The Waywards

An: I don't own Kickin' it

Eight.

A calm breeze, carrying a sound of desperation, swept past the three boys. After a few seconds of stillness, Jack began to walk away. He ignored the guilt clawing within his stomach. Besides, he made sure his feelings about heroism were explicitly clear to Milton. He no longer believed in lending a helping hand, especially for humans.

Jack decided to take shelter in their apartment. The storm would pass whether he participated or not. An unsettled feeling took residence within his heart but he could live with the churning in his stomach. Suddenly, a hand grabbed his wrist. He met a pair of wide eyes and down turned lips. He watched Jerry's head tilt to the side as he looked up at him.

"Where are you going?" Jerry questioned.

"Whoever is in trouble will get themselves out of it," Jack said.

"But, Milton says it's a kid."

Jack ripped his arm from Jerry's grip. "It doesn't bother me."

Jack paused at his own words. He sounded like a true monster. Despite his warring emotions, he kept his back turned toward his companions. He didn't want to see the looks upon their faces. It was time for him to walk away.

"Wait," Milton bit his lip. "I heard other guys, Jack. I think there are many of them and he is just a boy. He needs us. I know you are scared –"

"Scared?" Jack let out an uncontrolled bark of laughter. "I never said I was scared."

"You thought it," Milton commented.

Jack's shoulders slouched. "It is an undeserving human."

Milton sighed heavily as he moved closer to the brunette. He placed a hand upon his right shoulder.

"The humans may not understand us or like us but this one boy doesn't deserve to feel the full wrath of your anger. He is eight years old Jack."

"Milton," Jack began, voice wavering. "You and I both know we aren't cut out for this. None of us are. I stopped putting on a pretend cape years ago."

"I know," Milton stated. "This isn't pretend. This is a little boy's life."

Jack turned to face the others. He watched Milton's lips twitch, transforming into a hopeful smile. Careful eyes scanned miles of side walk behind him. His heart pounded in his ears as he watched a few shop lights flicker. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon. Soon darkness would cover Seaford.

"Please Jack, we can't help him without you."

There was another young cry from the alley they stood by.

"Your power has improved since we began this journey," Jack tiredly, eyeing the redhead. "You can read minds further away now."

Milton smiled warmly. He knew Jack was onboard. He didn't have to speak a word of explanation. He gave his friend a pat upon the back before storming down the alley to their right.


"Get behind me," Jack commanded. "I don't want you using your power."

Jerry opened his mouth to protest but Jack's glare told him otherwise. He nodded and followed the brunette into the alleyway. He closed his mouth. It wouldn't be wise to argue in such a tense atmosphere. There were more important things to do.

As they ran down the alley, they were greeted by a dead end. Up ahead four teen boys stood in a line. The varying heights of the teens covered the victim from sight. Milton hid behind a silver trash can. Jack watched him place a finger to his lips. Jerry and Jack joined him behind the trash can.

"Humans?" Jack asked, glancing at the teens from around the can.

"No."

The piece of information interested Jerry. Since their arrival in Seaford the only outward display of powers was Phil. Everyone else seemed to be in hiding or less showy with their abilities. It was an odd sight in a town so accepting of powers.

"What do we do?" Jerry questioned, knowing his role well. "I mean what are you both going to do?"

Jack bit his lip. "I want you to stay behind this can. Only use your powers if you absolutely have to. Actually, don't use them at all. "

He nodded, despite the bitterness he felt.

"Milton?" Jack asked.

"They are just toying with the kid now. Perfect time for us to get their attention."

Jack nodded. "Good."

Both teens emerged from behind the trash can. Jack shot Jerry another warning look before turning his attention toward the line of teens. He nodded to Milton who opened his mouth to announce their presence.

"Leave that boy alone."

One of the shorter teens began to laugh, his shoulders moving up and down with each dark chuckle. Without warning all teens turned, blocking the view of the little boy. The shorter male smirked brightly. He took a few steps toward the two.

"Kai?" Jack questioned. "Milton that is my cousin."

Milton wasn't surprised. He picked up the thought from the other's mind. The other three boys were just as menacing. A tall curly haired male glared at them from Kai's left. Another male with brunette locks pulled back into a ponytail eyed them evilly. Lastly, a shorter brunette got into a fighting stance.

"Carson, why don't you do the honors first?" Kai stated, arms crossed. "Everyone else pick your new friend."

"Jack, there are four of them," Milton whispered. "We can't go up against them. We need Jerry."

"No," Jack spat. "Jerry wouldn't be any help."

Milton huffed. "Jack, I thought the strange grudge you have against Jerry was over."

Jack growled. "It isn't a grudge anymore. He doesn't know how to use that power. He will get in the way."

