The Boy Wonder Part Six: The Sign Guy

Part One: Captain Karate 

Part Two: The Origin Story 

Part Three: Juvenile Delinquent  

Part Four: Family Matters 

Part Five: Don't Keep Dreaming 

 

 

Martin has grown used to having Easton around, and certainly grew into the idea of having him around. Martin’s enjoyed having the friendly face around the house, and he trusted Easton as a reliable, calming sparring partner. He’s been able to practice his martial arts with a fun, knowledgeable and cool guy. And since its summer and no school, Martin’s been able to enjoy having a cousin like Easton he could look up to, even call a brother.

 

But, even with how well he’s gotten along with his cousin Easton, Martin is still mostly distant, and hasn’t been able to fully confront his anxieties. He hasn’t opened up about what’s been troubling him, and he’s tried to forget about that weird dream every day since it’s happened. Sometimes, when Martin looks at Easton, especially in the morning or after a shower, Martin cannot get that dream of out his head. It’s one of the reasons that Martin still tries to hide from Easton, and goes for walks around town. It’s just to get out of the house, he tells himself.

 

Martin also enjoys going for walks around town, for more than because it’s kind of like a break from the weirdness of his life. Secretly, Martin’s been walking into town to maybe pick a fight with someone he knows he can match. Martin knows he needs to practice, and Easton is a great partner and all. But Martin knows that he can’t hit Easton with everything that he knows he’ll need to master.

 

Martin felt terrible after hitting Easton below the belt when they first sparred. He felt bad that he caused all that hurt to his kind cousin, and promised never to do that again. But Martin knows that the world around him is a harsh one, and he needs to be able to defend himself using any means necessary. There’s only so much he can learn with Easton, if he’s unable to access forbidden fruits.

 

So, Martin wants to see if there’s someone who he knows he can take on, and test out some different ways to break a guy’s balls. Martin reasoned that if he could find some belligerent or rude man who’s looking for some action, and goad him on. Bait him into a fight that neither would ever forget. And, one that would be a learning experience for both. The unlucky man, would learn to act nicer and remember the face that made them feel so scared. Martin, would use the opportunity as an avenue to perfect his craft, and never fall victim again.

 

For the month or so that Martin’s been going on walks, he hasn’t been able to find someone who’s looking for a fight. Every guy he walks up to, he eyes and wonders how it would feel to dig his heel into the zipper on their crotch, or how that bulge would feel in the palm of his hand. Or even how their nuts would flatten against their pelvis. Martin imagined each guys face in pain, and crumble to the floor, sick with pain. Martin imagined feeling impenetrable, and the ultimate fighter.

 

But there was only so much imagination would do for Martin. He needed the real deal. He needed to find a pair of testicles connected to some jackass and break them, so he can be the very best.  

 

And one Sunday morning, when most people would be at church, Martin went on a walk so he could avoid being too close with his cousin. That’s when, he saw the most perfect thing he’s ever seen.

He saw a man standing on a street corner, trying desperately for people to acknowledge him. He had a sign in his hand, begging to be looked at. Most people looked past the man, not caring or laughing at his ridiculousness, but not Martin. Martin read the sign and felt that this man is exactly who he needed in the moment.

 

The sign read:

 

KICK ME!!

in the BALLS!!!

$50 DOLLARS

 

Martin hurried over to the man before someone else took advantage of this amazing deal. The man saw Martin walking towards him and started to engage him.

 

“Hey, kid! You wanna kick me in the balls!?”

 

Martin nodded his head and walked up to him. Then, he remembered he needed to pay the man first, and reached for his wallet. He looked inside and saw that he had no cash on him.

 

“Argh! Frick!” Martin stammered out. He looked around and an ATM machine and started to run towards it. But he stopped himself, looked at the sign guy in a hurried realization, and gave him an index finger.

 

“One Minute! I’m going to get money from the bank!”

 

Martin ran across the mostly empty street, and ran inside to use the ATM. It was his birthday recently, and put all of his money into an account for him to use, because he felt it the smart thing to do. He took out all $300 in his savings, and ran to the man without even putting it back in his wallet.

 

“Alright, alright! I’ve got money-”

 

“Holy shit! That’s a lot of green, kid!” The sign guy said as he saw the wad of cash in the young teens hands.

Martin looked at it and shrugged. He looked up at the sign and asked him.

 

“It’s $50 per kick?”

 

The guy gulped and nodded. “Yeah. $50 per kick.”

 

“Alright, I only have twenties. So, I’m gonna give you a hundred at a time for 2, okay?”

 

The sign guy wasn’t sure how to handle this kid. The kid couldn’t be more than 16 years old, but he looks seriously dedicated and fit. The sign guy was a bit worried about how excited this kid seemed to kick him in the balls. He might do some serious damage.

 

But, the sign guy sighed and nodded. There was no one else who seemed to care around, and he really needed the money. “Yeah, sure. 2 kicks for $100.”

 

“Rad!” Martin said with dorky confidence, and handed the sign guy five 20’s. He shoved the rest into his jeans, and looked over the sign guy with anticipation.

