(Sorry for the long wait guys this chapter gave me such problems I'm not really proud of it but it needs to be written the real action begins in the next chapter. Please let me know what you think! So enjoy. OH BTW I used some old English slang so here are the meanings:
* English slang
Barker- Gun
Cove- a man
Chink-Money
Cly faking- pick pocket
Dollymop-A prostitute, often an amateur or a part-time street girl.
Dewskitch-A beating)
Clockwork's End
-Chapter 4-
The doors flew open startling Kevin from his intense stare at the scene in front of him. Ed was laid out on the bed unconscious bleeding out on the white sheets. Eddward was injecting him with what Kevin thought was morphine; when the noise from the door startled him. A young girl, no older than sixteen, stood holding the door open with both her hands. Her light red hair, which matched Ed's, swayed her big brown eyes wide with shock as her large thin lipped mouth dropped open. She was fair skinned and Kevin literally saw her turn paler.
"THAT IDOIT!" She screamed her voice a bit rough, she ran toward towards the bed only to be stopped by Winston; who was preparing for the surgery.
"You Idiot! Can't you stay out of trouble for FIVE BLOODY MINUTES!?" She let out a shrill sound, damn did that girl had a vocal cord. She was kicking and flailing occasionally hitting Winston. Eddward ignored her as he pulled out the scalpel and gauges.
A small pale boy came in. He was no taller than the girl with fair curly hair and magenta eyes…magenta eyes? The hell? The girl started to scream again when the boy came near her to calm her whispering in her ear.
"JIMMY GET SARAH OUT OF HERE NOW!" Eddward yelled scarring the teens still, shit that even scarred Kevin, but he grabbed the girl and dragged her out.
"Don't you dare let him die Double Dee! Don't you dare die you big lummox or I'll tell mom!" Her voice cracked at the end making tears fall from her face. Eddward only nodded and continued his work.
The doors closed, the sound echoed throughout the room, damn Kevin felt useless all of this was his fault and he was just sitting here. He stood up hopping of the bed, shit bad idea, his whole vision blurred sending the room to a quick spin. He quickly grabbed the bed post before he fell over.
"No do not move you have lost a fairly large quantity of blood. Damn it all Winston! Get Jim Winston I need Jim!" The dork looked pale, Kevin stood straight and walked over to him looking into his eyes.
"At least let me help until he goes to get your brother I'll be fine man please." Kevin wasn't used to pleading. Hell he'd never do it avoided it if he had to but this was different. Eddward looked up at his green eyes and saw the determination he was not going to waver. Winston did not wait for an answer he left immediately to look for help.
"Fine grab that tray I need to get the glass out of his stomach I need you to pass me the pincers." Kevin did exactly as the dork said. Kevin watched mesmerized as the dweeb transformed into a man before him. Kevin watched him as he gracefully took the pieces out gently making sure not to cause more bleeding. Kevin was starting to feel weak just as Jim came rushing in. He asked no questions and from behind Winston pulled Kevin to the bed. Kevin only had so much in him and fell into unconsciousness.
"Furthermore prolonging and perhaps we would have lost them…... if….I…."
"Relax Edd they …It was….."
The voices were distant, Kevin woke up groggy straining to hear them he recognized one to be Edd and the other possibly Jim? He jostled feeling a little sting on his head above his eye. It was warm and suddenly felt a cold hand over his forehead. He moaned a bit to the sensation fuck did he feel tired he didn't want to wake up but he needed to know if the kid made it. He opened his eyes to see the dork sitting at the edge of his bed with concerned cyan eyes. He slid his hand from his forehead to placing his palm on his check. Kevin really did like the feel of his hand on him it made him feel relaxed. However almost instantly he was afraid pushing Eddward's hand away from him, He saw the quick panic in the dork's eyes. Getting up Kevin felt the intense pain all over his body. He cried out a bit before stiffing up.
