It had been a year since the family left Yuna behind on Earth to pursue her studies. She was excelling at the academy and becoming a leader in the field of quantum computing. But Yuna missed her found family dearly, and the time felt right to reunite.
Jen and the others were thrilled when Yuna sent word she would be joining them again on the new planet Miri, where they had settled after much wandering. Preparations were made eagerly for the bright young woman who had grown in their hearts like a sister.
When the sleek shuttle landed, Yuna emerged looking more mature but with that familiar rebel sparkle in her eyes. Hugs were fiercely exchanged, bonds swiftly reforged. Over celebratory homemade meals, Yuna regaled them with excited stories of her research and accomplishments but listened just as eagerly to tales of their improbable adventures since parting. No matter how far she travelled among the stars, Sanctuary Orion still pulled at her spirit's tides.
With Yuna returned to their fold, new horizons beckoned to their little family. Now age 8, whip-smart Aurora and light-fast Sumi were ready for more formal schooling. After assessing options, they selected Jeremiah Academy, an esteemed institute focused on nurturing gifted and cosmically powered youth.
At 16, Yuna would be among students in their 3rd final year given her abilities but was thrilled at the prospect of merging cutting edge academics with training among peers who understood her singular gifts.
Kaganji too felt the call to share his expansive knowledge by securing a teaching position at Miriah University, the planet's most prestigious center of higher learning. Ever the scholar, he was eager to exchange ideas and research with other great minds after so long off the grid.
When departure day for Yuna and the girls finally came, parting bittersweetness was softened by excitement for this new phase. Still, Aurora and Sumi clung tearfully to Jen before boarding their transport, begging their anchor not to leave as well.
Jen soothed them gently. "Bye my dears. But your father has his own journey for now. Liya and Kaganji will watch over you."
What exactly that solitary quest entailed, Jen left unsaid for now. But his steady eyes held resolve - there were old spirits still needing settlement before fully welcoming this new era.
With wishes of love, Jen watched the shuttle dwindle to a speck, saying silent prayers for his girls soaring off toward bright horizons. He then turned to make his lone way, steps certain though the path ahead lay veiled. There were stars yet calling him home.
In the bustling capital of Miriah, the family settled contently into Ragnok Mansion, a stately historic manor on sprawling grounds near the academy. Its 18 bedrooms easily accommodated their troupe, with plenty of rambling spaces indoors and out for adventures and gathering.
Yuna and the girls flourished in its sheltered nurturing environment. Kaganji's teachings at the university were well received by keen students and fellow scholars. Cüla and Vinü found fulfilment starting a sanctuary ranch nearby for endangered cosmic creatures. A sense of belonging took root for them all in this new homeland so far from old scars.
Kaganji's brilliance also earned ample funding to support his research without need for secrecy any longer. The technologies and discoveries he pioneered cast ripples of change on Miri and beyond. Yet he stayed anchored in wisdom that progress alone could not fulfil one's deepest purpose.
At last came Aurora and Sumi's first day attending the academy, realization of long anticipation. The girls set off with Yuna chaperoning them proudly to the beautiful campus where gifted youth studied and trained communally.
Stepping through shimmering gates onto the walkways bustling with students of all ages, races and origins, the sisters stared around in awe. Here were peers equally empowered with fantastical abilities, no longer isolated. They blended right into laughter and spirited games on the grassy quad between classes.
Following student guides, they were brought to a sunny atrium where placements exams would determine their training levels. Dozens of others waited there too, whispering excitedly about finally getting to showcase the magical talents long kept hidden.
When her name was called, Aurora stepped forward and conjured a dragon from pure light to gasps of delight. The examiners astonished and marked the best in the assessment - clearly advanced beyond standard programs given her reality-bending mastery.
Sumi flashed a confident grin when summoned. In the blink of an eye, she hurtled through the obstacle course set up, blowing back examiners' hair with her light speed. Unlike her sister, Sumi was classed into the second top tier reserved for prodigies, Aurora was in first.
Course schedules were projected for the girls after a brief initiation meeting. Their curriculum would be tailored to nurture such exceptional gifts wisely. Then they were released eagerly to explore until the orientation gathering that evening.
Walking the sunlit courtyards and arching halls, Aurora and Sumi found kindred spirits everywhere. Old loneliness fell away replaced by friendship with youth unburdened by secrecy. They were just fellow students here seeking meaning for powers.
When the academy clocktower chimed signalling the start of orientation, all the new students crowded into a grand auditorium. The headmistress, a powerful but kindly powerful witch sorceress, warmly welcomed them to a place meant to be haven, school and home.
Classes began next morning to excited bustle in the dining halls and quads. Sumi sped through advanced kinetics sessions, easily outpacing even the instructors. Aurora conjured awe in her reality-craft seminars, mastering complex summoning rituals by instinct.
The girls crossed paths with Yuna again in communal dining at day's end. She drew appreciative glances zipping through computer systems for assignments with but a thought. They compared highlights laughing over heaped plates, the definition of bright youth.
