Project Renegade: Genesis (Being Updated)

No Casualties

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The Next Day, Phoenix High, 10:30 a.m.

Ryan and Alex walked through the crowded hallways. They heard students snickering everywhere they turned, the sound of Ryan crashing into the hurdle following the laughter. 

"It's not even that funny." Ryan hid his face.

SLAM! SLAM! SLAM!

"Hey, it's the celebrity and his number-one groupie!" Prince wrapped his arms around the two.

"Piss off. " Ryan shoved Prince, but the bully laughed, "Delete it! "

"Nah, I wanna see if I can hit 10k! This would've gotten you on Ellen back in the day. " Prince chuckled. 

"We'll be on our way now." Alex kept walking.

"No. Delete it..." Ryan clenched his fists, "Or I'll-"

BAM!

Metal rang through the hall as Prince drove Ryan into the lockers. The impact rattled the row behind him. Ryan's heartbeat spiked, breaths turning shallow and fast as his eyes widened in panic.

"You'll what? Hit me?" Prince grinned.

"Hey, enough!" A teacher called out from down the hall.

"You always got someone to save your ass. "Prince tossed Ryan to the side.

BAM!

Alex winced as he watched his best friend crash into the water fountain. Ryan groaned, holding the back of his head. His brain felt even more rattled than before.

"You okay?" Alex extended his hand, "You gotta stop picking fights you can't win."

"Stop saying I can't win." Ryan ignored his friend's assistance and got up on his own.

"Sorry." 

"Are you a masochist?" Emma approached. "No, I'm not stalking you. And...that was a joke."

"One, I don't believe you. Two, it wasn't...a good joke." Ryan winced.

"I thought it was kinda funny." Alex chuckled, "I'd ask the same thing."

"Anyway...Emma, how's your day going?"

"Stressing the hell out, I just got accepted for my internship," Emma replied.

"Oh, really? Us too." Alex chimed in, "I'll be working at Premier Optical. Sure, I'll probably be doing desk work, but hey, it's one step closer to being an optician."

"Good for you." Emma chuckled, "And what about you, Ryan?"

"Neon Labs." 

"Wait, huh? " Emma's eyes went wide. "I'm going there too! Guess we'll be sorting papers together. "

"Right." Ryan laughed, "I guess I'll see you at orientation later."

"Yeah...and if you want, we can get ice cream after. I know a spot. Best ice cream in the city."  Emma suggested.

"Sure, I'll take your word on that."

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Neon Labs, 3:00 p.m.

The entrance hall gleamed with polished steel surfaces, illuminated by vibrant neon lights that danced along the walls. As Ryan and Emma were led further into the lab, they were greeted by a dazzling array of high-tech equipment and bustling scientists clad in crisp lab coats. 

Everywhere they looked, they saw innovation at work—from robotic arms meticulously handling delicate samples to state-of-the-art computers processing with lightning speed. The guide paused and turned, the presentation ending with a glimmering fireworks display.