Cyberchase: When Worlds Collide [On Hold]

The halls of The Local Middle School bustled with life. Lockers slammed shut, voices overlapped in an endless chatter, and laughter echoed through the corridors.

Groups of students huddled together, swapping weekend plans, stressing over assignments, or debating the latest episodes of their favorite TV shows. Teachers stood by their classroom doors, greeting students while subtly reminding them of due dates.

Colorful posters lined the walls, advertising everything from the upcoming school dance to the science fair. Near the entrance, the trophy case gleamed under the fluorescent lights, filled with awards for sports, academics, and the arts—each one a testament to the school’s pride.

But outside, away from the lively chaos, in a quiet corner of the courtyard, three students sat huddled together.

Matt, Jackie, and Inez were lost in the pages of an old, leather-bound book—one filled with the greatest legends of Cyberspace.

The sunlight filtering through the trees cast a warm glow on their faces as they flipped through the ancient text, absorbed in its stories of heroism.

One legend stood out among the rest: The Protectors of Cyberspace. A team of warriors who had once united to defeat a powerful, long-lost entity known as Patheo, a being who nearly brought destruction to the digital realm.

Matt and Jackie reread the passage over and over, captivated by the mystery of these forgotten heroes. With every glance, it felt like the story whispered something new, something just out of reach.

Inez, however, wasn’t buying it. “It’s just a story,” she scoffed, crossing her arms. “There’s no way you two believe this actually happened.”

“You don’t know that,” Jackie countered. “Cyberspace is full of mysteries! This could be real!”

“Or,” Inez said with a smirk, “It could just be another made-up fairy tale.”

Matt sighed. “You always ruin the fun, Nezzie.”

Before Inez could retort, a familiar voice called out.

“Hey, guys! What are you reading?”

The trio turned to see Becky Botsford approaching with her friends Scoops and Violet. Becky wore her usual bright smile, though there was a flicker of distraction in her eyes.

“Oh, just stuff for a school project,” Matt said quickly, closing the book. “Nothing exciting.”

That was a lie. Ever since the three of them first ventured into Cyberspace and became The Cybersquad, they had sworn to keep their mission a secret—even from their closest friends. The responsibility was too big, and the risks were too high.

“Ugh,” Becky groaned, flopping onto the bench beside them. “I wish I had a project idea! It’s due next Friday, and I’ve got nothing!”

“Don't worry, Becky, I'm sure you’ll think of something,” Violet reassured her. "You always do!"

“You really think so?” Becky sighed.

“Absolutely!” Scoops chimed in. “Remember last year when you did that insane presentation on the dictionary?”

“Yeah, and the class nearly fell asleep,” Matt muttered with a chuckle.

“Matt!” Inez shot him a glare. “If you want, we can go to the library after school. I’ll help you brainstorm!” She added, turning back to Becky.

“You would? Oh, no, you don’t have to—”

“No, no, I insist!” Inez interrupted.

“But don’t you have to go to your sister’s skating practice?” Becky asked, tilting her head.