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Post by Yuki on Dec 11, 2020 19:04:12 GMT -8
It had been a week since what took place at the mall, and as expected someone showed up to talk to him but that was a story for another time though. For the first few days Amara acted like a bodyguard but today she had to be somewhere and the others where busy so he had to be by himself today. so he stayed in areas that had heavy foot traffic it was his only way to try and deter any goons John may send his way. Taylor made sure to stay alert at all times and watch his surroundings ready to fly off if he had to. " HELP ME!"cried out a voice. Taylor jumped a bit an looked around, it seemed the voice was coming from a alleyway, whoever it was sounded like they needed help.
Taylor hesitated but then took off down the dark alleyway and found a guy on the ground looking ruffed up. " You gotta help me man! They are crazy!" He said in a panicked tone. Taylor looked around and did not see anyone he then reached out to help the guy stand up. Only for the guy to grab him then slam him on the wall. Taylor then winced in pain. " CRAP" he thought as he was now pinned. Taylor then summoned the wind and with force was able to blow the guy off him. He then took off but did not make it very far. A rather large hand had reached out and grabbed Taylor by both feet, causing the young boy to end up falling flat on his face. Taylor groaned in pain and felt blood coming from his nose and bottom lip. Suddenly he was picked up and now dangling upside down.
" Now now.. Why don't ya stay and hand us all the money you have on you.." said the leader of the group. After his vision cleared Taylor saw the guy had stretched his arm out like it was rubber and holding him up with one hand and had two guys next to him. Taylor said nothing and just glared at the guy.
The leader frowned and then started to shake Taylor trying to get anything he had to fall out of his pockets. "S-stop it!!" Taylor cried out, all the shaking was also starting to make him feel sick. As he was being shaken his wallet and a few other things fell out of his pockets and the communicator Amara had made for him was one of those things.
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Post by Lepa on Dec 11, 2020 21:02:27 GMT -8
Why'd the hell did he have to go and take a peek in that damn alley?
Casey was a firm believer of minding one's business. He'd seen the underbelly of society in his younger years; hell, he was part of it, but he was in a better spot now. Sure, it was still a little rough, but he had a place to call home and a circle of friends who'd stick with him through thick and thin. It was a simple life, but he enjoyed it, and the last thing he wanted to do was get tangled up in someone else's problems and cause some kinda domino effect that would end up with him on the run. Again. That life was behind him.
But.. he couldn't just leave the poor guy literally hanging.
...Hell, it looked like a kid.
He sighed, pulling his hood up. Casey wished he had that damn mask with him.
"Hey," he called out sharply, stepping into the alley. "F**kers." He tilted his head slightly. "Drop the kid." The growl in his tone made his southern accent more prominent. "Unless y'all want the sh*t kicked of ya."
He quickly surveyed the group in the moment he'd made himself known. Great, he thought flatly. One of them's all... stretchy. He hadn't normally fought against others with special abilities, so he had no doubt it'd make this a little tougher. Casey wasn't a fool, though; if there was one thing he was good at, it was fighting. He was always quick to adapt to a fight, and if worst came to worst, he had powers of his own. Of course, that was his trump card; until then, he'd keep the Azure Flare close to his chest.
"Y'all need me to repeat myself twice?" Casey raised a brow as a small smirk formed on his face. "Or y'all too stupid to understand what I said?" He snerked, casually shoving his hands into his pockets. His nonchalant air was a blatant disrespect of the thugs before him, and without his hands out he clearly made for an easy target. This was just bait, of course; it was just a matter of seeing which one of them was stupid enough to fall for it.
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Post by Yuki on Dec 11, 2020 21:25:06 GMT -8
The thugs just laughed at Taylor's plea's however once they thought they shook everything off him one of them came over to look at the goods only to be disappointed. Taylor did not have much on him besides some pocket change and a odd looking walkie-talkie/radio thing? " Boss the kid has nothing! Agh what a waste of time..." The thug spat.
" Lemme go!" Taylor said. The leader frowned a bit but then snaked his hand over more of Taylor's body. " Well then lets have some fun shall we?" The leader said as he then started to squeeze Taylor. The young teen's eyes grew wide as he started to be squeezed hard, " No Ple- Agh!!! Taylor cried out as it became harder to breath.
That is however when Casey came in, the thugs turned to look and just glared at him. The leader however just smiled. " Oh drop him huh? Nahhh..." The leader said as he squeezed Taylor even harder. "Gahhh ighh!" Taylor cried out in pain. " Get em.." The leader commanded to his guys. Then the two went in for the attack thinking they could easily take down a single guy.
