Window Cracks

▶️The Execution◀️

I must go help her.

No, I must not.

I carefully grab my spilling tea and take a seat where Hannah was seated, and I take a short sip.

This tea is stronger, richer than the one that Trace has given us all this time. I feel energised already. Ready to take on the mission, regardless of this delay.

"For Dad," I say one more time, in between two sips.

I catch sight of the usual honey and bread on the table in front of me. I down the food; brewing potency growing within me; caressing my firepower with my past and present for my future. A future of freedom.

Why has the search group for me not been despatched?

*
(Earlier, Zelch's Office)

"I've come to see Zelch. Urgent." Trace declares hurriedly as she passes his assistant into Zelch's office at the back of the Tank. Secluded and obscure enough for him. The assistant nods and he continues to work at his own desk.

Trace enters the big office and strides towards the huge desk Zelch is comfortably seated at, feet on it.

She concurrently shakes her head in disgust.

She reaches Zelch, catches her breath, and says, panicky, with her hand pounding against his hard desk on each word:

"Den. Is Missing."

Zelch remains stationary and relaxed, reading a book titled 'The Past Successes of the Great Community'.

Trace rolls her eyes. She continues.

"The cake you gave me for his birthday did not work. He is missing, Francis. We have no idea what he is —

"Trace, please. I know we have a thing, but it's Zelch, please," he finally coos.

Trace rolls her eyes even more. She detests his arrogance. He continues.

"Besides, I've got a few more days till we permanently remove the learning group's powers... When are you bringing in the smart Vivian? You have been teaching her the CSU, yes?"

"Yes. She's learnt quickly," Trace replies.

"And we will take her ability and the rest of them, then everything will be underway to get the world. Trace, We cannot start running around now for a kid, he's probably playing around in the woods, and he'll show up soon. He's brilliant at the Physical Training Grounds. He's fine. Just a little stubborn. He's like a little deer, you know? Looking for temporary purpose anywhere he finds it. It won't matter. His parents are gone. You have had him under control... well. Most of the time. We have cases like these all the time, ugh. Anyway we are too powerful for this, Trace, come on. Give it some time. You will find him home."

He has been shrugging and luxuriously flipping through the pages.

Trace folds her arms, completely unconvinced.

"In as much as you are powerful, Francis, you are also dangerous to yourself. Everything can go against you in a second."

After hearing his first name for the second time, Zelch had already closed the book and sat up straight, looking at Trace with a slight anger and impatience.