Before they could continue arguing, a growl caught their attention. Abruptly, Carson hunched over. His limbs and bones reconfigured into a four legged position. His fangs became sharper as a large grey wolf replaced the teen.

For a few seconds Jack's heart pounded within his chest. Despite the change, he got into a fighting position. Suddenly the creature took off toward them at an unimaginable speed. The large grey animal leapt into the sky before dumping its full weight upon Jack. Razor sharp claws swiped at him but Jack dodged. Maybe we are in over our head, he thought.

He chased the scary thought from his mind. Instead of worrying, he shot a fist into the soft underbelly, effectively distracting the creature. He delivered additional knee thrusts to the furry stomach. Without warning the creature's body moved from him and met contact with the brick wall to their left.

"I've got the shape shifter," Milton remarked, palms out. "Get to the kid."

Jack nodded. He took off toward the three remaining teens. His curiosity increased. After nearly meeting his end by wolf attack he wondered what the others offered to the group. His attention focused on his cousin, Kai. He hadn't seen the smug face of the jerk in a long while. He launched a fist that the shorter teen caught. Easily, Jack kneed Kai in the midsection. The shorter teen moved back a few inches.

"Wow, Jack," Kai smirked, dodging fists and kicks. "I see you are well."

"I'm doing better now that I'm away from home," Jack remarked, sending a roundhouse kick to Kai's head.

Kai knocked the foot from his head before it made contact. Jack lost balance and found himself hitting the ground with a harsh thud. He arose slightly disoriented from the fall. Bruised elbows and scraped hands were the least of his worries. He needed to get the scared little boy away from the deranged teens.

"I see you've been perfecting your skill," Jack commented, coming back to his feet quickly.

"I have to show this hopeless bunch how things should be done," Kai stated. "I am the leader after all."

"You a leader?" Jack chuckled. "Very funny."

He grabbed Kai's wrist and spun him around, in what one would call a famous wrestling move. He remembered the exact moment he witnessed the technique. He never forgot how to do it afterwards. Kai nearly met the brick wall ahead but Jack watched him spin out of harm's way.

"Jack!" Milton shrieked. "I can't control my power!"

Instantly, his thoughts redirected to Milton. Jack analyzed the new change in the fight between Milton and the shape shifter, Carson. The grey wolf growled viciously as he lay his full body upon Milton. The redhead struggled helplessly underneath the ferocious animal. Before he could run to Milton, a kick landed upon his back. He grunted as he met the ground once again. He rolled his body out of Kai's striking range.

"Give up, cousin," Kai smirked. "You are punk. You aren't going to get the kid out of this one."

Jack gritted his teeth. "I don't give up easily."

He landed a kick upon Kai's face.


Milton was in over his head. He successfully removed the beast from his body but he knew the battle was far from won. The pain overwhelmed him but he pushed it aside. The wolf barred its fangs at him. The redhead's mouth went dry.

"Hey Carson!" Jerry screamed. "Don't move."

The beast snarled aggressively at them but didn't move.

"Lovely thing when he isn't a jerk, eh Milton?" Jerry commented.

Milton breathed in and out slowly. He remained motionless, jaw dropping at the sight of Jerry. Jack was wrong about the elder teen. He had more control of his powers than he expected. Before he could open his mouth to say thanks, he reminded himself he needed to get to the boy. He bolted toward where the boy sat leaving Jerry alone with the frozen wolf.

He reached the boy but unfortunately faced two teens guarding the youth. The curly haired male gave Milton a menacing glare. Milton gulped. His fighting skills weren't as well developed but he knew he had to try. He sent a punch at the curly haired male. Unfortunately, he found himself falling forward and landing in a heap before the wall. Confusion settled within his mind as he glanced back. There standing before him was a transparent figure.

"You can phase through thing," Milton gasped.

The male smirked as he returned to his normal form.

"Here, Frank," the other teen shouted, getting his companion's attention. "Get the boy!"

Milton watched another boy push the kid toward Frank. While holding the boy, Frank pushed his back through the wall. Before he disappeared Milton grabbed a fist full of the child's red tee-shirt. All three boys disappeared through the wall not a piece of brick sticking to their clothing.

He could hear the other teen's annoyed shout from the other side of the wall. A few strands of light penetrated the darkness surrounding them. Brown packages lay scattered upon the ground. Milton guessed they were in a basement. He spotted Frank holding the boy by the wrist.

"You don't want to continue this Frank. You can phase through things but I could lift you right off the ground."

Frank chuckled. "No you can't. I saw you struggling with Carson. Besides, I know how to fight."

He left the kid and lunged at Milton. They struggled upon the ground as the boy stood soundlessly watching.


"You aren't going to win, Jack," Kai asked, eyes narrowed. "Frank has the boy and your friend is no match. We have more power on our side."

