Chapter 76: Episode 11- Sloth (9)
Ethan came back alive yesterday. When Aliana told him that Maxine was gone, I expected this massive rampage throughout the school. Surprisingly, nothing happened, and I went to sleep without issue. It was a new day; the red sun was rising, and I wanted to spend it peacefully. I heard the King's scenario would progress today, and my Constellation knew as well. They went crazy, telling me to do anything.
[Your Constellation Sponsor is relieved that you are finally doing something.]
I could hear the annoyance through their voiceless message.
(I should avoid Ethan.)
My common sense told me this, but my nagging anxiety compelled me to observe Ethan and see what he was doing. I didn't want to do it alone, so I made Aliana come with me. We were walking through the halls, but something was off.
"Aliana, why are there so many speakers on the walls?"
"Uh, I dunno. Maybe it's a new intercom system."
"Yeah, but why are they in the lockers?"
Some lockers were forced open, and large and small speakers were stuffed inside.
"Maybe it's a dumb prank."
"Yeah," I said hesitantly.
We approached Marcus's secret classroom entrance and triggered the rope. It fell, and we climbed up. I didn't know what to expect when we finally arrived on the roof. Maybe Ethan would be sword practicing? Would he be reading? The possibilities were endless with this kid, but it seems I didn't do enough imagining.
"Ethan?!"
Aliana shouted in shock, and I almost did too. Ethan was injecting his arm with a needle.
***
I'm not into drugs, I swear. Before the apocalypse, I knew many modern teenagers got into vaping and smoking, but I wasn't one of them. Weed was legal in Washington State (I guess it's still legal since there are no laws anymore), but I never touched that shit.
Like, why would I smoke weed? To calm me down? I don't need drugs; I have aggression, which is the most powerful drug. I don't need to add anything else, or problems might occur. I even hated taking allergy medicine because it made me sleepy.
Although, I love energy drinks. Does that count as a drug? It's a substance affecting my body, so I guess? I dunno, my thoughts are rambling.
As a non-drug addict, seeing the expressions of Aliana and Alicia was hilarious since a syringe was stabbed into my arm.
(They think I'm doing heroin, aren't they?)
"Ethan?!"
I yawned and said, "Aliana, hey."
"Oh my god, I think he's high. Did you hear how slow his voice is?"
(What? I'm just tired, I haven't slept in nearly four days. I only slept for, like, an hour in total.)
"Aliana, I ain't sleep tired, I'm just deprived."
I think I slurred my speech and grunted it, so I don't know what they heard. I could think somewhat clearly, so there was a small solace.
"What?"
"I didn't catch that."
"Guys, I didn't sleep!! I'm not doing drugs!"
"Oh," Aliana deadpanned. "Wait, what? Why the hell didn't you sleep?"
"Eh, reasons," I grunted. "Wanna grab lunch?"
"Don't try to deflect," Alicia interrupted. "What's in that syringe? What are you injecting yourself with?"
"Okay, first, I have some issues with eating hard foods right now, so I need to inject myself with nutrients. That's all it is."
"Why can't you eat normally?"
"It's hard. I got- sick and stuff. It's hard to eat properly."
"Why not?"
"Do I have to explain myself? I just can't eat normal food for now. If you want to check the contents, go ahead."
I threw a vial of my nutrient solution at them. Aliana caught it.
"Okay, why haven't you slept?" Alicia asked.
"Bruh, anxiety attacks, I guess. My mom used to suffer from them when she was stressed. Maybe it's a genetic thing. Come on, who cares about me," I said.
I was about to walk past them and go down the rope, but I forgot something.
(Fuck, I don't wanna drink it, but I have to.)
I swear I am so close to having a heart attack. I can't drink it in front of Alicia and Aliana, or they'll become curious, so I should go ahead and drink it.
"I'll meet you in the cafeteria for breakfast."
I quickly scaled the rope and went into the classroom. I ensured Alicia and Aliana weren't coming and quickly opened my rain jacket. I reached into the inner pocket and pulled out a large aluminum can. It had a black and red design with the words "GFUEL" adorning the side.
This is what I've been using to keep myself awake for hours on end. Lately, I've been abusing this shit harder than a crack addict on cocaine.
(Maybe I do have a problem.)
I popped open the tab and crazily downed the contents. I felt my body shiver from the sensation. It was probably a mental reaction to the caffeine surplus.
[Constellation "Egyptian Thought" says you have a problem.]
[Constellation "Abyssal Black Flame Dragon" is interested in your path of self-destruction.]
[Constellation "General-Slayer" states that self-destructive power leads to short-term gains.]
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspellheim" says you're a fire that will burn quickly.]
My excessive G-Fuel consumption made me feel like shit, but the Constellations' messages didn't help. Actually, it made me feel worse. These faceless eyes are watching and judging, unbeknownst to my struggles, pain, and reasoning.
(You think I like this? That I want to be up like a rabid animal and break down?)
Is this how real drug addicts feel? Being dependent on a substance, and hiding their addiction from others because of the shame? I don't know, I'm not a drug addict, but I couldn't help but imagine.
[Your resistant heart accommodates and distributes the substance throughout your body.]
I heard Aliana and Alicia slowly climbing down the rope. I wanted some distance from them, so I quickened my pace but froze and shivered. Chills ran through my body, making me convulse slightly.
(Goddamnit.)
I ignored the sensation and slowly trekked to the cafeteria. I grabbed my food and drink and looked at it: a piece of bread smaller than a Yu-Gi-Oh card and a scant cup of lukewarm water. How the hell did anyone survive of these tiny rations?
(God, this is going to feel like shit.)
I was planning a big event and needed all the energy I could get. I slowly stuffed the bread into my mouth. Chewing it was easy, it was the swallowing that felt disgusting. After eating liquid foods for days, something more solid felt horrendous.
"Ethan! We're here!"
I saw Alicia and Aliana sit across from me. We ate in silence; I became bored and looked around. I saw some guards looking at me, probably monitoring my behavior. That was bad; too many eyes made it difficult to move and act.
(Whatever. It won't matter after today.)
"Damn, I'm still thirsty," Aliana said. "Hey, do you have some?"
"Sorry, I don't," Alicia said.
"Ethan, Imma take some of yours. I'll pay you back later."
Aliana reached for my water cup. Panicked caused my heart to palpitate.
"NO!"
I quickly swiped my hand, knocking over the cup, and preventing Aliana from drinking from it. This sudden outburst caused a guard to approach. My calm demeanor was dripping away like the spilled water on this table.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
EnderGolem997
EnderGolem997 Sorry, I took a massive break. I suffered a massive nosebleed in June, probably due to heat and stress. Immediately writing this story after exiting my school year was not a wise decision; it was one form of work to another. I needed to breathe and relax my mind.
I became busy here and there; I got surprised with an apartment inspection, but that has passed. These past few days have been pure relaxtion and social interaction. I feel energized again. To be honest, my motivation to write this story started to wane, but I feel committed now. Imma forget a schedule, I think it's better to submit as many chapters as possible before the summer is over. Anyways, happy reading. A more action-packed chapter is up ahead. We are going to a drug den.
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