Those Five Kids: Operative Annihibots

By Marlon Cozier

A boy named Jake takes a voyage to a vast forest called “Seafall Forest” in East Midlands for his spring break. But his spring break converts into the wildest escapade of his life. A creepy girl named Sadie roams Seafall Forest unbeknownst to Jake. She will like to show Jake annihilation. Jake had heard that word before from a wicked man named Pablo, in August 2009 when he was in a mansion. Since Jake believes Pablo goes to Seafall Forest, Jake has a bad feeling of what lurks in the forest.

Jake explores Seafall Forest on his own to locate his missing grandparents, José and Joanne; it’s a formidable task for him to do on his own. A Stun Baton became his only defensive weapon while he travels the forest.

Actions transpire one morning; on account of the horrifying event, Jake resolves to cancel traversing Seafall Forest. That’s until one of his friends from school shows up and explores the forest amongst him where danger befalls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Nov 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662906688

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Unusual Behavior

Seven months had elapsed following the events inside a forsaken mansion, dubbed the Haunted Mansion World. Joe and Cruz had been searching through a vast forest called Seafall Forest, established in 1752. The forest exists in the East Midlands of the United Kingdom. Joe and Cruz quit their jobs to traverse Seafall Forest in order to rescue their kidnapped parents, José and Joanne, former soldiers, and High Production Factory personnel. As of March 7, 2010, Joe and Cruz remain unsuccessful at rescuing their parents. Both men will not give up; the search shall resume the next week.

On Friday afternoon, March 12, 2010, Joe and Cruz returned home to Florida to visit Kay-Lo, Josh, and Jake. This visit was only for the weekend. Joe had purchased gifts for them. Kay-Lo got a new leather handbag with one small compartment on each side. Josh got a new 76-centimeter blue and white baseball bat, along with four customize grip tapes; Jake got a new racetrack with six new RC cars of different colors: red, blue, white, green, lavender, and orange.

Jake envisioned the amount of fun he would have playing with his new RC cars, accompanied by Frankie, Matt, and Baron. Josh sat down on the living room couch and dropped his new baseball bat on the floor. He did not have a smile on his face. Jake turned his eyes away from Josh. Jake has not had any fun with Josh for the past seven months. Josh’s bad behavior alarms him. Jake would try asking Josh to play RC cars with him, but he hastily chose not to. Josh would merely give him a blank stare. Jake could only imagine enjoying his RC cars with Frankie, Matt, and Baron.

Josh, Jake, Frankie, Matt, and Baron were out of school for spring break. For the first time, Jake wished there was no spring break this year. Even though Joe and Cruz returned, spring break still won’t be fun for Jake because both of them will be flying back to Seafall Forest on Monday.

The weekends became boring for Jake when Kay-Lo began working on Saturdays and Sundays in October. She used to take him and Josh to fun places over the weekends. There isn’t anybody available to take them out now. Kay-Lo’s days off are now Wednesdays and Thursdays. Josh and Jake have school.

Jake saw Joe and Cruz talking. They were discussing their return to Seafall Forest. Their conversation ruined Jake’s chances of asking Joe or Cruz to take everyone out for fun. Joe and Cruz have had their work cut out for them in Seafall Forest; this caused them not to stay home in Florida.

Frankie, Matt, and Baron had things to do until the evenings when they could talk to each other on the Skybot Video Chat. Three of the kids are having the time of their lives, including on the weekends. Jake yearns for a way to enjoy his weekends too.

The bedroom Jake shares with Josh was painted blue; the ceiling and the cornice remain a glossy white finish. The whole house had been renovated. All this was done in December. Jake laid on the bed he also shares with Josh, staring at the new 32-inch, blank television screen. He chuckles to himself.

Josh has no emotions, Jake mutters to himself. He just feels blank every day.

Jake scans the room to make sure Josh didn’t hear what he said. If Josh heard what he had just said, Josh would have no problem fighting with him. Jake always knew Josh wasn’t a fighter; now, he fights other kids. Usually, he avoids violence.

