Amethyst Academy for Hybrids

Time for School!

 Beach sat up in her bed with a start. It was still dark outside, but the waves of anxiety crashing into her wouldn't let her go back to sleep. She felt Shore stir beside her, and she gently lay back down so her little sister wouldn't wake up. Beach was set to go to Amethyst Academy today, and while she knew she should be excited, something was making her nervous.

"Morning, Beach," Her mother, Caracal, greeted softly. The sound of her bangles and necklaces could be heard throughout the small hut.

"Morning, mother," Beach whispered. Caracal tip-toed over, gently placing a bowl of oatmeal and a spoon in front of Beach.

"We're going to head out soon so eat up," Caracal whispered. Beach looked at the oatmeal with disdain. She knew if she didn't eat she'd be hungry, but she really wasn't in the mood to eat now. Not wanting to be hungry in a new place, however, Beach pulled the spoon closer and took a few bites. It seemed to be flavored with honey, which was Beach's absolute favorite. Before Beach even realized it, she had eaten the whole bowl. It was then when she noticed a lack of a certain someone. Not her father, Starfish, as he was in Pantala for his job, but Island.

"Where's Island?" Beach asked as Caracal picked the bowl and spoon up.

"She had to leave early for work, but she told me to tell you that she loves you and hopes you have a good time," Caracal explained. Beach gulped, remembering the conversation she and Island had. What did she even mean exactly? How was she gonna know now?

"It'll be okay, dear, you'll have me and Shore with you," Caracal soothed, gently nudging Shore awake. The tiny sand-colored dragonet yawned, rubbing her eyes.

"Time to wake up?" Shore asked, her voice thick with sleep. Caracal gently lifted Shore into her arms. Shore giggled, hugging close to Caracal.

"Yes it is, seashell," Caracal cooed, maneuvering Shore so she was on her back. Shore wrapped her tiny arms around Caracal's neck. Beach smiled at the sight, fondly remembering the days when *she* was wrapped around her mom's neck. She wished she could go back to those days where she wasn't as anxious as she was at this moment.

As Caracal started straightening up the hut, Beach began to pack her things. She grabbed her backpack from beside the bed and started to pack. 

She wanted to bring her favorite book, 'The Missing Princess', with her. After all, despite it having been 500 years since Queen Coral was even alive, she couldn't help but love the classic tale written for her daughter. As Beach grabbed the book off the shelf she sighed dreamily, hugging the book to her chest before placing it in her bag. 

Beach then went over to the wardrobe, packing her favorite cloak. Like a Sandwing, she didn't like being cold.

Having found everything she needed, Beach put her bag on her back. She looked over at Caracal, noticing that Shore was off her neck and weaving together a shell necklace. Beach smiled, Shore was just so sweet. Caracal was currently preparing a bowl of oatmeal for Shore in the kitchen. Beach went up to her, noticing that she had a sad smile.

"What's wrong, mom?" Beach asked. Caracal looked at her sadly.

"My baby is leaving the nest, it's normal to be a little sad," Caracal responded. "Look at you, so big and strong now,"

Beach frowned at that, remembering how much of a tiny dragonet she was. She was tired of hearing how sick she was and how scared everyone had been. She wasn't a baby anymore so why did everyone insist on remembering that tiny little rough period of her life.

"Mama~" Beach whined, stamping a foot. Caracal chuckled at that, gently patting Beach on the head. Beach huffed at that and stomped to the door of the hut. Before she could leave, however, Shore came over and tapped her on the forearm.

"Made ya something!" Shore grinned, holding up the shell necklace she was making. The shells were uneven and not in any particular pattern, but that didn't stop the love Beach felt for her sister.

"Oh it's beautiful! I'll never take it off," Beach promised, gently grabbing the necklace. She was happy to find that it was sturdier than she thought it would be. She gently placed it over her head, doing a small spin.

"How does it look? Am I the perfect model?" Beach asked. Shore giggled, clapping. She then climbed onto Beach's neck and wrapped her arms around. Caracal came over to the two dragonets, beaming extremely wide.

"How nice of you, Shore. Now your big sister will remember us when she makes friends at school," Caracal chuckled, gently rustling Beach's head. Beach gulped, remembering that she indeed was going to school today.

"Now c'mon let's go, we don't want to be late," Caracal encouraged as she opened the door. Beach, not wanting anyone to know she was nervous, steeled herself and walked out onto the sand. Before she knew it, Caracal had Shore on her back and was taking off.

Beach took a deep breath before spreading her wings and following her to Amethyst Island, home of Amethyst Academy.