Another You, Another Me

The Pink Milk Monster

Author's Note: Most of the major events in the actual series will eventually happen, but due to the AU nature of this story, don't expect the exact chronology of events to occur as in the original. So if you're a bit confused why certain things happen before it's originally supposed to, and why others are delayed, there's that reason :)

He moves mechanically, putting one foot in front of the other, repeating the process without thought, his mind completely focused on taking flight as to spare him from the horror of remembering.

The ache in his bones did not stop him from moving, the scalding pain as the torn flesh of his feet meet the rough edges of the dirt road did not register, the numbness from the chill as he walked with only a tattered chiton in the cold Autumn evening did not matter.

All he cared about was putting distance between himself and that cursed place.

The blessed quiet in both his mind and the actual surrounding was suddenly shattered by loud voices demanding for him to halt in his tracks. Without meaning to, he unconsciously tightened his hold around the burden he was carrying.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

He looked at the pair of guards standing in his way, their spears held in front of them, and alert eyes cataloguing his injuries before landing on the wrapped body in his arms. There is stilted silence, as he chose not to answer them.

"We asked you, stranger, who are you and what is your business here in Athens?"

He looks at them blankly for a few heartbeats, unwilling to open his mouth to answer their query. This was not appreciated by the guards and they raised their spears threateningly.

"If you refuse to talk, we will be forced to take you captive to present to our Captain. Lower that body to the ground and come with us peacefully, no harm will come to you."

The other guard made a move to go near him, and he almost dropped his precious cargo in his haste to move back. This caused both guards to be more alert, now pointing the spear in his direction.

"This is your last chance. Who are you and what is your purpose in the city?"

Feeling as though he was choking on sand, he forced himself to speak, if only to ensure that they won't think of asking him to let go of what was in his arms.

"Phaidros. I am Phaidros of Acharnae, and I have need of your assistance. Send word to General Anteros - tell him his grandson has been aggrieved and is baying for vengeance."

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"Have you heard? It's all over the school forum!"

"Hah! I hope the Dean cracks down on them soon, I can't stand the torture any longer!"

"I told you ages ago, we should stop going to the gatherings, it's really pointless anyway."

The cafeteria was abuzz with the latest gossip posted on the ever reliable University Forum. Apparently, one freshman living in the dormitory populated by a lot of the third year students heard that the Engineering Hazing team was in hot water with the school's Board of Governors.

Rumor has it that some parents are demanding for the University to put a stop to the SOTUS system, as it is nothing more than an antiquated ritual from the past that no longer has a place in today's society.