Work Text:
Anastasia was walking through the hallway of the castle. There was nobody, not even a shadow appeared against the wall. It was kinda normal, not a lot of people were outside their bed at 3 a.m, in the middle of the night. Anastasia was, especially today.
In the morning, 4 boats will appear on the horizon, 4 boats, for 4 families. Anastasia was from the family of russian, she was the last daughter of a long lineage of slaves.
A little bit of context maybe ?
Thousands of years ago, 4 families took control of the world, after one of the most bloody war in history. To help them protect the world from future wars, each god they believe in gives them a gift. The day the world will be in mortal danger again, 5 of their children will be awarded a special power.
So between 20 and 16 years ago, 4 kids have been born with 4 special abilities.
And today was the first time these 4 kids will meet. Anastasia was stressed, the 17 years old girl didn’t sleep for the past week. Only a few hours every night. The long hallway that led to the ballroom was silent. Anastasia didn’t hear anything, maybe a few dogs far away, an owl warbling in the distance. When she entered the ballroom, she took 2 minutes to admire the room. the glass ceiling, the gold molding all around the walls. The girl went towards the orchestra, she took the book that was lying on the table, opened it and put her hand upon it. Few moments later, the orchestra was playing some Mozard. Anastasia was a ballerina as long as she could remember. She takes some steps on the dance floor. She danced for a long time, eyes closed, only her body moving at the rhythm as the music.
Suddenly, the music stopped. Anastasia turned to see what happened to her false orchestra. Her little brother Alexeï was watching the smoke that appeared from the orchestra, with amazement.
How do you do that ? he asked, his high-pitched voice.
What are you doing here ? she replied, you’re not supposed to be awake !
I heard the music, he responded, I just wanted to see you dance.
The heart of Anastasia melted, Alexaï didn’t have any power, she was the only one with some power in her family. And she loved it, she loved the chance she had to be able to bring to life characters from books, creatures, animals. But the normality of her little brother was well welcomed some day.
So ? Can you show me more of your magic ? he repeated.
Of course big boy, take a book, she smiled.
Alexaï came back with a big book between his hands. Anastasia recognized “Beauty and the Beast”. She already knew what scene Alexaï would want her to create.
Make the dance live ! Alexaï exclaimed, please !
The russian took the book, opened it to the dance scene, put her hand upon the page, took a deep breath. When she looked up, Belle and Beast were dancing on the dance floor. They were a little bit transparent, but the result was there. They watched the 2 fictional characters dance until the sun rose behind the mountains.
Ok big boy, finally said Anastasia, let’s go back to your room before mom and dad find you here.
Annie ?
Yes.
Do you think I would be present for the ball this evening ? he asked, looking at her with his doggy eyes.
Why don’t you ask the parents ? They will have the response, she answered, but according to me, there is no reason why you wouldn’t be here, she whispered.
He smiled, thanked her and ran back to the royal district. She sighted and also went back to her room. In about 4 hours, dozens of grooms will enter her bedroom, with dresses, makeup, hair products, so she will be perfect for the party, where she will have to meet 4 teenagers just like her.
Her green dress was not her. She hated it, too fluffy, not practical to move. Anastasia loved dresses, ballerina dresses, short ones, the ones who are practical to move, to dance, to escape if any needs.
She walked to the entry of the gigantic manor. She found her parents, waited for their guests. Alexaï was with them, watching a little butterfly on a flower.
Finally, some figures appeared along the road. They were 2, men, tall, and one of them was so large that Anastasia asked herself if he could pass the door of the bathroom. The younger was tanned, like he passed all of his time under the sun, the complete opposite of Anastasia : in Russia, the sun was not really powerful, so like her whole family, she had a really pale skin. The boy was way taller than her, brown hair, black eyes. He wore a suit, similar to his father.
Her own father took a few step forward, and said :
Nice to meet you Perez.
Same, the man added, your property is wonderful, sad my wife isn’t here, she would have loved your garden.
Anastasia’s father thanked him, before turned to his daughter :
Let me present to you Anastasia, my daughter. She is the powered one of the family. And I presume this is Alejandro, your son ?
Yes, he is. I don't want to be impolite but your country is very different from ours. And we are really cold, the temperatures are highly superior in Argentina, could we please enter. The kids would have the whole night and more to meet.
The Perezs entered into the great hall, while the Romanovs were waiting for the other family.
Around 30 minutes later, the 2 other families had arrived. The Hawaiians, Pua with their daughter, were the second one to enter the manor.
At last, the Coetzee, from South Africa presented their daughters to Anastasia’s family.
The table for you is right there, said Anastasia’s mom, pointing to the center table.
The beginning of the dinner was awkward, none of them were talking, all watching their feet or smiling while watching the kid’s table.
So, what is your power ? Asked Kaléa.
None of them open their mouth the first 5 minutes, then, Alejandro responded :
I can control light. All of this type of stuff.
That’s cool ! claimed Sybella who finally stopped watching people dance. I have control of astronomy, stars, constellations, I could show you outside later if you want.
Anastasia smiled, the night may not be so bad and boring after all. Kaléa presented her power to all by making the water of her glass float by putting her hand above it.
Do you want to get out of here ? Asked Anastasia. The library is not far away, we could go there, it’s more calm.
All of them acquired, they standed up.
Wait ! exclaimed Sybella, the parents are watching us.
Let’s go dance, proposed Kaléa, at some point they’re gonna stop looking.
Anastasia, Kaléa, Alejandro and Sybella started to dance. Twelve minutes later, they were outside the ballroom. They ran as fast as they could to reach the library before their parents would see they were not in the room anymore. When they arrived into the room, they were bursting with laughter.
Ok, continued laughing Anastasia, let me show you my power.
She took a book from the bookshelf, open it. It was “From the earth to the moon”, of Jules Verne.