Chapter 1: The First Egg

Note: This chapter focuses mainly on Yuri and how she wants to receive a Lyris egg.

***

Lyrra school is a school  in the far east  of the world. It is a place where students come to impress a Lyris and hopefully find a bondmate. They learn to train their Lyris and to help it discover it's true nature. This is the story of four friends, trying to find their way in the Lyrra world.

***

Yuri awoke to a blinding sunlight in her eyes. She sat up, stretched and then finally got out of her bed. Rubbing her delicate green eyes, she realized her roommate Nicholette was also awake.

"Mornin' girl," Nicholette said joyfully. She was putting on worn, brown hiking boots.

"Morning? Thank god there's only one of these a day," Yuri responded. She got up and put on a pair of socks. "Where are you going?" 

"I'm going for a walk. I want to see all the campus before I really get into the work," Nicholette said, "how bout' you? I was wonderin' when you'd get up."

"I'll probably go and get some breakfast, then meet the guys. Kohana and I are going to the Lyris Nursery today too," Yuri said putting on some jeans.

"Ok, cya!" Nicholette said running out the door. Yuri went to the cupboard and got out a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and her blue jacket. She put them on, brushed a comb through her long, black hair and went out the door, locking it as she did.

***

The canteen was almost empty when Yuri got there. She spotted Kohana and the boys immediately and made her way over to the table they were sitting at.

"Well, look who's up," Kohana joked, "where have you been?" She had blonde hair and bright blue eyes, much the opposite of Yuri. And her name meant 'little flower' in Japanese, which suited her as she looked much like one. 

"I must have slept in," Yuri blushed, "you guys had breakfast yet?"

They all nodded in reply.

"I'll just go get a muffin, be right back!" Yuri said, walking over to the counter. She selected a muffin and put it on her tray. Then she returned to the table.

"So, you guys up for seeing the Lyran today?" Kohana asked the boys.

"Nahh, we were gonna go and check out more of the campus first, you know, get to know it better," Tennan, the boy with the short, brown crew cut and sharp hazel eyes said. He winked to the scruffy, blond haired boy beside him, Jaython.

"And pick up the girls," Jaython said with a smirk on his face.

Kohana burst into a fit of laughter. "You guys? Pick up girls?" Don't make me cry for you!" She said in between giggles. The boys put on looks of mock injury. 

"I'm sorry," Kohana began, "but the idea of you guys with the girls is just so hilarious!"

"You just wait! By dinner, there'll be girls surrounding us!" Tennan remarked. Yuri and Kohana giggled.

"So," Kohana stood up, "ready for the Lyran?"

"You bet," Yuri got up and dusted her lap, "see you guys later ok?"

"Bye," the boys said together, smirking.

***

When Yuri and Kohana arrived at the Lyris Nursery, it was well into the day. The Nursery was on the other side of the junior campus, away from the cafeteria. The girls stared at the building in front of them. It was tall and had trees surrounding it. They walked inside the doors and up to reception.

"Hello girls," a lady behind the counter said, "what can I do for you today?"

"We've come to see the Lyran," Yuri replied.

"Sure, right through that door," the lady said pointing to a door marked with a bear. The two walked through the door. There was a girl there. She looked about 16, Yuri thought. The girl heard them come in and turned from her papers.

"Oh, hi," she said in a sweet voice, "you must be here for the tour?"

"Yes, who are you?" Kohana  asked.

"Oh, I'm Mira, I look after the Lyran once they have hatched. If you'd like to come with me, I'll show you around," the girl said, smiling. The girls followed her through a door marked with an egg.

"This is the hatchery," Mira explained," we keep all the eggs we receive from cypris.org here until they hatch." 

Yuri looked around. It was like a bit of forest inside. The grass surrounded a few trees. There was a waist-height plastic fence that protected the eggs. They were laying in the grass. The group moved to the next room.

"This is the nursery," Mira said, "when the eggs hatch and aren't already given to a student, they stay here. They can still be given to somebody though."

There was a larger clearing here and small Lyran were playing. Yuri looked at them, they were so cute!

"Don't tell anybody," Mira said putting a finger to her lips, "we usually don't let tour groups do this, but..." she opened the gate and motioned for the girls to come in too. They slowly came in and Mira closed the gate behind them. A small purple Lyris runs up to Yuri. She knelt down to give it a pat.

"We haven't named these Lyran yet," Mira said, "we want to give them out first."

