The Project

The Second Encounter

As Cade is completely unconscious and there seems to be nothing else to do, I think back to the second time I encountered the epitome of snark (Cade). It was in in September of 2074, two months after I saw him last. I was on a class trip at Disney world, enjoying the rides, food, and an exorbitant amount of selfies. These were the only things I thought would happen there, and I was oh-so wrong. As the class was staying in one of the parks hotels, we were in there after the park shut down for the night. One of these said nights I decided I was going to pull a stunt that might just get the attention of a boy (whose name I don't even remember to be honest) I liked. I intended to go out and climb the massive Mickey Mouse sculpture outside our hotel and take a selfie atop the monstrosity. Genius, right? Well, in my boy shorts and tank top, I set out. It was around two am and rather warm, even for Orlando standards. Getting out of the hotel was easy enough, and the park was abandoned. Or at least I thought it was. I set out for the sculpture, which was about five minutes from the hotel. While walking there I realized something; the only sounds I should be hearing right now are the sounds of my Keds pattering across the cobbles, and perhaps an occasional bird or two. However I've always had naturally good hearing (not a superpower or anything, just born with it I guess) and with my not-super-ears I picked up another sound. It was above me in a tree, and sounded just like rustling leaves.
Normal you think? Well this is Orlando. In September. Meaning there is no breeze in this squalid heat, meaning that leaves should NOT be rustling loudly. At this point I was considering screaming and running back to my room, but damn it, I had made it this far and by God I was determined to take my selfie. So I keep walking, and the rustling continues moving from tree to tree behind me. I think it's been proved I have the least logical brain in the planet so what I did next should surprise no one.

I picked up a rock from the path, and chucked it full force into the tree with rustling leaves. Now here's the funny thing. While my hearing may not be a power, my strength is. Meaning while I looked like a fourteen year old girl, I had (have) the strength of a twenty seven year old professional bodybuilder. The rock made an audible cracking noise as it made contact with my target, who falls out of the tree clutching his head. I gasped as I realized it was the same boy from two months ago, the one they called 2460. He picked himself off the cobbles, and somehow managed to look gorgeous with blood gushing from his forehead. Seriously who does that? Who can pull off blood?!? Well anyways he stood and smirked at me from under his straight blonde hair, which covered one eye.

"Hello princess, lovely weather isn't it?"

My mind is legitimately blank as I search for a witty response.

"Huh?"

Yeah that wasn't it.

His eyes sparked wickedly in the dim light of a street lamp.

"Oh you are so articulate my dear, please awe me further with your use of single syllable words. I do so love it."

"Alright jerk, who are you and why are you following me?!?"

"What? No more monosyllables? How disappointing...ah well, I guess I shall explain as you seem to have no desire for pleasantries. My name is Cade Silvers, my number 2460. I am the poster child of the delightful learning experience the Government puts forth for people such as us."

People such as us? What is he talking about??

He must've seen the look on my face and hastened to explain.

"By people like us, I mean those talented youth of the world who happen to be just a little more skilled than the poor unfortunate souls who live their lives in the mediocrity of what they believe to be a normal, happy life. You exhibited one such skill when you shot me out of the tree with a pebble. I take it strength is one of your powers? How quaint.."

"Well it's pretty damn obvious sneaking isn't one of yours!"

I blurt out.

"I mean, a dead man could've heard you the way you were stalking me. Why exactly were you stalking me anyways you ass?"

"Patience is a virtue my pet. Try to exercise it and I'll explain. I was sent by the leaders of the project to collect your talented little self and escort you to our training facility."

"I already said no. I'm not doing it. I'm not a freak like you or the others, and I'm not going to become one! Get away from me or I'll snap your neck!"

"My dear, physical violence is so tacky and unattractive. I do wish you'd use some big-girl words and perhaps, persuade me to leave you alone, it might go better for you.

"What do you mean, persuade?"

-to be continued-