Project Renegade: Genesis (Being Updated)

Aftermath

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Ryan's eyes fluttered open, the harsh white light of the hospital room blinding him momentarily. Slowly, he became aware of the wires and tubes attached to his body. He lay naked on the sterile hospital bed, the sheets' coolness contrasting with his skin's warmth. 

"Where...am I? " Ryan flung the sheet off of him, "Oh...they could've at least given me underwear...I gotta go."

"Go...where exactly?"

Ryan spun, claws raised—then froze mid-motion.

Before him stood an African teenager with a cute, button-soft nose and dark brown, steady, calm eyes. Her large afro framed her face like a halo. She wore a sleek blue combat leotard with orange streaks cutting across her arms and chest, hinting at strength beneath the stillness.

"Oh...hi – I'm R-Ryan." Ryan blushed, "You're really- never mind. What happened?"

"You passed out from the teleporter. Trust me, it takes a while to get used to. It's been about an hour and a half since then." She stepped forward, "But like I was asking...where do you think you're going?" 

"Away from here? " Ryan couldn't hide the cracks in his voice, "Speaking of which...where is here exactly? "

"It's better if I just show you." She extended her hand.

"I need pants."

"Oh yeah."

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As they stepped onto a spacious deck, their eyes were drawn to a giant glass window revealing a breathtaking sight – the vast expanse of the sky stretched before them. 

The airship's walls were adorned with a kaleidoscope of artwork, a vibrant tapestry that celebrated martial arts, fashion, and hip-hop icons. The hum of the propellers filled the air as the airship glided gracefully through the sky.  Ryan took a step back from the edge, gulping in fear.

"Not a fan of heights?" Michelle nudged his shoulder.

"N-not quite. Getting used to it."

"I'm Michelle. Michelle Walker." 

BEEEP!

Alarms blared as the lights above flashed red. Michelle sighed and stretched. Ryan tried to keep his composure, acting as if the sudden noise didn't startle him. 

"I'm guessing that's not good. " Ryan mumbled.

"Michelle, Lady Sapphire says to meet her in the training room." 

Behind them stood a Dominican girl, glowing in the sun, with caramel skin, warm brown eyes, and long, curly hair that moved with her. She wore an orange jacket over a blue suit as water formed at her fingertips. She waved softly at Ryan and Michelle, calm and inviting.

"Oh, hi, I'm Nichole; nice to meet you! You should come with."

Ryan followed them toward the training room. As he walked, he passed a corner where a young black boy sat engrossed in a video game. The boy wore a vibrant blue jumpsuit with orange elbow and knee pads. His mohawk shouted out, crackling with electricity.

"Yo, it's rude to stare, dickhead."

"What the?" Ryan glared, "I thought you were ten!"

"And?" The boy chuckled.

"Ray, we're headed to the training room." Nichole tugged the boy's arm.

"Hey, I hear the alarm! But I'm gonna act my age and beat this level first." Ray turned his attention back to his game, "Don't wait on me."