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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 10, 2011 8:50:21 GMT 9.5
Adam would say he owed John Druitt his life--twice--if not for the fact that the serial killer had an agenda for sparing Adam's life. When he finally got back to his penthouse apartment in the New City, Michael was gone. He won't blame the boy--he's left the young child to fend for himself while he went on his search for Helen Magnus [ooc: Breach]. Poaching that old woman had proven to be more difficult than he's thought, and being held captive in the Sanctuary's infirmary was the last thing he had expected. Never estimate Helen Magnus. He bit his bottom lip at the mental reminder. He'd strolled along the street and those nearby from when he first met Michael in hope that he will find the boy wandering around, but his search was in vain. The recent destruction of Hollow Earth had sent the Sanctuary on an active search for abnormals without a home--the possibility of Michael finding them or vice versa stands, and there was only one way to find out. He adjusted himself on the roller chair in front of his computer and let his fingers dance across the keyboard noisily. He'd have to be careful--it would be easier to get past Foss's detection but if the whiz of a vampire was fiddling around with the system and intercepted his signals... Adam bit down on a fingernail in contemplation. Truth be told, both Jekyll and Hyde had gotten quite fond of the little boy. "Perhaps if I could just ride the wave of the EM shield..." Adam thought out loud. The manipulation of EM fields is after all, Michael's ability. A few strokes of key in his program, the signals were joined. Adam keyed in the message quickly, then disconnected himself--if Michael got the message, the boy would know how and where to find him. -----02309014019020015014--013025--02015025--019015018018025--09--080102205--020505014--0701501405--019015--01201501407--0130505020--01305--01020-8-023080501805--02305--0609018019020--01305020--09--02309012012--020180901407--025015021018--06010220150180902005-----
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Post by MICHAEL MATTHIAS WINSTON on Dec 10, 2011 10:09:12 GMT 9.5
He finished most of his things that day, drawing the sun once again, since it seemed different every day, and he’d even made sure to make the bed that he’d been given. It was still a little bit scary there, and that got him thinking about that other person. That person that had picked him up off the streets at first, just after he’d come out of praxis. Adam, was his name. He was nice, he gave Michael food, and he helped Michael settle down. This person was the one that even taught him about the technology up here, and what it was supposed to do. Some of it he said was evil.
Michael let a small sigh and, planning to go an annoy Henry again; he paused, standing in the hallway. A curious little message had popped up in the lengths he normally perused. In any case, he decided to glance at this, standing still in the halls of the sanctuary as he decoded the numbers. It was an easy enough code for his power to work through and he brightened almost immediately. He ran outside of the sanctuary, almost immediately. He was stronger now, and he could do such a thing.
Though he’d become quite fond of Helen Magnus, Adam provided Michael with one-on-one attention, and hadn’t yet scolded him for anything he’d done. He apologized for leaving as well, so it was all better, right? Michael was of course someone that made little alarm as he left a building. He took out the video where he walked as he went, and the locks that were supposed to hold him in did nothing. He did get out of the sanctuary quickly enough. After all, there was nothing keeping him there. He was basically given free reign.
It took him a few hours to get his bearings in the city, and he felt a little lost, nibbling his fingers, but he made his way to the place. It wasn’t where he had been taking shelter since he’d left Adams home; it was a different street, closer to where Adam had been at the time. And there he stood, looking around at the people near him. The sun still didn’t agree with him, so he’d put himself in the shadows as he watched, waiting for Adam to come and take him back, and he said favorite…something. The rest was cut off, but he was fairly sure he’d get something from Adam, he always had gotten presents before.
He couldn’t help but feel special. It was a message just for him. For him! Adam had taken his time to search for Michael, and give him a letter. He didn’t usually smile, but it was easier when he thought off the care Adam had given him. Such a good person too.
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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 10, 2011 21:46:04 GMT 9.5
Adam waited anxiously, eyes fixated on the computer screen. A part of him anticipated the worst--interception, finding his location, stealing his files... He increased the strength of the firewall for precaution.
When it seemed about time, Adam pushed himself off the chair and grabbed his coat. More likely than not, if Michael had received the message, he will be there--unless the poor boy had been held in secured quarters, but Adam couldn't imagine Helen doing that to a young child. He tucked his hands into his coat pockets and kept his head down as he exited his apartment and descend the stairs to the main streets. A slushie was the first thing Adam bought for Michael when they first met--that would be a fitting reunion 'gift'.