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Post by Lepa on Dec 12, 2020 14:20:41 GMT -8
Casey narrowed his eyes, his smirk now replaced with a small frown. "...Tch." He casually stepped a leg back, shifting his stance. Judging from the poor kid's cries, he knew he had to stop that rubberass sonvabitch as soon as possible, and hopefully his underlings wouldn't be too much trouble. Once they drew close enough, he pulled one hand free, hurling a fistful of sand at their faces. His friends had made the joke about pocketing sand before, but Casey actually followed through with it, valuing any edge he could get in a street fight. As the goons struggled with the stinging in their eyes, Casey quickly dropped to one knee. He clenched both fists, hooking his arms underneath their legs and slamming them upwards, squarely hitting them both in their groins. It was a dirty move, but it was a classic tried and true maneuver that he hoped would end them quickly. Besides: they were thugs. Casey knew the lifestyle first hand, and he knew they had no reason to fight fair. It was best to get the jump on them before they did to him. As the henchmen curled over in pain, Casey grasped at the ground, picking up a small, sharp something out of their boss' view. He pocketed the broken item as stood up and stalked past the fallen men. He didn't get too close to the leader, however; after all, Casey still wasn't entirely sure of what the remaining man was capable of and didn't want to give him a terrible advantage. Rather than showing hesitation, he kept a steady air of menacing intensity, like the moment before a readied panther pounced upon its prey. "Like. I. Said." He repeated in a slower measure, his threatening drawl more prominent than before. "Drop. The. Kid." |
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Post by Yuki on Dec 12, 2020 21:24:08 GMT -8
The two goons went down quick as they groaned in pain, the leader's eyes grew wide as he watched that, this guy was no joke! He took a step back and gulped the arrogance he had been showing before was now fading away. This was not worth it the kid had no cash anyway and getting his butt handed to him over some brat was not ideal. " Ok Fine...." The leader said he let go and Taylor dropped to the ground. He then stretched over Casey, scooping up his teammates then the goons left.
Taylor dropped to the ground and started gasping for air and coughing a bit as he was able to start breathing freely once again. But agh his whole body was sore now. " Ah... Ow....." Taylor said as he tried to collect himself a bit. Taylor then looked up at Casey giving a weak smile, " Thanks for the help." He said as he started to gather everything that had been shaken from his pockets, when he picked up his communicator and looked it over and gave a sigh of relief. " Ooh thank goodness its not broken.. Amara would have chewed me out.. He said with a sigh as he started to put the communicator away in his pocket.
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Post by Lepa on Dec 12, 2020 22:41:09 GMT -8
"Tch," Casey clicked his tongue again as the goon retreated. "That's right," he grumbled. "Keep movin' if you know what's good fer ya, you rubbery piece of..." He trailed off, then looked down to the kid as he gathered up what little belongings he had.
"Thanks for the help."
"...Yeah. No problem," Casey answered frankly. He didn't quite hear what he said about the communicator, accidentally talking over him instead. "Just... watch yerself next time when..." He tried to impart some advice but trailed off again. He squinted. "...Have we met before?" He questioned, his mind racing to find the answer. It wasn't like he normally interacted with kids, so why would he know this one? The only one he could think of was that kid from the mall-
Wait.
The kid from the mall.
"...You..." Casey's brow furrowed, his muscles tensing up as he clenched his fists at his sides. Then, in one fluid motion, he snatched the kid up by the collar, growling again as he asked the question that had been plaguing his mind ever since he parted that day.
"What the hell is your relationship with Johnathan O'Connor?"
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Post by Yuki on Dec 12, 2020 23:09:46 GMT -8
Taylor let out a startled yelp when he was suddenly grabbed by his rescuer, Taylor stared at Casey as he asked his question. Taylor tensed up, his mind raced just who was this guy and why was he asking about John?? Whoever this guy was though it seemed he had a deep hatred for John.. The way he was looking at him right now.. Wait.. He sounded familiar... !!!!!! The guy at the mall! " H-he... He kidnapped me twice.." Taylor replied, he did not want to tick this guy off.. He had seen how he fights.. Taylor knew he would not stand a chance at all.. So it was best he answered truthfully.
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Post by Lepa on Dec 12, 2020 23:33:07 GMT -8
"He... what?" Casey snorted in disbelief. His anger had been causing him to breathe harder, but it slowed as he processed what Taylor said. He stared long and hard at the kid, trying to see if he could read him for any trace of deceit. He found none. It wasn't enough to get him to completely lower his guard, however. Slowly, he lowered Taylor down, releasing his grip on his shirt, though it was clear Casey wasn't planning to let him go just yet. He wasn't going to budge from his spot until he was sure he learned all he needed to know about this kid's relationship with that man.
