"I've heard from him, He is in a safe place right now.He is a smart kid and If he stays there he will remain safe." He said the second more to the boy that didn't seem to get the concept of hiding in plain sight, he would need to teach it to him, it was probably one of the most useful faucets of his power.

"Tell me what the misunderstanding is and why Ms.Taylor is scared for him. If I need to be doing more I want to know it." Aedus was a little bit harsh toward Agnes. "Sorry, I don't mean to snap. I just want whats best for him."

Aedus hoped that the kid kept his cool and Agnes told him what they both needed to know, was she on the parents side, Was Ms.Taylor? What the heck was going on. Aedus turned back into the living room to check on his nervous guest.

"Hey Killian this is my friend Agnes...if you are feeling a bit shy you can head to my room if you like." the real Killian would have been hitting on the young woman in front of him, not hiding behind the couch. but that wasn't the real Killian it was an afraid little boy. Whom he was trying to remind that he was wearing the best camouflage ever.

"Agnes, can I get you something to drink?"

>> “Oh! That’s right, sorry. Look, I don’t know if Chase has contacted you yet, but he ran away from the mansion. He saw his parents there and apparently he bolted and told his friends that he was heading here. Have you seen or heard from him? There has been a HUGE misunderstanding and the Ms. Taylor the guidance counselor is scared for him.”

Chase listened closely, still shaking. Miss Gemma. Did Miss Gemma tell Agnes that she'd been the one who Chases' parents had been meeting with? Or that his social worker had been there? Chase numbly wondered how much Agnes could tell them, or if it was all some sort of ploy to trick him into going back to Syracuse.

>> "I've heard from him, He is in a safe place right now. He is a smart kid and If he stays there he will remain safe."

Chase cringed. Couldn't he have just said that Chase wasn't there? Then Agnes would leave, and Chase would be home free. It was obvious by the fact that she was there, though, that Chase couldn't stay with Aedus, either. Agnes could find him, which meant that Miss Gemma could... which now meant that his social worker would be able to find him, and drag him back to Syracuse, back into the foster homes.

>> "Tell me what the misunderstanding is and why Ms.Taylor is scared for him. If I need to be doing more I want to know it. Sorry, I don't mean to snap. I just want whats best for him."

Oh. Details. Details were good. Killian's doppelganger shifted faintly, turning around so as to peer under the couch, as if searching for something. That's right, he wasn't Chase. He had to pretend to be Killian to get more details. Chase stuck his arm under the couch, rummaging around for nothing in particular.

>> "Hey Killian this is my friend Agnes...if you are feeling a bit shy you can head to my room if you like."

The Doppelganger sat up quickly, cracking a grin that was very un-Chase-like. Part of the muscle-memory, Chase supposed. He gave Agnes the casual greeting of, "Hey, nice to meet you, Agnes- naw, I'll stick around. I dropped my DS-stylus under the couch and I can't find it."

Chase continued rummaging under the couch, and shifted his position slightly as Aedus offered Agnes a drink. Meanwhile, the Doppelganger watched the two closely, and inquired, "Are you Aedus' girlfriend?"

If one looked closely enough, one could still see that Chases' eyes were still flickering with color. His eyes were always a dead giveaway, and Chase knew this, so he didn't keep his eyes lingering on the two for too long. He was supposed to be rummaging under the couch for the stylus to his imaginary Nintendo DS anyways.

>> "I've heard from him, He is in a safe place right now.He is a smart kid and If he stays there he will remain safe…Tell me what the misunderstanding is and why Ms.Taylor is scared for him. If I need to be doing more I want to know it."[/i]

Hurt. That was the best way to describe the look on Agnes’ face. There was no need for Aedus to snap at her like that, or the get so defensive. If there was anything that Agnes did want to do was to make sure that Chase was safe. There was no need for Aedus to get on the defensive like that, especially since they first met Chase, the only thing that they both wanted to do was to keep the boy safe. But now he was snapping at her? Why?

