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 Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 8:38 pm
Chad pushed the button, headed to park. Will keep you updated.
The first thing Michael felt was alarm. They’d given Chad the pen for emergency purposes, so if he was pushing the button in a way that made Devyn feel the need to tell Michael, it must have been the button for distress.
He was tempted to drop everything he’d stopped by the store to pick up, and hurry to the park instead, but managed to stop himself before he did anything too rash.
Devyn was a grown man. He’d survived over a thousand years. He could handle whatever emergency a teenager had.
Michael was also aware that the more he hovered around Devyn, the more Devyn might think he didn’t trust him. He worried! He would always worry, but he was trying not to be so obnoxious about it.
The second thing Michael noticed and took a moment to admire was that Devyn had obviously been practicing with writing. Michael knew he could have been using the talk-to-text option, but there were a couple things that suggested he’d typed it, such as leaving out the article before park, and the shortened will keep you updated instead of something more flowery. Michael had also seen Devyn practicing, so even if this was talk-to-text, he still swelled with pride.
Somehow, Michael had managed to check out and get back into his car without panicking over how Devyn was doing. His necklace indicated increased stress, but that wasn’t too concerning.
Not until he was stopped at a red light did the necklace flare. He gripped it in one hand, as if doing so would do anything to calm it down, even though he knew it didn’t work like that.
Was Devyn in trouble? Did he need help? Michael closed his eyes for a moment, trying to sense anything within range, and just barely picked up a Super Senshi and Corrupted Super-- before the car behind him honked.
The light had turned green.
Michael grit his teeth and tried not to speed home. He was coming from the other side of the neighborhood, away from the park. Should he drive past? Should he give Devyn some space? If he showed up, he could put them in danger by association. Could end up revealing his connection to Devyn--
Begrudgingly, Michael pulled into the driveway so he could wait as patiently as possible for Devyn to return home.
Or indicate that he needed help.
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Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 8:56 pm
When Devyn texted back ‘All good’, he hadn’t really put much thought into it. He should have! But he was more preoccupied about getting Chad back somewhere safe. And, he had. But making sure Michael knew what was going on–or, at least, that he was okay!–was important.
Devyn had just dropped Chad off at the Reid house and, as soon as he’d gone inside and the door closed, Devyn had turned and started off towards home.
He walked with long strides, not quite a job and hopefully not something that would make Michael think he’d found trouble again. But, he wasn’t going to allow for any error or misunderstanding, and he once more pulled out his phone. This time, he didn’t waste time with texting and instead just called him.
Although, that was almost harder, because he had to make sure he didn’t just break into a trot and run home. They were only a few streets away! If he hurried, he could probably even make it back before the trilling stopped.
Oh, but he should probably wait for it to actually ring before he made any decisions. If Michael didn’t pick up, then he’d leave a message. And then he’d run home and finish dinner.
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Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 9:07 pm
Michael was already holding his phone when it vibrated, alerting him to the incoming call from Devyn. He tried not answering it right away, but it was only after the first ring that he held it up to his ear.
“Is Chad okay?” he asked, because if anyone was going to get hurt, it would be a kid in an emergency. He assumed Chad was, since Devyn said ’All good’, but he just wanted to make sure. He couldn’t help but worry, especially when he could feel what Devyn was feeling.
“And are you okay?” In the end, he couldn’t help himself. Of course he was going to worry, even though Devyn was fully capable of taking care of himself.
Michael had tried making himself comfortable at home, but ended up pacing between his bedroom and the kitchen and the front door, trying to decide if he wanted to head out or to trust that Devyn was okay. And he did trust him! He just knew what the Negaverse was capable of.
He’d calmed a little once the Corrupted Super Senshi aura disappeared, and then when Devyn powered down he figured things were good enough to do so.
“I hope you don’t mind that I finished making dinner. Thought you’d be hungry after a workout.”
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Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 9:14 pm
“I am hungry, I hope it didn’t burn. I turned the stove off and pushed it off the burner. But I did run out the door quickly. Chad’s fine, just shaken. He wanted to go stay with Elliot. There was a Corrupted Senshi, but I’m fine. I think I’m fine, he had some fire magic. My skin feels a little tight but I’m just going to take a shower later.”
He felt like his energy was rejuvenated when Michael started to speak, so he did his best to keep his breathing and his heart rate even as he speed-walked home.
“I didn’t mean to be out later than you, I hope dinner wasn’t too much work. I never mind finished food when I come home. I hope I didn’t give you too much grief, I would have texted more but I was carrying him and didn’t want to put him down. But I called you as soon as I dropped him off. I’m a street and a half away still but I’ll be home soon. Are you okay or did I worry you too much?”
