Also, a polite reminder to not edit! I have everything planned out! Thank you and enjoy the story!
This story takes place about fifty-nine hundred years after The Prodigy defeated the Order of Influence. This may spoil the plot of other stories.
Part 1: Shooting Stars
Prologue
Two figures stood in a bare, deserted, alleyway. The night's darkness covered their features, but the moonlight revealed their silhouettes. The female wizard was slightly taller than the male, with a curved, elegant shape. In her arms were two tiny living beings, barely moving. Their eyes were closed.
"I'm done with you!" Her voice was low, but sounded as sharp as a serpent's teeth. Her body bristled as she spoke. She reached in and grabbed the two baby Neeks by their cloaks, letting them dangle in the air. "Take these, and leave."
She thrusted the Neeks in front of the male's face, as if they were only bags of gold. The male didn't flinch though. His only response was,
"Uh, what?"
The female clenched her fist and showed her teeth. Her eyes hit the starlight, and the black pupils flared like a grayscale fire. One of the two neeks she was holding whimpered, but she didn't bother to confront them. "You—"
"Hey." The male's voice was quiet, but not so low. "How about you take the Astral one, and I take the Shadow one?"
The female wizard hesitated for a short moment. But her mind seemed to be set already."No." She said firmly. "They're useless, and bound to cause trouble."
She started swinging the Neeks, making them flail in the air. As if she was going to throw them. "You better decide soon. I have to go before the other Wardens find out that I'm missing."
"Do whatever you want." The male Wizard replied. He took a step backwards, leaning into the shadows. His silhouette melted into the darkness, fading away into the air.
The female Wizard could only stare as the other wizard left. She was left on her own, with two neeks in her arms. There was no way to contact the male wizard, so she is forced to keep the Neeks. Unless...
She pulled on her hood, covering her face and the black but fierce eyes. Her slim, long, legs moved silently, traveling through the vacant night streets of Lamplight town. The multiple street lights that stood beside the roads provided her brightness through the dark. The lights illuminated onto her silhouette, revealing her features that were once covered by the night.
Her brown, leather cloak flickered as she halted into a stop. In front of her stood Lamplight town's orphanage. The Wizard crouched down to place the Neeks next to the front door. She took one last look at them.
The Shadow element Neek had a pure black and grey cloak. He had a golden staff clutched close to him, along with a purple crystal on top like the Puppet Master's. But the Astral Neek was the one who fascinated her the most. Her cloak was gleaming white, with the Astral element's symbol floating above the tip of her hood. The staff that she held also had the Astral symbol above the golden rod.
The Wizard hesitated. Her eyes were still on the white Neek. "Perhaps..." She muttered quietly to herself. "She could help us defeat..." A long pause. "...The Order of Influence." She said the last few words as if it wasn't quite what she exactly meant.
"I'll bring her to the Floatlings." She scooped up the baby by sliding one hand under her almost weightless body. Then the Wizard got up to stand on her feet.
The wind quickened as light swirled around her, making her cloak blow to a side. Her eyes were open as she teleported. When the light disappeared and broke into particles, she was gone, not a trace of her or the Astral Neek left.
But on the doorsteps of the orphanage, unaware that his twin sister was gone, the Shadow element neek remained.
Emily Snowlight regretted choosing to be the owner of the orphanage. Her friends and family had told her not to. After all, she graduated from the academy. The reason why she had wanted to apply for this job was because of how much she cared about lost pets, pets without a home. But it had been more tiring that she imagined.
She yawned. It was past midnight, and she should sleep. But first, she should definitely check if the door was locked. Her feet tumbled towards the door, her eyes peering at the lock. Yep. It's locked.
She was about to go to her room when she noticed that the window's curtain wasn't drawn. Sighing, Emily headed towards the window.
Suddenly, something caught her eye. Outside of the window's glass was a small shape. Not another one. She thought. This place is going to be crowded!
The door of the orphanage creaked as Emily opened it. She gasped. The colour of the Neek's cloak, his staff's gem... It was a Shadow element Neek.
Impossible! She thought. What should I do with it? What if it turned out to be the second Puppet Master? What if it's part of the Order of Influence?
But she had no choice but to take him in. Shadow, Emily Snowlight decided to name him. For he is the only Shadow Neek ever known.
The female wizard arrived at the Floatling's village, the Astral element neek still in her arms.
Astra, She decided to name her. Close enough to the word "Astral", and it's name meaning "star". She set her down onto the soft, grassy, grounds of the Lost Island.
Astra let out a small sound as the female Wizard stood up, ready to teleport again. "One day, Astra," The Wizard said. "We would meet again..."
With that, light began to swirl around her again, and she left.
Chapter 1 - Astra
Sunlight glimmered down on the grass below. It was a calm, quiet, Sunday afternoon, and the Floatlings enjoyed the weather while hanging out with their friends.
Astra pulled at the grass beneath her, fidgeting it with her hands. Her white cloak had a yellow hue, shining beneath the sun.
Beautiful, She thought. She didn’t mind that she had a cloak, that she looked different from the other floatlings. She was proud of her cloak. She was special. Her smile widened as she thought of the word.
A young Floatling yawned next to her. “I’m bored.” She moaned. “We’ve been lying here for hours, and I think I’m going to be sunburnt.”
“Ha!” Astra tipped her head at her friend at grinned, still smiling widely. “That’s ironic, ya know. Your name is Sunshine.”
Sunshine rolled her eyes playfully. “Right. Let’s just go find a shade.”
Astra continued speaking as Sunshine onto her feet. “I didn’t know that Floatlings could get sunburnt.”
It was Astra’s turn to get onto her feet as Sunshine spoke, “We don’t have cloaks, Astra.” She turned her head to look at the white-cloaked neek. “I could make one though.”
“You should, if you’re that afraid of the sun.” Astra followed Sunshine towards a medium-sized oak tree, her cloak flicking as she walked.
Sunshine flicked her two tiny legs in front of her and sat down with a plop. Astra bent down into a crouch and sat down next to the Floatling. To be honest, Astra preferred the warm, lazy sunlight more than the cool, chilling shade. The colour of her cloak was darkened into a shade of grey. She was about to open her mouth and complain when Sunshine asked,
“How is it like to be different than all of us, with you being a Neek and us being Floatlings?”
Astra replied, her discontent gone. “I feel special.” That was true.
Sunshine gave Astra a tight smile. “That’s all?”
The female Astral neek was going to say, “Yes”, but she had another question in mind. “Do you know how I got to your species’ village?”
Sunshine blinked a few times, as if she never thought of the question before. “No. I mean, you’re the only neek in the village.”
“Dawn never told me anything about my parents.” Astra said. Her brain swirled as it thought.
