Pac-Less

3… 2… 1… [The video rolls and it fades in, the screen now showing what appears to be an anthropomorphic Caracal cat with purple fur and a periwinkle muzzle sitting on a sofa with a book in hand and next to a roaring fireplace. He had yellow eyes, wore rounded glasses, and looked as if he were a scientist. He glanced up at the screen and smiled.] “Oh, hello there! I didn’t see you come in. My name is Lloyd Balenciaga, a world-renowned scientist, entrepreneur, and the Shepherd of your dreams! You might recognize me from those silly little videos on your phone or some bench advertisements you pass by while you’re on the go.” [The scene then cuts to a birdseye-view of Pac-village as Lloyd narrates.] ”Let me tell you more about what I have planned for Pac-village’s future. First, my company has been working hard on various projects that aim to make your life easier! [The next screen cuts to a photograph of Lloyd as a kitten.] Ever since I was a young kitten, it’s been my dream to simplify life using my brilliant mind and some truly ingenious devices and gadgets.” [As he narrates, the screen then flashes with each picture of a certain household item.] “Of course, I’m talking about things like the air conditioner, the microwave, and the vacuum cleaner… And yes, I love playing with technology and inventing new things! It’s amazing what can be done with my experience and creativity.” [After that scene finishes, it now cuts to Lloyd and his entire crew of workers who happen to be people of all species, ranging from Pac-people to ghosts and animals.] ”But that’s not all! My team and I are also planning to request an expansion here in this cozy little village. While we’re still figuring out what it will be, we hope to see you there when it happens!” [Before that scene could finish, it stopped at a standstill, staying on that visage of Lloyd’s face.]  At his desk, a tired-looking Pac-person that looked a bit older than 40 set his remote down and sighed before addressing the whole class.  “Now, since we’re learning about Pac-village’s new expansion and the plans of Mr. Balenciaga here, who here wants to express their opinions on the matter?” He asked, his voice low and raspy. A few seconds of silence had passed before a hand shot straight up. As soon as the teacher had seen whose hand it belonged to, he sighed and rubbed two fingers against his temple. He shook his head slightly before talking again. ”Yes, Mylo?” A young Pac-person stood up as the entire class turned to face him. Mylo cleared his throat before getting out of his seat to come to the front, the eyes of his classmates following him. He held his notebook in hand firmly like a sandwich before opening it and showing the whole class his writing as well as some other stuff. ”Well, from what I gathered throughout my research, I’ve come to the conclusion that this whole ‘expansion’ thing isn’t real!!” Almost a small portion of the class emitted a soft chorus of groans while the teacher simply gave Mylo a nervous smile. ”M-Mylo, don’t you think that maybe now’s not the time to talk about your conspiracy theories?” ”This isn’t a conspiracy!” Mylo shot back, “this is the hidden truth! We know he’s up to something, but we just don’t know it yet!!” Mylo grabbed his book and flipped through some random pages, but stopped at one in particular. He showed it to the rest of the class, the pages filled to the brim with writing and cut-out photographs. The class simply looked on with disinterest, while some in the back were, for a better word, getting secondhand embarrassment. ”R-Right…” Mr. Smith responded, albeit lowly. ”And if he wanted to expand his land, why here, specifically?! Did we even get notified in time for him to do such a thing?! Did he even get permission from, let’s say, our president??” ”Mylo, that’s enough.” ”If we can actually do something about this and find out more, then maybe we can finally–“ ”Enough.” Mylo stopped for a second as he kept his book open, the sound of his teacher’s rough voice echoing throughout the room. The entire class stood at attention, anticipating the next step made by him. Mylo turned to him and stuttered. ”B-But all of it is true, and if we can at least step up and tell him–“ ”We will do no such thing,” Mr. Smith barked back, “please, no more. Now, take your seat.” Mylo softly huffed before walking back to his desk, his notebook still clutched tightly into his hand. As he slumped back into his seat, he softly groaned, but his attention was immediately grabbed by his cousin sitting next to him, Jr. Pac-Man. ”Back to the whiteboard, huh, cuz?” He asked playfully. ”You don’t know the half! I know Lloyd is up to something!” Junior simply shrugged. “True, but you never know what some might believe. Besides, I like what you’re doing here, but I think you should be careful about this whole thing…” Mylo simply chuckled before turning his attention back to the teacher as he continued his lecture.  After class had ended, the hallways had been bustling with students and the soft chorus of chatter and laughter. Meanwhile, Mylo and Junior were walking side-by-side, conversing about today’s events. ”Look, all I’m saying is that you spend way too much time chasing conspiracies and whatnot. Don’t you think it’s time to just put the book down and, y’know, enjoy life for what it is?” ”But, Jr., I know for certain something’s happening behind closed doors, I just know it!! I know!” ”Okay, but what if you’re wrong?” ”I’m never wrong, I know it. I’m very sure.” Before they could even continue, Mylo was unaware of a stray leg that appeared around the corner of the halls, tripping the young Pac-person and making him almost collide with the floor had his hand not grip the wall. Junior was taken aback by this while the sound of chortling and sneering laughter erupted from the corner. He stared icily at the pair of boys that came into view. ”Welllll!”