Mask of Control

Tyr crouched low in the underbrush, his heart pounding in his ears. He glanced over at Oliver, who was trembling violently, a faint, crackling yellow glow starting to pulse from his hands. The air around him seemed to ripple unnaturally, distorting faint beams of light as his power threatened to surge uncontrollably. Tyr gritted his teeth. Oliver's powers were awakening, just like Jake's and Emily's had moments before their deaths. 

Not again.

Tyr moved quickly, grabbing Oliver by the shoulders.

"Oliver, listen to me. You have to stop. You're going to draw their attention." 

"I can't," Oliver stammered, his voice shaking. "I—I don't know how. It's just... happening!" 

The energy around Oliver intensified, the faint glow growing brighter as his panic deepened. Tyr's mind raced. The soldiers were still in the clearing, securing the area. If they noticed Oliver, it would be over. 

"I'm sorry about this," Tyr muttered, steeling himself. 

"What—" 

Tyr struck Oliver sharply at the base of his neck, the move precise and deliberate. Oliver's body went limp instantly, his power fading as he fell unconscious. 

Tyr exhaled, slinging Oliver over his shoulder. The boy was heavier than he looked, but Tyr's enhanced strength made the burden manageable. He straightened, scanning the area one last time to ensure they hadn't been seen. 

The woods were eerily silent now, the chaos of moments before replaced by an unsettling calm. 

--

Tyr emerged from the trees, rejoining the group of students and teachers huddled together near the trailhead. Their faces were pale, their eyes darting nervously toward the clearing where the soldiers had gathered. 

Coach Miller noticed him first. "Tyr!" he called, rushing over. "Where have you been?" 

Tyr adjusted Oliver on his back, making it look like the unconscious boy had simply collapsed. "He fainted," Tyr explained, his voice steady despite the tension in his chest. "Too much running, I guess." 

Miller frowned but nodded, glancing at Oliver's limp form. "We'll get him some water when we're out of here. Just stay with the group, alright?" 

Tyr nodded, lowering his head to avoid the curious glances of his classmates. 

---

From the corner of his eye, Tyr caught movement near the clearing. A group of soldiers was quietly loading several mutants into a reinforced truck. The captives were restrained, their faces blank with shock and fear.

Tyr's jaw tightened as he watched the soldiers shove a teenage boy into the vehicle, slamming the door shut behind him. The boy's hollow eyes stared out from the barred window, locking with Tyr's for a brief moment before the truck rumbled to life. 

They're not just killing them—they're taking them.

The realization sent a wave of anger and disgust through Tyr. He wanted to act, to do something, but now wasn't the time. He was surrounded by classmates, teachers, and soldiers. Making a move now would blow his cover and endanger everyone. 

Instead, he forced himself to look away, biting the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood. 

---

The sound of footsteps drew Tyr's attention back to the clearing. A man in military fatigues strode toward the group, his boots crunching against the dirt. His posture was stiff, his face clean-shaven and expressionless, but his eyes were cold and calculating. 

The insignia on his uniform marked him as a commanding officer, and as he stopped in front of the group, he removed his cap, revealing a neatly cropped head of gray hair. 

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice calm but devoid of warmth. "I am Colonel Marcus Dane, commanding officer of this operation. On behalf of the United States Armed Forces, I want to apologize for what you've witnessed here today." 

The group murmured uneasily, some students nodding while others averted their eyes. 

"This was an unfortunate but necessary action," Dane continued, his tone measured. "The individuals we engaged were highly dangerous and posed a significant threat to public safety. I understand this was a traumatic experience, and I assure you, every precaution was taken to ensure your safety." 

Tyr clenched his fists, his anger simmering just below the surface. He knew Dane's words were a carefully crafted lie, a way to justify the slaughter and abductions that had just taken place. 

One of the teachers, Mrs. Carter, stepped forward hesitantly. "They didn't look dangerous," she said, her voice trembling. "They were just kids." 

Dane's expression didn't waver. "Mutants may appear harmless, ma'am, but their abilities can be volatile and unpredictable. It's our duty to neutralize potential threats before they escalate." 

"Neutralize?" another teacher muttered, the word laced with disdain. 

Dane ignored the comment, turning his attention to the students. His eyes scanned the group, lingering briefly on Tyr before moving on. "I understand this may have been difficult to witness, but rest assured, you are all safe now." 

Safe? Tyr almost laughed bitterly at the word. Jake and Melany were dead. The mutants who had survived were being taken to god-knows-where, likely for experimentation or worse. Safe was the last thing anyone was. 

"Soldiers will escort you back to your bus," Dane said, his tone final. "If any of you need medical attention or wish to speak with someone about what you've seen, arrangements can be made." 

The teachers nodded reluctantly, urging the students to start moving. Tyr followed in silence, Oliver still slung over his shoulder. 

---

As they made their way back to the trailhead, Tyr's mind churned with thoughts of vengeance. The memory of Jake and Melany's lifeless bodies haunted him, their final moments burned into his mind. 

The soldiers had acted with cold, unfeeling precision, killing without hesitation and justifying it with lies. And worst of all, some of his classmates had cheered for them, their ignorance and hatred fueling Tyr's growing disdain.