Joshua Ian Handlers's Story

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Janne Jenesen

Of course, his initial plan didn't work for long.

Two pairs of hands pulled him out from under the covers and dragged him into the hallway, protesting and legs flailing underneath boxershorts. "I'm not even decent!" he tried to say, but was shoved into the dining room anyways, the two butlers' grip strong to prevent him from running away. He had seen another running towards and then past them in the hallway. Someone must have already tried to escape.

He arrived in time to here the end of Mr. Sayco's speech. He didn't pay too much attention, too busy taking in what Mr. Sayco actually looked like, along with the dozen other random people in here, most of whom he didn't know. Then again, he didn't go outside, so, surprise surprise.

In an attempt to get back in bed, he turned invisible, but the men's grip didn't slacken. Disappointed, Janne stayed invisible just to spite them. And because he figured two grown men holding so tightly onto nothing might be a humorous sight.

Keira stood back and let the speech and questions unfold. She turned in on herself to think once Sayco had, had his say on why he'd brought them all here. She couldn't argue with the fact he'd already saved her by kidnapping her, to her knowledge she was being actively hunted at the time one of Sayco's handy men slipped a cloth over her mouth. She couldn't disagree with his cause either, he was offering her his hospitality, a chance to hone her abilities (something she'd been tackling all her life) and a chance to free her kind from the oppression they'd been suffering.

Most importantly though Keira highlighted one word she'd heard in his inspiring speech. Safe. He said she'd be safe here. For the first time in her life she'd be well and truly safe. It wasn't something a girl like her could comprehend, she'd been looking over her shoulder for so long, the idea of a place that offered sincere security, it was sanctury. A sanctury that came 48 hours too late.

Part of her wanted to run, she'd known loneliness and self dependance for so long it seemed such a risk to place her welfare into a strangers hands, yet Arthur Sayco had something about him, whether it was his image or his deep southern voice, there was confidence, honestly and safeness in his representation. Keira had more than herself to worry about now, she had to make the right choice.

Stepping forward, past the other Actives that still lingered uncertainly by the door Keira aimed a stern, serious look at the hot tempered young man who had recently entered and backed Sayco's speech. She then turned her attention to Arthur and tried her best to smile. It came out as a grimace but it was close enough.

"If this place is really safe. I will stay. You'll need me if you're going to bring down the saviour empire, but I will not promise my participation. I will not risk my neck for this dream, not yet."

Julia had to fight back a grin as Beck goofed off. Sure it was probably inappropriate given the circumstances; but Beck was Beck, and what Beck wants she gives. Turning to look back over the gathered Actives, her hint of a grin quickly sobered away. They had just been offered a ‘safe’ place to stay. To be able to sleep under a roof with food and a bed. Train and learn more about their gifts. Perhaps even find out why Beck lost his sight; maybe even get it back. And she could learn to better defend them and fight; she wasn’t going to deny her abilities were raw at best. But it all sounded too good to be true.

“Seriously though, Beck. What do you think of this whole haven offer? Do you want to stay, or get out of here. I want to know what you think.” She said quietly, grabbing a glass and tilting it to swirl the water inside of it.

Julia was one of the few people that Beck was able to read like a book despite the fact that he couldn’t see her face. He knew everything he needed from the tone of her voice and from her tone now he knew it was time to be serious. His face straightened and his eyes drifted to look towards the table as he thought. “Well, I think of it this way. We stay here with the possibility of Mr. Sayco being an extremist bound on killing all humans but on the other hand we’re given safety and training which we both desperately need. It could be a trick and we could be biting off more than we can chew but if we leave then we’re going right back to our old life, if you can even call it that. So I guess I’m saying we either take our chances here or run and hide for the rest of our lives. I’d rather take a chance. What about you? I want you to feel safe Julia.” He reached out for her, missing his mark a couple of times before his hand finally came to rest on her forearm. “You’re my main priority so if you want to go then we’ll go.”

Staring at the glass before setting it back on the table, Julia placed her free hand on top of his. “As much as I think this is likely to bite us in the butt; it’s not like our other options are any better. We can stay here long enough to get some training; heaven knows we both need it. But if things start to go south, we walk. Maybe we can work something out about the human part; but the bleeders can go to hell, and I’ll be happy to give ‘em a boost myself.” Grip tightening, Julia looked at her brother despite the fact he couldn’t see her. “And no worrying about me, that’s my job. You just keep your girlie tail out of trouble if we’re staying.”

‎ Beck’s familiar smile crept back to his face at the playful jab. “You’re just jealous because I’m more feminine than you.” He chuckled and raised her hand to his lips to give it an affectionate peck. “Love you pussycat.”