Before Astra could come to a conclusion, Sunshine prompted, “Have you asked her?”
“Not yet.” I should go ask her, Astra realized. She stood up and bent over to pick up her staff.
“You’re going to ask her right?”
“Yeah. Right now.” The Astral Neek began to walk away. “I’ll call you later!” She yelled over her shoulders.
“Okay, bye!”
The warmth hit Astra’s shoulders again as her exited the shade. She let out a smile again as she trotted over to the a cluster of bushes. A Floatling carrying logs walked past her, but Astra barely acknowledged him. She slipped into the dark undergrowth, mentally groaning as shadows clawed the sunlight off her back.
Dawn was preparing for lunch in the kitchen, just as Astra expected. Astra scrambled over to her, leaning over the counter. “Dawn! There’s something I have to ask you!”
Astra’s guardian didn’t even glance up at her as she sliced the carrots. “Ask later. Slice the tomatoes, now.”
Astra grumbled unhappily. Dawn could be nice and friendly at times, but when it came to chores… But I don’t want to do it. Astra thought. “I don’t care.”
“Then don’t eat lunch.” Dawn still didn’t take her off the carrots.
Astra was tempted to say, Alright then, whatever. But she had to ask her question first. “Where did I come from?”
“Slice the tomatoes.” Dawn repeated, ignoring Astra’s question.
“Answer me first!” Astra insisted stubbornly. Then I might slice the tomatoes.
“If you aren’t here to help, then get out and don’t eat lunch.” The older Floatling’s tone was calm and flat.
“No!” Astra screamed and stomped her feet. I won’t back down! I’m going to get what I want. “Tell me or I’ll push your carrots on the ground.” She stuck out her tongue.
Dawn finally turned to lower her still glare at Astra. “Well then, I’ll answer your question. I found you outside in the grass, and wherever you come from, it’s only because of me and the other Floatlings that you’re alive. Be grateful.” A pause. Then she added, “And move out of the way, because you don’t actually belong here with us.”
Astra felt tears form in her eyes, blurring her vision. Dawn didn’t love her, nobody loved her. She was just a small piece of grass that everybody steps on.
“I knew you were a horrible person!” Astra yelled. She stomped her feet. I’m leaving! She thought angrily.
Astra strode towards the sunlit doorway, hitting one end of her staff hard onto the ground.
She was only thinking about Dawn’s spiteful words when warm sunlight hit her once again.
A/n: Note that Astra is seven years old at this time.
It was getting dark, and Astra didn’t know where to go. She was hungry and thirsty, but if she went home, she would have to deeply apologize to Dawn. But I didn’t even do anything wrong! She thought crossly. She could go to Sunshine’s home, but the Floatling’s parents might not like her.
Her cloak swayed as a gust of wind swept towards her, and Astra shivered, missing the warm sunlight. She wrapped her arms around her body, her staff still in one hand. Astra took a step forward, staring into the gloom of the bushes ahead.
It was not a bush that a Floatling family is living in, Astra realized. She walked closer to it’s dark green brambles. Probably abandoned, she thought. Maybe I could stay here for a night…It’s leaves could shield the wind from me. Astra slipped into the abandoned overgrowth. The insides were covered with shadows, and it was pitch black. She wouldn’t have been able to see anything if it wasn’t for the glowing star on her staff. It plused against the darkness, and radiated heat when Astra placed her hand on it.
Astra glanced around. She was far enough from the cave-like bush’s entrance, and there was no need to go deeper in. She couldn't see what lurks ahead, so it’s better to play safe.
She bent down and sat on the ground. It seemed to be dry mud that was beneath her. Better than wet mud. Astra decided.
She dived deeper into her thoughts as she sat there with her arms wrapped around her legs. The air was still chilly, despite the thick bramble tendrils blocking the wind outside. Astra knew she wouldn't last here for long. But what could she do?
There were two options: She could stay and hunt, trying to live alongside the Floatlings, or she could head outside the village and enter the outside world.
The outside world. It isn't very far. You could just walk out of the Floatling’s village and you’re in an unknown world. Astra suddenly felt a desperation for adventure.
I could go even farther. She thought. I could go over the seas, beyond the monsters that come frequently to steal the Floatlings’ woods, beyond this little island. Her heart squeezed in excitement. She was ready for this journey...
“I’m bored watching you do nothing.” A voice popped out from the darkness. Astra let out a shocked squeal. The voice was low and male. She looked around, her head turning in different directions. There was nothing in sight.
Don’t be scared… Don’t be scared… Astra cleared her throat and tried to not show her fear as she spoke, “W-Who are y-you?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll just knock you out.”
What?! I don’t want to die! Astra held onto her staff tightly. Whoever this is, I’m going to get him! The young neek blindly shot Starbit Blast in different directions, hoping to hit her opponent.
Suddenly, something hit her hard on her head. She felt her temples pulse with pain. Astra held her staff in front of her. It was a smudge of gold and white. Black dots appeared in her vision, and the last thing she heard was,
“Warned you.”
Chapter 2 - Shadow
Shadow ran down the stairs, not bothering to hold the stairail’s handles. He could hear footsteps stomping behind him, rattling the wooden steps of the orphanage.
The black-cloaked Neek quickened his pace, jumping off the last few steps of the stairs and twisting to run towards a corridor on the right. The footsteps continue to follow him, getting closer and closer.
“I can hear you.” Shadow said. He slowed down to a walking pace. The footsteps only continued behind him.
“Ha!” The creature behind him spoke. “You couldn’t even hear me as I came!”
“I just said I could hear you.” Shadow grumbled irritatedly. Your footstep is as loud as an elephant. And I have a bet on who you are. He glanced behind him to check. Of course, he was right.
Reed was the only person who would approach the Shadow Neek. But not in a good way…
“You can’t brag like that just because you’re Shadow element.” The TripTrop growled back.
I’m not bragging! Shadow felt a wave of annoyance washing over him. Don’t falsely accuse me! “I’m not bragging.”
“Well, guess what!” Reed let out a wicked grin. “I’m leaving you idiots today!”
Oh, good. Shadow wanted to say that out loud to Reed’s stupid face, but the words wouldn’t form in his mouth.
“I’m going to be adopted, and I heard they’re a very rich family.”
Shut up. Shadow thought, ignoring Reed’s bragging. He reached a wooden, white-painted door and placed a hand on the knob’s handle.
“You wouldn’t ever be adopted… ” Reed grabbed Shadow and thrusted his brown face into the Shadow Neek’s. “Because no one would want a spy from the Order of Influence.”
He had heard that many times already, but still it hurts like a blade strike his heart every time Reed said it. Nobody trusted him. His element was Shadow, after all. And the name “Shadow” doesn’t help, if only stating the point further.
