Chapter 2: Canaries in the Mine
...
Jared jogged towards the shorter boy, calling out again, “Hey, Kai!”
Kai’s head shot towards the voice. “Oh, hey.”
“Where’d you go?”
“I- dropped my phone in my room. I didn’t notice till she asked for yours.”
Kai motioned towards Ella in the distance.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Sorry… it didn’t come to mind,” Kai shrugged, glancing down. Jared nodded with a small smile.
“I’m guessing your phone has no signal too?”
Kai shook his head to agree.
“Mm…”
Jared was about to continue his statement when a voice came from the distance.
“Welcome, everyone, to Athed Academy.”
Megaphone in hand, the speaker had black skin, tall in stature. Seeing he caught all attention, he fixed his glasses before saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Classes will begin shortly.”
He nodded, turning around, not uttering a word more. Commotion soon erupted in the plaza with a series of blurbed responses.
“Classes?”
“Wait, ew, we’re at school?”
“Kidnapped just to be sent to school, monsters they are.”
“Ugh.”
Even Kai said something under his breath. “This sucks.”
“Agreed,” Jared said, smiling and looking over at the boy. Kai blinked at him in surprise.
“Oh, uh… sorry. Didn’t mean to say that aloud…” Kai rubbed the side of his neck.
“You’re just saying what’s on everyone’s mind.”
Ding.
A loudspeaker attached to one of the trees then buzzed in.
Please report to room Room 107.
“Guess that’s where we need to go…”
…
With one building explored and the other inaccessible, it did not take a genius to realize the location of the Academy.
The high, modern structure towered over the plaza with its three floors and elongated balconies. Sheared hedges bordered the bottom walls and budding flowers stayed planted in the space between. Jared could have sworn he saw a wall still dripping in fresh paint, white droplets running down the frame.
“This is nice,” Kai said as they entered, going toward a lounge area in the distance. His pupils lit up as he gaped up at a light fixture with lightbulbs dangling in different directions.
“Yeah… there’s no way my parents could afford to send me here, though…” Jared’s brows furrowed as Kai let out a soft chuckle.
“Yeah, mine too.”
The sound of footsteps broke off their conversation. “So this is where you went. I’ve been looking for you.”
Luka smiled before coming to a halt.
“Who’s that with you, Jared?” Luka waved toward the stranger.
Kai hesitated before greeting with a brief open hand. “Oh, uh, hello. I'm Kai.”
"Luka.”
The two shook hands, though Kai’s seemed to be strangled by Luka’s grip.
“Where did Sun and Ella go?” Jared searched behind his friend.
“Ella said she wanted to look for some seashells on the beach and Sun went to take a picture of the view.”
“So they're finding excuses to skip, basically?”
“Can’t blame them, us being here is so dumb,” Luka rolled his eyes, “Our parents should’ve at least given us a heads up.”
“Well…”
A bell rang through the hallway, and the three boys winced.
“Does… that mean we’re late?” Kai looked around, seemingly for any signs of reprimanding.
“I’m not sure…”
“It was 107, right? I think I see it over there,” Luka signaled towards a hallway. As they went closer, a soft chatter filled the air, a velvety voice rising above all.
“We’re sorry that it took so long for us to properly greet you,” the voice said, just audible from their distance, “We were just making some last-minute preparations, that's all.”
As the last words left her mouth, the three made it to the door. Peering inside, the room resembled a typical school room, uniform desks and all.
“Ah, look who's here! Welcome to Class 107!”
The lady addressed the rest of the class with a beam. “It seems we found some of the stragglers.”
She turned to the three boys, her cherry hair swinging as she did.
“Please. Find a seat.”
Nodding, the three did as told, approaching the back of the classroom. Not many seemed to notice their entrance, most peering down at their phones or playing with their hands.
The teacher, however, appeared not to notice the students’ preoccupation and continued, “It seems there’s only three of you? Do you know where the rest of your classmates could be? We’re missing three.”
She looked toward Luka.
“We dunno,” Luka put a hand on his cheek, rubbing his lower neck with his thumb. He signaled toward Jared as if asking for him to corroborate.
“Uh, yeah, uh- we saw them earlier, but don’t know where they are…”
“Oh, I see,” the lady frowned, then approached her desk to grab a pointer-stick.
“Didn’t have to add the first part you know,” Luka whispered as her back was turned.
