Maya — Well… I can tell it. I came to this country a long time ago.
Almost three months after the war broke out, we never expected they'd attack at night.
I remember hearing the first blast from far away, then another and another. My father gathered us in the bunker the government had ordered us to build. We didn't think the Tesalons would be so cruel; they started with the power plant, then airports and ports, and soon after hospitals and support centers.
Then…
the bombings began, night after night, until one day the attacks stopped. My father went out searching the rubble for survivors. After nearly a day, he came back with three survivors: a teenager and an elderly couple. The old woman was badly hurt.
My parents began treatment right away, and while my mother and I cared for them my father went out again looking for survivors… until… until…
Fionna — It's okay, Maya. If you don't want to continue you don't have to. We know how hard the war is.
Maya lifts her face with tears in her eyes.
Maya — I… I'm okay… It's almost over.
Fionna — Are you sure you don't want to take a break?
Maya — Okay.
Maya gives a simple smile.
Fionna — All right, you can go on.
Maya — Well… my father went out once more to look for survivors… until… until…
———
The lights in the room begin to flicker in a different rhythm, like
1,2,3,4... 2,3,4,1... 3,4,1,2... 4,1,2,3
Everything goes dark again.
Fionna — Maya? Are you all right?
What?
Four loud explosions are heard, then one, then two, and the sequence repeats…
??? — Daughter!!!
Fionna — Mother, what was that?!?
??? — Daughter, come here!!
Fionna — Mother, father is out there.
Explosion.
??? — Don't think about it, remember our song.
(a sweet, soft voice singing)
"Pay attention now,Everything will be alright.Listen to your heart somehow,It might guide you through the night.
To where you always wished to be,To where your dreams could take you far.Maybe I can't come with you, see But you know where I am, who you are.
On that distant horizon line,You'll find yourself once more in time.Where you and I will always stay,And meet again someday."
A momentary feeling of relief.
Fionna (thinking) — My mother always sang that when I had panic attacks…
Wait a second??
??? — Did you understand?
Fionna — What?
??? — What did that girl go through? What did Maya go through??
Fionna — You're right, those memories aren't mine…
??? — You got it!
Another explosion is heard.
Fionna wakes up and, looking around, sees all the examiners unconscious and Maya in a corner.
Maya — You saw it, right? She showed you?
Fionna gets up, walks to Maya and reaches out her hand.
Fionna — Maya, come here.
Maya looks into Fionna's eyes and sees they are different colors: one sapphire-dark blue, the other like a yellow diamond.
Maya reaches for Fionna's hand to stand.
Maya — Your eyes are different.
Fionna smiles faintly.
Fionna — Since you showed me your power, it feels fair I show you mine too.
Fionna snaps her fingers and all the examiners who were asleep wake up.
Fionna — You all fell under a plexvey-level spell.
Person 4 — Who? That girl did that?
Fionna (thinking) — So they didn't see? Or they're too stupid to understand; either way I have to try…
Fionna — Mr. Wells, did you hear that? With the lights?
Mr. Wells puts his hand to his head.
Mr. Wells — No, what are you talking about? That girl just used plexvey-level magic, she needs to go before the council.
Person 1 — No, we don't need to be so radical.
Person 5 — What do you mean? There's no way to know where that power came from or who taught her.
Person 2 — Yes, Mr. Oluso, we can't take the risk. She could be the person the council has been looking for for years, or connected to them.
Fionna — Shut up.
Everyone in the room flinches.
Person 2 — As representative of the Yurchenko family, I take this girl into custody.
Fionna — No, nobody's taking her.
Fionna looks around and snaps her fingers again.
Everyone in the room falls asleep except Fionna, Maya and Mr. Oluso.
Mr. Oluso — Fionna, this is irreparable.
Fionna — Of course I have a plan, but I'll need your help.
Mr. Oluso — Again? I don't
Fionna — Tell me, Rod, when have I ever put you in a bind?
Mr. Oluso — Fionna, the only way to get out of this is… no. You're going to use this?
Fionna — I don't see another way, but you'll have to use that on them, and I will
Mr. Oluso — Okay, but you owe me one. On the 18th we leave officially.
Fionna — Okay, Rod it's set.
Mr. Oluso — Yes.
Fionna and Mr. Oluso exchange looks and smile.
Mr. Oluso — On my signal you run and activate it. When the dust settles you go to House 35 on Lincoln Street. Knock on the door six times and my sister will answer. Put Maya?
The girl! In the attic room, and come back here.
Maya — Wait, aren't you going to explain what you're after me for, or if they'll come after me?
Fionna — When we get there, Rod's sister will take care of you and explain everything.
Rod — We don't have much time.
Fionna — All right.
Fionna lifts Maya into her arms and says:
Fionna — On three, okay?
Maya — You're very strong, ma'am.
Fionna — Don't. I'm only five years older than you.
Rod — Ready? Let's go.
Fionna — One.
Rod — Two.
Maya — Wait.
A flash fills the place and an explosion is heard in the distance.
When Maya opens her eyes she can see the city clearly.
Maya — Where are we?
Fionna (breathing heavily) — About fifty kilometers from KeySands.
Maya — Wow!!! Are you okay?
Fionna (tired) — I am, I just stopped to catch my breath.
Maya runs to Fionna and supports her.
Maya — You don't look well… come on, come on where is that house?
Fionna (tired) — You have poise, you know that, right? Your parents would be proud of the woman you've become.
Maya suddenly stops and stares at the ground.
Fionna (tired) — What? Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry
Maya interrupts with watery eyes and a simple smile.
Maya — Thank you very much, ma'am.
Fionna smiles back.
Fionna (tired) — There's no need to thank me, and stop calling me "ma'am"I'm only five years older than you.
Maya — Okay… what should I call you?
Fionna (tired) — I think just Fionna is fine.
Maya — So, Fionna, which way?
Fionna (tired and coughing) — Le Let's go this way.
Maya — Look, I can tell you're not all right. I learned something from my mother that might help.
Fionna starts coughing badly.
Maya seats Fionna on the ground and prepares.
Fionna (tired and coughing) — What are you doing? We don't have time.
Maya raises both hands and they begin to glow; the same light travels through the air and touches Fionna, who stands up quickly.
Fionna — Maya?
Maya — Did it work?
Fionna — Not only did it work, it worked really well. Do you know what that means?
Maya — That I'm amazing?
Fionna — No!! Well, yes, but not only that.
Maya — Then explain.
Fionna reaches for Maya's hand.
Fionna — I can go faster…
Maya — Fionna, if you use it again you might die.
Fionna — It's not that far and I still have to come back…
Maya — I don't recommend it.
Fionna runs to Maya, grabs her arm, and once more a flash fills the place.