Go away. Move out of the orphanage, and keep you horrible, infecting, mouth away from me! Shadow whirled his head back towards the door and turned the doorknob. He kicked to door open with a creak.
Behind the door was rows of desks and chairs, squished together tightly as the room was quite small. On the chairs were students, variating from Neeks to Hobs to Aquasters.
There were only two spots left for Shadow and Reed, and luckily, were far apart from each other. Shadow took the seat closest to the entrance. He didn’t care. The Burnewt next to Shadow gave him an unhappy look.
“You’re late,” Aquri states from the front of the class. Aquri was one of Emily’s favourite pets, and she was not to be dealt with.
“Sorry.” Shadow muttered as he set down his textbooks on the desk’s smooth surface.
“Geography.” The teacher said strictly. “Turn to page thirty-three and thirty-four. Now. Both of you.”
Shadow turned to Pg. 33-34 of his geo textbook, following Aquri’s instructions. On the pages was a map.
“As I was saying,” Aquri spoke to the class. “That island,” His finger tapped on a small dot on the map. “That is Lost Island. It was one of the first islands ever discovered in Prodigy...”
Shadow let out a yawn, feeling bored.
“...The Floatlings were known to live in the island, but their village is still unfound… Wizards found this island almost six thousand years ago, before the fall of The Order of Influence.”
Shadow’s head snapped up at the name “Order of Influence”.
“The Order of Influence hadn’t fallen yet!” Someone yelled from the class. Shadow winced and braced himself for the next sentence, “Or else he wouldn’t be here!”
Everyone turned to look at Shadow. The Neek stared at his textbook, not meeting the other orphan’s eyes.
“Yeah!” Another student agreed, and the class broke into a chaos of chatter.
“Enough!” Aquri stomped her feet and smacked her hand onto the ground. “Stop chatting and pay attention!”
As the muttering died, Aquri continued teaching about Lost Island. Shadow dozed off while the teacher was speaking, daydreaming about the end of the Order of Influence, and how the mysterious Prodigy Wizard had defeated the Puppet Master at the end...
That night, Shadow dreamt of the other Shadow-elemented monsters. He was meeting a strange, dark-coloured hob when he felt tapping on his shoulder.
“Psst.” He heard someone say. “Shadow…”
Shadow’s eyes blinked open. All he could see was darkness. Then the darkness seemed to swirl, and shapes formed in his vision.
His gaze caught the reflection of a teal-blue eye. The eye blinked. He realized the eye belonged to a dragon in the dark. Shadow could make out the ruffs attached to her horns and the long, wavy, neck. Tarragon, then.
But… why is she here? Shadow only stared back at her, confusion written across his face. She wasn’t someone he knew from the orphanage... Time seemed to slow down. By now, he couldn’t tell if this Tarragon was just his imagination. The ticking sound that played in his ears didn’t help.
When she finally spoke, her feminine voice was soft and friendly. “Hello.”
Shadow didn’t respond. He was, in fact, starting to feel frightened that a stranger had crept up on him while he’s sleeping.
The voice ran in his ears again. “Are you awake?”
Shadow didn’t want to respond. But if he didn’t… would she smack me? “Yeah.” He answered, his voice barely a whisper.
“Good. Follow me. We have to talk.”
The Tarragon pulled her neck back, turning her body around with some scruffles and sharp noise of claws scraping against the floor. Her neck twisted to peer at Shadow.
No. I shouldn’t follow her. I don’t even know her! She could be leading me into a trap, or she wants to capture me, or… Shadow just wanted her to go away so he could continue sleeping.
“Are you coming?”
Shadow thought for a moment. If it’s all a trap… Maybe I’m better dead. There’s no one that’s important to me, these seven years of my life. Maybe to world is better off without me. Maybe everyone Shadow-elemented should die. His heart felt shredded as he thought about that. Nobody cares about me. Nobody would ever care. He had to stop himself from forming tears in his glowing, white, pupils.
“Yeah.” Shadow decided. He threw his blanket to a side and sat up. The Tarragon’s blue eyes were waiting. He jumped off the bed’s hard, battered, mattress. Then he raised his head to meet the glinting eyes. The Tarragon was wayyyy larger than he thought. She hovered over him, at least two times bigger than Shadow.
The Tarragon turned her head back to her front, and started walking towards the metal door at the end of the room. Her talons scraped the ground, carving lines onto the wood beneath them.
“You should bring your staff too.”
Shadow glanced backwards at his bed, a few feets away from him. He quickly scurried towards it. Shadow lifted the mattress up high enough for his hand to stick under it, and pulled out a staff.
The staff itself was gold, but have an embedded purple gem stuck on the top. It was his only possession. And of course, he was smart enough to know how to hide it from Reed.
He walked back to the Tarragon, his staff in his hand. She started walking again.
They reached the metal door. It was covered with scratches that were tearing up the grey paint. Brown spots beneath the rips indicated rust.
The Tarragon pulled on the handle, holding the door for Shadow to past. Shadow exited the room to find himself standing on a balcony.
It was a peaceful, windless night. The ground was a floor beneath them, but it seemed miles away for Shadow. Lamps on the streets glowed as streetlights, dancing with the few stars dotted along the empty, dark blue sky. No wizards lingered on the streets. What time is it? He wondered. But there wasn’t any clocks nearby, as far as he could see.
The Tarragon emerged next to him. Shadow heard a large slam as the metal door was shut close.
“Let me introduce myself,” She said. “My name is Eclia.”
“I’m Shadow.” Shadow muttered, even though she possibly already knew.
“How’s life?”
Shadow stared at her. How’s life? this stranger just decided to walk by to say that? “Good.” He mumbled. Horrible. Was what he actually wanted to say. But he wasn’t about to spill out how much his life sucks to a random person he didn’t know, yet.
“Are you sure?” Eclia’s expression was skeptical. As if she knew the truth…
“Yeah.” Shadow said, shaking off the thought.
“Do you like the orphanage?”
NO. “Not really…”
“Do you want to leave?”
Yes. But Shadow knew better than to say that. She could be tricking me, for all I know. So instead he asked, “Why are you asking me?”
“Because I got a note.” Eclia’s wings shook from their folded position. “From the… Wardens.” Shadow noticed her hesitation at the word “Wardens”. It could mean two things—That weird Tarragon was lying—Or she doesn’t like the Wardens. And it raised Shadow’s suspicion.
“And they told me to take you away for special training for—” She stopped on that word. “Well, special training.”
It was Shadow’s turn to be skeptical. Well, at least his thoughts were skeptical. He didn’t know her. She wants to take him away. Shadow remained silent. Moments passed again.
“Are you considering it?”
