chapter One: The lab

Chapter one : The lab

Blood dripping on the floor, the room quiet, the knife was on the neck of someone, as the person that had been stab, held on to his neck, trying to push back the blood, trying to stop the bleeding from rushing out.

Wait, stop. This is not how to start a story. Let's do it properly.

I guess I will be your narrator. Now, let's start from the beginning. It all begins

The cotton open showing the land filled with dinosaurs. No, no,no that's too far, a little bit forward.

The curtain opens again to reveal a serene nursery. A baby lies in a crib, gazing up at the string of lights hanging above, her bright blue eyes mirroring the painting on the walls.Soft music fills the air as she smiles at the gentle lullaby playing.

Narrator: Let's bring it forward a bit.

The curtain closed and open up again to a girl , with brown hair looking outside the car window.

Narrator: Now this is better. This is Riley, she's I think 12 years, I'm just guessing. She's with her mom in a blue car, driving to somewhere, I don't really know, so let find out.

Riley: "Mom, am I finally going inside your lab today, or am I just going to wait outside like usual?"

Her mom smiled, keeping her eyes on the road. "You know my lab is really fragile, with lots of breakable things."

Riley's voice filled with determination. "I swear, Mom, I won't touch anything. I promise on God." She held up her pinky finger.

Mom's smile remained. "I trust you, believe me, I do. But do you remember what happened last week when I asked you not to touch the chemicals on the table? What did you do?"

Riley folded her hands, looking away. "I touched the chemicals."

Mom's smile didn't waver. "Exactly."

Riley protested, "But—"

Mom interrupted, firm but gentle. "No buts. Plus, your dad would kill me if he found out I let you in my lab. He already hates the idea of you coming to work with me."

Riley gazed out the car window, her expression tinged with frustration and anger.

The car stopped in front of an isolated building, with no other buildings or houses in sight. Riley and her mom stepped out of the car and walked into the large building.

Narrator: "Wow, the building looks like a desert landscape, but inside, it's surprisingly white and beautiful. I'm guessing people aren't supposed to know about this place." Sorry, sorry continue.

Riley sat down, as her mom walk to meet the receptionist, the both of them exchange greetings. Her mom signed her name. When she was done, she took Riley hand as they walked in. (Mom)So remember what I said. (Riley) Don't go outside the waiting room, don't touch anything that you're not supposed to touch and don't leave the room(Mom)that a good girl, she said bending down to arrange Riley clothes and gave her a kiss on her head.

On getting to the hallway. The first door with the sign "waiting room" boldly written on it .Riley walked in, as her mom opened the door (Mom) remember there's food inside the fridge, whenever you're hungry. Riley whispered"okay"looking away from the door. The waiting room, had tv, trampoline, snacks bar,with a bookshelf and a tiny bed. Riley lay on the bed,she focused her attention on the tv, showing adventure time.

She sat there for 2 hours, until she decided to grab chocolate bars, while getting the chocolate, she heard a loud noise outside the waiting room. Riley walk closer to the door still hearing the noise getting louder, she tries getting a view of outside the hall, she saw nothing, but the noise was louder, this time, like a wrecking ball.

She opened the door intrigue to know,where the sound was coming from, for a moment she paused, she looked back at the waiting room, recalling what her mom, told her, she toss the chocolate bar to the bed, and she quietly step outside the hallway.

Riley traced where the sound was coming from, as she listened carefully,she passed about five doors,then when she got to the sixth door. There the noise was louder, this time. She tries getting a glimpse of who might be making the wrecking from the door, but she saw nothing. Riley open the door gently, and quietly, she stepped inside the room. She yelled "adventure here I come"!

The room was suddenly quiet, she saw no one, but the room was quite large, she thought to herself. It was filled up with training equipments.

Riley walked inside the room, touching every thing, one by one.(Riley)why did the noise suddenly stopped, ummm. She held an iron objects that looked burnt, she carefully analyze the burnt edge.

Narrator: I don't like this place, with all the white lights, it still smell spooky, gives me the cills.

(Riley)I Wonder what could have caused the burnt. She dropped the iron objects and walked forward, trying to pick up another item, it was small, this time, it was harder to lift, she was struggling to pick up it up, when a voice, interrupt. "Who are you? and what are you doing here"

Riley turned around, to look at , who was talking, but she saw no one behind her. Then she turned her gaze to a giant training stimulation machine. "The person must be behind the machine" she thought to herself. (Riley)Hi, I'm Riley! And you are, she asked smiling. Waiting to see if the strange voice would reply, she stared at the corner of where the machine was kept, but no response.

