Post by Kaylen on Nov 22, 2011 20:07:14 GMT -5
**This is an old RP that gives a little insight into Kaylen and shows my playing style. It's from a few years ago and takes place in a Marvel like hub. I would correct all the coding to match here but it's a lot. Hope it doesn't detract from the story too much.**
Kaylen - Central Park, an unusually warm spring day and a park bench. This is how the day begins. Was nice that the cold grip of winter was finally losing it's hold on the city. She'd never seen it any way but cold and dreary. Might explain the writer's block that stubbornly grabbed hold of her brain since moving here. That and all the strange happenings. ..funny, most of the cities she'd lived in people thought she was wierd. Here, her quirks were hardly noticeable. The bag at her feet moved, bit if a hissing growl emerging from within. "You can't be hungry. I just fed you. Stay down." Shoving the top down quickly before a certain someone decided to peek out.
Thief<i> Earlier that morning...<br> He hated mornings, he really did. Especially when they involved dark, unlit twilight alley ways and knives to his throat. Though visibility might not be clear in such hours, his messengers were: their boss wanted his money. Fine, fine he could get it for him by tonight, after it was dark. Alas, that wasn't good enough. He wanted it now. And in his benevolence, gave Jack until noon to get it. Noon. That was impossible. How was he supposed to scrounge up that kind of cash in broad daylight? He was tossed against a metal dumpster, perhaps to jar into him inspiration of cash collecting, and left alone. <i> <p> Currently... <br> Jack sat on a park bench minding his own business as he summed up the mornings earnings in his head. A lucky purse snatch had landed him halfway there, and a ugly altercation in the subway had at least paid off as well. That still had him about a hundred short though and with these guys... close wasn't good enough. He looked up, squinting at the now risen sun as he cursed the exposure it's light cast upon him. A man would have to be mad to try and mug someone at this time of the day. Mad, or very, very stupid.
Kaylen - The last city she'd called home was relatively small. The type of place where people don't lock their doors and crime was nonexistent for the most part. Which meant Kaylen was still having to adjust to being a New Yorker. Pickpockets, muggings, carjackings, break-ins..pretty much a new way of thinking. So, when a frisbee two children were playing with went awry and gut stuck in a tree, naturally, she went to help them get it down. Leaving the bag beneath the bench behind. "No, no..I'll get it. I'm used to climbing trees." She'd scramble up the few branches needed, then lean way over to shake the frisbee free. It fell to the ground, she'd hopped down as well. Tossing the toy far across the open expanse for them chase.
Thief - How fortuitous. He really hated mugging people- they were rarely agreeable when you did, and Jack hated the fight. People could get hurt like that, so any other way was better. Burglary, larceny... unattended bags. If they presented themselves, he wasn't one to pass up on such a opportunity, especially when he needed cash so badly. Hopefully, the fact that she'd so willingly leave it behind didn't meant that its contents were worthless. It would be a shame to waste his time like that. But he'd never know, until the deed was done. He watched as she started to climb the tree, eyes darting to the bag. Rising from his bench, he'd walk along the path casually, as though just passing by, until he reached her bench, about the time she was hopping down from the tree. Not wasting any time he snatched up the bag, and started to run.
Kaylen- Worthless? Hardly. Hephaestus would be offended at the slightest suggestion he held no value. The quick movement from the corner of her eye was what drew her attention away from carefree play to her property now running off in someone else's arm. "Hey! Give that back!" Shit, shit, shit! She was so in trouble. ..and Jade was laughing. <i>Serves the little pecker right for abandoning his spot.</i> "Shut up. If you two hadn't been fighting..as always!" Running after him as fast as those legs could go. He could have the wallet..he could have the credit cards. But he couldn't have the dragon. The dragon would not likely let him have the stuff. This wasn't looking good.
Thief - He'd glance back when she yelled. The bottom half of his face was covered in a mask of frosted ice which distorted his features. Gah, a chase. He hated chases. It was just stuff. Why were people always so attached to it? He'd secure the bag more tightly under his arm as he picked up the pace. She wouldn't follow him far- women rarely did. When the subway stairs he'd been running for came into view, he zip down them actually sliding down the middle banister on a sheet of ice before landing neatly at the bottom. That should do it. A woman would have to be truly crazy to follow a larger, presumably violent scumbag of a man into the underground.
Kaylen - Crazy or desperate. She followed just the same. Down the street, to the stairs, into the subway. Huffing a bit, wishing she worked out more since arriving here. <i>I can catch him.</i> "Too many people.." Oddly enough, she didn't yell at the thief once surrounded by so many. Even passing by a cop, she didn't ask for his help. In fact, she slowed up to walk more calmly past only to kick into overdrive once clear of his sight. "Listen you jackass..give me my stuff!" Heff was getting all kinds of angry for being jostled about so. Kaylen might get pissed with him but she never got rough. The bag squirmed and wiggled about as the dragon tried to find an opening to see what was going on.
Thief - He jumped over the turnstiles, knocking people out of the way as he went. He heard her calling after him, which made for more of a scene than he'd have liked. Most simply stared, but when one man tried to stop him, Jack elbowed him out of the way and kept on. She'd have to chase him for some time, as the thief didn't seem inclined to give up. He ducked under a TUNNEL CLOSED sign that lead to a passageway currently closed for repairs. Being Sunday, it was currently dark and abandoned as the workers were off. He ducked around a corner, pressing himself to the wall as he tried to catch his breath and listen. Surely she'd given up by now- probably when she came to the CLOSED sign. It would be foolishly dangerous for her to have followed him beyond that, where it went deeper, darker, and without would-be heroes to save her. His hand was clenched around the opening of the bag, and now that he was finally still enough to notice, he flinched when he felt something nose around his hand trying to get out. This quickened his heartbeat all the more, but before he'd examine it, he'd listen quietly for a few more seconds. ...surely she wasn't coming still...
Kaylen - People in New York had a way of blocking out anything they didn't want to see. If just one or two people would have reached out beyond their own lives to help, the chase might have ended sooner. Of course, a good samaritan was rare these days. The one who did help paid a price. Kaylen ran onward, jumping over the poor guy he'd knocked down.."sorry..thank you.." Offering what little gratitude she could. He did try to help. Slowing at the closed sign. Was awfully dark down there. Good thing Jade helped her see. <i>About fifty feet up. Let me get him..and I'll get the crybaby back too. If you really. Nice without him don't you think? So quiet.</i> She sighed, glancing around for any signs of someone following. "Fine. No blood. Just scare the guy ok?" <i>You suck all the fun out of everything.</i> A black form slide down her arm to pool at her feet, forming into the shape of a large, jet black panther who silently stalked down the tunnel toward where Thief lay in hiding. Only once right up on him, did the cat make her presence known with a menacing growl.
