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Post by Yuki on May 28, 2022 21:29:33 GMT -8
( This is a remake of a old thread that was on the old site.)
Taylor found himself at the peach by himself, he sat on the sand staring out at the sea. So many things have happened to him, the school attack most likely being the biggest.. The 2nd biggest was John.. Being kidnapped by the man was just as scary, more so as he was alone. He only got away thanks to Sean.. Taylor did not even want to think what would have happened.. But that was just pure dumb luck.. He could not count on that happening again... Sean was still one of John's goons after all. Taylor listened to the sound of the waves and the chatter of people around him. The beach was such a relaxing place, not as good as the lake in the forest though. He normally went there to cry when things just got to be to much for him. After a bit Taylor stood up as he got sand off his pants. With a sigh Taylor put his hands in his pockets and started to aimlessly wonder the beach.
Mean while Mona was on her day off and had come to the beach alone. Lucy had offered to dog sit Nova so Mona could just spend the day relaxing. She had no real idea what she wanted to do. So she found herself on the beach, she looked out at the sea as she walked along the wet sand staying just out of the reach of the water. She then would look at those around her. Families playing together, or couples out on a date. Though one person stood out, a young boy who seemed to be here all alone. Mona just smiled a little. " Looks like I am not the only loner here." Mona said as she could not help but watch the boy from the corner of her eye as she walked.
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Post by The Izzack on Jul 19, 2022 15:08:20 GMT -8
Ah, the beach. The roar of the waves, the feeling of sand between your toes, the calm, salty breeze. There was really no place Jake would rather be. He was here earlier than his bros. After all, someone had to secure their spot, but as he arrived, he noticed some kid was sitting where his boys usually hanged. ”Woah, total bummer. Dude doesn’t even have his board…” The old Jake would have been furious, would have caused a whole scene, and would have just made a mess of things. The new Jake was calm, went with the flow like a hunk of driftwood. The old Jake wouldn’t have even waited long enough for the boy to just get up and head off on his own, no talking necessary.
Jake couldn’t help but notice, though, as the little dude went by, that the kid seemed to have a look on his face like he just got worked over by the world’s smallest wave. He looked super troubled. ”Yo, little dude,” he called out as he got close, ”Are you, like, good bro? You seem wicked wiped, ya know?” Maybe the kid had wiped out or something. Lost his board, and was feeling in the dumps. Probably not, but whatever was going on with the guy, maybe talking to someone would help.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 20, 2022 21:01:53 GMT -8
Taylor was deep in his own thoughts so when someone called out to him startled he flinched. He quickly looked and saw a guy who looked like a surfer speaking to him. Taylor placed his hand over his chest as he took a deep breath and exhaled. Trying to calm his racing heart, "Ahhhh... Calm down its just some guy.... Taylor would think to himself before looking at the stranger offering a weak smile. " Ah, I-I'm ok.. Just.. Have a lot of stuff on my mind... Thought the sea air could help me relax a little. Taylor replied. That was a bit of a lie, he had just wondered here. Perhaps coming to place with lots of people was a bad idea after all.. May have been better to go to the lake in the forest.
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Post by The Izzack on Sept 1, 2022 21:32:02 GMT -8
”Ah. Wise choice there, little dude. Ain’t nothing for the head like the ocean!” Jake nodded sagely, as if he had just made some profound point. ”What’s goin’ on though, bud? Trouble at school or something? You can tell me, I may not have gone through all four years, but I think I know a little somethin’ of schoolyard drama.” he chuckled. He was sincere, though. After all, he had some time to kill before his crew arrived. Why not use that extra time to help someone out? It’s the kinda thing that the doc rambled about all the time. “Do right by others” or whatever.
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Post by Yuki on Sept 2, 2022 9:12:45 GMT -8
Hahaha.... schoolyard drama... Honestly that was the least of his worries... At least he knew how to handle that. No the templars and John where the biggest worries for him. But there was no way Taylor could talk about any of that with a stranger. Though the young teen did not want to brush the guy off ether.. So he guessed it would be ok to talk about school drama. Taylor let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his head looking off the to the side. "..... Yeah I..I get bullied at school. It seems to have gotten worse lately.." That was thanks to him fighting off the templars.. One would think they would be more grateful he helped save their lives. But it seems all they cared about is jow tough they look and they wanted to brag about beating up a hero... Agh hero.... He did not feel like one at all.. He just reacted and did as Sarah told him the day of the attack. Sarah was the real hero, she fought crime before the attack happened... Compared to her he was nothing but a loser and a nobody.
