Seventeen years later

"Welcome, class of Eon 6, Era 480!" the headmistress shouted.

The students cheered, excitement echoing through the stadium.

The headmistress scanned the crowd, taking in all the different Eyes gathered together for the first time. The school was divided strategically. Ten massive bleachers lined the stadium, one for each nation of Eyes. Some were enclosed, others open, but all were designed for that nation's survival. Behind each bleacher were doors leading to areas tailored for each nation's students.

"This is a historic day," she continued. "This is EyEU, where students begin formal training at sixteen, after years of learning at home to master their natural abilities. Today marks the start of a new generation entering full training. We are finally united after so many eons. Our Space King never gave up on us, and now look where we are, learning and growing together in one place."

Applause and cheering filled the stadium once more.

Once the crowd settled, the headmistress spoke again.

"Each section is large, but don't worry, the new school's design accommodates Eyes that thrive in similar climates. Nations with similar backgrounds are placed nearby. If you're confused, look at your bleacher's color. Colors shared with other nations indicate shared classes; a color unique to your nation indicates a class for your nation alone. You will also be sent a digital reference link after this gathering."

Students eagerly looked around, comparing bleachers and whispering excitedly.

"We also have brand new teachers from each nation," she continued. "Masters in their craft. EyEU has always been committed to producing top graduates. If you were chosen to attend, it is because you have worked hard, taken yourselves seriously, and contributed to your nation's rank."

The headmistress paused, a small smile on her face.

"Finally, let us give thanks to Victor Fox. Without his inventions, the gates, and his blueprints for this school, this achievement may have taken far longer or been made impossible."

Applause rang out again.

"One final announcement before we end, this year we have a very special student attending. He has chosen to join EyEU as both a student and a tutor to special students, Lion, son of the Space King and Queen."

Gasps and excited murmurs spread through the stadium.

"Please do not crowd or overwhelm the prince. By his wishes, he is to be treated as a regular student."

⸻

High atop the gates, Euphoria sat with her chin in her hands, her feet kicking behind her. Her eyes were heavy with sadness as she watched the assembly from afar.

She stood, brushing herself off.

"Tuh... unity," she muttered, leaping from the hundred-foot-high gate. She landed with a calm but thunderous thud.

"Oops, a little heavy-footed that time," she said, dusting herself off as she walked home.

⸻

Euphoria arrived home, passing her parents, Victor and Valoria Fox, talking quietly in the next room.

"Wait, Euphoria, where have you been?" Valoria asked, just as Euphoria reached the stairs.

"Nowhere". She lied "Remember, I'm not allowed to go anywhere or do anything!" she snapped.

Victor stepped forward. "Watch your tone with your mother," he said sharply. "And we should really talk about yesterday. I never got to—"

"For what, Dad? For years you listened to me getting excited about going to school... but now you finally tell me, two days before school starts, that I can't go because the Space King banned double Eyes. Don't you think that could have been mentioned years ago? Why can't I just tell them I'm a double Eye? You said double Eyes are looked at as unstable... well, I'm pretty stable, don't you think? I'm not dangerous to anyone! I don't see what the problem is. Everyone already knows who you are and what you're capable of. If I were unstable, you'd be someone who would know, or someone who could help! What's the wor—"

"I WILL NOT TAKE A DUMB RISK LIKE THAT WHEN IT COMES TO MY DAUGHTER!" Victor shouted, his voice echoing through the hall.

Euphoria froze, completely taken aback. She had never been yelled at like that before.

Victor's jaw tightened. "You have no idea what you're asking. Some will see a double Eye and see power... but others, they'll see a threat. They will use it against you, against us. I will not let that happen."

"Dad! He's the king! You serve the king! You're making it seem lik—"

"Euphoria, that's enough! Now last night we brought this up again because we have something important to tell you. Please let your father speak," Valoria said firmly, silencing the room.

Victor took a deep breath, his tone softening. "I know your whole life you've been excited about attending EyEU, and you want to prove you're a stable double Eye, but it's not as simple as it sounds. It has never been easy to hide my own daughter from this world. And I didn't want to disappoint you by saying you could or couldn't go to EyEU. I only hoped I would have my invention done in time, but I ran into many complications, which ultimately led me to believe you wouldn't be able to attend. That's why, two days ago, I had to finally make the decision to inform you that you may not be able to attend school. But yesterday, I finally made a breakthrough. Since the day you were born, I've been working on this project. It was my hardest invention."

Euphoria's eyes rose in confusion.

"Was?" she whispered.

Victor hesitated, then pulled out a necklace.

"You need to understand, if I let you enroll in EyEU, this stays on. This necklace acts as a barrier to your identity, so you will be seen only as a single Eye, not a double. You will gain abilities as a single Eye, but only for your gold Eye side. The necklace tricks your DNA into thinking the same. You will not develop any advanced brown Eye abilities while wearing it."

Euphoria's eyes remained fixed on the necklace, a beautiful crystal the color of the ocean.

"Wait... I will be able to go to school?" she asked, tears welling.

"Yes," Victor said softly. "But you must understand the importance of keeping it on. I know this situation really upset you and you don't completely understand yet, but you have to trust me. I promise to properly explain things eventually. And knowing you, you will want to explore your brown Eye abilities more, but that will strictly be at home with your mother or me. We don't want you to abandon your other side."

There was a long pause before he spoke again.

"You're expected for testing tomorrow. Every nation now knows I have a daughter."

"Thank you, Daddy!" Euphoria cried, running into his arms and collapsing in tears of joy. "When can I start?!"

Victor held her close. "In two days. But first, I will personally perform your bloodwork today to ensure tomorrow goes smoothly."

"Honey, are you sure it's completely ready? She won't be noticed as a double Eye?" Valoria asked, worry clear on her face.

"It will work. She'll be fine," Victor replied, placing the necklace around Euphoria's neck. It glowed brightly before settling into a calm radiance.

Victor nodded approvingly. "Let's start the testing now. Once complete, Euphoria will officially be able to attend EyEU."