"I really want one," Yuri said, looking up at Mira as the Lyris licked her hand.

"Well, you can't take one home until the registration is filled. Everyone has to have the chance to get one first," Mira said, "you can go in the waiting list if you like though."

"Ok, I must prepare the pen for our dorm," Yuri said standing up.

"Yeah, me too. I want a companion also," Kohana added. Mira showed them to the exit.

"There'll be a notice on the main bulletin board to tell you when the new clutch are adoptable. See you guys soon!" she said waving to the girls. Kohana and Yuri made their way back to their dorms.

"I guess we'll have to get pen rental," Kohana said, "I mean, if we want a Lyris."

"I know I do!" Yuri replied, "I'm gonna get the rental now, so I can be prepared for when I do get one!" 

"Ok, I'll come with you," Kohana said. They changed direction towards the main hall.

***

On the other side of the campus, Tennan and Jaython were looking for some girls. They had found them, of course, but they were being ignored.

"Aww c'mon girls, at least one of you must want to go out with me. How about Tennan? No?" Jaython was trying. Tennan made his way over to a short, blonde girl.

"So," he said, "hozabout a date?"

The girl looked at him from behind her magazine. "No way, I don't date immature guys," she said.

"This blows man," Tennan said to Jaython.

"Yeah, let's go before they start getting agro," Jaython said, leaving the courtyard. Tennan followed. They didn't look back.

***

It was dinner time and the girls were entering the cafeteria. The boys were sitting at a table, looking glum. The girls took a seat next to them.

"So," Kohana said, "impress any girls?"

"No," the boys said in choir, drooping their heads. 

"So how long have you guys been sitting here?" Kohana asked.

"Since lunch," Jaython replied.

"I guess we're the only girls that'll go near you," Yuri added. The whole group laughed.

"So," Tennan began, "you guys wanna get some grub?"

They all got a tray and lined up. Jaython selected a burger and put it on his tray. Kohana took a bowl of pasta and sprinkled it with cheese. Tennan chose some French fries and a small piece of fish while Yuri got some chicken. They all sat down and began eating. When they were finished, they put their trays back and all got some desert. They ate in silence and listened to other people's chatter. It wasn't long before they all were done and returned to their dorms.

That night, Yuri dreamt of her new Lyris.

***

Yuri was surprised that she awoke at the right time. It was the first day of lessons and they started at nine. She got ready for the day, then collected her books. She also took her roster from the wall. Her and Nicholette walked to the main hallway together.

"I'm thinking of applying for a Lyris," Yuri said.

"Really?" Nicholette asked, "I don't think I could handle one."

"Huh? I heard they're easy to raise. But I don't care, I want one anyway!"

"Yeah, I guess they are pretty cute."

"What do you have first?"

"Geography. You?"

"Lyrra Training."

"What's that?"

"Um, I think it's where we learn to train Lyran properly. Oh yeah, I did read about it. There are Lyran there for people who don't have one to train."

"Cool. I wish I had applied for it! But I applied for Lyris Grooming."

"That sounds good."

"Yeah, well, I have to go in here, cya later!"

"Cya!" Yuri walked to the end of the hall and went out the door. Outside was a large paddock with a shed. There were a few students there already. Yuri made her way over.

***

"Hello, you must be Yuri," a tall, male teacher said in a stern voice. He had dark hair and was wearing running clothes.

"Uh, yeah," Yuri said uncomfortably. She looked at the students already there. They were looking a bit worried.

"You're late. That's not a good start," the man said again. Yuri tried not to squirm under his glare. She looked up to him.

"Go over there," he said. pointing to the field, "you can have Tyse. The old and slow Lyris."

Yuri made her way over to the pen and gently took the old Lyris' collar in her hand. She lined up next to the other students that were standing like army troops. A boy standing next to Yuri leaned over and whispered to her.

"Are you ok? He didn't blast us as much!"

"Yeah, I'm fine but, what's wrong with Tyse?"

"Oh, he's the oldest and slowest, he's also known for his temper."

Yuri felt her insides sag. She looked over at the boy's Lyris. It was young and was licking his ankle.

"Look out, he's coming," the boy said as the 'general' walked past. He stopped in front of the two and scowled. 

"Talking eh? Detention the both of you," he said, eyeing Yuri. Yuri sighed under her breath. This was meant to be fun.

***

At dinner that night, Yuri told her friends of her day.