With one bag strap slung around his shoulder, Adam made his way to the purchase, grabbing an extra pack of twizzlers before heading to the street where they first met. Habit led him to discover Michael in the sea of commuters sooner than later. His eyes had swept pass the shadowed corners for precaution, and when they landed on the familiar face of the child, Adam's lips spread into a toothy smile.
"Mikey-boy!" Adam called out as he entered the shadows where the boy stood. He ruffled the child's hair affectionately before kneeling down to his height and fished out the tall cup of slushie wrapped in a keep-cool glove. "All yours, but not at once" he instructed. Inside his mind, Hyde sneered. Reminds you of the time with Imogene? When Adam chose to ignore the voice, Hyde chuckled. Don't worry Adam, we'll get her back. I think Imogene would love a little brother, don't you? The man couldn't help but smile at the prospect. He held out a hand for Michael to grab and stood up. "C'mon, boy, let's get some lunch."
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Post by MICHAEL MATTHIAS WINSTON on Dec 11, 2011 7:13:05 GMT 9.5
His eyes were lit up as he saw the familiar face of Adam. Adam brought him food, and he brought Michael to a warm, safe place with none of the odd machines and noises at the sanctuary. He only smiled for Adam now, a rare smile it was, but he let one break across his face. The boy’s eyes were still lit up as he received the slushy and took the hand of his beloved benefactor. Slushie’s were really good…it was great that Adam remembered it was michaels favorite.
He brought it up almost immediately to sip a large quantity, though a lot less than he’d tried eating when he’d first gotten a slushy. At that time he’d gotten quite a large brain freeze, and he’d only continued eating after a minor power outage happened a few blocks around. Yes…it was a much better plan to keep the little boy happy. He held the slushy carefully in one of his hands, and hugged adams hand to him.
It was an embrace. He’d missed the calming touch of a guy who really seemed to care about him, and wanted him to be happy. This was why Michael would always, always help Adam. No matter what happened. Michael sipped a bit more of his slushy and spoke, also a rarity for him.
“I was in a place with machines and things…and a person called Helen Magnus gave me sandwichs.”
He looked to Adam with almost adoring eyes. It was not often that people searched for him, though if it was realized that Adam Worth had a little EM abnormal who sincerely wanted to help him, most likely he’d be searched for a bit more often than before.
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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 11, 2011 8:52:25 GMT 9.5
The boy hugged Adam's hand, sending a warm flutter to his heart that was unfortunately followed by Hyde's mocking. Adam could mock back, but snide remarks weren't something he was in the mood for in the presence of Michael. Adam adjusted the backpack on his shoulder and led them towards a nearby cafe. The boy spoke, and he looked down, pleasantly surprised.
Magnus... both his and Hyde's voice chanted in unison, the latter filled with more hatred. Machines? Hyde's voice sneered in his head. You'd think after so long that old hag had found different techniques of investigation for different prisoners. Of course, she isn't as smart as we are.
Adam chuckled mentally in response. "Helen Magnus, huh?" he asked as his eyes met the boy's. His lips couldn't help but crinkle up in a smile. "And machines?" Adam made a face of attempted disdain, one that would probably crack a child up. "I hope the sandwiches were at least nice," he joked as he pushed open the door to the cafe and led the boy in.
Oh Adam, such a sap, Hyde interrupted. He's so young, so innocent, the voice taunts. How easy would it be to turn him against that wench?
Not now, Adam warned. Patience, remember? He raised two fingers to the waitress that approached them and led them to a booth seat.
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Post by MICHAEL MATTHIAS WINSTON on Dec 11, 2011 12:53:41 GMT 9.5
Adam understood him. Adam was able to even tell what Michael wanted to know, so he smiled as he made his way through the city by adams side. A smile. He was proud of himself for doing do, but he felt that all the important information was out, so he didn’t say anything else, he was just nodding now at points he found good. Michael lifted his slushy out, and then out came his most important thing.
He looked to Adam. The only person he trusted to hold this prized possession. He pushed the bear towards the male, saying merely one word. “Broken” There was indeed a rip in the bear, it’s arm was falling off. And on the back it had some rips as well. This was most likely from the ordeal he’d already gone through. He looked up at Adam, wondering if it could be fixed.
