Kaden Michaels: The Rise of Yencom

By Brian Lonidier

Kaden Michaels is your typical guy. He works, enjoys spending time with friends, plays video games, and he can control electricity, well maybe not so typical. Unfortunately for Kaden, there are others who learned of his ability too. They are on the hunt for him and others like him. Can Kaden escape the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian Lonidier
• Release date: Jan 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781087933023

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The staccato of her heels and the rhythmic beating of her heart reverberated down the brightly lit hall as she walked toward his office. Approaching the mahogany door she took a deep breath and knocked.

Come in. a deep and methodical voice said from the other side of the door.

Turning the handle she entered the room, and closed the door behind her. She turned to face the man sitting in the high back leather chair and took purposeful strides towards him.

This office always had an awe inspiring effect on her. From the paintings that adorned the walls, the historical Japanese antiques, to the stacks of books lined up along the shelves. The sense of reverence would overtake her when she stood in the presence of this old and powerful man.

Good afternoon sir, you sent for me?

Yes, I have an assignment for you, he responded, holding out a slip of paper.

Taking the paper from him she unfolded it and saw a list of names.

1. Rafael Murcado - Rio Rancho, New Mexico

2. Jackson Brindley - Lafayette, Louisiana

3. Kaden Michaels - Ft. Worth, Texas

4. Julie Campbell - Carthage, Tennessee

5. Marissa Stone - Monroeville, Alabama

These are the names I need you to track down and take to one of our facilities in America. I don’t think I need to tell you how dangerous these individuals can be, especially if they have learned what they are.

Yes sir, I understand. This isn’t my first time in the field after all. the woman replied coldly with a deadpan stare.

Yes, I think we both know what happened the last time you were in the field. I also don’t think I need to tell you what happens to people who cross me. the man replied with a sneer. Or would you like to find out first hand?

No sir, I’m sorry sir. Do we know anything about them?

All we know at this point is that Kaden and Marissa have exhibited signs of their mutations. Kaden’s are electrical based, but we do not know the extent. Marissa has shown signs of regeneration which could prove very valuable to us.

Yes sir, I will leave first thing in the morning. she said, adjusting her glasses. As she turned to leave, the man called back to her.

Brooks. he said calmly.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she turned back around Yes sir?

Do be careful this time, we don’t need anymore accidents, such as the type you have been prone to in the past.

Yes sir, I will. Thank you for giving me another chance. Brooks said.

Turning around, she walked briskly towards the door. Once out of the office she let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, and she was shaking. This man terrified her. But she knew that as long as she did what was told, she would be safe. Looking down at the list, a devilish smile formed on her lips. I’ll see you all very soon.

CHAPTER 1

Where are you, I must find you before he does. she thought to herself as her computer booted up. She had spent several days searching for him. Jumping from camera, to computer, to phone, she traversed the world looking for him. As her computer came to life, she prepared to dive in once more. Focusing intently on the screen, she entered the information superhighway and began her search once more. I will find you Kaden Michaels.

* * *

Kaden rolled over and hit the snooze on his obnoxious alarm clock, trying to go back to sleep. Opening his eyes he looked at the clock which was flashing 12:00 over and over. I really need to replace that, second time this week it’s reset itself. he thought as he staggered out of bed. Grabbing his phone to check the time he realized he slept in. It was 7am and he had to be at work in an hour, I’m gonna have to move lightning quick to make it on time he thought as he made his way to the shower to start his day.

Singin’ in the shower, just singin’ in the shower Kaden belted out of tune, singing was definitely not in his wheelhouse but he didn’t care. There was nobody around to hear him butcher the song. Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and he eerily felt like he was being watched. Looking around he let go a sigh of relief when he didn’t see anyone in the shower with him and laughed at his paranoia.

As the water pelted his skin he thought about his life. He was adopted as a baby by the Michaels family and grew up in Louisiana. Leslie and James Michales loved him very much and were great parents. After high school he decided to go to college out of state, but after the first semester he came to the conclusion that he needed a break from school to find himself. One year turned into two years, then three years, and in the process of finding himself, he found a job instead, which he was currently running late for.