She casually looked down to the ground, her eyes a little hurt at the accusation that Aedus gave off, that she was not looking out for the boy. That only angered her all the more but she did not want to fully show that yet.

>> "Sorry, I don't mean to snap. I just want whats best for him."

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” Agnes said as she lifted her gaze to stare back at Aedus fiery one’s with determined eyes. He didn’t know what it was like. He never lived on the streets, not in the way that both she and Chase did. He was being offered a good home, with someone who would more than care for him. Someone as young as Chase deserved that! But…she kept her temper down.

>> "Hey Killian this is my friend Agnes...if you are feeling a bit shy you can head to my room if you like…”[/i]

>> "Hey, nice to meet you, Agnes- naw, I'll stick around. I dropped my DS-stylus under the couch and I can't find it…”

She blinked as she looked up to see someone else in the apartment. Immediately she felt bad, as if she were intruding on some get together. She did not want to speak about this in front of people she didn’t know. But she did not scowl or anything, she merely waved at the other person, known as Killian, in the room.

“Hi,” was all she said.

>> “Agnes, can I get you something to drink?"

>> "Are you Aedus' girlfriend?"[/i]

She blinked at both questions but quickly shook her head.

“Um, no thank you,” she said to Aedus and then addressed Killian’s question with a blush and a firm shake of the head.

She really should probably let Aedus know that she was gay but now definitely did not seem like the time. Instead she quietly stepped into the room and followed Aedus.

“Listen,” she lowered her voice so that Killian did not feel the need to eavesdrop while he was looking for whatever it was he was looking for. “Chase saw his parents at the mansion, with Miss Taylor and one of his friends told him that he got the idea in his head that they were there to take him home. But…it’s not true. Miss Taylor fought for him.” as she said a small smile appeared on her face. “He’s going to get to stay at the mansion. Miss Taylor wants to adopt him so that he can stay and he’ll never have to see his parents again! He’s free from them, Aedus.”

“I know, Agnes. I know. I just know that it would take something big to get him to leave the mansion it has me a bit on edge.” He really didn’t mean to hurt her feelings, he just thought he might get more out of her with a firmer tone he could tell he went too far the moment the words hit her.

Aedus smirked at the look of surprise on Agnes’s face, and he wondered if Chase was trying to put her on tilt or not. He was pretty sure the boy knew they were not dating. Or maybe he didn’t… either way he had brought his game together even covering for hiding behind the couch. Or maybe he had just underestimated the kiddo.

“That is fantastic.” He turned to the living room with his mouth a bit ajar, the hurt on her face is what really did it, the mere suggestion that he might care more than she did, wounded her. Aedus dropped his voice. “Agnes could you do me a favor and say that a bit louder. I think Killian should hear it.” He winked at her hoping it would explain everything it needed to. It was one thing to protect the boy from terrible parents, it was another to keep him from someone who could help him more thoroughly then he could. Sure, he could give the kid a place to stay, but he was pretty sure that he needed more than a big brother.

Aedus listened to Agnes repeat what She had just told him in a louder voice. He answered in the same volume she adopted that would allow the boy to hear with ease. “That sounds amazing, if he agrees to go, could I come along just to be there for him?” He was sure that Agnes’s story was the truth and quite frankly he couldn’t be happier. But he was pretty sure that Chase was crying earlier because he thought he couldn’t trust the mansion either.

As the two older mutants slipped out of view and into the kitchen, the Doppelganger couldn't help but be nosy. He vaulted over the back of the couch, feet quietly meeting the floor.

Footsteps just as silent, Chase went to just outside the kitchen, pressing his back to the wall as he listened. Agnes whispered, but Aedus reiterated what she said, word-for-word.

His stomach hit the floor, and his legs sagged beneath him in shock. He was free? Chase couldn't believe it, he didn't. Tears of fear were met by those of relief. Freedom seemed surreal. He would never have to run again, never live on the streets.

