23 William Carters Day Off (2/2)

It took no more than a half hour to meet the bustling traffic of the city. Stores left and right as well as diners. Throughout the day, Bianca stopped the car at various clothing outlets and tried out the most ridiculously expensive clothing. Trusting what his uncle said about the card, there was no limit to the amount Will was prepared to spend on her.

Hours flew by in what seemed like minutes. Each store they visited, Will ended up carrying a pile of clothing to the car. All of it was stored in the trunk which made Will curious. They must have purchased enough for a truck load.

On the bright side, Will was able to see Bianca in everything she got. Though he told her she looked good in everything, she loved hearing him say it every time.

Heading out of another clothing outlet Will didn't care to remember the name of, he looked around. Though he had only been gone six months, seeing the big skyscrapers looming overhead still was enough to put him in awe. It was a nice break from deserts or forests.

While looking around, Will saw someone on the street corner with a can in his hand.

The boy was no older than Will, with a shaggy hair covering his eyes, Will couldn't see exactly what his expression was but if he had to guess it would be hopelessness.

Bianca was next to come out of the outlet, looking at Will she could tell something was wrong. Following his gaze, she saw the boy on the corner. ”This city is full of homeless Will,” she said with a sad look. ”We can't help them all.”

Hearing Bianca say that with such conviction, as if there really wasn't anything he could do made him slightly irritated. ”If I didn't have the luck I've had, I'd be in the same situation.” he said turning to Bianca. ”I can't help the whole world, but I can't turn my back from someone in front of me.” Will turned back to the boy, walking across the street to see what he could do.

The boy looked startled as Will made his way toward him, sitting down at the corner. Thousands of people walked past him each day, none so much as looking at him. He didn't blame them. Though this boy had no problems approaching him, he still doubted he would do more than talk.

Sitting next to the boy, Will could see why he was holding the can. He had a brown t shirt with holes in it, torn and worn out jeans, and he could swear he saw the boys feet through the holes in his shoes.

”My name is William Ragnos” Will said slightly embarrassed. It was the first time he had actually introduced himself in his given name, it felt alien to him. The boy turned from looking at the street to the boy in the leather jacket. 'Of course it's another one just trying to talk.' he thought.

”I'm Jake,” The boy said looking wary at Will. ”Is there something I can do for you?”

Will could see he wanted to get straight to the point, he couldn't truly blame him. How many other people sat down where he was sitting just to talk to him? ”I was wondering if you would like a job.” he said as Jake looked at him with a confused expression.

”I do a lot of travelling for my training, and would like to have you accompany me.” Will said with a grin on his face. ”Travelling alone is not really beneficial to me, I would have you train as well. We would be sparring partners, if you've never held a sword before, don't worry you aren't the only one.”

Jake couldn't understand what he was saying. Sparring and sword fights? ”What's in it for me?” he asked, cautious of anything that might be out of the ordinary by way of work. He had seen too many people taken from the streets never to be seen again.

”You can pick a room out in my uncle's mansion for one thing, we can get you new clothes. Those ones look like they were done ten years ago. You won't have to past for room and board, and meals are on a scheduled basis.” Will thought of everything he believed Michael would be okay with.

It was way too good to be true fore Jake, someone walking up to him completely out of the blue and offering paradise. ”I think I'll pass.” he said as he turned back to the street.

Will remembered something Jonathan said when he first started his training. ”Sometimes the best opportunities come disguised as wishful thinking. Even if something seems too good to be true, Take a chance and do something you normally wouldn't.”

Jake thought about it for a minute. It did seem too good to be true, why would a stranger help without wanting anything in return? The world didn't work that way, he had felt first hand what the kindness of strangers did to people. Jake winced, ”Just go away, there's nothing you can do for me and you're about to get both of us in trouble.”

Will was about to question him when three thugs walked towards them. ”Dammit,” Jake muttered under his breath, ”just get out of here while you have the chance!”

”Hey kid, is this guy paying or are we playing?” said a bald man with huge muscles, a black tank top and a cross tattoo on his bicep.

”He was just leaving, it was just a misunderstanding that's all.” Jake said quickly, obviously intimidated by the three.

”I don't think so,” he said while turning to face Will. ”You see kid, this boy,” he gestured to Jake, ”owes us a lot of money, though he hasn't been able to make any of it back.” he said as he pulled out a knife. ”I was just telling my friends over here it's about time to cut our losses.” The man had a horrible gleam in his eyes as he held the knife to Jake. ”Hold him down.” he said to his friends who immediately lunged towards Jake.

Will sighed, ”So much for my day off.”