Austin

Zack Miller was an ordinary fourteen-year-old who attended high school in Austin, Texas. Nothing interesting ever happened to him, and he figured that he’d just go through life as it went. Or rather, that’s what he wanted the others to think. The reality is, he was one of those people who were affected by the shining blue meteor that became known as the Gene Factor. It flew over Austin before crashing just outside the city, and it is credited for creating what are known as ‘Genos’.

To him it was funny how people always had to come up with a name for those affected by an event that gave them powers. There are Reborn, Evos, Imperfects, Changed, and of course, Genos. The idea came up that he could utilize his abilities to wear a costume and join Austin’s premier (only) superhero team known as the Battalion, but honestly it sounded like too much trouble (and danger) than it was worth.

Another day of school. Zack got up out of bed, yawning as he prepared for the day. A shower and new pair of clothes later, he was downstairs eating a bowl of cereal. His mother was preparing for work, just as his younger brother Lucas got done eating. Neither of them knew of his ‘condition’, and frankly there was no need for them to know.

“Have a good day at school, I got to get going.” His mother said.

“Yeah, see you later.”

She left with Lucas, she always drove him to his elementary school. However, for Zack he always rode his bike. It was close enough that the ride there was quick and easy, and allowed him room to simply let his mind wander. After breakfast was done, Zack hopped on and rode off, ready to simply get the day over with.

After fifteen minutes, the school came into view. Thomas Williams High School, a public school just like any other. He parked his bike, just ten minutes before class starts. He figured he’d simply check his phone in the hallway to see what the latest updates were. Then his friend Joey Garcia approached him, looking excited based on the smile he had.

“Hey man, how’s it hanging?”

“Nothing much, really.”

“Aren’t you excited?”

“For what, just to get the day over with?”

“That’s not the best mood.”

“Then what is there to be excited for?”

“Since you asked, I just got us two tickets to see Dragonfire live!”

“No way!”

“Oh yeah, don’t be late.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not planning to.”

They high-fived each other, then the bell rang. Class was to begin now. Everyone ran hastily inside their classrooms and the day officially started. For the most part, school was boring, but that wasn’t new. Zack made it through history, math and social studies before lunch began.

He made himself a sandwich for lunch that he packed in a bag. It was always preferable to what they served at the cafeteria, he’ll say that. Zack joined Joey at the table where they talked about what was new that was happening in their lives. Joey was eating a sandwich as well, and both had a soda though is was Pepsi to Zack’s Coca-Cola.

“So, no one else knows about your…” Joey said as he then changed to a whisper. “… situation, right?”

“You mean that?”” Joey said. “I hope not.”

“Okay, good.”

Joey was the only person Zack directly told that he was a Geno, outside of anonymous message boards. He planned it to stay that way. Zack didn’t wish to focus on that, in fact he wouldn’t mind if he forgot his special powers. That kind of attention wasn’t needed. He took a bite from his sandwich, thinking of the exciting concert that awaited him later.

Another few hours passed and the school day was officially over. Zack quickly rode back to his home and decided he would relax for the day until it was time to go to the concert. For the most part, he spent the day browsing the internet and playing video games, nothing to big. Just something that would help him unwind.

The door opened, his mother was home after a long day of work. Zack took the chance to tell her about the concert he was going to, that he could use a ride to with her car.

“Hey mom, I’m going to see Dragonfire with Joey. Can you give me a lift.”

“Sorry, but I don’t want you going to that concert.”

“Wait, what?!”

“It’s a heavy metal concert, you could get in trouble and someone could hurt you.”

“Mom, I can take care of myself!”

“No you can’t and someone could hurt you. Not only that, but I’m afraid one of those so called Genos out there that could do harm. Those mutated troublemakers have done more harm than good.”

“You don’t know that half…”

“Look, I can’t let you go by yourself. It’s too dangerous and I can’t risk it.”

“Thanks mom.” Zack said sarcastically.

Zack retreated to his room, his head hung down. Of course she would say no, she never wants me to have fun. He lied down on his bed, and drifted into sleep. Two hours later, his phone rang, waking him up. He already knew who it was. Now he had to go through the trouble of telling his friend the news.

“Are you ready?”

“I was, but then mom said I couldn’t go. She said she was all worried about my safety and crap.”

“Ah, that sucks. But why don’t you sneak out? You can do that.”

“I can, but I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“They’ll never know. You have an hour to think before me and my brother drive by the park to see if you’re there.”

“Look, I’ll think about it but don’t be surprised if I’m not.”

“If you’re not, it’s your loss.”

Zack groaned. He lied down on his bed for another thirty minutes, and realized that he could easily escape with his powers. Zack had the ability to make clones of himself, and a clone could be used as a decoy to fool his mom while he escapes. With little effort, a duplicate version of him was made, and one that couldn’t be distinguished from the original.

“You just make sure mom is fooled.” Zack said to his clone.

“Got it.” The clone said.

His mother would be too busy watching TV in her room to notice Zack as he quietly left the house, and rode the bike out to the park where Joey and his brother Angel soon arrived. Joey had a wide smile, clearly happy that Zack made the choice to come with them to the Dragonfire concert.

“Get in, bro!” Joey said.

Zack nodded. He sat in the back of Angel’s pick-up truck and they drove off. The concert was fun, it was loud and the music was great, but the whole time Zack was worried about what he had done. He’d be grounded for a month if mom found out what he did, and she probably wouldn’t be happy to learn that he’s a Geno, either.

