Mutation Abyss-Chapter 65: Jealous Heart

Kael nodded, still breathing heavily but stable.

Theo swung his leg over the motorcycle and motioned for Kael to hop on. "Where should I drop you off?"

Kael blinked, still trying to process everything, but he quickly climbed onto the back of the bike.

"I... I don’t know if it’s safe for me to go back to the city," he said, voice low. "I heard AMSO’s been hunting UMS too."

"You’re safe now, Kael. You’re no longer UMS, so you’re not going to turn. Not even at death’s door. You’re stable. Still human... just changed," he explained.

Kael stared at him, stunned. His voice trembled. "I... I didn’t think that was possible. I really thought I was done for."

"They think you’re dead by now. Burned to ash in that blast. That should buy you time and keep you safe somehow," Theo reassured with a smile.

Kael bowed his head deeply. "Thank you so much. I didn’t even ask your name... I owe you my life."

"You’re welcome," Theo said with a small, satisfied smile. "I’m just glad I could help. I hope you make the most of this second chance and do some good with it."

Kael lifted his head, his voice softer now. "Can I at least know your name? I promise to keep it a secret if you want your privacy."

Theo gave him a faint chuckle. "Theodore Luther but you can call me Theo." Then he asked again, "Tell me where I should drop you off?"

Kael hesitated for a moment, then quietly said, "There’s an old apartment building in South District 2... near the underpass. I used to stay there before everything happened."

Theo gave a nod. "Alright. I’ll get you there."

The motorcycle rumbled as they took off through the back roads, speeding under flickering streetlights and past abandoned blocks.

As they neared the checkpoint leading into District 2, Theo slowed down, eyes narrowing.

"Shit," he muttered. Red warning lights pulsed ahead, and soldiers stood guard behind a makeshift barrier. Yellow tape marked the perimeter "RESTRICTED: RED ZONE."

Kael’s expression fell. "It’s a Red Zone now?" His voice cracked. "That... that wasn’t on the broadcast. It wasn’t marked before."

Theo pulled over just behind the cover of an alley wall, his mind racing.

"You can’t go back there," he said bluntly. "They’ve sealed it off. You’d be walking into another death trap."

Kael didn’t respond at first. Then, with a faint, broken laugh, he looked away. "I guess I really have nowhere to go back to."

Theo glanced at him.

Kael’s voice was hollow. "My family... I saw their names on the casualty list released in the news two days ago. I kept telling myself, maybe it was a mistake. That maybe... maybe they got out." He shook his head slowly. "But I knew. I just didn’t want to believe it."

Theo gripped the handlebars tightly, jaw clenched. "I’m sorry."

Kael gave a bitter smile, but his eyes were wet. "You don’t need to be. You saved me. That’s more than I could’ve asked for." He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers like he still couldn’t believe he was alive... and still human.

Theo didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he turned the throttle and veered the bike around, heading away from the checkpoint.

"Where are we going?" Kael asked, his voice low.

Theo replied, eyes forward, "You’re coming with me. I can’t leave you out here, not after everything."

Kael was silent, but Theo could feel the tension in his grip around his waist slowly ease. The ride back to Twinfront Sanctuary was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional gust of wind. Kael didn’t ask questions.

When they finally arrived at the sanctuary, Theo led Kael through the gate.

"You live here?" Kael muttered, eyes scanning the tall fences and security features.

"Yeah," Theo answered with a small smile.

Kael let out a low whistle. "My savior isn’t just powerful but also living well. Security’s tight. This place is a real safe haven."

Theo nodded. "With the world the way it is, I just want the people I care about to be safe."

Before they could even knock, the front door swung open. Aries stood there, blinking as her gaze moved from Theo to Kael.

"You brought someone?" she asked, her voice cautious.

"This is Kael," Theo said quickly. "He was a UMS on the brink of death, but I used my ability to stabilize his mutation. He didn’t turn into a Meteorborn. He’s not a carrier anymore. He’s safe."

Aries frowned slightly. "So... what is he now?"

"He’s a Divergent Meteor Survivor," Theo said. "A DMS. He’s a hybrid now, not fully human, but not a threat either."

"DMS?" Calix’s voice cut in as he stepped outside, arms crossed. He looked Kael over with a sharp eye. "That’s not even in the official categories. Did you just make that up?"

Theo just shrugged and mused, ’That’s what my system labeled him. I guess he’s the first. Maybe the government will catch up eventually? I wonder if the world would recognize this new type of survivor?’

"Oh, he looks so exhausted. You two, come inside already," Aries said, stepping aside and gesturing them in. "If he’s a survivor, then he must need rest."

"Thank you," Kael replied politely, offering a small, timid smile.

"Aries, can you prepare a room for him?" Theo asked. "Some clothes, too, just the basics. And escort him there when you’re done."

Before Aries could answer, Calix suddenly stepped forward. "I’ll do it," he said quickly.

Theo shot him a suspicious look, but before he could say anything, a loud grumbling sound filled the hallway.

Grrrrrrrnnnkk...

Everyone turned their eyes toward Kael, who was now bright red.

"I’m sorry," he mumbled, clutching his stomach. "I haven’t eaten in over a day and..."

Theo let out a small laugh and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don’t worry about it. Let’s get you something to eat first."

Theo led Kael into the dining area. Once in the dining area, Aunt Brenda had already started setting the table for Kael. The comforting aroma of warm stew filled the air, and Kael looked like he was holding himself back from diving in headfirst.

While Kael sat down, Calix suddenly pulled Theo to a corner and whispered, "What’s his surname? I want to run a profile check. Just to be sure he’s not got any red flags."

Theo raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? Fine. Better safe than sorry, I guess. But for the record, that man saved three survivors. He nearly died trying to protect them."

"I get it," Calix muttered, still determined. "But I’m checking anyway..."

Then, with a heavy sigh, he added under his breath, "Geez, why’d you have to bring someone that good looking?"

Theo blinked, then burst out laughing. He glanced over at Aries, who was standing near the kitchen door, practically staring at Kael like he was some rare creature.

Calix looked even more annoyed. "See?! Even your sister’s eyes are sparkling."

Theo chuckled harder, patting Calix on the shoulder. "Relax. Just do your background check and calm your jealous heart."