Chapter Two:
*Fast Forward Four Years*
The Briar family woke up promptly to the sound of their digital alarm clocks. Today was a very special day for them, especially sixteen year old Andreas, who was supposed to leave for his journey this day. Four year old Calysta sighed as she sat up in her small bed, knowing she would miss her brother dearly when he left.
She pushed herself off of her bed, and went to her closet to pick out her clothing. Although Thaerians were only allowed to wear gray, with a long cape around their necks, they were allowed to wear whatever gray articles of clothing they chose. Calysta decided on a gray sundress, and some ballet flats for her brother's big day. She refastened the I.D. tag necklace around her neck and grabbed a small gray purse that held her coin wallet and a small compact in it.
Aerin and Vander got up promptly, ordering their breakfast on the tablet on the "kitchen" wall. Even though Thaerians were delivered breakfast according to their specific diets and only used the utensils and cookware for midday snacks, it was still referred to as the kitchen. The breakfast was delivered through the dumbwaiter, and then collected onto the table for eating. Aerin and Vander were the first ones to sit at the table, already in their gray robes, waiting for their three children to arrive.
Calysta and Matteo went to wake the special boy by tiptoeing into his bedroom. Knocking on his door, trying to contain their giggling, they waited for an answer. After ten seconds, Matteo opened the door, but to his surprise, found no one inside. All that was left of their brother was an open window and a note that was left on the bed. It read as follows:
Dear Mum, Dad, Matteo, and Calysta,
As most of you know, I've joined the Resistance. They require for me to leave early for the Journeying Ceremony, so I won't be accompanying you for breakfast. See you there.
~Andreas
Calysta hurried to carry the note to her parents, who were already sitting at the dining table. Matteo joined them, and she struggled to reach her chair, but managed to sit as soon as her parents finished reading the letter. She did not understand their reactions, her mother was crying while her father held his head in his hands muttering, "No," over and over.
Aerin and Vander grabbed some bits of food off of their plates, and hurried to get their children to the train station. They were furious at their son, yet very scared for what might occur at the ceremony.
The Resistance was known for the mass destruction of the Great City and also the murders of some of the past officials of their planet. They were most well known for the mass numbers of resisters being killed in attempts of rebellion. Vander was the most worried for him, since his own brother died in one of the attempted revolutions.
Whilst at the train station, Matteo and Calysta stared into the small Candy Shoppe window, already knowing that they wouldn't be able to buy any candy. They watched as a young girl from one of the rich urbs went into the shop wearing a gray robe of wolf fur. Her hair was curled neatly into little ringlets, and she tugged on her father's hand toward the numerous candy barrels. After she gathered what seemed like an armful of candy, her father paid for it and they strolled out together, the little girl sticking her tongue out at both Matteo and Calysta.
"Why can't we live like that?" Calysta asked, curiously. Matteo held up his index finger to his lips, motioning for her to speak more quietly. "You know it isn't right for us to be inquisitive, but I'll still answer your question. What do you mean?"