Because this was such a big thing though, he had a rather big expression of concern on his face. He touched the slushy straw again and started to drink. He’d never been to this restaurant, and he couldn’t read in English, so he would let Adam take care of that too. The young boy slipped his slushy a little bit.
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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 11, 2011 23:24:11 GMT 9.5
Adam led the boy into one side of the booth before sliding into the opposite side himself. He offered a quick smile at the waitress upon receiving his menu, and held a hand up just as she start to offer Michael a copy.
"Two chicken chops," Adam ordered, then looked up to see Michael sipping away at his slushie. "And one large apple juice, no ice,"
Just as the waitress left, Michael fished out the stuffed bear that he's clung on so dearly for the first few days Adam found him. Adam took the bear and gave it a once through. "Don't worry Mikey, we'll fix it." he smiled, the image of him sewing the stuffed animal up sent an almost deafening laughter through his head. But Hyde let Adam be, no matter how weak he thinks the man is, Hyde certain that whenever necessary, he will be able to claim control of the physical body.
Adam searched the little boy's body language and fidgeted a little with the paper napkin on his side of the booth. "You wanna tell me about Helen Magnus and the machines?" As much as Hyde's seen as the 'evil one' amongst the two, bringing Imogene back was still his idea and there was no doubt if Helen Magnus ever heard wind of it, she will be after him. She's always after him. Adam wanted to know that, when it comes down to a choice between him and the old lady with the sandwiches, who will Michael pick?
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Post by MICHAEL MATTHIAS WINSTON on Dec 11, 2011 23:59:16 GMT 9.5
He looked up at Adam as he spoke, and he relaxed a little bit. It was nice when he got to be near this person, because he didn’t have to prompt himself to say anything. If it was important to say, he’d get prompted to say it, so he cleared his throat before he began.
“She…she was nice to me, but she told me things I wasn’t supposed to do. I’m not supposed to be outside alone…or wander a lot.” That seemed like a rather good summary to Michael, so he nodded at it, and looked around at the restaurant once, as though he’d see a scolding Helen Magnus. Of course, this didn’t happen.
His eyes closed for a moment as he sipped the slushy. The locks around the sanctuary only made Michael feel more curious and concerned, so he’d often make sure they stopped working so he could get past when he wanted. It was for this reason that he was rather tired, and needed to get some rest. In the sanctuary, however, when someone wasn’t used to it, it was rather hard to adjust.
He hadn’t come close to finishing his drink, but it seemed Michael was enjoying it as he took the bear back and put it safely in his pocket. He liked to know where things that were his were at all times. His hands moved to close around the napkin, and he shoved it in his pocket, embarrassed by the amount of fidgeting he did. A nervous child…and for him, it normally wasn’t good, so hopefully food would distract him from his thoughts.
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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 12, 2011 4:32:48 GMT 9.5
Adam offered a crooked smile at the boy's answer. "That doesn't sound very fun," It didn't take long for his juice to arrive and shortly after, the food. Michael isn't a child who speaks much, and unfortunately, Adam isn't quite the talker either. The waitress laid down the plates of food and exchanged the metal utensils next to Michael for a plastic, child-safe set.
Raising Imogene by himself meant he had to play the role of both parents at all time--it was just the both of them. Out of habit, Adam took the utensils and wiped them down with the packet of tissues he fished out from his coat pocket. He turned Michael's plate around and cut the chicken into manageable, bite sizes, then pushed them aside to make space for a puddle of tomato sauce. He turned the plate back for the protein to face the boy and smiled.
"Dig in, it's delicious." he said, cutting into the meat on his plate and took a bite. "After lunch, we'll go back and fix teddy."
A passing waitress stopped to smile at Michael before adverting her eyes to Adam. "He's adorable," she smiled.
Unbelievable! Hyde laughed. But she's right. I'd suggest you get her number, but she seems like the clingy type. Besides, we have more important tasks at hand.
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Post by MICHAEL MATTHIAS WINSTON on Dec 12, 2011 6:20:42 GMT 9.5
Michael watched the food come, and he waited of course until Adam was done wiping everything down. He smiled at this, another thing he was doing oddly. The boy was gradually smiling again. It wasn’t a full on grin, perhaps it was just a passing moment, but it was happening. Looking at the food, he picked up one of the forks and started to eat the food.
