Tick,tick,tick the school clock pounded in their ears like a time bomb. When the bell finally rang, students swiftly packed up and sprinted for for the door, leaving their teacher alone with unfinished lesson plans.
Enjoy your holiday,"Miss Nelson said awkwardly,her voice echoing off the the empty chairs and deserted desks.
"Freedom!!!"
The sudden shout reverberated through the school hall, drawing attention to the infamous Katalyst crew. At the center Atlas Kyros, the charismatic and affluent class president, his bright smile radiating excitement.
Rivera Kaysen,the down to earth counterpart, rolled her eyes good-naturedly. Seriously, Atlas? You are going to destroy everyone's eardrums.
Niko Kobayashi,the stoic swordsman,raised an eyebrow. "Composure,Atlas. We don't want unnecessary attention."
Charlie Kyndall, the enigmatic non-bookworm chuckled. "Too late for that, Niko. The king has spoken."
Atlas grinned,"Hey , someone's got to keep things interesting around here."
Time to celebrate, Atlas declared, leading the group out of the school.
"Where are we headed, captain?"Niko asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh, actually... I've got nothing,"Atlas admitted, scratching his head.
Charlie chimed in,"gaming center?"
"Nah,we already crashed that place yesterday,"Rivera said with a chuckle.
Atlas grinned mischievously. " Karaoke night, guys! who's ready to shred some vocal chords?"
The crew cheered in approval. "Game on!" Charlie high-fived Atlas, already imagining his rockstar moment.
Niko nodded, " I'll show you my hidden talent."
Rivera chuckled, teasing. "We'd like for it to stay hidden."
Niko playfully rolled his eyes. "Hey, I've got skills.
Just as the banter continued, Rivera's phone buzzed.
"Sorry guys,rain check on karaoke?" Rivera said, frowning at the screen. "My mom needs me to run errands."
The crew's faces fell
"Aww,man!" Charlie protested.
"Family emergency?" Niko asked,concern etched on their faces.
"Just mom's errands," Rivera reassured. I'll catch up with you guys later
Atlas nodded understandingly. "Go take care of it. We'll hold down the fort."
Niko and Charlie chimed in with sympathetic smiles and waves.
" Karaoke night's not the same without you," Charlie said.
Rivera smiled, grateful for their understanding. Next time,I promise."
With a quick hug, Rivera headed out, leaving the disappointed but supportive crew behind.
She had barely walked twenty feet away when she glanced back,her eyes locking onto the group.
There they were, still standing outside the karaoke bar, waiting for her to leave before proceeding.
Atlas, Niko and Charlie waved goodbye once more their smiles fading as they turned to enter the bar.
She returned the wave, feeling a pang of regret for missing out on the fun.
Rivera gazed longingly at the karaoke bar,her feet itching to turn back.
She looked at the list on her phone,her mind racing with justification.
"Fuck it," Rivera muttered, mom's errands can wait a little."
Rivera spun around,ready to rejoin the crew. But before she could take a step,an explosion ripped through the air. A deafening blast shook the ground. Rivera's world went dark,ears ringing, vision blurring;she stumbled disoriented
Silence
Blackness
Debris and dust choked the air. Rivera's lungs burned, desperate for oxygen.
She tried to call out but her voice was lost in the coughing. Rivera's eyes watered, vision distorting. She staggered forward blindly. Her legs trembled beneath her, each step felt like an eternity, her body screamed for oxygen. Rivera's hands flailed searching for support but everything slipped away,her knees buckled,she crumpled to the ground.
Her head struck the pavement with a sickening thud. Rivera's world narrowed to a tiny, fading point.
Then, nothing