It was too good to be true. He peeked shyly into the kitchen, his eyes still colored by a black fear as he surveyed Aedus and Agnes. He was still trembling, still in disbelief, still crying... And he still looked like Kilian.

>> "That sounds amazing, if he agrees to go, could I come along just to be there for him?"

"I won't go back by myself," Chase spoke up weakly, still peeking around the wall. He didn't know what Aedus and Agnes had whispered to one another, but he could guess. Aedus had probably given up the ghost.

His eyes were still black with fear as Chase shuffled into view. His gaze was on the floor, and he was trembling still. Chase didn't know who to believe or what to think, but if it was all a ploy, he knew that Aedus and Agnes would defend him. He would be safe with them. He couldn't be too sure about Miss Gemma. His mom and dad could have misled her.

>> “That is fantastic…Agnes could you do me a favor and say that a bit louder. I think Killian should hear it.”

Agnes arched a brow, unsure of what to really made of Aedus’ behavior. First he nearly snaps at her when she tells him that she’s there for Chase, now he was hard of hearing? Agnes wanted to get angry and that point and just tell the man off, but then she saw that wink. What was he winking at? Confused she cleared her throat before she spoke again and noticed that he was asking her to repeat not for his sake, but for the sake of another individual who was nearby.

She tilted her head back to the living room. The only person in there was Killian but why should he know about Chase’s busine—

Ooooooh! She wanted to kick herself. Chase could shift himself to look like other humans, that was why Gemma was so worried about losing his trail.

So he was here…and Aedus was hiding him. With a small sigh she nodded that she had understood Aedus’ signs. She turned back up to him spoke a bit louder so that she could clearly be heard by “Killian” in the other room. She repeated everything that she had said, word for word, about how it was a mistake, that Chase was not going back to his parents, that Ms. Taylor wanted to adopt him, that he would be free to live at the mansion.

Just repeated the good news again made her heart lighter. She hoped it would have the same effect on Chase…

>> “That sounds amazing, if he agrees to go, could I come along just to be there for him?”[/color]

She nodded that that was fine. Anything to help Chase’s transition. But before she could verbally say that, another head peeked into the kitchen. She turned and spied Killian looking at them and smiled a bit encouragingly towards him.

>> "I won't go back by myself,"[/color]

Agnes smiled warmly as she turned fully to the hiding Chase. She had to admit that that ability of his really was quite effective. She honestly never would have figured it was him if not for Aedus’ tip and a close look at his fearful eyes.

Her voice took on a more sympathetic quality as she spoke to him.

“You don’t have to go back alone, Chase,” she said with a nod. “I’ll go with you and Aedus can come with us too,” she beamed. “Miss Taylor and her friend Detective Cervantes are downstairs waiting for you. But only if you want to see them. And, Chase, they really hope you’ll want to.”

“Chase, I think you’ve got a shot at something even better than the school, and on top of you still get the school too.” He looked at them both. “ Sorry guys I am bad at subterfuge, it made me seem grouchy to you Agnes and after Agnes gave me the good news. Well, I couldn’t Keep it from you and I couldn’t keep hiding you from Agnes. She gets it.”

Aedus squatted down to Chase’s level. “if it is anything less than what they say it is, I’ll protect you from it, but to be perfectly honest. Agnes has your best interest in mind; she wouldn’t set you up to do something you didn’t want to. We will stick by you every step of the way, if you want me to, I’ll take some time off and stay at the school for a bit.”

Aedus would stand sentry for the kid if it made him feel better…if they told him where his parents lived he would do him one better and make sure that they never attempted to interfere in the boys life on penalty of death.

>> "You don’t have to go back alone, Chase. I’ll go with you and Aedus can come with us too. Miss Taylor and her friend Detective Cervantes are downstairs waiting for you. But only if you want to see them. And, Chase, they really hope you’ll want to."

The Doppelganger glanced shyly at Agnes, frowning as she spoke.

