The person in the mirror definitely wasn't him! The other young man which stood before him carried zero resemblance to him. He was... gorgeous. That was the best word to describe it. His fair complexion was flawless, his body shape was desirably slim and tall, his features were sharp and... superior in some way. James thought back about the vampires, the beautiful ones from Twilight, and wondered if this guy was a vampire.
Then James noticed the other young man's pair of silver wings, and all thoughts of vampirism fled him.
"Hey," James greeted the amazing young man. "What's.. your name?"
Myrrh hesitated before putting a hand on him sympathetically. She understood the shock involved. "That is you, young Misterian."
"Me...?" James stammered in disbelief. "That can't be..."
"Look again."
He did as he was told, staring back at his reflection in silent wonderment. And after close inspection, James realized that what was similar between this model of a young man and himself was their distinct eye and hair colour - both of which had been James pride and joy. The model's eyes were filled with intense sea blue colour, and his hair painted bright strawberry blond.
James waved at the model in the mirror, only to have the model wave back.
It was him, after all.
"See?" Myrrh said, as though having read his mind. "The result of the induction ritual wasn't so bad after all."
James smiled weakly. "Yeah, at least I'm still somewhat guy. Could've come out female, right?" He joked.
"Precisely," Myrrh replied seriously. "My mother, she... She is not very good at the Induction ritual. And unlike other Misterians, she has little control over the gender of a person. We had to take the chance though."
James breathed a sigh of relief as he stole another glance at his reflection. He didn't want Myrrh to think him vain or anything, but the image of himself was truly breathtaking. Despite being slightly feminine, he still was recognizably a guy.
A gentle tap on his shoulder jolted him from his thoughts.
"You are a young Misterian now," Myrrh said quietly. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Skyaira."
"Oh," James blinked. "That's cool. Thanks... But, how about Earth? How about my family and friends there...?"
Myrrh suddenly looked sad, her beautiful eyes downcast as she spoke softly. "Sorry, but we don't go down to the Earth just for pleasant trips. I believe you should just leave that world behind you."
"What?" James asked in shock. "Can I at least say bye to them? I mean... I just disappeared like that... They'd miss me you see..."
He could feel the tears now, welling up in his eyes, and streaming down his face. He realized then how much he missed them. He remembered his mother and father, how on the morning on the day of his disappearance, had handmade his favourite blueberry pancake for breakfast. And his best friend, Nate. Below all that badass personality, truly cared for James. He would be the one that definitely cried buckets if James wasn't found. And then Erin. The frequent side way looks which she casted at him when he wasn't looking showed her care in him. She wouldn't be too happy if he disappeared too.
"There is... a way." Myrrh was apparently deep in thought now, trying to help James out after seeing that display of tears.
James looked to her excitedly. "What?"
"There are two, actually. One through Quests, and the other through... a test."
"Why can't we just fly down to Earth whenever we want to?" James asked.
Myrrh laughed at this, the sound of her laughter resembling the chimes of a church bell. She shook her head. "Young Misterian, you have much to learn," she laughed again. "We have to control the influx. If millions of winged people flew down to Earth at one go, the humans will freak."
His spirits fell. So what was it again? Quests or Tests?
"Quests are definitely out," Myrrh suggested helpfully
"Why?"
"New Misterians are not applicable for it... You have to be a hundred years of age at the very least." She trailed off. "I was on a quest that day you saved me," she flushed. "I... failed it miserably."
James found himself reaching for her hand to comfort her unconsciously. "It's alright."
"Perhaps, but it is a disgrace to fail one," Myrrh sighed. "Anyway, back on track, you may have to enter the Tests."
"The Tests?"
Myrrh nodded, looking solemn once more. "Every year, new Misterians arrive on Skyaira. Since only a few can return to Earth at one go, including those on Quests, we have implemented a series of Tests for those New Earth-Born Misterians."
Man, this Misterian infested place called Skyaira was getting more complicated by the second.
"Are you Earth-Born?" James couldn't help but ask.
Myrrh shook her head. "No," she replied. "Born and bred on Skyaira like many of the others."
"Oh."
Myrrh continued with the explaining. "The handful of Earth-Born Misterians who win the Tests, are allowed a day to visit Earth. Either to recall old times, visit loved ones, anything. Just one day."
James perked up immediately, feeling an adrenalin rush through him. "I'm gonna win it, Myrrh! I have to!"
She smiled, but this time, the smile didn't reach her eyes. "I hope so," she said, before hesitating. "But... it will not be easy."
"So what is the Tests all about?" James asked with curiosity. He had to win it. He had to win a ticket to Earth. Maybe it wouldn't be easy, but he was born for flight even as a mortal. And don't forget, he had a pair of lovely wings now. He could conquer anything.
Myrrh suddenly grew very uncomfortable. "It is...
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