S'mores Cookies

~°°~

These days, I've been craving for this taste. I had rather missed it. I missed it for decades.

The quill in my hand gleams red like a warning. I hear a growl in a distance. It must have been following me.

~°°~

It all started with a simple question, one of child-like curiosity. They still remembered how they laid down on the meadow under the cool shades of the few trees in the Dome. They remembered how they carefully sketched the falling sunset with only books as the reference, feeling the tiredness of their fingers and hearing the pleasing sound of the pen's nib against the paper.

Then, when they're done, they'd smile as they said out loud, "I wonder what the outside looks like.."

Boreas would then say that while the sketch was beautiful, it wasn't accurate. He'd rant about what the teachers said with his annoying, knowing tone, explaining the darkness, demons, yada yada and how Eris should listen to the lessons. His hair was still long then, moles smaller and his voice was laughably shrill. Lethe snarked a comment about Boreas being a teacher's pet.

Then, they'd race. Lethe loved running, Eris loved chasing and Boreas would just want to sleep.

It was a moment that held no true importance perhaps, even uninteresting. It was just the time that Eris dreamed that they'd see the sky together. Free.

The next morning, askew cemented floor replaced that old meadow, transformed into a training ground.

~°°~

Only the best were chosen. And when one was not chosen, they became the Unpassed. Three days after the Ownership Ceremony, the Procession of Unpasseds would be held and they would be sent to the Stronghold.

They had to be strong because the demons beyond weren't kind. It was inscribed in their books by ancient men and women with young hearts. They had told them the demons' massacre of humankind—they described the frightening, bitter taste of being on the brink of extinction. Freedom had a price and it demanded sacrifice. Through these unknown heroes' sacrifices, they were safe. Perhaps, too safe.

They had once heard a couple of fellow classmates saying that they would just fail their studies and just live in the Stronghold. Some wanted to be an Elderstire just to become a Professor and live inside the Dome. The Dome and the Stronghold stood for decades. Why would it fall now? Eris held back a snort.

History was an elusive storyteller. And when storytellers ran out of tales to tell, they would repeat their old ones. And even if, hypothetically it did stand strong forever, why would anyone want to stay?

Eris stared at the cobbled walls and roofs. The world they lived in was gray. They were of rocks, statues, books and voices. Voices that clamored for them to be better; to be smarter and stronger. They were loud and distracting as they dared them and taunted. So, at the age of seven, they gave up her small hobby of drawing and focused on their studies. They weren't that good at it anyway and being a hero sounded way better than a painter. So simply, they just imagined how the colors mixed and how the outlines formed from now on.

Rays from the Light Tower barely warmed them, a poor imitation of the sun's. Every day consisted of learning, studying, eating and sleeping, then repeating. Again and again. A boorish world with a numb-mindingly boorish routine. How can one be content with this?

And currently, here they sat in the Second Sector's Office of the Head Professor, the way to freedom getting squandered.

"You failed. Yet, you snuck onto the Ancient Library, went ahead and got your Peculiar without permission." The Head of the First Sector, Professor Eugene Noirin said. The insistent tapping of fingers against the desk rang loud in their ears. "Your Peculiar was unstable and due to it, you almost suffocated to death."

Eris didn't even remember it. "Yes," they said, to appease.

Eris had heard of the Permeation girl who got her knee split. They could still hear her pained grunts as they walked out of the Healing Lodge. Usually, when one got an Unstable Peculiar that could be potentially dangerous to the owner, their Ownership Contract would be nullified by the Principal. The owner would then be declared Peculiar-less and—just like the Unpassed—sent away from the Dome.

Eris got their Peculiar and it's Unstable. What was worse—they clutched their chest as they choked blood in the bathroom earlier—was that it hadn't bonded with them properly. It was as if everything was against the thing they wanted.

They still remembered the way they transformed; unable to utter words nor could their lungs grasp air as the looming darkness swallowed them whole and reduced them useless. In hindsight, a Peculiar that would transform you into any item you saw sounded great. Until you ruefully realized that items didn't have eyes and noses, and died by suffocation.

They had been given Thalamide. It would temporarily erase their Peculiar. But, it was still advised that they had to close their eyes in case the effects of Thalamide died unexpectedly.

"Don't worry about your Peculiar, kid," the Professor said. "The contract will be soon nulled and you can soon open your eyes without dying and all that chest pain would be gone," he cheerfully assured. "You should start packing for the Procession of the Unpa—"

"I don't want it gone."

"Pardon?"

Eris gripped the jagged, wooden edges of the chair as they pleaded, "I want to stay in the Dome, sir."

"First of all... You didn't pass requirements," Professor Noirin snorted. "And, to be frank, kiddo, suffocating is a shitty way to die. Oh wait, I shouldn't curse."

