strongheartmaid

AN: very much in progress

Z'neth sighed as he sat on the sand, staring out at the water in the distance. It was just so hard to remain optimistic given what happened in that lab explosion - with how much had changed in so little time. His little brothers could either light themselves on fire or stretch themselves so they could go to whatever room they wanted without leaving the room they were currently in. His little sister could turn herself invisible. Him? Just a pile of living rock. What a superpower - not at all useful. He brought a hand up to look at it, studying the rocky texture. He could feel the tears starting to well up but knew he couldn't afford to let them spill - especially when he wasn't sure if they could. He paused a moment when he felt something bump into him and the soft murmurs of a feminine voice. He didn't speak right away - even that was something they were unsure he'd be able to do, given his new 'gift' [and he used the term loosely].

Ilona slowly sat up, murmuring soft oaths as she rubbed her newly forming bruises. That rock had definitely *not* been there the day before - this was one of the few places she knew by heart and could walk without getting hurt. Her small hands reached out, trying to find something to lean on as she tried to stand up. Ah, there was that rock - she could use that to help herself to her feet.

Z'neth just stayed perfectly still when he felt a pair of small hands on his shoulder. He slanted his gaze to look at the figure touching him - all the while marveling that he was able to feel something, anything touching him. She was petite with what seemed to be the traditional waif-like ballerina build. His gaze drifted to her hands that lingered on his shoulder - long graceful fingers with just a hint of pink nail polish [not that bright stuff that Apex swore by - just a delicate pink]. His eyes slowly drifted away from her hands and up to her face, subtly studying it. Her heart shaped face was framed by long dark bangs [which had him swearing that the light was reflecting oddly on it since he swore he could see a purple gleam to it].

Ilona stood up, her hands lingering on the rock before she swore she heard something nearby. "Hello?" she asked, her voice soft and lightly accented.