"...Mind elaboratin'?" He grunted, half cynical of Taylor's answer. Releasing his hold on the kid seemed to be his one act of empathy, but suspicion still lined the tone of his voice.
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Post by Yuki on Dec 13, 2020 0:25:12 GMT -8
Taylor's heart raced, he really hoped the guy believed him. Taylor flinched and closed his eyes when Casey spoke in a disbelieving tone, oohhh god was he gonna hit me? Please don't please don't.. Taylor would think to himself, only to find his feet back on the ground again and Casey letting go of his shirt. Taylor stood there frozen in fear with his eyes closed, that was till Casey asked him to elaborate. Taylor then opened his eyes and looked at back up at Casey, well at least he was willing to listen and not beat the living crap out of him... Yet.. " The first time it was at a bank... I was there to get some money to run some errands for my Mom who had been sick.. Next thing I knew robbers stormed the place.. They started to tie everyone up and somehow missed me at first.. That gave me time to hit a button on my communicator to alert my friends The Guardians something was going on.. Taylor said as he went on to say everything that happened that day, how he stopped the robbery with the help of Amara, and Sunny. And afterwards was approached by a so called news reporter and then later was jumped and knocked out with chloroform and woke up in a room he had never seen before. As he spoke of these things Taylor started to tear up as he had to relive the second most scariest moment in his life. He then spoke how after a while John himself came into the room after a man called Sean came in offering food. He then went on to talk about Sean and how he helped him get away in the end. Taylor then fell silent as he looked down and off to the side as he waited to see how Casey would respond. |
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Post by Lepa on Dec 13, 2020 11:50:53 GMT -8
Casey folded his arms as the kid went on to tell his story. It made him look impatient, but he made no effort to rush Taylor. He just quietly stood back and let him explain. Sometimes Casey would let out a small "tch" or a grunt of some sort, but he never interrupted the child. Once Taylor finished, silence hung in the air for a moment before Casey let out a deep sigh. He unfolded his arms, running a hand through his hair in agitation. Then suddenly with another growl, he turned his back on Taylor and punched the brick wall behind him.
"Sh*t...! Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t...!" He punched at the surface with each swear he hissed. His other hand was flatly pressed against the wall, his head hanging down as he focused only on releasing his emotion. Finally, at the apex of his anger, familiar blue flames engulfed his hand. "GodDAMNIT!" He choked out, the burning fist slamming into the wall, noticeably fracturing several bricks.
He took several sharp breaths, both hands still pressed to the building's surface as he tried to calm down. His back was still to Taylor, but he had no doubt that he'd frightened him further.
"Kid..." Casey breathed, trying to steady himself as the flames died down. "...I'm sorry." He hung his head further. "Thought... you were one of 'em..." He admitted. As he recalled the moments of Taylor's story that particularly resonated with him, another surge of emotion overtook his senses. He tensed up, wincing, but he didn't act this time. Instead, he held his breath. He waited a few moments, then exhaled. Again, he waited, then held his breath. Count to ten, he mentally noted, then release. After a third exhale, he had finally calmed, but he couldn’t help but grimace.
He’d learned that technique from the doctor.
With another sigh, Casey finally turned back around, letting himself lean against the wall as he sunk to the ground. Though he faced Taylor again, it was his turn to avoid the kid's gaze as Casey stared at the asphalt in front of him. Taylor had told him everything and more, so it was only fair to do the same. But... it wasn't so easy to bring up the past, especially when it seemed so long ago. Casey himself didn't know where to start - he didn't want to just straight up admit he'd worked under the man. He sighed again, frustrated.
"Just... can't be too careful with anyone who's been in contact with him." He reasoned solemnly. He then closed his eyes, tilting his head all the way back to face the sky.
"The sonvabitch had me fooled for 3 years."
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Post by Yuki on Dec 13, 2020 13:13:03 GMT -8
Taylor jumped back flinching in fear as Casey seemingly flipped out and started to punch a wall. Well at least it was a wall and not him.. Though Taylor grew a little pale with worry as he watched Casey, his eyes grew wide when he started to use those blue flames of his too. Taylor wanted to run, fly away.. But he just knew that would be a bad idea.. Plus so far the guy before him had not tried to harm him just yet. Then Casey said something he was not expecting, he suddenly apologized and admitted he thought Taylor was one of John's goons.
