Lesson One - A Monster School Fic

Chapter Twenty Five - Art Class

DISCLAIMER: I am aware that this is not how pottery works irl. I wanted to do something slightly more interesting than Minecraft pottery which just uses a crafting table. Please enjoy.

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You patted gingerly at the soft clay in front of you, trying to keep the narrowing walls from collapsing as the pot before you grew taller.

"Careful," Isabelle urged, three of her six hands positioned to catch the pot should it start to tip over. You didn't answer, completely focused on the task at hand. Even though Herobrine had assured you that making something sturdy was not required for a good grade, your competitive streak still had you determined to make something that could outdo some of your less cautious classmates.

This week's art class consisted of pottery, crafting pots of various sizes and things such as plates and bowls. It didn't look to you like anyone in the class had any clue what they were doing, but at least you all were having fun.

You had been partnered up with Isabelle today, Silvia's older cousin. You hadn't had much opportunity to connect with her so far, and, though she seemed a little bit high-strung, you were finding her to be friendly enough. Since she had a couple of years on you, she seemed inclined to treat you like she did her younger cousin, and while it irked you slightly to be mothered it was better than some alternatives.

"Okay," you announced, carefully drawing your hands back. "I'm going to press the stamp into it now." Isabelle remained poised to catch the pot as you stepped back, collecting a raised plate and pressing it gently into the side of your pot to create a design. You held your breath as you pulled it back, and, miraculously, the walls of your pot held.

...for about five seconds before the entire thing collapsed in on itself.

"Noooo," Isabelle whined, laying one tentative hand on top of the pile of clay. "Now we have to start over." You nodded sadly, glancing around the classroom to check on your classmates' progress. A few of the pairs were working on one small thing each, such as Kai and Marrow, while others, like Cray and Silt, were trying to make as large of a pot as possible.

Your gaze strayed over to Morephus' seat in the corner, where your phantom classmate was sitting and watching listlessly as his partner, Xa-Tul, tried to shape her mound of clay into a bowl. Morpheus had been late to class again today, and he looked exhausted. You made a note to ask him about it at lunch, since you had forgotten the previous day.

Isabelle was trying to squish all the clay back together into a big lump again when you looked back to her, and you grabbed your provided pitcher of water to try and help. However, when you looked inside, you found that your supply had been exhausted. You leaned around Isabelle to seek out your teacher, opening your mouth to ask for a refill.

Instead, your question died on your lips when you realized that Herobrine was asleep.

You fell silent, staring at him where he slept at the front of the classroom. You had never seen your teacher in a state other than poised and alert before. Even when you spent several nights in his room, you'd never seen him sleep, only occasionally heard faint sounds as you floated in and out of wakefulness. Now, however, he seemed completely out, folded over his desk with his head pillowed on his folded arms.

"Oh," you whispered. Isabelle shot you a quizzical glance, then followed your gaze, before her top right hand flew to cover her mouth.

"Oh," she echoed. Your voices attracted the attention of your fellow classmates, and the soft hubbub of the classroom faded away as more and more of your classmates focused on your sleeping teacher.

You shot a glance at Fade, who was hovering over Geode's shoulder, for direction. Unfortunately, the enderman seemed just as shocked as you were.

"What do we do?" Cray hissed loudly, only to be hushed by Soot.