[hbm] hallelujah

Kieran's first reaction was a mere blink, a brief pause.

In his life, he had witnessed a spectrum of the bizarre and the extraordinary, but this spectacle was unprecedented. His purple eyes darted across the sea of animated teddy bears — harmony bears, as boldly declared by the logo emblazoned on the truck.

He then instinctively retreated a step, seeking refuge in the shadow of his brother, Keoni. Peering cautiously around him, Kieran watched in disbelief as the plush toys, once inanimate, now teemed with life.

A shiver of unease travelled down his spine, an echo of the unsettling awakening of his own psychic abilities. His gaze flitted through the crowd, vigilant for any sign of a Malamar, or anything else out of the ordinary. There was a tension in the air, a whisper of something unseen, something amiss.

“I don’t like i—,” he began to voice his discomfort, but his words were cut short. Without warning, a rogue teddy bear soared through the air, landing squarely in his arms. Startled, Kieran jerked, heedless of whether he'd collide with Keoni. A startled scream tore from his throat, his reaction primal and uncontrolled. In a reflexive burst of panic, he hurled the plushy skyward, his heart pounding in his ears.

Kieran had always found an unparalleled sense of safety in Keoni's protection. There was a comforting certainty in knowing his brother would be there for him, a steadfast presence even in the darkest moments. Yet, Kieran also harboured an understanding that Keoni couldn't shield him from everything. In his heart, he harboured a selfless wish for Keoni to prioritise his own safety, even if it meant running away when danger loomed too close. Kieran couldn't bear the thought of his brother risking everything for him.

But now, engulfed in fear, even Keoni's protection felt insufficient. Tears blurred Kieran's vision as uncontrollable sobs wracked his body. In a moment of sheer terror, he flung the object from his grasp, the fear of being manipulated and controlled consuming him. He imagined his limbs moving against his will, a puppet ensnared by invisible strings, drawn towards a precipice with no return.

Frantically wiping his tears, Kieran's eyes sought Keoni's, a silent plea for understanding and reassurance. “I don’t know— I’m— What’s happening?” he stammered between sobs.

Zinnia, sensing Kieran's distress, clambered up his leg, seeking refuge in the safety of his arms. Kieran enveloped her in an embrace. As Kieran grappled with his fears, his attention was momentarily drawn to his brother, whose actions amidst the chaos sparked a flicker of curiosity — and fear. The Pikachu, with her gentle nuzzling and soothing warmth, anchored him. When the Hydreigon stirred, a wave of panic surged within Kieran, his attempt to voice his concern choked off by another overwhelming sob.

“I—” His voice faltered as his brother offered apologies. Kieran closed his eyes tightly, wishing fervently for the power to erase reality with the simple act of not seeing it.

“Can we leave?” he whispered, a plea of desperation.