Water circulated around my calves, just below my dress. I could see the smooth bed of sand which lined the bottom of the fountain. Owen stood next to me, holding a white lily, like I was.

     About fifteen people, all my age, stood in the fountain, holding the flowers. On the ledge of the fountain, the council surrounded us, ready to send us on the journey. My heart beat fast and loud inside my chest, anticipation rising with subtle anxiety. I tried not to let worries consume my excitement.

    I held the delicate plant in my hands, hoping not to corrupt its beauty. Inside, hidden deep where the petals joined, was a small, glowing orb. It's orange light pulsed, reminding me that what I was about to do was essential to my future with Owen. I couldn't stand losing him again.

    An orb was hidden in everyone's flower, each a different color. Gretchen had a purple orb, while Ethan's was green. Owen's was red, matching the brilliancy of the sun's scene colliding with the moon's. He grinned at me, stepping closer so our shoulders were touching.

    Then, the leader of the council began speaking, but only loud enough for our group to hear.

    "Your journey begins here, in the water. Through the process you are about to encounter, you will be tried for a position here among our people. This isn't to intimidate you, but to bring you to realize that being a citizen here comes with a price. This price is your mortality and the life you have created there."

    He paused, gaze sweeping over all of us. He was shorter than the rest of the council, though not by much. His plain brown hair was trimmed neatly. He made eye-contact with me, and held my stare for a moment longer than the others. The corners of his thin mouth turned down slightly and a look came over his sharp brown eyes: disapproval. Immediately, I was uncomfortable and shocked. I was the first to break our connection, glancing back to my feet.

    Everyone else was so welcoming here. What was his problem?

    Owen's dad was across the fountain, beaming at us. He didn't stop looking at his son, who was imitating his stare. It was as if they were having a telepathic conversation. I wouldn't doubt it, not after coming here.

    "We also have means to test you. This is the price you must be willing to pay." A chill fled down my spine. I never saw this as a price; coming here was more like a privilege. "There are three tasks that you must accomplish in order to prove your worth here. You will know when you have completed your task when the bead on your wrist begins glowing the color that is inside your flower.

    "In no particular order, you will be given these three trials. The first is the Trial of Valor, which is where you will prove that your courage and instincts are good with pure motives. The second is the Trial of Wisdom. During this, you will display intelligence and how you apply knowledge. Finally, the Trial of Merit. This is the most essential out of all the trials. You will have to provide reasons why you specifically feel that you are qualified for our society. We will then watch your performance and determine if you should be permitted to eternity."

    The man stepped off the fountain ledge to the ground and the other council members did the same. Owen's father waved, giving us an encouraging smile.

    "Your answer to our requirements will be fulfilled by your behaviors. Best of luck to all of you."

    Again, the council members took another step back. I tilted my head back to the breathtaking sky, reminding myself of why I wanted this. To be with Owen. To live amongst this beauty. To live in eternal joy.

    I inhaled, closing my eyes; exhaled, and opened them.

    The water coming out of the top of the fountain was reaching higher into the sky. The flow would arc, then expand to cover us. It washed over me and soon, the fifteen of us were within the water's expanse. Walls of the water surrounded us as a murmur erupted in the group. Soon, we were engulfed in darkness, the only light being the orbs nestled in the flowers.

    The only sound was the fall of the water around us and our breathing. I reached to my side, toward Owen, only to find that he wasn't there. I panicked, whipping my face around, only to see the glowing orbs were soon disappearing and I was left in total darkness. I couldn't even make out my own glowing sphere.

    As the sound of falling water began to fade, a difference sound arose. Horns honking, people shouting. The sweet smell of the festival was replaced by the smell of smoke and gasoline. The air quickly became frigid, and I sucked in a lungful of sharp air in surprise.

    "Hey, watch it girl!"

    I snapped open my eyes and someone slammed into me. I gasped, getting knocked to the ground by this stranger. I didn't see who it was, for they didn't help me up.

    The ground was hard, cold. My hands and feet were numb. I couldn't feel parts of my face, as if they were frozen. I cautiously stood up, well aware how violently I was shivering.

    My pulse sped up as I turned in a circle, looking for Owen or anything remotely familiar. I faced the busy street and then realized where I was.

    New York.

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{January 7, 2018}

(PC: Matt.ferr || Instagram)