I never believed this could happen.
A full scholarship.
Most prestigious school in the country.
Life can't get better.
Or so I thought...
---
"Morning Maxine." Max's roommate ushered for her to get up.
Her response was a simple annoyed sigh.
"You know that you have to vacate this hellhole."
Getting the silent treatment the roommate tried again.
"I am kinda jealous you get to leave though..."
After a while of trying to ignore the girl and falling back to sleep, Max went against the odds and managed to get up and get to the bathroom, trying her best not to trip over the clothes scattered all over the floor.
It didn't take long and the slightly annoying roommate crept into the doorway attempting to communicate.
"You know you got quite lucky getting accepted to that snob school."
Max only shrugged and kept on brushing her teeth.
"Alright alright... why am I even trying with you." The girl threw her hands up as she left the bathroom.
Maxine didn't want to be rude. However, after a night of celebrations, her head was anywhere but on top of her aching shoulders.
After a while of occupying the bathroom, Max finally looked like a human being, looked at her roommate through the small square mirror, and replied to the person sitting next to her bed.
"Yea... but I'll miss you. Who will be there to annoy me and wake me up?"
Max was met with a genuine heartwarming smile. "Well, I still can and will call you."
"I hope so!" Max exclaimed as she tied her long chestnut hair into a ponytail.
"You should stop talking and get going. Look at the time."
"Oh no! I am going to miss the train!"
She yelled as she ran to the entrance door, nearly kicking over the coffee table next to the sofa that was in her way and collecting all her belongings along the way.
As Maxine neared the entrance door a hand pulled her back into a tight hug.
"It will be lonely and boring without you here."
"I know. But I will come back on holidays"
"I hope so... now go. If you miss the train you won't get into the school."
"Got it. Love you." Max replied as she hugged the girl back. A kiss on the forehead was the last goodbye she received as she ran out of the apartment.
---
Didn't take long and she arrived at the train station.
A large modern train already waited on the track. Its yellow and white tint was calming and the noble crests of the school were displayed as well.
Max approached the door and slid a card across the scanner next to them.
"Good morning Ms. Maxine. Coupe no.3 to your left. Enjoy the ride" A monotone voice spoke from a nearby radio.
After a while of strolling around in awe, she took a seat in the empty coupe no.3
She waited for anyone to come and join her but no one came. She heard some walking but unfortunately, not a single person entered her coupe.
After a while, she dozed off... typical.
****
"Good afternoon attendants" a radio creaked to life.
I was getting bored out of my mind on this train ride. The school has its own trains and a station. There is no one with me in the coupe so it was really quiet.
"Now that you are on your way let me introduce you to your assignment, Ms. Maxine."
Looking out of the train observing the peaceful scenery was calming. And the radio...
...wait...
WHAT ?!
My attention instantly tended to the radio. A message just for me? What could it be? Many questions flooded my head.
Before I could take any action all windows turned black and the lock on the coupe door clicked.
"Wha... what?!"
Lack of light frustrated me as I tried to comprehend what just happened. I stood up in an attempt to find a light switch and a bright light blinded me.
"We welcome you to Darkwell High and hope you'll enjoy your stay"
The screen had the school's logo on it. I calmed down thinking it was just a welcoming ceremony of sorts.
"You are among one of fifteen other students with a scholarship. Congratulations!"
I sat back down and watched the screen now displaying confetti and other celebratory things.
"Now to explain this introduction."
.
.
.
"You and the others among this 15 are chosen to be the next participants of the annual tradition."
.
.
.
"You will be playing a game we like to call..."
"HIGANBANA"
I was getting more and more confused. A game? Seriously?
And why me?
"Now without further interruption, let's explain the game and its rules"
Higanbana is a traditional game played for centuries.
Fifteen attendants.
One winner.
You will receive basic information about your target.
You must eliminate that target.
But be quick! Because one of the others is after you!
After eliminating your target, you receive their target.
"Simple isn't it? Now the rules."
1. You may only eliminate your target.
2. Only other participants may witness eliminations.
3. It is forbidden to inform anyone of the game or anything surrounding it.
4. You may not endanger other students with your assassination.
5. No leaving the school premises. The only exceptions are school trips etc.
"To ensure your obedience a small pill with poison will be inserted into your neck."
As I heard all this it made me panic.
I banged on the door. Screamed.
After a while of trying to escape the coupe, a strange smell snuck into my nose.
Suddenly I felt dizzy.
I'll just...
Take a break...
...
YOU ARE READING
Withered Roses
Mystery / ThrillerWhat would you do if you had to take lives to protect yourself. A question alot of us asked atleast once in their lives... but the answer is the most riveting. What would you do? With Maxine this question was made a reality as she started her studie...
