The Castle School of Self-Defense

Chapter 3 - The Situation

1630hrs
25th November
Courtyard of The Castle School of Self-Defense

"AAAH! Who are you and what are you doing??" William shouted loudly.

"Keep your voice down!! There's a situation at this school!" William's attacker whispered sharply. Her voice was muffled by a mask that covered her face.

William's heart rate slowed. At least she didn't seem intent on harming him.

"I have two questions," William said, attempting to steady his voice. "Firstly, what do you mean by a situation? Are we in danger or something? Secondly, are you a girl?"

The masked figure pulled back for a moment, then removed her mask in one fluid motion.

"You have some good observation skills. How did you figure that out?" she asked, her blonde hair falling in soft waves past her shoulders.

William felt his breath catch. Her sparkling blue eyes were intense, yet playful, framed by rosy cheeks that seemed to glow against her pale skin. Her thin, pale-red lips curved into a small, confident smile as she sat upright, letting the afternoon sun cast her in a golden light. She looked no more than a few years older than him, but her gaze carried a maturity that made him feel like he was a kid fumbling with his shoelaces.

"Well," William stammered, desperately trying to keep his thoughts straight, "your voice gave it away. And, uh, what's the situation?"

"Attackers have infiltrated the school and have held everyone hostage in the auditorium. Everyone from the teachers, the principal and all the students from Primary Level 1 to Secondary Level 2 have been held inside the hall. And, if you are wondering why they couldn't escape, it's because they're being held there by gunpoint. Gun beats fists, so they're held there. Also, if you are wondering why I'm not held inside, it's because I had to use the restroom. When I returned, there were attackers surrounding the whole auditorium. One more thing: we have no time for introductions. We can worry about that if we survive this. Do you have a weapon on you?" His attention was glued not just to her words but to the fire in her eyes and the sharp determination in her tone. She wasn't just beautiful; she was fearless, commanding, and entirely out of his league.

"Do you have a weapon on you?" she asked, snapping him out of his daydream.

"Uh, no," William mumbled.

What is wrong with me? William thought, trying to shake the unexpected warmth blooming in his chest. He forced himself to focus as she produced a utility knife from her jacket and began giving him a crash course in its usage.

She handed him the knife and climbed off his chest, moving with such effortless grace that he found himself staring after her.

"Stay focused," she said sharply, noticing his dazed look. "We don't have time for mistakes."

William quickly followed her through the corridors, trying to ignore the pounding in his chest. It wasn't from fear of the mission ahead. No, it was something else entirely. Something that had started the moment this girl unmasked herself and turned his world upside down.

Before William knew it, they came to a stop before a sign that pointed two ways. One was towards the auditorium and the other towards the Abraham Lincoln Administration Center.

"There is an emergency button at the top of the Abraham Lincoln Administration Center. I need you to get to the principal's office and press the red emergency button to activate a beacon so that we can get the police here as soon as possible. I'll hold off the attackers and help secure the Abraham Lincoln Administration Center. Good luck!" She told William hurriedly before quickly sending him off into the Abraham Lincoln Administration Center.