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Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 9:28 pm
Michael listened carefully to Devyn as he spoke, trying to figure out if there were any injuries he should check for once he got home, or if he should go out to meet him halfway. The necklace was calm, if not a little heavy, probably from walking quickly, but Michael wouldn’t be surprised if Devyn managed to figure out a way to trick him into thinking one thing when he was feeling another.
It wasn’t until Devyn asked if he was okay did Michael realize the tension in his shoulders, and let out a breath of a laugh as he tried to relax them.
“I’m not out there fighting Corrupted Senshi with fire magic. Had to wait in line behind someone who didn’t know how to use the self checkout kiosk though,” he sighed, hoping it was enough to shift the attention away from his obvious worrying. “Good thing we already showed you how to use one.”
But that obviously wasn’t the point, and he had a feeling that Devyn knew.
“Dinner is fine. Nothing I wouldn’t eat. Thanks for taking Chad over to the Reids. I know they’ll keep an eye on him.”
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Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 9:41 pm
“Oh, that sounds far more taxing than what I did while you were gone,” Devyn said, with something that sounded suspiciously like mirth in his voice. But, if he was going to be honest, the Corrupted Senshi bothered him. For a lot of reasons.
“I don’t understand the point of being so cruel. He seemed like he was enjoying harassing Chad. Who was very brave, Michael. But Chad stabbed him right in the foot, and I’m very proud of him.”
But, that wasn’t really everything on his mind. There Wasn't anyone around him but he was still mindful not to say too much without making sure of that. “He didn’t care about his world at all. And he talked about this world being overpopulated, like what he was doing was right, just like that. He didn’t even seem to care about his world. Or–if he was really so devoted to Earth–what he could do to help it using the resources from his world. I can’t wrap my head around it. Is that what Chaos does to them? Just muddles their mind? –I’m almost home. I just can’t understand the logic behind giving up on one world while sacrificing things on the other with the same intention of helping one of them. Oh, and I think I burned my elbow. I can’t tell. It’s not bad, if I did. Just stiff.”
Half a street away now, he could see Michael’s car and was again tempted to just jog the rest of the way. But maybe that was too dramatic. He was close, he could wait it out. He was doing fine.
He just wanted to be home and actually talking to Michael, not just using the phone.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 9:53 am
Michael’s lip twitched into a smile at Devyn’s tease, but it didn’t last long. He was glad that Chad was okay, but he wasn’t happy that a Corrupted Senshi was trying to mess with him. Best case he was just trying to take his energy. Worst…? Well, Chad was probably very lucky he had that pen Soleiyu made. They would have to let him know that it came in handy already.
“I wish I knew,” he said quietly into the phone as he made his way over to stand by the door. He wanted to make sure it was open for Devyn and--
Michael changed his mind and instead of just standing by the door, he opened it to step outside onto the porch. He could see Devyn, which was a relief, and he didn’t look like he was in bad shape. Just a little frazzled, but that was to be expected.
“Hey,” he greeted when Devyn was finally close enough, and he disconnected the call. He knew they had more to talk about, and he didn’t want to just end the conversation on how he wished he knew what was going on with Chaos, but it would be safer inside.
“Let’s see your elbow,” he said, holding out his hand to try and get Devyn to turn so he could see it better.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 10:03 am
As soon as he saw Michael, Devyn couldn’t help but trot over, and when he was in the driveway he hung up his phone. “Hey,” he answered, and immediately held up his arm for inspection. “I was more worried about my hair, but Chad says it’s fine. He’s too sweet to tell me if it’s bad, though. I’ll trust you more.”
It felt okay, maybe a little dry.
He rolled up his sleeve to just over the elbow so Michael could see his whole arm. There was a bit of redness on the back of both of his hands that he hadn’t really seemed to notice, and it didn’t seem to hurt enough that he gave it any attention. His forearm was singed a bit, not unlike a sunburn, and his elbow had taken the brunt of the damage and looked like it had gotten a little burned.
He stood still once he was inside, so Michael could give him a quick inspection. Better to do it now than let him expect the worst, anyway!
“I don’t think it’s too bad. It hurts less than when I put my hand on the burner.”
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 10:19 am
Michael took a step back so they could both enter the house and he shut and locked the door once they were inside. He took hold of Devyn’s elbow then -- lightly, of course. He didn’t want to agitate any injury if there was any. He stepped to the side a bit so he could get a better look, but was relieved that it didn’t look too bad. It could have been a lot worse. Especially if there was fire involved.
“I’ve got some aloe to help with the burns. But I suspect you’ll make a full recovery,” he said in an attempt to joke, but he probably couldn’t hide all of the relief in his voice. And maybe a bit of exasperation at Devyn’s reminder of his previous Earth related injuries.