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Post by The Izzack on Aug 28, 2023 1:38:33 GMT -8
Jake frowned. "That's a real bummer, little dude. People need to be more chill…” He shook his head, feeling sorry for this kid. “Man, it's gotta be weighing you down if the sounds of the surf and sand ain't enough to clear your head.” He went quiet for a brief moment, staring off into the distance, then he looked again towards Taylor ”You sure you don't wanna get it off your chest? Like I said, I'm open to listening if it'll help ya any. I get if you don't wanna, but it's like being covered in sand and taking a wave to the face. Even if you brace yourself, it can still hurt, but in the end you've washed off all the grime and come out feeling better."
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As Jake gave his little pep talk, a nearby souvenir vendor couldn't help but watch the pair. Donnie hadn't meant to eavesdrop, oh no, but a lull in customers meant a moment of reprieve, and a moment of reprieve meant a moment to people watch. The beach was usually a happier place for folks, and watching people be happy made him happy. Maybe this young teen was the exception, but from what Donnie gathered, the older beach goer was trying his hardest to console him. How kind. It almost made Donnie wish that he could lend a hand. He gazed at the child with a small, sympathetic frown.
The frown slowly morphed into a quiet “oh!” of surprised realization.
Donnie's hand slid into his pocket, fishing out his phone. They hesitated on the screen, glancing between it and the teenager before finally scrolling through and dialing a number. If this kid was who he thought he was, he would certainly want to know.
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Post by Yuki on Aug 29, 2023 6:37:26 GMT -8
Taylor fell silent as he debated about telling Jake about the bulling he has been through.. Well he was just a stranger, what could it hurt? Its not like they where gonna meet again.. Taylor sighed. "I've been bullied for a long time now... And I have been dealing with it by myself.. I haven't told my parents, friends, or teachers.. I.. I just don't want them to worry about me. Though... Lately its gotten... worse I dunno how much longer I can keep it a secret.." Taylor said as he rubbed his arm, its true... He has been able to keep the bullies off him for the most part but sometimes they still land a lucky hit.. Its been harder to hide the bruises from his parents.
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Post by The Izzack on Sept 4, 2023 6:43:41 GMT -8
"Bro... Jake trailed off, taking a moment to feel bad for Taylor. "I feel for you, bro. Thank you for telling me this stuff. It's important to let this kinda thing out before you wipe out. I won't tell you what to do, but I think maybe you should let other people in, you know? Maybe you can handle this on your own, but I can say for sure that it'll be a whole lot easier if you let others in, man." He laid a hand on Taylor's shoulder. Poor kid. School kids were supposed to be worrying about test scores, not how to get through a day without being beat up.
Suddenly, his phone began to buzz. He took a glance in his shore bag, and noticed who was calling. "I'm so sorry, little dude. It's my doctor." he said before he fished the phone out, and answered the call. "Yo, it's me! Wha? No kidding? Alright, bro! I'll let him know!" he then handed the phone over to Taylor. "You're not gonna believe this, bro. It's for you!" he offered.
"Hello, Taylor," a familiar voice came from the telephone as Taylor answered, "I would advise you not to hang up. After all, lives are on the line."
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Post by Yuki on Sept 4, 2023 21:35:23 GMT -8
"I feel for you, bro. Thank you for telling me this stuff. It's important to let this kinda thing out before you wipe out. I won't tell you what to do, but I think maybe you should let other people in, you know? Maybe you can handle this on your own, but I can say for sure that it'll be a whole lot easier if you let others in, man."
Taylor flinched a little at those words, he knew it was true but he still did not want to hear it. Taylor just looked down at the ground as he fell silent, he just felt it better to take care of is problems alone.. His Mom is a judge, so she was always busy with work, his Father was a stay at home Dad that looked after his sisters. He did not want to drag them into his problems. He had his friends he could talk to at least About The templars... John... Though he has not told his friends about the bullies at school.. But perhaps he should..
Jake would speak again snapping Taylor out of his thoughts.
"You're not gonna believe this, bro. It's for you!"
" What huh?" Taylor said in a bit of daze as he took the phone.
"Hello, Taylor. I would advise you not to hang up. After all, lives are on the line."