"You must refrain from moving Kevin please" Eddward pushed him back down gently removing his hands quickly. Kevin felt bad and looked around for Ed.
"He is fine-"
"What happened? How long have I been asleep?" He cut Eddward off. Eddward glanced at Jim who was leaving to go check on Ed. He nodded at him and left.
"You collapsed from blood loss, you have slept for three days, Winston mended your wounds but you needed a blood transfusion luckily Nazz knew your blood type and luckily we have the same blood type." Eddward instinctively rose his hand to the inside of his arm touching it lightly as he spoke "Ed is quite alright thanks to you if you had not helped carry him upstairs or placed the shirt to stop the bleeding he would have…." He closed his eyes the pain clearly visible on his face, Kevin swallowed hard and reached over wanting to push the hair from his face but decided to pat his shoulder.
"Don't worry 'bout it dork he's alive right?" Kevin gave him a sheepish smile.
"D-dork!? I beg your pardon!?" Just as Eddward was about to start a lecture Nazz came bursting in running throwing herself onto Kevin. Her legs fell on the bed pushing Edd of the bed. She was wailing spouting out incoherent 'thank god you're alive' comments.
"OW get off me lass! Damn woman I was just blown up!" Kevin snarled at her but she still didn't let him go, tightening her grip. Eddward got up from the floor a little irritated at his female friend and reached over to pull her off.
"Cease and desist Nazz I implore you!" He was able to pull her arms off from around him and to tell the truth it felt good ripping her off of him. He was able to pull her of the bed before returning his gaze to Kevin. He had his eyes shut in pain, Eddward could see him trying to breathe the pain away. Nazz finally relaxed and stood very still.
"Kev what happened down there?" She asked her voice close to a whisper.
Kevin sat there trying to find the words maybe Nazz would remember but he wasn't sure if the dork would know him. It was worth a shot.
"The fucking shit was-"
"Language Kevin" Eddward interjected. Kevin looked at him exasperated but had a feeling if he wanted to get through the explanation he should hold the cursing.
"The device was a bomb an advanced bomb at that. The mechanism on it make it so that when it is rotated it adds to the force of the explosion. However since it was small the impact wasn't as strong; there was also tiny blades on the surface of the machine. It takes whatever DNA it can get dead skin sweat blood whatever it is and use that as detonation." Kevin swallowed hard before continuing on.
"Dork whoever did this was after you and your nerd squad specifically." Kevin looked at Eddward waiting for his response.
"Please reframe from calling me 'dork' but how do you know it was us they were after?" Kevin blinked well shit he really hoped Nazz doesn't get mad at him.
"I tested the bomb with my own DNA and it didn't go off but don't worry I lowered the force before doing it" Kevin finished and saw the shock flare in Eddward's and Nazz's face. Then came the anger. Fuck.
"YOU. DID. WHAT?!" Nazz screamed out at Kevin.
"I can't believe how irresponsible, foolish, idiotic you are! You would have blown up you idiot!"
"I SHOULD HAVE! I SHOULD BE THE ONE IN THAT ROOM NOT HIM!" Kevin eyes widened at what he just said his heart grew heavy. Mother fucker he should have been the one to blow up not the big dork. It was all his fault. He curled his hands to fists keeping the rage inside of him.
Eddward stared at him the defeat and anger clear in his eyes and he couldn't help but feel strongly for Kevin. This man was torturing himself for someone he didn't even know.
"Nazz it was one of his…his bombs…"Kevin coughed out his voice raspy from emotion. Nazz held her hand up to her mouth in awe.
"Are you sure Kevin? I mean it's been a while" Nazz looked at him uncertainty settling in her face.
"Yea I'm pretty damn sure Nazz. Fuck I've seen that design before and it belongs to him" Kevin threw the covers to the side swinging his legs over the bed. He groaned but willed himself to get up.
"Last I heard he was here in England. He got pretty famous he's the go to for explosives from what I hear." Kevin rubbed his chin trying to remember all he could. Eddward's mind ticked as he went to retrieve clothes for Kevin.