"Please, sir. I promise that I won't open my eyes. I wanna stay. I'd even stitch my eye—"

"Erm. Please don't do that," interrupted the Professor. Eris heard his rough sigh. "The Dome will always prioritize your safety. You can't rely on Thalamide forever. It can kill you. Unless you can find a way to use your Peculiar safely, you can't stay kiddo, not to mention, do you really think that without your eyesight you could catch on with others?" His chair lurched as he leaned forward.

"The Krowan guy could do it." Eris timidly cocked their head. "I see no reason why I couldn't."

"ID 86.903 is a special case. What's more, your Peculiar isn't bonded completely."

Special this, special that. An old memory flitted in her mind, tasting sordid on her tongue. At that time it was a girl with auburn hair and emerald eyes. Eris bit back a snarl as they replied back indignantly, "And?"

The Professor hummed and though unable to currently see, they felt his analyzing eyes. "Well, there is a way," he said. "But, you don't have to do it. It's hard and you probably can't find them."

The words, the tone of his voice, the creasing of papers, the continuous tapping of his shoes against the tiles, it all annoyed Eris to no end. They practically spat, "I'll do it. What do I have to do?"

"Okay, then.." There's a small smirk on the Professor's face, they could feel it, hear it; a triumphant cheer on his voice. "Well.." he paused, stilting the air as he once again continued the meticulous tapping of his fingers. "You see yesterday, someone tried to burn down the Healing Lodge."

"What? Why?"

"Right? Then, I got blamed. I just arrived, like, two days ago." The Professor grumbled under his breath as he somberly sighed. "We suspected it might be one of your friends trying to visit you or something like that. If you ever found out who would you please tell us?"

"Of course, sir. But, I don't understand—I mean, I'm honored sir, but—"

He suddenly interrupted as he stood up, his haughty footsteps patting the tiles, "The Procession of the Unpassed will happen in exactly three days. Unless you somehow find a way to see without your eyes." He chuckled at the mere idea, "you're a goner, kid."

Eris gulped.

"But, I'm giving you a way out. If you ever find out who did it, the Principal will let you be."

They sat up straighter. "You're saying—"

They heard his grin through his words, "Yes."

Eris crinkled the bridge of their nose as their eyebrows creased. "Isn't this..." they paused, deepening their frown. "This is cheating.."

"What? No." The professor let out a burly chortle. Despite his claim, Eris noticed that he said no further explanations. "Besides, didn't you want this?" he coaxed. "You won't be an Unpassed. You'll participate in the choosing of Elderstires."

Eris hesitantly nodded, fingers scratching their neck. They felt the small numbers imprinted on it,their ID number. It burned on their skin. "I suppose I do. I'll find the arsonist, sir."

"Also, don't tell anyone about the fire. We don't want students to be distracted by trivial things. Just tell me."

Trivial, he said, yet was willing to break a guideline for it. Eris raised a brow but replied, "Okay, sir."

"Good," he said gently, the small grin on his face widening. The professor clapped his hands together. "Well, then. This conversation is over. Thalamide effect will disappear soon. This chair will help you to your classes, just in case."

Eris nodded their head, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as they were led to her class by a very nice chair.

~°°~

The rays of the Light Tower heated their skin and glinted the pastel walls. I bet marshmallows will roast nicely in the Light Tower. Perhaps, it'll melt when pressed with a cookie fresh from the oven.

Cool air carried the smell of mint and parchments, soothing the frazzled students and calming the relentless schoolwork. Today was a nice Wednesday. Unless you were named Eris Heindell.

Thalamide could only be given twice a week. The effect had died down just three minutes ago.

Thirty fucking times. That was the total of times they had accidentally opened her eyes and turned into some cabinet. Chatters emanated seemingly from everywhere. In its muddled midst, they discerned the lyrical voice of Rycella Gullerva as she, once again, perfectly answered the Professor's question.

Eris gritted their teeth, hand tightly gripping their pen until pain trickled from their joints. As usual, little Miss Perfect was still being perfect. It was getting on their nerves, more so than usual. Indeed, this day had been one of the worst; stupid, unusable Peculiars, constantly getting swallowed by lockers, and Boreas babying them. Lethe was spacing out.

The brunette had been acting off today. Eris could understand. The workload these days was too much. The three days before the Procession of the Unpassed were supposed to be their break, however, because the Ceremony was held in advance, lessons of two years were crammed into three days.

All of them were gonna die, not through demons nor darkness nor the acts of heroics, but by Algebra.

The rapping of pens, the frantic writing, the grumblings of sunken-eyed students and teachers as both slowly withered, mocked by time. The rough sound of chalk against the board and the crumpling of scribbled papers—all were what decorated the world beyond her closed eyes. Recording Glyphs were stashed on Eris' hands with the intent to document the lessons and replay them at night until they expired.

Atleast, today's lesson was shorter. Today was thankfully Wednesday. Laundry day.

