The Last Authors

Chapter 3: Words into Action

September 2, 2025
Street

"Hear what happened?" A familiar voice asked as Street sidled up to his table. Chemistry was his least favorite time of the day... it only left him wishing he had taken Physics.

"What happened?" He answered, feeding into his acquaintance's curiosity.

"They're getting rid of books." The boy, properly titled William groaned, joining Street at his table. Street cocked an eyebrow as if inquiring for more information. "Paper, books, authors... the like." He elaborated. "Their reason? People become absorbed in fantasy worlds." He brushed his curly blonde hair  out of his eyes and filled a beaker with bleach.

"Hm." Street grunted in response, turning to the chemicals in front of him.

"It's awful. I mean, in 2022 they got rid of newspapers because of fake news, and now three years later, books because of fake worlds? Seems a little overdone if you ask me." Will snorted.

"I'm sure they had a good reason." Street tried to sound reassuring, but he found himself not at all convinced by his own words.

"Mhm." William muttered, suddenly focused as he mixed two chemicals in a second beaker.

"When do you think they will start? It will probably be a long time before they are able to get all paper related items out of circulation." Street tried to turn the subject. William's eyes brightened.

"That's the interesting thing. Every branch of government is working insanely hard to get this done as soon as possible. It could even start tomorrow. Heck, maybe even today." His eyebrows wiggled. Street's throat suddenly felt dry.

"So soon?" He bit his lip. William shrugged.

"They were pretty serious." He answered, sliding on a pair of goggles and dumping a teaspoon of baking soda into an almost full beaker. Suddenly it shot towards the ceiling, turning into some sort of mush.

"Mr. Cast. Today's lesson was about different chemicals, not combined." The teacher snapped.

"Sorry." William apologized, but he didn't sound sincere.

"Don't let it happen again." She scolded, turning to help some other students.

"I could make a makeshift bomb if I wanted to. All you have to do is this..." William whispered, a flash of evil glint flickering in his eyes. Street raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

"When would I ever need that?"
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Nick

Nick ducked his head as he entered his second period classroom. He searched for Beth, but her usual seat was empty. He approached his own assigned seat and froze. A kid he didn't recognize peered back up at him.

"Hello." He smiled.

"Hi...?"

"I'm Zach." He reached out a hand and shook Nick's.

"Nick. I'll cut you some slack this time, but I'll have you know this is my seat." Nick replied, trying to keep his voice even.

"Oh, nice." Zach turned his attention to the board in front of the class as some of the students turned to watch.

"This is my seat." Nick clarified.

"I heard you the first time, Nick." He replied smoothly, unblinking. Nick shifted his weight from one foot to the other as the entire class watched.

"In another words, leave." Nick tried again. Zach peered back up at him.

"If you thought I was going to give in so easily, you are sorely mistaken."  He replied. The teacher suddenly looked up from her desk and noticed them.