The Rise

The next day, Friday, Leon stayed home and skipped school. Meanwhile the school was having its end of the week assembly. Students lined up in an army-like fashion, they stood upright and quite. No one was allowed to talk during assemblies. Especially since both the Vice Principal and Principal were up on stage. The Principal, old of age and on the verge of retirement, walked slowly on his cane towards the podium as his wooden cane echoed monotonously across the auditorium. He reached the microphone and cleared his throat as he pulled out several poorly folded cue cards from the inside of his dark brown suit.

"Good morning students."

All the students replied "good morning" in a harmonious and perfectly synced roar.

"Now then, there are a few announcements."

The principal sieved through his cue cards.

"Congratulations to the girls Volleyball team for winning the national tournament"

The microphone hissed and that hiss turned into a howl as the microphone malfunctioned. The principal is taken back and proceeded to tap the microphone a few times.

After making several announcements the principle left the podium for the Vice Principal to continue.

"There is only one more announcement left – announcing the student council presidential candidates. Unitare High School has always been in the headlines and is watched closely by the nation. However, this year, the student council elections have garnered much more media attention than usual. The reason for this is clear to all of you. However, I want to make it very clear – you will not turn this election into a circus. For that very reason none of our candidates are allowed to gain any unfair advantage by talking to any outside media outlets. Any candidate who speaks to the outside media or newspapers will automatically be removed from the election. Regardless of your name, family and wealth. There will be no meddling as long as I oversee these elections."

Every student in the room became stiffer and more tense. It wasn't only because of what the Vice Principal had said, but the room always felt tense when she spoke. She was a tall, stern faced beauty with a tight ponytail and sharp eyes. Everyone feared those piercing eyes and when she spoke, everyone listened and obeyed.

"Moving on to the candidates for this year's presidential election. Running for a re-election is: George Tomhawk.

Your second candidate is:

Jessica Twint.

Your third candidate is:

Sinclair Vinzent.

Your fourth and final candidate…"

At the utterance of 'fourth', murmurs broke the holy silence. Students turned their heads around whispering as the room erupted in a silent roar.

" … is Leon Lapuzi."