As the repelling students reached the bottom of the hole they landed on a solid rock surface. It seemed to be natural rock, but was worn so smooth that it looked polished; as though millions of feet had passed this way wearing down the surface.
The only way ahead seemed to be an opening in one of the walls easily tall enough for them all to walk through several across. The cave seemed to slope downwards but instead of a rock slope there seemed to be grey ceramic tiles forming steps. Each had carved into it a different phrase...
'I thought it was for the best.'
'You said it was alright.'
'I didn't know.'
'It wasn't supposed to be this way.'
'I thought you would like it.'
..and so on
The steps continued on until they reached a large door, though it was almost a gate. Over 10 feet tall and made of long planks of hard wood blackened with age. Metal studs were driven in at a pattern of ranks and files. On either side of the door was a large torch set on the wall burning with a dull red light that was easily out shined by the lights that the students carried.
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Astra came back into the house smiling as she saw the children. "Oh goody, you're up." Landing she looked Hataki up and down once. "Yes, you seem to be doing quite well now. Alright, now that you can hold your electricity it's time to try and shape it."
With that she held a single hand out. A short jolt of electricity seemed to dance in her hand but not arc to anything. Then the shape began to shift and change as the electricity grew wider and shorter eventually becoming a square. "Now you try."
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The sphinx did indeed not hear Galio. However after a few seconds her ears seemed to prick up a little. She looked over towards where Galio stood, though a foot or two over from exactly where he was.
"Hm..." She considered. "Well what ever you are is something new." She more mused to herself then actually speaking to Galio. "Well, you don't look to good though, whatever you are. Sorry, but I can't just hang around all day."
With that she turned away and began to walk back to her home.
And indeed, Galio felt a slight pain where his chest had been that slowly grew. A dull ache, like an empty stomach. Once again he heard that voice in his ears.
Yes. This is no place to be. Down again. There is much to learn.
