WITHIN

Chapter 2 - Twinkle Wish Orphanage

Crossing the bridge, the island could be seen on the horizon. Considering it is a part of Coral City, it could be mistaken for another town. Had it not been for the Crossing Star's Bridge, Echino Island would be quite isolated from the rest of the city. Although it stands on its own, it is not too eerie or mysterious for some tastes. A pleasant atmosphere prevailed with it's inhabitants buzzing about their ways.

As the Crossing Star's Bridge reaches the island, it brings together visitors and Coral City's residents alike, first meeting the island's guide, Harris. His friendliness is easily noticed. The visitors however, might be wise as to be wary of the island's guide. As amiable as he may be, simple in mannerisms, he is the gatekeeper, and the first to make judgement of any foreigner that makes his way to the island. Among his many talents, he is fully knowledgeable of the island itself, and is very privy to its happenings.

"Welcome to Coral City's Echino Island," he would greet them. "My name is Harris. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the island." Unthreatening as he may look, Harris served his post strong and steady. And safely did his wife live simply with him, in an apartment building close by.

"Oh the towering building on the hill on the horizon? Yes, that would be Twinkle Wish Orphanage. That building is older than anyone among these parts. It is quite grandiose, is it not? Yes, it is run by the Sisters of this island. They have inhabited the island for quite some time, I must say. For as long as I've been around, they have no doubt."

It's just an orphanage, is it not?

Maybe so during the waking hours of the day. While the island's hustlers and bustlers coyly minded their own ways, it served in an almost majestic, nestled building reaching the skies of the Echino Island of Coral City. Twinkle Wish Orphanage, towering at the edge of the island, was quite hard to miss. The building itself seemed ancient, yet something that managed to survive somehow among a modernized island.

The orphanage stood, reflecting such a bustling city. Outwardly, part of its appearance looked like a spiritual haven, or a similar place of worship, with its size measured that of more than a castle. Even the biggest mansions, within miles of the city could not compare to it. The dome of the building radiated intellect and honor for the orphans that the sisters took in. Wealthier organizations generously donated food, sheltering tools, and bookish materials. Within those walls, the Sisters graciously gave their minds the proper education, education that was fitting for their young ages.

The outward surface of the dome and hallways more or less caught the admiration of citizens and visiting strangers alike. The surface was made of the finest steel, ornamenting the edges with marble, protecting anyone within its confines. As a visitor gets closer, a courtyard could be seen, with the orphans playing on a sunny weekend. Sisters go about their own chores, making sure things are in order. They tend to the gardens within the courtyard of those days, or possibly washing clothes. Attached to the building, across from the dome, a lofty tower also stood overlooking most of the island and the ocean around it. It served the island well. It's bells rang during the island celebrations. It signaled the setting of the sun over the ocean horizon.

The road that appears at the edge of the bridge leads to the hustling, bustling part of a town, with stores and restaurants aligning along the sidewalks, and the islands' tenants retiring to the apartments above them at night. It is almost dusk, however, on this particular night, when Harris gets ready to retire his post. He is the last of the island's citizens to retire for the night.

Except for the Sisters of Twinkle Wish Orphanage.

"Ah, it was Reverie's first day of school! And a college, no less!" Sister Ruby brimmed with pride. "Dear Revie, is just a gem. I always knew she was on her way to greatness!" Sister Ruby, rather plump in stature, let the tip of her light purple dress, drag so lightly as she traveled down the winding metal staircase. She could best be described as a bubbly older woman. Her temperament on most days can mostly be described as resembling the sun, as she can bring light to the darkest of moods.

" I know, Ruby, I'm so proud of her," Sister Amethyst replied. Sister Amethyst continued to sit in front of her dresser mirror, struggling to wipe off any magical herbs she used for her makeup for the day. Although young looking, Sister Amethyst was almost regal in her mannerisms. "It seemed like only yesterday, she was here." While some herbs still lingered on her face, the tear that was brought to her eyes was due to her memory of Reverie, who was only but a baby when she appeared on their doorstep.

"Oh, and thank you, for today," Sister Amethyst changes the subject, trying to conceal her emotions. "Thank you for dusting the children's rooms, today. I realize it takes quite a bit of magic to dust every room in every corridor." Sister Amethyst, although seemed to be of considerable youth, has spent quite some years cultivating magical wisdom and mystical logic. She could very much come to be a magical Seer. However, only hard-work and time can tell, of course.

"Oh, nonsense, Sister. I was happy to do it. Although, I did not waste my magical energy, on such a trivial task."

"You had done all the rooms on your own, Sister Ruby? That is quite remarkable." Sister Amethyst replies, in a joking tone.

"As my powers have seen the worst of things over the years, those powers are fading my age. I know better than to waste my power on a task I can do without them," Sister Ruby says, trying to show her inner confidence.

"Oh, yes! I forgot to mention. Father Lukas will be arriving shortly." Sister Ruby smiled at Sister Amethyst with a knowing twinkle in her eye. Sister Amethyst, despite trying to mask her joy at Father Lukas's name, blushes in embarrassment.

Suddenly, they hear a doorbell buzzing. "That must be him now."

"Where are you going, Sister?" Sister Amethyst inquisitively notices Sister Ruby holding three stones, as she makes her way towards the mirror across the room.

"There are a few Alveocorns I've kept in a Venusian lake I need to tend to," Sister Ruby replies. She then strategically places the three stones in front of the mirror, one on each side of the mirror, and the third on directly in front of it.

"Tisio tisio, theo agelmimo dudoi yiwennea,"

"Tisio tisio, theo agelmimo dudoi yiwennea,"

Sister Ruby chants under her breath. At once, the surface of the mirror becomes hazy and white cloud of smoke appears. Suddenly the room starts to smell of what seems like fresh lavender. As soon as that smoke clears, Ruby steps into the mirror

"If you don't mind, Sister, please let Father Lukas in," Sister Ruby calls behind her and moves towards the lake ahead.