PLAY the PART (AIOxSyberia)

⟢ CHAPTER II ⟣

  "Let me go!" Connie called, unable to move her feet from the ground. "This instant!" The stranger opted to ignoring her as he loomed over Eugene's shoulder—who was working the Imagination Station under the every order of this man. "Help! Whit?! Jason?! Anyone?!"

  "Oh for the love...!" With a small, surprised gasp, Eugene was suddenly brought face to face with the stranger, being handled by his shirt's collar. "Either you shut her up," He began, nearly growling. "Or I will render her completely mute!" Nodding a bit shakily, Eugene was then pulled from the control seat of the invention.

  "The police are probably almost here, so you may as well just let me go!" Subconsciously adjusting his silver-rimmed glasses in a nervous manner, Eugene made his way to Connie. "Miss Kendall?"
  "I mean really, how do you think this'll look, basically having us all help hostage?!"

  "Miss Kendall!" 

  "I don't even care how you're doing this, I just want to be able to move my feet, please! I won't even go anywhere, I'll just-"

  "Connie!"

  "Eugene!" Connie unintentionally snapped, all thanks to her own fear and anxiety in the moment. Facing her, Eugene put his hands on Connie's shoulders to keep her attention. "Cease and desist...!"

 "I'm trying to get someone's attention so we can get help!" Connie told, crossing her arms. Despite her snippy demeanor, Eugene could still pick up on her nervousness. "I understand," He began, lowering his tone significantly. "But this man has just threatened you."

  "He... what?" Eugene gave a short nod. Connie's eyes slowly widened. "Connie, I truly don't wish any harm for you, so you must keep quiet." He told her, pleading clear in his tone. Connie could see the worry and concern clear in her friend's eyes. "Okay... I'll be quiet."

  "Thank you." Eugene replied, giving Connie's shoulders a gentle squeeze in reassurance, before beginning to walk off again. "...Eugene?"

  "Yes?" Connie pivoted to catch his gaze. "Be careful." Eugene gave a small nod before returning to the Imagination Station where the stranger's patience was growing thin.

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  Several more minutes continued to pass in almost complete silence. The crowd in the Ice Cream Parlor all remained stuck where they either stood or sat—the stranger's magic rendering them all stationary and unable to speak up. Due to this silence, everyone was able to hear the exchange between the stranger, and Connie and Eugene. Following shortly thereafter, they heard Eugene addressing Connie, telling her to stay quiet. Nobody missed the stress and fear in both their tones. That simply caused more panic and anxiety to the others.

  As more silent prayers were made, the sounds of the Imagination Station began to fill the silence. Jason looked to his father, who sported the same worried look. It was never a good thing when the wrong people came after the invention. Both Whittakers knew this all too well.

  A maniacal laughter suddenly grew from the hooded man. Following, a loud thud and an audible 'oof' from Eugene. He must've been pulled harshly from the Station's control seat. Jules could feel Katrina's grip of her hand tighten subtly. (The two had been standing in close proximity to one another, and as a reassuring gesture, Katrina held the teenager's hand).

  Everyone's attention was pulled once more, as the quiet sound of footsteps slowly made their way across the upper floor. Was Eugene trying to slip away quietly, perhaps? A gasp was suddenly heard from Connie, then her exclaiming, "Eugene, run!" The footsteps sped up, Eugene making a break for the staircase.