“I want to hang,” Chicken Little said. “They’re cool when they’re cool, but—”

“But if you act scared then you’re in for it.”

Flor cackled, edging closer as the assembled group walked to where the vehicles were parked. She glanced back at Chastity, checking that her babysitter was still focused on one of the soldiers.

Tattletale watched that with some wary interest as well. If the soldier couldn’t stay focused…

“If I stay put then they’re going to get me.”

“Figure it out,” Samuel said. “Do it fast, because you actually are in danger now.”

“Um,” Chicken Little said. “Chastity. Help.”

Chastity didn’t take her eyes off the soldier she was talking to. He at least had the grace to notice something was up and draw his gun, holding it low.

“What the hell are you doing, Chicken?” Roman asked.

“I’m asking for help. I know what I’m made of and some of that is someone who asks for help when he needs it.”

“Soft,” one of the little ones taunted, as they moved closer, encircling him.

Birds were congregating nearby. Tattletale felt wistful, seeing it.

A group of crows cawed, with others taking up the cry. It slowed some of the young ones, but Nicholas and Amias weren’t that into this particular game.

“You, soldier,” Samuel said. “For the kid’s sake, you’re going to need to draw your gun. If I give the signal, shoot the kid I point at. Only if I give the signal. If you fuck this up, all the rest of us will come after you.”

There, in the midst of the game. That was when Samuel most looked like Alec had. He was the most like Alec anyway, years younger than Alec had been, with longer blond hair in the classic ‘naturally wild’ Vasil look, but he had a similar face, a similar way of standing. Alec twisting the knife and enjoying it, despite his usual cold nature. That was what Samuel was doing here.

The soldier closest to Chicken Little looked back at Tattletale.

She nodded.

Flor, who was in the top two for most likely to get shot, if anyone had to, didn’t even seem to care. She looked at Samuel, then grinned, eyes wide, all teeth showing, except for the gap where one was missing. She gave the soldier the same look.

The collection of birds drew nearer, moving in a blob. No control, no ability to move them and sense through them at the same time, and the senses are limited.

Too slow, too careful.

All at once, Flor, Candy and Darlene broke into runs. Coordinating with Darlene’s power, no doubt. The soldier Samuel had told to be ready to shoot had his weapon drawn but not pointed, and with no signal given, Chicken Little ran for it, and the scene was eerie to see, with people who were just now spotting the kids at play reacting with amusement.