Much like Denzel, the majority of Roarsville was not very accepting of Dakota coming to live with them after what she did to them. But when the Hugglemonster family promised to take her in and watch over her, the town had eventually grown comfortable enough to at least walk by her in the streets without running in terror.
Most of the children still tended to tease her or cower in fear of her, but she seemed to ignore it…most of the time. Henry was the only one that would truly play with her and listen to her when she needed to vent, but he would also occasionally follow her when she thought she was alone. He felt horrible when he hard her crying, and he could hardly stand it when he witnessed her having one of her night terrors, likely having nightmares about her evil deeds.
Eventually, Henry convinced Cobby and Summer to start trusting Dakota, and having them play with her as well seemed to lift her spirits a bit. It wasn't enough to cease her weeping sessions or night terrors, but it did slow them down a little.
Henry wished he could spend even more time with Dakota, but that battle against her drained so much of his energy; so much so that he not only needed constant naps, but his powers had disappeared completely. Grando told him that they would return, but he would have to be patient and refrain from forcing it. Otherwise, he could just make himself even weaker.
One fall night, the sun had already set and the townsfolk had already retreated into their homes to get ready for bed. But Henry had grown an aching feeling lately, one that forced him to occasionally sneak out in the middle of the night and stare up at the night sky. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he knew it wasn't good. He watched because he knew that if and when it ever appeared, he would have to be prepared to fight it.
"Beautiful night, huh?" a familiar voice interrupted the silence of the night.
Henry turned to see Dakota walking out of the house, and approached to sit down next to him on the cold ground. The two sat in silence for a little while, just taking in the sights while it lasted.
"You're looking for something, aren't you?" Dakota asked matter-of-factly, her amber eyes shimmering in the moonlight.
"Yeah…I just don't know what it is," Henry sighed in defeat, "But I know it's bad."
Dakota looked down for a moment, "Me, too."
Wow, this is the first time in quite a while that I've legit finished a story. I feel accomplished.
Also yes, there will be a couple sequels.