"Do you speak of Bombing Johnny? A ridiculous name if you ask me but he is well versed in explosives. I have run into him before." Eddward stepped closer to Kevin handing him a change of clothes.
Kevin pulled up the pants tucking in his muscle shirt and white collared dress shirt before buttoning his black pants. "You've seen 'em? Where can I find the little bastard?" He pulled on his black vest that had a chain attached from his back to his pocket. Nazz came forward handing him a pocket watch and black fingerless gloves.
"I shall accompany you on this endeavor" Eddward walked towards the door when Kevin stopped him.
"Rather you don't dork, Nazz and I can handle this just tell us where to go." Eddward had enough of Kevin's lone wolf habits. He straightened out squinted his eyes and stomped towards him.
"Listen well Kevin Barr I will not tolerate your selfishness any longer! I am certain if we are to cooperate we would make a tremendous team so you shall allow me to accompany you whether you like it or not." He had jabbed his finger at Kevin's chest, liking the feel of it Eddward jabbed him a couple more times. Kevin was stunned he didn't think the dork would react like this.
"Fine damn it let's go! Lead the way!" Kevin roared frustrated "but first I need my boots and my revolvers. Oh and Nazz where the hell is my hat?" She laughed at him walking over the night stand next to his bed.
"Here you screwball." She threw it to him and with on swift hand moment he caught it and placed it on his head.
The automobile was quite abounding what with Nazz, Eddy, Jim, Kevin and Eddward together. Winston silently drove them down a street that became less and less populated as they neared the slums of England.
Eddward had explained to Kevin and Nazz earlier that the person they were after would be located in Old Nichol. Eddward, to say the least, was a bit frazzled the area is a notorious slum in Britain. He was unsure what could happen in such a place. When Eddward explained his uncertainty Kevin scuffed at him and challenged him.
"No one is asking you to go Double dweeb just stay here" Hearing Kevin utter such words enraged Eddward he would not be pushed around. Now here they were Eddy wasn't going to leave Nazz alone in the hands of the 'Shovel-chin' as he calls Kevin and Jim didn't want to leave Edd alone. As they approached their destination Kevin pulled out his revolvers his fingers rapid and nimble checking the barrels to make sure they were loaded. Eddward watched him he liked the way Kevin's eyes firmed when handling the weapon.
"OI ya mind putting away that barker*! There's a women present Shovel-chin!" Eddy snarled at the taller man. Eddy was quite frustrated because Kevin took the seat next to Nazz and Jim took the other one. Eddward didn't see why it was such a bad thing he sat across Kevin, he was able to look at him and his adorable freckles. Eddward felt the heat grow on his cheeks he knew he was being ridiculous but he really did feel like he was falling for Kevin.
"Listen shrimp-" Kevin began but was abruptly stopped by Nazz
"I am not a child I have handled a gun before. Actually Kev has taught me how and you need to relax Eddy before I kick you with my steel toe heels" Nazz glared down Eddy who's eyes looked like they would fall out of he opened them wider.
"We are here young master" Winston's voice broke the awkward tension building in the coach. Without a word everyone stepped out of the automobile and Eddward wished he was back inside immediately. HOW UNSANATARY he thought cringing at the smell of rot in the air. The streets where filled with drunk filthy men using the wall or a woman to hold themselves up. Many of those men lay wasted on the floors unmoving some in their own bodily filth. Eddward felt lightheaded this was messy messy messy. They neared the building that was semi presentable and as they headed up a woman in a provocative dress came forward seductively laying her hands on Eddward's chest. Oh lord.
"Well 'ello there darling, don't you look lonely and unsatisfied tonight." She slurred out the word in which Eddward thought that she was trying to be attractive. She wasn't.
"On the contrary madam I am accompanied tonight if you did not see the entourage I came with." Eddward used his whole hand to point to his friends.
