

"Let's go before you scare yourself with your own threat."

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(to be continued)

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