Volume II: Prison Break

11th of October, 2023. Westview high, Brooklyn

Almost everyone turned up for the Thunderbolts first game of the season. Westview was playing Brooklyn Tech, the rivalry between the two schools spanning decades and extending far beyond the football field. Positioned on the East River, Westview’s football field had a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline – the lighted windows of the high-rise buildings and skyscrapers created a shimmering tapestry across the night sky. The bleachers were already packed. The diehard fans of the Thunderbolts were wearing purple and gold, with the more enthusiastic of them painting their faces as well.

The game was about to kick off in a few short minutes. Students were hurrying to their seats from the concession stands, carrying hot dogs, cheese-smothered nachos, and folded-up banners.

Among them was Stacy Mulligan. Her online campaign to expel the Ogre from the school has been successful. The administration pulled him out due to numerous safety complaints from concerned parents. What’s worse – Stacy’s Instagram followers flocked to his neighborhood after she doxed him and organized a picket outside his home. His mother was adamant about her son going to school and leading a normal life, but she had to reconsider after a brick went flying through their kitchen window. Last everyone heard, the Blairs were selling the house, and moving to Montana. As always, Stacy was chaperoned by Lisa, the bootlicker following the haughty blonde like a suckerfish a shark. The last of the three Harpies, however, was on the field itself, getting ready to lead the cheerleading squad to encourage the spectators to ever louder and more enthusiastic roars for the home team.

As the Thunderbolts took the field, the entire crowd rose to their feet, the cheers rising to a near-deafening thunderous applause. It was only the first game of the season, but expectations were high from the team this year. Whatever was the outcome, the fans could at least expect a good showing, and an opportunity to unwind a bit and forget all about the heavy school workload and the upcoming exams looming over the horizon.

Hanna was used to being gawked at by the boys at school, but this was something different. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she just knew someone was staring at her. Someone dangerous. The back of her neck prickled, as if a chill slipped down her spine. She didn't spot who it was yet, only that it couldn't be anyone good.

Harmonia reaches with her senses and finds the source of the disturbance. It is someone sitting on the bleachers, not too far behind her.
Will she risk taking a look?

The game got off to a bad start; the Thunderbolts were trailing seven points after the opening drive, and their first possession ended with a fumble. Brooklyn Tech had a formidable defense, and despite a few long gains and determined efforts, the Thunderbolts were unable to close the gap till the very end of the second quarter.

The crowd still remained hopeful that the home team would overcome the deficit and shift the momentum in their favor. Cameron tried to squeeze a few extra plays with the short time they had on the clock, throwing the ball to the receivers on the sidelines so they can step out of bounds and stop the timer.

Lauren, who hadn't been paying too much attention to the game thus far, had barely a split second to react before one of the players, who lunged toward the sidelines to secure the catch just inches from the out-of-bounds, would smash right into her after skipping over the first row of seats.