Thief - He heard her footsteps before the growl, and when they got close, he released his grip on the bag, just holding it by the strap to spin around, intending to push her against the wall and warn her to give up. That plan didn't work out so well, because when he jumped out, there was that huge, growling cat to nearly scare the bajesus out of him. "Holy shit!" he cried, back pedaling immediately. Ice spread out from his feet, coating the entire floor around them in a slippery surface intended to slow down any lunging the animal might have in mind to do. Well, this was certainly a first. Never had a victim retaliate by panther before. "Be a good boy..." he soothed, "just stay back." He backed away with the bag in hand, a bit too distracted by sharp teeth to be mindful of whatever might be crawling out of it.
Kaylen - Jade didn't like being called a boy..so she growled again, swiping one paw out while slipping around on the other three. "Don't hurt him!" Kaylen softly reminded during her approach. See the cat had a temper. Crossing her arms, the thief was now face to face with two unhappy ladies. "Put the bag down..softly..please." Taking one more step forward only to find ice beneath her feet. He was one of <b>them</b>. Heff's questing tongue slapped against where the exit hole should be, licking the man's hand again and again..had to feel strange. "Look, there's something in that bag I need. You can have anything else. Just put it down. I'll call off the cat." <i>I am not a cat!</i> Jade's protests filled her mind. "I know Jade..focus."
Thief - He skidded back when he was swiped at, gliding backwards as easily as a hockey player on defense. His eyes glanced to Kaylen, his attention now diverted in several directions at once. Between the ice on the floor, and the cat and the girl and the bag, the mask that covered his nose and mouth was beginning to melt. "Look, darlin' I'm really sorry that I swiped whatever it was that's so important to you. I really am, but I need this more than you, sweetheart, believe me-" His eye twitched a little when his hand was licked at, though he didn't dare look down. Oh lord, it had a tongue! "Wha- ....What's licking me?!" He still hadn't dropped the bag, but it at least looked like he no longer wanted to be holding it.
Kaylen - Kaylen and Jade were focused completely on him. The thing in the bag could take care of itself. "Ok, first off..I'm not your darlin' or your sweetheart. Second, you've taken more than you can handle. Third..meet Hephaestus. Might want to give him back before he bites you. Put the bag down." <i>I really don't this cold stuff Kay. My pawas are burning</i> "Jade return.." Panther to cloud to a tattoo wrapped around her neck right before his very eyes. "I won't file charges. I just need him back." Him being the red eyed creature now studying the palm of Thief's hand with great interest.
Thief - Holy. Shit. That wasn't any kind of mutant power he'd ever seen. It was straight out black magic! Voodoo or something! It had him spooked enough to be wary of her, but not enough to drop the bag. Fear of her, had not yet outweighed fear of <i>them</i>. As Hep started to examine his hand, it would grow hard and cold, solidifying into ice. The ice on the floor had begun to melt as hit attention on the girl intensified. His face was practically clear now, though it was shadowed enough to offer them both some masking still. He should just turn and run. Take the lizard or whatever it was an deal with it once he was long gone. But... he'd always been a bit softer than this job demanded. He licked his lips thoughtfully. "Alright-" he conceded, "I'll give you back the lizard, then the rest come with me. I go, you stay. Deal?"
Kaylen - <i>He called me a lizard!</i> God, these two drove her insane. Here she was trying to keep him from some unpredictable fate and all Heff could think about wasn't being called a lizard while Jade still grumbled about being a cat. They were so spoiled. <i>I'm biting him.</i> "No!" Thief meet teeth..unless he dropped the bag. "Heff!" Had he ever dealt with children before? Was such a strenous endeavor. Kaylen tossed up her hands and was literally going to leave the man with the dragon. "Keep it! I don't want the responsibility anymore!" Now that was a turn of events. He'd get all of fifty dollars, a credit card that was dangerously close to being over the limit and a komodo dragon which were illegal in the States as pets. The penalty for keeping one of the rare creatures was more severe than most drug or theft charges.
Thief - Alas, teeth met ice. It was more like trying to bite a rock. In that state, Jack wouldn't even feel the bite, aside from an annoying thud, thud as teeth chomped against it, but failed to sink into currently non-existent flesh. Pfft, like he'd been planning on keeping it. If she didn't want it, he'd probably drop it off at the zoo or something. So long as he got the money, which he hoped was at least a hundred bucks, that was all he needed. He would have been perfectly willing to let her just walk away, but they'd find themselves suddenly not alone. He heard the click of a revolver cocking, and then, finally, drop the bag. He burst towards her, actually splashing around her as he turned into solid water (leaving her soaked) and then froze before her very eyes. "NO!" By the time the gun sounded, the bullet sank into ice, then fell through water as he shifted forms from ice to water, then back to human in matter of seconds. <i>Thought you could hide from us down here, eh, waterboy?</i> "No, no I was just on my way to see Tony- oof!" he grunted as he was slammed into the wall. The group, composed of about five gunmen, (three pinning him, two with guns kept pointed at her), didn't seem convinced. (continued)
Thief - <i>So you got the money then?</i> "Almost-" <i>Boss don't like almost, Calico. You know dat. Who's da girl?</i> "No one. I don't know, just someone I stole from. I almost have your money, I swear!" A flashlight suddenly illuminated his face, and his eyes, each a different, vibrant color, glanced to Kaylen. "Just let her go... she's got nothing to do with this!" <i>How much you short, Jack?</i> "Only a hundred, I can get it by tonight." <i>Hey boys, what you suppose an eye goes for on da market? Well over a hundred, don'tcha think?</i> There seemed to be a consensus that it would. A consensus solidified by the pop of a switch blade. Mismatched eyes stared up at the blade, clearly frightened as it tapped at each of his cheeks, just under the eye in turn. <i>Take your pick, Jack. Would ya rather be blue-eyed, or green?[/i}</i>
Kaylen - Heff was tossing a fit about being left behind. She wouldn't dare do that! There's no way. Jade was laughing. Happy to be the last one standing. Guilt would get the best of her eventually. These were her charges. She was just as responsible for them as they were for her. There was no time to feel any remorse now. She somehow silenced the scream in her throat, both hands went up at first sight of a gun. What had she gotten herself into? The gun went off, Kaylen just knew she was dead....no..soaked. "Wha?.." Not expected. Their attention fell to the man who'd robbed her while she backed up to put her back to the wall. She was amazed that someone like him would care if she were killed or not. A common thug..wouldn't give her stuff back. ..big jerk. Suddenly didn't so bad when confronted by true thugs. Heff managed to work his way out of the bag. Staying in a darkened corner very near where the men held Theif. Jade was writhing down her back. The fear rising in Kaylen had the panther feeling antsy as well. <i>Him on..me off. Heff's not useful here. You'll have better luck combined with him.</i> She wasn't listening to the cat. Only the man now threatening to take out an eye. "Wait..wait..my wallet..there's money. Take it. If that's what you want, spare him..take it all."