Ever since Josh returned from the hospital, he has not spoken a single word, nor has he changed his offensive facial expression. Jake does not want to deal with Josh’s lousy behavior throughout the whole spring break.

Jake sat up on the bed; there could only be one way to make this spring break the best one yet, instead of becoming upset over Josh’s behavior.

Jake exited the bedroom, spotting Kay-Lo in the living room, fawning over her new leather handbag. Cruz stepped outside to check the mail; Joe went in the backyard of the house to rest on a recliner Kay-Lo had bought in November. Jake went into the yard to join Joe. Jake had an anxious facial expression. He was trying not to be afraid of telling Joe what he has in mind.

Hi, Dad, Jake anxiously greeted Joe. I want you to let me come with you to Seafall Forest for my spring break. Please?

Joe didn’t feel it was safe to bring Jake to the forest with him and Cruz. He did say he would think about it before leaving Florida with Cruz back in last August. Joe watched Jake cross his hands. He closed his eyes, thinking; Jake would be safe in Seafall Forest as long as he stayed with either himself or Cruz at all times.

I’ve made my decision, said Joe, sitting up against the recliner. You may come with us. Just remember, Cruz and I must keep a close eye on you in the forest.

Limited airline tickets were available for the same flight. Joe would promptly book a ticket for Jake, authorizing him to travel with Joe and Cruz together. Jake hugged his father joyously and went back inside the house to unbox his new RC cars.

Joe was exhilarated to see that Jake had grown up just a little. While in Seafall Forest, Joe was informed by Kay-Lo that throughout the months, Jake had been managing his life well. He had been taking on more responsibilities. His speech had improved significantly; this enabled him not to feel hesitant about his vocabulary, and he had gotten a decent haircut. Jake had decided to keep his hair blond for now.

Jake had also been working on building up his muscles, not forgetting instructions quickly, becoming more outgoing, and improving his aiming skills. This improvement came from his basketball practice. The gym coach provided Jake and the other students’ challenges that tested their ability and shooting accuracy. The coach had once explained to them about steady muscle movement and eye focus.

Thanks to a swimming class, Jake was now able to hold his breath underwater much longer. He participated in Little Fishers Youth Academy over the winter. The only problem he had there was a kid named Kyle. They go to the same school, and Kyle pesters and irritates Jake. Jake also has worked hard on being truthful and to stop making up false stories.

Jake’s time back home throughout the months has remained healthy. Nothing drastic occurred when he returned to school following his involvement in the Haunted Mansion World with Joe. Almost every day healthily treated him. Jake thinks this year’s spring break will treat him properly. His excitement about visiting the United Kingdom rises. Seafall Forest should be a spectacular experience.

Sunday came. It has been a slow weekend. Jake has not heard from Frankie, Matt, and Baron since Friday. Three of them were not active on Skybot. Jake will not be on Skybot for the entire day. He went into his bedroom to start packing his clothes before heading down to Orlando Sanford International Airport with Joe and Cruz. Kay-Lo and Josh are not coming. Kay-Lo must keep Josh as close to her as possible, rather than having him in a forest.

Joe, Cruz, and Jake were all set. Jake hugged Kay-Lo before exiting the house. He was shocked at Josh. It hurt Jake a lot that Josh refused to hug him. Jake simply waved goodbye to him. Josh did not wave back to him. Josh continued to stare at Jake with his eyes half-opened. Jake turned away from him, trying not to feel upset. Someday, Josh will revert to his beloved self. Jake retained faith in him.

Kay-Lo closed the newly installed icy yellow front door. Joe, Cruz, and Jake were on their way to the United Kingdom. Jake couldn’t wait to find out how their candies taste. Trying new food would be the best. Jake could learn so much when he visited the United Kingdom. Asking to go had been worth it.

The flight from Orlando, Florida, to East Midlands had taken off. At noon, Joe, Cruz, and Jake landed at East Midlands Airport. It took a while for them to collect their luggage. Today was the first time Jake was able to use his passport. It was as his first time in a different country. His passport would be safe in the small compartment of his backpack.

