THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
The school bell rung and It's lunchtime. Jason and Daniel sit at their usual table, trays full of mystery meat and soggy fries. Jason is eating a mouth full of food.
DANIEL: So today's the day, huh? The Junior Elite tryouts?
JASON (scrolls through the Shadow Elite website on his phone, with a mouth full): "YES SIR, Man it seriously feels like dream, am so excited"
DANIEL: "Kinda weird? We actually made it..."
JASON (calm): "I know right and just about a week ago you were wonder how we were gonna get in...I just hope we pass their training drills"
DANIEL (sarcastic): "Let's just hope the try outs arent as hard as Coach Robert Lewandowski P.E exercises"
They laugh
DANIEL: "By the way, What did you do with the rest of that money?"
JASON (Nervous): "Uhm Nothing…. *sips his juice nervously*."
DANIEL (Suspicious): "Jayyyyyyyy don't tell me…"
JASON: "No…I didn't buy stupid shit, am way pass that…"
DANIEL(relieved): *sigh* Good?
JASON (reaches for something in his bag): But I did get this custom SDE sleeveless top, it even has my name on it
DANIEL (Dramatic): You spent all that money just to get a DAMN TANK TOP!!!
JASON: It was on sale and its not a tank top, besides I already helped Jessica with the light bill so it wasn't a total waste
DANIEL: *sigh* I guess
As they continued to eat, a trio of older students—bully types—walk by and flipped Daniel's tray off the table.
BULLY #1: "Oops. Sorry fellas, I guess am a little clumpy today."
Jason glares, stands up.
JASON: "Well you picked the wrong day to be clumpy, asshole?"
BULLY #2 (teasing): Ohh what is Mr. Elite gonna do huh?
BULLY #1: Oh Right I even forgot, today is their tryouts, am sorry for disturbing Mr. And Mrs. Elite accept this as my peace offering
The bully grabs the place filled with fries and throw it at Jason's face
Jason gets angry and was ready to jump the bully, the moment got tense As The whole cafeteria watches.
Then Daniel steps in.
DANIEL (holding Jason back): "Hey hey there is not need to fight."
JASON (Still Mad): "Really? because they are asking for it"
DANIEL (Calmly): Listen Jason, the tryouts is today and if you get into any trouble right now you get detention which means you would miss today's tryout, so what it gonna be man?
JASON (calms down): "you are right D, *turn to the bullies with anger* This isn't over"
The bullies scoff with one of them saying (sarcastically): "Yeah sure, good luck in yout tryouts losers" *and they walk away*.
THE STUDENTS STARTED WHISPERING
DANIEL (to Jason): "Let's just stay out of detention for today ok?."
THE JUNIOR ELITE TRAINING FACILITY
Later, a black van drops off Jason, Daniel and a few other teens at a remote facility hidden behind an old warehouse. Inside, it's sleek, high-tech, and mutiple artifacts.
The group walks down the hall with holographic monitors, weapon racks and lights that kinda makes it look like a cool tunnel.
JASON (with fake bravado): " I've been training for this my whole life."
DANIEL (teasing): "Training how? Your thumb strength from web surfing?"
Jason hit Daniel's head with a water bottle.
ELITE ORIENTATION BEGINS
As They walked in, Jason's eyes widen as he sees Everyone in the room. Most of them looks Strong, Confident and kinda athletic than him (not like he was anyways).
Then The General, Patricia Davis steps forward. looking sharp and intimidating, flanked by a few elite operatives in uniform.
PATRICIA (Arms behind her back, Serious): "Welcome, recruits. Welcome to the Shadow Elites Junior Program This is not a game. This is the Elite Initiative. You are here because someone thinks you're useful. Let's find out if they're right or wrong."
JASON & DANIEL smirks at each other
PATRICIA: "This isn't summer camp. This is training for the future protectors of the good city of Ashville. Those who make it will carry out operations most adults can't even walk out without a few broken bones."
DANIEL (whispers to Jason): "Starting to think we should've just formed a band."
Jason hits him in the belly and Daniel gasp for air
THE INTRODUCTIONS
Patricia walks down the line of trainees.
PATRICIA (Arms behind her back): "State your name, skills and your reasoning for being here."
DANIEL (Nervous and loud): "DANIEL PARKER. I BUILD THINGS. AND... I WANT TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF ASHVILLE."
PATRICIA (smirks, teasing): "Hmm. A Builder huh?. ."
DANIEL (nervous): Ac…actually I make gadgets like--
PATRICIA (Cuts him off, Mock): "Whatever you say, bob the builder."
Some of the recruits held back their laughter especially Jason who's at the end of the line with Daniel getting a little embarrassed
PATRICIA moves on to the next recruit and asked them the same thing meanwhile Jason has an inner monologue
Man Daniel is right, we got some competition I mean getting into the Elites isn't a competition anyways but Look at these guys, They are sharp, confident, and most of them are shredded even the shortest guy got more muscle than me, so unfair
PATRICIA moves on to the next recruits and she asked the same question
PATRICIA: name, skills and your reasons
LYSA RODRIGO (A white girl with dark brown double braids with a small muscular build): Lysa Rodrigo, Am a red belt in taekwondo, purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu and am an amateur Muay Thai fighter….
