The Games

Cornered

The building was enormous. With a room for everyone, it was absurd that they were making us share. It had everything-two gyms, a large library, and three swimming pools. One was even in the basement, untouched, like no one had set foot in there for years. The place could easily house a whole village.

"So, what do you want to do now that we've explored the whole building?" Izzy asked.

I shrugged. "No idea. We could go find Max and Atticus."

She nodded, and we made our way back toward our rooms. As we rounded the corner, someone stepped in front of us.

"Well, look who we have here, boys," said a redheaded guy with a smirk, flanked by three others.

I instinctively pulled Izzy behind me, shielding her. "W-what do you want?" she stammered. I'd have to work on her confidence later.

"Isn't it obvious?" said a blonde as he reached out to touch her, but I yanked her away.

"Ah, if it isn't the little warrior everyone's been talking about," the blonde mocked as I shoved past them, trying to clear a path. The other two, one with black hair and the other brown, blocked our way, forcing us into a corner. It wasn't ideal, but at least now they couldn't attack from behind.

"Leave. This is the only warning you'll get," I said, narrowing my eyes.

They just laughed.

"What are you going to do about it?" the black-haired boy sneered, stepping closer.

"Come closer and find out," I replied, smirking back.

"Better watch out, Brady. We don't know what she's capable of," the brown-haired one whispered.

"She doesn't look like she could hurt a fly, Seth," Brady said, inching forward.

When he reached out to grab me, I twisted his arm behind his back in one swift motion. Brady yelped as I kicked the back of his knees, sending him crashing to the floor.

"What the fuck? Help me!" he yelled, but the others just stared, frozen in shock. Izzy slipped away during the commotion, likely going to get Max and Atticus.

Brady's shouts snapped his friends out of their trance. Seth started toward me, but I kicked Brady's back, sending him toppling into Seth.

"Get her, Nate!" Blondie shouted, and I knew I had to get out of the corner fast.

Nate, the redhead, charged at me. I dashed forward and, just before impact, dropped to the ground, sliding between his legs. As I passed him, I hooked my foot behind his ankle, tripping him and sending him face-first into the floor. He didn't get up.

"Gabe, don't just stand there!" Seth barked. The last boy, Blondie, looked at me as if sizing me up.

A crowd had gathered, guards and students alike watching in silence. Among them, I spotted Mr. Tanner, watching with amusement in his eyes.

Blondie rushed me from behind, wrapping his arms around my waist. "I got her!" he yelled, dragging me backward.

Brady and Seth approached as I slammed the back of my head into Gabe's nose, hearing a satisfying crack. "Ow, my fucking nose!" he yelled, loosening his grip. I spun, sweeping his legs out from under him and landing a punch that knocked him out cold.

"Kennedy!" Izzy's voice rang out, but I didn't take my eyes off Brady and Seth.

Brady reached into his pocket, pulling out a blade. "You're done now, little warrior," he growled. The crowd murmured in alarm.

"You're not supposed to have weapons, Knox," Mr. Tanner said flatly, but Brady wasn't listening. The look in his eyes was pure malice.

Seth charged first, swinging wildly. I ducked and hit him square in the stomach, doubling him over. He recovered quickly, but when he came at me again, Brady was right behind him.

The blade flashed, and I felt the sting as it slashed my arm. Blood trickled down, but I kept my focus. Seth tried to sweep my legs, but I leaped over him, landing a kick that knocked him out cold.

"It's just you and me now, little warrior," Brady taunted, circling me. "What am I going to do with you?"

"If you're as weak as your friends, nothing. You'll just lay down and take it," I mocked, seeing the anger flare in his eyes.

He lunged again, slashing the blade toward my face. I sidestepped, grabbing his arm and disarming him. But then he landed a punch square on my jaw, sending me stumbling back.

Blood dripped from my lip as I wiped it away, glaring. "Wasn't expecting that, were you?"

We circled each other again. Look for his weakness, my father's voice echoed in my mind. Brady limped slightly on his left leg. That's it.

I darted forward, feigning an attack from the right before slipping behind him. My foot struck the back of his left leg, and he crumpled to the floor with a scream.

Before he could react, I had him in a headlock, tightening my grip until he struggled to breathe. Leaning down, I whispered in his ear, "Look around, Brady. All these people are watching you get your ass handed to you by a 5'4" girl. How does that feel?"

He squirmed, clawing at my arms, but I tightened my hold. "Huh? I can't hear you."

He mumbled something incoherent, and I finally let him go. He hit the ground, gasping for breath.

Squatting down to his level, I grabbed his chin, forcing him to meet my gaze. "If you ever come after me or anyone in my squad again, I'll make sure you never see the light of day again. Do you understand?"

He glared but whispered, "Yes."

"Good." I smiled, letting go of his chin and standing up.

Izzy rushed over, hugging me tightly. I hugged her back, glancing at Atticus and Max, who were standing there, wide-eyed. I couldn't help but laugh a little.

Turning to leave, I caught Mr. Tanner's eye. He nodded in respect, clearly impressed by what he'd seen. I nodded back as the crowd parted, letting us walk back to our rooms.

"So, what now?" I asked Izzy, grinning.

She burst out laughing. "You just kicked ass, and you're asking me that?"

"Me? I could go for a swim," I said, smirking as we stepped into our room.

"Well then, let's go swimming!" Atticus chimed in, smirking as he disappeared into his room to grab his swim gear.

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