 

Martin saw an average, if not unkempt guy in front of him. He had soft looking slacks on and a partially unbuttoned dress shirt that wasn’t tucked in, with a collar sticking up a bit. The stripped tie was on well though. His face looked unshaven, and he should’ve showed up at his barber for their regularly scheduled catch-up a month ago, but he’s just been too busy. But through that, he had a handsome face and easy to read, soft eyes. Not overly handsome though, but he had a charm about him.

 

“Alright, kick one.” Sign guy said, as he spread his legs and put the sign on the floor. He put his hands to his head, ready to get this on.

 

Martin looked at the man with careful wishes. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to kick him like this, but he also didn’t want to be rude.

 

“Sir?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Can I ask you a question?”

 

“Uh, sure?”

 

“Can we… do this in a different way? Or does it have to be you standing like that?”

The sign guy wondered what this kid had in mind, and wanted to say no. They’re his balls, and they’ll get kicked however he wants them to! But, he also remembered that huge wad of cash, and with how excited the kid seems…

 

“Uh… what do you have in mind?”

“Well!” Martin said, thinking about it. He imagined how he would most like to be able to do this, imagining this slightly above average guy in different poses, scenarios, and the such. The guy, meanwhile, was starting to wonder if maybe he shouldn’t have accepted this kid’s money already.

 

“Okay, so, I’m going to put my back to you. And then, I want you to grab my neck.” Martin said as he walked in and put his back in front of the guy. The guy pulled back and looked confused, as he pulled his hands up and looked around. There wasn’t anyone else around at this exact moment, and just thought, whatever. Money is money, right?

 

Cautiously, pulling back once before he got there, the sign guy put his hand on Martin’s neck.

 

“Like this?”

 

Before the sign guy even finished asking, Martin yelled out a battle cry, and sky rocketed his heel backwards into the sign guy’s slacks.

 

The sign guy lost all his breath in a gust of surprise leaving his vibrating mouth, as he slowly sunk to the floor, with Martin holding onto the man’s guilty hand. The sign man gasped out on his knees, with one hand holding onto his crotch with yearning comfort. He began to rock slowly on his knees, as Martin let his hand go and watched it plop to the floor. Then, the sign man curled over onto his side, pulling it in and rolled on the floor.

 

“I hit you pretty well there… I felt my heel dig into your whole nut! Wow, that must’ve hurt!” Martin said with passion. He felt allowed to be free with this man. The guy has kind eyes, asked for it, and there’s no one around either.

 

“Yeah…” The sign guy groaned, holding onto a low soprano as it vibrated through his lips. “…you got me real good, kid!”

 

“I know! Wow, that was so good. Next, you’re going to be over me, and I’ll be-”

“Kid, shut up. I’m dying here, give me a minute.”

 

“Oh, okay. Sorry, sir.”

 

The sign guy let out a breath and tried handle the dull throbbing that made him feel sick. He had to check a few times to make sure the kid didn’t break his ball with that kick. The sign guy felt his breath short himself a couple times, and had trouble standing up.

 

He remembered that the kid already gave him the $100, and that kick was at least twice as bad as he thought he was gonna get.

 

“Kid, that kick counts as two. I’m sorry.”

 

“What!? But we had a deal.”

 

“Yeah, that was before you asked me to touch you then sucker kick me in the balls! It came out of nowhere and leveled me. This is at least 2 kicks worth of pain.”

 

Martin sighed and pulled back into his wallet. He counted out another five 20’s, and put the remaining 5 back in his pocket.

 

“Fine! If I tell you when it’s coming, and you don’t touch me, is it still $50 per kick?”

The sign guy looked up from his knees with a sick, exhausted expression.

 

“Are you serious kid!? What did I do to you?”

 

“Nothing! I just need this.” Martin replied without thinking.

 

“You need this!? You need to kick me in the balls!?”

 

“Yes! I mean… well, no not you… I don’t hate you sir, I didn’t mean it like that. Sorry.” Martin lowered his head, feeling dumb and unkind.

 

The sign guy nodded, and pulled his stomach up with a hand over it, the other still nursing his balls. Martin looked really sad all of a sudden. The sign guy thought he looked much cuter when he was happy.

“It’s fine kid, don’t worry. I think I know what you meant.”

 

Martin looked up with a shy smile, and messed with the five 20’s in his hand.

 

“It’s just… I really want to practice. I can’t practice this anywhere else.”

 

The sign guy nodded then laughed a bit. “Yeah, that’s true. You can’t just go up and kicking random dudes in the junk.”

 

Martin laughed and nodded. “Exactly!”

 

The sign guy pulled himself up, and stood with his legs spread, hunched over and forearms on his knees. He breathed for a moment then pulled himself up. He spoke as he did.

 

“When I was your age, I could do this shit with my friends. Did that fall out of favor in the… like, 10 or so years since I left high school?”

 

“Haha, no, not really.” Martin laughed, thinking about school again. He hasn’t had friends since freshman year. But it never really bothered him, he wanted it to be that way.

