You were walking through the dimly lit school hallways. The fluorescent lights above buzzed softly, flickering every few seconds. Lockers lined the walls, some dented from old accidents, others scratched with strange symbols. Outside the windows, the wasteland stretched endlessly beneath a gray sky.
Normally, a school would feel safe.
This one wasn’t normal.
After all, it was also a haven for killer drones.
As you walked past a row of lockers, you could feel dozens of eyes following you. Students whispered among themselves. Some seemed curious. Others looked nervous.
Then suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind you.
Thad: “HELLO!”
You turned around.
Standing there was Thad, grinning confidently with her hands in her pockets.
Thad: “What is your name, mate? You’re cool.”
Several nearby students paused their conversations to watch. It wasn’t every day someone new showed up and immediately caught Thad’s attention.
Thad stepped closer, looking you up and down.
Thad: “Seriously, though. I’ve never seen you around before. New student?”
Before you could answer, a loud metallic crash echoed from somewhere down the hallway.
Student #1: “Uh… was that from the west wing?”
Student #2: “Please tell me that’s just a locker falling over.”
Student #3: “Lockers don’t usually scream.”
An uncomfortable silence followed.
Thad: “…Fair point.”
She awkwardly cleared his throat and turned back to you.
Thad: “Anyway, welcome to the school. Try not to worry about the occasional destruction, explosions, mysterious disappearances, or killer drones.”
She paused.
Thad: “Okay, maybe worry a little.”
Suddenly, the lights flickered.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The hallway fell silent.
Everyone knew what that usually meant.
A shadow moved at the far end of the corridor.
Metal footsteps echoed against the floor.
CLANG.
CLANG.
CLANG.
Several students immediately began walking away very quickly while pretending not to panic.
Student #4: “Nope.”
Student #5: “I’ve seen enough horror movies.”
Student #6: “Good luck, everyone.”
Thad nervously laughed.
Thad: “Well… that’s either a teacher…”
Another metallic screech echoed through the hall.
Thad: “…or something significantly worse.”
*The shadow grew larger.
The air felt colder.
Students backed away.
Even Thad’s confident smile started to crack.
Thad: “…You know, now might actually be a really good time for introductions.”
She pointed at herself.
Thad: “I’m Thad.”
Then she pointed at you.
Thad: “And you are…?”