Thief - She had her attention when she mentioned the money. The other four looked to the one who seemed to be the ring leader, the one tapping the blade at Jack's face. He nodded to one of the others, <i>Check da bag. If da girl moves, shoot her.</i> One of them began rummaging though her purse, looking for the wallet. <i>You'd best hope that lady luck delivers there, bud,</i> that blade still threatening at his face. When they came up with $50, the leader tutted, <i>Well, you was half lucky at least. Means we only gotta take half an eye, eh?</i> Which really wasn't any different from taking a whole eye. "Wait! I just need a little more time! I can get the rest, Tony knows I'm good for it!" The few exchanged glances, then decided, <i>You got till midnight. And go ahead and make it an even $150- interest you know. For my charity. Don't make me come looking for you again...</i> They released him and he slid down the wall still shaking. He'd actually tip his had to the lady, <i>Tanks for the donation.</i> And they'd turn and run off unless otherwise stopped, leaving Kaylen and her mugger alone once more.
Kaylen - Kaylen had held her breath the whole entire time. Didn't want to see anyone hurt over something as petty as a few measly bucks. There were way too many to try and fight. Where her two sidekicks might foolishly jump into the fray, she knew better. They had guns. Guns would kill them all together or one at a time. Only once sure the men were gone did she let out a long, trembling exhalation. Clutching a hand over her heart. "Oh my god.." left a sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. Kneeling in front of the very man who got her into this.."You ok?" ..<i>What? It's all his fault? Slap him and let's be gone.</i> "Shut up Jade. Heff return." The dragon tattoo forming where panther had once been. Even it scurried down to a more comfortable spot stretched across her back. "Why are they after you?..loan sharks or something?"
Thief - He looked up at her, his expression entirely apologetic at first, then turning sharper, as he scolded, "That was so stupid! You could have gotten yourself killed!" He rose to his feet, pulling away to increase the distance between him and her. "Look, I'm sorry you had to see that, but I think it's probably better if you go, alright? This is really none of your business, and believe me, you don't want it to be." So much for appreciation for her aid back there. Just as well, he didn't need to be friendly anyway. He was a big, scary bad guy who she shouldn't be consorting with. So go on now, shoo. Rarr! Pity, he'd kind of wrecked that facade when he went to the trouble to save her, didn't he? It was alot easier to be scary at night when you had darkness and victim's panic on your side.
Kaylen - "Stupid!...He was going to cut your eye out! Where's the <i>Thank you lass. I couldn't afford to get a glass one.</i> Cause you can't because you clearly have no money." JERK! She should turn him in. Save his face for awhile if he was sitting in jail. That would cause too much trouble for her. The city didn't take kindly to mutants and those often mistaken for them. "None of my business? Became my bloody business when you took my bag, drug me down here and let your friends take off with my money. So just piss off with this tough guy charade. You're nothing compared to them. Do you need more money or not? Cause I won't live myself tomorrow if you're murder is on the news. Karma says I have to help you.." So deal with it bub!
Thief - "Look, it's not your problem anymore, alright? You've done enough, thanks! Look, darlin' I really appreciate it, but there's just not much more you can do." Damn she was insistent. Figures a girl with tats that wild would have a high pain tolerance. He'd have expected more crying and screaming, and a bit less demanding to give him money. It was just weird. He sighed, telling her, "I <i>always</i> need money. People gotta have it to live, alright? Not all mutants get to be pretty like you, alright?" he said sharply. "There's nothing you can do about it, nothing anybody can do about it and in the end we all just do what we gotta do. Don't you have a life to get back to anyway? Go home." He'd kept walking, though it seemed that she was stubborn enough to try and keep up with him. Finally he stopped, turning to her face on, "Go home, lady."
Kaylen - "I AM NOT YOUR DARLIN'!" Man that really chapped her hide. She hated it when strangers called her pet names. Ugh..nails on a chalkboard. "..and I am not a mutant." Is there nothing he could get right? Her gifts were not a mutation. They were a family trait..a legacy. Completely different. If arrested, she'd be treated just the same. She'd have to hock something but she'd give him the cash if it meant saving his life. He'd saved hers afterall. "Why don't you get a job?" Did he say she was pretty?..so was not gonna distract her with such drivel. Kaylen was following him. Wasn't truly intentional. Had nothing better to do. He kept talking, she kept walking. "There is something I can do. I can give you the money. $150 right? So you won't die tonight. It won't rest on my conscience. Has everythign to do with MY life and just a little to do with yours." Shoving her hands in the front pockets of her blue jeans as the temp dropped the further away from civilization they went into the tunnel. Smacked right into his chest when he turned to tell her to go. "You ..don't..boss..me." *poke, poke, poke, poke* One finger poke for each word.
Thief - What was wrong with this chick? It's like she had no sense of self-preservation whatsoever. Anyone with any kind of sense wouldn't have followed him into a subway, then down a deserted corridor, then tried to save him from clearly dangerous thugs, then be following him now deeper into an abandoned subway shaft! "Look here, SWEETHEART! my life shouldn't rest on <i>your</i> conscience. It's my problem, alright? Not yours. Look, I can't keep a job and make all the money I need. Any job I can get can't begin to pay for what I need, so I appreciate you concern, but you don't have to be." And then she started poking him in the chest. How rude! He grabbed her hand, but didn't at all managed to look as threatening as he was trying to look. "Look, LADY, $150 would be like sticking your finger in a damn leak during Katrina, alright? You've contributed enough, and I thank you, but I can get the rest elsewhere, alright? So, <i>darlin'</i> why don't you just scamper on back to where ever it is you came from!" Funny how he had been perfectly willing to take her money, but didn't seem keen on the thought of being given it. Well, at least stealing was earning in a way. ...a jacked up... twisted kind of way.
Kaylen - Why did he keep calling her those things? "Listen BABE, you can not exonerate me from my own conscience. So it IS my problem. So why not just let me give you the money and we can be done. What are you a druggie or something?.." How much money does a guy need anyway? She didn't make much..no one was trying to break her legs or flick out an eye. Soon as he touched her skin, a chorus of hissing and growls filled the air. Both the tattoos ready to go on the defensive. Twisting her wrist free of his grasp, stepping back.."Don't touch me." Was not a tit for tat situation. "Look..sugarplum..sometimes it's that little patch that can buy time to stop the flood. ..and I don't scamper. I'm not a rat." He did not know his way around a woman at all. Everything he said was offensive. "I <i>insist</i> you take it."
