#changes: chapter 4

Johnny: Didn’t realise the Humour and Hijinks Festival was-

Casper: Festival?

Johnny: Casper, wait!

-

Johnny: How do you feel about joining the Pranksters?

Casper: Pranksters? I’m joining.

Johnny: Okay, so basically the whole point of this Festival is that we’re split into two teams. The Jokesters, and the Pranksters. Jokesters will go around telling jokes, which is what I did last time, and the Pranksters get to cause mayhem by pranking other people.

Casper: Mhm.

Johnny: I don’t know how the organisers track the “points”, but the winning team gets to win a few prizes.

Casper: So it’s a competition?

Johnny: Pretty much. You ready?

Casper: Mhm.

-

Casper, internally: Why does he look so familiar...? Is that- No, it can’t be, surely?

Casper: Shi? Shi Toue?

Shi: Yeah? What do you want?

Casper, in Sixami: You fucking prick! You’ve been here this whole time since you left, and you never bothered to contact me?! I was worried sick about you! I thought you were dead, Shi.

Shi: Nice to see you too, Cas.

Casper scoffs.

Shi: Look, a lot of shit has happened since getting here, okay? I’m still trying to find my brother...

Casper: Oh...

Shi: It’s probably not a good idea to discuss this here. I’m free Wednesday. If you want, we can meet up and I’ll explain everything, okay?

Casper: Okay...

Casper: I missed you.

Shi: I know. I missed you too, Cas.

- Flash Back -

Casper: Tell me you’re not actually planning on leaving.

Shi: Cas, you know I-

Casper: You’re hiding something from me. I can see it in your eyes. Just tell me the truth, please. Answer me!

Shi: [Sighs] I just found out that I’m a product of Toue’s research... And that I apparently have a twin brother.

Casper: Wait... What? Toue, as in that dictator?

Shi: Yeah, and he’s only just realised that I’ve been alive this whole time.

Casper: Shi...

Shi: My Grandma was a part of the research- She didn’t realise how fucked up everything was until it was too late. Grandma was the one who took me away and dropped me off at the orphanage.

Casper: And then your adoptive parents brought you back into her life.

Shi: Yeah. Then they fucked off and it was just the two of us again.

Casper: So... The way she treated you as you got older was not because she hated you, but because she was trying to protect you from... Toue?

Shi: Apparently so. But it was only a matter of time before he’d find me.

Casper: How did he find out?

Shi: I don’t know... All I know is that he wants to use my power to help gain control over Earth.

Casper: Earth? Why Earth?

Shi: I’m guessing it’s because of how heavily populated it is. There’s what? Almost 8 billion people living on that planet. The more people he can control, the better I suppose.

Casper: Makes sense. What about your brother?

Shi: He’s being transported to Earth. As soon as he lands, their project starts.

Casper: How long until then?

Shi: Three days.

Casper: Shit. I guess I can’t exactly stop you from leaving, then.

Shi: It’s only temporary.

Casper: Promise me one thing?

Shi: Yeah?

Casper: Keep in touch, will you?

Shi: Sure.

Shi: You know, Cas. I think we should do something to help you remember me while I’m gone.

--

Shi: Fuck-

Casper: [Panting] Oh, fuck-

Shi: You good?

Casper: Yeah- Keep going!

- Flashback Ends -

Tap water running.

Chloe: Uh? No! I’m not leaving until you tell me why that thing is in your bed.

Johnny: Don’t call her that.

Chloe: Why not? Do you have a thing for that creature or something?

Johnny: What…? I don’t even know her! Like I said, she was hurt and-

Chloe: That’s even worse!

Johnny: Oh my God, Chloe. I have not been having sex with her! Look at her! She’s clearly been hurt!

Chloe: But you’ve thought about it, haven’t you?

Johnny: WHAT?! Are you fucking serious right now, Chloe?! I swear on my Nan’s grave. Nothing happened between us!

Chloe: Why don’t you swear on your best friend’s grave instead?

Johnny: You know what? I’m done. I’ve had enough. I’m breaking up with you, we’re over!

Chloe: But-

Johnny: No buts, Chloe. I have spent MONTHS of this relationship being gaslit by you, and constantly accused of being unfaithful. And not only do you have the audacity to disrespect the person who has been INJURED, but you also disrespected my DEAD best friend. And you fucking knew what had happened! We are over. Got it?

Chloe: I-

Johnny: Leave. Now.

Chloe: Ugh.

[Front door opens and then slams shut]

[X] Hisses in pain.

Johnny: Are you okay in there? Mind if I come in?

[X]: Mhm.

[Door opens]

Johnny: You didn’t hear that did you?

[X]: Um…

Johnny: Fuck, I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve to hear that. Uhm, is there anything you need? Water, something to snack on… or a shower, maybe?

[X] nods.

Johnny: Okay, uhm, I have a shower if you’re looking to get clean right now?