He liked it. Very much, and he was just starting to scarf down his food when the waitress came over, to comment on Michael. He shied away, moving closer to where Adam was. It seemed THAT hadn’t changed at all. His aversion to people in general would often show in these types of situations. It didn’t change that he might look cute, but he just didn’t go near them.
For Adam, this would be a beneficial thing. Michael didn’t want to go near other people, and it seemed he’d only developed a bit of trust for one person: Helen Magnus. Therefore, if Helen Magnus were there, that would be the only time Michael would really be forced to question Adam, but at that point…Adam and Magnus would be face to face once again.
The little abnormal child looked at his food and started to eat again as soon as the waitress had left, and finished readily, his apple juice still having a bit left, but his plate relatively clean. He was hungry. The little boy yawned a little bit and looked to Adam, to see if he’d finished.
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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 12, 2011 8:07:27 GMT 9.5
When Adam shifted closer uncomfortably at the comment, Adam looked up at the waitress and placed an reassuring hand on the boy. "He's shy," he explained, hoping the lady will move on. When she tried to bend down to Adam's height in attempt to win him over, Adam glared warningly and shook his head slightly. If he dared admit, that glare contained a bit of Hyde. They won't want anything to scare Michael off and have him running back to that wench now.
Hurry up, Adam, Hyde complained impatiently. I've got this new hypothesis I think we should try out. Honestly, the chicken's good, but we've had better. Adam groaned inwardly, but understood Hyde's stand. He started to take larger bites until Hyde's warning voice entered his mind again. Don't choke.
Finishing lunch quickly wasn't a challenge--Michael was usually silent and it looked like the boy was hungry. Adam looked up upon cleaning off his plate and smiled at the sight of Michael's. He noticed the stifled yawn and pulled out his wallet, leaving the bill on the table and slid out of the booth with his back pack slung on one shoulder. He held out a hand for Michael to take, then crouched down to the boy's height.
"You want a piggy-back ride back?"
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Post by MICHAEL MATTHIAS WINSTON on Dec 12, 2011 8:47:16 GMT 9.5
He was surprised at Adams gesture, and he paused a moment. He’d never gotten an offer for a piggy-back ride before. But he looked at adams back for a moment, and then slowly climbed on. Though incredibly weak, he did hold on very tightly, because he wasn’t sure if he’d fall off or not.
“It was turning out to be a good day.” Thought the little boy. Adam was back, and had sent a message just for Michael to get. Adam was letting him go on a piggy-back ride, and he’d gotten Michael food to eat. The slushy was really yummy too.
The thoughts about Helen Magnus and her being the person to trust were rapidly vanishing as he once again hugged Adam, even if it was due to the piggy-back, he felt wanted…but he also felt something that he didn’t get to feel at the sanctuary. He felt normal. He felt like he could be just like any other kid. No one out here was worrying whether or not he was going to hack their computers. He was just normal again. He closed his eyes and likely slept the whole way back to the apartment.
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Post by DR AARON SHUTT on Dec 13, 2011 10:11:06 GMT 9.5
Aaron didn’t like flying. He didn’t like anything that took him out his comfort zone. He liked entering a situation with all the information he could possibly get, so Aaron spent the flight going over documents about the new Praxis abnormals, particularly one Michael Matthias Winston.
Aaron Shutt was well aware of the fact he wasn’t a child psychologist. He hadn’t counselled a child for over a decade. On the other hand, he’d counselled numerous trauma patients. Since he moved back to New York, he was inundated with people still recovering from the collapse of the Twin Towers. Aaron tried to help them, but there were already years of trauma gone unacknowledged. Aaron planned to speak to Michael before then.
The plane arrived whilst Aaron was just starting to fall asleep, exhausted from hours of research and a lack of caffeine. It took him a while to collect all the papers he’d scattered everywhere, but eventually he managed to fit them all into his briefcase. He stepped out of the plane, and into New City.
Aaron was tempted to grab a cab, but the ones he came across looked a little… dangerous. His plan was to grab a bus, even though he always seemed to attract the crazies, but that was a good thing. In all likelihood, he’d probably wander around lost until someone from the Old City rang to give him directions, or preferably a lift.