As he was getting ready for work, he looked at himself in the mirror to make sure he was presentable. Kaden is your typical 21 year old guy: about 5’9, with an average build, and hazel eyes. His light olive skin gave him the appearance of a permanent tan. Running his hand through his brown hair, he gave it that messy bedhead look. He is an outgoing guy who is oftentimes the Life of the Party and his sense of style mimicked that.

Kaden finished getting ready for work and rushed out the door, locking it behind him. Although he didn’t live in a bad area, he still liked to make sure his car and house were locked. Making his way to his car, that creepy feeling of being watched came over him again. Stopping dead in his tracks he looked around. Looking at the parking lot, the apartment leasing office, the neighbors balconies, he just couldn’t shake the feeling. Suddenly he winced with slight pain as something hit him on the back of the head. Ha ha! I got you Kaden! He heard from an upstairs balcony. Looking up he saw the neighbor boy standing there laughing uproariously.

Dennis! You menace! He laughed as he bent down to pick up the hard foam ball that just pelted him in the back of the head. Throwing the ball back towards the balcony, Kaden yelled out Paybacks coming! He continued to laugh as he rubbed the back of his head and walked towards his car.

Traffic to work wasn’t as bad as usual this morning, sure there were the usual horn honks and not so nice gestures, but no major accidents. There was one incident where a white van cut this big truck off on the highway. Kaden thought he was going to be witness to a pile-up or maybe even the driver of the truck going crazy on the driver of the van, but nothing really happened after that.

Pulling into the parking lot and parking in his usual spot he watched as the van and truck passed by. He got out of his car, making sure to lock it and made his way into the building. The ever diligent employee, he gathered a few carts on the way in.

Kaden! You’re late! A stern voice said.

Turning around from the time clock Kaden smiled I’m not late Jordan, I’m just REALLY early for my shift tomorrow. He said with a shrug and a chuckle as he slapped Jordan on the back.

Ow! You shocked me! Jordan exclaimed as he jumped, stupid static electricity. Laughing, Kaden walked out of the breakroom to start his shift.

For the past 3 years Kaden has worked at his local home improvement store. Starting out as a cart pusher and working his way up to front end supervisor, his personality and charm suited him well in moving up the corporate ladder. At 21 years old, he was the youngest supervisor in the store, he was also the most immature.

Kaden, can I get an override please? Cheryl called out as Kaden was making his rounds.

That depends, what’s the override? Kaden asked as he walked up. When he approached Cheryl, the monitor flickered and shut off. Weird, this is a new monitor, it shouldn’t be glitching like that. Kaden said as he smacked the side of it. When he did, the monitor flared back to life.

Sometimes all they need is a good whack! The middle aged customer said with a laugh.

Laughing at the mans joke, Kaden looked at the screen. All right, so what do we have here? He asked Cheryl.

This man bought this electric mower last week, he said it won’t run anymore. He’s tried a different battery, but still doesn’t seem to work.

Walking to the other side of the counter Kaden bent down to look at the mower. Unhooking the battery he pushed the test button to see the charge, he was surprised to see that the battery seemed to be charging? No, that has to be a mistake, the battery must be defective. Putting the battery back in, he pushed the start button and the mower started right up.

How did you do that?! The man exclaimed, surprised.

I think the battery just wasn’t seated properly. Kaden responded with a shrug, although he knew that wasn’t the case. But if you still want to return or exchange it, we can.

Kaden went to the breakroom and purchased an energy drink from the vending machine. At Yencom, we strive to perfect the technology you use every day. With Yencom, technology makes for a better YOU. The man said on the TV with his deep voice and thousand watt smile. Oh shut up you rich turd monkey. I think you mean Technology makes for a richer YOU" Kaden said to himself as he sat down and turned the TV off so he could think. The workday was coming to a close and he had to wonder what to do with the rest of it. It was 5 o’clock and didn’t have to work until 2pm the next day, so his night was free.

Just then his cell rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was Amy.

Hey Amy…what’s up?

His phone rang again right in his ear…he forgot to accept the call. He accepted it and put it back to his ear while laughing at himself.

"Hey Amy, what’s up?

Hey Kaden, what’s so funny?