 

“I don’t have friends anymore… and, it’s not like it’s bad or anything. It’s cool. I guess.” Martin never actually said it aloud before, and he didn’t like how it made him sound like.

 

The sign guy nodded and looked over Martin. How could a kid like him not have friends? He’s cute, energetic, seemingly decent and kind. How could he not have friends?

 

The sign guy breathed out and continued.

 

“Alright. No touching, and let me know when it’s coming, alright?”

 

“Of course, sir!”

 

“Kid, stop calling me sir. I’m not that old.”

 

Martin laughed and looked down. He replied with a youthful, but adult smile.

 

“Stop calling me kid, sir. I’m not that young.”

The sign guy laughed and nodded his head. He certainly doesn’t sound like a kid. He’s fast on his way to being a man.

 

“Touché. So, where do you want me?”

 

“Okay… so.” Martin began as he looked over the sign guy. He tried to think of a scenario where there would be no touching involved. Well, outside of the obvious kick in the balls. But then, Martin wondered…

 

“Does it have to be a kick?”

 

“What?”

 

“Can it like, be a punch, or something?”

 

“Uh, yeah, whatever. Just tell me first.”

 

“Sweet. Okay, so, let’s do this. I’m gonna stand behind you, alright.” Martin said as he stepped around the sign guy. The sign guy stayed quiet, and tried not to move around too much as the kid got into his position.

 

“When I say go, I want you to turn around as fast as you can, alright?”

 

“Uh sure. Is that the warning?”

“Yeah. I’m gonna sock you after you turn around.”

 

“Right.”

 

“Okay, you ready?” Martin asked the sign guy.

 

The sign guy sighed and amped himself up. “Ready when you are, kid. Oh! Ah, sorry kid, er, guy, man! Sorry man, haha…”

Martin laughed and playfully pushed the sign guy’s shoulder. “On your marks… get set… go!”

 

The sign guy turned around, and saw no one there. But as he turned, he felt a pounding pressure between his legs, and erupted another wave of pain within his slacks. He fell to his knees, and then toppled to the side as he clenched his eyes and wheezed on the floor. He groaned and rolled gently, with his hands holding onto his throbbing balls, accepting and the waves of pain he’s subject to. It’s what he asked for, and it’s what Martin wants.

 

“That was alright. Did you even see me when you turned around?”

 

“Nope… nothing.” The sign guy groaned on the floor.

 

“Thought so! I hit you pretty solid too. Too bad it was like right in the middle, your dick got most of it.”

 

“No dude. You got my balls…”

 

“Nah, I felt it. I could’ve hit better. But it’s hard when you’re moving. I guess that’s how it is, just gotta go for it sometimes.”

 

“Guess so…” Sign guy croaked, moving his legs around carefully. It didn’t hit as hard as last time, so maybe the kid was right. It made him shudder to think about how it would feel if he hit his right nut directly this time too.

 

“Hmmm… okay, I have this great idea! Come on, stand up!”

 

“One second, one second! You’re lucky I really need the cash, man.”

 

“Hurry!”

 

The sign guy grimaced           and pushed himself to his feet. He breathed out, walking and squatting around, working out the painful feelings in his lower half. He heard Martin laugh, and turned to face the laughing teenager.

 

“What are you laughing at?”

 

“Sorry. It’s just funny, is all.”

 

“Me, trying to deal with a punch to the balls, is funny to you?”

 

“I said sorry!” Martin laughed, hiding his mouth. The sign guy shook his head and looked down.

 

“You got some nerve, man.”

“I didn’t mean anything! You just walked around like this all of a sudden-” Martin said, as he walked around like a crab on his tippy toes, and cupped his hands over his crotch, comedically over-exaggerating the sign guy’s posture. The sign guy laughed and told Martin to shut up and tell him his next “great idea.”

 

“Oh, okay! So, I think you should… wait, nevermind. That involves touching, no good.”

 

“Eh, don’t worry about that rule so much. But, be reasonable, alright?”

 

Martin’s eyes lit up and nodded gratefully. “Of course sir, er-, I mean, thanks, dude!”

 

Sign guy smiled and pointed his fingers at Martin with both palms facing up.

 

“Alright, so. Well… do you mind holding me in a bear hug?”

 

“What?”

 

“You know, a bear hug! You wrap your arms around me and-”

 

“Yeah, I know what it is… but…” The sign guy was thinking about it, and looked around again. A couple of people were around, but no one gave him any attention.

 

“Yeah, sure. Alright.”

 

“Awesome! Thanks man!”

 

“No… problem. Anything for a loyal customer!”

 

Martin laughed, and walked up to the man.

 

“Alright, so. Grab me and try to pull me up. Actively try to make it difficult for me okay?”

 

“Alright…”

“And I am going to try to knee you in the balls, okay?”

 

“Of course. That’s what I signed up for, right?”

 

“Ex-actly!” Martin said as he put his hands on the man’s shoulders. “Whenever you’re ready!” Martin said with a happy smile.

 

Martin genuinely was having a lot of fun with this sign guy. He got to work on some of his techniques a bit, and got to laugh with a stranger. And it’s not even over yet! He still has another wad of cash, good for 2 more kicks! Or punches, whichever. This guy is pretty cool about it!

