Time Limit

AJ

As I turned back, I saw Brooke, who was a few seats in front of me (she had been moved up a few classes), glance at me in a way that I couldn't exactly describe and turn back. I thought I saw her mumble 'mean blonde bimbo'. It sort of made me feel angry and defeated at the same time. I wasn't a stereotypical blonde just because I liked to wear four-inch Chelsea boots and trouser-leggings, and loose camisole crop tops. I wasn't a stereotypical blonde just because I hung out with people similar to me (in this case, PJO fangirls). I wasn't a stereotypical blonde just because I didn't get straight A's. I wasn't a stereotypical blonde just because I liked performing gymnastics moves which could easily be mistaken for cheerleading moves.

Why do people only judge others by how people with their appearance was portrayed in popular media? That's the reason I liked Annabeth — she was blonde, but smart and dangerous and a hero.

"Your homework for today is to write an angst fic about your OTP, which should be specified on top of the page. Remember to write it in 12pt Times New Roman font, and send it to me through the school website in 3 days. We have to be ready for the tests, which are less than two and a half months away, and all the students who get an A in one subject or more will get a visit to the fandom world of their choice."

Gods, why did he have to sound so dull?

Suddenly, three loud beeps came out from the loudspeakers, and Kyle's voice rang out. "Will Ashley Jean Hunter, Camille Violet Cabello, Brooke Evans, Lucas Skylark, Hayden Sanchez and Cassandra Rose please report to the Headmaster-in-training's office. Thank you."

Thankful for the rescue, I shoved all my stuff in my bag and slung it over my shoulder, practically running out of the classroom. With a reproachful look that I saw in our reflections in the window, Brooke followed soon after. What did she have against me anyways? I might've been a little rude to her, but I'd managed to pair her and Camille up with people they (probably) actually liked.

We arrived at the Headmaster-in-training's office. My guess was Kyle, since he was the son of the school owners after all, and he'd said the announcement. Curiosity and apprehensiveness swelled inside of me at the same time — what did Kyle need us for?

Soon after, Camille, Hayden and Lucas rushed in. Cassie had been there before we'd even arrived.

Camille gave me a sideways look and rushed over to Brooke, muttering something under her breath, then proceeded to strike up a conversation with her. Hayden and Lucas were already hitting it off with talk of soccer games (and boy, did I want to join them), and Cassie seemed perfectly content reading The Magician's Nephew (she was in the Narnia fandom, after all).

At that second, I realized exactly how alone I was.

>>>>>>>>>>>

In about ten minutes or so, Kyle called us into his office.

"So...I'm guessing you're wondering why I called — "

Cassie cut him off. "The murders, right? So, what do you want us to do about it?"

He didn't show a flicker of surprise, only amusement. Obviously he'd been through this a lot of times. Cassie did say she'd known him for a long time, after all.

"Uh, yeah, the murders," he muttered, avoiding looking me in the eye and determinedly staring at everyone else. I could barely push down the disappointment. I'd wanted him to at least give me some sort of acknowledgment. "We've been noticing that a lot of murders have been happening on campus. Even though the fandomers will be safe and unharmed with only their memories of here gone in the real world, this is still pretty disturbing for us. My dad — sorry, the Headmaster — has tasked me with putting together an investigation team."

Kyle took a deep breath and continued. "You are the most trustworthy people I know — " at this, Camille's eyes flickered to me, showing disgust, but determined not to show that I was affected, I kept staring ahead — "And all of you have different talents. Working together, I have no doubt that we'll be able to solve this mystery and uncover the person behind the murders."

We stared at each other, and as my eyes scanned over Camille and Brooke's faces, I could feel my heart sinking to my knees.

>>>>>>>>>>

The killer was going to strike again. Tonight. I was sure of it.

News had travelled fast that an investigation team had been assembled. Without a doubt, the killer would try to strike one of us.

I had to be fast. Classes were over, dinner was over, and now I had to get back to my room, and fast, if I wanted to avoid the killer.

Don't ask me how I knew there would be a murder tonight. I just knew, and my instincts were usually right in serious situations.

As I ran past the corner, I suddenly saw the cloak of a hooded figure fluttering in the wind, and my heart stopped.

The murdered had found me.

Then I realized — no, I wasn't his or her target.

Because Camille and Brooke were standing in front of the killer, trying to fight back. They were putting up a good fight, but speaking with years of experience, it wouldn't be enough.

Snapped out of my momentary shock, I immediately kicked the killer in the head from behind. Who cares about rules and nobility when you're in a life-or-death fight? No one smart, that's who.

Recovering from the shock of being kicked in the head, the killer immediately turned around and struck back, punching me in the stomach and knocking the wind out of me. How could the killer punch with that much strength after I'd just kicked him (or her) in the head, with so many years of training?

I inhaled sharply, but wasn't ready to give up yet. Rather, like I'd been taught to, I just swung back, harder than ever.

Punch. Block. Side kick. I recited the names of the moves in my mind as we fought in a whirling duel, no-holds-barred. Eventually, we both grew exhausted, our breathing quickening every second. My lungs burned. Knowing that neither of us were going to win this, the killer grew tired and jumped out of the window, swinging onto the roof where I wouldn't be able to reach him (or her).

I offered a hand to Camille and Brooke. "You girls okay?"

They both smiled. "Yeah. Thanks."

I turned away and left, making sure to grin at them before I did. This may be stretching the truth, but I think I just made two new friends.