Salmonella

Chapter 8

🫧Eight🫧

"A hundred years after the city of Atlantis was founded—This'll be on the mid-term—It was proposed that—"

Someone raises a hand. Prof. Moss squints up the aisle and his eyes narrow in recognition. "Agh, not you." He waves the hand away and returns to the whiteboard. "It was proposed that they build the same architecture there. So that's when a new statue was erected in its place. Now onto the topic of Shallow Reef, because you all—"

"Professor, a question."

"I said not you, Mist," repeats Prof. Moss, writing something on the board and not even turning around. "Or do you want to be kicked out of Fish for real this time?"

"Professor," gasps Istio dramatically, rising from the bench. "Is! That! Necessary! I only want to ask a question!"

"What is it."

"Did you forget that Atlantis was founded by Lord Raymenyseus?"

One of Istio's friends laughs super loud. Then everyone laughs because they love the sound of his iconic laugh, and suddenly it's a whole domino effect of disruption.

Moss sighs into a giant claw. "The city was founded by revolutionaries—"

"Professor, that goes against my religion," gasps Istio, a dramatic hand on his chest. His friend wheezes.

"Then go down the hall to religious studies, because this is a secular mermanities class." A low gasp goes around the room before everymer erupts with applause, but Moss continues his lecture right over it. "Let's get into Shallow Reef now, because you all expressed interest in it and I think it's more relevant than some of the other reefs, since we all live or at least commute here. Ever since Shallow Reef was founded by revolutionaries Cavern Bay and Brackish Sairyn—"

Istio raises his hand.

"What," snaps Moss.

"Wasn't Shallow Reef founded by Poppalinia, though?"

Moss sighs again into his claw. "Historically, no."

"Professor, I..." Istio pouts. "I think that's a little insensitive, to just erase God's daughter from history like that."

"Istio," the old man sighs, "as we all know, Poppalinia Abyss was a real historical figure. That I'm not denying, or trying to 'erase' from history. However, she did not found Shallow Reef. That much was written into versions of Aurorism and Abysssism, but didn't really happen according to historical documents. Yes, she played a large role in the founding, but she couldn't realistically have founded the city, considering she was killed before it was officially founded. So no, Istio. It was founded by revolutionaries. End of story."

I'm surprised he's even taking the time to explain when Istio's clearly just joking around as usual.

I try to ignore him and listen to the lecture because I can't afford to fail another exam, but it's hard to focus. Prof. Moss looks normal one second and the next second there's two of him. Three of him. Ten legs, twenty legs. Dammit, not again. What is wrong with me lately? I clutch my head. I wish this class would just end already. I can't do this here, be in pain in the middle of class where everymer can see. I can't survive 20 more minutes. I need out, I need—

BRIIIING!

The conch on the wall magically rings.

Magic. Miracle. It's a miracle. I see everyone look up in confusion at how fast the time went, but I don't pay it any mind. I don't even pack up my belongings; just sweep everything into my arms and swim out.