 

“You ready?” The sign guy asked, standing up straight, but also pulling his lower half away, reflexively.

 

“Grab me!”

 

The sign guy closed his arms around Martin and pulled up, fully knowing his crotch will be the target and tried his best to keep it out of reach of the young and excited Martin. Martin felt himself get pulled up, but could easily tell the difference between someone like Easton grabbing him, and someone like the sign guy. But, Martin didn’t waste the opportunity as he felt himself get pulled up.

 

Martin had his knee bent and shoved it forward and up, swinging it up with the sign guy pulling him up. Martin’s knee hit the sign guy’s crotch once again, and there wasn’t any room for questioning this time. Martin felt his knee bang up, and flatten the orbs between the sign guy’s legs, then felt the sign guy fall down and collapse. Martin laughed, and held onto the sign guy as they both fell down. Martin thankfully caught himself in a stumble before he fell down too, and gently let the sign guy lie down on his back.

 

“That was easier than I thought haha…”

 

The sign guy didn’t say anything this time. Martin watched as his face closed up and puckered slightly, as he held onto his crotch with both hands, pulling on his soft khakis and slowly rocked on his back. Then, the sign guy let out a strange sounding wheeze that sounded like it wanted to be yell, but got ganked on the way out of his mouth.

 

Martin couldn’t help but laugh as he sat down next to the sign guy.

 

“I got you good that time! Felt the beans get squashed for sure.”

 

“Yeah… me too.” The sign guy croaked out, again. Martin really likes the voice the sign guy has on after he gets hit in the nuts. It sounds funny but kind.  

 

“Was that the worst one so far?”

 

“Yes.” The sign guy groaned, as it looked like he was fighting to move. Then he let out a whimper and writhed around carefully. Then he groaned again, and shifted his body around, just so he can lie on his side, facing Martin.

 

Martin looked at the sign guy, lying on his side, his hands pressed to his crotch. Martin thought about the pair of testicles underneath the sign guy’s hands, and thought about how it felt for him to hit them, and how they’re sitting in his pouch now. He wonders if they’ve swollen any bigger since they started. Martin was sure they had to of, this was the 3^rd hit.

 

“Are you okay?” Martin asked, with a smile. He meant the question, and it sounded sincere.

 

“Yeah… I think so…God, though, they hurt…”

 

“Yeah, that happens after you get hit in the balls 3 times.”

 

The sign guy laughed and nodded. “Yeah, you’re right…”

 

“Why are you even out here with this sign?” Martin asked.

 

The sign guy sighed and shifted around for a few moments. He stayed silent then opened his mouth. Martin expected an answer, but just got a cough instead. Martin smiled then looked around. The streets are a bit more busy now, but there are only a few people walking still. Most people don’t come to this part of town until later on anyways.

 

“It’s a long story… just some advice kid. Don’t ever put yourself in a situation, where your balls are on the line. Because they might just get bashed.”

 

Martin nodded his head, and understood what the sign guy meant.

“I agree. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of bad times.”

 

“No… no you don’t.” The sign guy said, strained to sit up. Martin pulled on him, and helped him sit upright. The sign guy thanked him.

 

“Despite you being a real ballbuster…” The sign guy said, getting a laugh out of Martin. “… you seem alright.”

 

Martin looked down and smiled shyly. “Thank you mister. I’m, just trying to be the best I can.”

 

The sign guy nodded and nursed his groin some more before he continued.

 

“Why do you wanna be like that? Like, it’s good to be… good. But, learning all the different ways to hit a guy in the balls, takes a special kind of drive, you know?”

 

Martin smiled and looked away. He looked around the street and saw no familiar faces.

“It’s… you never know what you’re going to come across, you know? Never know what you’re going to walk into. You could be out, trying to do the right thing, but end up with a kick in the balls and some bloody spit in the face. I just don’t want to be the one who’s balls get kicked, I guess.”

 

“You guess? I say that should be every guy’s goal. Not to be the guy who’s balls get kicked.”

 

Martin laughed, and thought about his dream for a moment. He wasn’t sure if it meant he was wrong, or if he can still be right.

 

“I guess. Mister, can I ask you a… weird question. It’s just, I don’t know anyone I can talk to, and… I don’t know.”

 

The sign guy wanted to ask Martin not to call him Mister, either. But, he let it slide. It sounds like the kid needed some attention. An ear to listen, some balls to whack. And, he was still getting the money he needed.

 

“Yeah, sure. Ask away.” The sign guy said as he kept on nursing his crotch.

 

“Well… have you ever had any weird dreams… that made you… do things?”

 

“Do things? Like, sleepwalking?”

 

“No. Like… you know. It makes you feel weird, and all… tingly.”

 

“Ah, you mean a wet dream.”

 

Martin looked down and his face grew red. “Y-yeah… I think so.”

 

“Haha, yeah, I’ve had a couple of those. They’re whatever. They aren’t that weird, they’re just the way of being a guy.”

