We hesitantly stepped through the heavy doors to see a new world on the other side.
Towering walls inlaid with dazzling gems bridged by complex engravings masking the entirety of the ceiling. A fog of silence settling around us as the doors silently closed behind us, leaving a celestial atmosphere around us.
The sight before us left us speechless and tensed.
Unlike the other children who come to the Cathedral for their placement ceremony for a job class with their family, our job class was left undecided because it was unknown as to whether or not we would be staying in the city.
Due to this, we never had a reason to visit the Cathedral, and it became an unfamiliar ground for us, offering only a stiff silence.
Finally, a voice spoke up beside us addressing the Madam of the reason for visiting. They conversed shortly about our intentions of participating in the Ceremony of Awakening scheduled for today. The voice directed us the the farthest passage of the lowest level in which citizens were provided access for.
We broke out of our dazed state when the madam ushered us forth deeper into the Cathedral. There wasn't a single living being through the whole hall. The walls remained still and lifeless as we passed by them in a hurry.
Not long later, we found ourselves descending a spiral staircase with our path lit only by the sparse light emanating from the balls of fire held up on the walls every couple yards.
Sinking in and out of the darkness as we passed through the dimly lit passageway, we found ourselves fearing what came next.
The burning desire to finally find out where we truly belong outweighed the heart-trembling fear towards the future and filled our hearts as we marched on towards our Destiny.
Alas, the stairs stopped, we came upon a large door made of pitch-black wood, and as we approached, our pace quickened, drawn forth by the uncontainable excitement and slight apprehension towards what waited for us on the other side.
As we finally reached the end of the passage, we stopped 5 paces from the heavy doors, and they responded by creaking open at a snail's pace.
I looked over to the identical pair of thoughtful, deep-blue eyes belonging to my twin brother, Jase and activated the link between us.
' It's finally happening'
' mhmm' he answered with slight nod of his head.
'Are you ready?' I asked with a hesitant voice. No response. I looked over at him one last time to see him waiting for my decision.
'I saw the resolution within his eyes as he waited for me to come to a conclusion.
' well then, let's go' I said before grasping his hand tightly and taking a confident step forth to enter the Ceremonial Chamber.
We were greeted by the magical feeling of dense aether and mana surrounding us, and blinding lights shining brightly within the room shining out from holy crystals.
"Welcome, to the Chamber of Ceremonies." A wisened voice called out with clarity. We lifted our eyes with eager anticipation and determination to see a dazzling young man gazing down at us from the podium with other children surrounding him. A holy aura emanated from him, calming down our nerves.
I adjusted the collar of my best dress and gazed down at the deep blue skirt which I chose specifically to compliment my eyes and looked to my left to find my brothers eyes waiting patiently for me to ground my hyperactive nerves.
'Let's go' my brother nudged, activating the invisible connection between us.
I smiled helplessly as he grabbed my hand and led me to the podium.
"Now that all the applicants are present, let us begin the Ceremony of Awakening" the young man at the center of the podium announced as we turned to look at him, only to see a flash of colors sparkle in his eyes.
He began his speech as if nothing had happened.
"It has been 13 years since the Day of Reckoning.
13 years since our rise from near-extinction.
13 years since we gained the ability to communicate with the aether and mana surrounding us.
During these 13 years, we have strived whole heartedly towards survival.
We have overcome the mutated beasts of the otherworld, and the great sickness that has turned our own brethren against us.
And now, it is time for a new generation to join our ranks"
I scoffed silently thinking, 'you mean throw away the useless and welcome only the strong of the new generation.'
My brother glanced over to me, throwing me a warning look.
'Remember, they could have the thought-readers listening in on us' he cautioned.
I sulked silently as the Royal in charge of the orphans' Ceremony of Awakening closed his supposedly inspiring speech.
"Now, I invite you to participate in the Awakening." He boomed as his hands formed rapid symbols, projecting them into the air. The symbols merged and reformed to form a floating gate, exuding pure aether while drawing mana in.
"Start with the eldest first." He said as he motioned towards a tall, lanky boy closest to the gate .
"All you have to do is step through the gate and when you get to the Otherworld, feel the mana and aether and listen for the call of your spirit."
The boy trembled as he approached the gate, hesitating for too long as the overseer of the Ceremony nudged him through the shimmering gate. The gate pulsed as the boy disappeared from view, and the overseer turned around bearing an innocent smile.
"Next up is Eva Fide."
An incredibly adorable girl with almond-shaped eyes stepped up half-heartedly, yet gazed at the gate with burning desire and determination as she approached.
She stepped through the gate with no hesitation.
Names continued to be called, until we finally heard our names.
"Last, but not least, Rhianna and Jase Salvator." The man announces with a thoughtful look in his now, lavender eyes. 'Twins again, huh. How interesting'
"Since the two of you happen to be the last, why not just go in together." The overseer said with twinkling eyes.
I looked over to my brother for confirmation, as he grasped my hand in his.
'Jase?'
'Yeah?'
'It's really happening'
'Yeah... Let's go'
'Mmm' I murmured in affirmation as we took large strides towards the gate now overflowing with mana.
We stepped into the gate, and saw a blinding flash of light.
'Hmmm how interesting' the overseer pondered as he stepped into the gate as well, and with a flash, he disappeared into the Otherworld as well.