Atlas 2

The torch above me flickered, casting shadows as I watched the slumped body lying on the floor. I quickly turned away. Rule 8: Lingering in death curses you for eternity. Though the phrase might be different, my interpretation is to avoid the dead body. My hands could still feel the echo of the pulse against my skin, most likely the relief of being done with a task.

Now let's visit the principal!

I took long steps since running was prohibited, but I was in a hurry. The principal usually left if I were sinfully late. But I made it on time. The door to his office had a gap in-between. I am not late.

I stood there for a moment to arrange my clothes, smoothing down the fabric, making sure no crease was out of place before knocking.

"Come in."

I opened the door and walked inside. The office smelt of old wood and something sweet, like dried fruit. He was sitting on his desk, his hand under his chin. He beamed on seeing me enter. "My boy, how was the day…" He stood up and motioned for me to take a seat. The chair creaked softly as I slowly slipped into place.

"It was ok. I was done with my work."

"Good boy!" He patted my head. "Want candy?"

"N-no sir…" I shook my head, but he had already pulled out a handful of sweets from his cupboard. Their wrappers crinkled in my palm as he shoved them to me.

I tightened my hands around the candies, feeling their hard edges press into my skin. "Thank you."

"Now, get some sleep. You have to send those students to a better place again tomorrow."

"Sir…" I paused; I wasn't sure if I was supposed to ask.

"Go on."

"Is it possible if I send two students? I mean, there is nothing in the rules. And..."

"Good question." He giggled, leaning back in his seat. The wood groaned beneath him. "But you know whities and blackies are equal in number.”

He leaned forward in an extremely enthusiastic manner. “I call white haired ones 'Whities' and black haired ones 'Blackies'."

I blinked. "O-okay."

“That’s cool, right?" He chuckled, waiting for me to say something.

“T-that’s cool.” I gave him a smile which I knew was extremely fake.

“Alrighty, so as I was saying, if one sends more than one, then one Blackie won't be able to perform their nightly duties and might lose their senses. Can't let that happen to my dear students." He made an exaggerated pout. And leaned his head down and pointed at him.

"Excuse me, sir."

"Head pat me", he tilted his head. The fabric of his hat brushed against the lamp above, casting a brief flicker of shadow.

I shook my head.

"Fair enough." He straightened with a smile. "Now get along. I need to get the daily supply of whities."

I stood up and walked out. I smiled as I unwrapped a candy. The paper tore with a soft rip. I looked at the wrapper. There was no rule about what was supposed to be done with it, so I shoved it in my mouth and swallowed it while fighting back my vomit reflux. Then I tossed the candy in next, and the sweetness coated my mouth.

I made my way towards my room. For some reason I am always forgetful about the location of my room. I passed many, many paintings, but I didn't dare looking at any. "The rules are meant to be followed. Breaking them unleashes consequences," I chanted. I also believe they are not meant to be questioned either.

I wonder who came up with these rules.

I entered my room, took off the blazer and turned on the lamp. Light filed my small room. I dropped myself on the bed, and from the nightstand I pulled out my favourite book entitled 'Them Rules'.

Though the title might misguide plain-minded ones to think it's a comedy, since it was given to me by the principal, what would one expect? The first page of the book read, 'These rules were compiled together by the wise and experienced to guide many generations.'

I loved this sentence; it would make me think what kind of amazing mind came up with these guidelines. I moved to the last page of the book to read if something new was added. And there indeed was actually a new page. My eyes widened when I read the contents... but how?

Rule 1834

A hand can be washed with blood once a day, but be sure its supply is from a single source.

T...that can't be... I talked to the principal about multiple killings a day and this new rule... I placed it back on the nightstand. I reached for the lamp, but my hand halted. Right turn off the lights two minutes after the reading. My fingers twitched. Did he make this rule? I shook my head.

The morning was usual, with my favourite salty stew and bread. The students chewed slowly, savouring every bite before swallowing. There was silence in the lunchroom apart from the chorus of spoons being dipped into the bowls.

I stopped near the courtyard. My eyes moved to where the rose was, but it was gone. I was about to step into the courtyard to take a better look, but I was pulled back.

"Morning," the principal said, smiling and leaning down. "Want candy?"

"Sir?" I stared at him dumfoundedly.

"I decided to drop so we may start chapter two." He tilted his head, adjusting his hat. "Let's go, kiddo!"

His voice was too loud for the usual daytime. But I nodded and entered the classroom. He followed after me. I sat down on my seat and took out my book. The students hadn't arrived yet, so it'll be just the two of us. I should ask about the new rule.

"Okay, class." The principal's sudden voice shuddered through me. I looked up to tell him the students arrive a little later than this.

"Yes, sir," the chorus erupted.

I looked around the class; it was full of the students. I blinked.

"Dear students", the principal smirked, leaning against the board. "Redemption and reincarnation are the next chapter." He picked up my book and flipped the pages. "And y'all will read it yourself because I am not reading this!" He tossed the book out of the window and waved at everyone. "Tadaa. See, the book vanished."

How can he take everything so non-seriously?

Everyone clapped their hands as he gave us a dramatic bow. He straightened, and words were carved into the board as if someone were doing it with an invisible knife.

The principal moved away and faced the board. "The rules are meant...to be followed... Breaking them unleashes consequences."

He looked at us all. And we quickly recited the mantra. He raised his hand. "Stop." He looked back at the text and then back at us. "Have you thought what the consequences are?"

The room remained silent; I pressed my knuckles. "We'll be cursed..."

He chuckled and moved from one foot to the other. His coat swayed behind him. "Let's go look for your book."

I stood up, every eye in the room on me in sync. It was rare for anyone to stand during the lecture. I walked next to the principal; every head moved towards us.

The principal patted my head and looked at the other students. "Back to reading for the others." Their heads dropped, fingers sliding on the book.

We walked to the courtyard, the wet grass squeezed under our weight. We passed the window of other classrooms and stopped when we reached mine. The principal began looking around and moved towards the bush on the opposite side. "Where it is...where is it...?"

I watched him dig into the bushes; I sighed. "Sir, but... It can't be there."

He didn't seem to notice and continued his search. I approached the bush outside my class; when I pushed into the bush, I saw my book. I tried reaching for it, but my arm was too short. I looked at the principal; he was busy snooping in the classroom next door. I turned back to my book and moved deeper. My fingertips grazed the book's corner when I felt a pull or maybe was it a push but I fell in. When I got up, in the corner I saw a smooth, white, curvy surface. I ran my hand on it; it was warm.

"You found your book?" I heard the principal's voice. I turned around to see, but he was next to me.

I shrieked, scooting away from him. "Sir, you scared me!"

"Sorry." He was on all fours, and his hat was nowhere to be seen. He pointed at the surface. "I was looking for an egg."

"Egg?" I stood up, and that's when I saw it was a child-sized egg. "This is huge!"

He nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, this is one of the whities."

"Huh?"

"When they die, they become these eggs before moving to their next lives.... I couldn't find this one last night."

I stood still; I wanted to ask more questions. He walked, flailing his arms, and picked up the egg. He looked at me with a pout. "Aren't you going to ask how new whities come?"

"I know ... You bring them."

"Yeah... but they are eggs," he leaned forward. "Someone's got to do the egg work." He winked and burst into laughter.

I gave him a crooked smile. It wasn't funny. It was weird. But I didn't want to linger in death any longer, so I decided to change the topic. "So this is your work, huh, sir?"

He nodded. "It's been my job for centuries; someone has to guide the dead souls right!"

I nodded and walked away. He was calling after me, but I decided to avoid the whole person related to death.