“You’re only feminine because you hit like a girl.” Julia returned the jab before once again leaning back into the chair and resuming her watch of the other Actives, wondering who else would stay or who would choose to go. Taking another look at the girl sitting across from them, Julia couldn’t hold back the smirk as she thought about the stranger’s question. Surely if these people could train a state 2, then there had to be something they had in mind for state 1’s.

Aurora cautiously sat down as Mr. Sayco was talking. He just had a way of talking that made everything make so much sense. Even though they had just met, she felt like he was trustworthy. At the words "my family", Aurora felt her chest constrict. He was talking about them. Her. Then and there, Aurora knew she was staying. No one else had ever accepted her like that before. The questions that most everyone seemed to be concerned with flew right over Aurora's head. This was the place where she belonged. And, as a special bonus, she would be trained in her power. [i]I'll finally have a use for my other half[i] she mused. "I'm staying," she announced to no one in particular. The people in charge would probably get a head count later.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard twelve year old wanting chocolate from a girl nearby. Aurora chuckled to herself. People always thought she was younger than her age, but they had never been five whole years off. She called from a few seats over, "For your information, I am seventeen," she couldn't keep a grin off her face. "But you were close!" Aurora giggled and walked up to them. She held out her hand. "I'm Aurora."

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Dante sighed and leaned back in his chair a bit when, just as he'd expected, not a moment after apologizing for her, Kila barged through the door in an earthquake of anger and temper. "Would somebody care to tell me exactly what the fuck is going on before I kick somebody's ass?!" She screamed, seeming frustrated by the fact that she was the only person in the room not wandering around calmly. She then turned her eyes on him and he only raised an eyebrow, letting her talk. "Dante." She hissed at him. "Care to tell me why the hell you're just sitting there. This man is known for dealing with Bleeder's you moron, why do you think they don't touch him? Get the hell up. Vacation's over. We're leaving now."

Dante rolled his eyes. "Kila, stop making an ass of yourself, and at least find out why we're here." He said back, eyes on hers, letting her know he meant business. That he had no intention of leaving until he found out what was going on.

That seemed to shut her up. Dante didn't exactly know why. Maybe she'd come to her senses, or maybe she just didn't want to argue, though neither scenario was very likely, but seeing as, Dante could never make her shut up if she didn't want to, he chose not to question it.

Kila refused to sit. Dante wanted to stay and listen to whatever Mr. Sayco had to say, so she'd stay, but there was no way she was sitting down. Instead she leaned up against the wall behind Dante's chair, half shooting daggers at the back of his head, half watching everyone around her, listening to their conversations, and taking in their faces and expressions.

Finally, Mr. Sayco decided to speak up and her eyes locked on him, as did Dante's, watching as he stood. “I realize that all of you are confused, I also realize that most of you do not trust me and I understand Why. I would like to start first by saying all of you are safe here, no one will harm you here, I will not allow it.” Kila just rolled her eyes, refusing to believe that some random stranger would offer them safety, while Dante blinked and listened intently. “I’m sure you are all aware of who I am, but if you are not I am Arthur Ford Sayco, the owner of Sayco Manor and Sayco Wheat Co.” Yeah, we all know who you are. Kila thought bitterly to herself, and instantly deciding to distrust him more, just because of his smooth, charming tone. She dind't trust people who could draw people in with words, for she did it often herself, and so did Dante, so, when she glanced at him in his chair in front of her, and saw him nodding his head slightly, Kila grew angry and kicked the back of his chair hard, causing him to turn and glare at her, to which she merely smirked and shrugged.

“I’m sure you’re asking yourself why in the world was I kidnapped, but be honest with yourselves, had you simply been asked to join Mr. Sayco “The Selves bastard, in the mansion on the outskirts of the city” you wouldn’t have come, you would have thought it was a setup a trap. There for kidnapping you was necessary.” Dante chuckled slightly under his breath at this, knowing very well that there was no way in hell he would have come, and even less of a chance that Kila would have.

“As for the reasoning behind why I have gathered you all, I intend to train you all help you better control your gifts, then when the time is right we will make the Bleeders pay for what they have done to you all and your families, We are going to make the New Age an Active age, I will no longer allow my family to be treated as a pest a lower class.” Kila's mind had begun to wander off, glaring at Dante, clicking her tongue, tapping her fingers, figuring this man had nothing useful to say. But those words made her head shoot up instantly, and her eyes narrowed on Sayco. He wanted to train them? And had he referred to all Actives as his family, or merely his literal family? Either way, she was not his family. Her only family was Dante, and they weren't even related by blood.

