Chapter 2 - Adder

It’s been...what two days...no wait three… definitely… three since I’ve had a decent meal. I’m a little lightheaded, but I need to ignore that and the sounds my stomach keeps making. I’ve got to get to the fights. It’s my chance to earn some money. And when I earn some money, I can buy food to shut up my stupid stomach. So, I hurry along the sidewalks of Oxford to make it to where the fights are tonight.

I’d learned long ago my best bet was to keep my head down and not draw attention to myself. When people notice my scales or my snake eyes, they either want to hurt me or ignore me. Most people ignored me anyway because, well, that’s human nature, right? Ignore problems. Ignore social issues. Ignore those things they wished weren’t there. And I happen to be that. I’m a homeless teen. And more than that, I’m a meta-human. They would prefer to think there isn’t a homeless problem in Oxford, let alone the UK. They like to not think about the fact that meta-humans live among them. 

With my hands stuffed in my grimy ripped jeans, I make my way through the city streets when a sparkle catches my eyes. Discreetly I look to the source and blink, seeing two tall, alright attractive guys walking up ahead. Sure, their clothes looked like thrift store, but their walks told me they were not from this side of town. And the gold Rolex on the one wearing a hat alongside the brunette with a gold chain leading to what I’m certain is a pocket watch screaming money.

I could use some more money. Even if I win my fight tonight, it will only get me so far. But stealing even one of those watches that could set me up for at least a week between meals and maybe even a room to stay in. So, I started to follow them. Trying to keep them in sight without getting close was so far easy enough. The pair seemed to be in their own little world.

As we got to a busier area, it was harder to keep track of them. Once on the other side, I was annoyed to find that I could only see the ball cap. “Where did the gold chain go?” I pondered, looking around, trying to find the second one. I didn’t like not knowing where the second one went. But it was now or never if I wanted to snatch that watch before reaching the fights. Hat wearer turns down an alley. 

Crap, this could be a trap. But I need to take the chance. Besides, if things get bad, I can use my venom.

As I start to get closer, preparing to bump into him as a rouse to snatch his watch, I feel a hand touching my shoulder. Startled, I tried to get out of the grasp of whoever had me, but it was useless. They were stronger. “Let me go, damn it!” I shouted, still trying to break free. “What do you think you’re doing, young lady?” a warm and well-educated voice speaks from behind me. 

A turn of my head and I can see it’s the brunette, the one that disappeared on me. Where the hell did he come from? I know that I wasn’t followed.

“Shite..” I grumble, officially caught as the one in the hat turns around with a laugh. “Oh, the shadow is but a little bird. Why were you following us?” the one in the hat asked, folding his arms. “Who says I was following either of ya?” I threw back at him, folding my arms in turn. “We know you’ve been following us for blocks now. So please do yourself and us a favor and stop the dumb act. Why were you following us?” the brunette asked, his grip firm but not tightening.

Now I was cornered, a feeling I didn’t like in the least. And the fact no one was probably going to see this situation and think I could use help, well that shows the society we live in. A young girl with two much larger guys, sure that seems normal. 

With a heavy sigh, I finally answered. “Fine, I was planning to pickpocket you. You don’t fit in on this side of town. Your gold watches are a dead giveaway, as well as the way you walk. I figured it was an easy score.” I admitted dryly. “Either of your watches would get some good quid at the pawnshop and feed me for a few days.” I added.

“Well, neither of us are individuals one should try to pickpocket. Could get yourself in a lot of trouble. Count yourself fortunate that it was I and not my friend who is dealing with you. He’s less… gentle.” the brunette nodded to his mate. I glared up at him, then looked at the one in the hat, and he had a devilish smile on his lips as he nodded his agreement. 

Great, just what I needed. Two blokes that get their jollies from hurting young girls. “And what do the pair of ya think you’re going to do with me?” I demand, trying to sound tougher than I felt inside.

The smile didn’t leave the one in the hat’s face. I hope he’s just putting on a show trying to mess with me. A look over my shoulder at the brunette, and I’m assured the hat is just bluffing. The brunette is looking at me with gentle gray eyes. 

“We aren’t going to hurt you or do anything to you. Please do not follow us. We get that our watches might look like a quick way to get a few pounds, and maybe you assumed we made easy targets, but we aren’t men you should trifle with. What’s your name, kid?” he asked.

My name? Well, that’s a tough one to answer. I don’t even remember what my birth certificate said. “My name don’t matter.” I shrugged, trying to get his hand off me again. “And don’t call me kid. I prolly not much younger than either of ya.”, I add, hating that they seemed to be looking down on me for my age.  

“Let’s go, mate. What does it matter to us who she is? She knows now to leave us be. We’ve got somewhere to be.”, hat said, looking at his watch checking the time. The brunette chuckled. And it was a warm sound that I could get used to hearing.

“Let’s not be rude, mate.”, he said to the other before looking back at me. “I’m attempting to be polite. And perhaps you aren’t much younger. I’d wager you are thirteen, maybe fourteen. Which still means the pair of us have five or four years on you.”, he said.

He gave a slight bow, removing his hand from my shoulder. Seriously he bowed. Who was this guy?  I should probably take this chance to run, but then his buddy is right there, so I doubt I’d get anywhere. “Mason Quentin Templeton and my associate Ashton Alan Wilson. Now your name please?”, he said giving a formal introduction as he straightened back up. 

Wow, this guy was something else. And as over the top, as the formal introduction was, I couldn’t help it…. I liked it. I liked that he seemed to want to give a proper introduction. That he wants to know who I am. That’s never happened before. No one wants to talk to me because they see me as either just some dirty homeless girl or some dirty meta-human. 

Who the hell is this guy? What’s a society type like him doing here? And how can he be so… nice… to me? I was going to steal from them. And he wants to do introductions!