Thief - "I am not!" he yelled bat at her suggestion that he were a druggie. That was uncalled for, he didn't even look like the type! He wasn't pale and spindly and scrawny like a crack head. His hand on her skin had been cold, but the grip was easily broken when she jerked her hand back. "I've taken enough from you today, alright?" ...was there a quota apparently? Either way, he seemed quite resolute. He started walking again, refusing her insisting. When she started to follow him again, he'd turn again, now standing right over a drain. "Sorry." Was all he had to say, then turned to water, and simply melted down the drain. He started to simply take off, but a pang of conscience caught up with him, and he waited in the drain. They'd taken alot of turns with her following him. Had she even paid attention, or had she been too busy following him? It was, after all, like a labyrinth down here if you didn't know the way. She had helped him... he didn't want to see her hurt.
Kaylen - He didn't look like a drugged out person. Those were the only people she knew who needed a large source of money to get by. Between dealers and addiction, cash was a necessity. Kaylen figured she didn't need her money as badly as he did. Had he never met an unselfish person before? "You'd rather die than take what I offer freely?" Seemed like it. He vanished into the drain leaving her staring down in amazement. <i>That is one wierd dude.</i> Heff's words filled her mind. Shaking her head, she turned and had a look around. Wasn't a straight shot back to the surface. "Anyone remember the way?" <i>Noooooo, we were too busy following after the mugger. Told you we should have left scaley butt behind. Now we are lost.</i> In the dark..all alone. "Ideas?" <i>We walk until we find people.</i> Heff offered. Made sense. She had his hearing and the combination of two extra pair of eyes. Couldn't be too difficult. Heading down a few stretches of tunnel until coming to a three-way split. Left, right or middle? She had no clue. There was a light ahead. Flickering just off in the distance. So that direction won..ran her right into a homeless camp where druggies abound. They looked shocked and a bit too happy to see her.
Thief - He sat there a moment, weighing his options. He'd told her to go home along time ago. She should have listened. It wasn't his problem that she was too stubborn to listen. She wasn't his problem at all! He had enough troubles, quite frankly, to be bothered with her pigheadedness. It wasn't his responsibility to worry about her. ...but he did. He sighed to himself. He had to be out of his mind. They'd descended deep enough into the tunnels to be right above the sewer system, which was a perfectly accessible mode of travel for him. Though she might not know it, she and her inky friends did not travel alone. When she happened upon the druggie camp, he'd be at the grate under her feet, listening and waiting.
Kaylen - "<b>Well, well..what have we got here boys. A guest. Pretty, little thing too. Come here, let's have a looksie shall we.</b>" Oops, wrong way. She started backing up only to be blocked by very, large, greasy haired man who smelled of alcohol and B.O. Kaylen gasped, tried to turn and run ..he grabbed a handful of hair and wrenched her back. "Leave me alone. I don't...I don't have any money..someone already took it." The tart words shared between her and the thief were gone. She didn't fear him like she did these guys. <b>"Pity. Dangerous down here you know. Kind of stupid to be out alone isn't it? Little rich girl on an adventure..break up with your boyfriend maybe..ran away? No money left. Guess we'll be taking something else then eh? Surely you can think of something we might find useful.</b>" There was no mistaking what he was alluding to. <i>There's six..there's six. We can take them. Kaylen..release us!!!</i> She was frozen as more circled around her.
Thief - There was a sudden stab at the man's feet. A shard of ice pierced through the flimsy sole of each boot clearing through the entire width of his foot. Stinging bitter ice began to crackle it's way up his legs as it began to form into a man. Jack's icy form came to stand behind him, with an arm wrapped around his neck that has been grown into a razor sharp shard, "She's not alone." He'd feel the bite of a knife at his throat, warning him and the others to, "Let her go, and back off. I don't want to hurt you, but that doesn't mean I won't. The girl's with me. Let her go."
Kaylen - The man cried out in pain, slinging Kaylen violently against the wall where she slid to the ground dazed. The others who had gathered started backtracking away. No longer as eager to take part. Leaving Jack with only one. <i>Kaylen, get up. Get up now.</i> Holding her forehead, she'd struggle to her feet, starting at the sight of the same Thief now helping her again. She owed him twice! He wouldn't let her repay him. With her attackers all in check, she turned and ran the other way, back to the fork in the system. Leaning against the concrete wall to catch her breath. "This is not my day." How could she be so stupid?
Thief - Once she started to run, Jack released his hold on the man and started to run as well. As they retreated, a few others found their courage upon seeing them so eager to run and started to chase after them. Jack looked back, then started to slide along the ground like a skater , leaving ice in his wake. Which left a pile of former pursuers on the ground where they'd slipped on the ice. He zipped back to the fork where she was waiting, scooping her up as they rounded the bend. "Come on!" He wanted to make sure that trouble was far behind them before they stopped. When they did, he'd set her down and try to assure that she was alright. "Are you hurt?" he asked, "Looked like you hit your head back there. Here. For the swelling." If she'd let him, he'd reach out to gently touch the knot on her head, his hand as cold and soothing as could be.
Kaylen - You know, she really shouldn't be so used to this mutant thing as she was. Met a few earlier. Hid out with them to avoid being arrested. Everyone had an amazing talent. Very useful when in danger. All she could do was flirt with an officer. In the end, that's what worked more than some power believe it or not. The only gift she had was two mouthy pests who wouldn't go away. Something was wrong with this picture. "Hey..what..put me down!" So suddenly now he was Lancelot? Saving the damsel in distress? Make up your mind dude! Once the world stopped moving, her feet were firmly back on the ground.."I'm fine. Only a flesh wound. Bit of a knot." Wincing as his hand cooled the still growing goose egg above her left eye. "What is your deal? ..I don't get you at all."
Thief - He left his hand there, surprisingly gentle, at her wound, soothing it as best he could, which was about as much good as an ice pack could do. And it wasn't even drippy down her face, so that was a bonus. His brows lifted together in worried apology, "Oh darlin'" he said, not trying to sound aggravating, even as he pet named her out of an honest nervous habit, "I tried to tell you to go home. It's not safe down here." Interestingly enough, he sounded truly sorry. No doubt, this was the oddest mugger she'd ever met. As for his deal, and her getting him, well she didn't have to get him. They just had to get her out of here and but up to where she'd be safe and sound. "Look, is there somewhere I can take you? Home? A friends house?" Anywhere she'd be safe and could rest up?
Kaylen - Darlin..she had to bite her tongue. Really shouldn't bother her as much as it did. Seemed degrading to use those names on someone you didn't know. "I know. It's all my fault. Thank you for not letting me get killed after you stole from me." Technically his friends took the money. That didn't matter right now. "I don't really know anybody here yet..ok. I live in Queens. I don't want to put you out anymore than I already have. So shove me in the right direction and I'll find a way home." Cause without cash, she couldn't take the usual cab back to her house.
Thief - Yeah, he kinda deserved that. She'd have never wound up in all this had it not been for him. "I'm sorry I got you into this mess, alright? Just..." Sigh. "Come on, we can catch a subway to Queens," they were already past the turnstiles after all, not like they'd have to pay now, "And I'll make sure you get home without further trouble, alright?" He did feel pretty bad about it, but he really hadn't expected her to follow him so far! Anyway, at least he could get her back to where she'd started from if nothing else. Seemed the decent thing to do anyway, at least so the Thief thought.