Shadow’s head snapped up at her voice. “What?” Consider what?
“Taking the offer.”
Shadow gave Eclia a sidelong glance. “What do you mean?” You’ll adopt me?
“We could go now.” Eclia jerked her snout at the empty night sky.
Shadow’s eyes widened. I could leave the orphanage. Tonight. The thought was exciting, yet… He didn’t know her. Again, it could all be a trick. But maybe he should go. Maybe he’ll take the challenge.
Shadow looked at Eclia in the turquoise-tinted eyes. Her gaze stared back. He could see his reflection bouncing off it’s shiny surface. Shadow lowered his voice and said with a whisper, “No.”
The eyes blinked back at him, fazed.
“No.” He said again, louder this time. I’m not taking the risk. New life or not, I don't trust anyone who tries to lure me away when first time meeting.
Disappointment quickly extinguished the spark in the Tarragon’s pupils. She frowned, clearly unpleased with Shadow’s decision. Her gaze tore away from the dark Neek’s, now glancing out to the night’s void again.
“I guess I’ll go back..” Shadow trailed off. He looked back at the metal door behind them. I’m tired. I want to sleep.
Eclia did not meet his gaze as he slowly stepped towards the battered door. Shadow’s hands touched it’s handle, ready to turn.
“I thought you’ll consider it,” Eclia muttered. It was under her breath, but Shadow could hear her. “Judging from the fact that my element is also Shadow.”
Shadow’s brain alerted as he heard his name. But no, she was talking about the element Shadow. Except…
Did I hear her wrong? No, her voice was loud and clear in his ears. “My element is also Shadow.” “What?”
“I thought you’ll consider it, judging from the fact that my element is also Shadow.” Eclia repeated, her wings shifting as she said it.
Shadow headed back to Eclia to take a better look at her scales. He peered at her scales, expecting hints of blue and green to show up. But all that came up was black and grey. Then there were her eyes, Shadow realized. Tarragons’ eyes were supposed to be gold or amber, not blue.
“Your element is Shadow?” He couldn’t believe her. He always thought he was the only one. But maybe… maybe… he’s not alone anymore.
Eclia let out a rather bittersweet smile. “Well, yes.”
It was dark, but Shadow could see her palms light on a darkish, purple, fire. She did a throwing motion at the air, and a ball of purple shot out of her talons, shooting through the night sky until it was too far for Shadow’s eyes to track.
Wow. Shadow thought, still gazing into the distance. What was that?
As if reading his thoughts, Eclia said, “Shadow Shock, the first Shadow spell.”
Shadow continued to stare at the sky. I never knew there were Shadow element spells… During spell classes, Shadow would just sit at a corner and watch Emily Snowlight teach the other orphans their spells. She never taught Shadow any spells, and Shadow knew that she didn’t bother because she didn’t know any. Although, now Shadow wondered if Emily did know some Shadow element spells.
“How did you do that?” Shadow blurted out.
Eclia’s smile widened. “I could teach you, if you come with me.”
It was tempting. Shadow’s mind was changing, and now… he might say “yes”. “Where would we be going?”
“To a warm, sheltered place.” Hrmph. That’s not so much of an answer.
More moments passed. And Shadow knew Eclia was waiting for his response. Waiting for him to say, “I want to come with you”. But Shadow wasn’t sure. She seemed a bit sketchy, in a way. But she is Shadow element…
“You promise to teach me?”
Eclia nodded. “I promise.”
Something still felt wrong to him. His instincts told him to refuse her offer, but… He didn’t feel like returning into the orphanage, after knowing he might have a new, good, life if he went with the Shadow dragon. “You’re going to… take me… right?”
A nod again. “If you accept my offer, I will give you a new home.”
“Okay.” Was all Shadow managed to say.
Eclia tilted her head, unsure of what to do with Shadow’s reaction. “So you’re coming?”
He had made up his mind. “Yeah.”
“So we’re going.” Eclia smiled again at Shadow. Her tail gestured at her back. “Do you want to ride on me?”
What? Shadow had definitely never rode a dragon before. Nevertheless, he propelled himself onto the Tarragon’s back, gripping the spikes on her spine. Eclia didn’t seem to mind that.
So I’m going. He thought. It still felt like a dream to him. A good dream, for the very least.
“Are you ready?” Eclia started to spread her wings, unfolding it until it reached it’s full size.
I’m going to a new world. I might never come back to this place again… But Shadow didn’t look back, didn’t think back, as Eclia’s powerful wing muscles began moving.
And the dragon took flight.
Chapter 3 - Astra
Astra’s eyelids were closed. There was something bothering her, but she didn’t want to wake up. She was too exhausted to care. Plus, I could hold it… I think.
She could hear voices nearby, just a few feet away from her. They might be talking about her, but she was still too tired to think much about it. Her head was still pounding with pain, like a headache, but maybe worse than that.
“...So I bashed her on the the head.” Astra recognised the voice. He was the person who… Well, knocked her out.
“You could have asked her nicely, you know.” She couldn’t identify the voice, but Astra assumed that the person is female. “Instead of kidnapping her.”
Kidnapped? Astra’s eyes blinked open. Sure enough, she wasn’t in the Floatling’s village anymore. She end up looking at a white ceiling. Where am I?
“Hey, I gave her a warning.”
Astra decided she couldn’t hold it anymore, plus she need to figure out what is going on. So she raised her head.
She was in a medium-sized room, painted in white. A weird, glowing and levitating object was floating high up in the air, providing a light source. The ground was covered with a plain, grey, carpet, and there was an open doorway that Astra assumed, leads into a hallway. The only furniture in the room was a small but shiny shelf in the corner that looked empty.
Two people stood at the entrance, just as she expected. But… No, she didn’t expected them to look like that. One looked similar to her, an Astral Neek with a pure white cloak. The other was a black and grey dragon, and he(or she, Astra wasn’t sure) had reflective, turquoise eyes.
Weird, Astra thought. None of the monsters that come and steal the Floatling’s woods looked like that.
They were having a conversation, and the Neek similar to Astra kept on rolling his eyes. Astra didn’t think that they noticed her sitting up, so she asked,
“Where’s the washroom?” Astra had many more things to say than that, but she had to ask this question first. And maybe escape while I’m there.
The other Astral Neek glared at her when she said that, and opened his mouth to say something.
But the dragon said something before he could. “Down the hallway, on the right.”
Her voice was higher and sweet. The female one, I guess. Astra nodded and said thanks, although she was kinda surprised to find that the dragon was being nice. Aren’t I a captive of her’s?
The two monsters parted to let her through, and Astra hurried down the hallway. She noticed a also white wooden door on the right, and pushed it open. Unfortunately for her, the window of the washroom was small and too high for Astra to reach.
