Author Games Compilation [Cycle 1]

Task 3 ~ The Alabama (JL)

HT2 - TASK THREE

Joelle Lacroix had expected a great many things when plunging into this mess, but one of the many things he had not, by any means, expected, was to wind up situated in some decrepit fire station faced with a mute girl and a little ginger boy sniffling so violently that it was a wonder his nose didn't get sucked into the back of his head. One of their numbers was missing, and though he himself was a bit concerned as to her whereabouts, the exhaustion and misery flushing through his bones convinced him to convince others to stay put.

"I'm sure she's just gone and gotten herself lost, Nikko," Joelle said, taking a few sure steps towards where the boy sat criss-crossed. "If we stay in one place, she'll likely wind up finding us all on her own."

The boy had enough dignity that, when looking up, no lines were streaking down his cheeks, but his brows were still knit in discontent. "If she's lost, shouldn't we go out looking? This place is massive - massive, Joel!"

"It's Jo-elle," he muttered. It did nothing to help the situation; Nikko merely ducked his head back into a set of sweaty palms and began to sniffle that incessant sniffle he'd been carrying on with for the past hour or so.

Sniff.

Joelle lifted his gaze to Neryssa, who stared down silently through the little pole hole.

Sniff.

Platinum hair slung down over the edges; she hadn't been too keen on coming down since arriving, mostly to keep away from Nikko.

Sniff-sniff.

A tooth ground itself into fleshy lips. Twitches of the eye became frequent. Ears felt tight, straining to ignore background noise but collecting it regardless of effort.

Sniff.

"Okay!" Joelle flung his arms up, smiling in a way that could've easily been mistaken for malicious intent rather than the simple joy that it really, truly was. "After plenty of thought, I've decided your idea seems rather wise. I'll head out and search as much as I can for her."

Nikko looked up through dark lashes, staring at first, but then unfolding his legs as though to get up. Joelle was quick to halt him. I need to get away. Not bring him with. "Oh, no, I need you to stay here. I can't have all've you getting lost now, can I?"

The boy settled back on his rump, still appearing mildly troubled. He spoke without moving many of his features, interested instead in an oil stain on the concrete. "What if she's dead, Jo?"

She very likely is, Joelle wanted to say. Instead, "We won't know until tonight" dribbled out. "Any places you think she might go, child?"

Nikko pinched the bridge of his nose, deep red locks slipping down over his forehead as he tried to squeeze the stress away. Joelle certainly didn't blame him; he was much like the mothers of the children he often cared for in Six, and with a relative missing, it seemed fitting. Sniff. "I don't know...I guess she'd like wildlife? Trees, bushes, flowers? I don't know."

Joelle's foot tapped the concrete, impatient to get moving. "It's a start." Already, he was bounding forward, ready to duck under the rusted garage doors, but Nikko stopped him with his voice.

"Aren't you gonna take Neryssa? Can't she help you look?"

That was a rather interesting question, for he could at least stand the presence of the silent girl; he cast a questioning look at her from where he stood, glimpsing up through the pole hole. She held eye contact for a moment before slinking away from the hole, taking the second floor for her own private lounge. Tragedy. "I'll bring you back a flower, princess," he called up.