Kaylen - Central Park, an unusually warm spring day and a park bench. This is how the day begins. Was nice that the cold grip of winter was finally losing it's hold on the city. She'd never seen it any way but cold and dreary. Might explain the writer's block that stubbornly grabbed hold of her brain since moving here. That and all the strange happenings. ..funny, most of the cities she'd lived in people thought she was wierd. Here, her quirks were hardly noticeable. The bag at her feet moved, bit if a hissing growl emerging from within. "You can't be hungry. I just fed you. Stay down." Shoving the top down quickly before a certain someone decided to peek out.
Thief<i> Earlier that morning...<br> He hated mornings, he really did. Especially when they involved dark, unlit twilight alley ways and knives to his throat. Though visibility might not be clear in such hours, his messengers were: their boss wanted his money. Fine, fine he could get it for him by tonight, after it was dark. Alas, that wasn't good enough. He wanted it now. And in his benevolence, gave Jack until noon to get it. Noon. That was impossible. How was he supposed to scrounge up that kind of cash in broad daylight? He was tossed against a metal dumpster, perhaps to jar into him inspiration of cash collecting, and left alone. <i> <p> Currently... <br> Jack sat on a park bench minding his own business as he summed up the mornings earnings in his head. A lucky purse snatch had landed him halfway there, and a ugly altercation in the subway had at least paid off as well. That still had him about a hundred short though and with these guys... close wasn't good enough. He looked up, squinting at the now risen sun as he cursed the exposure it's light cast upon him. A man would have to be mad to try and mug someone at this time of the day. Mad, or very, very stupid.
Kaylen - The last city she'd called home was relatively small. The type of place where people don't lock their doors and crime was nonexistent for the most part. Which meant Kaylen was still having to adjust to being a New Yorker. Pickpockets, muggings, carjackings, break-ins..pretty much a new way of thinking. So, when a frisbee two children were playing with went awry and gut stuck in a tree, naturally, she went to help them get it down. Leaving the bag beneath the bench behind. "No, no..I'll get it. I'm used to climbing trees." She'd scramble up the few branches needed, then lean way over to shake the frisbee free. It fell to the ground, she'd hopped down as well. Tossing the toy far across the open expanse for them chase.
Thief - How fortuitous. He really hated mugging people- they were rarely agreeable when you did, and Jack hated the fight. People could get hurt like that, so any other way was better. Burglary, larceny... unattended bags. If they presented themselves, he wasn't one to pass up on such a opportunity, especially when he needed cash so badly. Hopefully, the fact that she'd so willingly leave it behind didn't meant that its contents were worthless. It would be a shame to waste his time like that. But he'd never know, until the deed was done. He watched as she started to climb the tree, eyes darting to the bag. Rising from his bench, he'd walk along the path casually, as though just passing by, until he reached her bench, about the time she was hopping down from the tree. Not wasting any time he snatched up the bag, and started to run.
Kaylen- Worthless? Hardly. Hephaestus would be offended at the slightest suggestion he held no value. The quick movement from the corner of her eye was what drew her attention away from carefree play to her property now running off in someone else's arm. "Hey! Give that back!" Shit, shit, shit! She was so in trouble. ..and Jade was laughing. <i>Serves the little pecker right for abandoning his spot.</i> "Shut up. If you two hadn't been fighting..as always!" Running after him as fast as those legs could go. He could have the wallet..he could have the credit cards. But he couldn't have the dragon. The dragon would not likely let him have the stuff. This wasn't looking good.
Thief - He'd glance back when she yelled. The bottom half of his face was covered in a mask of frosted ice which distorted his features. Gah, a chase. He hated chases. It was just stuff. Why were people always so attached to it? He'd secure the bag more tightly under his arm as he picked up the pace. She wouldn't follow him far- women rarely did. When the subway stairs he'd been running for came into view, he zip down them actually sliding down the middle banister on a sheet of ice before landing neatly at the bottom. That should do it. A woman would have to be truly crazy to follow a larger, presumably violent scumbag of a man into the underground.
Kaylen - Crazy or desperate. She followed just the same. Down the street, to the stairs, into the subway. Huffing a bit, wishing she worked out more since arriving here. <i>I can catch him.</i> "Too many people.." Oddly enough, she didn't yell at the thief once surrounded by so many. Even passing by a cop, she didn't ask for his help. In fact, she slowed up to walk more calmly past only to kick into overdrive once clear of his sight. "Listen you jackass..give me my stuff!" Heff was getting all kinds of angry for being jostled about so. Kaylen might get pissed with him but she never got rough. The bag squirmed and wiggled about as the dragon tried to find an opening to see what was going on.
Thief - He jumped over the turnstiles, knocking people out of the way as he went. He heard her calling after him, which made for more of a scene than he'd have liked. Most simply stared, but when one man tried to stop him, Jack elbowed him out of the way and kept on. She'd have to chase him for some time, as the thief didn't seem inclined to give up. He ducked under a TUNNEL CLOSED sign that lead to a passageway currently closed for repairs. Being Sunday, it was currently dark and abandoned as the workers were off. He ducked around a corner, pressing himself to the wall as he tried to catch his breath and listen. Surely she'd given up by now- probably when she came to the CLOSED sign. It would be foolishly dangerous for her to have followed him beyond that, where it went deeper, darker, and without would-be heroes to save her. His hand was clenched around the opening of the bag, and now that he was finally still enough to notice, he flinched when he felt something nose around his hand trying to get out. This quickened his heartbeat all the more, but before he'd examine it, he'd listen quietly for a few more seconds. ...surely she wasn't coming still...
Kaylen - People in New York had a way of blocking out anything they didn't want to see. If just one or two people would have reached out beyond their own lives to help, the chase might have ended sooner. Of course, a good samaritan was rare these days. The one who did help paid a price. Kaylen ran onward, jumping over the poor guy he'd knocked down.."sorry..thank you.." Offering what little gratitude she could. He did try to help. Slowing at the closed sign. Was awfully dark down there. Good thing Jade helped her see. <i>About fifty feet up. Let me get him..and I'll get the crybaby back too. If you really. Nice without him don't you think? So quiet.</i> She sighed, glancing around for any signs of someone following. "Fine. No blood. Just scare the guy ok?" <i>You suck all the fun out of everything.</i> A black form slide down her arm to pool at her feet, forming into the shape of a large, jet black panther who silently stalked down the tunnel toward where Thief lay in hiding. Only once right up on him, did the cat make her presence known with a menacing growl.
