Fledgling

by Natasha Brown

  “And here I was thinking I was the lucky one.”

  He pulled back, uncomfortable with Niyol’s gaze on them.

  Chance continued to train and phased into his cougar form. It was easier for him to revisit this shape, compared to last time. Repetition made it more comfortable to phase because it didn’t require the same amount of focus when he grew familiar with an animal’s structure. The more accustomed he was with a mapping, the easier it was. It didn’t burn up as much energy.

  Embodying a giant cat, he stalked around the meadow. He didn’t screech this time. The unpleasant outcome from his growling the other day remained bitter in his thoughts. But he did creep through the tall grasses in the field, enjoying his lanky, sinuous body. He recalled his struggle with shifting into cougar form the first time. Shifting seemed so much harder before he met Ana. But now, his energy flowed with purpose.

  After each practice session, his power reserve increased. His focus intensified as his confidence grew. Chance wanted to continue so he could experiment with healing.

  It was his priority now—training. Nothing else mattered.

  Chance practiced at least once every day. Power expansion was his singular focus.

  Niyol’s composed and quiet demeanor agitated Chance. “It is something that takes time. Do not rush. To truly understand the way your abilities work, it requires focus and attention. This can’t be measured in a week, month or even a year.” He warned Chance. “Healing isn’t something you should try yet. It’s too dangerous. It requires more energy than you have. Remember, Chance—things can go wrong fast.”

  Then he said the word Chance had begun to loathe, “Patience.”

  Chance had very little of it, if any. He was anxious. Time wasn’t on his side. He knew Ana’s health could decline at any time and he didn’t want her to suffer through a transplant.

  He listened to his grandfather’s warnings, but it only pushed Chance to train harder. He needed more energy to heal. Like training for a weight lifting competition, he needed to bulk up and fast. Unfortunately, there was no special drink or exercise he could take to speed up the process.

  He had to do it the hard way.

 

  Chapter 25

 

  Chance snuck up to Ana at lunch period and pulled her away from any listening ears.

  “Can you come over tonight?” he asked, squeezing her hand.

  His bright eyes and wide smile made her heart patter. What was so enthusiastic about?

  “Sure, what’s up? Something special going on tonight?”

  He tugged her against his chest and with an arched eyebrow, he said mysteriously, “We’re supposed to have a lightning storm later.”

  “And why would I want to come over during a lightning storm? You aren’t training, are you?” She wasn’t quite sure if this was a safe idea.

  “That’s right—I haven’t told you yet. When electricity’s in the air, I can pull from it. It helps me expand my own energy.” He released his hold on her and made sweeping gestures, clearly enthusiastic at his plans. “It’s perfect for training. It lets me phase into larger forms I couldn’t do otherwise. The larger the form, the more power it requires. Along with the first time you try to take a new form—that also sucks a lot out of you.” He whispered into Ana’s ear, holding her against him, “Tonight I’m going to try a bear.”

  “Wow, I wouldn’t miss it. But are you sure it’s safe?”

  “You’ll be fine. You’ll be with me. But don’t forget to dress warm—don’t want you catching a cold.”

  “Okay, Mom.”

  He kissed her forehead and zipped her jacket all the way up to her chin.

  ***

  After Melissa returned home from work that night, Ana grabbed a coat and headed to Chance’s house.

  The clouded sky left the landscape gray and bleak. Ana’s bright yellow van cut through the shadowed forest and crept its way to the dimly lit home at the end of the drive. She snuggled her face into the fuzzy lining of her coat as she walked around the house to the front door. She rang the bell and moved her feet up and down, trying to keep warm. A moment later, Chance opened the door and waved her in.

  She darted through the entryway and inside. Chance closed the door to seal out the bitter cold.

  Chance led her to the dining room. Metallic clangs tinkled inside. Ben was at the table with his fork poised above his dinner. There were two empty place settings and one plate with half eaten food.

  “Hi, Ana. How’re you tonight?” Ben welcomed her with a smile as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

  “Oh, I’m fine. I’ve been busy studying for finals though. I’m ready for a break.”

  Chance invited her to sit down at the table and asked, “Did you eat yet? I was just finishing up. Grandfather’s already done and getting ready.”

  “Oh, no. I ran out of the house too quickly.”

  “Let me grab you a plate real quick.” Chance walked out of the dining room and through the archway.

  Ben balanced his fork in his hand, ready to take another bite. “Chance has been busy studying too. I hope he didn’t drag you out here if you should be resting or studying instead.”

  “Oh, no, not at all. I’m burnt out for today. I couldn’t study if my brain allowed it.”

  Chance walked back in with a full plate of steaming rice, green beans and roast beef. Aiyana followed him, her hands sheathed in a pair of dripping yellow gloves and gave Ana a careful hug before going back into the kitchen.

  Ben asked, “So, you guys are going out for the lightning show? Now, we’re responsible for Ana while she’s here. I don’t want to make a habit of taking her to the hospital. You take care of her tonight, you hear me?”