She stood and gripped the back of Dante's chair tightly, knuckles white, jaw clenched as she watched Mr. Sayco make his way to the door. As much as she wanted to see the Bleeders suffer, she didn't want to join forces with anyone, She was perfectly content with her and Dante's little duo, and wanted to keep it that way. Besides, what Mr. Sayco was talking about was more than making the Bleeders suffer. He was talking about a revolution. About taking over completely. How many innocent humans would get caught in that? No matter how much Dante hated the humans, Kila refused to believe they were all bad. He father had been human, as had her older brother, and they'd died trying to protect her.

Dante felt Kila's movement behind him, and reached up to hold one of the hands she was using to grip his chair with while he listened to Sayco wrap it up.“If you do not wish to stand with me and fight for the freedom that is rightfully yours, you can leave, I am not holding you hostage, nor will I force you to put your life on the line if you are not willing.” He said in a way that felt sincere. “But, I promise for those of you who do fight I will protect you with my dying breath."

When he was done, chatter then ensued. Questions were blurted out, but, for the most part, people chose to join Sayco, and Dante couldn't say they were wrong, however, he felt Kila moving again behind him.

"Nice place, really," Kila said sarcastically, "but you'll have to enjoy it without us. Dante and I are good on our own." She then turned to Dante. "Dante, get up. We're leaving."

This made Dante leap out of his seat suddenly and place a tight grip on her shoulder just as she was about to stalk out of the room, forcing her to stay. He shot an apologetic glance at Sayco before whirling Kila around. "Micky." He said, eyeing her. "I think this is real. As much as I like to work alone, and you know I do, I think this is sincere."

Kila rolled her eyes. Dante was the only person, (aside from those with official records on her), who knew her real name and gave her nicknames other than Kila. "I didn't say this wasn't real, dumbass. What I said was that I want no part of it." Her eyes were hard on his. She didn't want to live comfortably in a big mansion filled with people. She wanted to be alone with only Dante. She didn't want to be bothered or pampered. She wanted simple. Okay, not simple seeing as they were on the run, but she had a feeling that if she stayed here, she'd be driven mad by sheer lack of adventure. She already felt like she was going insane, the last thing she needed was to lose that tiny bit of sanity she was clinging to.

"Don't be stupid Kila." Dante said, practically reading her. "We're staying. For the cause. The two of us on our own aren't doing shit. I know we thought we were, but this is bigger." He tightened his grip on her shoulder, and glanced around, eyes once again catching the gaze of the dark-haired girl he'd seen before, having a hard time tearing them away. He had this gnawing feeling that he should stay. If not for what Sayco had said, then for this girl he hardly even knew, and it was crazy, but he was going to follow it. His instinct had never steered him wrong before. "If you leave," he said, eyes once again on Kila. "You leave without me."

Kila caught the way his eyes roamed and hesitated on the dark-haired girl, and an angry fire rose up in her. "You're kidding." She said, shoving his hand off her. "Please tell me you're kidding me?" She hissed so no one could hear her but him, though as she talked, her intensity and volume rose. "You're staying for a GIRL?! You're staying because there's a girl here you think is hot, aren't you?" She shoved him back hard. "You're unbelievable. I'm sooooooo going to kill you!" Kila knew he wasn't only staying for her, but she had no trouble giving him shit over it. If she was going to stay, she was going to make it as big a deal for him as possible.

With a groan, she flopped down in a chair, signifying to Dante that she was willing to stay with him, crossing her arms over her chest and kicking her feet up on the table, which Dante then pushed down as he too sat again. Kila flipped him off and then propped them back up again.

"Look at the bright side," Dante said jokingly to her. "Maybe we'll be able to figure out why you're so certifiably insane."

Dante laughed, but Kila didn't. That struck her. He meant it as a joke, and she knew that, but what if he was right? What if these people knew why she felt like some days everything was so clear she was suffocating, and others, she couldn't figure out what was real or not? Maybe they would know why she was always running in fast forward, and maybe they'd be able to fix it. However, Kila immediately put the thought out of her head. That was crazy.

Jessica stood close and simply stared as the events unraveled, she waited and watched as the others arrived to the dinner table.
She saw a boy with a long dark hair arriving at the scene, demanding for answers and apologizing for his friend beforehand, moments later a blonde girl stormed in like a mad woman, “"Would somebody care to tell me exactly what the fuck is going on before I kick somebody's ass?!", Jessica rolled her eyes in annoyance and laughed 'Well this is going to be fun. It seems like we've got a loud one in the group…' Soon after, another woman passed through the same doors Jess had minutes before. She seemed on the high alert, 'just don’t be another loud one please…' Jess thought as a silent petition, the girl ran like crazy, to the nearest exit or who knows where, while Jessica’s eyes followed her in surprise 'Yup, there’s going to be no room for boredom here' she finally smiled at herself. A girl followed after, wearing a grey track-suit bottom that made Jess wonder what she was doing before she was abducted.