Thief - He heard her footsteps before the growl, and when they got close, he released his grip on the bag, just holding it by the strap to spin around, intending to push her against the wall and warn her to give up. That plan didn't work out so well, because when he jumped out, there was that huge, growling cat to nearly scare the bajesus out of him. "Holy shit!" he cried, back pedaling immediately. Ice spread out from his feet, coating the entire floor around them in a slippery surface intended to slow down any lunging the animal might have in mind to do. Well, this was certainly a first. Never had a victim retaliate by panther before. "Be a good boy..." he soothed, "just stay back." He backed away with the bag in hand, a bit too distracted by sharp teeth to be mindful of whatever might be crawling out of it.
Kaylen - Jade didn't like being called a boy..so she growled again, swiping one paw out while slipping around on the other three. "Don't hurt him!" Kaylen softly reminded during her approach. See the cat had a temper. Crossing her arms, the thief was now face to face with two unhappy ladies. "Put the bag down..softly..please." Taking one more step forward only to find ice beneath her feet. He was one of <b>them</b>. Heff's questing tongue slapped against where the exit hole should be, licking the man's hand again and again..had to feel strange. "Look, there's something in that bag I need. You can have anything else. Just put it down. I'll call off the cat." <i>I am not a cat!</i> Jade's protests filled her mind. "I know Jade..focus."
Thief - He skidded back when he was swiped at, gliding backwards as easily as a hockey player on defense. His eyes glanced to Kaylen, his attention now diverted in several directions at once. Between the ice on the floor, and the cat and the girl and the bag, the mask that covered his nose and mouth was beginning to melt. "Look, darlin' I'm really sorry that I swiped whatever it was that's so important to you. I really am, but I need this more than you, sweetheart, believe me-" His eye twitched a little when his hand was licked at, though he didn't dare look down. Oh lord, it had a tongue! "Wha- ....What's licking me?!" He still hadn't dropped the bag, but it at least looked like he no longer wanted to be holding it.
Kaylen - Kaylen and Jade were focused completely on him. The thing in the bag could take care of itself. "Ok, first off..I'm not your darlin' or your sweetheart. Second, you've taken more than you can handle. Third..meet Hephaestus. Might want to give him back before he bites you. Put the bag down." <i>I really don't this cold stuff Kay. My pawas are burning</i> "Jade return.." Panther to cloud to a tattoo wrapped around her neck right before his very eyes. "I won't file charges. I just need him back." Him being the red eyed creature now studying the palm of Thief's hand with great interest.
Thief - Holy. Shit. That wasn't any kind of mutant power he'd ever seen. It was straight out black magic! Voodoo or something! It had him spooked enough to be wary of her, but not enough to drop the bag. Fear of her, had not yet outweighed fear of <i>them</i>. As Hep started to examine his hand, it would grow hard and cold, solidifying into ice. The ice on the floor had begun to melt as hit attention on the girl intensified. His face was practically clear now, though it was shadowed enough to offer them both some masking still. He should just turn and run. Take the lizard or whatever it was an deal with it once he was long gone. But... he'd always been a bit softer than this job demanded. He licked his lips thoughtfully. "Alright-" he conceded, "I'll give you back the lizard, then the rest come with me. I go, you stay. Deal?"
Kaylen - <i>He called me a lizard!</i> God, these two drove her insane. Here she was trying to keep him from some unpredictable fate and all Heff could think about wasn't being called a lizard while Jade still grumbled about being a cat. They were so spoiled. <i>I'm biting him.</i> "No!" Thief meet teeth..unless he dropped the bag. "Heff!" Had he ever dealt with children before? Was such a strenous endeavor. Kaylen tossed up her hands and was literally going to leave the man with the dragon. "Keep it! I don't want the responsibility anymore!" Now that was a turn of events. He'd get all of fifty dollars, a credit card that was dangerously close to being over the limit and a komodo dragon which were illegal in the States as pets. The penalty for keeping one of the rare creatures was more severe than most drug or theft charges.
Thief - Alas, teeth met ice. It was more like trying to bite a rock. In that state, Jack wouldn't even feel the bite, aside from an annoying thud, thud as teeth chomped against it, but failed to sink into currently non-existent flesh. Pfft, like he'd been planning on keeping it. If she didn't want it, he'd probably drop it off at the zoo or something. So long as he got the money, which he hoped was at least a hundred bucks, that was all he needed. He would have been perfectly willing to let her just walk away, but they'd find themselves suddenly not alone. He heard the click of a revolver cocking, and then, finally, drop the bag. He burst towards her, actually splashing around her as he turned into solid water (leaving her soaked) and then froze before her very eyes. "NO!" By the time the gun sounded, the bullet sank into ice, then fell through water as he shifted forms from ice to water, then back to human in matter of seconds. <i>Thought you could hide from us down here, eh, waterboy?</i> "No, no I was just on my way to see Tony- oof!" he grunted as he was slammed into the wall. The group, composed of about five gunmen, (three pinning him, two with guns kept pointed at her), didn't seem convinced. (continued)
Thief - <i>So you got the money then?</i> "Almost-" <i>Boss don't like almost, Calico. You know dat. Who's da girl?</i> "No one. I don't know, just someone I stole from. I almost have your money, I swear!" A flashlight suddenly illuminated his face, and his eyes, each a different, vibrant color, glanced to Kaylen. "Just let her go... she's got nothing to do with this!" <i>How much you short, Jack?</i> "Only a hundred, I can get it by tonight." <i>Hey boys, what you suppose an eye goes for on da market? Well over a hundred, don'tcha think?</i> There seemed to be a consensus that it would. A consensus solidified by the pop of a switch blade. Mismatched eyes stared up at the blade, clearly frightened as it tapped at each of his cheeks, just under the eye in turn. <i>Take your pick, Jack. Would ya rather be blue-eyed, or green?[/i}</i>
Kaylen - Heff was tossing a fit about being left behind. She wouldn't dare do that! There's no way. Jade was laughing. Happy to be the last one standing. Guilt would get the best of her eventually. These were her charges. She was just as responsible for them as they were for her. There was no time to feel any remorse now. She somehow silenced the scream in her throat, both hands went up at first sight of a gun. What had she gotten herself into? The gun went off, Kaylen just knew she was dead....no..soaked. "Wha?.." Not expected. Their attention fell to the man who'd robbed her while she backed up to put her back to the wall. She was amazed that someone like him would care if she were killed or not. A common thug..wouldn't give her stuff back. ..big jerk. Suddenly didn't so bad when confronted by true thugs. Heff managed to work his way out of the bag. Staying in a darkened corner very near where the men held Theif. Jade was writhing down her back. The fear rising in Kaylen had the panther feeling antsy as well. <i>Him on..me off. Heff's not useful here. You'll have better luck combined with him.</i> She wasn't listening to the cat. Only the man now threatening to take out an eye. "Wait..wait..my wallet..there's money. Take it. If that's what you want, spare him..take it all."