(Riley)are you okay, over there. No response. "You know what I should go" she said. She turned around, slamming into someone, and fell to the ground in shock. "Ha!" she exclaimed, looking up at the person. It was a boy with blonde hair. She continued to stare up at him, still in shock, breathing rapidly.

Hi, I'm Ben," he said, extending his hand to help her up. Riley grasped his hand, and he pulled her to her feet."You scared me," she said, standing up and brushing herself off."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Ben replied.

Riley smiled. "It's cool. So, what is this place?""It's a training ground," Ben said."For who?" Riley asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes. Ben hesitated. "For, um, anyone."

Riley raised an eyebrow. "Like who? I heard the noise. It couldn't have been you." She studied Ben, taking in his blonde hair and blue eyes, guessing he was around her age.

Ben looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "Actually... it was me. I was training."

Riley's eyes widened in shock. "You? You were making all that racket? How?"

She paused, her gaze sparkling with excitement. "Wait, hold on – do you have powers?" Ben nodded, still looking down. "Yeah, I guess."

Riley's face lit up with a smile. "That's amazing! What kind of powers do you have?"

Ben looked up, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "You think it's cool?"

Riley nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! So, what kind of powers do you have?"

Ben took a deep breath. "Super strength and laser vision, so far." Riley's gaze drifted to the burnt iron nearby, and she smiled, impressed.

(Riley) That's incredible, but can you fly? (Ben) Yeah, he said in a shy manner.

Riley: "You get to go anywhere you want."

Ben: "Are you also with powers?"

Riley: "No, but I'm super, super smart," she said with a smile.

Ben: "Really?"

Riley: "Yeah, ask me anything. Go on, ask."

Ben: "Okay, what's the invisible line that divides the Earth called?"

Riley smiled, paused for a moment, then moved to the desk, grabbed a pen, and started writing on her hand.

Ben waited expectantly.

Riley looked up at Ben and said, "Instead of asking me what you already know the answer to, why not ask something else?" She raised her hand, revealing what she had written.

Ben read aloud, "What's 2+4?"

Riley chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you asked. That's a tricky question, but if my calculations are right... it's 6."

Ben's expression changed from curiosity to amusement, and he burst out laughing. "Hahaha, you really are smart!"

Riley grinned. "I told you."

Ben composed himself. "So, what are you doing here?"

Riley: "My mom works here."

Ben: "Really? Who's she?".Riley moved to a chair and sat down. "Mrs. Vivian."

Ben's eyes widened. "Wow, she's my trainer. She's in charge of me."

Riley smiled. "That's nice."

Ben leaned in. "I didn't know she had a daughter."

Riley whispered, "I didn't know she knew about you either. Plus, I'm not supposed to be here, so please don't tell her."

Ben smiled mischievously. "No problem."

Riley: "So, what type of hero do you want to be like? Who comes to mind?"

Ben: "I want to be like IVE Man."

Riley: "Really? IVE Man? No one else?"

Ben: "I really like him."

Riley: "Try someone better, less of a loser and more of a winner."

Ben looked down, and Riley continued, "He's a slump, a loser hero. Bottom of the all-time heroes, if you ask me."

Ben's face remained downcast.

Riley pressed on, "I mean, you can do better. What was his last save? Zero, nothing."

Ben's voice cracked. "Stop!"

Riley asked, concerned, "Are you okay?"

Ben's hands covered his face, still facing down. "Please leave."

Riley rose from her chair, sensing something was wrong.

"Is there something wrong, Ben?" she asked, shock etched on her face. Ben's eyes snapped up, blazing with red laser light. "Leave," he whispered, anger trembling in his voice.

Riley's mouth hung open as she hastily retreated, peeking back through the door.

Ben collapsed to his knees, laser beams bursting from his eyes, scorching the walls and equipment.

Riley slammed the door shut, her heart racing.

She rushed into the waiting room, mind reeling. "Relax, breathe... calm down, before mom finds out." Gripping the door handle tightly, she struggled to compose herself.

Riley rush into to waiting room, her mind was racing, her heart beating fast. Her grip on the door handle was tight, she try to calm herself "relax, breath" "calm down, before mom finds out" she close the door shut tight .

Riley left the office with her mom, she didn't utter a word about what had taken place between her and Ben. While driving home, her mom said with a smile, "So, you get to stay with your dad tomorrow."

"Okay," Riley replied.

When they arrived home, her dad was already there. Riley rushed to hug him tightly.

"Hey, champ! How was your mom's work?" her dad asked.

"Same old, boring," Riley said, forcing a smile.

"Are you hungry? I bought your favorite snacks," her dad said, pointing to the table.

