Chapter 1: It all started...

"But mommy, I don't wanna go to school!" 9-year old James Ramirez whined.

"Now James, what did I tell you about kids who don't go to school? They become hobos-smelly, dirty hobos."

James groaned, as he got on the school bus. He sighed-how was he going to survive in this pack of wilderness?

As he sat on his seat, another kid approached, and sat next to him. He seemed to be 12-years old, and was wearing an army cap with a military backpack.

Oh no...I'm so dead... James thought. He closed his eyes and prepared for the shock that could come.

"Hey." The other kid said.

"Uh..." Said James.

"It's okay kid, I won't hurt you. First day?"

"Yeah." James replied. "My family moved here. Had to leave all my friends behind."

"Hey, nice to meet you." The kid said, getting ready for a handshake. "Jack Foley."

"James Ramirez." He grabbed Jack's hand, and they both shook hands.

Wow, nice... James thought. It was gonna be a good day.

After 30 minutes of driving around, the bus stopped, and kids flowed out of it like a tsunami, as James and Jack got out.

"This is it kid." Jack spread his arm. "Welcome to the Elementary School of Arcadia."

"Okay...that's nice." James said, looking at the building.

After parting with Jack, James got to his seat and sat on his seat, as the teacher came in.

"Hello everyone." The teacher said. "I'm Mr. Samson, and I'll be your teacher."

"Hi Mr. Samson." Everybody said in unison.

"Now let's get learning, shall we?" He said as he started writing on the chalkboard.

This is boring... James thought. When does this end? I could use all this time to get closer to my new friend, or elder, I don't know... He yawned.

The final bell rung, and all of the students dashed out, with James going for the nearest drinking fountain.

As he crouched down and turned his head to drink the water, he saw Jack talking with another kid, who looked like he was 11 years old.

I wonder what they're doing? James got up and walked toward them, as Jack noticed him.

"Oh, uh, James..." He said. "It's nothing, I can explain."

"Why are you acting all that suspicious?" James questioned his new friend.

Jack got silent. Then he crouched down.

"Listen, Kid." He said. "You're to young to join my gang."

"But I wanna help!" James replied. "What's a gang?"

Jack sighed, then stood up. "Alright James. But ONLY because you're my friend. Are you ready for anything?"

"Yeah!"

Jack smiled. "I can see the future in you. Come on, follow us."