Soon Astra was done, and exited back into the hallways. She peered at it’s both ends. If she turned left, she would head back to the room. To my captors... No, she didn’t want to go back there. I have to escape.
And to the right… Astra wasn’t so sure what awaits her there. But then, if she couldn’t go left, she’ll have to go right.
So she crept down the hallway. The hallway lead to another hallway, and Astra turned right again. She moved into more hallways and the next, passing doors that she hadn’t bothered to check. Astra had went through several turns already when she reached the stairs.
The stairs were made out of wood, but were shiny and reflective. They spiraled upwards, to a place Astra couldn’t see. The young Neek debated for a while, whether she should up it’s tan-brown steps.
This is new. The house is like a maze! Astra took a placed a foot on the stairs. Nothing wobbled. I should go. I want to explore more.
So Astra headed up the steps.
She was halfway up the stairs when she realised something was missing. Her staff. Where was it? Her heart started racing. Where is it? She looked around frantically and searched through her cloak.
No. They must have took it. Where is it now? Smashed into pieces? Tears began to form in her eyes. No…. Don’t…. Cry…. Astra blinked back her tears. Don’t worry, I’ll get it back, She thought, trying to comfort herself. Plus, it’s just a staff. I could always get a new one…
Astra looked ahead. She’ll be fine. She have more to explore. Although her heart felt hollow, Astra dragged her legs up the stairs, climbing until she reached to the top. Upstairs looks the same as downstairs, really. Same complex design of hallways. And doors. And the floating lights close to the ceilings.
Astra found herself lost. She couldn’t even find the stairway she had came up from. Urghhhh… I’m stuck here! Forever!
Maybe I should have went back to the room. They’ll feed me, right? Astra sighed. Now I’ll never get to see the real world. She stopped walking and looked around. Her eyes scanned through the halls.
The doors made her curious. I wonder what behind them? She decided to check. Hopefully, I wouldn’t get in trouble… Astra approached a random door carefully. It was wooden and painted in white, like the others. She tiptoed to it and pressed her ear onto the door. No sound came to her. Nothing. The only thing she heard was her own breath.
So she removed herself from the cool, sparkly, surface of the door and placed a hand on the doorknob. Slowly and steady, she turned it’s handle.
The door flew open. It bounced against the wall of the room, and Astra winced inwardly as it made a loud, clanking noise. I should be more careful next time… She thought.
Wow. Inside the room were rows and rows of weapons, as far as Astra could see. It’s long hall seemed to be endless. There were swords, knives, spears, staffs, and other weapons Astra didn’t recognize.
Astra didn’t know if that amazed her more or frightened her more. In one way, if all of their sharp blades launched at her, she’s not going to live very long. But then, nobody’s here to wield the weapons, so it should be safe as long as Astra doesn’t poke herself.
So she stepped in. And a large beeping noise welcomed her.
Her heart froze in terror. I should have known! I probably triggered an alarm!
She scampered back out into the hallway. Run! She thought. But… Which way? She did not want to run into anyone… But staying here might be worse.
So she flew left, her heart pounding as she ran. The beeping noise continued, ringing her ears. She zigzagged through hallways. She didn’t know where she was going, and there wasn’t any windows so far.
Astra found herself staring at brown wood that caught her eye. The stairs… She had found the stairs. Astra stopped and peered down the reflective steps. Should she go down?
While she was debating with herself, the alarms stopped ringing. Astra let of a gasp of relief. They didn’t find me! Maybe she could go down the stairs now… Cautiously, Astra lowered herself down the stairs. She looked around for signs of danger, making her foot touch the ground as lightly as possible.
Then Astra peered around the corner, and her eyes gazed into downstairs hallways. All clear. She thought when she saw nothing in sight.
But then, something orange shimmered in the corner of her right eye. Wait… No. Someone is coming] Astra squeezed her eyes shut and opened her eyes again. She wasn’t mistaken.
An Astral Neek was trailing down the hall, heading at her direction. But the most frightening part about him was the fiery tendrils surrounding him and wrapped around his staff, following the Astral Neek wherever he went.
Astra wanted to take a closer look, but she really didn’t want to get caught or knocked out again. So she did what her brain to her to do: run.
She ran up the stairs in a hurry, not caring as her loud footsteps banged against the stairs. She could hear sound coming beneath her. He’s coming!
Astra reached the upper level and quickened her steps, running even faster. She found the nearest hallway intersection and turned right. Then she turned left at the next one, left again, right, left, left, right, left, right, right…
The seven-year old Neek could not remember how many turns did she go through. It was a complex maze, and it seemed endless. Her heart was hammering against her chest, and her breath was ragged and uneven. But she continued. Astra did not let her legs collapse beneath her as she continued racing through the place.
Her gaze sild ahead. A black dot showed up in her vision, and Astra wondered if she was going to faint out again. But as she was running, it grew bigger and bigger, until Astra found out that it wasn’t a “black dot” after all.
Instead, it was a neek with a grey-black coloured cloak, popping up against the pure white walls and doors. His hand clutched a golden staff with a purple gem stuck onto it. He was looking around, seemingly lost.
Astra decided that he wasn’t a bad guy, judging from his size and the confused look on his face as she approached. Maybe he was also captured, like me, She thought. More questions about him popped up, bubbling in Astra’s mind.
The Astral neek turned her head around to see if she lost the other Astral Neek yet. She almost froze in her stance when she saw him, the fire still blazing around him and all.
Astra whipped around and started running again. When she dashed past the black-cloaked Neek she yelled, “RUN!”
The black-cloaked Neek must have heard her, because Astra could hear footsteps close behind her’s. Unless it’s the Astral Neek instead… Astra shook her head. I have to say focused.
She swiveled right, and the Neek behind her did too. They were a few steps into the hallway when a voice behind her gasped,
“He’s… right…. Behind…….us…”
“What?”
Astra turned around again. Indeed, the other Astral Neek was right behind them. She froze in fear, unable to move. The black-cloaked Neek did not attempt to run either. They were both frozen in place, doomed in their enemy’s hands…
The older Neek narrowed his eyes at them, piercing them with a glare. He advanced onto them, taking a step forward.
Astra didn’t notice the Neek with the grey-black cloak slowly sliding towards the door on the left. Another step.
The black-cloaked Neek launched at the door, grabbing it’s handle. Astra reacted quickly, also launching towards the door. He kicked the door open in one swift move and they slid into the room.
Astra slammed at the door. But the door pushed against her, overpowering her side with force. The other neek also helped, but there wasn’t much of a use. The door was going to open.
Fiery tendrils shot into the room, and Astra wondered why it didn’t burn the doors. They whirled around them, circling the two young Neeks.