“I tried, okay?”
“Alright, alright, I’ll cut you some slack.”
The two returned their attention to the instructor. She stood in front of a screen, a projected image displayed across it.
“To those who’ve just entered, I’m Ms. Erythra. And, as I’m sure you have guessed, I’ll be your teacher for these five weeks. But be-”
Audible gasps ensued from the few paying attention, the distracted others shooting their heads up to the outcry.
“Five? Five days, you mean, correct?” A boy with glasses spoke up, nudging his fluffy-haired friend to wake him.
“Mm, what’s wrong?”
“I’m afraid I have not misspoken, Felix, I do mean weeks,” Miss Erythra said, giving a soft glance.
More outbursts continued throughout the room, many appalled but some still perplexed. As the commotion settled, Ms. Erythra carried on her statement, smiling.
“As I was saying, I’d just like to discuss some things with you first. For one, our school policy is to raise the best of students, so not all of you will be graduating. You see, after every testing day, we will be dismissing the lowest-scoring student. Think of it as… being let go.”
She cleared her throat. “Of course, with that being said, we would hate for you to cheat on behalf of us. Our Academy values honesty and diligence, and any attempt to cheat your way through the exams will result in an automatic zero. And… well… I think you can see what that means. Do we understand?”
Nothing more than a murmured reply came from the group of students.
“Excellent. Now, should we begin the lesson?”
…
What they learned during the period, Jared did not recall. All he remembered were the half-assed attempts at whispering throughout the classroom, and Ms. Erythra’s continued enthusiasm throughout.
Jared and Luka caught up during said time, jabbering about whatever came to mind, with Kai joining in every so often. It felt so normal, just like a regular school day.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
They were dismissed after an hour to attend lunch. During the walk to the cafeteria, Luka tapped Jared on the shoulder. “How’s your neck?”
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
“Huh?”
“You kept rubbing it earlier and it’s bruised.”
“Oh, well, it’s fine. Doesn’t hurt nearly as much as before.”
Despite his statement, Jared still put a hand on the mentioned spot.
How did he even get that bruise anyway?
He certainly did not injure it yesterday or the day before that. The most dangerous thing he did two days prior was make hot chocolate.
“Well, that’s good, I’m glad it feels better.”
“Yeah, uh, me too…”
Luka narrowed his eyes, his lips moving as if wanting to say something. However, he instead shook his head, clapping his hands together. “You excited to see the food?”
“Why would I?”
“ ‘C’mon, you gotta admit that you’re at least a bit excited to not eat regular school food.”
“I sure am,” Kai said, returning from his preoccupation with the scenery.
“See, he gets it.”
Jared just rolled his eyes with a smile as they walked into the cafeteria.
Strings of light flowed from the ceiling windows above, while a display of delicacies rested on modern counters in front of them. Circular tables filled the cafeteria and many of their classmates already settled themselves at a spot. A pair of familiar faces, however, stood out from the rest.
“Hey, isn’t that-?”
“Hey, Jared! Luka,” Ella waved enthusiastically, “Where’ve you been?”
“We should be asking you that question, you’re the one who skipped class,” Jared crossed his arms.
“Is this your other friend, the one who suddenly disappeared?”
“Oh… yeah, um… hi,” Kai put a hand in front of his face, in what looked like a feeble attempt at a wave.
“Nice to meet you! I love your bangs, where’d you get them dyed?”
“Uh- thanks, er-”
As Ella rapid-fired her questions toward Kai, Sun turned to the boys with a glint. “So, how was class?”
“Oh, shut up.”
A snicker. “No need to be jealous now, you could have skipped too. It is only the first day, after all.”
“Nah, it’s not fair to our parents,” Luka said, though still frowned.
“We don’t really know if they actually sent us here. I mean, we could have been gagged up and forced here against our will,” Sun said, trying to keep her serious tone, but the slight giggle in her voice gave it away.
“Nice imagination.”
“Don’t you think it’s strange though?” Jared looked at the two.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, the way we were just brought here. You can’t seriously tell me it isn’t a little strange.”
Luka gazed down to the floor before bearing a grin. “You worry too much.”
“You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
“What reason would someone have to kidnap us? None.” Luka said as Jared hesitated. “I think our parents just got tired of us.”
“How about our phones, Luka? We can’t even contact them.”
“...that no cheating thing. It probably has to do with something like that.”
