❃ Rising mutation || Mutant!AU || Sherlock and Richard ❃
Richard had always liked animals, when he was alone in his garden he would murmur his problems to the birds in the trees or squirrels scurrying past, the real surprise came when one of them talked back to him. Until then he had just be a normal child, lonely, but normal in every way. At that moment, he knew he was like those people that the news went on about, a mutant with a power of his own. His emotions were mixed on the subject, it meant he had something special.. and it also meant he was a freak.
As long as he kept it to himself, though, he was safe and he knew that.
Sometimes however, his ability to stay quiet was tested. There were three kids who were throwing rocks at a bird who couldn't fly away, it was calling out for help but there was nothing the other birds could do to get him out, they had to leave it in its attempt to slowly hobble away.
Clenching his fists, he let out a breath, frowning to himself as he pushed past the boys and marched up to the animal. It was afraid, like he had been so many times.
"Hey freak, what are you doing?" Came the voice of one of the boys, halting in his stone throwing. "It's going to bite you and give you rabies!" Another boy laughed, watching him intently.
It did indeed seem that the bird would fight back if he tried to pick it up without warning, so instead he crouched down, watching as it eyed him warily. "I'm here to help you, please don't fight. I can get you away from them." The bird stilled, clearly considering his offer before hobbling forward into his hands. The other boys were gobsmacked but before they could say anything, he ran, carrying the injured bird with him until he was out of breath, sitting himself down in the local park, the bird still nestled calmly in his hands. At least they were safe for now.
