The Waywards

An: I don't own Kickin' It

Four.

Jack felt like throwing a chair out the window. Moments after the man's explanation, he couldn't believe he allowed the detour. Beads of sweat accumulated upon his brow from the extreme warmth of the dojo. It was clear the air conditioning system was out of order.

He glanced at his companions. The other teens had to feel the same about the man's story. Unfortunately, he spotted nothing but interest in their eyes. He groaned inwardly. It would be another thirty minutes before they hit the road again.

"The future? You can see the future?" Jack asked, finally contributing to the conversation.

"Correct," the man smiled.

Jack arose. "Great, alright guys. We need to get back on the road. Nice meeting you? I think."

"Wait," Rudy hopped to his feet. "Where are you boys heading?"

Jack hesitated with his answer. After all the obstacles they faced,he treated every situation with a high level of suspicion. He carefully analyzed Rudy and decided he seem harmless enough. Although, even the most harmless person could seem dangerous. He didn't have time for additional distractions. He kept his explanation close to his heart

"Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Rudy Gillespie," he grinned. "Now, you boys are heading somewhere but why and where?"

Jerry smiled. "Guess. You are psychic."

Rudy laughed sheepishly. He rubbed the back of his neck as if he were embarrassed. He glanced around the dojo before allowing his shoulders to slump in defeat.

"I'm going to be honest with you three," he commented. "I have limitations. Even though I'm older, I have trouble truly controlling my skill. A few specialists suggested it had to do with a childhood illness I experienced – but enough about my more personal life. Sometimes I get visions of strangers searching for guidance. Most of the time my power detects future situations that are bad. For example if someone was in grave danger."

Rudy mopped up the excess sweat upon his forehead with his shirt. He noticed the teens giving him their undivided attention. He decided it was his chance to continue. He tried to place his full concentration into what he wanted to say. The task was difficult with the sauna like quality of the dojo. He knew he needed to repair the AC unit but for now the teens were his top priority.

"If you want me to sit here and predict the future, it'll take awhile," he smiled. "With control I can see an hour out. On a good day I'll see two hours into the future. If you want a few days or thirteen years, that would require a lot more of me. Believe me I've tried. Sent me to the hospital. It wasn't pretty and neither was the bill."

Jack remained standing. Personally, he had no time for fortune tellers. He would take his chances with his unknown future. For right now they needed to redirect their attention to the long journey ahead. Rudy seemed genuinely nice, he guessed. Unfortunately, he had terrible timing.

"We are heading to Seaford, California," Jerry exclaimed. "It is going to be our new home."

All three teens watched a look of fright appear upon Rudy'sface. After a few seconds he regained his composure but his displeasure was still evident. They watched him try and fail to give them a carefree grin.

"No, you don't want to go there."

"I don't understand," Milton commented. "What is wrong with Seaford? Many like us travel there."

Rudy sighed. "Boys, I understand. I know you must feel forgotten, misunderstood, and neglected but I'm telling you now Seaford is not the answer."

Jack let out a bark of laughter. "I walked miles. I wouldn't waste my time for anything less than the answer."

"I get it. I grew up in a time where people like us didn't stand a chance when it came to the government. Everyone was hiding," Rudy smiled sadly. "My brother and I were devastated by how things were going on around us. My brother became so angry that – well, these times are brighter. A little more accepting."

Rudy gave them another bright smile before arising.

"You had or have a brother?" Milton questioned carefully.

"Have."

"I'm sorry," Milton stated cryptically.

"It is okay," Rudy replied. "My brother and I drifted apart a long time ago. He is very dangerous now."

Jerry bit his lip before opening his mouth. "What is his power?"

He wanted to answer but shook his head instead. "How would you boys like to stay with me before you head out?"

"No thanks," Jack responded.

Rudy frowned. "Hey, we are all in this together. I try to help all the young people, with powers, as best as I can. See a lot of them from time to time."

"Whoa! Really that sounds –, "Jerry exclaimed but Jack interrupted.

Jack shook his head. "Well, we don't need your help. Jerry, Milton, we are going now."

Jerry frowned deeply as he arose. He didn't understand why they were rejecting the shorter male's offer. Weren't they in need of a place? Why were they walking away from a good opportunity? He tried to study Jack's face but the answers were unclear.

"Jack," Milton called out, stopping the brunette from heading out the door. "We could use showers. Maybe a hot meal. Then we'll go to Seaford without any distractions."

Jack gritted his teeth. He knew he would regret traveling in a group.

"Fine. We'll have one meal, shower, and then sleep."

Milton let out a sigh of relief. He then turned to Rudy who frowned at their little argument. He gave the other a reassuring smile. He was happy to know someone as kind as Rudy existed. Their journey had been so hard. Receiving help from a stranger was a very refreshing concept to him.

"Where do you live?" Milton asked cheerfully.

Rudy grinned. He gestured toward the back where he parked his car. He had one last chance to save the boys.