Nothing, just laughing at myself. What’s going on?

Are you coming to Jason’s party tonight?

Sure, what time?

Starts at 7, so you will be there at what, 8?

You know I like to make an entrance. Should I wear my kilt like William Wallace or just casual?

Although the thought of you wearing a kilt DOES peak my interest, casual is fine she laughed.

Sounds good, I’ll keep the kilt on stand-by for the after party. It’s at my place, you coming?

Yeah yeah perv, she said with a giggle. I’ll see you tonight. Bye

Bye Amy

He knew the effect he had on her, he has always had that effect on her. Amy has had a thing for him ever since they met in Mr. Acevedo’s college English class. Packing up his things, he clocked out and made his way home.

Kaden walked up the steps to his apartment, looking forward to the party and ready to get out of his work clothes. Walking up to his door, something caught his attention; his door was cracked partially open. He remembered very clearly locking it, he always locked the door. Pushing it open he crept slowly inside, taking slow and deliberate steps to stay very quiet. The intruders could still be in his apartment. HIS apartment! The indignation he felt, the fact that someone broke into HIS home, where he sleeps! He could feel his blood boil with each thought.

Slowly he crept through his home, seething with anger. He hoped he found the intruder, he was itching to release his anger on whoever had the audacity to break into his home! As he stepped through the hall, he heard a noise coming from his bedroom; people were talking. They were still here, still in his house. Standing outside his closed door, he took a minute to catch his breath and get his wits about him. Suddenly he turned and threw his door open, hurling himself inside to catch whoever it was by surprise. The force at which he entered his room saw him run directly into his dresser and face to face with his TV, which was on. Those were the voices he heard, the voices of people arguing on TV. The intruders were already gone.

Now that he knew he was alone in his house he walked through again, taking a mental inventory of everything. Nothing seemed to be touched or even out of place. Even the dishes from last night’s dinner were still soaking in the sink, although if intruders broke in and did his dishes, would he complain? No, this is ridiculous. Nobody broke in, I was running late for work and forgot to turn off the TV and lock the door. He thought, yeah that was it. He just forgot to lock it.

Now that he set his mind at ease he wanted to take a quick nap and get ready for the party. He looked at his alarm clock, which was completely blank. Well, it finally kicked the bucket. I’ll have to get a new one tomorrow. He said to himself. Grabbing his phone and plugging it in, he set an alarm and dozed off to sleep.

* * *

Kaden arrived at the party a little after 8 in his silver sports car. He decided to wear his favorite Jeans, a brown button up shirt with a brown undershirt, with his dark grey sneakers. Stepping out of his car he looked around at the cars to see who he might know inside. Jason was obviously here, and he recognized Paul’s Sentra, Amy was here with her yellow bug, and a bunch of other cars he didn’t recognize. One vehicle stood out to him as out of place, the white van parked at the end of the row. He was certain he’d seen it somewhere before.

He was about to knock when the door opened and Amy was standing there in the doorway. She took his breath away. She was standing at the door wearing a blue halter top and a dark blue skirt which made her blue eyes appear to glow. Her usually wavy auburn shoulder length hair was straightened for the party.

Well Kaden, you made it, and right on time she said while looking at her watch.

I aim to please he managed to say while checking her out. That top looks AWFUL! You should take it off RIGHT NOW he said with a huge grin.

Ha ha ha, very funny mister Michaels she said with a blushing smile.

The party was in full swing when he arrived. Music was blaring loudly through the house, people laughing, dancing and just having a good time. Kaden and Amy made their rounds and said their hellos to various people before meeting back in the kitchen to get drinks and munch on some of the various snacks.

Fancy a drink m’lady? He asked with a rye grin as he helped himself.

Don’t mind if I do. She responded, nudging his arm and making him spill some of his drink.

Now that wasn’t nice. He said with a laugh as he splashed her with his coke.

Hey, don’t stain my shirt! She said laughing.

The night continued on as the party goers dwindled away. Kaden looked at his watch, it was only 11, but he was ready to leave. He wasn’t feeling very well, he had been getting headaches lately and could feel one coming on now. Standing up from the couch he was overcome by a sudden wave of dizziness. As the feeling subsided the lights began to dim, suddenly a wave of panic overtook him. As it did the lights flared to a blinding level before the glass bulbs shattered.

