Cruz Saurlock

Cruz grew up in the Southern neighborhoods of Lotebirma on the shores of the Sheekacrest Bay. As a child, he kept to himself at home the most he could. His mother is a sex worker and has men over at her house every single night. Despite this, she did not neglect him and took good care of him as a child. Giving him plenty of food and buying him nice things. Still, even at his young age, Cruz knew how toxic his mother's life was and hated the strangers in his home and the sounds of sexual activity in his home every night. Additionally, the affection she gave him made him uncomfortable for some reason. It did not feel parental, but something else. 

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His main safe haven from his mother's partying, sex, and uncomfortable treatment was school. Cruz loved school. He learned a lot, had other kids to spend time with, and preferred the care of his teachers over his mother. For him, school was his escape from the discomfort of home. 

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As he got older school became more difficult. Students became meaner and schoolwork became more difficult. Still, he worked hard at it and endured any bullying he faced. It was still better than dealing with his mom. At the age of 14, Cruz started to notice his mother staring at him in odd ways. Strangely seductive and anticipating ways. 

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In his first year of high school, Cruz started dating. Being bisexual, he was attracted to both men and women. Over his freshman year he dated two students. First and girl, then a boy. News of his sexuality began to spread and bigoted bullies turned their hateful sights on him. Not to emotionally abuse him, though. The bullies at his school decided to get physical with him and he was often subjected to terrible beatings. Refusing to give up, Cruz taught himself a non-violent way to defend himself. He became an expert at dodging attacks. With reflexes empowered by pop-star dancing, he outmaneuvered his attackers. 

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At home, things were becoming scary. Cruz noticed his mother behaving strangely when around him. It seemed like she was aroused whenever he was nearby. Being in the house became a frightening experience for him and he often resorted to sleeping outside. 

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One night, during summer vacation, his worst fear became reality. While he was sleeping, his mother jumped in bed with him and began sexually assaulting him. Cruz screamed and fought against her, but she was raging with determination and lust. Being only 16 at the time, despite being in good shape Cruz was helpless against his mad mother. The fight went on for hours, all the while he was subjected to torturous treatment. 

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By the time the sun came up, Cruz was left lying in bed, violated and broken. When his mother finally left his room, he called the police to report the crime. When the cops arrived, they took one look at the assaulted Cruz and arrested his mother. She did not go quietly. She fought with the cops like an animal.

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At her trial, Cruz was absolutely shocked when the jury found her not guilty. When that ruling was given, his mom gave him a terrifying smirk. Knowing if he ever went home again she would make his life a living hell, Cruz rushed back to pack up a few of his belongings and flee. He felt a life in the street would be safer than a life with a sexual predator. 

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For over a year Cruz lived on the streets on Lotebirma, stealing food to survive. During that time, he met a tree frog girl named Lilly Mumpentune. She had moved to the town from Aloca Florida with her dad. It was clear to Cruz the tropical frog girl did not enjoy her new suburban home. While keeping his homelessness a secret from her, he befriended her and showed her the nature parks of Lotebirma. Lilly took a great liking to The Park of Kip and Cleanescent Park. She would often go there to dance and recite her spoken word poetry that expressed awareness for discrimination and nature. Cruz would often watch her performances and noticed a lot of people gave her dollar bills as they passed by. 

This gave him the idea to be a street performer. He began singing pop and rap songs at the park. To his amazement, he made an average of $60 a day doing this. Enough for three meals a day. However, the gangsters overrunning Lotebirma took notice of his success and began robbing him. To fight back, he armed himself with his favorite childhood toy: a slingshot. It became clear that his skills with the slingshot were high above average. His marksman talents, speed, and dancing skills made him well known throughout the neighborhoods. 

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So much so the suit wearing guards of Paradise Harbor took interest in him. They quickly offered him a home and job opportunities at the harbor. Soon, once he settled down with a group of young men his age, he began working as a salesman at a grunge fashion store. While he continued fighting against the gangsters, he formed an anti-criminal group with his friends called Drift. 

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His ultimate goal is to raise enough money to be able to go to college. Return to the world that was once his safe haven. He has many dreams now, and is striving for all of them. Whatever one comes true first he will be happy with.