Astra squeezed her eyes shut. The burning flames were an inch close to her. One little flinch—and she’ll be bursted into flames. There was nothing she could do. She was on the edge of a life-or death situation.
“Don’t...” Astra struggled to breathe. She could taste the reek of tinder and ashes in her mouth, filling into her mouth. She choked a cough. I need air! When she opened an eye, she could see the smoke blurring her vision, and the sting of it made her eyes water. “Don’t… kill…me…”
Glowing eyes showed beneath the smoke, but her eyes hurt so much that she was forced to close them.
“Now…” The voice beneath the vapor sounded cold and cunning, almost amused. “So you two are the ones.”
Astra didn’t know if she should be relieved when the blanket of smoke cleared out. The whips of fire were still there, magically, twisting their way from a golden staff. Gripping that staff was the other Astral Neek, the same one that kidnapped Astra and brought her there.
“What do you want?” Astra asked, trying to use her bravest voice as she said the words.
He tipped her head at her. “Still not scared?”
More tendrils of fire shot out from his staff, wrapping around Astra’s wrist. She used all her will to not move them. I’m so close to burning! “Of course not, I’m very brave!” Astra replied fiercely.
“I see…”
Then a massive amount of flames and fire struck her.
Chapter 4 - Shadow
Sometimes, things happens so fast, so blurry, rushing at you at once. Sometimes, you can’t exactly take on what is happening. Sometimes, you’ll end up confused, unsure on what is going on.
Sometimes, it’s a dream. But this time, it’s real.
Shadow watched as the other Neek collapsed onto the ground, falling onto the wooden floor beneath him.
He was glad he wasn’t her. And he didn’t dare challenge the older white Neek either. That’s just dumb, He thought. Shadow had stood perfectly still and didn’t say a word.
The fire still encircled him, trapping him in a tight circle. The hungry orange flames seemed to taunt him, wanting to burn him into ashes.
The Astral Neek wielding the flames was definitely vicious. His sharp glare would send Shadow fleeing, if it wasn’t for his flames blocking the way.
And then there were the questions. Why am I here? Where was the Tarragon, Eclia?
Maybe it's a trap. Shadow thought, almost muttering it out loud. He raised his head slightly to glance at the flames again. Of course it’s a trap.
“HYBRID!” A large screech traveled into the room, startling Shadow. He could tell that the older Neek was surprised too, judging from the jerk of his head.
What surprised him even more, was a displeased Eclia slipping into the room, fangs bared angrily. “HYBRID. WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING!?”
The flames extinguished in seconds. The white male Neek blinked at the dragon, a tiny amount of guilt slipping into his expression.
Shadow forgot how large Eclia was. Compared to the Tarragon, the Astral Neek seemed small. But he couldn’t forget that he was even smaller.
“Explain.” Eclia demanded, her gaze landing on the young female Neek’s unconscious body. Her words were not directed at Shadow, but at the older White Neek.
The right corner of his lips twitched upwards slightly. “Nothing happened.”
Eclia shot daggers at the Astral Neek, her eyes flickering. But the Astral Neek glared back, his gaze more imposing than her’s.
Shadow was more than confused. Who were those two Astral Neeks? 'And Eclia lied to me, Shadow thought darkly. She said I would be safe.
“Hybrid, out. Now.”
It was now very clear to Shadow that the Astral Neek was Hybrid. He doesn’t look like a hybrid though…
Hybrid instead only said, “You can’t boss me around.”
Shadow didn’t know how the White Neek could stand a huge dragon towering over him without running away. But then, he is also scary…
He didn’t know how longer could he stand this conversation.
Luckily, Eclia said, “We’ll talk later.” Then she turned at Shadow.
Shadow’s breathing stopped. The Tarragon grabbed his arms with her talons, pulling him out of the room. Shadow followed without a choice, not bothering to struggle.
They reached the hallway, and Eclia continued gripping his arm, pulling him across the endless maze of the house.
He wasn’t sure how far they had walked when the blue-eyed Tarragon finally stopped, letting go of his sleeve.
Shadow debated running away. But he was out of breath, and Eclia could catch him easily. So he stood here as he waited for his ragged breathing to smooth out.
There was a few moment of silence, but Eclia broke it quickly. “I’m sorry about Hybrid, he’s a real disaster.” Her voice had dropped to the honey-sweet sound again. “Are you okay?”
No. Shadow thought. I almost died. And I did not enjoy that. But instead of replying, he asked, “What was that?”
Although he didn’t specify what, and most certainly did not say who, Eclia replied, “Hybrid’s the other one who lives here. He’s supposed to train Astra.”
Without thinking, he asked, “Who’s Astra?”
“The other Neek you saw in the room.” Eclia’s gaze darkened. “I hope she’s alright…” Shadow remembered the poor young Neek that had been burned onto the ground, and silently thanked her for yelling “Run!” into his ears. But then he realised something odd. “Wait, did you say train?”
“Hybrid and I are send here to train you two,” Eclia said, her tail waving. “Except Hybrid already failed. We’re supposed to protect you, not kill you. If he fails healing Astra and the Wardens find out, he’ll be punished.”
Shadow opened his mouth to ask another question, but Eclia spoke before he could,
“I have some snacks, are you hungry?”
Shadow nodded, forgetting his what he was about to say. But while they were walking, the question came back to him.
“Why do the Wardens care? Why are we going to put through special training?”
Eclia’s jaw curved into a grin. “Because you’re different than the others, and special in their eyes.”
It was nighttime, and Shadow had been shown his new bedroom earlier in the day. It had a shiny silver laptop on a desk, and Shadow had never used one before. He played games on it for the rest of the day.
“Dinner time!” Eclia sang, her snout poking through Shadow’s open door.
Shadow turned the Laptop off, finding the power button.
“Coming.” He muttered, spinning on his wheely chair.
Ecila lead Shadow into the corridors, which were still hauntingly white. They turned two rights and one left, entering a wooden room with a fireplace.
A wooden table was placed in the middle of the room, and four seats surrounded it.
The younger Astral Neek was sitting on the seat farthest to the older Neek, bandages wrapped around her body. She scowled as the two of them entered.
The older Astral Neek was on his phone, not glancing upwards.
Shadow winced inwardly, knowing that he’ll have to sit between them no matter what. He chose the one farther from the fireplace.
Eclia sat across from Shadow, spreading her wings on the table. “So, we’re very sorry about the incident that happened earlier.” Her gaze flickered to the younger Astral Neek, who hissed as she met her gaze.
“Not.” The older Astral Neek muttered, close enough for Shadow to hear. He wanted to shift farther away from him, but he was afraid that he’ll end up like the other Astral Neek.