Jack growled inwardly. Memories of Kai and Jack growing up began to intrude his mind. At one point in time, they had almost been friendly. He pushed away the useless images and continued the fight. Kai truly had improved since they last met. He never imagined he be fighting his cousin. He shoved a fist into the other's midsection. A grunt drifted from the shorter teen's lips.

"Just let go of the boy, Kai," Jack stated, blocking a punch. "What do you need him for anyway?"

"Nothing really," Kai remarked. "Just a human in the wrong place at the right time, for us at least."

Abruptly, the curly haired male from before emerged from the brick wall. He landed upon his back, eyes unfocused. He let out a groan of pain as he rubbed the back of his neck. Jack frowned slightly at the sight of the teen. Had he just reappeared through the wall? Where was Milton and the boy? Before he could further his pondering, a surprise kick to the midsection caught him off guard. He released a displeased noise before falling to his knees.

"So, punk," Kai ordered. "I suggest you leave us alone."

Jack struggled to his feet. He swept the ground with his extended right leg sending Kai to his back. Both males groaned as they faced each other.

"I figured this would happen," Rudy replied sadly. "Have I missed anything?"

They all turned to the mouth of the alley where a familiar man stood.

A tiny smiled appeared upon Jack's face.


Milton held the youth's face between his hands as he assessed the youth for injuries. The redhead may not be certified but he read enough literature on first aid to know what to do. There were a few scrapes and bruises on the kid. He carefully avoided any sudden jostling of the youth in case of any other injuries. In the background he heard Jack's rage.

"What were you thinking Jerry?" Jack demanded, arms crossed.

The entire fight created nothing but chaos amongst the group of teens. Jack understood the fight could have warranted an additional fighting partner. Jerry wasn't the partner they needed. His powers were too immature.

"Jack," Milton called out, his right hand held the hand of the young boy. "Jerry helped me. That shape shifter was really tough."

"I get that," Jack remarked. "But –like I said before your power is dangerous."

Jerry nodded silently, wishing to dispel the growing hostility. Deep within his heart he felt empowered. He stood up to some baddies and survived the interaction. It was better than his last encounter with people like them. Despite the anger seeping from Jack, he felt proud.

"I think we all just need to take a big calming breathe in and out," Rudy instructed. "Plus, we have a little guest that I think needs to be escorted home. We can discuss our issues later."

Jack groaned before nodding. He knew Rudy only spoke the truth. It was past midnight and they all needed to get some sleep. He turned his attention to the young boy standing beside Milton. His eyes were wide with wonder and something else confusing, admiration.

"That was so cool," the boy whispered.

Milton smiled warmly at the boy. He patted his head in a friendly manner. The boy narrowed his eyes at the gesture but instantly smiled all the same.

"What is your name again?" Milton questioned, although he knew exactly who the kid was from his thoughts.

"Sam. You guys are the new heroes right?" he asked, eyes sparkling. "I can't believe I met you first before everyone else."

"That may not be true," Rudy chuckled. "Where do you live?"

Jack narrowed his eyes at the boy. He watched the boy give his address quickly before continuing to gush about the heroics he witnessed. A part of him despised the youth's genuine excitement. How could this human child be so free and trusting? Wasn't he human? He couldn't understand how someone so young could be so accepting. It had to be a ploy.

After all, humans were ungrateful. People with powers saved humans often but humans spoke as if powers were a menace. He didn't want to get involved with the human boy's personal problem. If it were up to him, the team would have never walked down the alley.

"Be nice Jack," Milton whispered, walking beneath the street lamps. "He is happy and genuinely grateful."

"Stay out of my head Milton," Jack spat, angered by the invasion of privacy. "All of my thoughts aren't for reading."

Milton wanted to apologize but he kept quiet. They stopped in a tranquil neighborhood. A road lay deserted between rows of quaint and lavish homes. Their humble apartment building paled in comparison to the mini mansions they saw.

"Whoa!" Jerry asked, holding the boy's hand. "Are you rich?"

The boy shrugged his tiny shoulders. "Guess so, the mayor lives in this neighborhood."

Milton's eyebrows raised. "The actual mayor of Seaford?"

The boy nodded. "He is okay I guess. Kim is way better."

"Kim, you say?" Jerry smiled, a mischievous grin fell upon his lips. "Is she cute?"

He yelped as a smack came in contact with the back of his head. He glared at Milton who gave him a stern look.

"Well, I'm sure your parents are worried sick about you," Milton stated, taking a knee before the youth. "How are you feeling? You okay?"

He beamed throwing his arms up above his head, descending into another round of rambling. His wild hand expressions and wild gestures brought smiles to most of their faces. It was nice listening to the youth ramble on about how happy he was and how excited he was to have them in the neighborhood.