Thief - She had her attention when she mentioned the money. The other four looked to the one who seemed to be the ring leader, the one tapping the blade at Jack's face. He nodded to one of the others, <i>Check da bag. If da girl moves, shoot her.</i> One of them began rummaging though her purse, looking for the wallet. <i>You'd best hope that lady luck delivers there, bud,</i> that blade still threatening at his face. When they came up with $50, the leader tutted, <i>Well, you was half lucky at least. Means we only gotta take half an eye, eh?</i> Which really wasn't any different from taking a whole eye. "Wait! I just need a little more time! I can get the rest, Tony knows I'm good for it!" The few exchanged glances, then decided, <i>You got till midnight. And go ahead and make it an even $150- interest you know. For my charity. Don't make me come looking for you again...</i> They released him and he slid down the wall still shaking. He'd actually tip his had to the lady, <i>Tanks for the donation.</i> And they'd turn and run off unless otherwise stopped, leaving Kaylen and her mugger alone once more.
Kaylen - Kaylen had held her breath the whole entire time. Didn't want to see anyone hurt over something as petty as a few measly bucks. There were way too many to try and fight. Where her two sidekicks might foolishly jump into the fray, she knew better. They had guns. Guns would kill them all together or one at a time. Only once sure the men were gone did she let out a long, trembling exhalation. Clutching a hand over her heart. "Oh my god.." left a sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. Kneeling in front of the very man who got her into this.."You ok?" ..<i>What? It's all his fault? Slap him and let's be gone.</i> "Shut up Jade. Heff return." The dragon tattoo forming where panther had once been. Even it scurried down to a more comfortable spot stretched across her back. "Why are they after you?..loan sharks or something?"
Thief - He looked up at her, his expression entirely apologetic at first, then turning sharper, as he scolded, "That was so stupid! You could have gotten yourself killed!" He rose to his feet, pulling away to increase the distance between him and her. "Look, I'm sorry you had to see that, but I think it's probably better if you go, alright? This is really none of your business, and believe me, you don't want it to be." So much for appreciation for her aid back there. Just as well, he didn't need to be friendly anyway. He was a big, scary bad guy who she shouldn't be consorting with. So go on now, shoo. Rarr! Pity, he'd kind of wrecked that facade when he went to the trouble to save her, didn't he? It was alot easier to be scary at night when you had darkness and victim's panic on your side.
Kaylen - "Stupid!...He was going to cut your eye out! Where's the <i>Thank you lass. I couldn't afford to get a glass one.</i> Cause you can't because you clearly have no money." JERK! She should turn him in. Save his face for awhile if he was sitting in jail. That would cause too much trouble for her. The city didn't take kindly to mutants and those often mistaken for them. "None of my business? Became my bloody business when you took my bag, drug me down here and let your friends take off with my money. So just piss off with this tough guy charade. You're nothing compared to them. Do you need more money or not? Cause I won't live myself tomorrow if you're murder is on the news. Karma says I have to help you.." So deal with it bub!
Thief - "Look, it's not your problem anymore, alright? You've done enough, thanks! Look, darlin' I really appreciate it, but there's just not much more you can do." Damn she was insistent. Figures a girl with tats that wild would have a high pain tolerance. He'd have expected more crying and screaming, and a bit less demanding to give him money. It was just weird. He sighed, telling her, "I <i>always</i> need money. People gotta have it to live, alright? Not all mutants get to be pretty like you, alright?" he said sharply. "There's nothing you can do about it, nothing anybody can do about it and in the end we all just do what we gotta do. Don't you have a life to get back to anyway? Go home." He'd kept walking, though it seemed that she was stubborn enough to try and keep up with him. Finally he stopped, turning to her face on, "Go home, lady."
Kaylen - "I AM NOT YOUR DARLIN'!" Man that really chapped her hide. She hated it when strangers called her pet names. Ugh..nails on a chalkboard. "..and I am not a mutant." Is there nothing he could get right? Her gifts were not a mutation. They were a family trait..a legacy. Completely different. If arrested, she'd be treated just the same. She'd have to hock something but she'd give him the cash if it meant saving his life. He'd saved hers afterall. "Why don't you get a job?" Did he say she was pretty?..so was not gonna distract her with such drivel. Kaylen was following him. Wasn't truly intentional. Had nothing better to do. He kept talking, she kept walking. "There is something I can do. I can give you the money. $150 right? So you won't die tonight. It won't rest on my conscience. Has everythign to do with MY life and just a little to do with yours." Shoving her hands in the front pockets of her blue jeans as the temp dropped the further away from civilization they went into the tunnel. Smacked right into his chest when he turned to tell her to go. "You ..don't..boss..me." *poke, poke, poke, poke* One finger poke for each word.
Thief - What was wrong with this chick? It's like she had no sense of self-preservation whatsoever. Anyone with any kind of sense wouldn't have followed him into a subway, then down a deserted corridor, then tried to save him from clearly dangerous thugs, then be following him now deeper into an abandoned subway shaft! "Look here, SWEETHEART! my life shouldn't rest on <i>your</i> conscience. It's my problem, alright? Not yours. Look, I can't keep a job and make all the money I need. Any job I can get can't begin to pay for what I need, so I appreciate you concern, but you don't have to be." And then she started poking him in the chest. How rude! He grabbed her hand, but didn't at all managed to look as threatening as he was trying to look. "Look, LADY, $150 would be like sticking your finger in a damn leak during Katrina, alright? You've contributed enough, and I thank you, but I can get the rest elsewhere, alright? So, <i>darlin'</i> why don't you just scamper on back to where ever it is you came from!" Funny how he had been perfectly willing to take her money, but didn't seem keen on the thought of being given it. Well, at least stealing was earning in a way. ...a jacked up... twisted kind of way.
Kaylen - Why did he keep calling her those things? "Listen BABE, you can not exonerate me from my own conscience. So it IS my problem. So why not just let me give you the money and we can be done. What are you a druggie or something?.." How much money does a guy need anyway? She didn't make much..no one was trying to break her legs or flick out an eye. Soon as he touched her skin, a chorus of hissing and growls filled the air. Both the tattoos ready to go on the defensive. Twisting her wrist free of his grasp, stepping back.."Don't touch me." Was not a tit for tat situation. "Look..sugarplum..sometimes it's that little patch that can buy time to stop the flood. ..and I don't scamper. I'm not a rat." He did not know his way around a woman at all. Everything he said was offensive. "I <i>insist</i> you take it."
Thief - "I am not!" he yelled bat at her suggestion that he were a druggie. That was uncalled for, he didn't even look like the type! He wasn't pale and spindly and scrawny like a crack head. His hand on her skin had been cold, but the grip was easily broken when she jerked her hand back. "I've taken enough from you today, alright?" ...was there a quota apparently? Either way, he seemed quite resolute. He started walking again, refusing her insisting. When she started to follow him again, he'd turn again, now standing right over a drain. "Sorry." Was all he had to say, then turned to water, and simply melted down the drain. He started to simply take off, but a pang of conscience caught up with him, and he waited in the drain. They'd taken alot of turns with her following him. Had she even paid attention, or had she been too busy following him? It was, after all, like a labyrinth down here if you didn't know the way. She had helped him... he didn't want to see her hurt.