–

Johnny: - Okay so that’s how you use this shower. I’m not sure how your showers work exactly… Assuming you have them, I don’t know. [Clears throat] I’ve got some shampoo, conditioner and soap on the side here for you to use. Use however much you need.

[X]: Mhm.

Johnny: Will you be okay?

[X] nods.

Johnny: Okay, cool. So I’ll leave you to it, and I’ll find something clean for you to wear once you’re done. Let me know if you need anything.

—

[Phone vibrating]

[Text Messages]

Malaya: Thank fuck you’re still here!

Johnny: Yeah… sorry to worry you guys

Malaya: Saw your gf leave… What happened?

Johnny: We broke up

—

[X] crying on the bathroom floor.

[Knock on the door]

Johnny: I’ve left something for you to wear by the door. Are you okay in there?

—

[Phone call]

Malaya, on speaker: And she just appeared out of nowhere?

Johnny: Pretty much… but I couldn’t just leave her. She looked hurt.

Malaya: You did the right thing.

Knock knock.

Johnny: That might be her, now.

Malaya: Okay, just let me know if you need anything.

Johnny: Got it.

[Via Text]

Johnny: So... my mum’s kicking me out...

Caleb: You’re joking?

Arya: Why?

Braeden: What the fuck happened??

Johnny: I told her about the job offer

Johnny: What the fuck am I supposed to do now?

Kylo: Johnny, where are you?

Kylo: I’m coming to get you.

--

[Phone Call]

Caleb: Kylo’s on his way now. Did you pack everything you need?

Johnny: Just the essentials. I’ve only got this suitcase...

Caleb: Fuck... I can’t believe she kicked you out!

Johnny: Eh, I was kind of expecting it. I wonder how Dad’s going to feel about this.

Caleb: Wait- He doesn’t know?!

Johnny: Nope.

Caleb: If you don’t mind me asking, do you think you and your Dad will stay in touch, somehow?

Johnny: I’m not sure.. I hope so. But then again, he might not cos of Mum... y’know?

Caleb, sighing: Right...

Johnny: Hey, Caleb?

Caleb: Yeah?

Johnny: I really appreciate the help. It means a lot.

Caleb: It’s fine, that’s what friends are for.

--

Kylo: I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?

Johnny: Nah, I was only outside for a couple minutes.

Kylo: Do you want to talk about what happened?

Johnny: *Sighs* So you know the other night, when I performed at the Stargazer Lounge?

Johnny: Lawrence approached me after the gig and offered me a job in the entertainment career. I accepted the job offer.

Kylo: Mhm.

Johnny: When I went back ho- to the house, Malcolm was awake and he started asking me all these questions.

Kylo: Of course he did...

Johnny: *Scoffs* I kept telling him to mind his business, but then Nancy came in and asked why we were both awake so late. Malcolm snitched. Which lead to the big fight and me getting disowned the next day.

Kylo: Fucking hell...

Kylo: So that’s it? You’ve officially dropped out of Uni?

Johnny: Yeah.

Kylo: Poor Braeden. I’m sure they’re going to miss your juicy story times.

Johnny: *Laughs* I think I’m going to miss telling them, to be honest. Also, quick question. How long am I staying at yours for? I don’t want to get in the way or anything...

Kylo: Well, my extended family are due to visit in a couple weeks time. So I reckon at least two weeks? I’ll need to call my parents and double check.

Johnny: Right, okay.

Kylo: But don’t worry though! My parents won’t toss you on the street once my family gets here. I promise.

Johnny: Good to know...

Kylo: But for now, let’s focus on getting you comfy here for the time being. Then we’ll figure out what to do after, okay?

Johnny: So how did the meet up with Shi go?

Casper: Uh, yeah, it was fine. We just spent most of the afternoon catching up with each other.

Johnny: Are you okay, Casper? Your eyes looked a little red earlier.

Casper: Yeah! I’m okay. We had an emotional chat, that’s all. What about you? Did you get up to much?

Johnny: Did a bit of shopping with Jasbinder, and then went for a coffee together. I also spoke to Suze on the phone earlier.

Casper: How is she?

Johnny: Still pretty fucked up from what had happened, but she’s getting help.

Casper: Hmm.

Johnny: We’re looking to catch up at some point and visit Scott’s grave.

Casper: That’s in Henford, right?

Johnny: Yeah, so quite the trip!

Johnny: Oh! I almost forgot! Jasbinder mentioned there being a job vacancy available at the Future-something Lab. I don’t remember what the place is called- but they’re looking for a Scientist.

Casper: How do I apply?

Johnny: The application is all online, but I can speak to Jas later, and we can get your CV sorted and whatnot.

Casper: Okay.

Johnny: The pay is supposed to be really good as well!

Some extras~

Shi: So you know how I’ve been trying to get away from my “Father”, right?

Casper: Yeah...?

Shi: I think he’s found me.

Casper: What?!