Before departure, the trio swung by Kaganji's university lab. They found him guiding enthralled students through quantitativeCosmology experiments, in his element sharing knowledge. He smiled proudly at Yuna and the girls, heart gladdened to see them thriving.
Over following weeks, Aurora and Sumi settled into academic life. For the first time, they felt truly accepted somewhere beyond just family.
Sumi was unanimously voted onto the junior speedster team for the academy's seasonal athletics exhibition. She blew away the varsity high-mark on the obstacle course at try-outs, earning raucous applause from impressed onlookers.
Aurora meanwhile directed the conjuration workshop's end of term showcase of student works. Her crystalline sculptures and lightform choreography earned special distinction at the talent gala.
Weeks flowed by faster than imaginable, life settling into comforting rhythms. Weekends often brought outdoor adventures across Miri's sprawling lush continents. Yuna taught the girls etiquette while they helped her likewise grasp the intuitive empathy that unlocked their magical gifts.
Life had become all they could have dreamed. Yet still Aurora and Sumi awaited word from their absent father. The eternity between his stable embraces stretched unbearably at times. But some part of Jen's spirit seemed to watch over them still from afar. They clung to that sense through difficult nights when the dark whispered doubts.
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The holidays came, bittersweet without Jen but filled with warmth nonetheless. Yuna taught the girls ornate cookie recipes from her native Earth. Kaganji led rousing discussions of societal issues both earthly and interstellar. The twins performed elaborate dances from their home world before a glimmering tree.
Simple rituals anchored them against melancholy. Each found purpose in nurturing the family's bonds however changed. Shared light can withstand the dark.
On Christmas morning, Aurora and Sumi woke to find beautifully carved lockets around their necks thrumming with protective Cosmic energies. The amulets held no note, but their father's handiwork was unmistakable. Somewhere out in the vastness, he yet watched over them. That truth alone was gift enough to carry them into a brightening new year.
The girls returned to school ready to embrace life and opportunity anew. Everything they hoped for lay ahead if they had courage to dream boldly and steadfastly water each day's seeds.
Watching them set off, mature and confident, Yuna blinked bittersweet tears away. How swiftly their found nest emptying again, each off chasing horizons bright. Yet joy buoyed sadness - this was the natural way of life.
She waved farewell until they passed from sight, then turned to hike the woodland trail behind Ragnok mansion. Mossy stones reminded all seasons pass, but also circle round again when least expected. The patient heart knows this well.
Term 2 opening and the two scampered excitedly through the halls of the classrooms, their cosiven capes flowing majestically behind them. It had been two months since they first started attending Jeriel Academy for the Cosmically Gifted, and they still cherished every day within its nurturing walls.
"Last one to the transmutation lab is a rotten egg!" yelled Sumi playfully. In a blur she tapped Aurora's shoulder then was off, blowing back papers in her rush to reach the classroom first. Aurora smirked competitively and folded space, instantly teleporting herself to the lab entrance an instant before her speedy sister arrived.
"No fair warping!" Sumi grouched. Sumi went the fastest she had ever gone and mistakenly ran back 5 seconds in time, She then got to the lab before Aurora by going so fast even teleportation seemed slow motion, her eyes then shone bright, she ran back in time for the first time and decided not to tell Aurora and keep it as her ace even though it was new and untested.
Jeriel Academy stood as both haven and school for youths across the cosmos bearing special powers or abilities. Within its crystalline towers and soaring grand halls, students from hundreds of worlds and dimensions studied and trained together without judgement or fear. Gone were the days of hiding for Aurora and Sumi, replaced by bold exploration of what their remarkable gifts might achieve.
Settling into their seats as Professor Miri, the Ascended feline transmutation instructor, strode in, the girls shared an eager grin. This was Advanced Material Reconfiguration - one of their most exhilarating classes. Aurora's reality-bending mastery let her sculpt entire worlds from light and will alone. Meanwhile, Sumi could vibrate her molecules at hyper-accelerated frequencies to phase through any known substance unhindered.
"Welcome students," Professor Miri addressed them in her soft purring voice.
Later…..
As Sumi walked down the hall on her way to study hall, she suddenly felt herself being shoved from behind. She stumbled and dropped her books, then turned to see three mean-looking older boys standing there sneering.
"Look, it's the little speedy manic," one of them taunted. Sumi recognized them as bullies who liked to pick on students they saw as weak.
"Just leave me alone," Sumi muttered, bending to gather her things. But one boy kicked her books away while the other two laughed.
"Let's see how fast you are at dodging this," the biggest one said, pulling back a fist. Sumi braced herself to use her speed before for the blow, when suddenly a voice shouted "Stop!"
A petite girl with dark purple hair and a rockstar attire had appeared around the corner. She marched up to the bullies, eyes flashing. "Why don't you creeps find someone your own size to hassle?"
