Chapter 36: Pincered
Henrick is sat down against a tree, hand steepled as he contemplates Alex’s question. "Are we doomed...huh." he murmurs, looking out towards the kid’s park where Elly is playing with Veronica.
He watches as they move towards the water to get a closer look at the Statue of Liberty, smiling to himself when he sees her exclaiming at it.
"She looks happy." A voice knocks the soldier out of his thoughts. He turns and sees Selene with her arms crossed, standing next to him, a blank expression on her face.
The electricity user sighs as he turns back to watch Elly marvelling at the Statue’s size. "I have a feeling she’s acting. All so we wouldn’t worry about her."
Selene doesn’t comment on his observation at first, intent on watching for a while. Her blank face slowly turns into a frown as she notes the carefully curated reactions of the teleporter.
"Poor kid." she says, garnering a nod from Henrick. "I worry about her, but she’s strong...We’ll all get through this." his words, though hopeful, unfortunately ring hollow.
The magic user’s frown turns into a sad smile as she places a hand on Henrick’s arm. "You’re trying too. That’s what matters." says Selene as she turns away and heads back to her own tree.
A few minutes pass in peace, the world almost seemingly normal, save for the colour of the sky and clouds.
Alex and David use their abilities in small ways as a form of training. Having decided that a reprieve is only that if used properly.
Alex, instead of unleashing torrents of flame, lights up multiple tiny balls of fire that float around him.
David, as suggested by Henrick, contains his concussive blasts within his hand. "If you can do this, then your attacks will be a lot more dangerous." says the soldier, watching them both.
"HENRICK!!"