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 Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:09 pm
He didn't have the energy it took to argue the matter so slipped from the helicopter to the floor. He followed silently behind Wesley and the girl, still hearing her soft whimpers despite all else.
"Maybe she's hungry." he offered, ignoring his own ailments. Hunger, sleep deprivation, and plenty of cuts, bruises, internal and mental bruising that would last him a life time.
"Can I ask, what do you do? I mean professionally..." Threads like those weren't purchased with a pretty smile alone. That much he knew.
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Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:28 pm
"Perhaps," Wesley agreed to the first statement as they made their way down to the stairs and inside the building.
"I am the owner of Royal Hotels, and their food chain, Crown Cuisine." As their name suggested, they were high-class hotels and restaurants, popular in larger cities and those areas that boasted good vacation spots. They probably wouldn't be caught dead in an area like this, yet here was their owner - likely a great-something grandson of the original creator. "And you have dealings with the people I was complaining of earlier? I apologize if I offended."
He handed the girl off to the first person they came across, a woman who practically threw herself at the child and exclaimed over and cuddled her. She didn't even address Wesley, but took the "poor baby" off to be cared for.
"Sharon. Please ask Savanna to bring us some sandwiches or leftovers while I make sure this young man is alright." He called after the retreating figure, then turned Erol into a large bathroom He turned on the water in the sink to let it warm and pulled a first aid kit from the closet, "Will you need help?" He asked, eying some of the spots that were bleeding. He had an idea that Erol most know how to give himself basic care, but wasn't going to assume such either.
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Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:19 pm
Erol watched everything take place in a blur. The girl was handed off in a quick shuffle, a woman cooing over the poor thing. Wesley seemed in control of everything as people bustled by, not many gave Erol a second glance over his appearance. Probably used to such things their employer brought in. He didn't care either way what they thought of him.
By the time he was ushered into the restroom, he didn't have much time to think other than give a marginal nod. "Yeah, I can manage." He said, before turning to look at the tub. "Mind if I get myself cleaned up in the meantime. I don't tend to always look so dishelved if I can help it?" he asked, noting the first aid. It wouldn't be near enough to tend to his wounds but at the very least he could apply some ointments.
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Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:28 pm
Wesley gave a slight nod of his head, "Let me know if you need anything. I may have more to help you with. There are some other things that may help in the cabinet. There's a robe in the closet, if you'd like to use it. I doubt I have clothes your size though." It was said as an apology, "My grandfather's size would be closer, if a bit large for you. I could offer you those while we could wash yours, if you would like."
Wesley waited for Erol's reply to that, then did as he was asked, giving last minute instructions as to how to get to the parlor when he came out. When Erol was ready, that is where Wesley would be waiting while working on his laptop. He would now be dressed in casual, yet fashionable clothing. On a table, some sandwiches and chips along with an empty class and a pitcher of water would be waiting.
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Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:50 pm
Erol nodded in reply to Wesley's account of not having clothing his size. To be honest, the young man was uncertain he'd like to wear such, stiff clothing. "I can wear the robe until my cloths are cleaned." He offered instead. If the guy had an issue then he wouldn't have asked.
Waiting for Wesley to leave, Erol quickly ran some bath water, while peeling his dirty cloths off, setting them in the corner for help to pick it up later. He looked over his wounds most of them caked in mud and dirt. Sighing it was better he cleaned up then he could get a better look. Most of the blood was also caked into his skin by now.
By the time he finished his bath, the water was a grundy shade of brown and black. Most of the mud falling to the bottom of the tub. It was a shame but oh well... Erol hated being dirty for longer than necessary. With himself clean, he was able to look at his wounds and tend to them properly. The bigger of the wounds were mended as best he could do with a first aid, while the rest was covered in ointment to lessen the pain and prevent infection. Wrapping himself in the robe, he snagged an extra towel from the rack placing it over his head to dry his shaggy blond hair, while slipping into some guest slippers provided.