  “Of course, Dad. Grandfather will be with us. Trust me, I wouldn’t put her in danger.”

  They ate their meal as fast as they could, rinsed their empty plates in the sink and put them in the dishwasher. Chance went upstairs and came back with a folded blanket.

  “Won’t you get cold shifting in the storm?” Ana said in a whisper.

  “I don’t really experience the cold so much anymore. My body seems to regulate my temperature no matter what it’s like outside. Must have to do with adapting survival skills to my human form. I still don’t get it, but I certainly won’t complain—makes things easy. Anyway, I’ll be fine. This blanket’s for you to wrap around your jacket. Grandfather’s bringing another for me.”

  She zipped up her jacket and flipped her hood up. He opened the blanket to envelop her in its folds. He pulled on a rain slicker just as his parents came into the entryway.

  “What should I say—have fun? And keep an eye on Ana, we don’t want her getting sick,” Aiyana said and rubbed Ana’s shoulder which was hidden somewhere in the depths of the blanket.

  “No one has her interest more at heart than I do, Mom. Don’t worry.”

  Niyol came downstairs with folded woven fabric in his arms. This time Ana knew what it was for.

  “Goodbye, Father,” Aiyana said and kissed his lined cheek. Niyol nodded and returned a kiss to her youthful face.

  The three left the house and moved briskly down the driveway. Ana took her place on Chance’s back and rocked around as they sprinted through the wilderness. She was snug and warm, like a baby carried by her mother.

  They arrived at the field just as a rumble echoed through the valley. Ana sat on her log and tried to settle in. She understood the importance of staying out of the way so Chance wouldn’t get distracted. Sometimes, he had a hard time controlling his form. It could be dangerous being near him while he occupied a shape that had the potential to hurt her.

  Another thunderous explosion reverberated through the landscape. Ana hunched under the blanket, tucked her hands into the folds around her and peered out at the two forms in the meadow.

  ***

 

  Chance checked on Ana, worried she was frightened. Instead, he found her stooped over
in a lumpy pile on the log. He laughed. The only thing that appeared to be affecting her was the cold.

  Niyol said from behind him, “Are you ready? It’s time to sit.” Niyol held up the blanket shield.

  Chance listened to his grandfather and focused his energy. He pulled off his shirt and pants, sat at his grandfather’s feet and closed his eyes. The blanket was draped across his lap. He opened his mind to the natural world around him, sensing wildlife skittering behind the tree wall. The hairs on his arms lifted as he manipulated the electricity in the earth and the crisp evening air. Movement stilled in the clearing and quiet fell through the forest. Small watchful eyes peered out from the dark.

  His grandfather’s voice broke the silence. “Now feel yourself pushing outward. Absorb what’s around you. Focus on your core expanding, growing.”

  Chance recognized the static within himself, collected it in a smooth radius and pulled in the available current outside of his body. The energy from the air and earth mixed with his power, building within, while he maintained control.

  “Remember the bear.” His grandfather’s said, “Think of the time you observed it, mapping its imprint. See him in your mind and welcome the form to your body.”

  Chance thought of the time he had hiked through the mountains and discovered a grizzly amongst the pines. He had held the animal’s attention long enough to study its intricate mapping before it grew agitated and he was forced to phase into eagle form and fly to safety.

  Now, his thoughts tangled with the wet black nose, the large bulky body and sharp intelligent eyes. Chance breathed in, opened up his senses to meld with the bear and needle-like prickles coursed through his body.

  Chance struggled to keep balance, grasping at his new form. He pulled at his blurred senses and attempted to sharpen his foggy eyes, like the focus on a camera. He stared ahead at his grandfather’s face, his eyes homing in on Niyol’s nose. Disappointed his eyesight wasn’t better, he hoped the other senses would compensate.

  He sniffed the air around him. He recognized Ana’s and Niyol’s familiar scents and then thought he caught the faint smell of a buck that must have passed hours earlier. He lifted his long snout and pulled in the thick aroma of rotted pine needles, damp earth and a fire ant colony that filled a decomposing tree stump. He was excited by his new ability. This was the best sense of smell he’d experienced yet.

  A brilliant burst of lightning startled him and he sought his grandfather’s face once again. Chance grumbled, then tentatively stepped forward to test the range of movement of his new hulking form.

  Niyol held his arm out toward the forest and said, “Go try it out, Chance. We’ll be waiting for you here.”

  ***

  Ana stared at the huge bear stumbling across the murky field. It slowly gained its footing before dissolving into the forest’s architecture.

  Niyol joined her on the log.

  “He needs to get used to this new form. The extra power from the lightning storm helped him phase into the bear. The first step is changing form, the next is keeping control.” Niyol’s face was turned toward the place his grandson had disappeared.