Taylor's blood ran cold when he heard a unwanted familiar voice reach his ears. Taylor just wanted to throw the phone and run but what did John mean lives where on the line? Taylor started to tremble as as he broke into a cold sweat.
" What.. Do you want..." Taylor said trying his best to keep his voice steady though he could not hide the fear in his voice.
Mona had been near by, she had been watching Taylor. She had even moved closer when he started talking to someone. She had sat down on the sand and was staring at the water so not to stand out to much and watching from the corner of her eye. There was a very visible change in the young teen when he took that phone. He looked scared now, just what in the world was going on? For now she was just going to watch see what happened, and if she had to she would think of somthing to help the boy out. No way could she ignore a distressed child.
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Post by The Izzack on Oct 9, 2023 3:08:45 GMT -8
As Taylor answered the phone, Jake wandered off, having been told specifically not to eavesdrop on this conversation. Well, if the doctor wanted it, he supposed he didn't really mind. He dug out a small depression into the sand, and sat down in it, luxuriating in his natural seat.
"Taylor, you disappoint me. You are smart enough to know what I want." John's voice crooned from the other end of the city, "I want what I always want. I want to see what makes a person tick. You, in particular. How about we play a little game, Taylor? You pick the right option, and you can go home, no problem." his voice, filled with a mirth under tight lock-down, implied that there would be nothing but problems for the poor youth.
"I want to know, little Taylor, what is the value you place upon your freedom? Do you believe that it is worth more than a human life? Here's your choice. Come here, to me. If you do, I'm afraid you may be here for some time, but I can guarantee you that nobody will be hurt by my command. Refuse and...well. Do you believe, if I told the man, Jake, who gave you this phone, to sacrifice his own life, he would do it? Do you believe that a man would willingly die for me, if I gave the mere order? Your freedom will deliver that order, if that is the path you choose." John gave one of his rare smiles as he contemplated the effect this decision would have on this rather innocent kid.
"What will it be, Taylor? Will you save another, or save yourself?"
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Post by Yuki on Oct 9, 2023 7:27:54 GMT -8
Taylor stood there shaking as John spoke.
"Taylor, you disappoint me. You are smart enough to know what I want." "I want what I always want. I want to see what makes a person tick. You, in particular. How about we play a little game, Taylor? You pick the right option, and you can go home, no problem."
"G-game?" Ohh Taylor did NOT like the sounds of that..
"I want to know, little Taylor, what is the value you place upon your freedom? Do you believe that it is worth more than a human life? Here's your choice. Come here, to me. If you do, I'm afraid you may be here for some time, but I can guarantee you that nobody will be hurt by my command. Refuse and...well. Do you believe, if I told the man, Jake, who gave you this phone, to sacrifice his own life, he would do it? Do you believe that a man would willingly die for me, if I gave the mere order? Your freedom will deliver that order, if that is the path you choose."
Taylor's eyes grew wide as he then looked right at Jake. What? It was possible that Jake would just up and kill himself just at John's command?? The only way to save him was to go to John willingly and stay who knows how long? Taylor was very torn about this, he did not want a man's death on his hands but nether did he want to walk right into John's clutches. No.. He could not let a man die.. It.. It would be to much, Jake must have people who care for him right? What about them? This was a lose lose situation no matter what he did. Its gonna suck big time but... He knew what the true answer was.. He had to go to John..
" O-ok I-" He was suddenly cut off.
Mona had just about enough, she had no idea who was on the other side of that call but the kid was clearly scared. She had gotten up and quickly made her way over to Taylor and snatched the cell phone from him.
" I don't know who you are... But Leave this child alone.." Mona said in a cool icy tone as she then threw the phone as far as she could.
Taylor stood their stunned as he stared up at Mona.
" Wha? Who are you?" Taylor asked stunned.
Mona did not answer however, she grabbed Taylor by the hand and started to take him away. She felt the guy who owned the phone was still a danger, she needed to get the young teen away from here.
"C'mon lets get you out of here." Was Mona's only reply. They had to move quick in order to get out of what seemed a dangerous situation.
Still very stunned at what was going on Taylor was lead away quickly by Mona. Little did she know the life altering choice she had just made by saving a child she did not know.
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Post by The Izzack on Apr 6, 2024 20:25:04 GMT -8
As Jake stood stunned at the events transpiring in front of him, Donnie was frantically relaying what he had seen back to John.
