Shards: Intro- Part 1 (old)

Chapter One: Disembark

"I-I've lingered for too long. I should probably give you your words of advice you came here for. Some of you may be wondering about the 16-year olds who didn't show up. I assure you that they'll be taken care of, but as for this bunch, here's how today will work. At precisely 0500 local times, the skyliners will land at key port locations all across Atlantis, Mu, and Lemuria. Then at 0530, graduates of the 7,337th expedition will disembark, and you are free to meet them at the docks. Another thing I can't stress enough is that there are rules regarding the disembarking procedure. Any Morphers who try to get too close to the approaching liners hull will have to deal with the wards guarding it. How they choose to deal with you is up to them; you have been warned. I recommend a distance of about 50 meters. That usually suffices. It's best just to not fly in the ships vicinity."

More people nodded absentmindedly. It was clearly becoming a dull lecture to some.

"Family and friends of the returned are advised to remain at the pier. As for the rest, you are about to embark on The 3-month long Endeavor."
I heard a few "Whats?" in the crowd; obviously people whose parents waited until today to tell them about it.

"Everyone whose birthday took place between yesterday and January 1st is required to be in line at the southern pier by by 2200 exactly. If you aren't there (and I hate to say this) by that time, then you will of course be apprehended by a ward. Whatever time you miss being at Hyperborea, you will spend there after the return expedition leaves. The best idea is to just be there. Nobody's gonna hurt you for being late, but we have rules that are crystal clear."

Matidia laughed again before putting the script and her pointer (which I forgot to mention she was using multiple times during her speech) back up her sleeve. "Don't take me for a figure of authority, I'm just speaking from experience if you know what I mean."

Another flurry of delayed-reaction laughs came from the adult audience.
A few teenagers around me were kinda-sorta cringing, sulking, and groaning. A few others thought she was sort of funny. We Atlantean's have low standards for humor.

"Just don't be late! You have over 17 hours just to figure out how not to be! Anyone wishing to watch their child, brother, sister, family, or friends embark can expect that ceremony at midnight exactly. Once the skyliners arrive, the Harper's Fair will be opened all day. You can spend your time there, at home, or anywhere else you'd like to spend the last few hours of your first life. If you have any other questions, ask your parents. They are now free to explain anything they haven't already."

My parents spent all week explaining it. I wasn't looking forward to more of it. I groaned audibly at the thought of today comprising of parental lectures about courtesies during the Endeavor.

"This day belongs to every newly turned 16 year old. Today, your old life ends. If you have no money, your poverty ends today. If you have no parents, your homelessness ends today. If you have nothing to look back to, today, you have something to look forward to. And what I look forward to—is seeing each and every one of you at Hyperborea. Safe travels!"

With that, Matidia grabbed her orange shard, in in another blinding flash of light, she began to change. But this time, I could see more details. Her velvet red gown flowed and began to seemingly fracture on its ends. The fractures became flames. Which grew on all sides until a 15 foot tall Phoenix was standing in Matidia's place. With one flap, she took off and soared in the direction of the Lost City. Her flames reflecting in the calm waters of the sound.

Scendit, Asha, Southern Atlantis

Paige
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