A taxi arrived to escort them to their first destination outside the airport, a luxurious hotel built in 1962. It had a reputation for providing excellent service and being the number one hotel in the East Midlands.

Joe finished paying the taxi driver. He grabbed his luggage and began walking his way into the hotel with Cruz and Jake. Jake had not planned to be at a hotel; he had planned to be in Seafall Forest. He figured Joe and Cruz would travel there when the day progressed.

In this elegant hotel’s interior, Joe, Cruz, and Jake wait in the lobby as they check-in for their room. The decor in this lobby was filled with grand scenery for the people to see.

Jake spied a buffet table, a souvenir shop, a large gold organ where the musician could perform aesthetic harmony, and a seating area where people could unwind, socialize, and savor the lobby’s scenery. Practically every night, karaoke took place in the hall. A sign reading, Shires Hotel, hung from the ceiling of the lobby. Jake appreciated the name of this hotel.

On the sixth floor of Shires Hotel, Joe, Cruz, and Jake access their rented room, placed their luggage near an empty umbrella stand and dressing table. Jake imagined what it would be like to own a place like this. The small bedroom he shared with Josh bothered him. Most of the time, he knocks his toes on the dressing table and his bed. Their bed decreases the volume of space in the bedroom. Jake would not mind walking in a larger room.

Joe put on some cologne to smell fresh when he headed back downstairs to eat lunch with Cruz and Jake. Jake didn’t eat anything on the plane; he was too focused on getting off. Jake despised sitting on an airplane.

Life’s good when you smell good, said Joe, fanning the scent of cologne in the air. Let’s go, Jake. Time for us to eat lunch.

Can I settle in this room first? Jake asked. I’ll come down to the dining area to eat lunch, depending on what time I choose to walk downstairs.

Don’t play games with me, Jake. Just because you’re ten does not mean….

I can be by myself anywhere I go. Ring a bell, will you? Sorry. I’m just tired of mom telling me the same quote almost every week. Trust me; I can manage walking to the lobby myself.

You’re growing up too fast, said Cruz, snickering. Joe, let him take the chance.

Joe allowed Jake to walk down to the lobby on his own. He shut the room door and went down to the lobby with Cruz to eat lunch. Jake walked to the door. This door automatically locks on its own. Today became the first day Jake would see such a door. Not counting motion and revolving doors, he deemed these were a new variety of electronic doors.

In the hotel room, Jake sat on the bed, admiring the hotel room. The atmosphere in this room smelled fresh, mainly because Joe sprayed on cologne. Jake lifted his backpack from his superhero suitcase and laid it on the bed. He withdrew various items from inside his backpack.

His backpack items are a toothbrush, a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash, floss, deodorant, lotion, a travel-sized bottle of shampoo, and conditioner. Jake couldn’t believe he forgot to pack ointment with him. He has an itchy rash on his back. Applying ointment would treat the rash.

A single old photo was the last item Jake withdrew from his backpack. This surprising photo he brought featured José and Joanne. Jake took this from Joe and Kay-Lo’s dressing table in their bedroom. Jake brought this photo with him to provide Joe and Cruz much luck in rescuing their parents.

Jake removed his new smartphone from the small compartment of his backpack, along with the phone charger; Kay-Lo presented the smartphone to Jake as a gift on his tenth birthday this past January. The smartphone brand called a Clone Phone, which came with 16GB of storage, captured exquisite photos. Other models come with 32GB. A different smartphone called the bn-Phone, hit the App Emporium throughout the world just last year.

Jake scrolled through the photos he captured for the past two months on his smartphone. He had captured fascinating images of him and his teammates from his swimming class. One photo featured him wearing a silver medal he won from a swimming tournament that past January, two weeks following his tenth birthday.

