Tom Striges stood over the hospital bed where his son Mitch lay sedated, restrained, and hooked up to monitors. Only two weeks ago, Mitch had just been an ordinary teenager struggling with some anger issues. Now here he was, locked away after manifesting dangerous powers and slaughtering soldiers.

Tom shook his head bitterly as Lt. Cardoso approached. "Go on, tell me again how you had to imprison my son for the greater good."

Cardoso held up his hands placatingly. "Mr. Striges, we had no choice given the level of instability and violence he displayed. But this is only temporary until we can help him gain control."

"He's not some weapon for you to control!" Tom shot back. "He's just a kid who's been through hell. He needs compassion, not restraints."

"We are providing psychiatric care..." Cardoso began, but Tom cut him off.

"Psychiatric care? You've thrown him in a cell!" Tom gestured angrily at the fortified glass walls surrounding them. "I want him transferred to a proper hospital now."

Cardoso's expression turned sympathetic but remained resolute. "I understand your frustration, sir. But your son exhibited extremely dangerous powers well beyond psychiatric help. Containment and study are essential right now."

Tom seethed, but he could tell Cardoso would not be swayed. Defeated, Tom turned back to Mitch's still form on the cot. At least the sedatives kept him peaceful for now, unaware of the cage he was trapped in.

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"I swear I'll get you out of here soon, son," Tom murmured. He had failed Mitch before, allowing his anger to push them apart. He could not fail him again now.

Whatever Cardoso claimed about the greater good, to Tom, this would never feel right or just. He would keep fighting for his boy, no matter what it took.

Astor stood frozen, unable to process the sight of his family standing before him, very much alive. After all this time believing them dead, part of him had hoped to never see their cruel faces again.

His father glared, lip curling in disgust. "So the little freak survived after all. We told the military you were too dangerous to rescue."

Astor trembled, shrinking back against the wall. His mother grasped his chin roughly. "Still as pathetic as ever. I wish you'd perished with the others."

She shoved him away. Astor blinked back tears, throat tightening. He wanted to scream that it was so unfair they had lived while kind souls like Mei's family perished. But he stayed silent.

Lt. Cardoso watched uneasily. "Mr. and Mrs. Bracken, I understand this reunion is...emotional. But Astor is under our protection now."

Astor's father barked out a harsh laugh. "Protection? From what I've heard, you need protecting from this monster and his unnatural powers."

Cardoso frowned. "That's going too far. Your son is just a boy still learning to control his abilities."

"Then keep him locked up until your scientists can cure him," his mother said coldly. She turned to leave, pausing to add "We'll be in touch about making that arrangement permanent."

His parents departed, leaving Astor shaken. He blinked tearfully at Cardoso. "Y-you won't let them take me back, will you? I can't go through that again."

Cardoso placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "No one is locking you away or 'curing' your powers. You're learning to use them for good, just stay on that path."

Astor nodded, wiping his eyes. His family may still wish him ill, but the Lieutenant was right - he would keep striving to gain control and help people. He refused to let bitterness or fear corrupt him.

The light still flickered within, as long as he nurtured it. And Astor knew he was not alone. He had allies who believed in him when his own family did not. Together, they would face whatever darkness still lurked ahead