The humming of Aziel's coretech makes our hearts stir with nervousness. The godsblood dripping from the runes written all over his body glows blue, lighting up the dark office.
"I know that you must go.", his deep voice creates a contemplative atmosphere, "We must discuss what that means for our children."
Both Dior and I are taken back by his acceptance. We were prepared to defend our reasoning.
"Forgive me for asking, but from what you know, how are you so supportive?", Dior asks.
"I led the rebellion for my kind, and only had a partial victory. They still have millions of androids enslaved in the garrison. The few that I was able to rescue have sworn to parent the abandoned, and we have created several safe havens throughout the coast. No one knows the feat of standing up for the greater good better than I, child."
The large map on the wall behind his desk reveal the markings of the other orphanage colonies scattered throughout the coast. Each of them are protected by the bubble that the androids invented, each watched over by a guardian such as Aziel.
The protective shields are fueled by godsblood. The most valuable elixir known to man, capable of unimaginable things. It is said to be obtained by making a god bleed.
That's believed to be a myth though, we just know that the peak elites produce it and we have to steal to gain it.
We use it to enchant weapons and armor. Powering any and all inventions. It is what makes the diver suits so potent in the war. It is our super weapon aganst the Atlanics.
"Well, we're the only surfers left in our orphanage. Tia, Tito, and Aki are too young. Are you not able to go yourself Aziel?", I ask timidly.
I shouldn't have asked that. The reason our population is so young and our average life expectancy in the shore is 20 is due to two reasons. The civilization in the peaks discard children at a very young age due to their imperfections, and the ghouls devour surfers within four years without exception. I'd like to think Dior and I would've made it past then.
Aziel was our caretaker, but he wasn't exactly your typical parent. His body is fueled by godsblood and that attracts the ghouls. He provided for us and protected us but lacked the human empathy needed to feel comfortable around him. We love him, but our respect for him is greater than our affection.
"We are the only safe haven in the north, and the closest one is to the east. Will you be able to spare a few days, take the trio with you, teach them the ways, and return with newly recruited surfers?", Aziel asks in a respectful manner, not demanding, but requesting a favor.
How could we say no? That is the least we could do. I look to Dior for an answer. She is the only one that can communicate long distance with her third eye, if she relays our delay, it should be fine.
Dior approaches Aziel and embraces him. He seems just as surprised as me, seeing his body reaction, but he returns the hug and pats her on the shoulder.
"I will miss you my children. I wish I could do everything, but to provide food and supplies for the safe havens means humans need to surf the harrowing abyss. Putting you guys at risk is a sacrifice we must bare to survive together."
I join in on the embrace. We stay like this for awhile and let time pass. This will be a cherished moment between us in the future. It feels fleeting, but it's sweet.
***
It's been hours since that moment. I have finished unpacking our loot and packing the necessities for our journey. Dior went to tell the kids about what is happening.
She's their favorite after all. How could she not be? She has the most welcoming, bubbly, sweet and attractive personality.
Her silver hair sparkles in the dome lights as kids chase her. The sound of her laughter is melodic and soothing.
"Ya'know you're really creepy when you do that."
What? I turn to see Tito leaning on the wall behind me with a mischievous smirk on his face.
"Yeah, a total pervert. I thought you were better than that Tyde.", Tia chimes from behind.
I blush. There's no words I can say to get myself out of this. I played myself. I should've been paying attention to my surroundings before getting lost while studying her.
Wait no that sounds wrong. Maybe I am a creep. This is embarrassing. I avoid their judgmental gaze.
"Shouldn't you be with her? She's planning on telling you guys and Aki about a trip we're going on.", I try to avert the topic.
"Nah, we already eaves dropped on the conversation with Aziel. We don't know the details but we know the important parts.", Tito grins with pride.
They love snooping around. It can be annoying; but it is also a tactical advantage for a surfer to have. Being silent and able to sneak with avoidance is great. These two will get it pretty quickly on the field.
"Well in the mean time, go practice on the hover boards. You're going to need it. I'm not going to keep catching you guys when we traverse the abyss."
Their eyes widen with excitement. You have to be fifteen to start surfer training. It is forbidden to touch our equipment.
We try our best to only send older orphans, because we know the fate of those who choose to step into the abyss is always death.
All of these kids have only known the safe haven. Living within the bubbles of the trees. They have only experienced what this protective bubble has to offer.
Only a few casualties, results from their curiosity when stepping out of the trees to discover the horrifying truth of the abyss.
We try to warn them, but experience is the greatest teacher. Too many kids are filled with a desire to explore.
The twins have been smart enough to stay within the confines of protection even with their overwhelming mischievousness.
Tito and Tia still love to marvel at our tech. They don't need me to give them permission twice. I watch them as they run to the training cabin and think of the expression they will wear tomorrow when experiencing the abyss.
I remember my first time out there. If it wasn't for my blessing, I would've died. My guide was devoured by a flying alligator. He was the last surfer before Dior joined me.
I sling my utility sack over my shoulder. It is an enchanted bag created by Aziel. The more you fill it, the heavier it is, but it has an endless amount of storage, and strength is not a weakness of mine. It could weigh a thousand tons and I'd carry it with ease.
I look around the mess hall for Dior. Everything is silent. The kids have left to either the craft room or the library.
All of our books and supplies are from the abyssal ruins; what I recently just learned, were the Atlanic civilizations abandoned cities.
I've never been a studious kid but now I'm really curious about the contents of the books we've gathered. What hidden mysteries of the ancient civilization that conjured gods and manipulated the world will I be able to uncover?
While passing by each cabin, looking for Dior, I stop at a spot of the tree where a dense area of shrubs cover a part of the main branch.
I peel back the branches to reveal a ladder made with vines. A grin creases me face as I hoist myself up the many flights of rungs. This is Dior's secret lookout nook.
When I finally reach the top, a gush of a refreshing breeze hits my face. A lone hammock, tied between two thin branches swings freely above the beautiful scenic view of the horizon over the abyss.
The outline of a long curvy frame, stretches snuggly on the netted material. Dior's head pops out from under the hammocks covers and she flashes me her pretty smile.
"Did ya come to join me Tits?"