JASON had a stunned face with his mouth opened after hearing Lysa's introduction
PATRICIA (smirk and folds her arms): Impressive Ms. Rodrigo but you havent answered my last question…why are you here?
LYSA (with a smirk): *chuckles* Why not
PATRICIA (still folding her arms and smirking): "hmmm, confident and talented I'll be keeping my eyes on you Ms Rodrigo."
JASON (Inner monologue): Did she really just say why not and not get scolded for it, man the teens here are built different, well I guess when you are that hot and know about 3 forms of Kung fu of course you can say stuff like that
Then...it was Jason's turn
PATRICIA: name, skills and your reasons son
JASON (Inner monologue, nervous): Shit its my turn already, Wh- whyy am I so nervous Yp- you got this man just say your name and why you're here b-- bu-- but what if she asked bout my skills oh shit what are you good at damnit...
PATRICIA: *snaps her fingers* "Hey pretty boy, you still with us?"
JASON (snap back to reality): "Yeah yeah uhm... (now trying to act confident) Jason Martinez. Am ahh..good at amateur fighting... and I WANT TO BE AT GREAT SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF ASHVILLE THAT WHY I JOINED, SO I CAN SAVE LIVES AND PROTECT THE WEAK."
PATRICIA (smirking): "I like your confidence kid...
JASON smiles thinking he impressed THE GENERAL
PATRICIA (teasing): "Too bad what you said doesn't back it up though, Amateur fighter? what's that huh? but I guess Fake confidence is still confidence."
Jason gets a little embarrassed then a bell ring signaling that the training program will begin soon
PATRICIA (To everyone): "Alright everyone get to the next room your first training drill is about to start"
EVERYONE: YES MA'AM!!!
PATRICIA (To Jason): "Hey Martinez I love the confidence by the way, But I kinda felt like you don't really have any fighting skills"
JASON (scoff): "Of course I do"
PATRICIA gives him the side eye
JASON: Ok I don't but I promise that I will learn
PATRICIA: "you better because if your preforms are below average you will be sent home"
JASON (softly): "I completely understand"
JASON (take a knee in front of her): "But I promise I'll do whatever it take, no matter the obstacles or the roadblocks to join you and your fellow comrade to protect this city and bring a greater name to the city of Ashville"
PATRICIA Surprised by Jason word and she looks almost proud:
SOMEONE SPEAKING THOUGH THE LOUD SPEAKER:
JUNIOR ELITES CANDIDATES PLEASE REPORT TO THE NEXT ROOM FOR YOUR FIRST TRAINING DRILL,I REPEAT JUNIOR ELITES CANDIDATES PLEASE REPORT TO THE NEXT ROOM FOR YOUR FIRST TRAINING DRILL
JASON (gets on his feet, with a smile on his face): Well that's my cue to leave see you around General Patricia
PATRICIA (Smiling back): You too Martinez
THE ELITE AUDITORIUM
Jason heads to the other room and it was huge, I mean it is the Auditorium but it was way bigger than he expected. There he see Daniel sitting alone, staring at something? Or maybe someone? It Turn out that Daniel was staring at a girl (Her name: Amanda Reyes, brown-skin, small eye like she's Asian and she has a ponytail. She is also Lysa's Friend from Taekwondo class) Amanda then gives a sharp look at Daniel, and he looks away awkwardly.
With a grin on his face Jason approach Daniel
JASON: "Heyyy, D."
DANIEL (Get nervous): "Oh Sh*t h- hey Jason how long have you been standing there…"
JASON (folding his arms, leaning against the wall): "Long enough, so you like her huh?"
DANIEL (Blushing, nervous): "NOO…I don't know maybe..."
JASON (Nonchalant): "I mean she is hot…not as hot as her friend but she's alright"
DANIEL: "I guess but lets not get distracted"
JASON (Nonchalant): "I'm not"
DANIEL (getting hyped): "The first test can start at any minute"
JASON (Nonchalant): "I know that bruh"
DANIEL (grabbing Jason's by the arm and Scream in his face): WE NEED TO STAY FOCUS
JASON (calmly): You do know that everyone is staring at us right?
Then Daniel turn his head to see everyone staring at them strangely especially Amanda
DANIEL (nervous laugh): Sorry I was just trying to hype my friend up hehe
But the room was completely silent, they just kept staring at him
Then Over at the loudspeaker...