Minutes passed and another girl appeared, a shy girl that moved in hesitation speaking almost as if in fear, “Excuse me...Mr. Sayco? I'm Sophia Hart...Am I in the right place?". Jessica smiled, 'and we have a shy one as well…' she thought, making another obvious observation.

It was then when Mr. Sayco had finally decided to explain himself, “I realize that all of you are confused, I also realize that most of you do not trust me and I understand Why. I would like to start first by saying all of you are safe here, no one will harm you here, I will not allow it. I’m sure you are all aware of who I am, but if you are not I am Arthur Ford Sayco, the owner of Sayco Manor and Sayco Wheat Co.” Jess listened carefully to every word as he continued, “I’m sure you’re asking yourself why in the world was I kidnapped, but be honest with yourselves, had you simply been asked to join Mr. Sayco, you wouldn’t have come, you would have thought it was a setup a trap. There for kidnapping you was necessary. As for the reasoning behind why I have gather you all, I intend to train you all help you better control your gifts, then when the time is right we will make the Bleeders pay for what they have done to you all and your families, We are going to make the New Age an Active age, I will no longer allow my family to be treated as a pest a lower class.” Jess was pleased and kept calm at Sayco’s speech, 'He sure lives up to his name I suppose'. Jess felt at ease, after all she could use any help she could get to finally use her powers and be able to gain her revenge. 'Indeed they will pay the double of what they actually deserve. Lower class huh?… you can say that again.'

Jessica expected someone to talk or to give other response before she ever did, but was caught off guard when a man spoke with concern, “A very warming speech. But if you really meant that you won't keep us here, why did you send that man after the girl who thought it best to run? I don't mean to step on your hospitality but I don't think you would go through all the trouble to bring us here, then say if we want to we can leave even though you just sent someone to go after that girl. You may just want to tell her what you just said yourself, but if she can leave of her own will, why chase her down?” 'Good point stranger, but don’t forget their on our side…' Jess finally thought to herself secretly wishing that Sayco would answer efficiently.

Later on a young male entered the room with two older butlers grabbing each an arm of the young guy. She chuckled at the sight of the boy who suddenly turned invisible, he somewhat reminded her of her brother who had the same ability, if he would have been there with her he would have joined him showing off being the cocky lad that he was. And then a girl spoke, more like abruptly blurted out “What use is walking through people's dreams against the bleeders?" 'another dream walker!' Jessica felt a jolt of joy travel through her body, almost making her jump out of her seat, knowing that she had the same power. However, she felt hurt hearing her unrewarding and taking for granted her own power in such way, almost as if she was also offending Jessica herself.
Before Sayco had any change to talk either to the boy who had a good point, or to the girl who questioned her own skills another man walked. He began by introducing himself first saying that he had lived there for a while and explaining his point of view, “It's really simple, if you want to be treated like a second class citizen and hunted for the rest of your life, just walk out that damn door. BUT! If you want to be free, if you want to be able to live your life without looking over your god damn shoulder every five minutes, well then you better stay. So you over there, mister, 'question everything' ya got two choices, you can leave or you shut the fuck up and start being grateful for the people who are gonna give you your god damn freedom." 'Finally someone talking some clear sense', Jess remembered her father who wanted the same thing, nothing else but freedom and equality for everyone.

After the speech of the outspoken man sunked in with everyone, the girl with the comfy clothes took her turn and spoke her mind up, "If this place is really safe. I will stay. You'll need me if you're going to bring down the saviour empire, but I will not promise my participation. I will not risk my neck for this dream, not yet." Her voice was somewhat covered by the friendly fellows that had to be brothers, it seemed like the boy was blind and his 'sister?' was helping him figure out what was what, or more like who’s who. Jessica heard their conversation confused at their strange scoring, 'so I’m four huh?'.

Another female voice could be heard… barely, "I'm staying” apparently it was the young girl, or as the strange/fun brothers would say, the “twelve year old wanting chocolate”. She spoke a bit louder now explaining herself, “For your information, I am seventeen. But you were close!” 'Cute' Jessica thought for a moment smiling at the sight of her playful grin. "I’m Aurora". Jess smiled at the young girl realizing that her name was the first name she had heard of the newcomers.


