Some of you remember that this is one of my very first stories. May I be pleased to announce that I am happily putting it back on and continuing it. Hello, and good day, to you.
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"My goodness.... What happened to him?"
"I dunno. I just kinda found 'im like that. All beat up and scraggly. 'e musta been hurt by thems gang members... ya know, the ones that live in Oakberry Street?"
Chiro's eyes slowly opened and stared wearily at the ceiling. He grit his teeth as he felt reality take a grip on him. The room began to spin, his head ached, his heart pounded against his chest. The wounds on his face, neck, arms, and legs glowed with pain.
Chiro immediately closed his eyes and let out a soft groan. A small bead of sweat had slipped down his cheek and ran over a deep gash on his chin.
"Where am I?" He asked softly, the words so course and rough he sounded like he had swallowed an entire desert.
Chiro's eyes refused to open, but determining by the gentle footsteps and quiet voices around him he could tell he wasn't alone.
"Listen, boy... what's your name?"
The voice sounded familiar. It was cool and cultivated and very English-like.
"Ch..Chiro," The injured boy whispered.
"Okay, Chiro.... I am going to take you home with me, alright? Now tell me the name of your parents so I can call and inform them."
"I..." Chiro took a huge gulp, hoping to calm his throat. "...Am... Orphan..."
"An orphan..."
The voice faded clear in his mind. Everything went dark....
Chiro was gasping for air when he awoke. His face was absolutely dripping with sweat; in fact, his whole body was damp and warm. He panted for a while.
"Chiro... are you awake?"
"Y...yeah." Chiro murmured. He forced his wasted eyes to look down at his body. It was wrapped tightly with a blue, long thick blanket.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better," Chiro replied roughly.
"Great. I'll just need you to relax a bit, though. We're almost there."
Chiro turned to his side, trying to collect himself. The smooth purr of a vehicle rumbled against his ear. His muscles unwinded and his heart began to beat slower. He shut his eyes to relieve his comfort.
The vehicle slowly jerked to a stop. Chiro heard a door open, then close. Footsteps. A door opened again, and a frigid wind whipped against his face. Behind his eyelids he saw a small light. He opened them.
A young, fair-skinned man with light blue bangs blowing around his eyes bent down to Chiro. The man covered Chiro's body tighter with the blanket and picked him up. With his foot he shut the door and bounded toward a large mansion.
Chiro blinked as the light got stronger and brighter. He squinted as he tried to look at the man. He could've sworn he'd seen him somewhere. It didn't make any sense to him at all until he noticed a sparkling tag on the man's chest. He scrunched up his eyes a bit more, bewildered. On the tag, in large, bold letters, read; "Dr. Hal Gibson."