Happy holidays, everyone!

Hebi-Kazechi-10: All questions will be answered in due time. And yes, I omitted that fact on purpose.

Word Count: 1,273

Chapter Ten: Tisket, Tasket

"A-tisket a-tasket
A green and yellow basket
I sent a letter to my love
And on the way I dropped it,
I dropped it, I dropped it
Yes, on the way I dropped it
A little boy picked it up
And put it in his pocket."

"So, everyone, did you like it? Because I did," Alphachrome laughed.

"Like it?! You killed someone! How can we like it?" Erzsébet asked.

"Oh well. Now, off to your rooms. I need to prepare another surprise for you."

Lovino wasn't sure what was happening anymore.

A few hours (he was fairly sure it had been hours, even though his sense of time was warped) after they were dismissed from watching Yao's execution (which he would much rather forget, thank you very much), here they were back in the gymnasium for another of Alphachrome's fun announcements.

"I forgot to tell you guys a while ago, but playtime is over, so I cleaned those pesky bodies away. Of course, there's also the issue of them rotting and stinking up the place, so no need to thank me, I'm just doing my job as Headmaster," the smiling face of the alpaca greeted them as they entered the doors.

"So that's it? You won't even let us mourn our friends?" Antonio asked.

Alphachrome snorted in response. "Obviously, that's not the reason I called you guys here now, is it? Now listen carefully. Every time you survive a trial, a brand new world will open up before you! Enjoy!"

And with a puff of smoke, Alphachrome disappeared yet again.

"A brand new world? Maybe it's a way out?" Alfred asked.

"Don't delude yourself, Al. He won't make it that easy," Matthew sighed. It seemed like he was back to his normal self, that is, his shy and exasperated personality.

"For now, we should split up and explore. Please be back at lunchtime to report what you found," Kiku said.

"So, did you guys find anything?" Ludwig asked.

"There's an A/V room upstairs. Sucks that he didn't even leave CDs," Alfred sighed.

"And a pool," Erzsébet said rather excitedly.

Eduard spoke next. "Except there's no way out on that floor, either."

"In other news, I found that the storage rooms and the public bath in this floor have been unlocked," Francis said in an attempt to lighten up everyone's moods.

Obviously, it didn't work, because his next words also revealed that said storage rooms did not have tools they can use to break down the door.

"I found something else in that A/V room, though."

Everyone turned to see who spoke. It was Matthew, who was holding up an old letter envelope.

"It looks as if it's been there for a long time, since it was almost fully covered in dust," Matthew added.

"Did you open it yet?" Roderich asked.

"No. I figured I should do it with everyone else."

With that, Matthew tore open the envelope and read its contents.

"An Order from the Office of the Head Master

For Dissemination throughout the W Academy campus

For many years here at W Academy, we have given our undivided attention to advancing the state of humanity the world over.

During our long history, using government approved traditional educational facilities, we have sent many graduates into society, where many of them do great things in their respective fields.

However, we are sad to announce that the curtain is coming down on our glorious history.

It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it was one unavoidable in light of a certain severe problem.

That said, this is not the end of W Academy.

In the near future, as soon as the situation changes for the better, we hope to reinstate our educational facilities once more.

Finally, to each and every one of you who supported us and gave us your best for many years, we offer our deep and sincere appreciation.

Proper abolishment of this school will occur upon approval from the concerned government facilities.

Signed,

The Head Master of W Academy"

"Interestingly enough, they erased the name of the head master," Matthew said.

"Seriously Matt, that's what you're worried about? How about the fact that someone managed to fool us and our families into sending us to a school that's apparently been shut down for a while?"

For the first time ever, it was Alfred who was angry at his brother's messed-up priorities and not the other way around.

"It's just a thought Alfred," Matthew sighed.

Ludwig had to break up the twins before the argument could turn into a shouting match between two similar-sounding voices.

DING-DONG-DING

"This is a school announcement. All students are to report at the A/V room immediately. Anyone who refuses to go will be punished."

Somehow, Lovino knew that he'd never get used to these kinds of things.

The scene before them was very similar to the first time it happened. Only now, two students were missing. And it was all because of the robot cackling in front of them.

"Hey, everyone! I hope you had fun looking around your new world. By the way, there was something else in this room that you forgot."

Alphachrome then pointed in the direction of a cardboard box.

"The box contains a movie I made especially for you. I think you'll enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, it's nothing X-rated. After all, I'm not that kind of alpaca. Bye!"

"He disappeared again," Basch said.

"No shit, Sherlock." Alfred sighed.

"Look, Fratello, the DVDs have our names printed on each of them," Feliciano pointed out.

Lovino snatched the box away from his brother and pulled out the DVD labelled with his name and his brother's on it. "Let me see that."

The rest pulled out their own discs from the box after Lovino.

"I wonder what it's about, Fratello," Feliciano asked.

"Probably another stupid motive. Now shut up, it's playing."

The screen came to life. It showed their Nonno's restaurant, the one in the apartment where they lived. It was empty, no guests, no staff, until the image flickered again. Their grandfather and their brothers were sitting on a bench that had been dragged away from one of the tables. Nonno was smiling his usual dumb smile that Feliciano inherited.

"Hey, boys, we're really happy that both of you got into the academy. Now only Carlino here needs to get in, and that would make all of you alumni of W Academy," At this point, their grandfather started ruffling their youngest brother's hair, while Carlino laughed, trying to swat him off.

"You're both so talented, and you're going to go far if you just work hard. Just because I'm not around doesn't mean you slack off! I hope I hear from you both soon," their grandfather continued.

The screen suddenly flickered, and went to static.

Then another image appeared. It still showed the restaurant, but it was all wrecked apart, the bench toppled over, several tables broken, shattered glass littered the floor, and the tiles and the walls were streaked with blood.

Colour drained from Lovino's face, while a whimper escaped from Feliciano who was gripping his brother's shoulder tightly that Lovino feared that he might dislocate it.

The image faded away, replaced with one of that goddamn fucking alpaca with the caption underneath proclaiming "Want to find out what happens next? You'll have to graduate first!"

The screen faded out for the last time.

Lovino could tell by their reactions that everyone saw something similar to what the brothers had.

No one could hide their fear and confusion anymore.

End Fifth Day
Students Remaining: 14

For anyone wondering, the Italy brothers are Vatican, San Marino, S Italy, N Italy, and Seborga.