The Waywards
An: I don't own Kickin' It
One.
The life of a runaway wasn't easy. Worn out twenty dollar bills rustled between Jack's fingers as he counted. The sweltering August heat attacked, reserving no mercy for his companion and him. His eyes fell upon the red head sitting beside him under the umbrella of the outdoor table. He watched a solemn expression slowly grow upon his freckled face.
"I'm sorry I don't have much to bring to the table."
"It is okay, Milton," Jack stated, though it truly wasn't. "I have two hundred. Between the two of us I'm certain we have enough."
Milton opened his mouth to deliver another apology but was interrupted by the sound of pained grunts and pleas. He arose from the table. Before he could run in the direction of the sound he was distracted by Jack's lack of interest. The sound had been more than audible. He should have heard it.
Everyone entering and or exiting the ice cream parlor instantly stopped at the screams of help. The patrons only paused for a few seconds before going about their usual day. The town itself wasn't particularly generous. Their curiosity only ever held for a few seconds.
"You heard that right?" Milton questioned, one finger raised to signal the direction of the sound.
The brunette shrugged as he counted the bills at the table. Honestly, the shrieks and screams didn't bother him. As gruesome as it seemed he wasn't startled and or concerned. The noise would surely stop soon. Jack wasn't worried in the slightest.
"Someone could need our help."
Finally he gave the red head his full attention.
"Probably."
Milton's mouth hung open agape.
"Shouldn't we see if there is anything we can do?"
Jack surveyed Milton's facial expression carefully as another heart wrenching scream hit their ears. Reluctantly, Jack arose from his position. He stuffed the bills into the pack laying upon the table. He gave Milton a brief annoyed look before following him in the direction of the sound. They rounded the corner theice cream parlor was located on.
Within the alley a burly male hoisted a young boy by the throat. From a far distance they couldn't make out the conversation occurring between the man and his victim. Abruptly the man launched a steel fist toward the brick wall of the alley. Pieces of debris sprinkled to the ground from the now crater sized hole. The eyes of his victim widened. The youth helplessly slapped at the meaty right fist choking him.
"We have to be quick," Jack commented from the mouth of the alley.
Milton nodded as he threw his arms up, palms facing out. A determined expression fell upon his once relaxed features. Beside him he could feel Jack preparing himself for his next move. The red head concentrated heavily on what he wanted to achieve. Few seconds passed before the burly man involuntarily moved back barely a few inches.
"That is all?" Jack questioned, brows raised in question.
Milton rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm not very well trained in my power as you may now have figured out."
For a few milliseconds the hands of uncertainty wrapped around Jack's mind but it passed. Abruptly, he took off running toward the two figures. He used the full weight of his body to tackle the man to the floor. There was a mammoth sized grunt from shock. The large digits of their opponent unraveled, allowing his victim to be freed. All three tumbled to the ground.
"Interesting, I didn't think this rat had friends," the man smirkedas he lay upon the grimy alley floor. "No matter, the thief shall be punished, even if I have to break you first."
A smug grin fell upon Jack's face. "You'll find it a lot harder to break me."
A large fist came toward Jack's face suddenly. He instantly blocked with a simple sweeping motion of his right arm. Jacktransferred his weight to his left foot and leg. He extended his right leg out and sent an unexpected kick to the man'smidsection. The elder male lost balance and landed upon his back. Suddenly a lone garbage can titled spilling expired and or forgotten contents onto the aggressor's face.
"No time to waste," Jack announced. "The guy was stronger than I've ever seen. I won't be able to keep him down next time."
Milton looked up from the youth he was helping and nodded. All three males left the alley. The man covered in expired milk and other loose garbage failed to follow.
After a silent twenty minute walk, they ended up the lush garden of the local park. They stood upon a paved path that circled the park. A large pond rested in the middle. A few birds and ducks resided in or near the glistening waters. Large trees sat in clusters upon the park's surface. All in all, it was the perfect place to rest after their fight.
Jack refused the bench Milton offered. He urged Milton to take his seat next to the young boy on the bench.
"Wow, that was," Milton remarked, breathlessly. "What was that?"
Without warning Jack rounded on their newest guest. He crossed his arms as he watched the youth catching his breathe. In comparison to Milton and him, the male was obviously smaller. He guessed he was on the younger side as well.