It was then when her eyes turned back to the boy she had seen before. Wishing she could decipher his name, and wishing that she had the power to read minds not only to discover his name but what was going on his mind. She turned her gaze at the boy with the beautiful eyes, noticing him stuttering with the girl that he had hugged before, fiddling and playing with his spoon. Jess chuckled finding the boy to be distracting and amusing. Her cheeks turned red at the sight of his smile, she starred into his eyes and for a moment it seemed as if his eyes reflected hers, his gaze was on hers now after he spoke enthusiastically, “Welp, I dunno about you guys, but that seems like more than enough questions, concerns, and general malarkey for now. We can all chat and learn stuff and begin the new age later. All that really matters is that you're safe here and... I'm hungry! Mr. Sayco can we eat now? You promised there would be breakfast and I've got a craving for waffles like nobody's business.” It was then when Jess stomach growled angrily, for a moment she had forgotten all about her hunger, embarrassed to the core she hoped that nobody, specially not her lovely blue eyes, witnessed her stomach’s loud cry.

Without a doubt this whole magical reunion was by far one of the most entertaining things that Jessica had witnessed in a long time. Knowing that she would spend time with other active’s made her feel joy deep inside, although she wouldn't admit it to herself. Even better, the idea of learning more about the boy whose eyes met hers briefly made her feel feel anxious and exited.

OOC: Oh Wow, was that a big post.... sorry about that, I wanted to do a recap of everything that has happened so far and I wanted to give my character's point of view on everyone. Hope that's ok (:

Joshua was quiet the rest of breakfast, he'd made quit the uproar and honestly just wanted to get out of there and start training. Mr. Sayco spoke again telling the new comers to feel at home here. I already feel at home here, this is the only real home I've ever had Joshua thought to himself. Mr. Sayco retired to his office, and awaited his guests. Joshua was the first to visit him. Joshua knocked on the door and entered before Sayco replied. "Mr. Sayco hello. That was quite a breakfast, I'm sorry I exploded on everyone, but I'm just tired of our people's complacent attitude." He said in greeting as he sat down in a chair. "So these kids are the army you and Nathan are gonna train? I'm sorry but I have to ask, why are we all so young? I know I'm dedicated to the cause but most of these kids have spent their lives hiding their gifts, not developing them. Are you sure we can all be trained quickly enough to end our persecution? Why didn't you and Nate find other, older Actives who would better understand their powers and abilities, perhaps even others who fought in the war. I don't mean to question you're decisions, and I'm sure Nate approves of everything, he wouldn't do anything he doesn't agree with, but I just don't get why you picked a bunch of punks who aren't prepared to defend themselves let alone fight for our rights." Joshua's temper flared as he spoke, his fists sparked with electricity. His anger was not directed at Mr. Sayco, but rather at the fact that they had to fight at all. "I'm tired of waiting, Mr. Sayco, I'm sick of not knowing when I'll see my brother again. I'm done sitting around while other's fight for me. I want to be free, I want to be able to leave this mansion and not be afraid of running into a bleeder. I want to have house of my own. Tell me, can this army of kids give me that?" Joshua calmed down as he spoke and the sparks dissipated. As he finished speaking he sighed deeply and awaited Mr. Sayco's response.

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Kila wasn't sure exactly what she was expecting from Mr. Sayco in response to her comment. Maybe something like "You should be", or "Why not, I'm stronger?" Instead, he just gave a smooth, understanding smile. She hated understanding smiles, because, in her opinion, the person giving them, never really understood. They came across to her as pointless, and a waste of time. However, this time, something told he he really did understand. Something told her he'd taken her threat to heart, and really had no doubt in his mind that she'd do what had to be done if he betrayed them. That she wasn't afraid.

"Kila," He said, and she was surprised he knew her name, but happy he hadn't used her real name. It meant that he didn't know everything about her. That she still had secrets. "I would never expect you to fear me. In fact I expected you to be the one to strike fear in the others." He said with a smirk “Come in?”

She too, smirked at his comment. "Damn straight." She responded, but hesitated on his invitation in. She wasn't sure there was anything else she wanted to say to the man. She couldn't come up with anything. Sure, she had questions, but Kila had never been gifted with words. At least not in regular conversation. She could talk her way out of, or into a situation with ease, but when having a genuine conversation, she was at a complete loss for words. She very rarely had genuine conversations with anyone other than Dante.

She was about to decline when another man entered the room with Sayco and asked him a long string of questions. All very good questions. She leaned against the door-frame, not taking a seat, but not leaving either, and watched the man and Sayco, not only listening to their voices, but observing their expressions, reading their body language.