“Sun, can you please knock some sense into this idiot?”
“...”
“Not you too…”
“Look, I don’t know what to believe right now. But I do believe with Luka in the statement-”
“Oh my god-”
“Hear me out,” Sun pointed a finger, “but it does seem illogical that we are allowed to roam around freely. If they had any malicious intent, wouldn’t we be more… confined?”
“I- I guess...”
Luka grabbed Jared’s hand, pulling him up to his feet. “...C’mon, you’re ruining my appetite.”
“As if you wouldn’t eat even if you weren’t hungry.”
“Yeah… You’re right.”
…
“Doesn’t this look good, Jared?” Luka asked, admiring the plethora of delicacies, his mouth practically drooling from the sight.
“Whatever floats your boat.”
“...You’re so ungrateful.”
“Am not.”
“Then appreciate the food!”
“I do, I'm just not obsessed over it like you.”
Jared took a spoonful of noodles, before putting it on his plate. “It does look better than our cafeteria food though.”
“Comparing this to that abomination is the worst insult you could ever think of.”
“You’re bei-”
A static echoed from a speaker above, drawing all ears. Rustling followed as the presumed announcer cleared their throat, composing themself.
“All students, please meet back up in Room 107. Repeat, all students please come to Room 107.”
The announcement ended with a final click.
“You heard that too, right?” Jared turned toward Luka.
“Nah. I actually turned deaf right when it started,” Luka said with a smile.
“Oh, shut up. Who do you think it was?”
“Ms. Erythra, maybe?”
Jared shook his head, placing his plate on a nearby counter. “That sounded nothing like her. This one was more… monotone, I guess?
“Then I dunno dude,” Luka shrugged as he walked away, “don’t worry about it.”
“Don’t worry about it?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Don’t you wanna know what’s up?”
“If you’re so concerned about it, just go to the room. I’m sure you’ll find out who it is then.” Luka said, walking away, before a sharp tug pulled him back.
…
“You know, when I said ‘just go and find out’, I meant to do it alone,” Luka scowled as they wandered the halls, grabbing some chips out of a bag. “Do you even know where we’re going?”
“No, not really, but you’re not exactly the most help either.”
“Maybe because I’d much rather be in the cafeteria.”
“Are you really not curious at all?” Jared stopped and released Luka’s hand, pivoting towards him.
Luka bit his lip. “No, I’m not. Because we’re fine, Jared. We’re fine. Also, I’m hungry.”
“You’re literally eating right now. Besides, this is important and-“
“You’re going the wrong way, you know.”
The two turned around. Behind them stood a student with unruly hair, the same boy Jared remembered seeing sleeping in class. A mole rested near his mouth, as the student bowed his head to acknowledge them.
“It’s this way,” the boy pointed toward a hallway the two had passed. “You’re going to 107, right?”
“Ah, yes, thank you.”
Jared and Luka spared a glance at each other, before following their new guide.
“Thanks again,” Jared caught up to the boy with a grin.
“No problem.”
“Were you the one making the announcement?”
“Nah. She only sent me to find the rest of the class.”
“She?” Luka asked and tilted his head.
“I believe her name is Dora?” The boy said with hesitation, his voice falling into a mutter. “But, she was the one who called us. She said she wanted to talk to us about... something. I wasn't really paying attention. You can ask my friend, though. He's a dork, so he was probably listening. Oh, and we’re here, by the way.”
He gestured to the nearest door, opening it.
“Thanks.”
As they entered, Jared noticed the rearranged desks, now in a circular design instead of the uniform formation of before. The projector and screen were powered off and rolled up, a whiteboard taking their place. A girl stood at the front of the classroom, as a bunch of others sat at the tables, waiting.
“You found more people, Allister?” One of the students asked, fixing his round glasses to get a better look. The boy, Allister, gave a nod of reply and sat down next to him.
“Good. That makes about… seven, I believe,” an oval-faced girl said, moving her finger from where she sat to recount. “Eight, if we include me.”
She had the exact same voice as the announcer.
“Anyway, do you think anyone else will show, Dara?” The girl’s beady eyes drooped down as she continued, “I really thought our plan would work.”
The girl at the front shoved a hand into her pocket, the other curving around her braid as if to fix it.“If they miss out, it’s their loss, Aria, not ours. Besides, I think we have more than enough people for our discussion.“
“How about explaining to us what’s going on first? You didn’t say much in your announcement.” Luka said, drumming his fingers against the desk.
