Agent Red

Chapter 14: Plot after plot

When darkness settled, Autumn activated a small drone to scout nearby cities. Lily monitored the footage on the portable screen. They spotted abandoned vehicles, scattered gear, and signs of soldiers retreating. But they still couldn't track the boss's exact location. Autumn narrowed her eyes, sensing he was preparing a trap. Lily felt the tension as well.

That night, Lily dreamed of their parents for the first time. She saw faint images—hands holding her, a soft lullaby, and a warm home she barely remembered. She woke up crying silently. Autumn hugged her gently, letting her feel the grief she held inside. Lily apologized for the breakdown, but Autumn told her it was part of healing. They both had wounds deeper than steel.

Meanwhile, the boss smashed his phone against the bunker wall upon learning fifty of his soldiers perished. Agent X simply watched, unfazed by the tantrum. The boss blamed Autumn and Lily for everything that had gone wrong in his empire. His hatred turned into obsession, clouding his ability to strategize. Agent X warned him that emotional decisions would lead to more failure. But the boss refused to listen.

Lily and Autumn received another message—this time confirming the boss was preparing to strike back. Autumn expected this; the explosions would provoke retaliation. Lily asked if they should retreat, but Autumn shook her head. She explained that running now would only allow the boss to rebuild. Instead, they needed to attack at his weakest point. Lily nodded, understanding the plan.

Autumn gathered the children and explained the next step. She told them they would not join the final confrontation. The children reluctantly agreed after she promised them safety and freedom afterward. Lily prepared food packs for them, ensuring they had everything needed for travel. The children hugged both sisters before leaving. Autumn watched them disappear into the woods with a mix of relief and sadness.

After sending off the children, Lily asked Autumn why she gave them so much freedom. Autumn replied that children should never be weapons shaped by monsters. Lily's eyes softened at her sister's kindness. Autumn admitted she saw pieces of herself in them lost, scared, and forced to grow too fast. Lily placed a hand on Autumn's shoulder. "We'll end this for them," she promised.

Autumn began assembling a new set of explosives designed specifically to breach fortified bunkers. Lily helped by organizing the wires and stabilizing agents. They talked quietly, sharing memories of their lonely childhoods. Lily revealed she once dreamed of becoming a painter. Autumn smiled and said she dreamed of being normal. They laughed together softly, finding comfort in their shared brokenness.

The sisters decided to move at dawn, when visibility was low and enemy patrols were lazy. Autumn packed light, knowing speed mattered more than gear. Lily carried the medical kit and a compact rifle. The forest felt eerily quiet as they stepped through the underbrush. Every crunch of leaves felt like a warning. Yet they continued, fearless and united.

Midway through the hike, Lily asked Autumn if she ever regretted everything she had done. Autumn paused briefly, then answered honestly. She said she regretted losing time, but not the choices that kept her alive. Lily understood that survival often required harsh decisions. Their eyes met with silent empathy. They moved forward together.

The Escape Company boss, meanwhile, ordered Agent X to initiate a counterattack. He wanted Autumn captured alive and Lily disposed of immediately. Agent X questioned the logic, stating both sisters posed equal threats. The boss screamed at him, refusing to reconsider. Agent X sighed, already predicting disaster. But loyalty bound him to act.

At the edge of the forest, Autumn stopped and scanned the horizon. She sensed movement and tapped Lily's arm. Lily crouched immediately, following her sister's instincts. Autumn spotted thermal signatures indicating a small scouting unit. She smirked, realizing the boss was getting desperate. Lily prepared her weapon just in case.