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<span class="mu-r">“There are talks of passing a bill.”</span> she continued. <span class="mu-r">“This bill is meant to disallow the activity of heroes and vigilantes under the age of twenty one. The ones pushing for it are those who’ve been unsuccessfully attempting to bring back the Superhero Registration Act. And in order to enforce this new law, they’ve been pouring their resources into the construction of this facility.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Cradle.”</span> you put in.
Your mother nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“C.R.A.D.L.E. stands for ‘Child Hero Reconnaissance and Law Enforcement’. There have been talks about collaborating with S.H.I.E.L.D., but the damage to the Helicarrier seems to have put that on hold.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Would they actually go for that?”</span> you said, becoming acutely aware that you were currently in the heart of this organization’s base.
<span class="mu-r">“I do not know, but I’m not going to gamble your chances on a whim.”</span> your Mom replied. <span class="mu-r">“I’ve managed to convince them that it would be in their best interests to train the children that they capture, turning all of them into potential assets and agents, rather than detaining them.”</span>
You shook your head and sat back in your chair.
<span class="mu-s">“Wait wait wait…what do you mean ‘gamble my chances’?”</span> you asked.
Your mother let out a sigh and folded her hands on the table.
<span class="mu-r">“I cannot afford to let this country’s government ruin your progress and interfere with your work. If we work together, they can even be of use to you. Think of them as your own little personal army, but try not to say that out loud.”</span> she said, leaning in to whisper that last part.
You frowned in confusion. She was doing all of this…for you? But…if that was the case, couldn’t she have called, or sent a letter, or an email or a text? Anything, just to know that she was alive and okay!
You forced a smile and nodded.
<span class="mu-s">“O-oh! Okay. I’ll try to keep that in mind…”</span> you said, hoping she hadn’t noticed how you stumbled over your words.
Just then, an exciting thought overwhelmed you, and you shot up out of your chair.
<span class="mu-s">“Hey, if you made it out, does that mean dad did too!? Is he around here somewhere?”</span>
Your eyes darted around the room, hoping to find some sign of him. Instead, you managed to locate where your mom decided to store the bloody rags that Khonshu had gifted you.
They were lying in a laundry hamper.
<span class="mu-r">“Sit down, Cindy. Your father is alive. He’ll be overjoyed to learn that you are doing well.”</span> she said.
You sank back into your seat with a long, deep sigh. Your legs nearly gave out on you from the relief you felt.
<span class="mu-s">“Thank Khonshu…”</span> you breathed.
Your mother gave you a polite nod and a smile, before focusing on your chest.
<span class="mu-r">“I got you the wrong size shirt. You’re growing up so fast.”</span>
You sat up in your chair and tugged on the corners of your shirt.
<span class="mu-s">“It’s a little tight, yeah.”</span> you admitted.
<span class="mu-r">“Are you having trouble shopping for bras?”</span>
(Cont.)