Taking the directions to the study he found Wesley tapping away at his laptop. The sandwhiches although nothing fancy were like a gold mind for a hungry young man like Erol. He went to take a seat, pouring himself a glass of water as he took his first bite of the sandwhiches.
"Thank you." he said between bites, remembering his manners, something his guardian from long ago managed to imbred in him, if nothing else. He missed the old days, that much was for certain.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:07 am
"You're welcome." Wesley looked up with a smile, and another concerned glance, but as Erol seemed to be moving around fine, eating well, and hadn't mentioned anything about his wounds, he assumed that any further concern showed about his state would be unnecessary.
He looked curiously into Erol's eyes, "Would you mind if I asked why it is that you had the authority to demand action for the situation in town?" He seemed so young for that. Erol couldn't have been much older than Wesley's own son, and Wesley wouldn't dream of intusting very much authority into his rambunctious boy.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:13 am
He looked up silently, then back to his sandwhich not really sure of how to answer that. "I suppose you could say I work for someone with those kind of connections." He looked toward the window. The sadness in his tone and on his face was unmistakeable. He was still very much worried about his friend. More importantly he was concerned over himself, how could he possibly hope to protect anyone when he could barely take care of himself.
"I often wonder if it I even have the right to be ordering anyone around." He finally looked at Wesley, holding tighter to the robe he wore.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:21 am
"If you act like a leader, people are either going to look at you as one, or become irritated until you prove yourself worthy of it. If they're looking up to you, then you have those qualities."
He took a breath, and decided to go for a walk on thin ice, "You somehow stood up to Mudslide, didn't you?" He asked, "That takes a good bit of integrity there." He didn't guess that whatever the boy had done had been foolish. He didn't strike him as the sort.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:30 am
"I never asked to be a leader, if that's what you are getting at." Erol said, his tone was normal, no malic, upset or even sadness. For all instances it was neutral. "It's not like I'm not proud of myself for managing to stay alive. Mudslide was a b***h of a maniac and being able to sit here today to tell you about is no small feat, I know, but...." he trailed off reaching for the other sandwhich a sudden wave of hunger washing over him.
"I just wonder if there is something more I could be doing in my training to become stronger. Perhaps, focus my powers better. Just before you found me I know I blacked out. And the devestation left wasn't Mudslide's doing alone. She had help... I hate the fact that it was me."
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:34 am
Wesley nodded, "I never said you wanted to be, but you act like it." He murmured while Erol paused what he was saying to eat.
He paused before answer Erol's second part, thoughtfully considering before giving an answer, "Sometimes, I have to take a hit with my investments and have faith that it will pay out in the end. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. We have to be wise about our decisions, but we cannot live life without some gamble. I, and some friends of mine, also gamble in ways you do. Today there was no guarantee that I could offer any help to anyone, or that I wouldn't be caught. In the past, I've tried to offer more help after Mudslide's destruction. That was a gamble that proved to be more harmful than helpful," he frowned a little at the memory, "And so I take a more passive route now until I can figure how to be more active. It is a learning process, and I applaud you for taking steps you feel are necessary."
He sighed, "I only wish that those you worked with were more careful. He took a long time to call."
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:17 am
For once in his life, Erol was actually listening. Something about this Wesley guy was intriguing but at the same time, the man was quite confusing. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, but suddenly, Erol felt a bit self conscious.
"Gamble you say?" He mulled over the idea in his mind. Life wasn't all peaches and cupcakes, as much as he loved the latter, but if he could avoid situations like today he would gladly take that route. And the fact that Wesley had pointed out something, Erol never once thought about until today... "You said I act like I want to be a leader? How is that? I never wanted to be one... at least... not until today... maybe." He looked away slightly embarrassed for admiting it now.
At the mention of Charles, not so directly he looked up. "I don't like those people but I have to deal with them. I work for them after all. Besides... what about you. What happened to you? What happened in the past that made you so, distant in your rescue efforts?"
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:36 am
"Mudslide has been terrorizing this area some time, as I'm sure you're aware. One of those extremely destructive times she came--When she attacked the school."
