Graduations were taking place. Team Cyan sat in the courtyard on a bench as a light flurry of snow descended. Nick sighed, is breath wafting up like smoke from a chimney. With Thomas' passing the night before, graduation was hard to swallow. The Headmaster had insisted that Nick take time out and not attend the ceremony, however Nick did so anyway. His team was supportive, Indigo and Ash stuck by him all day.
'What's taking Coal so long?' Ash growled. 'We got to go to Atlas soon.'
'He must have a reason for being delayed.' Nick responded, his teeth chattering in the cold. Coal in his white graduation gown bolted down the path from the side of the school, he skidded to a halt before the team panting. 'Sorry I'm late, that talk took way longer than I wanted to. Doctor Alabaster is on board, He said he will meet us in Atlas tomorrow. We best get going, we can get some food then head out. Our flight isn't for a few more hours.'
'Right on, Coal. Thank you so much, guys. I know it is a crazy idea, but I think we can do it.' Nick stood shaking off the snow that built up on his hood. He cracked a small smile.
'That's the first time you have smiled all day,' Ash said pinching Nick's cheek. Nick pulled away. They all giggled.
'It is a crazy idea and will take some time to set up, but at least if we pitch the idea now, we have some support from the school and your dad's friends, the council should be more up for it. Besides we can talk to them about the stabilized energy dust we made.' Indigo responded. She looked at the boys. 'We should be thanking you Nick. Without you we wouldn't even be on this path.'
'Oh, does that mean we change the team name?' Ash butt in.
'What! No!' Coal exclaimed. 'Why would we change the team name?'
'Because Nick will be the leader.'
'How did you come up with that, brother?' Coal glared at his twin.
'We are joining him on his mission,' Ash, for the first time, in a long time proposed a solid argument.
Indigo slow clapped, 'I'm scared and impressed. That's the most intelligent thing you have ever brought to the table, Ash.'
'Why thanks - Hey!' Ash growled again. Coal giggled. Ash moved closer to Indigo who partially drew her short sword, Noctis. He backed off slowly.
'Cool it, you two.' Coal said in his voice of authority. Indigo sheathed her sword. 'What say you Nick, think we should change the team name? Would you like to be leader?'
Nick shrugged his shoulders. It was not something he had ever thought about. On missions Coal had always had good communication and was always prepared to be the first to put his best foot forward, it made following him motivational. He was great with people and good at thinking on his feet, especially with combat. Nick was used to serving support roles and not used to the limelight. He mulled it over a little more.
'You don't have to answer now. Just think about it. Either way we are with you all the way.' Coal flashed him a smile and a wink. 'Let's get going! Need to get out of this stupid gown.'
*
The next day, the team stood at the steps of the Atlas research and development department building which temporarily housed the kingdom's governing council. The six-story building itself was new, and just like Alsius, was constructed of white stone, glass and steel. The steps leading up to the entrance were caked with ice. Ash stood gawping at the majesty.
'Come on bro, we got a date with destiny,' Coal yelled at him from the top of the steps.
'Hey, wait up guys! You know I'll get lost if you leave me behind!' Ash yelled back.
'Anyone creeped out that Ash is saying all these profound things?' Indigo murmured. Nick giggled and shrugged.
The foyer was decorated with four ten foot high stone pillars that surrounded stone statues of a group of huntsman combatting a Beowolf and at the far end of the foyer a cascading water feature that starts from the ceiling above three stories up and a pool below that collected the water, with hidden pumps that brought the water up again in an endless cycle. Once again Ash stood in a daze.
'This is a research and development building?' Coal questioned to the air.
'Not all things in Atlas are cold and lifeless. There is a beauty to be found here,' a man's voice spoke from in front of them, 'You must be Team Cyan. Coal and Ash Aunders. Indigo Mathews and Nicolas Schnee. My condolences on the passing of your father.' The man wore a suit, however, unlike the usual white, it was black and his tie a mustard yellow. 'The man looked to be in his late thirties. His blonde hair was slicked back, fully showcasing his eyes that were of different colours, one a woody brown, the other hazel, with glints of green by the pupil.
'Heterochromia,' Indigo mumbled as she gazed at the man's eyes.
'How observant of you. I am quite fond of them. Rather stunning, wouldn't you agree, Ms Mathews? Yours are rather dazzling as well.' The man replied. He smiled at indigo, her face went red.
'You know all of our names, what do we call you?' Coal said coldly.
'Oh, where are my manners. My name is Councilman Lucius Dark. The others sent me down to greet you. Now, let us be on our way. The lift is currently out so we have several flights of stairs to go up, but first, the receptionist will need to scan your scrolls.' Lucius gestured to the long desk with four women sitting behind, each in front of their own terminal. Beside the terminals were small scroll ports. The team inserted their scrolls they beeped loudly.
'You are all registered with visitor's passes, which will permit you access to where we are going. Swipe your scroll to open doors. Please enjoy your time at the Atlas complex, Team Cyan,' the receptionist said with a forced smile.
The team followed Mister Dark to a stairwell next to the main elevator then walked up to the fourth floor. By the time they reached the door, Mister Dark swayed as he climbed the last few steps. A bead of sweat trickled into his brow. The twins snickered between themselves.
'I'm starting to hate these damned stairs.' The councilman panted. With one last deep breath Mister Dark lead the team out of the stairwell. The walked down the myriad of corridors for a while, until they came to a meeting room door on the north side of the building. The large circular table occupied most of the room. Ten chairs were arranged around it, five of which were in use.
'Please sit down, everybody, I think a few more are joining us.' As Lucius spoke there was a knock at the door. It slowly opened to reveal Doctor Alabaster and another white haired, middle aged man. The two smiled as they took their seats. 'The gang's all here. Introductions, then,' announced Lucius, stating each person's name and status in turn, indicating with his hand to whom he was referring as he went around the room.
'Head of science and research, Councilman Watson.' The white-haired man who had entered with Doctor Alabaster bowed his head and showed his teeth, smiling. 'Next, the man who will be provisory head of Atlas Academy once construction is finished, Grant Cobalt.' A gentleman with orange hair -who was as gangly and tall as Indigo- winked and nodded at his name. 'This wonderful lady is a member of the old guard, as I like to say, Head to the Judiciary and former advisor to the previous leader of Mantle, Lady Auburn.' The elderly lady grunted. Her hair was a lifeless grey, and even though she kept it short, it was wiry and mostly hidden under the fur hat she wore. She wore a white coat with a fur collar, and half-moon glasses that sat half way down her nose. 'Next to her sits Adrian copper 'Finally, Head of the military, Peter Ironwood.' This last figure saluted upon being called. His marble white suit was paired with a scarlet tie and royal blue waistcoat, the several medals and badges pinned to it shining under the meeting room's bright lights. 'The floor is yours, Mister Schnee.' Lucius sat down. The esteemed crowd waited attentively for Nicholas to begin speaking.
