Short Stories

Caged

A beautiful cage is the best way to describe this place. A pristine landscape, where we can find whatever we may need, and then some. This also the only known area protected from the dangers in the wastelands that surround the Academy.

Since it was the Academy's board of directors who managed to create this all, every new addition is simply an extension to the Academy itself. So, even though it is the size of a large village, it is collectively refered to as the Academy.

Everyone lives in peace, providing their services wherever they are needed,abiding by the rules, and staying here where it's safe. The perfect place to live in, that is if you are a conformist.

It is lunchtime, and just like every other day, I sit at the windowsill of a classroom at the central building. I make a point to eat as far away as possible from any other person.

They all see me as an outcast, so I would much rather be on my own than endure more taunts than necessary.

I look across at the bright blue sky, a most pleasant sight to behold. It's hard to imagine that there might be anything else lying beyond the brutalities of the wastelands. Even harder to imagine that we might one day be free to do as we please, in another land beyond this barrier.

My thoughts are distracted as a group of students come rushing in a frenzied state. Several yards behind them is a large reptilian creature. It doesn't appear to be the usual dragon type, so it's probably a hybrid, a new type of creature. And somehow, it managed to get through the protective barrier.

I jump off the windowsill and dump my almost finished lunch into the garbage drum a few feet to my right.

The creature suddenly comes to a standstill, uncertain of where to turn next. It seems that it is only able to use it's sense of hearing most effectively, so as slowly and quietly as possible, I sneak away past this building and run in the opposite direction of the commotion.

As I look back, I see the other students observing as I escape safely. They realize the monsters shortcomings and become quiet so they can manage to get away as well. They all seemed simultaneously amazed and annoyed at the fact that I was able to figure this out before any of them could. I simply make my way as far from them all.

At the center of the village is the Academy, the school we all attend. The place that ensures each person who graduates will abide by all the rules, no matter what, the conformists.

Directly surrounding the school buildings are the dormitories and a few eating areas. Beyond these are the various recreational buildings and sites. This includes everything you might think of, which makes the directors proud to think that everyone's mind is kept distracted. I mean wouldn't you be happy if there was a cinema, a waterfall, a gaming room, and various cafés, just yards away from each other?

If everyone's minds are preoccupied with fun and games, there is no room for unnecessary thoughts. No need for anyone to question the way things are, nor to dream of escape and freedom elsewhere.

I make my way to my favorite building in the entire area. I am not entirely sure what type of building it it is, but it is a cross between a lighthouse and a tower. Half of the bottom floor is used as a storage room, while the other half is a bathroom.

Instinctively, I glance behind my back, surprised at the two persons who seem to have followed me. I recognize them immediately and head into the girls bathroom.

Eric and his sister Fiona. Two persons who treat me completely differently. Eric is the only person who has ever been friendly towards me, while his sister treats me like the definition of despicable.

I headed into the bathroom thinking I could avoid them, only to become aware of Fiona's presence as I heard her usual grunt of disapproval.

"How many times do I need to tell you to stay away from my brother! You'll only end up getting him in trouble! I'll get you expelled from the Academy, just you wait!"