The next morning, everyone at Valley Crest Academy was gathered in the Assembly hall. Three columns of seats filled the hall. Rin sat on the right, between Aria and Shoko. The dread of yesterday's incident seemed to bleed into today as quiet whispers filled the room. All anticipating what was to come.
"You think it will be like last time?"
Aria turned to Rin
Rin nodded.
"You know how he likes to handle these situations"
Her fingers brushing the pendent.
"I guess so"
Aria let out, before turning to Shoko.
"He looks strange"
Rin turned to him as well.
"I don't think so, he's as always"
"yh but, he seems more like his—"
Shoko eyes turned to Aria, catching her off guard.
"Whoa, Now that's scary"
Aria feigned fear.
Rin sighed, nodding her head.
"Leave him be, he likes…"
Rins eyes locked on his and his on hers. Like if standing on opposite ends of a tunnel. His face unreadable and hers intrigued. A quiet moment passed between them, Shoko's brows lowered and Rins eyes widened. Aria on the other hand seemed amused.
"His peace."
She finished.
"Chill out, I was just trying to tell him his skin is turning pale."
Shoko quickly opened his arms. His eyes dancing around his skin.
Aria burst out into laughter, breaking the cold atmosphere. Shoko closed his eyes, knotting his fists in response.
"Aria!"
Rin whispered aggressively, as the hall was now silent at her laughter.
Embarrassment played on Aria's face for a moment, as she cleared her throat. Rin couldn't help but smile as she rolled her eyes.
"It's not my fault"
Aria whispered.
"Did you see him? He was literally questioning his whole
Existence"
Rin giggled.
"I wish I got that on recording, can you imagine the memes"
Aria continued to giggle.
Shoko's head turned away from both of them, his hair shielding his face. Rin's eyes darted Between Shoko and Aria before lowering to the ground as a smirk tugged at her cheeks.
BUZZZZ…The speakers silenced everyone. Like dynamos all heads turned towards the podium. The teacher who was offended by Shoko the day before stepped up.
"Good morning Students."
His voice burst out of the speakers.
"For those who don't know me, my name is Dr. Martin."
"It is unfortunate some of you are getting to know me this way."
"But I stand before you to open up this Emergency Assembly. To address a very sad event."
"Firstly, Shall we all rise and pay our respects to the country"
Everybody silently rose. All except one. Aria and Rin just looked at each other for a brief moment before joining in on the national Anthem.
Afterwards they were all asked to seat.
"It's with my utmost honour, that I'd like to invite Principal Edmund"
Dr Martin gestured to the left.
"Vanderlin"
Shoko slowly raised his head, the claps of hands followed swiftly.
Dressed in a fine grey suit, he walked up the side of the stage. He wore no tie and his jacket was left open. He had long slicked back grey hair that rested on his back. He had a bald spot at the front of his head but it didn't take away from his charm. Thin rectangular glasses rested on his cheek bones, his inner shirt was a sky blue and his boots, wood brown. He shook Dr Martin's hand, his Watch with diamond plating glimmering under the stage lights.
He placed both hands on the podium, a warm smile that never reached his eyes radiating on the students.
"Good morning!"
He exclaimed with energy.
"Morning"
The students replied in a low tone.
"How is it a 65 yr old like me, has much more energy?"
"I said Good morning!"
"Good morning!"
The students replied in a slightly higher tone.
The principle took a deep breath before removing his glasses to wipe his face.
"It's alright."
His voice soaked with sympathy.
"I understand what you're all going through. It's saddening, shocking and disturbing."
"Some of you have lost a friend, others a son. I and all my teachers have lost a student."
"And in such a way. Absolutely horrific."
"A new Councillor will be coming on Friday's and Wednesday's in addition to the current Councillor in order to ensure the mental health of all students is up to standard."
"Do not be afraid to seek help from them, if you need anything we are here for you"
"We are going through this as a school."
He turned to the teachers and nodded.
"Together"
The teachers nodded back.
