"Are you sure that you will be okay here by yourself?" Azura asked her mother for the tenth time.
Even though their journey had been scheduled months in advance, Azura could not help but worry. After all, in the last sixteen years, she had inhabited this world she had never left her tribe. It had always been herself, Amara, and Atlas... The trio whose bond would put The Three Musketeers to shame.
" Hush daughter. There is no need to worry about anything but your destiny. You're going. It has been decided. " Azura nodded solemnly. No matter how hesitant she was about discovering the rest of the world, she knew that the situation was not up for discussion. The goddess herself visited in a dream giving a clue as to what her fate would be. In this tribe, Gaia's word was not to be questioned.
In the dream, she and Atlas were laying in a grassy meadow filled with daisies. Gaia lay next to them as they stared up at the cloud floating by. It is hard to explain, but in that simple image Azura intuitively felt what needed to be done. Unlike the high priestess in training, Atlas was more than excited to dive headfirst into this opportunity.
Glumly, Zu-Zu took a moment to study and memorize her surroundings. The small kitchen area that they stood in was filled with so many memories. Memories that she would carry with her as they made their journey.
They... Atlas?" Um.. Where is Atlas? " She asked with a frown. She walked towards her mother who was washing dishes. Azura picked up a rag to help dry.
" He should be here. We have to get going soon. "At the mention of her son, Amara's face fell. Her contented smile immediately replaced by a pain-stricken expression. She set down the plate she was holding in the basin filled with soapy water and wiped her hands on the hem of her skirt.
" You know how he can be... He is... dealing with more than he should at his age." Amara sighed heavily as she made eye contact with her daughter. Nothing more was said, nor did there need to be. Atlas was much like the twin's father. He inherited a powerful Psychic nature that was equally as dangerous.
For the last three years, his condition is becoming worse at a more rapid rate. Psychic users get their magical ability from their subconscious. Meaning, the more they wielded said power, the more they would lose their sanity. Sometimes his mental clarity would fade. He has had moments where he had forgotten where he was and even who he was.
Gaia insisted that he join Azura as well in efforts to help resolve some of his issues.
Atlas was in the middle of a large forest on the outskirts of the Oswage tribe. He was sitting on the edge of a large boulder next to his favorite creek, Namid. His legs dangled, swinging back and forth. His toes stirred the water absent-mindedly.
He looked up towards the sky and noticed the location of the sun.
It's almost time to go... Finally. He thought as a smile appeared on the corners of his lips.
I wonder if mom will pack my favorite snacks.Unlike his sister, Atlas was extremely excited to get out of his home town. Anywhere would be fine he just needed to leave and explore what is beyond all that he's known.
He walked back towards the tribe with a casual almost carefree nature in his stride. Impatiently, he had been waiting for this day to arrive. Not only was he determined to focus on figuring out the mystery as to the salvation to his sanity... But also to possibly meet his father.
Abrahim Orion was one of the educated individuals who attended Arkus Academy. In fact, Abe was at the top of his class. Before he ran away to pursue freedom most thought he would continue teaching at the academy. While he was unsure that Abe would be there, the thirst for adventure beckoned to him all the same.
By the time Atlas arrived at his home of 16 years Azura and his mother were already outside the door exchanging their goodbyes. Azura clung desperately to her mother as they hugged. It pained Atlas to see his sister so upset. Like an empath, he could almost feel her emotions as if they were his own... almost.
The bags the twins had packed the night before were being loaded into the back of an all too fancy vehicle that had been sent over by the academy. Those that were apart of the Oswage tribe did not use machinery, including motor vehicles. Some of the other clan members were circled around the shiny metal thing that was foreign to their upbringing.
Azura left her mother's embrace giving their home one last lingering look. As she walked towards the car she made sure to bump into Atlas, shoulder checking him and meeting his gaze with an authoritative expression she rarely showed.
"Say goodbye and tell her you love her. Let's get this over with."
The twins had been on the airship for almost five days. The aircraft was not the biggest in the academy's fleet, but it was glamorous all the same. Except for a few staff members the twins appeared to have been the only students on board. They had been told that the reason behind their mode of transportation was that the two lived well outside the usual radius for applicants. After all, the tribe did make efforts to be isolated from the current civilization. Azura was pretty sure that the only reason that they had made an exception for them was that their father previously worked at the academy.
An announcement over the intercom brought the two siblings out onto the observation deck. Atlas practically threw himself over the railing in efforts to see what would be their new home for the next few years.
Just past the familiarity of a forest treeline, next to a large and beautiful lake, stood the campus in all its glory. His breath caught as he took in the scene. So much so that he didn't notice the forlorn and even nauseous expression on his sister's face.
The small aircraft began its descent for which Azura was grateful. Shamans had a hard time staying away from nature for too long. Especially if the caster was not used to being away from the ground. Instead of looking ahead at the grand docking area on campus, Azuras' gaze remained transfixed on the trees they had just passed not too long ago. She felt lightheaded and her stomach was in knots. As soon as the ship made contact with the ground however, her symptoms almost immediately disappeared.
After getting out, the two attempted to gather their things near the bay area and were stopped by academy staff.
"No need to worry about that, we will take care of it." A tall blonde man with a red mustache and blue eyes smiled.
These will be taken to your assigned dormitories. Right now the two of you need to head towards the parlor and meet up with the rest of the students on the tour. Someone inside should be able to lead you to the group."The siblings turned their heel and headed toward the massive, marble structure. Heads tilted back, they stared up at its pillars, their expressions mystified.
"What's a parlor?" Azura asked, blinking away the haze, eyebrows furrowed with confusion.
Atlas wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a comforting gesture. His eyes glowed and his face radiant. They entered the academy together, looking around to see who they would meet.
" I guess we are about to find out. "@DrowsyPangolin