Shi: I keep getting cryptic messages and then there’s these two men who won’t leave me alone- they claim to know everything about me.

Casper: Including your ability?

Shi: [Sighs] Yup. They say that they mean no harm, but I don’t trust them. The only people who knows about my power is you, Toue and the people working for him.

Casper: [Sighs] Shit. Well, are you in any danger right now?

Shi: I don’t think so. I’ve been getting a lot of weird looks from people... Had this group try to pick a fight with me during my first week.

Casper: Shi, please tell me you didn’t-

Shi: Oh I did. They know not to fuck with me now.

Casper: [Sigh] You need to be more careful.

Shi: When have I ever been careful, Cas?

Phone pings.

Casper: Rapunzel? Shi, who’s this Rapunzel person?

Shi: I’m not sure... I’ve been trying to figure it out for months.

Casper: Wait, so you don’t know this person? Who do you think it could be?

Shi: I have no idea... I don’t even know how they found me.

Casper: Looks like this person sent you a download link... should we open it?

Shi: Normally I wouldn’t, but my gut is telling me we should.

Casper: Okay. It’s loading..

Shi: This better not be a virus...

Casper: I guess we’re about to find out...

Shi: Yeah..... Okay, so while that’s downloading, tell me why you’re on Earth all of a sudden?

Casper: Ugh, where do I begin? [Sigh] So you know how my job is to help children and victims of abuse?

Shi: Yeah?

Casper: Well, I went to the Village, Kyenlone with the group, and we were doing our rounds and whatnot. Turns out the leader, Orqreth has been participating in some sort of trafficking ring.

Shi: Holy shit...

Casper: Look, I couldn’t just let him get away with it! I exposed him. And now he wants me dead.

-- Talking over flashback --

Casper: My mother was the one who found out that he and his team are on the hunt for me. She was the one who helped me escape. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to the rest of my family. It all happened so fast...

-- Flashback --

Cinzia, in Sixami: I need you to listen to me, you can’t stay here. Not right now, baby.

Casper: I can fight them! Please, I don’t want to leave you.

Cinzia: I know. But you need to understand, it’s too dangerous for you here.

Casper: Where am I supposed to go?!

Cinzia: I don’t know... Just don’t go to any of the neighbouring planets. They’ll look for you there.

Casper: Not even Hela?

Cinzia: No, Casper. I need you to get on that ship and go.

Casper: But-

Cinzia: I need you to do that for me, Casper. Please.

Casper: What about you? What about Vesper and Papa?!

Cinzia: We’ll be fine. I promise.

Casper: What it you won’t?!

Cinzia: Your Father has a plan. We’ll handle them whilst you’re away.

X: We’re running out of time!

Cinzia: Everything you need is on that ship. When it’s safe enough to do so, you drop me a message. [Voice cracks] I love you so much, my child.

Casper: I love you too, Mama. I’m gonna miss you.

Cinzia: I’m going to miss you too. This is only temporary, I promise. Just don’t let them find you.

-- Flashback Ends --

Casper: I don’t know how I lost them, but I did, and now I’m here.

Shi: Do you feel safe here?

Casper: I think so, or at least I do for now... Also, there’s something else I need to tell you...

Shi: Sure, go ahead.

Casper: Turns out I was pregnant. I didn’t even know I was until that night!

Shi: Casper-

Casper: And when I crashed, I bled loads and-

Shi: Casper, your stress levels are rising-

Casper: It was yours.

Shi: What?

Casper: It would’ve been yours...

Shi: Mine...?

Casper nods.

Shi: Shit, Casper... I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?

[Door opens]

Johnny: Uhh.. Can I help yo- Oh.

Johnny, panicking: Oh shit! Uh, fuck, fuck, fuck.

Johnny: It’s okay, I got you! [Nervous sigh] Ooh fuck... Okay, just calm down. I’ve got this.

Johnny, rambling: Uh, I hope you don’t mind that I’m holding you- uh, it’s just- I don’t really know what else to do. I’ve never met your kind before. Wait- is that rude of me to say? Fuck. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I keep talking, you probably can’t even hear me... or understand? I don’t know...

[Bedroom door opens]

Johnny: [Sighs] Okay, I’m just gonna lower you on this bed and then leave you to it, I guess? I just hope you’re not dead, cos I don’t know how I’m gonna explain this to my neighbours.

--

Johnny, leaving the room: [Heavy sighing] Fuck.

[Phone vibrating]

Lotharihoe @ We’re All Closet Gays

Has anyone managed to get through to him??

3 more notifications

EbonyDarkness @ We’re All Closet Gays

Johnny please don’t do this

6 more notifications

5 missed calls from Kylo

2 missed calls from Caleb

Missed call from Salem

---

Chlobow: I’ve just seen the messages

Chlobow: Please tell me you haven’t done anything stupid

6 missed calls from Chlobow

Chlobow: Answer me!!

3 missed calls from Chlobow

Johnny: Oh shit...