"Why in the heck was that guy trying to kill you?" Jack demanded.
The male grunted as a reply. He glanced around his body. His eyes widened as he searched his tattered green jacket. The stranger kneaded his forehead with his fists as a frustrated groan left his lips.
"Nice, going," the male muttered. "Lost my meal for the day."
Jack glanced at Milton before turning his rage to the stranger. "I'm sorry, are you blaming us? I think we saved your butt back there."
"I had it handled."
A bark of laughter left Jack's throat. He snorted and gasped from the statement. He couldn't believe this ungrateful little brat.
"After all the trouble I went through, stealing the bread –, "the boy grumbled.
"Wait! We risked our skins, for a loaf of bread?" Jack shouted, interrupting him. "Are you out of your mind?"
The male ran thin fingers through his dark black locks. He sent Jack an annoyed expression. He didn't understand why the male was so upset? The loaf of bread was important to him. He hadn't had a decent meal all day. He was usually excellent at snatching loaves. Today had been his unlucky day.
"I didn't know the man would fight me."
"Oh, really? That is your excuse," Jack frowned. "You better hope I don't fight you next. Believe me you don't want me to fight you next."
Milton sighed heavily before giving the male a smile. "My name is Milton and he is Jack. What is your name?"
Jack threw his arms up in the air. "It doesn't matter what his name is. We've got places to go. We are leaving this guy behind right now. Come on Milton."
Milton wanted to argue but Jack was right, not about the stranger, but about them having a schedule. He hesitated before he turned his attention to Jack. He gave the boy a small smile and then headed over to the fuming brunette.
"Wait."
Both boys paused.
"My name is Jerry," he responded quickly. "I stole bread because, I had no choice. I was desperate. I didn't know what else to do. I've tried my way for a while and now I'm here because of it."
Milton and Jack kept their backs to the boy. A hushed argument happened between them before Milton gave up. He frowned at his companion and then returned to the boy's side.
"Hey, we get it," Milton smiled softly. "Why are you out here?"
"Left home," he stated. "It was kind of sudden."
"We left home, as well," Milton shared. "What a coincidence. Hey, let us all travel together. I don't know where you are heading but I'm certain it'll be better if you go there in a group."
Jack turned to boy males with his arms crossed in annoyance. He didn't wish to share anything with the careless boy. He tried to send a very clear message to Milton but the redhead was too consumed by his own thoughts to notice. He sighed heavily.
"Great, I get to babysit," Jack grumbled.
"Hey for you information I'm eighteen years old!" Jerrygrowled.
"You are older than us?" Jack asked, clearly confused.
Milton pushed his own shock aside and gave the male a grin. "I guess it's settled. Now, why don't we buy you something to eat?"
"Wait a minute," Jack rested his hands upon Milton's eager shoulders. "I'm not spending our funds on some undeserving human."
Jerry narrowed his eyes.
"Don't worry you won't be," Jerry replied.
The males stared each other down before Milton interrupted. "I'm hungry. We are eating whether you want to or not. Join us Jerry."
He smiled at the red head before shooting the brunette a nasty look. "I will."
Jack wished he never listened to Milton earlier. Saving Jerry may have been the worst decision they had.
Three weeks of Jack and Milton's journey passed. Today marked one week of saving Jerry. Jack was annoyed. His relationship with their newest member was toxic. Their arguments were frequent. It was hard for him to bridge the gap like Milton. After all, they risked their lives to save some idiot who stole bread. It wasn't something he could forget easily.
"It is so hot," Jerry moaned. "This is the worst month to travel."
"You didn't have to come along," Jack spat. "Shut up, and quit complaining."
Milton sighed. Despite the much they had in common Jack was still resistant. When Milton and Jack first met there was some initial distrust. The redhead remembered the brunette treating him better than their newest companion. Then again, their circumstances were a little different. He only wished they could find common ground quickly.
"You are trying to make me do something? Me?" Jerry chuckled, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "You can't make me do anything, no one can."
Jack looked up at the bright blue sky hanging over the deserted highway. Their travel was confided to the roadside due to their limited funds. Bus travel would pose a problem for their money situation. It didn't bother him too much. Unfortunately, the beads of sweat forming on his brow discomforted him greatly.
"That is what I thought, you just keep walking pretty boy," Jerry smirked. "You can't handle this."