He hadn’t gotten a call from her yet, so he looks to be in the clear for now. Angel and Joey approached him.

“I could use something to eat.” Joey said. “Why don’t we get some burgers, then we’ll take you home?”

“Alright, but we gotta be quick.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make it fast.”

“We better.”

They drove to Joe’s, a burger place where they had a good meal. Zack had a cheeseburger, and they always tasted like heaven whenever he ate there. That was one thing he could appreciate the place, and this could be a very good night all without getting caught.

Then it happened.

A car was thrown through the entrance of the building. The impact was loud, almost deafening, and screams of terror filled the air afterwards. His friends bolted, but Zack was too scared to move. When he finally could, all he did hide underneath the table. He hoped that, whatever it was, he wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire of their attack.

“Now, let’s see…” A female voice said. “Where is he?”

That made him terrified. He wished he ran, just like the others, but it’s too late now. The best he can do is hide until they leave.

“Hmm…” She said again. “I think he’s over here!”

They got closer and closer, until three pairs of feet were visible under the table he was in. Then they stopped, and faced straight towards him. Zack shook with fear, realizing that he was the one they were talking about.

“Come out.” She said.

Zack didn’t move.

“She said to ‘come out’!” A gravel male voice said.

The man then grabbed the table and effortlessly tossed it aside, despite it having been bolted to the ground. It made a crashing thud as it hit the wall to the right. Zack shook with fear as he saw three people, a woman in the middle and two men on the sides. The woman had long and purple hair, and the right side of her head was shaven clean. The man on the left was a overweight hulking behemoth of a man that was clearly responsible for the car being thrown into the building. The man on the right appeared Asian, had spiky hair, and wore a double-collared jacket.

All three of them looked young, and all three had tattoos, which only highlighted that they were criminals that weren’t in the interest of obeying the law.

“What do you want with me?!” Zack finally got the courage to speak.

“My boss wants you just like the other young superhumans. That’s the only stupid question you get.” She said with a smile.

He couldn’t do anything. No one was going to save him. Now he wished he stayed home, where he would’ve been safe. But, how did they know where to find me?!

“Razorback, grab him.”

“With pleasure.” The big man said.

Razorback grabbed Zack by the right arm and picked him up with absolutely no effort. He could feel as he was being jerked around and his arm was definitely hurting, thought that was the least of his worries. They went outside and moved out to the back. Their ship awaited them.

“I don’t know what the bosses want with this pipsqueak.” Razorback said. “Sounds like this was just a waste of time.”

“It’s not a waste when we get paid.” She said.

“That’s true, Psyren.”

The ship’s door descended downward, allowing them inside. Razorback threw Zack into a cell that was built for containing superhumans. It was made of a special glass that was virtually indestructible, even for those possessing superhuman strength. All he could do was listen to what they were saying.

“Bagged ’em.” Psyren said to a computer screen.

“Ah, just what I would expect. He’ll be back with us soon, and I can’t wait to see what we can do with him.” A deep, slightly distorted voice said.

“This was the easiest job ever.” The Asian man said.

“I’m inclined to agree, Zero.” Psyren said.

So their names are Razorback, Psyren, and Zero… I’ll have to remember this. If only I could get myself out…

“ODESSA will have use for someone like him, I’m sure.” The voice said.

ODESSA?

“We’ll see you soon, goodbye.” Psyren said.

The call ended and everyone returned to their rooms, leaving Zack by himself. There was no way Zack could get out of this cell, he wasn’t even going to try there. However, he remembered that he left a clone back at his place. Zack could see and speak through the clone, that was something he found out through experimenting. Now he’ll need that to contact help.

Zack focused his mind, and there he was in his room like nothing happened. Now the hard part of telling his mother about what happened would begin. Zack walked through the hallways, and there she was. There wasn’t much time for him, so he had to make this quick.

“Mom!”

“What is it?”

“Look, you won’t believe this but you have to trust me with everything!”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re not going to like this… but I’m one of those Genos.”

“You mean…”

“Yes, I found my powers seven months ago. I can make clones of myself, and you’re speaking to one right now that I’m controlling. I don’t have much time, so I’ll just tell you that I’ve been kidnapped!”

“Wait, what?!”

“Yeah, three people with powers, I’m not sure if their Genos or not, kidnapped me and I’m in a cell on a ship heading to who knows where. The people employing them are called ODESSA.”

“Who is ODESSA?!”

“How the hell should I know? You just got to find someone who can help. Call the police, the Battalion, anybody!”

“Alright, I’d do whatever I can. I’ll go there myself if I have to.”

“I know you will.”

The clone vanished. She fell to her knees crying, then the door swung open.

“Ms. Miller!” Joey yelled. “They’ve kidnapped Zack!”

“I know…”

“They just threw a car through the building and took him. I wish I didn’t bolt, but I was scared for my life.”

“You’re a real hero.”

“I know I could’ve been braver, but I’m not a hero. I’m just a fourteen-year-old who’s just as defenseless as him. They would’ve killed me to get to Zack!”

“Didn’t you think to take him with you? You only care about yourself! Go away!”

“I’ll make it right somehow, just wait!”

Joey ran back to the truck and Angel drove off. Though she didn’t want to see him then, he knew he had to make things right somehow. He’ll contact anyone who can help him, and will do his best to help. That he was certain. Wherever Zack is heading to, Joey prays that he’ll live.