"And he's so mean. He made me take Tyse, the old Lyris. He wouldn't co-operate or move. Then he bit me!" she showed them her fingers, "there was one nice boy there though, and all the others kept giving me 'I feel sorry for you' looks, but now I wish I didn't have to do that stinkin' class."

"Gee, it must be really bad if you want to quit!" Jaython said, "who's this macho guy anyway?"

"I've heard of him," Kohana said, "the year level above us told me he was the strictest guy, but his name was William Soft'e."

"What'd ya have to do for detention?" Tennan asked, obviously wanting to know all the details.

"First, we had to run 7 laps of the field, then we had to clean all the Lyran pens, then wash them all. Then we had to run 5 more laps and take all 'general butt-head's' dirt clothes to the laundry," Yuri replied.

"Well, we're all going to the library to study for the test, you wanna come Yuri?" Tennan asked. Yuri noticed they all had their books with them.

"Nah," she said, "I have to write 'lines.' Well, se ya tomorrow."

"Bye," the three left the room. Yuri sat there, staring at her hands. It was dark, she could see, through the wall length windows. She sighed and folded her arms on the table. Then, a small note landed on her table. Yuri quickly looked around to see who threw it, but everybody was acting normally. She grabbed the note and read it under the table.

Meet me at the pen tomorrow at 10:00

The pen? Oh, the Lyran. Yuri stuffed the note into her pocket and made her way to the detention hall.

***

The next day, Yuri's wrist was sore from writing lines. Fortunately, she didn't have any Lyris classes. She made her way to the Science room. Quickly this time, she took her seat. The science teacher, Mrs. Tetra, came in the door wearing a white lab coat. The whole room settled down.

"Hello students," Mrs. Tetra began. She had a sweet voice and was not at all strict. "Today we will be learning about the science of earth. I am Mrs. Tetra, if any of you didn't know. If anyone has a question, feel free to just, raise your hand. So, let's begin."

Yuri stayed awake in this class, unlike all the other students who had dozed off or were doodling on their notepads. It seemed to interest her, unlike when she used to have Mr. Jewop for it. After class, Yuri did not go and have lunch, instead, she went to visit the Lyris pen. She opened the gate and went inside. In one corner, was Tyse. He snarled at her when she came close.

"Hi Tyse," Yuri said uneasily, "what's been on your mind. She slowly sat down next to him and tried not to listen to his warning growls. "I know you don't trust me, or anyone for that matter, but I want you to know, I really want to get along with you, it's, well, I want to show 'general' I can handle a Lyris and that your not as bad as he thinks you are."

Tyse had stopped growling and his ears were pricked up, as if he was listening.

"You might have been beaten around when you were young, but I respect you, please, please give me some respect too." With that she sat and hung her head. "I guess you want to bite me again," she said, holding out her arm and closing her eyes tightly. She really did expect to get chomped on the spot, but instead, a warm wetness covered her cheek. Tyse was showering her in licks. She patted him on the head and ruffled his neck.

"Thank you," she said, "I have to go now, but I'll come back later."

Tyse whined, but Yuri patted him once more to make him feel better, then she left.

When she got back, it was time for their next class. Yuri didn't care though, she was happy with Tyse.

***

The next day, it was back to Lyrra Training 1.01. Yuri got there early.

"Get Tyse and line up," Soft'e said coldly, a smirk came over his face. Yuri just knew he was going to challenge them today. She looked at Tyse who was looking up at her. She smiled at him and he sat in response. Other people arrived and took their Lyran.

"Ok, today we're gonna' do a course, it will test how well you've come to know your Lyris," Soft'e said smirking at Yuri. She glanced back at him as if to say, 'bring it on.'

"Warren, you go first."

One by one, the students were set out to do the course. Then it came to Yuri's turn. she looked down at Tyse and they nodded. They ran up the hill, ran through the mud, jumped the wooden fence. They ran down the hill and into the water. They waded through the pond and ran over the mountain of hay. Then they made it back to the pen. Everyone cheered as they came back. Tyse licked Yuri which made her laugh. They were the only team that successfully completed the obstacle course, in the qualifying time.

***

"She is pretty good, and she did manage to get the respect from Tyse, yet, she is a trouble maker."

It was Thursday night and the teachers from all classes were having a meeting. Soft'e, of course, was trying to get Yuri suspended. All the teachers stared at him, making him squirm uncomfortably. They had a whisper to each other before deciding on little agreements. 

"Now William, we decided to give her a scholarship, let her go to Aerie. It's only fair as she did train the hardest to train Lyris," one of the teachers said.