It was getting late, and Aaron was starting to feel more than a little lost. He took out his cellphone, and was busy looking up the number for Old City Sanctuary when he pumped into someone. Two people actually. Aaron looked up, and blinked: Michael Matthew Winston.
Aaron stepped back, a little shocked. “Michael?” Aaron winced, stammering slightly. “I was actually on my way to meet you. I’m… Aaron. Doctor Aaron Shutt.” Aaron stuttered, rambling a little due to being caught off-guard. The words stopped pouring so freely when he took another step back, and saw whose shoulders Michael was upon. “Adam?” Aaron’s face paled.
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Post by ADAM WORTH on Dec 13, 2011 21:27:23 GMT 9.5
Adam shrugged the backpack on in front of him as Michael climbed on his back wordlessly. He stood, both arms tucked under the boy's knee for support and headed off. The slightly overzealous waitress rushed to his aid by the door, and Adam offered a smile of gratitude--normalcy, that's what's important to blend in, even though nobody will hardly notice an odd ball wandering around in a busy city. Not too odd, that is.
It wasn't before long that Adam felt the boy's head on his back--he must have fallen asleep under the warm afternoon sun. One road crossed and -bump!-
"Pardon me," Adam apologized while Hyde snarled inside. It won't be good to gather attention anywhere--if the sooner they get back, the sooner Hyde gets the chance to test out his hypothesis on the machine they are building. But the man they bumped into stopped and looked up, eyes fixed on Michael. He seemed to know the boy.
Aaron Shutt? That weasel. Hyde grumbled. Adam's mind searched for the memory of Aaron when the gray-haired man took a step back and their eyes met. The color from the other man's face visibly paled and this was when Hyde's voice interrupted his thoughts. Let me handle this, Hyde snarled. It wasn't a request.
Still with the boy on his shoulders, Hyde took a cautious step away from Aaron. Witnessing Adam's efforts to blend into normalcy had taught him a thing or two--and Adam was right, attention was the last thing they need.
Sanctuary, Helen! Adam warned in Hyde's mind. It seems the gentler man had caught up with his memories. What is he doing here? Have they traced him down? Was there a tracking device on Michael? Was that what that old hag did to all the abnormals she captured? For a person who claims to provide a safe haven for abnormals, she seem to treat them like criminals. Like.....free range chickens.
"Doctor Shutt," Hyde smirked, dipping his head slightly to the side in greeting. "So nice to see you again. but I'm afraid I can't stay to chat--busy, busy!"
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Post by DR AARON SHUTT on Dec 14, 2011 2:14:08 GMT 9.5
“Adam, please.” Aaron’s tone was almost begging Worth to stay. “Michael has been through a tremendous amount of trauma. I just want to speak to him, make sure he’s okay.” A glance at Michael showed that he certainly seemed okay. He was sleeping soundly, with a smile on his face. Michael felt safe with Adam. Aaron knew he wasn’t.
Worth continued walking, but Aaron followed him. If he’s stopped to think about it for a second, Aaron would turn tail and run in the other direction. He should give up, before he irritated Worth too much, although it was probably too late for that.
“Adam, please.” Aaron pleaded to Worth’s better half. “You know I only want to help, but I can’t let you take him.” Aaron stated simply. “Whatever scheme you have planned, he’s only a child.” No, that wouldn’t work. In Worth’s twisted mind, he probably cared for the child.
“You say you have no time to chat, but I’m a psychotherapist. It’s what I do.” Aaron continued. “I’ve been told I’m very persistent.” Aaron smiled, despite the fear and desperation clawing at him throat. He was as desperate not to let Adam go untreated as he was Michael. “I won’t go running to Helen, if that’s what you’re afraid of.” Aaron surprised himself with that. He was always good at keeping secrets, but would he really withhold information from his own employer? This would be a dangerous secret to keep.
“I just want to make sure you’re safe. That Michael is safe.” Aaron stated. That’s really all that mattered. “I need to know you’re not a danger to yourself, or to others. Until I know that, I really must insist the boy stays with me.” Aaron couldn’t decide if he was being brave, or foolish.
“Please Adam. Just talk to me. You’ve talked to me before.” Before. Before the Sanctuary. Before the abnormals. Before Aaron knew any better. Back when Good triumphed over Evil. Back when Aaron thought he could make a difference. Back when Aaron’s life meant something. Aaron needed that again. “Please, just talk to me.”
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