 

“But… does what happens mean anything?”

 

The sign guy looked over Martin, who looked up at him with serious and dedicated brown eyes, looking like he saw someone he respected, and even admired. The sign guy felt some strange protection for Martin in this moment of vulnerability.

 

“Well, dreams can be symbolic. Like, they can show one thing, but mean another. Like for example, when I was in school, I always had these really scary dreams, where I forgot all about a test, and went into class totally underprepared. I’d always bomb the test, and feel like a complete idiot. That was the entire dream, nothing fun at all. But, that dream wasn’t going on because I was failing school, or actually forgot about a test. I did well in school, and tried to pass. But, I always thought that I wasn’t doing good enough. I thought I was an idiot, and those dreams were just me being mad at myself.”

 

The sign guy looked up and saw Martin still holding onto his every word. He felt like it was right to continue.

“So, don’t take dreams at face value. But, they do mean something. They almost always do. Especially the ones that you remember. Because there’s a reason they affect you so much. They say something about you, something that you probably don’t want to hear. But, bringing it back to you specifically… if it’s a wet dream, there’s probably a reason it made you wet. You gotta analyze that yourself, I don’t know what happened. But, yeah… and, trust me man. Don’t be ashamed of anything that you like. Everyone has weird kinks, trust me man. Trust me!”

 

Martin and the sign guy shared a laugh, before he continued.

 

“Just, try to understand and accept whatever it is. And if anyone judges you for it, fuck them. They don’t know you. Be proud of who you are, alright?”

 

Martin followed the sign man’s words with careful curiosity. He took in what he heard, and stored it inside, under a folder for good, comforting advice. He smiled and nodded.

 

“Alright, yeah. Thanks, man.”

 

“No problems, brother. I hope it helped.”

 

“I think so, yeah.” Martin smiled and looked down. Maybe he shouldn’t feel so nasty about what he’s thinking. It could be a lot weirder, he thought.

 

Martin stood up, and then helped the sign guy get up. Sign guy let out a moan, and stumbled on his feet, then rested a knee. He took a breath and looked down.

“Jesus, I almost forgot my balls are killing me…”

 

“Oh, that reminds me. I got another stack in here if you want-”

 

“Another? Kid, are you trying to kill me?”

 

“Haha, no! I just really need to practice.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. My balls on the line, so yours don’t have to be.”

 

Martin laughed and pulled out the rest of his money. He blew through all $300 of his birthday money already, and he didn’t even care or think twice about it. This is way better and more important than anything else he could spend it on.

 

“Here, mister. The last $100. Do you need a minute, or…”

 

The sign guy took the $100 and put it in his pocket, with the other $200 he’s earned today.

 

“One minute, one minute. Think of what you wanna do next. You’re out of luck after these next 2.”

 

“Alright!”

 

Martin thought about what he wanted to do next. He really didn’t want to waste this opportunity. He also started to think about his new friend’s well-being. He didn’t want to miss out, but he also didn’t want to hurt the sign guy too much. They just had a moment, and he didn’t want another repeat of Easton. He didn’t want to really hurt him.

 

“Hey, can I ask you a question?” The sign guy asked.

 

“Sure.” Martin said, snapping out of his quandary.

 

“That bit earlier… about not wanting to be the guy kicked in the balls and spit on… does that have anything to do with you saying you don’t have friends anymore? Sorry, if that’s too personal, but I want you to know kids can be real pricks sometimes.”

 

Martin gulped and shook a bit at the mention of it. The sign guy saw and felt he shouldn’t have brought it up.

 

“Sorry, forget I mentioned it.”

 

“No, it’s ok. And no, not really. I told my friends to leave me alone because… well, I don’t know. I tried to be a hero and got beat up, and it really messed with me. I always felt so sick and scared. Then, it just got worse and I attacked them because everything felt so bad. I didn’t want them to make it worse. It’s… kinda stupid, now that I say it out loud.” Martin laughed lightly, as he thought about Kyle and Mark for the first time in a while. How Kyle used to always annoy Mark, and cause such a ruckus. Mark used to handle it well, and he always made Martin feel welcomed. He never realized how much he liked Mark’s smile looked until then.

All of a sudden, Martin felt really bad about how he left things with his two friends. Kyle didn’t deserve to get hurt that badly. He was in a sling for a long time, and he walked with a limp too. And Mark didn’t deserve to get yelled at or threatened like he did.  

 

“I don’t know, it’s really dumb. I should talk to them again. I miss them, actually.”

 

“You should talk to them. You should never burn bridges.”

 

Martin nodded and smiled at the sign guy again. The sign guy looked away, then back.

 

“So, how are you gonna break my balls now?”

 

“Haha, I don’t know actually… ummm… oh! Okay, how high can you kick?”

 

“Uhh… I don’t know. Right now? Probably not too high, why?”

 

“Because I did this thing with my cousin, and it worked out well, but I know I could’ve been quicker about it. I wanna see how well it works. You just gotta try and kick me in the head!”

 

“Your head? Why was your cousin trying to kick your head in!?”

 

“We were sparring. And don’t worry, you won’t hit me.”