Eclia continued cheerfully. “So, let’s introduce ourselves!” Great. The dark Tarragon beamed brightly. “I’ll go first. If you haven’t know already, I’m Eclia.”
Nobody returned a response. The older Astral Neek snorted.
Eclia turned to him. “Hybrid, stop pretending to go on your phone, I know that the battery’s dead.”
The Astral Neek stalked to the doorway unhappily and walked out of the room.
Sighing, Eclia returned her attention to the Neeks. “As I already told Shadow,” She said, shooting a quick glance at the Shadow-elemented Neek. “We were ordered from the Wardens to be your guardians—”
She was quickly interrupted by the other Neek’s shriek. “Wait, we have to live here now?!”
“Yes, Astra.” Eclia replies, her eyes slightly pitying. “I’m sorry, but this will be your home from now on.”
Astra let out a huge pout, and Shadow wanted to roll his eyes. She obviously doesn’t know how much worst the orphanage is, he thought. But then, He added, She’s probably going to be a lot more liked than me, if her element is Astral.
Eclia continued. “Our job is to teach you to control your powers—”
“Powers?” Shadow blurted out, the second time Eclia was interrupted.
“I’ll explain that in a moment.” Eclia did not have one bit of annoyance in her voice. “Since you two have different elements, you two would be seperated during training. Shadow, I will be your mentor, and Astra, your mentor would be Hybrid.”
Shadow turned to Astra, and, not to his surprise, the white-cloaked Neek was horrified. He felt a bit bad for her, that “Hybrid” dude was terrifying. But he was most being relieved that he wasn’t assigned to Hybrid.
He still wasn’t sure if this was a dream though. Escaping with another Shadow-element, almost getting burnt by fire, living in a secret place, discovering about unknown powers, training to help the Wardens. Definitely sounds like a dream.
A pretty interesting one, hope I enjoy my powers while it lasts.
Eclia’s voice snapped Shadow out of his thoughts. “Now, you both know that you are very different than the others. The first Astral and Shadow Neeks spotted since the Wardens became Wardens, six thousand years ago.” Neither of them looked surprised at the news. “So you must know that you both have very unique powers. Not only the standard spells that you’re going to learn, like Shadow Shock, or Starbit Blast, but others too, like the ones gifted from the Wardens or inherited from your… father.”
That one last sentence left the two Neeks wide-eyed.
Astra asked first. “What do you mean by ‘gifted from the Wardens’?”
Shadow also opened his mouth to ask something, but closed it when Eclia begins to answer.
“Every once in a while, the Wardens will go to some just-borns who are important to the future, and give them special powers. Six powers, usually, from each Warden, but sometimes twelve. Each power varies.”
Shadow must have stars in his eyes. “Really?” If the Wardens decided to gift me, then I must be important! The thoughts sent him a surge of contentment and excitement to his heart, and he felt like his heart was flapping up and down.
His happiness barely lasted a second. “No, I was talking about Astra.” Eclia said. “You’re not a Gifted.” She paused. “Not by the Wardens, anyways.”
Shadow didn’t hear the words after the pause. Of course I’m not gifted. He scolded himself, trying not to be too upset. Why would the Wardens want to give special powers to a Shadow Neek? They probably think I’m better dead too. Except, why would they make Eclia train me then?
“There’s no need to feel left out. Most Monsters aren’t gifted. ” Eclia murmured quietly to Shadow. He didn’t really like how the huge Tarragon seemed to know that he’s disappointed, but it was nice to know that someone actually cared about his feelings for once. “Plus, the Shadow Element have plenty of abilities that other Elements don’t have.” “Who’s this ‘father’?” Astra asked loudly. She tipped her head after some thought. “And you didn’t say fathers, just father”
Eclia waved one wing in the air as she spoke. “Yes, you two have the same Dad.”
The two neeks stared at each other in silence, dumbfounded. They looked nothing alike. Not only were their colours different, the patterns on their cloaks were not the same either. Shadow was pretty sure Astra had a different staff than his, even though they both don’t have it with them right now.
Shadow turned back to Eclia, gawking.
“It’s a bit complicated, but you two have enough news this hour—”
“Who’s our dad?” Astra cut in for the second(or was it third?) time.
Shadow couldn’t help but chime in. Every orphan in the orphanage wished they knew their parents. “Where is he right now? Why did he abandon me—” He figured Astra was abandoned too, if she didn’t knew their father “—us?”
Eclia fixed them with a stern glare.“I will not answer anything. Don’t you ask about your father ever again.” She hissed, a very dragon-like sound. “Not me, not Hybrid. Hybrid would have his way of making you not to. Not the Wardens, whom we’ll probably never see anyways. Not random strangers. Not anyone.”
Shadow slowly nodded, even though he didn’t get it. Why aren’t we allowed to know about our father?
“You two understand?” She folded her wings in. “Astra?”
“Yes.” They both said.
“What about my mother?” Shadow asked.
“What about my mother?” Astra asked.
Eclia looked slightly exasperated. “I’ll tell you two later, it’s getting late, and we haven’t even ate yet.”
“But—” Astra started.
Eclia pushed some food onto the table. Getting up, she walked up to the door with a flick of her tail. The door was wide open the whole time, That “Hybrid” dude didn’t bother to close it. She swung her head back to look at Shadow and Astra. “I’m going to eat somewhere else. You two rest well, we’re starting training tomorrow. Don’t make me yell at you until you’re in bed.” She smiled. “Although I’m sure Hybrid wouldn’t mind helping me with that. Good night!”
Then Eclia went away, disappearing through the doorway.
Astra didn’t say anything at dinner. When they were full they just left silently, to look for their bedrooms.
Shadow found his in no time, he remembered where it was. He showered and brushed his teeth, then quickly went into bed, recalling what Eclia said to them before she left.
Now he lay in bed, half thinking, half scared that the “Hybrid” dude’s going to open the door and kill him.
He was just as confused as this morning. Some of his questions were answered, but he also had so many more questions added to his list. Things didn’t fit in his mind properly. Why is Astra also here? Why did the Wardens want to train us? Who are my parents? Why did they put me into the orphanage? Why am I not allowed to ask about my dad???
Those were just the few main ones.
Shadow closed his eyes again, trying to sleep. It didn’t work. Light was peeking out from the doorway....
Shadow’s eyelids quickly bounced open, almost gasping with relief when it wasn’t Hybrid. It was just Eclia.
He felt a lump in his throat. Am I supposed to be asleep?
“Can’t sleep?” Eclia asked.
“Yeah…” Muttered Shadow, trailing off.
“Is there something bothering you?”
“Just a lot of questions.” Shadow said. He expected her to go away, but she stayed, tilting her head.