PATRICIA OVER THE LOUD SPEAKER:
OKAY ROOKIES ITS TIME FOR YOUR FIRST TRAINING TEST. PLEASE FOLLOW THE SECURITY GUARDS TO THE TRAINING GROUND
DANIEL (whisper): Oh thank God *as everybody starts to leave*
He then sees Amanda giggling before she leaves
DANIEL (Inner monologue): Oh no, She probably thinks am a doofus, oh sh*t I haven't felt this embarrassed since that public speech presentation but seriously though why give a kid who can hardly speak in public a presentation about public speaking
Meanwhile Jason is still there being held by Daniel and has been calling out his name during his monologue
JASON: Daniel…Daniel… DANIEL!!!
DANIEL (Snap back to reality): Oh Jason…*realize he is still holding arm and lets him go* sorry
JASON: It cool you should go though, I'll catch up
DANIEL (confused): What do you mean? you know I can wait
JASON (places his hand on Daniel's Shoulders): Daniel…I will be fine. I just wanna get something from my bag before I go or are you still embarrassed about what happened?
DANIEL (Deny): NO of course not
JASON (Smile, pats his shoulder): Great now move along
DANIEL: BUT--
JASON: No buts, unless we're kicking dem..go Daniel I'll catch up
DANIEL (serious): Alright, but don't do anything stupid ok?
JASON (Jokingly, Smile): No promises
They do their secret hand shake with a shoulder bump then Daniel runs off and follow the others
Meanwhile Jason unzips his bag and grabs a blue crystal shaped necklace he looks at it spun it around with a smile then he kissed it before putting on (he wore it backward with the crystal hanging on the back of his neck with his top covering the front of the necklace)
He then turn to the door and for a brief seconds he saw a reflection of someone?..or something show up on the door…he wasn't sure but he knew that he saw something
But he just walk it off thinking it was all in his head
SIDE NOTE
The crystal on the necklace is actually from one of his mom's earrings and he added it to the necklace he bought for her years ago on mother's day
As Jason walks to the others he is wondering what happened back there but he snubs it off thinking it was just anxiety then all of a sudden he stopped he saw the thing again it was that creature but it disappeared in a blink of an eye
A voice behind Jason: HEY
JASON (Jump scared): *Screamed* Back off am armed *with him faking a fighting stance*
Turns out it was just another recruit Named VIKTOR {A tall, White skinned, brown rough hair,ripped guy, he has an angry look and well he look older than Jason}
VIKTOR (angry, shoves Jason out the way): Out of my way weakling, I got places to be
JASON: Gee, what's your problem?
VIKTOR (stops and turns his head): Excuse me?
JASON (Rudely): You're excused
VIKTOR (Walks towards him, angry): Do you know anyyy idea on who you're talking to right now?
JASON (nonchalantly): An aggressive SOB who needs therapy and some eye drops
VIKTOR (Even more angry): Now you've done it
As Viktor was about to hit Jason a security guard from the training ground saw them and called them out
SECURITY GUARD: What are you two still doing here? the training is about to begin
JASON: Oh we--
VIKTOR (Interrupts, smiling & calmly): Sorry we'll be there in a second
SECURITY GUARD: Well Hurry it up I don't get paid to do this you know *then walks back*
VIKTOR: It look like you got lucky but don't worry I will get you…next time *as he pushes Jason to the ground and walks away*
JASON (getting up): Rude *as he walks behind him*
THE TRAINING GROUND
Jason and the others are on the training ground and Suddenly, the doors closes behind them, then a barrier start to form around them and in the horizon there is a...maze?
PATRICIA (over intercom): "Welcome to your first challenge rookies. Make it out of this maze in under 30 minutes."
One of the recruit: that's it...this seems pretty easy.
PATRICIA (over intercom): While avoiding booby traps and lasers
DANIEL (DRAMTIC): YOU JUST HADDD TO SAY SOMETHING, DIDN'T YOU?
Jason starts breathing in & out so he tries to relax
JASON (to himself): "I can do this, I can--"
Then Flashes of the night his mother died return. The shadows. The corners. The breathing in the dark.
He lean against the walls, breathing heavy.
JASON (crouches down sweating, inner monologue): "What is this? why am I getting flash backs from that night? why now? What going on with me?"
THE MONITOR ROOM
Somewhere above, The control room. Monitors track each student.
PATRICIA, some of her comrades and the chief of police MARCUS JACKSON watches.
MARCUS: "Sooo these are the rookies huh…"
A female voice responds from the shadows.
VOICE: "Yes sir?"
MARCUS: "I see, did anyone in particular stand out, General?"
PATRICIA (hesitant but answers): Well…lets just wait and see chief
MARCUS wondered why she hesitated but he brushed it off
BACK TO THE MAZE
Back in the maze, some of the recruits stepped on the booby traps screaming as they get hit with lasers while others are figuring it out... Meanwhile Jason walk around a corner trying to avoid the booby traps saying to himself
What happened back there? Why am I still reminiscing about that night or…maybe am just stressed out or something…but yet I saw it again, not the same human faced creature but something similar.
Before he could continue though he freezes, His eyes widen.
He saw…it again...the creature, the same kind from that night (but different).
JASON (internal, confused): "It…it…Its you."
As he look at it dead in the eye with anger
TO BE CONTINUED...