“Joshua, Kila," Sayco nodded to each of them. "The reason I have chosen who I have whether or not your powers are fully developed is the fact that you all have passion, anger, love and a drive. Older Actives are set in there way, they will not easily bend and there are very few older active left in this world. What you see her at Sayco manor all of the Mentors, they are really the only ones of their generation left.” She watched him take a drag from his cigar and her small hands briefly balled into fists as that itching for a cigarette returned to her. “Why would they fight, for something they feel they have already lost long ago? You guys are young, you have your whole lives ahead of you to be free.” With this, her eyes returned to Sayco's eyes, then moved slowly down his face before roaming back up. He seemed do passionate. So genuine. It felt like sitting in front of your grandpa while he told you old war stories with so much color and vigor, you had no doubt in your mind that they were true, if not from his words, then by the sound of his voice or the look in his eyes. “You all deserve life, families, freedom.” He glanced at her briefly, before glancing back to Joshua “And, this army of kids achieve anything, if and only if, they want it bad enough.” After that, Mr. Sayco went silent.

Kila looked at the man. "I think you're forgetting that most of these 'kids', are not really kids." She told him, not speaking rudely, but truthfully. "Like you said, most of them have spent their lives hiding. Including myself. We've all had hard lives and it's made us mature." She looked at Joshua. "They're not a group of innocent children. They're young, but they have skills that most adults don't even have." She let her eyes roam the man's face. She was nineteen, turning twenty in no less than three days. This man couldn't be that much older than herself. She looked back at Sayco, wanting to say a million things, but not coming up with anything.

"What are your powers?" Was what came out. God only knew why. "If you get to observe and know ours, I'd like to know yours." She said, standing up straight, watching him. Again, she refused to let anyone put her at a disadvantage.

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Suddenly, the tune of the music changed. No longer, was it dark and angry, but instead, it became light, and openly friendly. His brows knit slightly as he watched her. Her face had lost it's vigor and determination, and it was evident that she was no longer playing from her heart, but instead, playing to please him, her audience.

She gestured that it was okay for him to enter, so he did, stepping into the room, he leaned against a wall close to the piano and watched her play for a moment more. Her music was lovely, he'd never met anyone so musically skilled. Kila could be artistic if you let her, but she never got many opportunities, and that was different.

Music struck you in an entirely different way than art.

"I liked your other song better." He said, gesturing to the piano. "It felt real and emotional." He smiled slightly, wondering if she'd be surprised at that he knew she wasn't playing from her heart anymore. He had always been good at reading people. It was one of his greatest skills, and probably the only reason he was able to tolerate Kila. Because he could read even the most guarded people.

He wanted to ask the dark-haired stranger what it was that was bothering her, and making her music so dark and disturbing, but he felt like that was too evasive. He wasn't like Kila. He wouldn't pry into her business if she didn't want him to. So, instead, he just waited for her to respond.

As he spoke, Jayce couldn't help but lock eyes with the blonde girl from before. Her eyes were the perfect combination of blue and green. Her eyes reminded Jayce of the sea. He'd only been there once, a brief moment in the time between when he'd left his own home and when he'd come to Sayce Manor. Still, he would never forget that precise shade, that playful mix of blue and green. As he finished speaking, he smiled at everyone, making sure to wink at blondie across the table from him, a playful smile blinking into existence before his expression was replaced with a more respectful one. As he sat, Jayce turned his attention to Mr. Sayco, his eyes alone speaking novels of his respect for Arthur Sayco.

Arther Sayco stood almost perfectly still as questions were shouted and accusations were thrown in his direction. He never wavered from his calm, stoic posture, he was like a statue. His will was iron; unbreakable. As the chatter died down, and people began to follow Jayce's example of quiet attention, Mr. Sayco finally moved. Though he stood still, his eyes inspected the room. His head barely moved as he looked at every individual in the room; studying each and every one of them with utmost scrutiny. Then he spoke once more. “I will no longer spend any more time on this matter, I have answered the question of why you are here, the way you feel about me I cannot control. I will not justify myself anymore today.” His thick accent was stern and fatherly, but it held no disrespect for the people who sat before him.

"For those of you who have made up your minds and are going to be staying, Sayco Manor is your home, the room you awoke in is yours. The grounds of Sayco manor are completely safe, you may use your gift without consequence. But, I cannot protect you off of the grounds. I will be in my office, please make yourself at home, you are no longer a stranger." He gave one last smile before he promptly left the room, heading off to, from what Jayce could make of the sound of his footsteps, his office. He must have had a lot on him mind.