The boys turned with snarls, but the girl stared them down fearlessly. With grumbled threats, they finally slunk off.
The girl helped Sumi up with a gentle smile. "Are you okay? Those jerks shouldn't be allowed here. I'm Refina."
"Thanks, I'm Sumi," she replied, shy but grateful. "That was really brave of you to stand up to them."
Refina waved it off. "Can't let them keep getting away with bullying. Us cosmic-powered kids have to stick together, right?"
Sumi nodded, sensing a kindred spirit in this kind stranger who came to her aid. The two girls fell into easy conversation as Refina helped carry Sumi's books to study hall. Turned out they both loved reading and learning, though Refina was more introverted with her small circle of close friends.
Over the next few days, Sumi and Refina crossed paths often, waving hello in the halls or sitting together in classes. Sumi introduced Refina to Yuna, who was delighted she was making another good friend. Aurora was polite when they met, but Sumi noticed her sister seemed quieter around Refina.
One sunny Saturday, Sumi invited Refina to study together at a picnic table on the academy grounds. They quizzed each other for upcoming exams, laughing over silly mnemonics Refina invented to remember astrophysics formulas.
Yuna brought them homemade snacks, smiling to see Sumi relaxing with a friend on the weekend for once instead of immersed in solo training. Aurora wandered over at one point, but left quickly, seeming bored.
"Your sister doesn't talk to many people, does she?" Refina commented after Aurora had gone.
Sumi shrugged. "Aurora's just more into books right now I guess. But she's really cool once you get to know her."
Refina looked sceptical but dropped the subject. The two chatterboxes soon dove back into their books, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
Over the next month, Sumi and Refina became close, bonding over classes, movies, and dreams for the future. Though introverted, Refina helped draw Sumi out of her shell bit by bit. She relished having a friend beyond family to experience academy life with.
Aurora remained polite but distant from the blossoming friendship for now as a topic had piqued her interest. She was wrapped up pursuing mystic training with the school's High Master to unlock deeper cosmic truths. The sisters were slowly but surely developing separate interests and lives.
One day after fire manipulation lessons, the students were rewarded with a game of power dodgeball in the gymnasium. Teams formed quickly, vying to prove themselves against classmates in this super-powered version of the classic schoolyard competition.
Sumi was surprised when Refina grabbed her wrist before she could join Aurora's team. "Come be on my squad, there's space left," she said with a grin.
Sumi hesitated, glancing at her sister across the gym. But Aurora was engrossed strategizing with her teammates, so Sumi let Refina pull her over. Maybe mixing things up would be nice for a change.
The game quickly became raucous chaos as elemental bolts and gravity wells filled the air alongside zooming balls. Shouts and laughter echoed off the walls as the gifted students unleashed their abilities joyfully. Everyone was grateful when the final bell rang before real damage was done.
Walking down the hall later with aching sides from giggling so much, Sumi turned to Refina. "That was a blast! We make a good team."
Refina smiled back. "We really do! I'm glad you joined our side." Impulsively she pulled Sumi into a quick hug before waving and dashing off to class.
Sumi blushed, surprised by the open affection. Her shy friend was clearly growing more comfortable around her. But why did that casual hug make Sumi's heart suddenly beat faster?
Over the following weeks, Sumi found herself withdrawing from Aurora to spend more time with enigmatic Refina. Her sister threw herself deeper into esoteric studies and spells, brushing off Sumi's concerns whenever they talked now.
Late one Friday, Sumi crept to Refina's room after lights-out, giddy with breaking rules. They gossiped and shared secrets by flashlight like normal teens, safe from cosmic burdens.
"Have you ever had a crush on someone?" Refina asked suddenly, glancing at Sumi hesitantly in the dim glow.
Sumi's cheeks flushed. "Well, no...not really.". She changed the subject.
When Sumi finally returned to her own room, she found Aurora still awake studying dusty tomes intently. Her sister raised an eyebrow. "Sneaking off at night now? Is hanging out with me that boring?"
"Don't be like that," said Sumi guiltily. "Refina's just sweet and easy to talk to about stuff, that's all."
Aurora sighed but smiled wryly. "It's okay, we're bound to make other friends here. Just remember I've got your back too if you ever want to talk."
Impulsively, Sumi hugged her. "Love you, sis." Aurora hugged back tightly. They had both grown so much this past year, but the bond between them would never fade.
The next day, the academy announced a major upcoming exhibition of student talents, open to public attendance. Excited whispers filled the halls at the news. For many, this contest could launch or validate budding careers.
Sumi daydreamed of demonstrating her unmatched speed for awed crowds. With Refina's belief in her, maybe she could finally step out of Aurora's shadow for good.
The sisters wished each other luck with sportsmanship born of deep loyalty, despite increasingly diverging paths. No rivalry could diminish the light they kindled in each other's eyes. They would celebrate their gifts and all they accomplished at Jeriel side by side, come what futures may.