"Lethe?" Eris whispered at the brunette as the clock finally chimed and all ran out of the classroom. "The amazing? Beloved? Darling? Can you—"

"No."

"I haven't even said anything."

"Let me guess, you want me to do your laundry," Lethe flatly said and Eris could imagine her face, bored and round, and eyes half-lidded.

Eris pouted. "How did you know?"

"You're predictable. And dumb. I'm not."

"Rude." Eris let the chair lead them. "You feeling fine? You were odd earlier. More so than usual. You tied your necktie correctly. Boreas said so."

"Of all the things, that's what you're shocked about?" Incredulity seeped into the brunette's voice. "I know how to do basic manners. I just don't do them cause why not?" Lethe rolled her eyes. Probably. Eris wasn't sure but it seemed to fit her and the scenario. "It's just.. We wear them every day. Doesn't that bore the shit out of you?"

"You didn't answer the question," Eris noted, tone edged into accusatory. They felt the brunette halt and for a moment, heard only their own footsteps.

"Just had a weird dream," she curtly replied. "How about you? With your Peculiar stuff? I heard you got called to the Head Professor's Office."

Eris grimaced, lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah. I was told I'd be sent to the Stronghold."

The brunette paused again. "Huh."

Eris felt their face twist into a frown. Lethe was uncharacteristically silent today. They opened their mouth to speak, only to have their face slammed against something cold and sturdy—a door. The door to Lethe's dorm to be exact.

They heard a snicker behind.

"Atleast, someone was having fun. I hate you." Eris massaged their reddened nose, grumbles muttered under their breath.

"I forgot," Lethe chortled maniacally. "The password is a member's ID number." She faced the door, cheeks still pinked by laughter as she muttered, "ID 93.452."

The door clicked open.

"Voila." Lethe practically jumped inside, vibrating in excitement. Eris internally raised a brow at the sudden energy of the snarky brunette but didn't comment. "There's two free beds. You can sleep in here. We even have our own bathroom. Doesn't it look great?"

A tired sigh escaped Eris' lips, a hand caressing their closed eyelids. "Lethe."

"Oh. Right. I keep forgetting."

"I'm sensing a theme here."

Another voice interrupted their conversation, lyrical, eloquent and a total pain in the arse to listen. Eris could imagine those poop-green eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Can both of you please quiet it down? I'm studying."

"How are you here?" Eris asked despite knowing the answer, their insides clotted and numb. They heard something slammed shut, a book perhaps, as Rycella sharply exhaled.

"I walked."

Lethe took out a pie and ate it, biting off an amused snigger.

Eris felt their nostrils flare. "I am not gonna be sleeping a meter near to Rycella Gullerva."

"Oh, wow. I wonder who asked for your opinion," retorted the redhead. "If it eases your sleep for the night, Heindell, I do not snore as loud as you."

"Hello, fellow kids. I exist," Lethe said sarcastically. The brunette was heaving, prying out her clothes from the lockers. "Eris—help—fight later when I have popcorn." A yelp rang out, as the locker lunged for the pie in her hand. "Fuck, it bit me."

Yes, ask help from the person who couldn't open their bloody eyes, thought Eris but went in the direction of her voice, eager to help and not talk to the redhead. Slowly, they scooped out their clothes from the locker's stomachs, grunting and yelping when the locker's fangs would scratch and dig deep into their skin.

Eris muttered as they aimed a kick at the lockers but embarrassingly missed, "I can't believe there are man-eating lockers but not anything to do our laundry. This school is full of bullshit."

"Kicking them is futile. Tickle them instead," Rycella said slowly from behind.

The black-haired student snapped their head in her direction, as they carried the dirty clothes to a basket. "Oh, nice advice. Maybe you should have told that earlier?"

"I was afraid your ego would not take it well."

Heat filled their cheeks and probably pinked their ears as a retort was hastily formed in their throat only to be halted again.

Lethe suddenly spoke with such seriousness as she stood up and took the basket off Eris' hands, "I'll do your laundry, Eris."

"Really?!" A grin tugged Eris' face. They thought they had to beg or go down on their knees or probably hear the girl's old advice, 'Just wear 'em inside out,' or just a blatant 'No.' "What's with the sudden change of heart?"

"Eh, nothing." A lie. "I'm gonna go and clean the clothes. Bye." The brunette scampered off, and an odd sense of determination seeped into her voice. The doors clamped closed once again, ringing silently. And now they're all alone with Gullerva.

"Right," Eris dazedly said to no one in particular as they absent-mindedly caressed the wooden chair that had led them to wherever they had asked of it. "I'm going to the training grounds."

The redhead just hummed in response, clearly uninterested. It was odd really, that her silence stung much more forlornly than any insult. Simply, Rycella Gullerva just didn't care. As always. The chair dragged them away and Eris let the door close.

~°°~