Jake owned some photos of Joe, Cruz, and Kay-Lo; he also owned some images of himself, Frankie, and Matt. Josh was not left out. Jake took an hour to procure an old photo of Josh to file on his phone at the house. The image of Josh was captured by Kay-Lo early last year before Josh began behaving weirdly.

Baron was the only individual Jake did not hold a photo of on his smartphone. When school concludes for the week, Jake infrequently hears from Baron. Only Frankie and Matt. Jake laughs; he can’t blame himself for not having photos with Baron.

Viewing the photos was good. Jake anticipated capturing a lot of unique images while in East Midlands. Jake laid back on the soft, comfy bed, trying to figure out what he can do first in this hotel, apart from eating lunch.

Jake walked to the window, moving the cream curtains aside to take in the outside view of his hotel room. A parking lot was in the back of the hotel—not very exciting. On the left side of the hotel, Jake could see a glimpse of the bottom level. A spacious indoor pool was situated in the center of the room. Two hot tubs were on the pool’s far side; most people swim first before relishing a steamy soak in the hot tub.

Kids were in the pool, having a great time playing. Jake always tried to make as many friends as he could outside of school. Playing with kids in the pool will be a real opportunity for him.

Seafall Forest stands as the prime destination for today. Jake won’t have the chance to try making any new friends today at the pool. He stared at his suitcase. He opened it. One pair of blue beach shoes, one pair of green and white swimming trunks, and a blue and green beach towel were all crammed in there.

Jake packed them in his suitcase because before he left the house, Joe informed him that he could go swimming in the sea area at Seafall Forest. Kids and adults are occasionally there. Jake elected to try making new friends at Seafall Forest instead, only if kids are present.

Jake moved away from the window to change into his fresh clothes. An emerald green t-shirt and indigo shorts. He put on his swimming trunks under his pants. It feels uncomfortable. The blue and orange pajamas are to be used for the first time tonight. Jake had never slept in them since Kay-Lo purchased the sleepwear in November.

Sleeping in a forest at night seemed scary. Jake gulped, showing fear of sleeping in Seafall Forest. As he thought of it, kids in this world experienced camping in the woods overnight. Tonight would be a grand opportunity for Jake to experience camping in a forest overnight, like other kids camp in the woods overnight.

Jake slips into his blue and black sneakers; Cruz bought them for him in 2008. Soon, Jake will have to get rid of them. His feet are outgrowing the size of the sneakers. These are his favorite sneakers. He wore them on his first day of school seven months ago.

A souvenir shop was on the first floor of the Shires Hotel. Jake thinks he should shop for more sneakers there. The souvenir shop does not sell sneakers, Jake recalled. Jake then hoisted his left eyebrow, reflecting on a notion from the moment he set foot in the lobby. He could explore the souvenir shop to survey what captivating commodities the store had in stock. If there were any kid-friendly specialties in stock, Jake wouldn’t mind buying them.

Jake grabbed the silver keycard from the copper dressing table, placing it into his pocket. He exited the bedroom, closing the door behind him. The corridor floor has an appealing rose carpet, with boho rugs positioned in each corridor’s center. All crystal lights hung on the wall with unique designs.

Jake already adored his experience in England. It should become more gratifying per day. If only Frankie, Matt, and Baron were with him. Jake reckoned he should call them on Skybot each day at Seafall Forest. It could be anytime during the day or in the evening time. Jake believes he should make an online call before leaving the hotel that day. The final call could be made at Seafall Forest tonight.

On the hotel’s first floor, Jake exited the empty elevator to walk to the souvenir shop. Three girls and two boys left the souvenir shop with various souvenirs inside their bags. The kids looked between 10-13. One girl waved at him. Jake waved back to her.

Jake walked into the souvenir shop to browse around. The store holds a lot of stunning products. Most of them are expensive to buy. Jake has no money with him, only Joe and Cruz.

So many things Jake wants to buy from this souvenir shop. Jake walked past a shelf full of mugs. In the rear portion of the shop, figurines are on the shelf. Jake browsed through the figurines to see which one he could add to his collection back at home. He foraged for an expensive item because he doesn’t fancy cheap things.

