Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi by Donsha Hatch Page B

Unfortunately, only Turans and Darkren possess the ability to bond with these powerful animals. I’m just here for the experience. Many other Slyphs and some of the upperclassmen accompany the students as security for this trip.” smiled Dex.
    Azonei and Kezzy then walked onto the ship and into the primary atrium to meet Eiris and Dex. Eiris also saw the beautiful Darkren girl make her way onto the ship as well, followed by the three shadows and many other Darkren.
    “Sup xenos?” Kezzy asked in acknowledgment of Eiris and Dex.
    “Greetings.” replied Dex.
    “Hey.” responded Azonei.
    After greeting Kezzy and Azonei, Eiris began looking in the direction of the beautiful Darkren girl.
    “You do know that you could be with any Turan girl you want right?” said Kezzy disapprovingly as she followed his gaze.
    “Not really. Besides, using my name to meet someone is kind of silly.” said Eiris.
    “That’s very poetic Eiris, but Kezzy is right. We can see the trouble you’re thinking about getting yourself into. And if we can see it, so can they.” informed Dex, gesturing to the three shadows.
    “Hey, if Eiris makes an important decision we should support him.” smiled Azonei.
    “Even if that decision is walking off a cliff?” joked Kezzy.
    They all began laughing as Eiris began to wonder about the beast guardians of the three shadows.
    “Have any of you seen the beast guardians of the three shadows?” asked Eiris.
    “Nope. Although I’ve heard they’re pretty epic.” said Kezzy.
    “Yeah, fresh starts don’t see the upperclassmen too often. But since they’re here, we’ll probably see them once we get on the island.” mused Dex.
    Once the frigates closed their boarding ramps, three huge luridium gates began opening and ocean water flooded the academy’s underwater dock harboring them. Marz then began informing the students of the rules.
    “Good afternoon. As many of you know, we are en route to the Lost Island. There, many of you will attain your lifelong animal companions called beast guardians. As fun as it sounds, the Lost Island is a very dangerous place. Many ravenous and powerful animals dwell there and we are not welcome, so these are the rules. Rule one, non-lethal shock chargers are allowed to be used in dire circumstances, but beware as that could hastily destroy any potential bond that could be made with a particular animal. Rule two, each group will be accompanied by an instructor and a number of student security with their own beast guardians. By now you should be aware of who’s in your group. And finally rule three, you all have until the sunset to acquire your beast guardians. Any who fail to bond with one, will have to find one on their own time or wait until next year, as the island only appears on a yearly basis.” said Marz.
    Next the submerged frigates began navigating their way through the deep Pluvian Ocean. Eiris was in awe of the beautiful underwater life as the ship passed various marine creatures. Many of the students began pointing out sea creatures and taking notes about some of them. Eiris and the beautiful Darkren girl exchanged brief looks as the frigates began surfacing from the ocean. Landing in forest right in the middle of the beautiful island, the students began pouring out. Eiris was amazed at the animal he saw following Reizen.
    “What kind of a lion is that?” asked Eiris, gesturing to the powerful lion with an all-black coat.
    “Oh, that’s called a sable lion. It’s a very rare animal found only on the Darkren home world of Eternite.” informed Azonei.
    “I didn’t know such a species existed.” said Eiris in awe.
    “Oh yes, many rare animals are found exclusively on Undarian planets. But really, being a planet lit by three moons and no sun, Eternite as a whole is pretty rare.” said Dex.
    As more students poured out of the ships, Eiris saw that Drozen was followed by a larger than usual snow leopard and Reina was tailed closely by a black