"They can come too if ya like puppy" She batted her eyes getting closer to him. Kevin sighed heavily and walked up next to Eddward throwing an arm around his neck.
"Listen doll unless you got a cove* who likes a good time with another cove I don't think your gunna get any chink* from this dork so I suggest you vamoose" He said matter of fact making Eddward panic. Did he know? Did Nazz tell him? The women's face curled in disgust and stepped away walking through a puff of smoke from a man who had been smoking.
"K-Kevin!?" Eddward stuttered not sure what to say.
"Relax dork it's pretty damn obvious figured it out myself it doesn't bother me to each his own right. Let's just get this over with." Kevin headed up the small set of steps followed by the rest followed. He barely knocked on the door when it flew open. A lankly ghoulish looking man was standing by the door staring at them blankly.
"Well are ya commin in o are ya just goin ta stand there like idjits" The man had what seemed like an Irish accent. He stepped to the side and they all stepped in. Once inside the atmosphere changed. Inside the building was well kept clean chairs and tables tops wiped down and by the fireplace Lee Kanker was sitting filling away at her nails. Her usual thick curly red hair covered her eyes but she had no trouble rising and waltzing over to the group. She was dressed in a white high collar dress with a red sash wrapped around her middle.
"Who the bloody hell are you people?" She pointed at them with the nail filer. "May Marie get out here now!" She yelled her head tilted upward. From up the stairs, May, a tall long haired blonde came tumbling down landing on her bottom. She was laughing like she has done it before, possibly many times Edd imagined. Then came Marie sliding down the rail of the stairs her short blue hair wafting landing perfectly on her heeled black laced boots. They walked over Marie placing an elbow on her sister's shoulder staring intently at Eddward.
"You'd think you would remember us by now Kankers." Jim stepped forward he didn't like the way the blue haired looked at his brother. "Everyone these are the Kanker sisters; red heads Lee, blonde hair is May, and Blue hair is Marie."
"Course darling how we could forget a cutie like you" Marie came forward wrapping her arms around Edd's neck.
"Where is tall Ed how I miss my big guy!" May cheered. Everyone went serious Eddward pushed off the girl his face contouring in pain.
"That's why we're here. I'm looking for a bastard named Johnny seen 'em recently?" Kevin stepped forward pushing Eddward behind him. The dude was very popular with girls pissed Kevin off for some reason. They smiled at him and glided over Kevin surrounding him well shit.
"Well well well handsome and what's your name?" Lee came forward placing a hand on Kevin's back. Kevin felt the little wench slipping her hand into his pocket. Was she really cly faking* him this was getting ridiculous. All this was pissing him off even more he wanted to hurt somebody sadly the only people he could beat to a pulp were girls. That wasn't going to happen.
"Slow down there dollymop* put his things back or I'll give you a good 'ol dewskitch*" Nazz had slinked her way around them placing a small dagger near her throat.
"See my ma taught me never to hit a girl but that there is the scariest babe I have met so far I suggest you tell us where Johnny is and back off." Kevin glared down the red head she scoffed and threw her hands up. Nazz stepped aside next to Kev still holding the blade.
"Too bad for you he is not here, he went out to do…business." Lee commented checking her nails as she returned to stand with her sisters.
"Where may we find him?" the dork stepped from behind Kevin.
"Beats me we answered you questions so-" There was a sudden muffled boom and the building shook startling the group.
"You want Bombing Johnny follow the booms sweety bye bye" they waved at the group before disappearing upstairs. The explosions continued as the gang ran towards the car. In the distance orange hues colored the sky along grey smoke.
"Winston toward the explosion quickly!" Eddward yelled. They sat anxiously looking out the window waiting to get to their destination. When they arrived the place was set in flames people running everywhere screaming. People were trying to put out fires and the culprit was nowhere in sight.
"I'm done with playing games. I am pissed!" Eddward growled.
"Oh dear game on I suppose" Jim giggled he knew his brother well enough to know that the fun has just begun.