Jason appeared from the kitchen, with a look of concern and anger on his face. What happened?! He exclaimed while looking around confused.

Man, I have NO idea. We were just sitting around when the lights dimmed and then blew! You might want to get the wiring checked on this old house.

Somewhere in the back of his mind though, Kaden knew he had something to do with it. What is going on? he said to himself. First the register and mower at work freak out and now this?

Now that was odd. Amy said, looking at Kaden. Hey, are you ok? You look pale. Amy asked, clutching his hand. Your hands feel kind of clammy, come on, you need to get home. I’ll drive you.

I’ve got a killer headache, but I’ll be ok. My place isn’t too far from here, I’ll be able to drive. I’ll talk to you tomorrow Amy.

He got into his car and started it up, then turned his AC on full blast. Closing his eyes and leaning back, he relished the feeling of the cold air on his sweaty face. After a few moments he opened his eyes and started to leave when his head felt like it was about to split open. As his head flared so did his car stereo, shut up! he yelled to the inanimate radio blaring some old school Hip Hop. The radio immediately shut off as if it were obeying his orders.

The ride home went by in a blur of signs and flashing lights, fortunately there was no traffic and he made it home relatively quickly. Before he knew it he was parked in his usual spot at his apartment. Nestled between two trees offering shade to his car on sunny days as well as sap and debris, he sat waiting for his head to stop throbbing. As Kaden got out of his car he saw a familiar looking white van come to a screeching halt behind him. Just then, two guys jumped out, one had a menacing looking rod and the other was unarmed. The guy with the rod prodded him directly in the chest. As the electricity surged through him, he felt every nerve, every fiber and every cell of his body become energized, like he was supercharged. He looked up at his current attacker; energy flowing through his body, electricity crackling in his eyes, and a devilish grin on his face. He grabbed the rod and felt the energy surge through his body, the rod then went dead in his hand as energy flowed through him. Throwing a punch, Kaden felt his hand connect with the man’s chest and a surge of power unleashed upon contact. Electricity crackled and exploded from Kadens hand as the blow connected, throwing his assailant backwards. Kaden stopped and looked at his hand dumbfounded, what the hell was that??? He wondered to himself. In his disbelief and confusion, he completely forgot about the other guy as he felt a thud on the back of his head. As he went down he caught a glimpse of a woman in the passenger seat of the van, then darkness overtook him.

Waking up with a jolt to his phone ringing, Kaden picked it up without looking at the screen. Thinking it must be Amy calling to check on him he answered, what do you want turd? He said groggily.

You’re late! Where are you at? And don’t call me a turd! That man’s voice did NOT belong to Amy.

Jordan? He said groggily while looking at his clock. When his vision was able to focus he saw a blank screen and remembered his clock bit the dust yesterday, so he looked at his phone and saw it was 3:34 in the afternoon. Sorry, I meant to call. Man I am so sick today, I’m not going to be able to make it in. Can you call Brian and see if he can cover me?

Jordan didn’t sound angry anymore, It’s no problem, I’ll stick around a bit longer. You don’t usually call in. Get some rest and feel better, luckily you were only scheduled for four hours today. Plus, this helps to cut some time off of payroll. So it’s kind of a win-win situation, this also means I don’t have to look at you, so it’s more of a win-win-win. Jordan said while chuckling at his joke.

Yeah, I know that looking at me makes you feel bad about yourself. Anything I can do to help Bro. Kaden retorted before hanging up.

Kaden tried to remember what happened last night. The last thing he remembered was leaving the party. How did I get home? Rubbing his hand through his bed head he inhaled and winced in pain. And how did I get this bump on the back of my head, Dennis must have hit me harder than I thought with that stupid ball. He thought to himself.

