The Seekers

The orphanage resounded with the ringing of the bell as the morning sun poured in through the windows, illuminating the space with a golden glow. All of the kids started to wake up from their slumber as soon as the signal for the beginning of a new day was given.

Being a consistent early riser and the group's natural leader, Sofia was the first to awaken. She gave Eira a light tap and yelled, "Eira, wake up." She was trying to get the rest of the room moving, and her voice was a mixture of encouragement and frustration.

While still dozing off, Eira moaned and twisted in her bunk. She briefly disregarded the morning's obligations as she raised her arms above her head. Isabella yawned next to her and blinked her sleep-filled eyes.

Narah, who is known for savoring each and every moment of sleep, slouched over in her bunk while mumbling something unclear.

They were all obviously exhausted from not being able to get enough sleep, and the fatigue from the previous night was still hanging over them like a shadow.

"Why can't we just sleep in for the whole day?" Narah objected, a note of sleep desperation in her voice.

Sofia, who is typically the sensible one, was unfazed. She remarked with a teasing tone, "Go set up a date with Mama Dale." She was all too aware that the orphanage's regulations were unbending and that mornings meant routines and obligations.

To clean their teeth and take brief showers, the group of three reluctantly got out of bed. They were exhausted, but they knew that the day contained its own share of explorations and discoveries.

After getting ready, they went to the orphanage's main meeting place to join the other kids. The center of attention was the well in the rear, which was ringed by lilies in bloom. There were several children living in this large orphanage, and each area was identified by a letter. Each day came a new set of responsibilities.

Eira had been tasked with cleaning the area behind the dorm where lilies were blooming when the Section A students had gathered by their well today. Eira had become fascinated with lilies since they only bloom once a year and are a rare sight. They could have a relationship to the magic she believed in, she silently hoped.

She couldn't help but sneak looks at the lilies, their exquisite petals caressed by the morning light, as she picked up her broom and started to sweep.

The group of friends finished their morning tasks and went to the dining room for breakfast. The system at the orphanage was efficient. As they awaited the serving of their meals, the kids lined up in a single file.

The ever-observant Narah advised they sit on a seat that was vacant. They carried their meal trays to the bench of their choice and sat down. Before they started eating, Sofia, who was the oldest of the group, led them in a quick prayer.

Isabella said as they devoured their meal, "Hmm, this tastes a lot better than yesterday's pasta."

Narah nodded in agreement and said, "I second that."

Sofia admonished Eira, "You know you don't talk while eating," as she ate fast with thoughts of the enigmatic book.

The irony was pointed out by Isabella, who said, "But you're talking."

With a mischievous pout, Sofia defended herself by saying, "Because you guys won't stop talking."

A friend of Eira's named Jason briefly interrupted their dinner by coming over to their table. He frequently referred to her as "Scarlet," a moniker he had given her that in the language they both spoke meant "a cute witch."

"Hey, Jason," everyone greeted with smiles.

"Hey, ladies," Jason replied, taking a seat at their table. "How are we all doing today?"

Eira felt frightened and perplexed. She wished she could yell, but nothing came out. She attempted to flee, but some invisible force prevented her from moving her legs. She tried her best to soothe her after sensing her worry.

"My child, you're in the 'Frain realm,'" the woman said. "The'seekers,' those who seek the talented and set them on a path that seeks the balance between magic and humans,' brought you here."

Eira was unable to stop wondering why she was unable to talk. Although she opened her mouth, she said nothing. As they moved further into the forest, her panic grew and she was left with a lot of unanswered concerns.

They eventually reached a little settlement that was tucked away in the jungle. The locals gazed at Eira with interest and anticipation. She had no idea why they were staring at her so strangely.

Eira, who was in need of clarification, at last raised her voice and questioned, "Who are these people, and why are they looking at me?"

They are the villagers, and they are staring at you because you are exceptional, the lady said with a loving grin.

Eira questioned further, perplexed, "What do you mean, special?"

Have you ever heard of "Konujar," the Calamity? the woman asked.

Eira's eyes sparkled with anticipation. She screamed, "I've read about that in history.