Abruptly Jack spun around and aimed a solid fist at the shorter yet older teen. His eyes widened but before he could dodge the force of the impact knocked him backwards.
"You are just like the rest of them," Jack pointed. "Big mouthed and stupid. You should be careful around us. There is much you still don't know."
A frown stretched across the fallen teen's face. Milton reached out to help him but Jack raised a hand in protest.
"Leave him."
Without warning Jerry sprung from the ground and charged. Easily Jack dodged the oncoming teen, allowing the other to run awkwardly past him. A balled fist nearly met Jack's face but he ducked and swept his extended right leg underneath the other's feet, sending him to the ground again.
"We don't have time for all this," Milton pleaded.
Before Jack could smirk, he felt a knock to his back. He whirled around and spotted Jerry's smug face. Just as he readied another punch he began to notice the demeanor of his opponent watched black streaks extend from Jerry's irises.
"Don't you move," the teen spoke, voice thick with authority.
The brunette scoffed at the command but frowned at his inability to deliver his next attack. The sound of his erratic heartbeat pounded in his ears. His muscles tightened while he remained immobile.
"You thought I was human," Jerry remarked, black streaks in each eye intensifying.
"Jerry," Milton called out.
Jerry walked closer to the stationary brunette. An evil smile stretched along his face. He leant forward, invading the brunette's personal space.
"I wonder how tough you will be, after the next few minutes," the shorter teen whispered.
"Jerry stop it!" Milton hollered.
Abruptly the shorter teen's eyes widened. He ran his fingers through his black locks as he took a large step back. He glanced at Jack and then Milton. He could see a familiar expression painting across their features. His breaths came out in short gasps and then suddenly he sprinted ahead of them.
Milton was torn between Jerry and Jack but knowing Jack longer he ran to his friend. He placed a hand upon Jack's shoulder. After a few minutes there was a gasp of air. His eyes averted frantically left to right before he calmed again. Milton locked his gaze with Jack.
"What the heck was that?" Jack grumbled.
Milton bit his lip but didn't respond. He watched Jack compose himself silently.
"We better follow Jerry," Milton suggested.
Jack gave him an incredulous look before running his fingers through his brunette locks. He stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets. He took calming breaths to center himself. Gently he turned to the right.
"We are going to have to find an exit," Jack commented. "I want to make sure we don't run into whatever that was again."
"Wait, we are going to leave him out here?" Milton frowned, readjusting the backpack straps on his shoulders.
There was no response as Jack started walking ahead. Milton watched as his vision averted from left to right searching for the exit he wanted. Quickly Milton picked up his pace to match Jack's strides. He opened his mouth but closed it instantly at the stern expression upon Jack's face.
"We really shouldn't leave him out here," Milton prompted.
"I think we should," Jack remarked, eyes focused on his search. "I won't lose a wink of sleep either."
The brunette continued his journey ahead. He felt a hand grasp his wrist. He glanced at the fair skinned hand holding tightly. He met his companion's glance. Something lingered within the redhead's eyes that he wished to ignore. There in those pleading eyes was concern.
"We really shouldn't abandon him."
"Why?"
Milton sighed heavily. "I have a feeling."
Jack groaned loudly. This would be the third time since their journey that Milton roped him into something he didn't wish to do. He was beginning to wonder if he made the right choice by traveling alongside him. He gave a reluctant nod before they took off down the road in search for their third traveling mate.
Sweat accumulated on his brow from the sprint he executed only minutes before. He didn't think this through. Normally he acted before he fully pondered the consequences of his actions. Here he was curled into a pathetic ball on the side of a practically forgotten highway. He might as well have been in the desert.
"Nice gong Jerry," he whispered to himself.
This wouldn't the first time he made such a blunder. He considered himself the king of errors. After all, the biggest mistake of his life brought him out here in the first place. He hugged his knees to his chest in an effort to protect his skin from the harsh rays of unforgiving sun light.
The horrific thought of traveling alone occupied his already troubled mind. He had no food, water, or money. Surely he'd meet his end. Then again he was certain he wouldn't be missed. No one chased after him. It was unfortunately the story of his life.
Softly he glanced up from his self-made cocoon. In the distance two blurred figures moved toward him. Was he already hallucinating? Before he could further analyze the image, the teens from before appeared right in front of him.