"I mean," he continued, speaking with a speed known to children. "You guys are awesome. Especially when you picked Frank up with your mind and threw him across the room. And you fought Kai and no one can ever go up against Kai. Carson, the shape shifter, he is tough to beat. I think the black dragons are cool too. They aren't easy to talk to like you all are. I just wanted to talk to them and ask about their powers but they got upset."

Jack unfolded his arm, his brows creased and his hands shook. He walked toward the kid and gave him his best glare. He watched bright youthful eyes stare up at him. He delivered a crushing look of disappointment back. Was this kid for real?

"You mean you went looking for them?" Jack asked.

The boy rubbed the back of his neck before giving the others a cheesy grin. "I just – I've never talked to them. I see them around sometimes but the city is so worried about them. I just wanted to see what my friends were talking about."

"So you knew they were dangerous and you looked for them?" Jack laughed, anger brewing. "You are just as bad as Jerry with the bread."

"Hey, that was a while ago," Jerry exclaimed.

Milton arose from his kneeling position. He knew Jack didn't tolerate unreasonable behavior. It was on his long list of things that angered him immensely. Sometimes Milton found himself on the list but it was rare. He reached out hoping to calm the brunette but failed when he dodged his gesture.

"Kid," Jack smirked. "If you have a death wish I suggest you try that again. Try it again and see if we come by and save you. I'll give you a hint, highly unlikely."

"I'm sorry," Sam frowned. "I know it wasn't a good idea. My parents say I have this problem with looking for trouble. It isn't true. I just want to see superheroes."

Jack shook his head before kneeling before the youth. "Listen to me closely kid. There is no such thing as a superhero."

Jack watched Sam's shoulders slouch. The sparkle within the youth's eyes dimmed. The taller brunette grinned. This was more like it. Disappointment. This was the human reaction he was used to. He got back to his feet. He enjoyed delivering the crushing blow.

For a few seconds there was silence. Suddenly, the boy bid them all a silent farewell before heading back into his house.

"Come on," Rudy remarked, seeing solemn looks on the others' faces. "Time to get to sleep."

They trudged back to the apartment the memory of Jack's statement hanging above their heads.


A greasy grin spread across a male's pale flesh. He carded his fingers through brunette locks before stuffing his left hand into his pocket. His dark black eyes watched four teenage boys walk past the alley he resided in. His right hand stroked the thick neck of a ferocious black dog. The dog growled viciously as the teens passed by.

"No, boy," the male smirked as he continued petting the beast. "Those boys aren't our enemies. No, they are interesting. The black dragons could definitely serve a purpose. I'm going to have a chat with them."

As he left the alley, his dark black trench coat billowed in the wind. He couldn't wait to speak with the boys. His beastly companion trailed behind as he quickly caught up with the others. The black dragons stopped before a 24 hour convenient store. Before they could enter, he blocked their way.

"What gives old man?" a short blonde teen asked.

"My name is Ty and I have an excellent opportunity for you all."


Hey Wonderfuls! Whoa, looks like Ty is in the story now. I truly enjoyed this chapter. I enjoyed describing the action happening within the alley. A lot occurred. Anyway! Thanks again everyone for the amazing feedback! I'm so happy.

Special thanks to reviewers:

Iamawesome, thanks for the review. Phenomenal?! My story? Wow, thanks for the awesome compliment. Thanks it is good to hear I'm doing a great job. I only do the best I can. I'm glad you liked the last chapter so much. Thanks for the support.

Maddyliza1234, thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked Sam and Kim in this. I wasn't sure whether I wanted Sam in the story or not but I decided I liked his character on the show. Seaford a trap? Well you'll have to stay tuned to see what happens. Yes, Jack and Kim's meeting will come up soon. I'm building up to it. I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for the support.

justlovekickinit, thanks for the review. Wow! I'm blushing. I'm glad you like the story so much. That is a very good thing to point out. You are thinking back to other chapters. I like it. Yes, Rudy and the boys are doing better. I'm glad you enjoyed the story! Thanks for the support.

Thanks justlovekickinit for the favorite. I truly appreciate it.

Alright! Thanks again everyone for reading, following, reviewing, and leaving favorites. I'm astounded each time by the feedback and the view count. It truly is a nice thing to see. *Gives everyone a standing ovation*. I enjoyed writing this chapter. I'm average at writing fight scenes so I'm curious to find out what you thought about them.

I just want to leave you with a few questions to think about. Why do you think Jack doesn't believe in superheroes? Do you think Jerry shouldn't use his powers as much, even though it can be helpful? And what does Ty want? Feel free to let me know what you think. I'm always curious to know.

Again thanks everyone for the amazing support. Thanks so much. The next update is 15% of the way done. So stay tuned for the next chapter. You all are the best!

Until Next Chapter

Bye