10:30am. The bell rang, and an entire student body of teenagers rushed out of their classrooms, frantically trampling each other like animals.

It was lunchtime.

Katie hated being caught in tight spaces, so being knocked around by a bunch of neanderthals twice her size wasn't her idea of a fun time. Katie shoved and forced her way through the wave of students in the thin hallways. Her only goal was to find Ryan. These nightmares were getting out of hand.

Ryan couldn't have been easier to find once she made her way out of the congested hallways. Most people chose to eat lunch in the actual cafeteria, but Katie and Ryan preferred to eat in the gymnasium where it was less crowded. Katie took in a deep breath and exhaled in relief. The gym was large, welcoming, and colorful. The girl walked over to her best friend and took a seat.

" Hi Ryan."

Ryan took a bite out of his sandwich before turning towards his friend.

" O-Oh, hey Katie." He uttered.

" Ew, don't chew with your mouth full."

" Heh, oh yeah. Sorry."

Katie laughed, took out her notebook, and started to sketch a drawing.

" You're not eating?" Ryan asked.

" Not hungry."

Ryan sighed, " Is this about the nightmares?"

Katie turned away. She could remember the scene vividly. Fire burning, metal clanging, blood pouring. Especially the last part.

" They're getting worse, Ryan."

" Well, what's happening in these nightmares?"

Katie wiped her eyes, " I'm… Trapped. Every time I'm trapped. Last night, it was in a burning building," she said, " They're these killers. They'll harass me and then try to kill me. Then there's always this person… I don't know who he is… He just always tries to save me before we both… Die."

Ryan moved closer to Katie and gave her a hug in an attempt to comfort her, " These nightmares. Are they because o-"

" No! Shut up! It's not about that!"

If it weren't for the people surrounding them being so loud, everyone would have heard her scream.

" Calm down, Katie," Ryan said.

" I-I can't, the dreams just keep coming back every night,"

Ryan rested his hand on Katie's shoulder, and gave her a smile and a reassuring thumbs up.

" Everything's gonna be okay."

Screech. The sound of tires grinding relentlessly across the pavement could make ears bleed. Crash. The sounds of shattering glass filled the room as blades of the sharp material flew everywhere.

" You're too late," a voice said, " The bombs are set to detonate in two min- What?"

" I've already disabled your bombs. Creatures like you aren't welcomed here. So why don't you get the hell out?"

" Clever," the voice said, " You would make a fine addition to my squadron, but unfortunately, you must die."

" Initiator… Set Up!"

...

" Kay-Kay! It's so nice to see you!"

" Heh, nice to see you too, Naomi."

Most kids hated their siblings, but no sister relationship was stronger that of Katie and Naomi.

Naomi Herron was a talented girl. Like her sister, she was a skilled artist. Naomi's silky, brunette hair, positive attitude, and overall way she presented herself gave her the type of beauty that made heads turn in the school hallways. With one glance, the person looking in her direction would freeze.

" How's dad?" Katie asked.

" Fine. He's been working a lot, but he's been fine. How's mom?"

Katie sighed, " The same as always."

Naomi moved closer and hugged her sister, " I promise we will get you out of their as soon as we ca-"

" Get the hell out of my house, asshole!"

" How many times do I have to tell you? I don't want Katie living with you!"

" Well you should have thought of that before you left me!"

" Look, I don't want to have to get the authorities involved, but if that's what it takes to get my daughter back, I will."

" Yeah right. Katie, get your sorry ass back in here!"

Naomi stared into Katie's eyes before whispering to her, " I promise…"