Postremus

part 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I'm interested. Cambria leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say. Exsilium Inbecilus was not something students usually discussed because they feared it.

"You know how we have a test on it today? Well I couldn't help but wonder, why is it illegal for it to occur during school? Wouldn't that be an obvious way to get rid of those who are unwanted?" Marshal began to look nervous talking about it.

Cambria smiled and replied, "It's illegal because it would leave a bad taste on education. The survivors wouldn't come to school because it'd be too much of a tragedy for them to even look at this place."

What a dunce. Marshal nodded and then turned back around. The classroom was beginning to fill up with more students. Cambria glanced over to a group of girls. They all kept glancing over at her, whsipering, then giggling amongst themselves. It was usual for girls to tease Cambria because she was shy. She couldn't help it, she didn't have anything to say, so why speak at all? But it did take a toll on her daily. Feeling unwanted and outcasted was all she felt. People called her out just because her face always looked "pissed off", even though she wasn't. No one really cared for her, and she knew it, but she tried to not let it bother her. While Cambria was deep in negative thought, the teacher walked in and shut the door behind her.

"Alright everyone take a seat! The test on Exsilium Inbecilus is today so I hope you are prepared." Mrs. Ladris grabbed a stack of papers and began handing them out. "This test is different kiddos! Instead of mulitple choice it's one big short answer. Do your best, no talking or you get a zero and good luck to you all!"

Marshal handed Cambria a paper shakily. She grabbed it gently and placed it on her desk. She studied the paper hard.

           EXSILIUM INBECILUS

Prompt: In your own words, describe as many details and knowledge you have about this event.

Cambria had studied the night before, which caused her to have a breakdown in the middle of the night. She took in a deep breath and released it and began to write:

Exsilium Inbecilus, Latin for 'Exile' and 'Weak'. It occurs every four years for the ages 14-18, grades 9-12. No senior graduates without facing an event. Rare occurances of double events are possible. The event is a surprise, there is no specific date for it. The events can last for weeks or months. All adults and children under the age of 14 are warped to a 'safe zone' off of Concordis. Adults have earned their place, and children are too young and would be wiped out immediatly, that is why they do not participate. All electricity and water supply for those participating is shut off, in order for participants to be extremely resourceful. Food supply is warped as well to an unknown location. The only thing left for food are seeds and tools for gardening. Animals for hunting are released as well. It is illegal for an event to occur during school hours. Events occur before or after the hours of education.

Prompt #2: Describe the Mortuus in your own words.

Mortuus. Latin for 'dead'. Creatures sent to wipe out the weak. The traditional Mortuus resembles an undead human, consumes  living human flesh and runs at a moderate rate. Every event a Mortuus has a modification whether it be strength, intelligence, etc. Mortuus have the ability to infect others through bite. The infected person undergoes a fever and passes quickly, becoming another Mortuus. Defeat of a Mortuus occurs only when an immense amount of pressure is applied to the head, destroying the brain. Mortuus appear out of nowhere during the event, or participants are infected through a virus.

Prompt #3: Why are these events necessary?

The Valentis only want the best, that are a benefit to society. They show no mercy to those who are weak, and exterminate them through these events.

Cambria felt her hand cramp up. She looked at her paper one last time and then gave it to Mrs. Ladris. She looked over it and nodded her head.

"Very well done. You get an A. You hit every point necessary." Mrs. Ladris stamped it with the letter A and gave the paper back to Cambria.

Cambria glanced at the clock and noticed she had 25 minutes left of class. She sighed and put her head on her desk. She slowly closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Cambria awoke to a tap on her shoulder. She looked around and noticed the class was empty. She looked up and noticed it was Marshal.

"You fell asleep and the bell rang. C'mon I'll walk you to class"

Cambria got up and grabbed her backpack. She walked with Marshal to her next class which was math. He stopped by the door and Cambria turned toward him.

"Look, Marshal. I don't want to have some sort of bond with you."

"And why is that?"

Cambria pulled him close and whispered "You know why. If you get killed, I'll feel sorry and do something stupid."

Marshal laughed and then whsipered "I won't get killed. I'm a lot more intelligent than you think. I ask you those stupid questions so you'll view me as a dunce. I'll prove it if you want."

"Alright then prove it" she muttered in embarrassment.

"In time. I'll prove it. Then you'll have no choice but to... 'bond' with me." he laughed again, patted Cambrias shoulder, then walked away.

That guy has some issues. Cambria walked into math class and sat in her seat, eager to observe what Marshal was going to "prove".