Amaris' POV
I dashed forward as another Tyrannodrone raised its bladed arm, its target a trembling student cornered by a crate. My feet pounded against the dirt, wind rushing past my ears, and I launched into a sprint, my body coiled like a spring. With a burst of momentum, I struck—my foot connected cleanly with the creature's torso. It flew back with a mechanical screech, metal scraping rock before it crumpled in a heap.
Another Tyrannodrone lunged from my blind side. I ducked instinctively, its blade slicing the air just above my head. My legs twisted beneath me as I swept low, using the momentum to pivot and stand. My fist struck its jaw in a clean arc. Before I could catch my breath, another rushed forward—this one faster than the others. I leaned aside, just narrowly missing the swing, and struck it in the chest with a sharp kick that sent it skidding back.
They collapsed one by one, and I exhaled softly as I took in my surroundings.
Just ahead, I caught sight of Kira, Conner, and Ethan—alongside Dr. Oliver, all locked in combat with the remaining Tyrannodrones. They moved with unexpected coordination and strength, their movements crisp, decisive. It brought me a quiet comfort. At least they were handling themselves.
My attention snapped back to the bus at the edge of the clearing. A trio of Tyrannodrones were clawing at its entrance, where students huddled inside, screaming and banging against the windows.
I broke into a sprint again.
"Move," I whispered under my breath. I grabbed one by the leg and yanked hard, pulling it backward and slamming it into the ground with its own momentum. Another turned and swung, I twisted to the side, ducking beneath its strikes, weaving through like water flowing between rocks. I seized its wrist and, with a sharp twist, redirected its weight and threw it to the ground. A final Tyrannodrone stepped forward, but I was quicker—I lashed out with a fierce kick to its face, and it toppled.
The moment their forms stilled, I turned to the bus.
"Is everyone alright?" I called as I stepped inside.
A chorus of voices responded at once.
"Yeah!"
"We're okay!"
"We're alright!"
I nodded and released a soft breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Good. Please stay here."
I turned to go, but one of them stood and called out, "Where are you going?!"
"To help the others," I answered without hesitation. "Three students are still unaccounted for—Kira, Conner, and Ethan. As well as Professor Oliver and Principal Randall."
One of the girls near the back shook her head. "But you'll get hurt! They'll be fine on their own!"
I paused. My gaze swept the group—pale faces, shaken nerves, fearful eyes. "As I was entrusted with this event, their safety is also my responsibility. Please, remain here until I return."
They looked uncertain, but after a beat, someone muttered, "Good luck…"
Another added, "Take care."
"Don't get hurt, okay?"
A small smile tugged at my lips. I bowed my head slightly. "Understood."
I sprinted back to the mining site. Dust kicked up around me as I ran, heart racing—not from fear, but urgency. I knew they'd be fine, of course I did. I had watched them survive worse on television. But that was fiction. This was reality. Injuries didn't heal between scenes, and the stakes felt heavier than the screen ever conveyed.
Relief flooded through me when I saw them—Conner, Ethan, Kira, and Dr. Oliver—walking back toward the bus. Dirt clung to their clothes, and they looked exhausted. But they were alive.
I ran to them, skidding to a stop. "Are you all alright?"
Kira nodded, brushing hair from her face. Ethan gave a thumbs-up. Conner exhaled heavily but managed a grin.
Dr. Oliver placed a hand on my shoulder. "Thank you for worrying, Amaris."
I smiled softly. "I'm simply glad you're safe."
Principal Randall caught up, brushing off her blazer. "Where are the other students?"
"At the bus," I answered. "They're unharmed."
She nodded, a rare flicker of approval in her expression. "Good job getting them to safety."
"It was nothing," I murmured, "I didn't do much."
We began walking back, footsteps crunching the gravel, the storm of battle now behind us.
A tap on my shoulder made me turn. Kira had sidled up next to me.
"Yes?" I asked.
She glanced away, a small smile forming. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
"Oh. I've trained in martial arts since I was a child," I replied. "My family insisted."
Kira nodded slowly. "Well… you were cool out there."
I blinked. "You too."
I noticed then that her cheeks had turned slightly pink. My brows drew together in concern. Had she been injured? Or worse, fallen ill?
"Are you alright?" I asked. "Your cheeks are heating up."
Kira looked startled. "Oh? I, uh—really?"
I reached out and gently placed my palm against her forehead. It felt warm. "Miss Ford, you might have a fever."
Kira's eyes widened. "R-really?"
I nodded. "We must return quickly so you can take some medicine."
She nodded in turn, but her gaze remained off to the side, avoiding mine. I tilted my head slightly, confused. Was it embarrassment? Or maybe something else?
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Back at school, the group disbanded. The moment we reached the lot, I excused myself and let the others return to their lives—or, as I knew, their destinies.
I had already resolved not to interfere with the path laid before them. Their journey was not mine to disrupt.
My family's car pulled up, sleek and black. My driver stepped out the moment he spotted me and—rarely—his eyes widened with concern.
"Miss Shin," he said, hurrying over. "What happened?"
I offered a soft smile. "It's nothing. I slipped at the mining site, is all."
His mouth thinned, clearly unconvinced, but he said no more. He opened the door for me with a formal bow.
"Thank you," I said gently, stepping inside.
The car door closed, and as we drove away from the chaos, I leaned my head against the window. My reflection stared back at me, and I whispered to myself,
"…They'll be alright."
Even so—my chest still felt tight.