"A detective?" he echoed skeptically. That sounded awfully suspicious. Sure, Agnes was convinced that all was well and good, that Chase was going to be adopted and that Chase wasn't going to be sent home. But, Chase didn't know what to believe. In his mind, though, the detective gave only more reason to be apprehensive.

Then, Aedus spoke. First he spoke of opportunity, of something beyond school. Chase knew that Aedus meant "a family", and a ghost of a smile showed through. If this was real and not just a ploy, it would be wonderful. Aedus then apologized, but why he apologized was lost on Chase, so the shapeshifter didn't answer. Aedus knelt down to Chase's level, fixing him with a fiery gaze.

>>"If it is anything less than what they say it is, I’ll protect you from it, but to be perfectly honest, Agnes has your best interest in mind; she wouldn’t set you up to do something you didn’t want to. We will stick by you every step of the way, if you want me to, I’ll take some time off and stay at the school for a bit.” [/color]

"Just tonight," Chase murmured. And possibly the night following that one.

Aedus didn't seem to understand the extent of Chase's suspicion, though-- Agnes was still a fellow kids in Chases' eyes, and was therefore bound by her word. If she said she would stand by Chase, then she would. She would not mislead him. And Aedus, he was a special exception--an adult Chase could trust, but he was a young adult. Other adults were more complicated. What if Miss Gemma and the detective lied to Agnes? Or, if they were telling the truth, what if the Townsends lied to them?

"I know Agnes wouldn't set me up," Chase whined, sounding a touch offended by the notion on her behalf. It was the grown-ups that they had to look out for.

Though his stomach flopped at the notion of going back, Chase shuffled out of the compact kitchen. With his back to Aedus and Agnes, he removed the borrowed cap as he circled the couch, and he hastily drew his hood as he went back to looking "normal". Chase retrieved his backpack off of the floor, slung it over one shoulder with quivering hands, and with heavy footsteps, returned to the entryway of the kitchen.

Eyes that were a solid, apprehensive black regarded the two older mutants throughy their lashes, and Chase adjusted his hood as he kept his head tucked.

"Mm'kay," he said simply. Chase was as ready as he would ever be to depart. He wore no guise, and stood wholly exposed now. He wore his true face, his true fear, for all to see. Chase was facing his deepest fear-- going back to Syracuse.

Just by how he stood, though, it was apparent that Chase wouldn't walk down on his own fruition. He needed to be led down, needed someone to fasten on to. Chase continued to anxiously toy with his hood and rub his exposed face.

>> “Chase, I think you’ve got a shot at something even better than the school, and on top of you still get the school too…Sorry guys I am bad at subterfuge, it made me seem grouchy to you Agnes and after Agnes gave me the good news. Well, I couldn’t Keep it from you and I couldn’t keep hiding you from Agnes. She gets it.” [/i]

Agnes watched as Chase and Aedus had another heart-to-heart. It felt so much like the first time they had met, when they had introduced Chase to the mansion for the first time. She actually got a little teary-eyed. It broke her heart that Chase was so fearful of people, of anyone with authority. To think that Ms. Taylor or Detective Cervantes would be at all part of some conspiracy only made her want to shake her head. Those were probably the two most trusting adults she had ever known.

She prayed and hoped that Chase would eventually see that if he had agreed to go and meet with the both of them.

>> “If it is anything less than what they say it is, I’ll protect you from it, but to be perfectly honest. Agnes has your best interest in mind; she wouldn’t set you up to do something you didn’t want to. We will stick by you every step of the way, if you want me to, I’ll take some time off and stay at the school for a bit.”

>> "Just tonight…I know Agnes wouldn't set me up,"

She smiled a little encouragingly at him. It was true, she would never set him up. All she wanted to do was the help him, especially since she had been in his exact situation before. She knew what it was like to live on the streets, to want a better life, hell, to even fear her own parents. She knew exactly where the boy was coming from and wanted him to have a better life before he grew too bitter towards the world. Ms. Taylor was the perfect person to help him. If only he’d accept her help.