 

“Oh, I don’t doubt that. I can barely move right now.”

 

“You’re fine! So, try and kick my head?”

 

The sign guy sighed and nodded his head. He might as well get this over with. It’s the final stretch.

 

“Fine, fine. Let me see how high I can raise my leg, first.”

 

Martin stood back as the sign guy tried to kick his leg out, but his groin was still super sore and it hurt him to raise his leg at all, let alone high enough to be anywhere near Martin’s head.

 

“Aghh…” The sign guy groaned as he bent over and pressed his hands in to his crotch. “I don’t know if I can kick that high.”

 

“That’s because your form is poop! You gotta keep your other leg straight, and bend at the knee, not swing it!”

 

“What? That’s easier said than done.”

 

“Come on, try it! Keep your grounded leg straight, and bend the other at the knee, twist and aim high.”

 

The sign guy grumbled under his breath. Martin could make out the words “kid”, “balls”, “money”, and “ridiculous.” Martin laughed and watched as the sign guy tried to listen.

 

It still hurt the sign guy, but following Martin’s advice helped add a couple inches.

 

“See!”

 

“Yeah, yeah. Remind me to send my kid to your dojo, alright?”

 

“Haha. I don’t go to a dojo. I just spar in the basement, with my cousin now. Dad when I was younger. I also watch a bunch of videos online to help with form and knowledge.”

 

“That’s pretty cool… you consider putting out videos yourself?”

 

Martin laughed at the question. “Funny you ask, because I used to have a channel myself. It was fun and all, had some fans and stuff. I actually quite liked it.”

 

“Why’d you stop?”

 

“I… got messed up, like I told you. I didn’t want to make the videos anymore.”

 

“Ah.”

 

The two were quiet, and the sign guy tried to kick his leg higher this time. He let out an ahhh… and held the inside of his thigh, but seemed okay otherwise.

 

“You ready?” Martin asked, wanting to get back into things.

 

“Sure. Make sure I don’t actually hit you, alright?”

 

“Not a chance, old man.”

 

The sign guy grimaced at the comment, and Martin couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“Joking, joking! Damn, you should’ve seen your face.”

 

“I’m actually going to try and kick you for real now.”

 

“Better practice for me!” Martin laughed walking up a bit closer. “All right, I’m ready. Go for the kick whenever you’re ready. Aim for the head!”

 

“Yeah, yeah. I don’t tell you to aim for the balls, do I? Let me do my job, you do yours.”

 

Martin thought it a fair point and stayed quiet. He waited for the sign guy to strike, so he can strike himself.

 

The sign guy showed visible signs of build up, then followed Martin’s advice and aimed for the head. Martin ducked instantly, and threw his body in, and slammed the point of his elbow in between the sign guy’s legs, striking with his tender and abused testicles once more. The hit was direct, and Martin could feel the sign guys balls snap in their sack due to the force. The sign guy cried out and fell to the floor instantly, holding onto his crotch with tight hands.

 

Martin looked down from a knee and saw the sign guy with his face down and body tight as he shifted silently facing down. His hands were low, and Martin heard the faint sound of disgruntled moaning. The sign guy then pulled a hand up, and held it over his head as he shifted and pushed his legs up a bit. Then back down and curled in. Martin felt that one.

 

“I bet that one hurt.”

 

“N-o…” The sign guy croaked. “Didn’t feel a thing.” The sign guys voice cracked at the end, adding comedic effect.

 

Martin scratched his hair and stood up, stretching his body out. He looked around and saw that the street was still not all that busy, but he noticed a father and his son walking down the sidewalk that they are on. The son was looking at Martin directly, but the dad was more focused on the sign guy, who was writhing on the floor. When they got closer, Martin smiled and tried to look nice, hoping nothing comes of the two walking by. But the little boy’s eyes grew wider when they got close and stopped walking with his dad. The boy couldn’t have been more than 6 or 7.

“Dad, I know him!”

“Let’s go son, leave them alone-”

 

“But that’s Captain Karate dad! I know him!”

 

Martin couldn’t believe what he just heard. Did that kid just call him Captain Karate?

 

“Wait, what did you say?” Martin asked aloud, referring to the boy.

 

“Captain Karate! You made, y-you have a channel on YouTube, where you help teach us how to use karate! I watched all your videos!”

 

Martin laughed and smiled brightly. He was totally awe-struck, he couldn’t believe someone recognized him from those videos! They were a couple years ago, and he even cut his hair since then. He couldn’t believe it.

 

“Sorry sir, he just has an over-active imagination.”

 

“No, no sir! He’s right, that’s me! I had that YouTube channel so some kids could learn somethings, and maybe stand up to any bullies in their life. I’m just… wow! I can’t believe you recognize me!”

 

“You’re awesome! You helped teach me how to make Kevin Buckly cry!”

 

“Did he deserve it?” Martin asked.

 

“Yes! He took my lunch money, and pushed my sister to the ground.”

 

“Oh, he totally deserved that! Good job!”

 

Martin raised his hand, and the little boy smacked his hand in a proud display of recognition.

