The elevator doors slid open with a groan, revealing a stark white hallway bathed in the sterile glow of fluorescent lights.
'It seemed they even went all out- with the lighting and all '.
Ray, his heart pounding against his ribs like a trapped bird, stepped out, his gaze instinctively drawn to the figure standing at the end of the corridor.
He froze in his steps. His eyes meeting the familiar figure of Eric. His face- one that looked like it had been chiseled by the gods themselves, graced his eyes. The familiar code 'AA74', lay plainly on his robes.
The number not only a symbol of his ranking, but most likely also a testament of his power.
'What are the odds, that the man I bumped into about a week ago, arrives in this very orphange'. Ray thought
As if sensing his gaze, Eric looked in his direction; Those piercing blue eyes, the ones that seemed to bore into your soul, were suddenly fixated on Ray's figure, who swiftly tried to look away but to no avail- he had already been spotted.
Eric's face too contoured, his face showing a hint of familiarity as he saw Ray's figure;which swiftly changed to amusement as he saw his pitiful attempt to hide his gaze.
'Oh right, he's the last one we were waiting for anyways '. His eyes locking with Miss Sterling, who remained standing quietly by his side-
She gave him a nod- subtly initiating the start of this important event'
"Ehem"
A small fake light cough, broke the small and idle chatter of the young and vigorous youths -some had happy smiles on their faces, some looked sad- probably because, they had finally accepted that this was about to become their reality.
From this days henceforth, they would have to work for their own meals!
Damn!
Truly saddening!
Eric, a man who seemed to exist somewhere between a stern schoolteacher and a weary social worker, raised a hand for silence.
His hand gesture, once again bring the place into hushed silence. The orphans, giving him their rapt attention.
His gaze lingered on these kids- cold and calculating, Before he promptly gestured towards the open streets outside the building.
"Come with me and line up". He stated- his voice authoritative- leaving no room for arguments, as he promptly began walking outside the door.
The lads had no other option! Swiftly shuffling their feet and following this agent.
For if they delayed, who knew what would befall them! They thought.
He appeared to be a man of few words- and they couldn't be more closer to the truth!
Eric gazed at the young adults of this orphange. He had been assigned to take care of this batch of kids this month;he locked eyes with the twenty or so young men and women- his brief gaze with them causing some to involuntarily shudder.
Until his eyes locked with a familairr black eyed boy. Who stared back!
'oh a strong one?' Eric wondered
-'Oh it's just the kid '. Eric thought chuckling to himself, after reassessing the boy's face.
'They look so tense- and I can't even blame them. This batch doesn't really look that promising; and I can tell that a lot of them would send up as porters'.
'sigh'
'I guess a little pep talk won't hurt anybody I guess'. Eric thought, while mentally preparing himself for the impromptu speech he had decided to give.
"Alright, kids," his voice, though rough, held a hint of underlying kindness,
"Today's the day. A new chapter begins." He paused, scanning their faces, each one a canvas of apprehension and trepidation. "The world out there... it's not always kind. It'll throw curveballs, knock you down. But you've got to get back up. Stronger. Smarter."
It seemed he had started off a bit rough, but he had quickly gotten the hang of it.
He gestured towards the sky- his hands flaying widly-
"Out there, you'll meet life! Regardless of if you become a porter, a miner, or you're an awakened, yourself!"
"Remember, the world doesn't owe you anything. You've got to fight for it. Every single day." He clapped his hands together, a sharp, decisive sound in the sterile silence.
'Wait! Was...was that supposed to be a speech?, that sounded more like a reality check more than anything '. Ray thought shaking his head at this man's pitiful attempt to provide 'motivation' .
But it seemed Eric wasn't done, he looked at them all again.
"Now, before we get you all settled in your new homes,
"First, we have to bestow to you ,your professions- just know whatever you're given, it is a privilege to serve in the AA". Eric continued - taking measured steps to the little line they had formed.
"You! what's your name" he pointed.
The young man who was pointed to almost fell on his ass, as he promptly scrambled to regain some of his dignity before promptly responding.
" The name's Dave, sir".
"Dave...nice name...Porter!"
Eric stated, his eyes shifting towards another adult- this time, a woman.
"You!..your name"
"Emma".
"Not bad - porter!".
'Really...these people are doomed' Ray thought.
"You! Name!"
"Chad"
Eric noded.
"Miner!"
'well, no surprise, it seemed lucky and nature was in side'. Ray mused- his eyes subconsciously moving towards the figures of Charles and Sam.
-Their figures, an embodiment of arrogance -as pride radiated from their very bodies
; perhaps they were almost certain they would be miners, since their buddy; Chad had been given that reverend position- the honourary professions of the Non-Awakeneds.
Ray's eyes narrowed in contemplation. Thinking of how he would deal with these three, now that they would probably be working together in the nearest future- although the chances were not that low; as there would be other orphanages joining them soon.
Eric however, had already rattled off half of the current eighteen year Olds.
"You!"
"Jack"
Eric's eyes scanned the young man- his senses extending towards him. Before his eyes flickered in suprise.
"Not bad- awakened".
Everyone's eyes visibly narrowed in shock, in their small hopes orphange, they had an awakened?
'must be from another floor of the orphange then, because I don't know him '. He thought
And with that, the names kept rolling in- and another awakened was found- a girl it seemed.- she looked quiet and reserved; her chubby cheeks still bearing some baby fat, that puberty had failed to wash away.
'intresting...another awakened? Who would have thought'. Ray thought.
Honestly he didn't expect too much from his 'home'. Expecting at best,-miners.
He half expected only Chad and his gang to be the only miners at best.
But it seemed narrow- minded now that he thought about it.
"You!"
Ray looked around, looking for who had been called. But the strangest thing happened.
Everyone was looking at him!
Even Eric!
'oh shit '. Swiftly composing himself, he managed to respond.
"Ray"
"Porter"
Eric said.
It seemed he didn't even think about it - the words swiftly rolling out of his mouth.
It had come as no surprise to Ray, as he had already expected it. But what he didn't expect were the small snickers he heard from his side.
He turned, his gaze meeting the trio of Chad, Sam and Charles- not even bothering to hide their scorn on their hateful faces.
"Now we're done! Let's move"- hold each others hands". Eric instructed while watching the group struggle in their akawardness.
But he didn't entertain them for long though, as he tapped the young lad closest to him- his code 'AA74', shinning a brief bright light, before they disappeared!
Their eyes shuddered in fright, due to the sudden influx of light. Their body, felt as though it had been stretched out and compressed in a matter of seconds.
It only lasted for a moment before the familair voice of Eric resounded once more- however, it now beamed with a subtle hint of pride.
"Welcome to the AA!"