She sighed as she stood back and watched him shift into his “normal” form, his true form. She did not flinch or cry away. Instead a smile still played on her lips. He was a handsome boy; he should not be crushed by the harsh world any more…

>> "Mm'kay,"

A glance to Aedus and Agnes slowly walked up to him. When she got to his side she held out her hand for him to take, if he wanted to.

“Come on, Chase. Ms. Taylor will be happy to tell you this news again. And don’t be afraid of Detective Cervantes, okay?” as she said this last part she knelt down to look into his eyes. “He’s one of the good guys. He took my parents far, far away from me.” she said with a small bit of encouragement in her voice.

"Ok, well in that case let me just do a couple things really quick." Aedus went into a flurry of last minute detail motion. Aedus went and grabbed his I pod. With a glance at the kitchen he made sure all the ice cream and junk was put away. He slid his phone into his pocket and strapped his running shoes onto his feet,Aedus was ready to go.

He looked to the pair and was happy to see his little family grow a bit, they might not realize it but he would protect them like they were. Any and every chance he got.Aedus walked the pair out and locked up his apartment when they were ready. He followed them down stairs and out the door, he waited for Agnes to point them in the right direction.

>> "Come on, Chase. Ms. Taylor will be happy to tell you this news again. And don’t be afraid of Detective Cervantes, okay? He’s one of the good guys. He took my parents far, far away from me.”

Chase looked at Agnes's extended hand a she spoke, head still dipped. He finally took her hand, practically tucking himself under arm. Aedus scurried off to get a few things.

Chase was numb as they were led outside, trying hard not to shiver as he clung to Agnes's arm. His heart was hammering out of his chest and he was still tearing up.

Chase hid his face against Agnes's arm as Aedus locked the apartment, and followed with shuffling feet as they marched down the hall. He could feel his panic rising as they came closer and closer to the exit.

Chase fought his urge to run, but judging by how tightly he clung to Agnes's arm. Finally, they were outside, and Chase was absolutely chilled with anxiety as he looked around for a police car or his parents. He didn't see them.

Gemma waited. And waited. And waited. And she tried not to wonder if Agnes just went in alone to help Chase escape through a back door. If he was here at all.
Biting her lip, she held Jorge's hand quietly, watching the door. Hoping they were not too late. Reminding herself that she trusted Agnes, and Chase. And even the friend she did not know. She got too close to lose the boy now.

It felt like an eternity. Some people came and went; every time the door opened, her heart jumped, but it was not Chase. She looked at each of the carefully, just in case the boy tried to walk away in a disguise. But she was too close for her aura not to affect him.

She waited. She was too nervous to talk to Jorge, and he understood. She'd have to thank him later, when she was less preoccupied.

And finally, the door opened, and Chase walked out.

He was clinging to Agnes, and looked so much like Gemma clinging to Jorge that it was almost funny. Behind them came the friend, obviously a mutant, but Gemma barely saw him. Finally letting go of Jorge's hand, she took a few steps towards them; Chase was still standing on the stairs, and because of that he was about eye to eye level with her.

"Hi Chase" she said almost quietly "I'm sorry we scared you. I should have talked to you sooner... I just wanted to see how things work out. It was my fault, and I apologize for that."

She took a deep breath.

"I talked to your parents and your social worker. They all agree the Mansion is the best place for you, but you need a legal guardian to stay. Someone to look after you. Because I want you to stay with us, I told them I would adopt you. That way, you could stay with me, and live in the mansion. And you don't have to go back home."

That was the simplest way to put it.

"So... that's all I could do." she said, looking at him "If it is okay with you. You can come home with us."

