THE ECHOE'S OF PEACE

The sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting warm light across the students' faces as Mr. Shawn lectured. Zane sat near the back, half-listening to his teacher's explanation of the day's lesson. His mind wandered, as it often did, especially now when the weight of the world seemed to hang heavy on everyone's shoulders. The battle with the aliens had been won, but the unease that lingered after was like an unshakable shadow.

The calm that followed the victory was unsettling. Zane couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger—something more dangerous—was waiting just beyond the horizon.

As Mr. Shawn continued his lesson, a low whisper broke through Zane's thoughts. It came from beside him—Akashi, always the instigator of things, leaning in with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Zane," Akashi whispered, "how about we go to the beach this weekend? You know, for some peace and quiet. Just the group—no aliens, no fighting. Just us, some sun, and sand. What do you think?"

Zane hesitated. The thought of stepping away from all the tension, even if just for a day, seemed like an impossible luxury. The burden of the world felt too heavy, the questions too many. Could they afford to take a break now? Could he afford to let down his guard for a moment?

But the idea of the beach, the cool breeze off the ocean, the waves crashing against the shore—it was tempting.

Zane looked over at his classmates, many of them still engaged in Mr. Shawn's lesson, but their eyes also clouded with their own thoughts. The weight of the world hung in the air, even here.

He looked back at Akashi, who was grinning expectantly.

"Alright," Zane finally agreed, his voice quieter than usual. "I'm in."

Akashi's face broke into a wide smile, and he quickly whispered to the others nearby. In a matter of moments, the idea had spread through the classroom, and a collective decision was made. The group would head to Shangri-La Beach for the weekend.

The Day Before

The next morning, the sun was bright, and the air was already warm as everyone began packing for the trip. Zane gathered his things, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling in his chest. The beach had been a distant memory for him, a place he hadn't been to in years. But even now, with the sun shining and a feeling of hope hanging in the air, the world still felt like it was on the verge of something more—something they weren't ready for.

As Zane walked to the bus station, the sight of the others already gathering there caught his attention. Among them was Akira, standing next to Akashi, her arms crossed and a frown on her face. Zane noticed immediately that Akira wasn't pleased.

"Akashi!" Akira's voice rang out, sharp and full of frustration. "What is this? You didn't even invite me to the beach trip? Do you think I wouldn't want to come?"

Akira stormed toward Akashi, her eyes flashing with anger. Zane could practically feel the tension crackling between them.

Akashi looked up, seemingly surprised by her reaction. "Hey, I did invite you! I was going to, but you were busy with your own stuff. I didn't know if you'd be able to come. Besides, I didn't think you'd be interested in a trip with... well, everyone here."

Akira raised an eyebrow. "So you invite everyone else except me? That's what you're telling me?"

Zane, who had been standing off to the side, tried to make himself as small as possible. He felt the weight of Akira's eyes on him next. She narrowed her gaze.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she snapped, though it wasn't directed at him. "Wasn't this your idea, Zane?"

Zane blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh, no. It was all Akashi's plan," he said quickly, shrugging. "He didn't exactly consult me about it."

Akira's eyes softened for a second before she turned her attention back to her boyfriend. "Fine. If he invited everyone else, I'm going too. But you didn't tell me," she added, her voice softening just a little. "Next time, don't make plans without me."

Akashi rolled his eyes but nodded. "Alright, alright. You're coming. But you're not getting me to apologize for it."

Akira sighed, clearly torn between annoyance and affection. As the group settled in, it became clear that Akira hadn't just planned to bring herself along. She had brought some of her friends from another section as well. Zane couldn't help but notice one of them—the girl with the bright red hair—watching him from across the station.

He shifted uncomfortably, but his mind wasn't focused on that. He wasn't about to entertain the idea of someone having a crush on him. Not right now, at least.

Arriving at Shangri-La Beach

The bus ride to Shangri-La Beach was filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional splash of water as the students excitedly made their way to the sandy shores. The anticipation in the air was palpable, as if everyone was hoping for this brief escape from the weight of the world.

As soon as the bus pulled to a stop, the students spilled out onto the beach, greeted by the salty air and the sun gleaming off the ocean. Zane took a deep breath, feeling a momentary relief. This was what they needed—a break.

Akira and Akashi, however, had different plans. The two immediately started preparing the tents, bickering good-naturedly as they worked.

"You really should have told me earlier," Akira grumbled, securing one of the tent poles into the sand. "I'm starting to think I'm the only one who cares about planning things."

Akashi gave her a playful look. "Come on, I already did invite you. You just didn't want to come until you saw how much fun it would be."

"Yeah, right," Akira replied, rolling her eyes. "You didn't even tell me I could bring my friends along. If I hadn't come looking for you at the station, I'd still be at home sulking."

Akashi sighed dramatically. "I swear, it's like trying to navigate a minefield with you sometimes."

Zane, meanwhile, was taking in the peaceful surroundings. The ocean stretched endlessly before him, the sound of waves crashing against the shore creating a calming rhythm. The others had already begun to swim, while Akira and Akashi continued their playful argument about who was in charge of the trip.

The morning air was fresh with the scent of saltwater as the group packed up their things. The beach had been everything they needed—sun, laughter, arguments, and peace. For the first time in a long time, it felt like they were just kids again. Just students, not heroes.

They loaded into the van, a rusty rental driven by a tired academy staff member named Kuya Benjo, who had barely said a word since picking them up two days earlier. Akashi sat in the middle row, arms crossed, bickering with Akira over snacks. Zane was by the window, lost in thought, headphones in but music off.

They were halfway through Mandaue when it happened.

The sky cracked open.

A deep hum filled the air, followed by a thunderous boom that made the ground shake. Ahead of them, a shimmer in the sky twisted into a swirling tear—and then, without warning, a black, organic-looking ship burst through.

Screams erupted.

Pedestrians scattered as another ship followed, then another. The ships didn't fire—yet. But the sense of dread was immediate, thick, and suffocating.

Benjo slammed on the brakes. "What the—?!"

Everyone in the van lurched forward. Zane's heart pounded as he leaned against the window. It was happening again.

Just outside, the city was already turning into a battlefield. Figures in shimmering suits—pro warriors—teleported in, some flying, others leaving trails of fire or ice in their wake. 

More warriors arrived, fighting back the incoming alien foot soldiers that had begun to drop from the ships in clusters.

Akashi's voice cut through the chaos. "We need to move—now."

Benjo was frozen, staring ahead, clutching the steering wheel.

Zane was already opening the door. "We're not just sitting here."

"But we're not geared—" one of Akira's friends began.

"We're not pro warriors," Zane said, "but we're not helpless."

Akashi hopped out after him, his eyes tracking the movement in the sky. "They're holding the main wave. But they're outnumbered. They need backup. Whether they know it or not."

From behind them, a power surge flared—one of the pro warriors, a woman with electric veins running through her arms, was holding back a massive alien construct—but barely. She glanced toward Zane's group, eyes meeting his for a split second.

She didn't say a word.

She didn't need to.

Zane understood: Step up. Or get out of the way.

"Let's go!" he shouted, motioning for the group to fan out. "Civilians first—anyone stuck, anyone injured. We help them. Then we reinforce the warriors. Akashi, take left with me!"

"Akira," Akashi added, "secure the street. You and the others—cut off that alley! No one gets flanked!"

The city was under attack—and they were already in the middle of it.

And this time, they weren't just students on the sidelines.

They were part of the fight.