Jack of all Trades

Chapter 2

What Tyson looks like

I have claimed the spot I exploded at as my own. Every Friday (today for example)  I head to the mountains and let my magic work freely because no one is around to see or get affected. I'm always scared doing anything in our basement because my parents are so close. 

The best part is that no one else comes up here because it is 'cursed'. Its perfect... other than the fact that I am staring at a child! Sitting on one of the many trees I knocked over is a child who is shaking like a leaf and holding himself in his arms.

 I stare at him for a moment before sighing. (I guess I won't be able to let my magic out now) I stand up from my bike and walk into the small clearing I had made. (Apparently I pushed the trees away from me that day? I'm not exactly sure what happened)

"Uh... hello?" I call out softly so I don't scare the kid. It doesn't really help though because he jerks up and whips around to face me. He's covered in blood and his clothes are ripped like crazy. I push back how terrified I am (children covered in blood? Sounds like a horror movie) and move forward a bit.

"Go away!" The kid cries. I put my hands up in surrender to show the kid I'm not a threat and let him see how concerned I am. Something tells me being honest with him is the best way to go.

"Hey, I'm not gonna hurt ya. I just want to ask if you're okay. You're bleeding." I slowly make my way closer to him, he's watching me like a hawk but isn't trying to kill me. I sit down next to him and try to look as non-threatening as I possibly can. It's incredibly obvious that the kid is scared out of his mind. (Where are these protective feelings coming from?)

"I'm Jack. What's your name?" I try to keep my voice low.

The kid stays quiet for a minute before whispering, "Tyson" 

I smile gently. I don't know what I'm doing, but I want him to feel comfortable.

"That's a cool name," I tell him . God, how old even is he? Maybe he's a Fae so he is actually like 14 and just looks really young?

"I'm not a baby!" He snaps, he glares (It's more adorable then it is scary) at me with his tear-filled eyes and shifts away from me.

"I'm not calling you one. I promise. I really like the name Tyson. How old are you?" He stops glaring at me but still looks suspicious.

"I'm 6. What are you? 100?" I shoot back in surprise. 

"No! I'm 17 thank you very much!" I glare, but I can't help chuckling. I don't know why but I find the little guy calling me 100 ridiculous. The kid grows a small smile and scooches a little closer to me. He seems to be in a better mood so I figure nows my best chance to ask him why he's here.

"Where are your parents? Did you get lost or something?" In hindsight I should have been less direct. The kid starts to cry again curling back into himself, his sobs racking his body.

"My parents they-" He stops as another sob rips through him, "they hurt me- " He cries harder as he tries to stutter out an explanation. So they must be the reason the poor kid is hurt! If they layed a single finger on him I'll- Breath in breath out, Jack. In and out. (Again- Why do I get so protective over this kid? Why do I care at all?)

"Sh," I try to calm him, pushing away my seething anger, "Hey, I'm here. It's okay. I got you." Tyson falls into my chest and hugs me tightly. It's getting dark, he's probably hungry and tired and he's dirty. Hes hurt- which I can't belive his parents would do! He is six years old! He didn't deserve this! I breathe in deeply as I make my decision to leave him or take him.

"C'mon kid. I'm gonna take you home." I pick him up and cradle him gently to my chest as he continues to sob. His skin surprises me with how rough it is. It feels like I'm rubbing scales. Maybe he's some kinda lizard shifter? When I get to my bike I put him on his feet.