Searched
"You want us to do what?"
"Ignis..."
"You can't split us again!"
"Ignis..."
"We've been apart for too long!"
"Ignis..."
"I'm not going..."
"Ignis..."
"Neither are my siblings!"
"Ignis!"
It takes all five of the other dragons to shut Ignis' mouth. Despite the Fire dragons' valiant efforts to defend the bond between her siblings, she is reassured multiple times that they will be fine. She stares the purple dragon down with her blazing eyes, but this dragon is admirable for her bravery in standing up to her. Ignis looks like she is about to explode.
Technically, it's your choice, Mizilayt informs her. The bonding process is quite simple, especially with some of the places that we will send you six. It takes only a few months...
"A few MONTHS?"
...to a year. Whatever happens, think of it as an adventure.
"Ignis, let me talk to you for a moment," Terra says as Ignis prepares for another outburst. "Perhaps we are so weak because we are too dependent on each other. This may restore some of our strength. If something happens to one of us, and we are like this, how will the remainder of us survive?"
"She's right," Lumen adds, not to be outdone. "We will still be in contact with one another. Our telepathy is strong enough for that."
"But what if something happens to one of us?"
Unless the meteorites strike off-schedule...
Ignis makes a sound that sounds like a nervous kitten.
I'm kidding! No, it's quite safe. I promise nothing will happen to you. If something does, I will eat this sofa.
She is looking at a large, cotton-stuffed sofa on the other side of the room. Umbra has a mischevious glint in her eye. She says nothing but this.
"Someone get hurt. I'd like to see her eat that ball of synthetic fiber."
The others shoot her warning glares, even Ignis, who has been stubborn for the entire ordeal. Mizilayt calls them to attention again.
I have summons for each of you from places across the Nexus - the dragon-bonding, universal community. These are where Silvri and I will transport you when you are ready.
"Go on," Aqua urges, intrigued.
You, Aeris, Mizilayt calls the Air dragon to attention, will be going to a place called Treval City, where you will need only to sign a form to enter into candidacy.
"Thank you," he says, his mind completely blank of anything else to say to her.
Terra will go to Mirus. A clutch of Earth and Fire crossbreeds has just been announced there.
"Wonderful," she answers, her eyes flickering with joy.
Umbra, you have been summoned to a space station called the Abstract Destiny. I'm sure you'll be pleased with what you see there.
Mizilayt said nothing more, so Umbra gave a nod and a thin smile in return.
Aqua shall go to the Healing Den's Summer Swim.
Aqua seemed very thankful for the choice made for him. His smile and joy abounded in the room.
By now, Ignis had to lean on Lumen for support. She was strong of heart, but the shock of having her siblings torn away from her again was weakening her by the second.
Lumen confronted the Searchdragon on this matter. "Mizilayt, my sister grows weaker. I must go with her, wherever she goes as a candidate."
Good, Mizilayt replied with a sly grin. You are both going to the Abstract Destiny with your sister Umbra.
"Thank you," Ignis said in a quiet voice, still leaning on Lumen as she considered her new life before her.
to be continued...