 

“Thank you Mister Captain Karate!”

 

Martin laughed at that and looked back up with a prideful smirk.

 

“You can just call me Captain Karate. What’s your name?”

 

“Cory!”

 

“Well, Cory. You did good standing up for yourself and your sister. Always stand up for your friends, okay? But don’t be mean to them. Always try to be a good guy, like Superman!”

 

“Or Captain America!”

 

“Yeah! Like him too!”

 

“Oh, or like Steven Universe!”

 

“Uh, yeah, like him too!” Martin said, not entirely knowing who that is.

 

“Cory, do you want to take a picture with Captain Karate?”

 

“Yes!” Cory said, jumping and clapping with joy. Martin felt bubbly and humbled.

 

Cory ran up to Martin and wrapped his arms around Captain Karate. Martin laughed and patted the boy, as he got off him and posed next to him for a picture. His fists were close together, and the young boy was flexing. Martin got on a knee and looked up at the boy’s father. He noticed his father trying to position the phone a certain way as he looked between the phone and next to them.  Martin looked down and saw the legs of the sign guy, who was still recuperating. Martin got up and moved around, so the sign guy wouldn’t be in the picture too. 

 

“That better?”

 

“Yeah. What’s the deal with that anyways?” The father asked.

 

“Oh, he had a sign. It’s next to him, actually.”

 

The father looked down and saw the sign. He read it then laughed, shaking his head.

 

“$50, huh? That’s a lot.”

 

“Yeah, I guess.”

 

The father smiled and set up the phone, trying to find the best angle to capture this moment. “Alright, smile bucko!” The father said as he took a picture of Captain Karate and his son together. The father smiled as he saw it and gave them a thumbs up.

 

“Great picture! Wanna see?” The dad asked Martin. Martin nodded furiously and stood up and walked over to the dad. He saw the picture, and it made him feel so much pride. The way the little boy looked, that gleam in his eyes. Did he really inspire that little boy?

“What do you say, Cory?”

 

“Thank you Captain Karate! Are you going to post more videos soon?” Cory asked, looking down the sign guy.

 

“Yeah, I think so Cory. Just for you, I’ll try and put out a new video soon!”

 

“What’s wrong with him?” Cory asked, pointing at the sign guy.

 

“Oh, don’t worry about him, he’s gonna be okay.”

 

“Oh, okay.”

 

“Come on buddy. The ice cream is going to melt if we don’t hurry up!”

 

“No! Not the ice cream! Ahhh!” Cory yelled as he ran down the street without his Dad.

 

“Wait up!” The dad yelled as he ran after his son. He turned around and waved at Martin, who waved back.

“See ya Cory!” Martin yelled as he waved.

 

“Bye Captain Karate! I have to go now!” The boy screamed as he was already half-way down the street.

 

Martin looked back down at the sign guy, who was lying on his back, looking up at Martin with a sick, but curious expression.

“Captain, Karate, eh?”

 

“Yeah… that YouTube channel I told you about? That kid recognized me from it.”

 

“Wow… what a small world, huh?”

 

“Yeah…” Martin said, still not sure if that experience was real. Did he really inspire that boy to stand up to his bully? If that boy was influenced by him, then how many others did he help too? Martin felt like he really can make a difference after all.

 

Then he thought about if he didn’t stop uploading, and how much good he could’ve done if he kept at it. But then he remembered the reason he stopped making those videos, and thought about that Villain. That terrible man made Martin feel so terrified and vulnerable. How could someone be so vile and nasty, doing that to a kid? That thug took away his innocence. This world is unforgiving and brutal. It made Martin realize that he needs to be able to protect himself, by any means necessary.

 

“Okay, last one.” Martin said, sounding more serious and in thought.

 

“Yeah. Let’s get this done.” The sign guy said, as he pushed himself up. Martin stood back, not looking at the sign guy as he realized what he wanted his last swing to look like.

 

“Okay, I need you to hold my leg.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Like, I try to kick you, and you catch it. Hold my ankle with your hand.” Martin said as he lifted his leg up, and the sign guy followed along. He grabbed onto Martin’s foot and looked up with a pale expression. He looked tired and hurting, but willing to finish this.

 

“This is what happened before… with that guy, I mentioned. He grabbed my leg, then spat in my face. He then grabbed my hair and kicked me twice in the balls.” Martin said out loud, looking down.

“Damn…”

 

“It… was terrible. But, I’m better now. I won’t let that happen to me again.”

 

The sign guy nodded and stood up straight, holding tighter on Martin’s leg.

 

“No, you won’t. You’re not going to be the one getting kicked in the balls and spit on again.”

 

Martin shook his head and closed his eyes. He mentally prepared himself, and thought about that Villain being the one holding his leg. It made him feel sick and angry.

 

“Are you ready?” Martin asked.

 

“Hit me.” The sign guy said, trying to be sure.

 

Martin nodded his head, and thought about what to do. He’s given this so much thought since it happened. What he should’ve done different when that Villain grabbed him by the leg. He looked into The Villain’s eyes, shocked for god knows how long. He had every opportunity to react, but he froze in fear. Those mistakes are what ruin people’s lives.  