The woman gave a nod of approval. "You have, in fact. Most people on Earth lost their magic after the Calamity. Those who still possessed magic had a duty to help the common folk who were now without power. But as time went on, humans became more and more selfish, and they started utilizing the magical ones in their experiments to try to resurrect magic. The remainder were coerced into hiding as hundreds were slaughtered.

Eira made the connections. Which refers to you two.

"Yes," the woman answered. "However, a prophesy now states that a little orphan girl will bring magic and humanity back into harmony. You are that orphan, Eira.

The woman said in a soft but forceful voice, "I realize this is a lot to take in, but you have the gift, the gift that few rare souls possess, the gift that's going to restore harmony to the realms. We must now assist You Guys in raising it.

Eira said, "You guys? ", still trying to process the enormity of what she had just discovered. How many more have the gift?

The lady said, "Precisely," and started to walk, which prompted Eira to follow.

"Can I see them?" you ask. Eira asked, her interest peaked.

The woman replied cryptically, indicating at an odd-looking limb on a neighboring tree, "I think you see them every day." Eira followed the woman's instructions and looked into what appeared to be a mirror. Unaware that she was in a vision, she watched as her pals conversed through it.

Eira groaned with frustration. So they've been in the lunchroom for a whole two hours without leaving or realizing that I passed out.

The woman said, "Time moves more slowly here. It takes roughly two hours for you. They only see it as five seconds.

Then Eira said, "So I'll age faster here than on Earth?"

"Yeah, but who wants to get to adulthood quickly?" the woman retorted with a tinge of amusement.

As Eira struggled to assimilate the information, her mind began to rush. So you're telling me that my pals, who have never once believed in magic, possess magic?

The woman smiled serenely and nodded. They are highly magical and each has special skills and limitations. But you made it through and promptly recognized your gift. You will now assist the others in finding theirs.

Eira jolted back to reality as the woman's comments resonated. As she looked around the hallway, time seemed to halt around her. Her eyes were filled with a mix of terror and fascination. All of a sudden, lilies started to appear all over the school, growing quickly and menacingly. Eira was horrified when they rushed towards her, clearly wanting to eat her.

In her hasty escape, Eira broke windows and dashed through rooms as she fled for her life. The lilies, which she had previously admired for their beauty, were actually "magic vacuums" that could take in anything containing magic. It makes sense why they'd drew her in. She shouted for aid as they now tried to take advantage of her.

Her protests were ignored, nevertheless. Her cries went unheard because time had been frozen. She stumbled in her frantic haste, breaking her toe so badly that it forced her out of the the time freeze. She made a sound out of her agony that tore at the very fabric of reality.

All of a sudden, things settled back to normal, and Eira was surrounded by puzzled observers. What had seemed like a full day was actually just two minutes when she took a quick look at her watch. She left the dining room without finishing her dinner, leaving her friends in suspense.

They started to follow her one by one because they could see that something unusual had just happened and they wanted to know what it was.

Jason approached Eira while wearing a worried look as he realized something was wrong. His voice was laced with dread as he questioned, "Hey Eira, what's going on?"

Eira was quaking and too afraid to speak about the bizarre event she had just gone through. She didn't think anyone would believe her even if she did manage to find her voice. She started crying, her dread and bewilderment taking over.

Jason embraced her in a consoling hug without thinking twice. The rest of their buddies came running up to him. "Eira, the voices in my head are telling me something is wrong," remarked Isabella, her voice laced with worry. You have my fear. Please explain the situation to us.

Eira was frantic to explain and tell her companions the astounding reality, but when she tried to speak, she was unable to do so. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of anxiety, fear, and powerlessness as tears flowed down her cheeks.

The friendship between Eira and her companions spoke volumes despite the lack of words. They clung to her firmly while expressing sympathy and support in silence.

Please tell me what's wrong, Eira. Isabella asked again, her voice quivering from tears.

Sofia, who is always attentive and understanding, gave Isabella a telling glance, indicating that she should refrain from pressuring Eira for information. Eira would talk when she was ready, and Sofia understood that pressuring her to do so may make matters worse.

When the bell sounded, it was time for the kids' free period, when they congregated to play and have fun wherever they pleased. While she brought Eira to her room, Sofia felt it would be better for the others to go out and have fun. She seated her companion on one of the mattresses after gently escorting her friend to her room.