"Not really, I just want to sleep," Riley replied.

"Okay, darling." Her dad kissed her on the head and whispered, "Goodnight."

Riley rushed upstairs to her bed, trying to shut her eyes and forget what had occurred between

her and Ben. Just as she was drifting off, the door creaked open.

"Hey Ri, it's Mom. Thanks for listening to me and staying in the waiting room," her mom whispered.

Riley's eyes filled with fear and guilt. "It was nothing, good night, Ma," she said, waiting for her mom to respond.

Her mom shut the door, whispering "Goodnight" as she left. Riley lay in bed, her mind racing. She prayed that her mom would not find out.

Narrator: we all know she would, but let just keep watching.

Chapter Two: The Apology

The next day Riley was up early, her dad dressed her up and rhshes her to the school bus, she stepped inside the bus. Looking for where to sit down, she saw Kylie her best friend waving at. "Riley!!! Kylie yelled while waving her hands. Riley rush to the sit Riley had kept for her. She sat near Riley. Kylie: hey, guess what I heard, she whispers (Riley)what? Kylie put her lips on her ear saying Ryan and Jason are looking for a new member to join their football team. Riley with a confused expression "but you don't play football "

Kylie: but I can pretend, she said smiling

(Riley) and I don't think they will let a girl on their team. Riley put on her sit belt.

Kylie; you could try to be supportive

(Riley) Okay I'm sorry there's absolutely no way, that you will get squish by the boys, you can do it! In a sarcastic tone, putting her thumbs up

Kylie: hahaha, laughing

Riley; don't worry you will find a better meet cute with Jason.

Kylie: you think so?

Riley; you will, she said. Kylie hug her.

(Kylie)So how was your mom office?

Riley: it was alright, she said as her mind flash back to Ben, trying not to think about yesterday or him.

Kylie; you sure

Riley; yeah, yeah.

Kylie was about to say another, but the bus stops at the school, the driver yelling "move out! We are already late thanks to the traffic, and remember, do not forget anything, anything left behind, you will be get tomorrow, except snacks or food. He said touching his stomach.

The girls came down from the bus.

Kylie"hey look it Jason and Ryan, they don't use the school bus. They're so cool.

Narrator: those boys are hots

Riley: I don't see it, she said walking forward Kylie follow from behind her.

They got to their locker . (Riley) Which textbook do we need? They opened their locker up

(Kylie)We don't have much today, mostly sports and calculation (Riley)oh, so just maths

(Kylie) Yeah.

Both girls grab their textbook and walk into the class.

The class was noisey, the teacher wasn't around.

Kylie and Riley sat In the middle row, Riley near the window.

Riley sat down and put her head on the desk, looking up

Kylie: guess what I heard? She said smiling

Riley was confused. Riley: how did you hear anything? I've been near you since.

Kylie; let just say I have my source. So guess

"Is it about Jason" Riley jokes

Kylie "of course not" she frowns her face

Riley"haha, I'm sorry, I don't know"

Kylie : Mr brown the maths teacher is sick. So no class for today. Riley: awwn

Kylie: I know, great right. Riley; awwwwwn, as in sad dude.

Kylie: no not sad great I can have more time to admire Jason physical strength today, she said smiling.

Kylie got up from her sit. (Riley) Where are you going?

Kylie: to hear more gossip, since Mr brown isn't going to come

Riley: ooh

Kylie: don't miss me too much, she said rushing to join the other students.

Riley head was still on the desk, she looks at the glass, looking at the tress. Then the thought of Ben came rushing into her mind. The glass now has two red dot like a eyes, she close her eyes and opened it again, the red dot were no more.

She picks up her pen, and brought out her books . She opens up the book and start drawing the red eyes, she images Ben red glowing eyes . Then she start sketching Ben hair, then his face.

As she thought to herself "was her mad at me? Did I do something wrong?"She continues drawing Ben.

Narrator: I think someone is talking to her, why isn't she looking up at him. Kids is too focused on her drawing

"Riley, Riley Riley" a voice calls out her name, but Riley was lost in her thought. Then Riley felt a hands on the hand she was using to draw. She was brought back to reality, she looks up only to find Ryan standing near her desk, his hands on her's.

"Are you okay? he asked gazing at her lost eyes

Riley quickly move her hands away from his, saying "yeah" sitting up properly.

Ryan still watching her.

Riley: do you need something? She asks trying to understand why he was standing next to her.

Ryan draw back his hands from her desk "not really, we were just passing out our greetings to everyone, inviting everyone to the game.

Riley: oh

Ryan: well I'll see you around, I guess. He walks off.