It was the waiting that was a killer. As Jorge stood outside the car, next to Gemma, he could feel the heavy tension in the air. It was so thick he felt like he could have cut it through with a knife. But he did not dare utter a word. Instead the detective merely stood there, resting his back against the car while Gemma clung onto him. He could feel from her grip that she was extremely worried about how this was going to go. They could easily lose Chase if the boy so chose to run.

People exited the building and at every turn he knew that it could have been the boy. He could have transformed into someone and simply walked away and they never would know it. But Jorge had to hold faith that Agnes was right about this place and that Chase was here.

Not just for Gemma’s sake but for Chase’s as well. Judging from the types of parents that the boy had, he deserved a chance at a real life. If there was anyone who could give him that chance, it was Gemma.

He only hoped that the boy would be able to take it.

Another glance to Gemma and he still said nothing. As intently as she was staring at that door, he knew it would be folly to say anything to calm her. Instead he simply remained quiet and waited for Agnes to rejoin them outsi—

The door opened. He paused and Gemma nearly sprang to attention. Standing at the doorway, was the familiar figure of Agnes but clinging onto her was a small, meek looking 8 year old boy. His heart already reached out to the kid. After connecting a face to those horrendous acts that the boy’s parents did to him, all Jorge could think about was that now this kid was safe. Gemma would definitely care for him, but would the kid even be able to stand having him, a detective, around? After all, judging by his past, it did not seem as if the police were able to do much to help him.

He hoped that bitterness did not settle in too deep.

Gemma went to the boy and he smiled gratefully at Agnes, and even to the obsidian man that was standing behind her. Hands in his trenchcoat, the detective let Gemma and Chase have their moment as he gave a nod to the volcanic rock man and the insect girl who were able to protect the boy. He turned his slightly misty eyes back onto Gemma and Chase and could not help the calm and gentle smile that flashed across his features.

The boy weighed on her arm like an anchor. As soon as Aedus was ready, the trio left the bike messenger’s home and she had to smirk gently at the thought. Who would have thought that a random stroll in the park would lead to this little family she had with Chase and Aedus. Children of the streets, come together for the sole purpose of protecting one another. Agnes still had a hard time wrapping her mind around how they were able to pull this off.

She was doing well, happy at the mansion. Aedus was excellent as always. And now Chase, the youngest of their motley little trio, was finally going to be given his chance at a real life. Ms. Taylor would keep him safe and Detective Cervantes would definitely keep his parents away.

The boy was free. Chase…was…free…

Gently she squeezed Chase’s hand as tightly as she could as they finally began to arrive at the exit. It glared at them as the last chance for any action. Either Chase could walk through with them, or shove them off and run. In the end, no matter how good any of their intentions were, it will always be up to him.

When they stepped through the doors, Agnes sighed happily.

Good, was all she thought. Stepping through she spied both Ms. Taylor and Detective Cervantes. Both looked completely relieved.

Still, she let Chase cling onto her, even while Ms. Taylor was talking, until he was ready to let go. The whole time she listened encouragingly to the guidance counselor’s words and squeezed Chase’s hand in a calming manner.

Looking up, she spied the detective smiling at them both and she glanced to Aedus with a grin. Chase was in good hands. She knew it.

Aedus traveled down the stairs and witnessed true happiness, he wanted this for Chase so bad. Watching them all together was touching. He was happy to be here and involved. He trusted Agnes and by extension trusted Ms.Gemma as well. He recognized the detective from the most terrifying day of his life. Turkey day of doom, He wasn't sure if he would recognize him as well but that was unimportant, he knew the man was willing to stand between a giant crazed turkey golem and the city. He was good wood.

Then the strangest thing seemed to happen as they got closer. the lava in his eyes cooled and returned his eyes to his typically mutant orange Irises his sight receded but his other senses increased back to normal, he wasn't sure what was going on here but, then his powers were relatively new to him. maybe the operated on a different time then the rest of his body. odd.

He stayed quiet and out of the way for now. He nodded and offered a calm smile to the officer who was obviously as touched by all this as he was, probably more, based on the closeness of the couple.