At the edge of one of the figurine shelves, a Dorky Head figurine caught Jake’s attention. His mouth dropped halfway. Never in his life did he think one of his favorite cartoon characters would turn into a figurine. Dorky Head continued to be Jake’s favorite Saturday morning program to watch on television.

Parents are in the souvenir shop, buying these fresh commodities for their kids. One kid got a £69 Gargoyle; another kid got an £85 Cyclops; the last kid got a £40 windmill. Lucky kids, receiving souvenirs from their parents. Jake pushes his hands into both of his pants pockets, only feeling his smartphone. No money.

The value for the Dorky Head figurine is £49. It won’t hurt to request Joe or Cruz to buy the Dorky Head figurine. He bit on his bottom lip, debating whether he should eat lunch with Joe or Cruz first before requesting them to buy the figurine. Better to eat lunch first.

In the dining area, Jake sat down next to Joe and Cruz, smelling the rich food on their green and gold saucer. Joe had made a tasty selection of noodles with soy sauce. Jake’s facial expression turned sickening. Cruz had selected a turkey sandwich with banana milk. Jake leaped off the chair to grab some food out for himself.

Soon, Joe and Cruz are to resume searching for their missing parents in Seafall Forest. Joe and Cruz took not a single photo of the forest. Memories of how Seafall Forest appeared to be are not stored in Jake’s brain. He must stay as close as possible to them when exploring Seafall Forest.

Jake approached the buffet table to grab some healthy food. When he ate healthily, it aided him to stay vigorous for basketball and swimming team. Jake does not eat meat. He resents the fact that people consume cooked animal flesh. Jake would be glad to remain a vegetarian.

Several fruits, veggies, and salad were on Jake’s saucer. No fresh drinks for this hour. Jake returned to the dining table to eat with Joe and Cruz. He drew close to the table in the chair, taking the first bite of his food.

Great lunch; Jake patted his stomach. No food remained on Joe or Cruz’s saucer. Jake disliked the fact that Cruz was drinking banana milk while eating a turkey sandwich. The combination didn’t sound too pleasant. The combination seems like it would make a person sick.

Jake quit criticizing Cruz’s choice of food in his mind because he consumed too much junk food rather than consuming healthy food before. Recently, he’s been doing a better job of staying away from junk food.

Following lunch, Jake re-entered the souvenir shop, this time with Joe. Cruz went back to the hotel room on the sixth floor. In the souvenir shop, Joe purchased the Dorky Head figurine for Jake. Jake pushed a blue button below the figurine, enabling Dorky Head to say one of his famous quotes, I can jump without bending my knees by using a trampoline. Joe laughs. Jake promises to take great care of the figurine before he returns home to Florida on Saturday morning.

Fewer people were in the dining area when Joe and Jake exited the souvenir shop. Both of them bustle to one of the stainless steel elevators before the door closes. On the sixth floor, Jake uses the keycard to unlock the room door. The cool breeze coming from the air conditioner blows into their face when Jake opens the door.

Jake took off his sneakers to snooze on the bed without soiling the sheets. First, he picked up his backpack from the clean floor to store all the items he left behind on the bed back inside. Jake zippers the backpack, resting it on the floor, against the black nightstand with two silver drawers. He unzips his suitcase to set his Dorky Head figurine beneath his clothes.

No time for sleep, said Joe, handing a Kator laptop to Jake. We leave the Shires Hotel in a half-hour. Take the time to chat with your friends on the Skybot Video Chat Network I installed last night. No password required to boot up the machine.

Mom bought this laptop from the App Emporium this past August. Aren’t Josh and I only authorized to use it for school?

Kay-Lo allowed me to bring it for your pleasure, Joe replies to Jake. Once spring break concludes, the laptop stays in her bedroom.

Can I just say? Mom should’ve bought two Kator laptops instead of one. What if Josh fights me for the laptop because of his schoolwork? Judging by how he behaves at the moment, I bet he wants to fight me every day.