As soon as Mr. Sayco finished speaking, Ayda stood up and left the room. She had a look on her face that was all too familiar to Jayce. It told him not to bug her and to give her a hug once she was finished playing her piano. Jayce sighed and dug into his breakfast. The others might have wanted to run around like chickens with detachable heads, but Jayce wasn't having any of it. Waffles came first, everything else could wait four minutes. Luckily for everyone else, it did take only four minutes. Though he ate quickly, his trademark smirk showing through hurried bites of delicious mapley goodness, Jayce did not eat sloppily. He was in a rush, because he had some things he'd like to discuss with blondie, but that didn't mean to turn into a slob to get there quicker. Jayce ate with nearly flawless manners, oft utilising his napkin and handling his fork and knife with utter surety and poise. Once he was finished, he picked up his plate, walked through the doors to the kitchen and bussed his dishes so chef wouldn't have to. "Thanks chef!" Jayce called over the general hubbub of the kitchen clatter, "Those waffles were delicious!"

As he exited the kitchen, instead of walking to his own seat, Jayce had a better idea. His smirk split his face and he clapped his hands together, loud enough to make a solid smack but not so loud as to be overly disruptive. As he walked over to the chair where blondie was, Jayce's face took on a new expression. He smiled wide, like a child, and kneeled down as he approached her chair. He rested his arms on the arm rest, and his chin atop his arms. He smiled once more, catching her attention. He smiled wide, getting her to giggle. She was so pretty. "It should almost be criminal, I can hardly focus... remember... your lines are..." Jayce's inner voice screamed as he opened his mouth and spoke.

"Hi! So, you're new here, huh? I've lived here for a while, and since you're new, I figured I might do ya a favor. Once you're finished with your breakfast, because it's an important meal and waffles are delicious, would you do me the impeccable honor of accompanying me around the grounds? I feel like talking a walk and you're new so we both get something out of the deal. Sound good?" Jayce asked, the wide, childlike smile still beaming off of his face. Once she was finished, Jayce stood and offered her his hand, to help her out of her chair. "Shall we?" he asked suavely, making a silly face and gesturing out the door.

Though Jayce appeared calm, collected, and entirely in control, he was sweating bullets. 'What if she hates me? What if she says no? I'll look like such an idiot! Calm down, calm down, you're in control here. The fact that she might deny you in front of all these people means nothing. You're a big boy. You can take it. Hopefully..." Jayce mentally panicked.

Jessica remained quiet in her seat, observing everything with outmost detail, almost as if she was studying everyone and everything around her, trying to discover as much as she could without getting a headache. However, her perfect concentration was shattered as soon as her eyes meet the stunning blue eyes, mixed with a beautiful green shade of the boy who was able to make Jess forget what she was thinking of in the first place. She starred at his eyes for a while in wonder, somehow his glare was able to make Jess feel alive and excited. Jess was somewhat fearful of his revealing eyes that made her feel strange, yet at the same time curious.

His eyes moved from hers for a moment as he smiled at everyone, meanwhile Jess couldn't stop starring at the boy with eyes full of wonder and was caught off guard as soon as he winked his eye playfully and soon after changing his expression to a more respectful one. She moved her eyes suddenly in embarrasment realizing she had been ogling the boy far more than needed and was caught off with red cheeks boiling in red color. What is wrong with me? she asked before she scolded herself for a brief moment. She shook her head for a moment as a reprimand to herself but was distracted again by none other than Arthur Sayco.

Once again, the man with a perfect composure remained calm even when people were throwing him accusations and understadably, untrusting looks. Jessica stood even more quiet this time, studying his every movements, and waiting for him to make his next move. Mr. Sayco finally moved, not his body but his eyes instead. His eyes moved carefully eying everyone in the room, he spoke again. “I will no longer spend any more time on this matter, I have answered the question of why you are here, the way you feel about me I cannot control. I will not justify myself anymore today." He said with his thick accent that sounded most fatherly, and Jessica couldn't help but remember her father, seeing this man's eyes that told he was speaking nothing but truth, yet she wondered if he was holding something out as her father did more than once.

"For those of you who have made up your minds and are going to be staying, Sayco Manor is your home, the room you awoke in is yours. The grounds of Sayco manor are completely safe, you may use your gift without consequence. But, I cannot protect you off of the grounds. I will be in my office, please make yourself at home, you are no longer a stranger." he said before he left the room. Jess had so many questions, and the one that mattered to her the most was whether if Arthur knew her missing father, and if he knew where he was. Even so, Jessica observed as some of them left the room and without second thought she decided to wait for the right moment to speak with him, after all she didn't want anyone else to know of her personal matters.

Jessica decided to wait despite her anxiousness and only focus on her breakfast. Even though her head was still a mess because of the drugs, and she was not as hungry, her stomach growling told her otherwise. Finally she thought to dig in the breakfast planning on eating everything except the juice, somehow she was not feeling like drinking orange juice and instead asked for some water. Before her water arrived though, she turned her eyes once again to the boy with the dark hair and saw him leaving his seat moving towards what seemed to be the kitchen. Jessica remained in her seat, distracting herself by once again observing everyone else at the table. The fierce girl from before was not there, and some others had already headed out... somewhere.

