The Uniter

[Undergoing Revision] Chapter Six - Wave

[A/N: As a result to a major update of Chapter Five, posted on 3/28/24, this chapter is undergoing revision. This chapter should be updated and ready for your enjoyment by 3/29/24.]

   The rest of the section ceremony unfolded amidst an atmosphere charged with undomesticated excitement.

When Jay was welcomed into Terra, just like her brother had been years before, I felt a rush of happiness for my friend. Our shared excitement was palpable in the knowing glances we exchanged as Jay took her place beneath the third section banner. I watched her with a mixture of admiration and support, knowing that whatever section she was sorted into, she would thrive.

As the ceremony continued, only 13 students were sorted into Cygnus, the most uncommon, and seemingly prestigious, section at the Academy. More people than had made the final count for Cygnus had stepped up to the table, their hopes high, but as they attempted to find a connection, disappointment hung heavy in the air as none of the elements responded to their magic.

Beside me, a fellow student explained in hushed tones that those individuals possessed what was known as "General Magic," a form of magic that didn't align with any specific element. With a pang of sadness, I realized that there wasn't a place for them at the Academy. As the unfortunate students were escorted from the ceremony, I couldn't help but feel a wave of empathy wash over me. Despite the excitement of my own sorting, I felt badly for those who hadn't found their place tonight.

After the last student found their place among the banners, our new sections embarked on a journey through the grand halls of the Academy. Our footsteps sounded against the marble floors as we passed by towering pillars and ornate archways. Each hallway was adorned with the same intricate carvings I had noticed on the building's exterior, the gilded accents speaking to the centuries of history contained within these walls.

As we made our way through the winding corridors, flickering torches lined the walls, their flames dancing with ethereal hues of blue and green. We passed a magnificent library filled with books that reached from the floor to the vaulted ceiling, the shelves overflowing with ancient writings and dusty scrolls. At the end of each hallway, there stood towering stained glass windows that let in sparkling light from the night sky. I was in a state of shock as I took in the surroundings. If this weren't right in front of me, I wouldn't believe this place was real.

We eventually arrived at the sleeping quarters of Hydra, a stately wing of the Academy with regal furnishings and plush carpets awash in hues of blue. From the soft, azure drapes adorning the windows to the cool, cerulean tapestries that lined the hallways, every aspect of the décor seemed to pay homage to the abilities shared by those who called this wing home.

Professor Kholsman showed us to our private rooms, and as I stepped inside mine, I took a moment to survey the space before me. A small bed occupied one corner, neatly made with crisp linens. Across from it stood a compact closet, already stocked with my uniforms. Near the window, a sturdy desk and chair. But it was the large window itself that captured my attention, offering a breathtaking view of the crater in which the Academy was nestled. How had my parents kept such a place hidden from me?

Feeling overwhelmed by the flood of thoughts, I drew the curtains closed, shutting out the night, and changed into a set of satin pajamas I found neatly folded in a dresser within the closet. Slipping beneath the covers, I found myself staring into the darkness, my mind attempting to grapple with the events of the day. I refused to let myself linger on those thoughts— there would be time to process later. For now, I needed sleep. I welcomed the weight of exhaustion as I surrendered to unconsciousness, the events of the day fading into the background as sleep claimed me.

※※※※※

The next morning, I was roused by a gentle knock at the door. As I stirred beneath the covers, a piece of paper slid beneath the crack and settled in the center of my room.