Rudy didn't have many guests in his long life of renting an apartment. Despite this, he still found that the label, excellent host, fit him. The next morning he was eager to treat the young teens to a hearty breakfast.

Living alone gave him an ample amount of time to perfect his cooking. As he flipped pancakes in a single pan he wondered what else he could make. Suddenly, he heard the sound of feet walking along the floor.

"Whoo!" a voice shrieked. "Pancakes!"

A tiny smile painted across the elder male's face. It felt nice having other people in his place. Years ago he had a roommate. They enjoyed each other's company, as much as any siblings could. Sadly, their private opinions got in the way. Rudy sighed heavily at the memory. He had to reel in his emotions. The breakfast was an important first step he needed to take.

"This is too much," Milton smiled. "You really didn't need to go to all the trouble. We could have gotten something on our way."

The elder male waved the statement aside. He set a hefty plate of pancakes to the table alongside bacon and eggs.

"Wow! This tastes like a breakfast for champions!" Jerry exclaimed through mouthfuls of eggs and bacon. "Thanks! At least now when we run out of money I can remember what food tastes like."

The brunette sent his elbow into the soft flesh of Jerry's side. There was a grunt accompanied with a choke. Jack smiled at their host. He surveyed the simple yet powerful breakfast display. He never imagined a stranger would take them in. It was unheard of these days.

"Thanks for all of this," Jack responded sincerely after his meal. "How can we ever repay you?"

A laugh escaped their host's lips. He gave them a warm smile before giving the teens a very serious expression. He crossed his fingers and set his clasped hands upon the tiny kitchen table. He scanned their faces and then he began to speak again.

"I do require a payment of 100 dollars."

"Oh," Jerry commented, he spat out a lump of something. "I didn't eat that. Can it be fifty?"

Jack eyed the unidentifiable mush and frowned. "We are sorry about him."

"Don't worry guys, I'm joking," Rudy beamed. "Just a little breakfast humor."

Jerry let out a sigh of relief. "Great because we aren't really making money. The money Milton stole from his mom is basically gone. I think Jack may still have some money though, if you still need it."

Rudy eyed the teen before giving the boys a winning smile. "No, really I don't require anything of the green nature. Actually, I want you all to stay here with me. What do you think?"

He watched different expressions flash across their faces. He expected the mixed emotions. Rudy just fed them, so he imagined they were feeling grateful. They were in a nice shelter away from the unpredictable elements of the outside. He guessed they were conflicted. Rudy could only hope they thought seriously about his offer.

"We will be out of your hair by this afternoon," Jack stated firmly as he glanced at his companions.

"Didn't you hear my offer? You don't have to run across the world anymore."

Jack groaned as he wiped his right hand down his face. "We aren't running. We are traveling to Seaford."

"You don't have to go there. Honestly, Seaford isn't what you think it is."

There wasn't a response. He watched Jack arise from the table and begin to clear the plates. Rudy reached out and grabbed his wrist.

"Why do you want us to stay with you?" Jack demanded. "What do you possibly have to offer?"

"Jack," Milton remarked.

He disappeared down the hall without a word.

"Seaford has been our goal since we all met," Milton explained. "We've all been ostracized in life. We just want to feel accepted."

Rudy sighed. "I accept you as you are."

Milton smiled softly. "Thanks."

He watched as the other teens arose. The elder male frowned deeply. He could already feel his plan slipping through his fingers.

The early afternoon crept upon Jack suddenly. He shared a laugh with his companions and their newest friend Rudy. Despite the recent tension between them they were able to go back to normal easily. His reaction to Rudy earlier seemed distant and ridiculous.

They didn't have luggage packed with them. All they had was a tiny pack that Milton brought from home. With the car, that Jerry unfortunately stole, they could make better time than on foot or bus. Jack was very optimistic and couldn't help but showcase his feelings to his companions as they once again sat at the kitchen table.

After their lunch they headed to the door. All four males silently stood. Rudy sighed heavily as he rubbed the back of his was it. His last chance to bring the boys back from what could be a terrible mistake. One last chance.

"I can't get you to change your mind?"

"No," Jack commented.

The other boys agreed.

"What is wrong with Seaford?" Jerry asked, hoping for an answer this time.

"Well," Rudy bit his lip, as he carefully worded his response. "In Seaford they accept the powers but they don't accept the people with the powers."

Jerry nodded in understanding but then leant over to Jack. "What is he talking about?"

Jack shrugged as he looked to Milton. Milton wrestled with the statement but was too grateful for their two meals to care.

The boys thanked Rudy profusely for all he did in such a short amount of time. Rudy was overcome with so much sadness as the young fresh faces wished him the best. He reached out and grabbed the nearest shirt sleeve. Jerry glanced down at the hold on him.

"Let me chaperone your event."

Jack bid Rudy a farewell before ushering the others toward the door. "Really, we don't need any supervision. We've been fine without an adult."