Taylor remined silent though as he watched Casey collect himself as he sat down.
"Just... can't be too careful with anyone who's been in contact with him."
"The sonvabitch had me fooled for 3 years."
Whoah... He... He worked for John in the past? From what he saw about John he did have a way with people..
Taylor started to rub his arm a bit, not really sure really sure what to say. "It's ok.. I.. I Understand.. I would be cautious too... Taylor said with a bit of a sigh."It feels like ever since that day I have had to keep looking over my shoulder.. And now.. After what happened at the mall..." Taylor said softly as he looked at Casey.
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Post by Lepa on Dec 13, 2020 14:31:36 GMT -8
"Psh," Casey spat, lowering his head back down. "No kiddin'." He shoved a hand in his pocket, feeling the glass shard he'd hidden away earlier. He'd almost forgotten he'd put it in there; he was planning to use it to cut that rubbery thug, but with that threat gone, it was nothing more than trash. He pulled it out and started to idly fiddle with it as he searched for more words to say. Perhaps what he said was already enough, but... there was a relieving comfort in knowing that there was someone else who understood.
"...It was three years I worked for him," Casey found himself continuing. "And it's been three years since I freed myself from him." He frowned. "...I was 'bout 17, maybe 18. Was livin' on the streets in this crazy city." Casey traced his finger on the glass shard's edge. "Saw him walkin' down the street. Didn't know who he was. Tried to mug him." He paused. "...You can guess what happened. Ended up havin'... a similar experience." He grimaced at the memory of blacking out and waking up in a strange room himself.
"...But he said he'd help me. Said I was clever." He looked up from his seat on the ground. "Said... a buncha things. Nice things. Things that made me feel like I was worth something." He furrowed his brow, then finally looked Taylor in the eye. "And that's how he gets you. That's how he wins."
He lowered his gaze again.
"That's why... they're all like that." Another pause. "That's why I was like that."
Casey went silent as he grew misty eyed, recalling the person who saved him from that life. He was like an older brother to everyone he knew, and... he was the only other person that Casey had ever confided in about the doctor. He'd vanished two years ago. Casey had long since pushed down the thought that maybe the doctor might've had something to do with it, but in this moment that feeling returned, settling at the bottom of his stomach in a pool of dread.
"D...Damnit..." He couldn't help but quietly croak. Casey leaned back again, trying to compose himself. He cleared his throat. "I... I don't know why he treated ya different from my experience, but..." He sighed again. "Why the hell would I know? He's the f@#$ing psycho, not me." Casey flung the small shard aside, accentuating his hatred for the man.
"...I'm ramblin' to a complete stranger. Sorry." He tried to apologize. "...For both that and giving ya a scare."
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Post by Yuki on Dec 13, 2020 15:42:17 GMT -8
Taylor stood there as he listened to Casey's story, it sounded like he had a real tough time.. First living on the streets then meeting Join and ticked into joining him because of a few pretty words. Agh would he have been going down that same road too if John had not just flat out kidnapped him? Or if Sean had not helped him out would he have been brainwashed? Taylor shivered at the thought. When Casey said he did not know why John had treated him differently a dark shadow crossed Taylor expression. " Its because of my powers... He wanted to study me.. See how I ticked... Wanted to see if people like me will have a spot in the world he wants to build..." Taylor said as he started to shake again. " I wish I never had powers.. All they bring is me is trouble... I get bullied all the time.. I end up in fights I don't wanna be in.. Now I have a psycho's eyes on me.. I hate it...I.. I wish I was normal.." Taylor said as tears started to form in his eyes.
"Taylor? Is that you? Why are you in a place like this?" Suddenly came a new but familiar voice. Taylor snapped put of his gloomy thoughts. He the turned to see a small orange cat, Sunny. She blinked when she looked at him, she noticed he looked a bit ruffed up again.. Bloody lip and nose and then her eyes fell on Casey. She frowned a bit. "This guy messing with you?" She said with a growl as her eyes hardened into a glare as she looked at Casey. Taylor's eyes grew wide and he shook his head while waving his hands. "S-sunny! N-no he save me actually saved me from some thugs that jumped me. hahaha.." Taylor said not mentioning that he did scare him a bit at first though.
Sunny raised a eye brow but decided to believe what she had been told. "Oh? Alright, thanks for helping Taylor." She said as her eyes softened and she gave a smile to Casey.
Taylor relaxed again and looked back at Casey, "Uhh This is Sunny, she helped me out at the bank that day. And Sunny this is.. Oh.. " Taylor realized he did not know this guy's name, Taylor then looked at him as if waiting for Casey to introduce himself.