"Its is with my deepest sympathises that I break to you the cause of his death."
Chatter soared through the hall. Everybody was curious to know what really happened. Could the rumours be true, is there something deeper going on? You could feel the anticipation buzzing in the air.
Principle Edmund with a sad face raised a hand, turning the room to pin drop silence.
"It was drug abuse."
A loud and thick silence filled the air. Almost like disappointment. Shoko sat up straight. His eyes staring menacingly at the Principle.
"Wha? No way?"
"Drugs?"
"You've got to be kidding"
"So all this time?"
The students murmured.
"There were reports of a student stealing drugs from the medical centre. And it's now been confirmed it was him."
"Seriously?"
A student voice reached forward.
"Miss Claire please come forward."
Principal Edmund continued.
The school nurse Miss Claire came up to him. Check board in hand, dressed in her usual white uniform.
"I don't want to miss lead, please tell us about these drugs."
Principle Edmund stepped away from the podium.
Miss Claire nodded and turned to the podium.
"Morning, id first like to ask you all to refrain from taking of drugs without proper supervision"
"Please speak to me first to ensure this doesn't happen again."
She paused for a moment. Making room to glance at her check board.
"The drug stolen, was Cryzine Trihydrochlorate"
"The heck is that?"
"Sounds like some compound you'd find in Area 51"
"I'd say more like CIA Lethal injections"
Students continued to murmur. Aria pulled out her notebook, Rin studied the crowd while Shoko didn't turn away from the Principal, not for a second.
Miss Claire cleared her throat and continued.
"It's used in small amounts to help aid depression, anxiety and weakness of muscles."
"Taken in excess can lead to pale skin, black veins visible around the wrists, dark sclera and abnormal mental activity."
A loud Gasp went through the halls. Everyone was in silent shock. Miss Claire was startled for a moment. She didn't expect that kind of reaction. Her face was squashed by curiosity, so she asked.
"Is there—"
"Thank you Miss Claire."
The principle walked up to the podium. Miss Claire was spooked by the sudden impulse but submitted almost immediately.
"What was that?"
Aria questioned.
"I don't know"
Rin responded.
"According to the police he was taking these drugs at the rooftop and fell to his demise."
Principal Edmund continued.
"Probably due to overwhelming depression or mental illness."
A low grunt crawled through Shoko's teeth. Aria and Rin both looked at him, wondering what was on his mind. For the first time his face visibly displayed pure frustration.
"Students!"
Principle Edmund exclaimed.
"This cannot be happening!."
"This is Valley crest academy!"
"The single most prestigious and excellent College in all of Riverton."
"Therefore, you all are the most prestigious and excellent students in Riverton"
He raised his fingers, noting each core principle.
"Discipline! Tradition! Excellence! That is the ValleyCrest code."
"You all have a legacy to live up to"
"And you can and will. But if you fall to pitiful acts like these"
He paused to breathe, straightening his back as he continued in a low tone.
"You will fail indefinitely"
His words pierced through the chests of many, like a stab in an open wound.
"Raise your heads high, Let this not be a downer but a reminder to wake up"
"Life is precious "
He shook his fists.
"And can be taken away"
SNAP…his fingers cried.
"Just like that"
"But legacy. Legacy is forever."
"Your names will be etched in stone as long as you keep up the good work, and continue to excel."
" Be your brother's keeper."
He stretched out his hands to the ever attentive crowd.
"We ride together and together, we will achieve greatness!"
"That! Is what we… are all about!"
Like the roar of a tempered lion, claps shook the hall and the Principle leaned back with a smile. Shoko's eyes were still locked on the Principal, like a tiger measuring its prey. Principle Edmund then looked directly at Shoko. His gaze searching beyond the eyes. His smile grew wider before turning away from Shoko.
"I hope you all enjoy the festive activities that are to come."
Everyone rose as the principle walked out of the hall. To everyone's surprise Shoko stood up as well. The only words that escaped his mouth were "Vanderlin."
CHAPTER SIX: HIS MAJESTY.