Getting up from the bed a wave of pain coursed through his head. Kaden stumbled to the bathroom, he had to take something to satiate the polar bears practicing a Russian folk dance on his frontal lobe. Squinting at the light, he opened his medicine cabinet and grabbed a tylenol PM. Walking back to his room he grabbed the bottle of water on his nightstand and took the pill. He suddenly remembered he had a game tonight. However, he was going to be useless with this headache. I need to text GenLeo and tell him I’ll be late. He thought, while grabbing his phone. Kaden typed out a quick message and almost as soon as he hit send, the General responded. Geeze bro, I told you I’d be there! Lay off and let me rest! He thought. Typing out a more cordial response he set an alarm so he would be on time for the match. After the alarm was set, he laid back down on his pillow and was asleep immediately.

CHAPTER 2

Welcome to Yencom, where technology makes for a better you. the voice said over the loudspeaker that echoed throughout the building for the fourth time today. This outburst was soon followed by a brief history of the company’s humble beginnings and founder of Yencom; Eiko Higashi.

Eiko was born in a small village in Japan, he grew up with his mother and sister Satori. He was well known and loved in the community, and with the support of his family and friends he opened his first store. Yencom started out as a humble little shop that sold cell phones and pagers. Although the company started as a small retail shop, Eiko quickly took it to new heights with his vision and business acumen. Soon, that one small shop grew into a hundred small shops all over Japan, but Eiko wasn’t satisfied there.

Satori Higashi met and fell in love with an American soldier, Jeremy Lynscomb, while he was stationed in Japan. They were happy together and married soon after meeting. One fateful day while Jeremy was involved in some classified experiment, something went wrong and Jeremy died unexpectedly. Satori went into a spiral of depression at the loss of him. She and the kids moved in with Eiko, however she was a shell of her former self. One day when Eiko came home from work, he found Satoris body; she had performed the ancient Japanese act of Seppuku, leaving her 4 year old twin children as orphans.

While Eiko worked and grew his fortune, he lost sight of starting his own family. He had a sister who had children but never a family of his own. He loved his niece and nephew; twin brother and sister, Akira and Stefan Lynscomb. They were the children he never had.

Eiko had heard rumors of his sister’s grief-filled antics after her passing. Wanting to shield Akira and Stefan from them, he took them and moved to America where he began to raise his niece and nephew as if they were his own. Akira was a bright and beautiful girl like her mother, but Stefan intrigued Eiko, he saw himself in that young man. Stefan was intelligent and ambitious with a flare for business. While in school, Eiko was called by the headmaster because Stefan purchased all of the snacks out of the vending machines and was selling them to the other students at a markup. When asked why he would do that, he would only say supply and demand.

Over the years, Eiko watched Akira and Stefan grow. Akira found a love of dance, her beauty and grace unmatched by all. When she danced, the blond hair she inherited from her father whipped behind her, her green eyes shone with joy, combined with her olive skin she possessed an almost unnatural beauty. Stefan found his niche in business, joining Yencom after graduation, he quickly rose through the ranks.

Not wanting to show any kind of preferential treatment because he is family, Eiko started Stefan at the ground level. He began working at one of the lowest profiting stores in the company. His dazzling green eyes behind his wire rimmed glasses, dark hair, and devilish good looks helped when he was in sales. In the three years since Stefan started working there he rose up the ranks to manage the little store, also making it one of the more profitable branches. After proving himself at entry level, Eiko was keen to see what else his nephew was capable of. Stefan was then promoted to VP of sales. This move saw the company grow exponentially.

As the years passed and Eiko grew older, he decided it was time for him to retire and focus on other interests. With Stefan at the helm, Eiko could retire in peace and not have to worry about the state of his company. He knew that Stefan would make Yencom thrive, and he wasn’t wrong. Stefan had decided to branch out from a simple retail company and into technology as well. Under Stefans watchful eye, the company began to invest in technological advancements, which they would then patent and implement into their own cell phones, computers, televisions and tablets. In this manner, Yencom not only became a highly profitable business, but also a world leader in technology. Eiko watched proudly as the company he built from nothing was taking over the world.

* * *

Stefan stood in his office, staring out the window overlooking the Manhattan skyline. The large office was adorned with memories of his achievements, his high school diploma, multiple college certificates and mentions of his charitable contributions. A large shelf stood beside his desk that held mementos from his travels: an African tribal mask, an ancient Egyptian papyrus scroll, a vase he collected from his trip to Athens, but the