Suddenly she heard a noise, more like a clap, and turned around to see the same boy coming towards her. She starred at him and saw him smiling with a wide smile that made Jess feel all warm and fuzzy. He kept smiling at her and she couldn't help but to smile back, and then he kneeled down resting his wide arms on the arm rests letting his chin on top of his arms. She was speechless at his carefree demeanor and at his charming smile, he had all her attention, suddenly she couldn't help but to giggle at his captivating smile. Now that he was even more up close, she adventured into his eyes. so... handsome her mind slipped a thought.

"Hi! So, you're new here, huh? I've lived here for a while, and since you're new, I figured I might do ya a favor. Once you're finished with your breakfast, because it's an important meal and waffles are delicious, would you do me the impeccable honor of accompanying me around the grounds? I feel like talking a walk and you're new so we both get something out of the deal. Sound good?" the boy asked smiling like a child, she giggled once again before she answered changing her face to a serious one "Actually..." she paused for a moment, "I already finished eating" she said smiling, even though she had barely eaten anything as she was waiting for her water oh well, I suppose if they bring the water, they'll just leave it here. Truth was she could care less about what was on the menu for the moment being, "And walking sounds good, I guess I could use some fresh air." She said trying to sound cool.

He smiled offering his hand, "shall we? he asked after making a silly face that once again brought a smile to Jess face. She grabbed his hand carefully, sending sparks through her fingertip as his hand felt warm and reassuring. Please don't fall she begged to herself. She looked at his eyes standing up carefully without leaving his eyes she finally said "lead the way" giving him a tempting smile.

Mr. Sayco spoke informing Joshua of his reasons for picking young kids, and Joshua actually believed and understood them, and he calmed down. Then he noticed a girl in the doorway, he must have walked right past her on his way in. "What's wrong with me? How'd I miss a beauty like that? he thought to himself as she spoke and entered the room. "I think you're forgetting that most of these 'kids', are not really kids." She said rather curtly, and Josh smiled at her "I like this chick." he thought. "Like you said, most of them have spent their lives hiding. Including myself. We've all had hard lives and it's made us mature." Her next words were said to Joshua, "They're not a group of innocent children. They're young, but they have skills that most adults don't even have." She then turned to Sayco and asked, "What are your powers? If you get to observe and know ours, I'd like to know yours." She asked confidently. "Wow chick's got balls" is all Josh could think while Sayco responded.

“She’s right you know, you guys are anything but kids. There is little innocents left in even the smallest child.” Sayco said to Josh with a sigh, before smiling at Kila.

“Of course, I do apologize for not offering to show you sooner. I guess I forgot my manors. I cannot physically show you my powers." Sayco said handing Kila a pack of cigarettes, "A young lady your age shouldn’t have such an itch for those.” He continued with a smile.

“My powers, I have the ability to replay yours, his, or anyone else’s memories, in my own mind, feel the emotions you felt in every good or bad moment of your life.” He said with a pause towards the beginning. Despite having lived here for years, Josh had never known what Sayco could do more than just hide the powers of others. “But, that’s just my secondary power, you tend to develop more powers the older you get and well I’m ancient. My strongest power is the only way were going to be able to pull this attack off.” Josh sat back in his seat, he already knew what Sayco's primary power was. “As long as you are on my property or near me, now bleeder, nor human will be able to see what you truly are, or what you can do. I can create a blind spot.” Sayco informed Kila, of course Josh didn't even listen as he already knew that.


Josh sighed and then spoke up, "I suppose you're both right, they aren't kids anymore, but most of them have little to no control of their powers, not all of them got to grow up in one of your blind spots honing their powers. Also, I've been training for years and just last week you wouldn't let me go on a mission with Nathan, so why now? Why am I now suddenly ready to fight when a year, a month and even a week ago I wasn't? What's changed?" Josh said getting a little riled up. He turned to Kila, "I'm sorry I've been rather impolite. My name is Joshua, Joshua Handlers. And you, are quite beautiful." He said with a wink and a smile. "I'm sure you are going to ask so I guess I'll just tell you, I make electricity." As he spoke he concentrated and raised his hand up so that she could see it. Small sparks of electricity arced from finger to finger. "I can hurl it towards someone and it causes them pain, but it doesn't screw with their brain or anything like that." He said informing her of his powers. "What about you? What kind of abilities could a stunning lady like yourself have?" He said slyly. He was probably quite overconfident in his abilities with the ladies, that stems from his repeated sneaking out of Sayco's manner and mingling with the human chicks from the nearby town, he was usually successful in his exploits.