"You don't say. Of course, it is important to plan for such occurrences. Tell me, what did this impetuous young woman look like." John's voice betrayed no hint of irritation, no hint of surprise. It was as if things were going exactly to plan, even now. "I'll send some people out looking for our wayward children. After all, they could get hurt, acting out so rashly. I will need you to tell Jake something for me. Tell him that I need him to leave his vehicle behind, and take care not to be seen by the boy again. I want him to be dead as far as that child is concerned." a small smile tugged at the edge of his lips as he gave the command.
Outside the office, out in the city, a mass of people, some seemingly ordinary, some wildly eccentric, got the command that John sent out. A few were close enough to the beach, and started migrating in that direction, but most merely kept their eyes peeled for two hapless youths.
The hunt was on.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 7, 2024 4:49:19 GMT -8
Mona walked a block away with Taylor in tow who had been up to that point to shocked to protest, but he then snapped out of it when it sunk in what happened. He panicked and planted his feet firmly on the ground. This caused Mona to stop and look at Taylor with a confused questioning look. Taylor then pulled hand away taking a few steps back. " You have to get as far away from here and me as you can! " He said in a panicked voice. Mona looked at Taylor very confused, " I don't understand what's wrong? I'm only trying to help." She said.
Taylor sighed running his hand through his hair as he looked around in a panic. " Its not safe to be around me right now! Please just get away as far as you can and find a place to hide! Sorry but I can't tell you more then that!" Taylor said in a desperate pleading manner. Though before Mona could respond Taylor took off running back to the direction of the beach. Mona stood there a bit dumbfounded and watched till Taylor was no longer in sight. She had only been trying to help.. Why was he running right back to possible danger? Mona gave a sigh and then started to walk away.
The fear was very intense in the young boy's eyes.. Perhaps it was best to do as he said even though as much as she wanted to follow him back to the beach, but what could she even do? But at the same time it just felt so wrong to leave a scared boy like that all by himself.. But there was nothing to be done if he did not want help, Mona would think to herself as she walked to get as far away from here as the boy asked. Now starting to get the feeling she may have just put herself in danger.
Taylor ran back to the beach but he did not see Jake anywhere. " Jake!! Jake!! Where are you!" Taylor called out in a panic, just where was he!?
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Post by The Izzack on Jun 2, 2024 18:35:16 GMT -8
By the time Taylor returned to the beach, it was beginning to become more populated. Families where starting to gather near the water, and a small group of surfers were huddled around Jake's van, but Jake was nowhere to be seen. One of the men in the group heard Taylor's shouting, and waved to the kid. "Yo, little bro! Are ya lookin' for the Jakemeister, too? We, like, don't know where he is!" he called out to Taylor. "He left his van here, and it totally has, like, his stuff in it. Why'd he do something like that?" the group then murmured something to themselves, and the man who spoke out called out to the young adult again. "Do you, like, have any clue where he went, little dude?"
Meanwhile, Donnie was stealing glances towards the newly returned Taylor whenever he wasn't dealing with customers. He was surprised that the kid had returned to the beach so soon. This could be his big chance. An opportunity to move up in the doctor's favor didn't come along so often. He just needed to find a time when the kid wasn't around so many people, then he'd deliver him to the doctor's care.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 18, 2024 21:29:01 GMT -8
"Yo, little bro! Are ya lookin' for the Jakemeister, too? We, like, don't know where he is!" Called a voice, Taylor looked to see the speaker.
"He left his van here, and it totally has, like, his stuff in it. Why'd he do something like that?" "Do you, like, have any clue where he went, little dude?"
Taylor grew pale, Jake was already gone? No... Had John already... No no no no! Taylor's legs suddenly gave out from under him and he fell to his knees as tears from in his eyes. "I... I don't know..." Taylor said softly looking down at the sand. It was all he could say, no one would believe him if he said Jake was part of a group called the family and the leader may have just ordered Jake's death...
Mean while Mona had come back. Somthing within her would not just let her walk away from the young teen. Though she did not approach at first, she watched as Taylor spoke to some guys on the beach and watched as it seemed Taylor started to have a break down. Taking a deep breath and exhaling she made her way over to Taylor and knelt down next to him. Though she had no idea what to say she had no idea what was going on.. But she had a gut feeling she needed to stay. Mona then hesitantly reached out and touched Taylor's shoulder. The young teen flinched startled and looked at Mona and his tears started to over flow and Mona then pulled him into a hug.
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