As for Devyn’s hair…
“May I?” Michael asked before he lifted both hands so he could work on taking Devyn’s hair from his ponytail, careful not to pull as he unwound the tie that kept it up. He let it fall down his back and over his shoulders so he could see it better.
He fussed with it a little, brushing some strands that had initially escaped back into place, tucked behind Devyn’s ears. His fingers might have brushed his cheeks in the process.
“It’s so dark it’s hard to see any damage, at least. I can look again after you shower,” he offered, because maybe there was just soot and dust from fighting.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 10:28 am
It was easy to be around Michael, and any request he made, Devyn complied with readily. He stayed still while Michael worked through his hair, and even made a content noise when Michael thoughtfully moved his hair back into place. He wondered if anyone had told Michael what a gentle touch he had, and while he was thinking it in his head the sentiment managed to work its way through his mouth, too.
“That feels nice. You have a very comforting touch.”
And he said the burns didn’t look too bad, so he had all the reason to be pleased that he’d make a full recovery.
“As long as it doesn’t look like I’m missing any, I think it’ll be fine. But yes, maybe you should look again after I take a shower.”
He’d take the excuse if it meant he had an excuse to have Michael play with his hair a bit. Although, it was hard enough already not to let that necklace betray how much he enjoyed it already.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 5:56 pm
If there was any indication from the necklace that Devyn was enjoying the touches, Michael didn’t make it known. His lip did twitch a little when Devyn complimented his comforting touch, and he glanced up to meet Devyn’s eyes for a moment.
There were plenty of times that Michael was glad Devyn didn’t have a magical necklace that betrayed his feelings. He certainly wouldn’t have been able to hide away how much he did worry. And not just about Devyn’s health and wellbeing, but he worried about being too overbearing and pushy, too.
Michael’s hands lowered to rest for a moment against Devyn’s shoulders, fingers feeling for potential knots to help work out, before gently pulling away and taking a step back.
Devyn was his friend. And he was worried about doing or saying too much. They were already closer than they probably should be, and yet Michael didn’t have it in him to tell Devyn that he didn’t want his company at night. Having someone just there was enough to calm him into a restful sleep.
No, that wasn’t a fair assessment. And Michael knew it wasn’t just someone being there. It was Devyn’s presence that seemed to soothe him.
“All the Senshi and Knights born on Earth… this is all we know,” he said softly, knowing that the Corrupted Senshi must have bothered Devyn, otherwise he wouldn’t have said anything about them.
“We don’t even get a chance to know what we are, sometimes. When I awakened, I had no idea what I was. No one I could talk to. Bits and pieces came to me if I concentrated hard enough, but… Most of the Senshi here…? They’re just kids. They have no idea what they’re doing, much less do they know how to restore a whole world. They don’t always have the resources or knowledge to make trips. Peter said his world was an overgrown jungle. Or at least where he visited. I don’t know the motivation of the Negaverse, or why they want to hurt others, other than the fact that… people can be cruel for no reason. Some can escape the Chaos, but there are only so many they can ask for help. And the moment they decide that’s what they want to do, they could be signing their own death sentence.”
Michael couldn’t claim to know anything about the Negaverse, but he knew people. He knew what war was like, and sometimes people were horrible to each other.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 6:08 pm
When Micahel began to speak, Devyn listened. It was the same attentiveness he gave him when he was explaining how to use his phone, or how to work the stove, or why he couldn’t just wander around as a Senshi. He trusted him, absolutely. Completely.
So, he believed Michael, and everything he said was important and was processed with care and importance.
It didn’t mean he liked to hear any of it.
His lips pursed and his brows furrowed, not at Michael, just at the truth of it all.
“I don’t understand. I mean, I get that they’re born here on Earth because Earth is alive, but I don’t understand why here.” He sighed, not even frustrated at that beyond the basic level of confusion. There were still people on Alastor, why not there? He could have used some extra Senshi, or Knights And he wouldn’t have let them be led astray. He wouldn’t have let the Chaos take them.
“I don’t understand how Chaos could ever be appealing. It twists inside you, it penetrates your deepest corners, and it twists, and it takes. They have to feel that, don’t they?” How could they not? It was a sickness, writhing, growing in them.
“Is there no way to reunite them with their worlds? To show them what they’re missing? To let them see what they could have if they resisted the Chaos? They shouldn’t live in Chaos, it’s unnatural. They’ll corrode their starseeds until there’s nothing left. Not in this life, or any would-be life afterwards. I can’t blame them if they didn’t know what they were getting into, if the Chaos had already poisoned them, but–”
He cut himself off and seemed frustrated, like this was something he just couldn’t process.