"Jerry," Milton huffed from the run. "Why did you run off like that?"
His eyes widened from shock. "I – didn't think it mattered."
A warm smile appeared upon the redhead's features. The lanky teen gave him an even brighter smile as he offered his extended hand. Hesitantly, Jerry reached out while keeping his gaze on the disgruntled expression of the brunette.
"We have much ground to cover," Milton smiled good-naturedly. "We can't lose you."
Jerry nodded. He gave Jack one more glance before falling into step with Milton on his right side.
"We need to find a welcome center on one of the exits," Milton announced. "I need a new road map. Didn't think to charge my phone before I left."
"I thought you had a map?" Jack questioned, brows raised in question.
Milton laughed sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Kind of lost it when we helped Jerry out."
Jack sent Jerry a look before nodding. He walked ahead of the two softly.
"Don't worry," Milton responded as he analyzed Jerry's dejected look. "I understand where you are coming from, kind of."
"You aren't afraid?"
Milton frowned eyeing the elder teen. "Why would I be afraid?"
Jerry decided to drop the subject. He didn't want to blow his undeserved second chance.
"Welcome," a strong country accent greeted them at the door.
The welcome center was small. Shelves of town related Knickknacks lined the store to the right. Milton turned his attention to the free maps settled on the counter. Jerry wandered to the strange objects on the shelves. Jack eyed the tiny box of pocket knives priced at five dollars each.
"Where you young boys heading?" the old man asked.
Jack glanced at the older man. A long scraggily grey beard decorated his chin. Bright blue eyes gave him an attentive stare. Wisps of grey hair peeked from underneath a large cow boy hat.
"Seaford, California," Jack answered.
The man paused at the answer. Fear flashed across the man's eyes briefly. Jack eyed the man carefully before ignoring the newly manifested nervousness. Jack expected the behavior. Seaford, California had a reputation. People who went to Seaford weren't average. Everyone knew that. It was because of the reputation that the boys were moving out west.
"So these maps are free?" Milton asked.
"Yes sir," he laughed nervously. "Take as many as you wish. Take a gift off the shelf or anything, just please leave."
"Oh," Milton frowned.
Jerry's head perked up at the sound of gift. He quickly scanned the shelves.
"Jerry we aren't getting some useless bobble head. May we take a pack of jerky and some water?" Milton asked.
The man eagerly nodded. After they obtained the items they headed out of the store. Jerry grumbled his displeasure as they made their way toward an alleyway. Milton insisted they need to consult the map before they left again.
"I don't see why we couldn't grab a gift?" Jerry grunted, arms crossed.
"Jerry, the man had a gun hiding under his counter," Milton informed. "He was counting how long it took us to leave."
"Really? I didn't even catch that," Jerry gushed. "The man was so happy and everything."
Milton gave Jerry a look. He was happy to have an insight about things that others couldn't pick up on. It always helped him in tougher situations.
"Most people come across happy," Jack grumbled. "Until they realize you are a threat."
Jerry winced at the statement feeling it was directed at him. He shot a look toward Milton for some help but found a blank expression upon his face.
"If it means anything," Jerry responded, softly. "I'm grateful that you helped me back in the alley."
Milton patted Jerry's back happily.
"You were right about not being human," Jack spoke abruptly. "I'm usually not one to care but I personally consider you a hazard."
Milton frowned as he eyed the two.
"I –"Jerry frowned. "You won't be the first."
For a few seconds Jack's furrowed brows fell. He glanced over Jerry and then watched Milton cross his arms in a scolding manner. Before he could let the comment affect him he became hardened by his previous anger.
"It is getting late. I say we find a public park," he informed. "To rest."
Milton nodded. All three males headed off toward the direction of what they hoped would be a decent shelter for the night.
Jack sat soundlessly as he propped his arms on his knees. He drew his legs halfway to his body as he surveyed the stars twinkling in the open night sky. He would have never given the constellations a second thought back at home. The hustle andbustle of life rarely gave him much time for relaxing.
He briefly turned his attention to his redheaded friend who rested upon the nearest and cleanest park bench. There had been much argument about who slept in the elevated seat. The brunette noticed Milton's complaints of back pain prior to Jerry's appearance and insisted the teen take the bench for himself. Milton of course argued. He was that kind of person, strongly compassionate for others, like Jack. Or how Jack once was.