"Yeah, maybe she could give you a few tips," another said, he laughed at the joke. Soft'e glared at him and he silenced.

"I do NOT need help," he said grinding his teeth. He stormed out of the room, all the teachers were still laughing. He fisted his knuckles. That Yuri girl was gonna pay!

***

It was Saturday, the weekend, and Yuri rushed to the bulletin board. There was the note! A dark and a cloud Lyris had had a clutch and there were 12 eggs up for adoption! Appliers must go to the Lyris Nursery after 7:00. First in best dress.

Yuri looked at her watch. 7:30. All the eggs were probably gone. She decided to go anyway, there could be a chance to get one. Better slim than zilch. She started jogging so she could get there quicker.

When Yuri got to the nursery, there were some people outside with eggs. A boy and girl walked out the door, both holding an egg.

"I'm calling mine Benji."

"Mine's Mika, if it's a girl."

Yuri burst through the door. There had to be an egg left, there just had to be. She rushed into the hatchery and looked around. Mira was calmly sitting down, alongside two Lyran, obviously the parents, and three shiny, round eggs. Yuri looked in awe at the sight of them. She walked over to Mira who was stroking the darker Lyris.

"Err, hi," Yuri began, "I'm not to late am I? To adopt an egg I mean."

"Of course not. We only have three left, the others were taken. which one would you like?" Mira asked. Yuri knelt down next to the eggs. One was larger than the others, one a bit wonky and one with a small flat bit on it. She looked at them all. Yuri had always felt sorry for any runt, the strange character. The strange egg. Wonky. She stroked it, it seemed ok.

"I'll take this one," she said, picking it up. Mira directed her to the door and she went up to the reception. She filled out the simple forms and headed out the door with her new egg.

***

Yuri met the gang at their usual meeting spot. This time, she was the one with the surprise.

"Guess what guys," she said excitedly, "I got a Lyris today!" She slipped the egg out of her backpack. It was clearly stated no pets were to go into the cafeteria, but Yuri made sure nobody was looking. Tennan, Jaython and Kohana stared at it, it's colors almost hypnotizing them.

"It, it's beautiful," Kohana said at last, then there was silence. Finally, Tennan spoke up.

"So, whatcha' calling it? Lyran need names don't they?" 

"I hadn't thought of that," Yuri said. A piece of paper fell from her folder. Jaython picked it up.

"What's this? Chi-chi? Who's that Yu?" he said, chuckling. Yuri snatched the paper back from him.

"It's err, it's the name of my Lyris! Surprise! Tricked you, he he," she said, a bit embarrassed. The group broke to a laugh.

"I'm sure you got the best pen for him, or her," Kohana said, "you did get a pen? Right?"

Yuri squirmed uncomfortably under their gaze. How could she forget? "No, it's staying in my dorm tonight! I think I want to get to know it better," Yuri said, happy with her last minute answer.

***

The night was still as Yuri lay in her bed. The moon was bright and the moths fluttered their wings in the wind. A slow breeze brushed the trees. Yuri listened. It was so relaxing, maybe the year wouldn't be so bad. Nicholette was asleep as she turned over. She glanced at the egg, it's stillness. It shimmered in the moonlight. Then, she heard a crack. She sat up and stared at the egg. A line ran down the middle of it. 

It had hatched.

***

Yuri stared at the cub sitting in the place of the egg. It was blue, with a lighter head and under-belly. It had spots on it's hind legs and small perky ears. It's nose and eyes shone in the moonlight and a strange symbol was on it's front leg.

"Chi-chi?"

Yuri slowly got out of her bed. Was this for real? Had her Lyris really hatched? Or was it a dream? She pinched herself just to make sure. It was no dream. Slowly, she reached her hand out to the Lyris. She had learnt how to bond a Lyris the pervious year. The cub sniffed it, then padded over to Yuri. She let a sigh of relief when the cub wagged her tail and let out a series of small yaps. Nicholette sat bolt-upright in bed and spun her head everywhere.

"What was that?!" she yelled. Yuri laughed.

"Look!"

Nicholette looked at the cub, then she melted. "She's soooo cute! And she hatched so quickly! What's her name?"

Yuri thought. She had told her friends she would be named Chi-chi. Not able to think of a better name, she told Nicholette this was what she would name it. Chi-chi soon got bored of the conversation and lay down next to Yuri's bed. The girls continued to talk into the night.

***

To be continued...

***

Main | LS 2