Character Interview: Travis

Introduction

Welcome! Today marks the beginning of periodic series where
I’ll be posting character interviews about the main and supporting characters
form The Phoenix Diaries, my dark fantasy/sci-fi YA series.

Here’s a bit of background about the series.

Bullied for most of his life, due to burn scars covering
most of his face and upper body, twelve-year-old Travis Turner has grown to
hate humanity. So when Oblivion, The Father of Demons, reveals Travis is his
vessel, prophesied to bring on the end of everything, and offers Travis untold
power in exchange for joining him, we’re screwed.

Or we would be.

Travis lives his life by a strict set of rules, chief among
them that dependence upon anyone for anything is a weakness he will not abide.

He rebuffs Oblivion, and in doing so triggers a fight for
his very soul. However, when  all seems is
lost, a great power, which had lain dormant until then, awakens in Travis,
allowing him to narrowly defeat Oblivion. But  not before Oblivion attempts to possess
Travis, inadvertently giving him a portion of his powers in the process,
leaving Travis forever changed.

Following this first of many battles with Oblivion, Travis
must learn to master his powers while avoiding the DMRC (a government agency
created to capture kids with special abilities like Travis), and deal with his
blossoming feelings for JJ Giovanni, a boy at his school.

Interview

Tyerone Johnson: Now that the preliminaries are over, how
about introducing yourself?

Travis Turner: Must I? There are so many more important
things I could be doing with my time.

TJ: Keep this up and I’ll make Phoenix the main character.

TT: I’d like to see you try.

TJ: Don’t tempt me. Now behave like a good boy or I’ll put
your story on hold.

TT: You wouldn’t.

TJ: I would.

TT: (gulps) I’ll behave.

My name is Travis Marshall Huey-Newton Turner, eldest progeny of Sampson and Sarah Turner, grandson of Marshall and Helena Aurum, and heir to the Cadmus fortune. I’m twelve years, seven months, and three days old; five feet and two inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. Though lately my hair and eyes have been changing colors. Also, I’m biracial and have mahogany colored skin Well, what isn’t covered in burn scars that is.

TJ: Now was that so hard?

TT: (Flips the bird)

TJ: Moving on. Tell me a bit about your childhood.

TT: What’s there to tell? I’ve spent most of my life in and
other of the hospital, one surgery, or infection after the other.

TJ: Right, and would you say being alone so much is want has
made you such an antisocial psychopath?

TT: I don’t need anyone. People come and go from our lives
without any reason or rhythm, so we can only depend on ourselves.

“TJ: Is that one of your rules?

TT: Rule one to be precise. Moreover, as for being an
“antisocial psycho,” it’s a wonder I haven’t slaughtered the whole
fucking lot of you.

TJ: Watch the language, kid.

TT: Newsflash, dude. You created me with a foul mouth.

TJ: True, but could you tone things done for the duration of
this interview? Moving on. You said we can only depend on ourselves. Do you
think that maybe you believe this because everyone who was supposed to be there
for you wasn’t?

TT: (smirking) What? You fancy yourself an psychologist now?

TJ: You didn’t answer my question.

TT: And I won’t.

TJ: Then answer me this: Is there anyone you trust
completely, unquestionable?

TT: No. Trust must never be given completely. Today’s ally
could become tomorrow’s enemy.

TJ: Another one of your rules?

TT: (Folding arms over chest) You say that as though there’s
something wrong with rules.

TJ: Nothing. So, tell me about Joshua “JJ”
Giovanni.

TT: (sloughing) I’d rather not.

TJ: So, you don’t think he’s cute?

TT: Perhaps, if he weren’t such a bag of douche juice to me
all the time.

TJ: I believe the correct term is douche bag.

TT: No, I’m talking about a bag of the liquid that comes out
once you’ve applied the douche. Moreover, why are you asking me about Giovanni?

TJ: Why are you getting so defensive? Could it be that you
like Josh?

TT: (scowling) I have more important things to worry about
than if I have a crush on Giovanni. And that’s a pretty damn big if.

TJ: No need for you to get mad. This is a safe space.

TT: If you must know, when it comes to Giovanni, the few
times we’ve hung out alone it was cool. I guess. However, that doesn’t mean I
have a crush on him or that I think he’s cute.

Pro: And the award for biggest bullshitter of the year goes
to…Travis Turner.

TT: Oh, you can go fuck yourself with a rusty hacksaw.

TJ: Boys, language!. Pro, what are you doing here? Your
interview won’t be for another few weeks.

P: I know, but I couldn’t stand to keep hearing this punk
ass bitch lying like a mug. I share headspace with the nig—

TJ: What did I say about language?

P: A’ight chill. As I was saying, I share headspace with the
negro, so I know he’s fronting over here about his crush on JJ.

TT: Why you motherf—

(Travis and Pro get in a massive brawl and the interview
ends)

Conclusion

Well that was interesting.

Call to Action

What did you think?

Should I continue with these interviews?

And if so, how often would you like to read them? Let me know in the comments. And if you liked this post be sure to share it with on social media.