There was a shuffling nearby. He abruptly casted his glance on a shadowy figure.
"No worries. Just me, Jerry."
Jack nodded as he watched the elder teen take a spot beside him on the cement. Silence drifted between them, neither one daring to speak first. The stars continued sparkling above them like silent spectators of their interaction.
"I know you hate me."
"I wasn't hiding it," Jack remarked.
Jerry's forced a smile upon his face at the honest statement. He folded his hands upon his lap before casually glancing at the other.
"I can expect a lot of people hate me," Jerry shared with a heavy sigh. "Fear me too."
Jack gave the male a brief glance before returning his attention to the expansive darkness above their heads.
"I don't want to," Jerry remarked. "But by the morning I can be gone. Just let me have the map. I'm poor with directions but I think I could figure out where I need to go."
He enjoyed the idea. Jack never dreamed of traveling in a group. He could barely tolerate one companion. On top of it all, their funds only could truly support a mouth and a half. Jack being the mouth and Milton the half. There was no room for Jerry in their duo. There was no room for Milton, but he grew on him.
"You nearly got us killed over bread," Jack reminded. "That man wasn't just a man. This world is never as it seems."
"I didn't realize it when I grabbed the bread, honest," Jerry stated. "I was just thinking about how hungry I was."
Jack nodded as he opened his mouth. "We heard your cry for help. I didn't care but Milton insisted."
"I figured, "Jerry laughed, despite the lack of humor in the statement.
A frown painted across Jack's features. Suddenly he felt like defending his reasoning. Before it wouldn't have mattered but now under the night sky he thought differently.
"When I was young," Jack whispered. "I thought I could be a superhero. I learned early on the world didn't want me to save them. I stopped caring after that."
Jack sighed softly. He could feel the intense stare upon him. He turned toward Jerry.
"At least you thought about being useful," Jerry said bitterly. "Let me just say I've been more than selfish recently. So, I don't want to hold you both back. By the morning you won't have to worry about me."
Jerry arose as if he planned to take his leave early. Jack closed his eyes before nodding softly. He didn't know what was overcoming him now but he stretched out his hand. He wasn't able to grasp onto anything but continued with what he wanted to say anyway.
"If you go out on your own," Jack began. "You won't survive."
Jerry shrugged.
"We are heading to Seaford, California. Endless opportunity," Jack continued. "Come with us. Just – your ability. I can tell you can't control it. There is something dark living in it. I suggest you stop using the power."
He watched the boy's eyebrows rise into his hairline. He could see the first signs of rebellion brewing in his eyes.
"You aren't alone. Milton can't control himself either," Jack smiled softly. "But, he has achieved a little better control. Maybe one day you will too but for now – You have to listen to me on this one."
He watched the shorter teen circle his arms around his body. He hugged himself for a few minutes.
"You are afraid."
"I never said that," Jack replied.
After a few moments of Jerry standing back turned to Jack, he then nodded. He turned toward Jack, eyeing the male curiously before retaking his position beside him.
"Thanks, for giving me a chance."
Jack rolled his eyes. "I regret it already."
Jerry snickered lightly. After a few minutes both boys began to yawn.
"That's our cue," Jack pointed out. "Get some sleep."
Jerry nodded as he laid out on the cement. Jack opted for a more comfortable spot on the partially damp grass. He closed his eyes softly. A strange warm sensation spread throughout his now relaxed body. He was too tired to further analyze the feeling.
Yes, the life of a runaway wasn't glamorous. He opened one eye slightly. He surveyed the two teens sleep nearby. No being on the run wasn't glamorous at all but maybe the company could be promising.
Only time would tell.
Hey! It is me again! Surprised to see me? Anyway, I want to thank everyone for reading. That was the first chapter of my newest Kickin' it story, The Waywards. I know the title may seem a little odd but as the story goes it will be revealed why I chose it.
Anyway, this is a little different story. Okay maybe a lot different. The world is different and hopefully I portrayed how different clearly. I was a little nervous about posting the story because it is so different but I was so in love with the idea. Sorry if Jack seems real angry his reasons for that will also be revealed. Hopefully you like this new adventure and how I described everything.
Thank you all for reading. The next update will take a bit longer. It is 25% of the way done, will take a lot of editing. Thanks again for checking out the story.
Until Next chapter
Bye