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Post by Lepa on Dec 13, 2020 17:03:27 GMT -8
"Its because of my powers... He wanted to study me.. See how I ticked... Wanted to see if people like me will have a spot in the world he wants to build..."
Oh... Of course. It should've been obvious, but Casey was too wrapped up in pouring himself out that he hadn't clearly considered it. A similar thought then crossed his mind; would he have had a different experience if he had powers back then...?
"...Tch. That f#$ked up son of a..." He swore under his breath. He was still astounded that the doctor would be so direct about his motives, but the man worked 10 steps ahead of people. For all he knew, it could've been another ploy, but Casey wasn't interested in trying to figure out what his true motives were. That wasn't his concern. He wasn't Johnathan.
Once Taylor started to get teary eyed himself, hoo boy. Casey couldn't help but run his hand through his hair again. He wasn't good at this sort of thing. "Look, kid..." He started, trying to think of something to say to console him, but... nothing came. Admittedly, Casey wasn't a fan of flaunting his powers either, but at least he could take care of himself. This kid, though... he seemed so... small and depressed. Even if they'd worked together at the mall, Taylor didn't look like he'd ever put up much of a fight. Everything about him just screamed "easy target;" hell, the whole reason Casey was even here to begin with was because the child had been accosted by thugs. Thoughts of lending this kid a hand started to cross his mind...
And then there was a talking cat.
"...Whut."
Casey remained unfazed as the cat shot him a glare, protective of the kid. He really shouldn't have been surprised, but maybe everything just seemed surreal after talking about his personal demons to a child who probably wasn't older than 15.
"Thanks for helping Taylor."
Oh yeah. That was his name, wasn't it? He'd learned that from... Wait...
"Uh. No problem, I guess," Casey shrugged at Taylor's strange Disney companion. He almost wanted to tell her that the kid needed to watch his ass more, but he held himself back. Even if the cat's demeanor changed, he decided to get back to his feet so his face wouldn't be in as easy of a scratching range.
"Uhh This is Sunny, she helped me out at the bank that day. And Sunny this is... Oh..." The kid paused, looking to him for an answer.
Casey dusted himself off as he fully stood back up. "...Calhoun." He paused. He didn't like giving away his name, but Taylor sure as hell earned it. "...First name's Casey, but I'd appreciate it if you... didn't call me that." He gave a small smile. "Calhoun's fine."
The smile quickly faded as he scratched at his head.
"Now, uh... sorry, but... I just remembered somethin'." He folded his arms casually, his stance much more relaxed from earlier. "About that weird girl at the mall... Y'know, the one we fought with..." He frowned. "Y'all seemed to know each other. I'm guessin' she ain't one of his, either?"
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Post by Yuki on Dec 13, 2020 18:15:49 GMT -8
When Casey said his name but said he wanted to be called Calhoun the young boy nodded, "Ok nice to meet you Calhoun." Taylor said with a smile and Sunny echoed Taylor in the same greeting.
Then Casey started to ask about Jade and if she isn't one of John's ether. Taylor shook his head, " That was Jade. And no she is not with John but is friends with Sean, she told me when she first came to the city she was homeless. She first met Sean and Julia at the beach, and a while later she met Sean again at the amusement park and Sean asked if she had a place to go and she said no. So he then offered to let her stay at safe house that not been in use for a while. He was trying to keep her hidden from John, ha... Fact that is how she learned about me.. Sean had been thinking about me and she heard his thoughts and wondered why I hurt Sean.. Of course Sean did not wanna talk about it so she found me on her own and asked me what happened that day. I have to say though... She has changed a lot.. Before she was a bit umm emotionless and more straightforward and blunt. But what I saw at the mall.. Heh she's changed lot in a good way though.. Anyway.. After what happened at the mall she decided to leave and right now is staying in a place she can remain hidden for a while till she is able to find a new place to live. She did not feel it safe to stay in that safe house after fighting in public like that." Taylor said but leaving out where Jade was staying, as it was not something Casey really needed to know anyway.
Sunny perked up when Taylor said the name John, "Ooh John? That crazy doctor guy that kidnapped you and had his goons try and catch me? Hahahaha! Oh man that was fun playing a game of cat and mouse with them! And watching how frustrated they got, and how they where all like " Oh my god that cat is a villain! Call the cops!" I like to watch the video I recorded of that day just for giggles sometimes. " Sunny laughed as she fondly remembered that day. Taylor just rolled his eyes though and shook his head after Sunny finished speaking.
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