Twenty-Second PSI

[a_gentle_boy]

[The events of the previous few weeks have left their mark upon Lucas.  Following mere hours after Netherlands's droning, mere weeks after his extremely painful and scarring encounter with Billy Smith, the boy hadn't been in any state to be of help during the hazmat attack.  Normally, he would have jumped at the chance to assist the injured; he would even have sacrificed his own life to do so.  But this time . . . he wasn't sure if he could have done so.  Death after death after death, and all he could do was pray that the nightmare would end quickly.  Privately, he recognized the part of him that had wished for the Russian man to be found.

He remembered his encounter with Sergei as clearly as if it had just happened.  The fear upon the man's face, the desperation in his words.  Lucas had promised that he would do everything he could to help -- Yet in the end, he had done nothing, had even hoped that the man would be discovered by his hunters.  For the boy who made emotional bonds so easily and valued human life so greatly . . . the feeling of guilt was immense.]

[He stands in front of City Hall, now, fists clenched and body trembling slightly with emotion as he stares at the corpse.   He had passed by it earlier.  Recognized it immediately.  Recoiled in horror from the sight.

At his side is a bucket of fresh water and a small pile of rags.  He will decide whether or not he dares to release the body from its noose later.  For now, he simply applies his healing PSI to close the open wounds, gently wipes away the blood with his cloth, does for Sergei what he had not been able to do while the man was still alive.

Be at peace.]

Comments

[ex_seventh238]

[She can understand that. The only reason why she can be so indifferent is because she has seen death too often, and knew it too well. The flames are magical of nature, but she would still be praying for this to be quick, as much as she already did to speed up the process.

If there are no interferences, it won't take long before the mass is reduced to ash. The flames won't spread from the noose, either; they stop at the body of the pierced target. Once it's fully done, she'll open her eyes again and stand up straight, as stray breezes sweep by to blow away the rest of the remains.

...

She'll turn around after a few more moments of silence. She doesn't say anything just yet, but she does look his way with concern.]

[a-gentle-boy.livejournal.com]

[Lucas begins to make his way back once the fire dies and the smoke dissolves; still, the aroma of burning flesh was still enough to make him feel slightly nauseous.]

. . . Thanks.

[ex_seventh238]

[Shaking off the amazement that nothing is happening to her after what she has done, she offers the boy a small, warm, and sympathizing smile.] There's no need for that. It's the least that we could do.

Will you be staying here for any time longer?

[a-gentle-boy.livejournal.com]

. . . I don't think so. That's . . . everything.

[ex_seventh238]

[She nods.] Then please go home, make sure to eat properly, and get a good night's sleep. The last few weeks have been tough, but it's over now, so please try to relax a bit. It'll be Halloween tomorrow too, so you should be well-rested to have some fun.

[a-gentle-boy.livejournal.com]

[Lucas doesn't even know what Halloween is, but he nods to that.]

It's been a long few weeks for all of us. Please rest, too, miss . . .

[ex_seventh238]

[Grab a random drone, they should be able to answer you. o/; She'd be happy to explain if he asks, but admittedly the mood is way off.

She walks up to him, leans over, and gives him a soft pat on the head.]

I will, thank you. That said, would you like for me to walk back with you to your house? I can help you carry your things, too.

[a-gentle-boy.livejournal.com]

I can manage; it's fine. Thanks.

[ex_seventh238]

If you're sure, then I'll take your word for it. Be careful on your way home, alright?

[a-gentle-boy.livejournal.com]

I will.

[It is a bit of an awkward end to the whole thing, but Lucas slowly leaves after a few moment or two.]

[ex_seventh238]

[She nods him off with a small but earnest smile. She would have liked to insist, but...

This should be fine. Maybe she'll be able to do more, if she ever catches him around in school. She'll stay where she is as she watches him leave, out of the corner of her eye.










Might or might not go out of her way after to make sure that he gets home safely, but she should be subtle enough to not be seen. No need to follow him closely, either: as long as she could see him by a high vantage point from afar, it should be good enough.]