Riley was still a bit confused to how, she got lost in her thought. Kylie came rushing to her

Kylie "what the hell Kylie" she whispers in excitement and disbelieve

Riley: what? Still trying to gather her thought

Kylie: Ryan was talking to you and you completely ignored him, she whispers, as her eyes grow wide in shock.

Riley; I didn't

Kylie; yes, you completely did.

Riley: he was just greeting everyone, so it's really not a big deal

Kylie: that's a lie, he was just greeting you.

Riley: what ,?

Kylie: he stood here for hours talking to you and you didn't even look up at him, that's so embarrassing.

Riley: I, I

The head teacher walks into the class cutting Riley short, Kylie rush to sit down "everyone should settle down I know your teacher is sick, but you need to behave yourselves" The head teacher said. As she was about to leave "oh and Riley your Mom wants to talk to you outside, she's in the driveway.

Narrator; bursted

Riley; oh shit, she whispers

Riley follows the head teacher outside the classroom, as she passes the school hallways she tell herself "she doesn't know, she might be here for another thing, calm down" "breath in, out.

Riley was outside, she could see her mom car in the park, the glass window was up.

She slowly walks to the park. As she got closer to the car, the window drop down.

Riley: mom!! She said with awkward smile. Trying to figure out, what this is about.

Mom: get in. Still hiding her mood from Riley

Riley sat down in the car, turning her face to her mom,she asked "is there something wrong?

Mom: you lied, she said in anger with a mixture of disappointment.

Riley: about what mom? Pretending.

Mom: how could you Riley, I trusted you.

Riley: I didn't do anything mom.

Mom: bullshit!! Enraged

Riley: what are you talking about? Mom

Trying to calm herself down" Riley did you or did you not enter room 6?

Riley: I didn't

Mom; security camera show you entering inside, not just that but also touching the equipment

Riley; I, I, did. I'm sorry Mom, she said with a sad tone

Mom: this is my work Ri!

Riley: I didn't do anything wrong! I just went in and out

Mom: really, you didn't talk to Ben?

Riley: so, I sought of did. So what? No big deal.

Mom: well Ben refuses to train, my life work Riley, you ruined in a minute.

Riley: we just talked, I didn't mean to.

Mom: I don't want to hear it. What did you say to him

Riley: I just asked him what his powers what and how IVE man was a loser, that was it.

Mom: what, you didn't.

Riley: I don't see the big deal really.

Mom: what's the exact words you said about IVE man?

Riley; I just used the exact words you used to describe him.slumpey, loser, who has zero save.

Mom: shit. She held her face

The car was quiet.

Riley: I don't see the problem, I didn't insult him

Mom: but you did insult his father

Riley: his what? In shock

Mom: here is what's going to happen, she turning to Riley, you're going to go and meet Ben you tell him that everything you said about IVE man was a lie. Do you understand ? She asked with anger

Riley: yes mom.

Vivian drove Riley to her lab immediately, the car was silent. They got to the site

Riley walks into the building with her mom. She could feel her mom rage. "She has never been this mad at me, before"

They got to the hall way. "Riley don't say anything else, apart from what I told you, do you understand "

Riley" yes mom.

Mom: i will be watching you from the cameras. She lead her to the room. Riley took a breath and Opened the door. As she gently walks in.

Hey!! Riley yells, she could see Ben, sitting down backing the door.

Ben heared her voice, he turns around

Ben:what are you doing here? He ask standing up.

Riley rush to hug him, Ben didn't reciprocate. "Well that rude" Riley Said

Riley: I came to see you, still holding on to him.

Riley: so what are you doing? She ask, rushing to where Ben was sitting.

Ben gaze follows her. "I'm just trying to figure out the puzzle"

"Ohhh I like puzzle " Riley said

Ben: I just can't get it right today

Riley: ooh, look about yesterday, she said picking up the puzzle

Ben: what about yesterday? He ask in slight anger

Riley: what I said about IVE man

Ben; don't, he whispered

"I lied" she said still looking at the puzzle avoiding his gaze.

Ben: what?

Riley: I lied. She drop down the puzzle raveling that she solved it. Giving it to Ben

Ben: but, why? He ask looking at the puzzle then at her

Riley; I don't know I want to be your friend and maybe your manager

Ben: manager? Confuse look

Riley: yeah I thought you wanted him to manage you because you like him, so much

Ben: but he's dead Riley , he whispers

Riley: I didn't even know, I just, I was jealous, that you wouldn't want me to be around you, because I'm not super. I lied because I want to friends with you, I want to design your clothes with you. I thought you won't want me around. She put her head down .