It was Wesley's turn to look away and out the window, but his eyes weren't seeing that, "I wanted only to help, but the moment they realized it was an evolved that had come. . .Well, I decided to do what I could anyway, but in lifting some of the debris, I caused some other to collapse, and later. . .Well, they wouldn't approve of me in the first place. Before I'd even made that error, they were threatening. Every time I go out there, I'm afraid someone I'm trying to help is going to try to shoot me. Or I'm afraid of hurting someone else like then. But, you see, I go out anyway because people don't think, or are too frightened. It is my duty to my community, and my duty as an evolved. The community that will accept me, anyway, and my evolved fellows that need to see the example. I wouldn't give a dime for the government's form of organization. They're ineffective, concentrate on the wrong areas, and either never seem to learn from their mistakes or don't truly have the correct agenda. More people are harmed by them. I don't... I'm not against them. I just think it's unnecessary to go through those hoops."
He turned back to Erol, "I don't know who you work for, and I don't know your agenda, but you obviously are quick to step up to a challenge and take control of the situation for yourself; however, you are not greedy and selfish. You honestly care about those around you. You started to deny me in an uncertain situation and take care of someone you didn't even know. That shows leadership quality to me." He shook his head, "But it doesn't seem to me that your under a leadership that is as strong as that."
The message was clear. Was following the paths that were being sanded for him the correct way to go? Honestly?
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:57 am
Erol nodded, "That's how people can be sometimes. I learned first had by the people who were suppose to be my friends, my family even. It doesn't matter if you're helping or if it's an accident. The society we live in likes to play the blame game. And what better person to blame then someone they fear and hate?" He glared silently out the window before turning to look at the book shelves.
"I want to protect those who deserve it. I know that sounds pretencious of me but it's my right. I was given these powers for whatever reason, I should be able to pick and choose who deserves saving." He chuckled slightly, not in the least humorous, "I even remember a time where I had to watch a child die in his mother's arms. He ran across the street for his ball when a truck struck him. Despite it being the kids fault for jumping out there, or the trucker for not paying attention; because I was an Evo, everyone quickly pointed fingers at me. And the guy who killed the kid didn't so much as blink before jumping in his truck and speeding off." He sighed.
"I don't claim to like the people I work for, but it's all I can do for the time being. Going through the motions. Once I find my stitch in this crazy rollercoaster ride, I'll know why I was put on this Earth. Until then, I'm just going to enjoy being me and living only for me and what I believe in." He looked to Wesley.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:12 am
Wesley nodded, "You're right most all of that. People, choice, having to be patient about finding a spot in life. Be careful though, because it is also human nature to fall into that which is common. I have known people who have been in jobs they disliked, but said they'd been there so long already that they didn't see the point in leaving. If you'd like a chance to step out of your role, whatever it may be, I may be able to help you. If you want to help this community, though I know we're undeserving..." He shook his head, saddened by that himself.
"I don't know if you were here by accident or if you were placed here, but if you were assigned, you're more than welcome than to stay with me to see how it is I get around and then make your decision. If you wish to go now though, I'd understand, and pray that another window of opportunity comes your way."
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 7:36 am
Erol contemplated his decision. He could stay a while, understand this man and what he stood for a little better. Or go back to Charles and the others, working under a cause he wasn't sure he liked.
"I am not completely certain on my decison." He confessed finally. It was one trait he couldn't help, being honest was never a hard thing to do. He didn't understand why others didn't follow such a code. Even villains could benefit from being honest with theirselves and those around them.
Eventually he did come to a decision. He wasn't ready to throw in the towel yet. Charles and the others had something, they had heart, he knew. And for some reason, his mind returned to one person he couldn't bring himself to call a friend but at the very least they were stead fast rivals... that had to amount to something. "I want to learn more about you and the things you stand for but I'm not ready to leave them. Not yet..."
Standing to his feet he gave Wesley a cocky grin. "I would like to stay. If you will have me, I'll stay so I can make up my own mind. But I want to return to the others when this is over. So I can be certain of a final decison. Is that ... okay?"
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