Shadow took that as a hint that he could ask. He wanted to ask about his father, but thought better of it. “Am I actually Astra’s half-sister?” He asked instead.
“Oh, no.” Eclia replied, shaking her head. “You’re not her half-sister. You have the same parents as her. You’re her twin.”
Chapter 5 - Astra
It was bright in the morning, sunlight filling from her room’s windows. Astra laid on her side, clutching her blankets tightly. If she was back at the floating village, she would’ve been out of bed already. She would be going to school, saying bye to Dawn…
Except I’m not at the village. She thought glumly. She was scared. Very scared. Surrounded by people she didn’t know, in a very unfamiliar place… Astra shivered.
She would’ve thought yesterday was just a dream, or her imagination, but she is actually sleeping here in this white and bare room.
Yesterday… The flames, the dragon, the other Neeks… Astra looked down on herself. The bandages were still plastered on her body.
First there was Hybrid, that older Neek that kidnapped and attacked her. He was just a Neek, Astra knew, there were these Monsters called “Callers” and “Creators” that were even more powerful. But he was scary, and half a head taller than her.
Then there was that large dragon, Eclia. There were many floating tales about dragons, but none of them had black scales like the ones she had. She seemed nicer than Hybrid, but Astra didn’t trust her.
Now, the Neek about the same age as her… His name was… Shadow? And his element is Shadow too. Astra shivered again. Shadow element was the element of the Puppet Master. He didn’t seem that bad, probably scared like her. And the dragon said we’re related. I guess that could be true, we’re both Neeks… Why we’re not allowed to know anything about our father?
She shrugged that thought away. As much as she is curious, she can’t take off her mind on the other things Eclia said.
Gifted by the Wardens. Astra shivered for the third time, but this time out of excitement. She couldn’t wait to test her special powers out. She loved being special. It felt good that Shadow didn’t get gifted, but she did.
I wonder what my powers are. I wonder if I could defeat Hybrid with them! But thinking about the older Neek made her stomach sink. He was supposed to “train” her, and she didn’t like the sound of it.
“Astra!” Eclia looked into the room, and Astra shrunk beneath her covers. “Breakfast time!” She beamed at her. “Day two of our time together!”
Astra took her time to get ready. She did not feel as cheery as Eclia did, she wasn’t excited for the day.
The dragon led her to an empty room, where she took off Astra’s bandages. “All healed.” Eclia said, still beaming.
“Wow.” Astra said, amazed at how fast the burns were gone.
“We’ll do a lesson on healing another time.” Eclia says, gesturing Astra out of the room.
Soon they arrived at the breakfast table, where Shadow was already waiting. Astra was pretty happy when Eclia announced that Hybrid wouldn’t be joining them.
Shadow kept on staring at her while she’s eating, so she did her best to ignore him. However, after a while, she just couldn’t take it anymore. “What?”
Shadow shrugged and went back to eating his cereal. But she could tell that he glanced a few more times in her way.
After breakfast, Eclia lead the two Neeks into a large, also wooden, room. It seems like the walls are only either white, or wooden. Astra thought. But wooden is better than white, it reminds me a bit of home.
She felt a sharp pang as she remembered that she’ll never be back at the Floatling Village again. Oh Sunshine, I hope you’re okay.
The room they entered only had a few things—a map, and some chairs. The large map was sprawled over the wall, covering the whole section of the room. Astra peered at the islands scattered over its surface. They were all labeled. At the top of the paper said the words “Worlds of Prodigy”.
Eclia tapped the map with her long claws. “I hope you all know your history,” the dragon began.
Astra leaned forward to listen, but Shadow yawned, slumping into a nearby chair.
Eclia continued speaking. “But in case you don’t—” She broke off. “Oh!" Her gaze traveled behind Astra. "Good morning, Hybrid.”
Astra whipped around to see the older Astral Neek coming through the doorway. Shadow quickly jumped back to his feet, startled.
Eclia tapped the map again. Astra tore her gaze away from Hybrid, looking back at the dragon. Eclia opened her mouth and spoke. “About four thousand years ago, Prodigy did not look like this. It was in a whole piece, it was just one continent.
“But something—some people think it was a very large comet—hit Prodigy, smashing the land into pieces. It was a very bad disaster. A lot of Wizards, Pets, and Monsters died. The Academy had to be rebuilt. However, Prodigy continued to live. Wizards at the time divided Prodigy up into different territories, calling them ‘Worlds’.”
She tapped on a large island named Astrallum. “That is where the Academy had been rebuilt.” Then she spread her wings to cover the top half of the map. “Prodigy is also divided into Northern and Southern Prodigy. Most Wizards live in Northern Prodigy.”
Eclia smiled them. “Now, does any of you know where you came from?”
Shadow raised his hand.
“Yes, Shadow?”
“Animalia.” Shadow said.
“Would you like to show us?”
Shadow walked over to the map, tapping on an island with a pawprint image hovering next to it.
“Astra?” Eclia asked, turning to the younger Astral Neek.
Astra shook her head. She didn’t know where the Floatling’s village was on the map.
“Part of Astrallum.” She pointed at a tiny dot next to the island Astrallum. “Right now, however, we are here.” She pointed at a island labeled Silverdome.
“That’s so far from home!” Astra gasped, looking between the two Worlds.
Eclia nodded. “That’s right. You two are from Northern, but now we’re in Southern. Things are a lot different here. Southern Prodigy is ruled by kings and queens who pass down the Royal Bloodline.”
Astra’s eyes widened. “There’s royalty here? I thought Princesses only exists in fairy-tales!”
“Noot’s a fairy, he have a tale...” Shadow muttered.
Hybrid cleared his throat. “So when we are on the streets, if we see King Blackhole, we must bow. We are not to annoy any royalty or royal guards. You must greet the King with ‘Your majesty’ and other royalty ‘Your Highness’.”
Shadow rolled his eyes when Hybrid was not looking. “Seems a bit excessive.” He whispered to her.
“You understand?” Hybrid said sharply, hovering a bit too close to the two Neeks.
Astra and Shadow both nodded.
“Good!” Eclia said, “I think we could head out now, walk around your new town a bit.”
Already? Astra felt nervous and excited at the same time. This is real! I’m going to the outside world for the first time… Her heart hammered against her chest. I can't wait!
“But we have to start training them!” Hybrid protested. “That’s what we’re ordered to do!”
“We can do that outside, I think it’s better than getting stuffed here.” Eclia headed towards the doorway. She smiled down at Astral and Shadow. “Get your staffs, let’s go.”
A/n: This chapter’s a bit shorter than the rest, I was planning to do the next part in this chapter but I decided this is a good time to cut off :D
Chapter 6 - Shadow
To be continued.