Elimination Program // 失格プログラム

Đ₳Ɏ ₮₩Ø (₱₳Ɽ₮ Ø₦Ɇ)

Tuesday morning began much the same as Monday had. Dark clouds still loomed above as heavy water droplets fell from the sky at a rapid rate with harsh winds to knock the droplets off their course. The gloomy vibes given off by the weather was affecting those who lived amongst it, causing the citizens to be more downhearted than usual. The dreariness in the air weighed heavily on those who breathed it in.

The weather's negative effect was evident in citizens across the state, but particularly in Warwick High School where the weather was the worst. Students sat at their desks, staring absentmindedly at their books or the projector in front of them, and teachers halfheartedly talked through whatever it was they were meant to be teaching. In every single classroom, it was obvious that nobody in it wanted to be there. The rest of the staff members, from security to the principal, were very much the same.

By the time lunch came around, the weather hadn't eased up at all. The rain seemed to pour heavier and the clouds appeared to have grown darker. With the unpleasant weather, students were advised to spend their break time inside. Most met with their friends in empty classrooms while others spent their time in the corridors.

Within a classroom on the south wing of the school, a group of three students sat at a desk and talked amongst themselves. Ceres, along with her two friends Juno Garland and Icarus Brenwell, sat back in her chair and ate slowly. The three talked about many things, from the bad weather to how badly Juno did on a maths test, until Ceres realised they were missing a member of their squad.

"Hey guys, where's Venus?" she asked her friends.

"I'm not sure," Juno answered. "Have you tried messaging her?"

"Not yet, but I'll try calling her now."

"Sorry guys, I'm here," a tired voice spoke as the aforementioned girl entered the room.

Everyone's eyes landed on her and concern immediately welled up within them. Venus looked far worse than she had the day before, almost to the point where her friends were surprised she could still stand. The bags under her eyes almost looked like she had been punched and her pale lips looked grey and chapped. Her skin looked ghastly grey with no life, her blue veins so visible it looked as though someone drew them on with a marker. Nevertheless, the girl forced a smile upon her face.

As she sat down next to him, Icarus asked her, "Are you okay? You really don't look well at all."

"Oh, I'm fine," Venus tried to reassure. "I was just up late last night."

"Just last night?" Juno exclaimed. "You look like you haven't slept in months."

"Woah, no need to put it so rudely," the male chided.

"As if you said it any better."

"Try to be more considerate, won't you?"

Ceres rolled her eyes at the two's bickering and spoke to her best friend, "They'll never get any better, will they?"

"I don't think so," Venus responded. "I don't think they'll ever change."

"Anyway," Ceres moved on. "What's been going on? You look really worn out."

"Like I said, I was up late last night."

"Doing what?"

"I was making some preparations," Venus answered vaguely.

"School stuff?" the blonde asked.

Nodding her head, the tired girl answered curtly, " Yeah, just school stuff."

The other two ceased their bickering and the four began talking about their plans for after exams. Although there were still a few weeks until their assessments took place, they had all thought about the blissful break they'd have when their impending doom would be over. It was less than month until they students were free from the stresses of their midyear exams, but the light at the end of the tunnel was barely even visible. It seemed like they would never be able to escape from the constraints of the pressure placed upon them.