 

Martin jumped up with his other leg, and kicked the sign guy’s hand with his flipping kick. The man let go of Martin’s hand instinctively, and pulled his hand back afterwards. He watched as Martin landed on his feet, his back facing him, and then watched as Martin used the momentum from landing to turn around and bang his elbow into the sign guy’s head. The sign guy got knocked to the side, but then instantly pushed back as Martin threw his hands at his shoulders to create space. Then, with a swift and devastating motion, Martin threw a straight, no strings attached kick between the man’s legs.

 

The toes of Martin’s shoes pushed up into his crotch and banged into the sign guy’s swollen testicles for the last time today. Martin felt his foot slam into both balls with pinpoint, painful accuracy, and saw the sign guy get lifted off the floor. Martin’s foot buried deep in the sign guy’s soft khakis, pushing and spreading the bulge between his legs, scattering out in painful displacement. Martin watched with sturdy agility, as the man dropped to the floor the instant he pulled his leg out. Martin’s educated and devastating foot was the only thing keeping sign guy up and afloat.

 

The sign guy fell to the floor and instantly cried out as he held onto his balls with both hands. He writhed around, and sounded like he had something stuck in his throat, then hacked out and began coughing violently.

 

Martin felt relieved and fulfilled beyond his expectations after the kick finished. It was a cathartic experience. One that sent shivers down his body, and waves of tingles throughout his loins. Then, his eyes went wide and instantly brought his hand to his crotch. He could not believe that it happened to him again.

 

Thankfully, for Martin, his crotch wasn’t wet this time. He let out a relieved sigh and fell to his knees, overcome with relief. It complimented his fulfilment nicely and Martin felt extraordinary for the first time in years.

 

“Wow! That… felt so amazing. Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you too bad, did I?” Martin asked once he realized that he only feels this good because he let all of his frustrations out with one kick that’s been pent up for almost 2 straight years.

 

“Yeah, don’t worry about me.” The sign guy groaned in obviously agonizing pain.

 

“You sure?” Martin asked, his hands on sign guys back. He began to rub gently.

 

“I’ll be fine…probably.” The sign guy moaned. He rolled onto his side and curled up. Martin watched the sign guy’s hands, as they familiarly held that soft pouch between his legs. Martin thought about that pouch, and felt so thankful that he had this opportunity.

 

“Thank you so much man, this… was really great.”

 

“Yeah… thanks for the money, kid.”

 

Martin laughed and looked at the sign guys face as he painstakingly opened his eyes and looked at Martin. Then he closed his eyes and shivered in pain, opening his mouth in a silent cry.

 

“Sorry about the pain, sir.” Martin jested, rubbing the sign guy’s thigh. “But thanks for the balls… and opportunity. Seriously.”

 

The sign guy opened his eyes and looked at Martin one more time. He really tried to take him in during the moment.

 

“Glad to help…”

 

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Martin asked sincerely.

 

“No, you’re good. Nothing more you can do…”

 

Martin laughed and sat on his heels, looking around. The street has gotten busier, and he’s wondered how long he’s been here.

 

“Well… I’m out of money, now.”

 

“And I’m out of balls now too.”

 

Martin laughed and shook his head. “Well, I hope that’s not true.”

 

“Me too… I think I’d like to use them soon.”

 

“I bet, I bet…”

 

The two shared a silence. Martin didn’t know what to do next. It felt wrong to just leave him like this, after everything they’ve been through. But, what more was there to do?

 

“Before you go, help me up.” The sign guy asked as he pushed his hand out for help. Martin took it, and helped the sign guy up. The sign guy struggled, and fell down a couple times, but Martin kept him up. The sign guy leaned on Martin, and wrapped an arm around him as his head rested.

 

“You’re pretty strong kid.”

 

“And you’re pretty heavy, sir…” Martin strained under the sign guy’s weight. The sign guy laughed and tried to push off and stand on his own.

 

“Okay… I think I’m okay now. You should go get back.”

 

“You’re gonna stay here?”

 

“Yeah… I still need the money. And a bunch of people need a pair of stress balls and some good advice too.”

 

Martin smiled and agreed with the sign guy.

 

“Well… I hope to see you around.” Martin said, offering his hand out to the sign guy. The sign guy weakly took it and shook as best he could.

 

“It’s been real, man. Stay safe, and don’t be ashamed of yourself.” The sign guy said with a genuine smile.

Martin smiled back and held the handshake until it felt weird to go on for longer. He let go, and looked down, seeing the sign on the floor. He handed it to the sign guy and saw his nice smile once again. The sign guy looked up with his kind eyes, and Martin bowed, before he walked back and turned away.

 

“Kick in the balls! $50 dollars per kick!” Martin heard, weakly proclaimed behind him.

 

“Only one per customer!”

 

Martin laughed and skipped down the street.  He hasn’t felt this alive in a long time. The air smelt free, and the town felt as warm as it ever has. Martin looked up at the sun, and he didn’t think it would ever go down.