“Ah, yes. We could only specify so much without looking suspicious,” Aria sighed. “We’re lucky as is with Ms. Erythra allowing us to use the loudspeaker. But since you asked, we wanted you all here to see if anyone knows a thing about this place. Isn’t that right, Dara?”
Dara nodded in agreement.
“Ah look, Jared, you found your people. Can I go now?”
“At least hear them out.”
“Jared-“
“Please, Luka.”
“…fine. This better be good.”
“It will, we promise,” Dara said as Jared’s face flushed red, realizing they had just made a scene.
“Ah, sorry, please continue.”
“So, as we were saying… does anyone have the slightest clue of where we are?”
A small stretch of silence filled the room.
“Figured… Well, um, let’s just try and go over the information that we know.” Dara grabbed a marker situated on the whiteboard shelf, writing something quickly.
“Uh, what does that say-?” A familiar voice asked, and Jared turned to see Kai sitting across from him.
“Oh, hey, Kai! Didn’t see you there.” Luka grinned with a wave.
Kai gave a tight-lipped smile.
Nearby, Aria rolled her eyes, scolding someone. “I told you your handwriting is horrible, Dara. Here, you sit down and I’ll write.”
“It’s not my fault you guys can’t read.”
“We can’t read ancient hieroglyphics. Now, gimme.”
With a sigh, Dara gave up the marker.
“Thank you. Now, what we know,” Aria said, standing up and jotting down thoughts in much more legible letters. “We’ve been sent to a summer school of sorts, in which we are learning… Uh- did anyone happen to pay attention to the lesson?”
Everyone shook their heads.
“Seriously? Not a single one of you decided to pay attention?”
“Don’t be so judgemental, you weren’t either,” Aria said, clicking her tongue.
“Just surprised, that’s all.” Dara threw her hands up as Aria returned to the board. “But, also, I’ve been wondering… have any of your parents talked about sending you to summer school?”
A girl with long, dark hair raised her hand. “My mom did, but I just thought she was joking. Though, she did say that the school I’d be going to would be near the city…”
Aria nodded, and her shoulders seemed to loosen slightly. “That’s reassuring. Did she mention what subjects you’d be taking in this summer school?”
“No. Just that they would help me earn some school credits.”
“I see. Well, I guess we’ll just have to pay a bit more attention in class to find out.”
As Aria and Dara continued to interview the girl, Luka turned toward Jared, crossing his arms.
“See, what’d I tell you. It’s just summer school dude.
Jared stayed silent, fiddling with his fingers.
“C’mon, cheer up. We're on an island now, a pretty one at that. It’s basically a free vacation,” Luka nudged Jared’s shoulder, frowning when his friend’s look did not dissipate. “...Tell you what. I’ll go ask Ms. Erythra for you if there’s an art room.”
Jared’s eyes sparkled. “You think they have one?”
“Yeah, it’s a school, after all. I don’t see why they wouldn’t have it…”
“And you’re sure she meant this summer, Victoria?”
Their attention went back to Dara, still prying for answers from the girl.
“Yeah,” Victoria said, her voice airy and almost unfocused, "She said she wasn’t too satisfied with my grades and such.”
“I see…” Aria glimpsed over to Dara and then to the board of notes. "Did she say anything else?"
The girl fidgeted with her purple sweater. "Not really."
“Okay... well, I guess that all about covers what we wanted to know, right?”
“Yup.” Dara said, though bit the inside of her cheek, “Thank you all for coming, even if it was a waste of time for some of you.”
A mumbled reply soon followed with many shuffling out of their seats. However, before they could even think of leaving, the classroom door flew open, a familiar red-head peeking their head inside.
“I see you were able to convince a few students to join your study session, Aria.” Ms. Erythra beamed. “How lovely! I’m glad to see so many of you taking my class so seriously. Though, I wonder, was the rearrangement of desks necessary?”
“Sorry, Miss.” Aria said, though her attention remained on erasing the notes on the board.
“It’s fine, just as long as you fix it.”
The sound of the school bell echoed in the hallways. A soft groan came from the students in the classroom, as Ms. Erythra smiled.
“It looks like classes are now restarting. Once you get the desks reorganized, I ask that all of you take a seat for the next part of our lesson.”
…