Kaylen - He didn't look like a drugged out person. Those were the only people she knew who needed a large source of money to get by. Between dealers and addiction, cash was a necessity. Kaylen figured she didn't need her money as badly as he did. Had he never met an unselfish person before? "You'd rather die than take what I offer freely?" Seemed like it. He vanished into the drain leaving her staring down in amazement. <i>That is one wierd dude.</i> Heff's words filled her mind. Shaking her head, she turned and had a look around. Wasn't a straight shot back to the surface. "Anyone remember the way?" <i>Noooooo, we were too busy following after the mugger. Told you we should have left scaley butt behind. Now we are lost.</i> In the dark..all alone. "Ideas?" <i>We walk until we find people.</i> Heff offered. Made sense. She had his hearing and the combination of two extra pair of eyes. Couldn't be too difficult. Heading down a few stretches of tunnel until coming to a three-way split. Left, right or middle? She had no clue. There was a light ahead. Flickering just off in the distance. So that direction won..ran her right into a homeless camp where druggies abound. They looked shocked and a bit too happy to see her.
Thief - He sat there a moment, weighing his options. He'd told her to go home along time ago. She should have listened. It wasn't his problem that she was too stubborn to listen. She wasn't his problem at all! He had enough troubles, quite frankly, to be bothered with her pigheadedness. It wasn't his responsibility to worry about her. ...but he did. He sighed to himself. He had to be out of his mind. They'd descended deep enough into the tunnels to be right above the sewer system, which was a perfectly accessible mode of travel for him. Though she might not know it, she and her inky friends did not travel alone. When she happened upon the druggie camp, he'd be at the grate under her feet, listening and waiting.
Kaylen - "<b>Well, well..what have we got here boys. A guest. Pretty, little thing too. Come here, let's have a looksie shall we.</b>" Oops, wrong way. She started backing up only to be blocked by very, large, greasy haired man who smelled of alcohol and B.O. Kaylen gasped, tried to turn and run ..he grabbed a handful of hair and wrenched her back. "Leave me alone. I don't...I don't have any money..someone already took it." The tart words shared between her and the thief were gone. She didn't fear him like she did these guys. <b>"Pity. Dangerous down here you know. Kind of stupid to be out alone isn't it? Little rich girl on an adventure..break up with your boyfriend maybe..ran away? No money left. Guess we'll be taking something else then eh? Surely you can think of something we might find useful.</b>" There was no mistaking what he was alluding to. <i>There's six..there's six. We can take them. Kaylen..release us!!!</i> She was frozen as more circled around her.
Thief - There was a sudden stab at the man's feet. A shard of ice pierced through the flimsy sole of each boot clearing through the entire width of his foot. Stinging bitter ice began to crackle it's way up his legs as it began to form into a man. Jack's icy form came to stand behind him, with an arm wrapped around his neck that has been grown into a razor sharp shard, "She's not alone." He'd feel the bite of a knife at his throat, warning him and the others to, "Let her go, and back off. I don't want to hurt you, but that doesn't mean I won't. The girl's with me. Let her go."
Kaylen - The man cried out in pain, slinging Kaylen violently against the wall where she slid to the ground dazed. The others who had gathered started backtracking away. No longer as eager to take part. Leaving Jack with only one. <i>Kaylen, get up. Get up now.</i> Holding her forehead, she'd struggle to her feet, starting at the sight of the same Thief now helping her again. She owed him twice! He wouldn't let her repay him. With her attackers all in check, she turned and ran the other way, back to the fork in the system. Leaning against the concrete wall to catch her breath. "This is not my day." How could she be so stupid?
Thief - Once she started to run, Jack released his hold on the man and started to run as well. As they retreated, a few others found their courage upon seeing them so eager to run and started to chase after them. Jack looked back, then started to slide along the ground like a skater , leaving ice in his wake. Which left a pile of former pursuers on the ground where they'd slipped on the ice. He zipped back to the fork where she was waiting, scooping her up as they rounded the bend. "Come on!" He wanted to make sure that trouble was far behind them before they stopped. When they did, he'd set her down and try to assure that she was alright. "Are you hurt?" he asked, "Looked like you hit your head back there. Here. For the swelling." If she'd let him, he'd reach out to gently touch the knot on her head, his hand as cold and soothing as could be.
Kaylen - You know, she really shouldn't be so used to this mutant thing as she was. Met a few earlier. Hid out with them to avoid being arrested. Everyone had an amazing talent. Very useful when in danger. All she could do was flirt with an officer. In the end, that's what worked more than some power believe it or not. The only gift she had was two mouthy pests who wouldn't go away. Something was wrong with this picture. "Hey..what..put me down!" So suddenly now he was Lancelot? Saving the damsel in distress? Make up your mind dude! Once the world stopped moving, her feet were firmly back on the ground.."I'm fine. Only a flesh wound. Bit of a knot." Wincing as his hand cooled the still growing goose egg above her left eye. "What is your deal? ..I don't get you at all."
Thief - He left his hand there, surprisingly gentle, at her wound, soothing it as best he could, which was about as much good as an ice pack could do. And it wasn't even drippy down her face, so that was a bonus. His brows lifted together in worried apology, "Oh darlin'" he said, not trying to sound aggravating, even as he pet named her out of an honest nervous habit, "I tried to tell you to go home. It's not safe down here." Interestingly enough, he sounded truly sorry. No doubt, this was the oddest mugger she'd ever met. As for his deal, and her getting him, well she didn't have to get him. They just had to get her out of here and but up to where she'd be safe and sound. "Look, is there somewhere I can take you? Home? A friends house?" Anywhere she'd be safe and could rest up?
Kaylen - Darlin..she had to bite her tongue. Really shouldn't bother her as much as it did. Seemed degrading to use those names on someone you didn't know. "I know. It's all my fault. Thank you for not letting me get killed after you stole from me." Technically his friends took the money. That didn't matter right now. "I don't really know anybody here yet..ok. I live in Queens. I don't want to put you out anymore than I already have. So shove me in the right direction and I'll find a way home." Cause without cash, she couldn't take the usual cab back to her house.
Thief - Yeah, he kinda deserved that. She'd have never wound up in all this had it not been for him. "I'm sorry I got you into this mess, alright? Just..." Sigh. "Come on, we can catch a subway to Queens," they were already past the turnstiles after all, not like they'd have to pay now, "And I'll make sure you get home without further trouble, alright?" He did feel pretty bad about it, but he really hadn't expected her to follow him so far! Anyway, at least he could get her back to where she'd started from if nothing else. Seemed the decent thing to do anyway, at least so the Thief thought.