Project Renegade: Genesis (Being Updated)

The Weight Of The World

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"Max, you're a natural. " Sapphire quipped, "I can see a bright future for you."

"Noted." Max nodded.

Sapphire's scrutiny shifted to Karla, her gaze lingering thoughtfully. 

"Karla, you've got a good handle on your powers. Adding you is a no-brainer. " Sapphire read her notes, "I've seen a lot, particularly in your comfortable settings, like those 'bank robberies."

 "Wait, have you been stalking me?" Karla's brows furrowed.

 "I keep my ear to the streets. " Sapphire let out a melodic laugh.

" Look, if you're gonna tell me the same thing you told the jock, I don't work well with teams- "

"I can just turn you over to the authorities. "

" I'll...consider the offer. " Karla mumbled as she avoided eye contact.

"As for the rest of you, I'm detecting some big improvement in the 'group dynamics' department. Nice job, you're getting closer to harmonizing."

The room seemed to hold its breath as Lady Sapphire's gaze shifted to Ryan, her tone sharper than a blade.

 "Oh yeah. Other than failing, what are your powers exactly?" She drawled,  "Animalistic-like abilities; I have a friend who'd love to meet you. "

"I...don't know. I think I'm a dragon? Maybe. " Ryan's excitement fluttered, giving way to a nervous energy that ripped through his frame.

"Freaky." Sapphire chuckled, "Anyways, sloppy, unrefined. Tell me, how long have you had your powers?"

"Uh..like a week now? " Ryan mumbled, his confidence dwindling.

"A week...and Max has had his for what? Half a day?" She questioned.

"You can say that." Max nodded.

"Interesting. So, one week, and what have you accomplished? Other than destroying public property and endangering many civilians. But let's narrow it down to today. What was the problem? Enlighten me." Sapphire side-eyed Ryan, a smirk playing on her lips.

Ryan's gaze dropped to the floor, his shoulders slumping under his inadequacies. 

" I...I tried. I made a few mistakes- "

Dante huffed audibly, his annoyance thinly veiled. Ryan's face flushed with embarrassment.

" Okay, I made a little more than a few- "

" Ryan, stop. " Sapphire cut in, "You're not ready, kid. Not even close." 

And with that said, she left, leaving a room filled with stunned silence.

"Ouch..." Zoe winced.

Ryan hurried to catch up with Lady Sapphire, his steps echoing his doubts. The rest of the team exchanged glances, a collective unspoken understanding lingering in the air.

~~~

He chased after Lady Sapphire, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he burst onto the airship's roof. She stood there, held by magnets, her hair dancing in the wind. 

 "Wait! Lady Sapphire!" His legs felt like jelly.

She glanced back, her eyes catching him, a smile playing on her lips.

 "What?"

"I just... I need a chance! I can do better, I promise!" 

"Why are you so desperate to be a part of this? " Her gaze held a mix of amusement and intrigue.