“If they can’t figure out that it’s wrong–I don’t want to kill kids. But I don’t want them to destroy their starseeds because they didn’t know better. They’d at least have a second chance if they returned to the Cauldron. They won’t have anything, not now and not ever, if the Chaos consumes them.”
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 6:59 pm
“I don’t know why Senshi and Knights were sent here. Chris has spoken to Cosmos a couple times. Maybe we could try asking her,” he suggested, but he had a feeling that Devyn would rather not. Cosmos could have had Senshi born on other worlds, if there were worlds that still had people, but…
“Maybe being born here was giving them their best chance. If Alastor was full of Chaos already, they might have immediately been killed if they were born there. Mauvians would have had to been sent there, too. There’s plenty of Mauvians who had apparently been put into some kind of stasis and brought here. Maybe that’s why Senshi were born here. Because they couldn’t anywhere else,” he suggested, but he kept his voice soft. He knew it was a touchy subject, and he certainly didn’t know the answers.
“Come on, let’s eat if we’re going to talk about something so heavy,” he sighed with a nod of his head towards the kitchen.
On the way, he pulled his phone from his pocket to type a quick message to Asher and Oliver, thanking them for keeping an eye on Chad. Sure, he wasn’t his kid, but he was Elliot’s friend, and Michael felt a close connection to Elliot.
“I don’t know if there is a way to reunite them with their worlds, but we could try to explain to them why they shouldn’t live in Chaos,” he continued as he worked on getting a couple plates from the cabinet and a couple glasses. It was really all they could do. However, he’d tried that for a while, and with little luck, he was wondering if skipping to sending starseeds back to the Cauldron would be more merciful.
“Would you really be okay with that? Killing kids?” Maybe if his father had been, he would still be alive instead of Jet.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 7:11 pm
Devyn’s lip twitched immediately in an expression of obvious distaste when Micahel mentioned Cosmos. He tried to hide it, a little bit, but there was a deep-rooted anger and dislike that stirred when he heard her name.
He couldn't disagree that maybe being born here was giving them their best chance. Earth was thriving. He hadn’t even seen parts of Alastor in longer than he could remember. Maybe it was for the best. Maybe.
He’d followed Michael to the kitchen and did his best to help get set up for dinner, but he was already distracted by the weight of the topic..
“Would I be okay with it?” he repeated, like he needed to buy himself an extra second to think about it. He didn’t, though. “No. But I’ve had to do many things I wasn’t okay with. It’s not always about what I want.”
Usually wasn’t, if he was being honest.
He didn’t want to kill anyone. But what were you supposed to do when they didn’t even understand what they were doing to themselves? And, in the process of that, what they were doing to others, too.
“But if you tell me I should try to explain to them why they shouldn’t live in Chaos, I’d much rather do that instead. I just don’t know how many chances you’re supposed to give someone. Especially if they’ve made up their mind. The one I spoke to today didn’t seem like he was going to change his mind at all. And he was more than happy to threaten me with taking Chad’s starseed. So if there are others like that, they’re already ruining starseeds. More than just their own. I’ll do what you think is best. If you think they can be saved, I’ll try. I don’t want more blood on my hands. I just want to save my world. I just want to fix things. But I don’t want you to wind up with more Chaos here than you can handle. I’m not going to let them have your world, too. I just don’t know when you’re supposed to give them a chance and when you give up and take matters into your own hand.”
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 7:29 pm
“I wish I knew,” Michael said for the second time that night. He knew it wasn’t helpful, so he sighed and went about working on getting dinner portioned out onto plates so they could at least get something in their stomachs before they lost their appetite.
“I wish I knew when we’re supposed to give them a chance and when we need to kill them. Dad wanted to give Jet a chance. And now dad is dead, and Jet has been promoted with even more power than before,” Michael said through gritted teeth. He focused on the plates, knowing that he’d brought his father up in conversation a number of times before, and it never seemed to make it easier.
“I don’t know what would have happened if we killed Jet, though. If I killed Jet. It seems as though they somehow knew where we were already. If we had killed him, maybe the Negaverse would have destroyed the building with us in it. Dad wanted to give him a chance. Thought there was something he could reach. Maybe he could have if he’d had more time but… we hadn’t been prepared to catch a General at that stage.”
They thought they were going to help a Corrupted Senshi escape the Negaverse. Instead, they got Jet.
“And I don’t know what I would do if I’d killed Jet and found out he was one of my students… or what if the Negaverse got their hands on Elliot? Or Chad? We wouldn’t know it was them until after they died.”
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