"Hey, I'm an adult," Jerry remarked.

"Barely," Milton smirked.

Rudy sighed heavily. "I really think you should reconsider going to Seaford."

"I think you should consider minding your own freaking business," Jack growled.

Milton watched an expression of hurt fall across Rudy's face. Only the redhead knew Jack's pain. It would be a while before the brunette shared anything with Jerry or any other new stranger. Part of him wished Rudy would accompany them. The other part of him shunned the idea. He left his parents behind. It would be counterproductive having Rudy tag along.

"Look, I get that you still don't trust me. A few pancakes won't change that."

"Changed it for me," Jerry remarked. "Whoo!"

"Shut up Jerry," Jack spat. "We are leaving Rudy. Thanks but no thanks."

Jack pushed the door open and then headed out leaving the others behind. Milton sighed heavily before opening his mouth.

"Thanks again Rudy. Good luck with the dojo cover up."

Rudy's mouth hung open a gape. "Wait, how did you know it was a cover up?"

Milton tapped his forehead before grinning. "I know. Maybe we will run into you later."

He too disappeared out the door leaving a perplexed Jerry behind. He turned to Rudy.

"I know Jack is angry," Jerry commented. "But, honestly. I think you should come with us. We really don't have enough money. You are real nice and understand us."

Rudy gave the young teen a warm smile. "It is okay. It looks like your leader isn't too pleased."

"Leader? He isn't our leader – oh okay maybe he acts like it most of the time. You know, he didn't like me in the group either," Jerry stated. "I think I grew on him. Or he was tired of resisting. I'm not sure. I don't really know why he gets angry like that but I'm not going to bother him."

A soft silence spread throughout the apartment. Rudy gave the youth a firm nod before grabbing his emergency bag. He watched the youth's brows rise to his hairline. He took one look around his apartment. He would leave a message for the landlord. It was very important that he accompanied the boys. His visions were never wrong. They needed his help whether they knew it or not.

"Sometimes you have to be ready to leave it all behind," Rudy said, noticing Jerry's confused look. "I'm always ready."

The two headed out the door leaving Rudy's apartment behind.

A large smiled stretched across Jerry's face despite the hard glare Jack sent his way. He knew the other teen would hate him but he made the right decision. After all, they were in over their heads. For weeks they scraped by on the little funds they had. They sacrificed breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner to save funds for the next day. It was time they stopped living that way.

The discovery of a stolen car sent Rudy into a whirl of panic. He decided on sending the car to a remote area in hopes that the police would be curious of its appearance. Hopefully, they wouldn't tie the stolen car back to them. Afterwards, they continued on their way to Seaford. The sun was just setting on the horizon.

"Get some sleep boys," he suggested. "I know you drove a long distance. I'll take over."

Jack grunted as a reply.

"Thanks," Milton grinned.

"I know we made the right choice," Jerry yawned as he too drifted off to sleep.

A pleasant humming slipped from between Rudy's lips. Heglanced at the rear view mirror. The three teens were comfortably settled in the back seat of his car. His heart swelled at their state of vulnerability. He couldn't let these young teens brave a new city alone.

"Don't worry boys," Rudy whispered. "You'll be safe with me I promise. I won't let Seaford change you."

Hey lovelies! How is it going? Here is another update! I was so inspired by the positive feedback. This was another short chapter. I decided to leave it on a nice friendly note. Wow, the views are climbing! I'm excited by all the new readers! Thanks again.

Special thanks to reviewers:

Memory, thanks for the review. Will Kim Eddie and the others be in the story? Well, I can definitely tell you Kim will be in the story…now will Eddie? You'll have to continue reading to see (wink*wink*). Thanks for the support.

talktothehand, thanks for the review. I'm glad you love this story. Also I'm glad you think this is cool. I've always wanted to write a story with powers. Yes, Kim will be in the story, it may be a few more chapters (but only a few) before she appears, so if you keep reading I promise she will be there. Again I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the support.

Maddyliza1234, thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoy the story so much. Puts a smile on my face to see that. Yes, you caught on that the person was Rudy. Then again he was passing out flyers for his dojo so, Ha-ha. Yes, how will he be a part of their story? You'll have to continue reading to see. Thanks for the support!

Thanks Maddyliza1234 for the follow and the favorite, I truly appreciate it!

Alright! Chapter four is done. A special update for you all! What do you think about Rudy's character in this and his concern for the boys? Also, now you know a bit about this magical place Seaford. What do you think? I'm just curious to see what you all say. Stay tuned the next chapter is, well pretty wild!

Anyway, thanks to all those who review, follow, and favorite. I truly appreciate the support. It inspires me to continue and update sooner (when possible). Also, I like to thank those just stopping by to read *gives everyone a standing ovation* .You all are the best! The next chapter update is 25% of the way done (estimated). Thanks again everyone!

Until Next Chapter

Bye