Josh can’t defend himself, remember? No need to be afraid of him. We’ll find out why his behavior went from kind to bad.

Frankie, Matt, and Baron can help us.

Try not to get them involved, Joe urges Jake.

On the Skybot Video Chat Network, Jake checked to see which of his friends were online. Jake began using Skybot often when he started making friends on it. Many of his friends were online; most of his friends were kids from his school. His cousin Frankie appeared to be online.

Twenty-six minutes remained until traveling to Seafall Forest. The battery percentage of the Kator laptop is 96%; enough battery life for the whole day.

Dad, if I video call Frankie on this laptop, will the battery deplete faster? Jake asks Joe, setting the laptop on his lap.

Kay-Lo would know, answered Joe, showing the guilt of his mistake. Jake, not to disappoint you. I forgot the charger at home.

No problem. I doubt this laptop would be useful when exploring Seafall Forest. Our smartphones will be more useful. No guilt, Dad. I know how it feels. It will be best for me to call Frankie later today.

At 1:58 PM, everyone exits the hotel room. Cruz returned the keycard to the receptionist.

On this Monday afternoon, Joe caught a taxi parked in front of the hotel. Joe, Cruz, and Jake got inside. Joe gave the taxi driver an address to a house.

Make sure to buckle in, Joe said to Jake.

Thanks, Dad. Like I never wore a seatbelt in my life, Jake said, annoyed.

We’re driving to a house first. You’re in for a surprise—a relative lives in the house. Guess what? She lives four blocks down from Seafall Forest.

A relative? said Jake, wondering who the relative could be.

The taxi ride lasted roughly thirty-five minutes; it halted in front of the relatives’ house. Joe paid the taxi driver. The three of them exited the taxi, walking toward the house.

Nice exterior wall, said Jake, sitting on his suitcase. All white. Plus, the gray roof gives the exterior wall a nice contrast. He sighed. I sound like Mom.

At the front door, Joe rang the doorbell. The bisque door gently opens. Jake gawked at the person’s appearance. It was a little old lady. The lady wore a brownish dress to the knee. She also wore yellow slippers. Her slippers had a white-colored lining.

I kept my commitment from last month to revisit you, Joe said to the woman, pulling Jake in front of her.

Always a sweet boy, the woman replied to Joe. Jake laughed at what she just said to Joe. The woman allows Joe, Cruz, and Jake to access her house. She failed to recognize Jake.

What’s your name, love? The woman asks Jake.

Sonya, don’t tell me you forgot my son’s name. It rhymes with cake.

Jake? Sonya gasped in surprise. Oh my, look at my great-grandchild. You’re a big boy now. You were the size of a peanut when I first beheld you. The way you used to smile with no teeth in your mouth.

Ok, who is this lady? Jake asked, pointing his thumb at Sonya.

You were too young to remember who I am—your first time meeting me again. Josh never met me. Someday he will. Jake, my name is Sonya. I am your mom’s grandmother.

My mom’s grandmother? he said in surprise. My first, well, second time meeting my great-grand? I can’t wait to tell mom my reaction to meeting my great-grand again.

I love my granddaughter. We should always value the love of others in this world. Jake, have you ever felt the love of others in this world?

My family doesn’t count. My friends show companionship to me, some of them. My best friend Baron shows true companionship to me ever since I met him at my house for the first time. The kindness he shared with me throughout the months has been wondrous. I’ve never had friends who treat me like a family before. I maintain much reverence for Baron.

Who’s older?

Baron, ten years old! He turns eleven next Wednesday. I crave to grant him a unique birthday gift. What should I buy for him?

Depends on what he fancies.

Josh’s ninth birthday was in November… we didn’t celebrate it. I was trying to arrange a kind deed for him; he punched me in the right eye.

Why bring it up? Joe asks Jake. You said, following his birthday, you didn’t want to talk about what Josh did to your eye.

"I’m sorry what Josh did still