  “So, I’ve been wondering. . .” Ana fidgeted with her hands for a moment before she said, “I’m not sure I understand what Chance said about the thunderbird. Was it a real animal, or what?” She wasn’t sure if Niyol was protective about this information and hoped she wouldn’t make him mad asking.

  Niyol took a slow breath and said, “Well, the form goes back. Far back. One of my ancestors created it. Only powerful shifters can safely create shapes that they can only imagine. It is dangerous experimenting.”

  “So, it wasn’t a real animal then?”

  “No. Only real to those who witnessed it.”

  Ana became more comfortable in their conversation and settled onto the bumpy log. She pointed toward the forest where she last saw the bear and said, “It’s amazing to watch him shift—I wish I could do something like that.”

  Ana and Niyol scanned the dense forest line. He faced her in the darkness. When their eyes locked, she was held by a light that shone through his eyes. Although it was dark, she could see he seemed to be searching for something.

  “You let yourself be guided by fear. So you can never reach your full potential.”

  The words hit her with force. What does he mean I’m guided by fear?

  Before she could wonder any longer, he continued to speak, “You are no different from any other, yet different in every way. Everyone dies—in this, you are no different. What you do while you’re alive is the difference.” Niyol held his hand inches away from her chest and said, “This is what makes you different, and that is the blessing. You have a deep strength you haven’t used. You have the power in you. You are unique.”

  Time stood still as each word pounded into her chest, as though the words themselves cracked it open. Pain flooded out from an emotional hole inside and she realized her face was wet with tears.

  He sat still beside her as he stared intently into the ebony woodland.

  When she couldn’t cry anymore and the last of the pain trickled out of her, a cool breath filled her lungs and radiated out her body.

  This was the moment. The moment she chose to leave all the angst she had clung to. She didn’t want to die in fear. Niyol was right, everyone would die. She needed to live while she could. An entirely different attitude began to surface. Choices appeared that had been invisible. Her life was waiting for her.

  “Thank you,” Ana whispered to Niyol.

  Niyol’s creased face turned to her. “I’ve led a good life. I met my love and lived happily for a long time. But I’ve learned that if you have a power you’re obligated to use it. Everyone has a power, Ana.”

  Bushes rustled at the forests edge. Chance’s immense body crashed through the shrubbery. He tucked into a roll and flopped onto the ground in the field.

  Ana giggled and Niyol smiled, clearly amused by Chance’s attention grabbing performance.

  The bear’s form lifted up and loped toward the two figures on the log. He stopped before them and gave a soft growl, his lips extending in articulation.

  Ana asked him, “Did you enjoy scaring Thumper and Bambi?”

  Chapter 26

  “Now, that one’s pretty. It brings out your cans.” Aunt Tera’s voice rose over Ana’s shoulder.

  She flinched, trying to block out her aunt’s voice, unsure how she finessed her way into the shopping trip. It may have had to do with Tera boasting to Melissa about knowing all the best dress shops around the lake.

  A wall of mirrors stretched before Ana as she pivoted in place, frowning at the flashy turquoise dress. Her scar screamed for her attention, peeking out from the lacey bodice. She let her eyes blur, and its sharp line faded. Her new attitude told her to pick the prettiest dress and proudly display the line that ran down her chest, but it challenged her natural instincts to cover herself up.

  Melissa walked up with two more dresses. “I think you’re going to love this one. Don’t think—just put it on.”

  Melissa pointed at a dark green dress that was obscured by a black one. The fact it had a drop neck didn’t get past Ana. She lifted her eyebrows, but she held her hand out anyway, grabbed the dresses and sailed into her dressing room. She zipped and fastened the dress and pushed open the changing room door.

  “What are you waiting for?”

  “Come on out and show us how beautiful you are,” the women chorused.

  Ana sighed, straightened as though someone was pulling her strings and glided out in front of the mirrors, walking tall.

  “Ooooh, I like that one. You look like a movie star!” Eva exclaimed and jumped forward in her seat.

  Melissa dabbed at her tears with the edge of her shirt. “Oh, Ana. You look, well, beautiful.”

  “Lovely. Truly, sweetie,” Aunt Tera said, clearly at a loss, as though all of her embarrassing comments had been used up.

 
Ana appraised herself. The green satin dress clung to her figure and dropped in a swirl of fabric at her feet. The neckline plummeted down, exposing her pale skin. The thin white scar screamed at her, Look at me, as it plunged beneath the silken fabric. She shook her head and forced the voice away. A tall, proud girl reflected back at her.

  “You look so grown up. A real adult.” Melissa raised an eyebrow. “That dress could stop traffic. I’m not sure I should let you go out looking so pretty. . .”

  Ana inspected her mother’s proud grin through the mirror.

  “I bet we could find a drape or scarf for you to cover yourself with,” Melissa said.

  “But that would cover my scar.” Ana pulled her shoulders back and gazed at her badge of honor, as Chance had put it. She challenged herself to shy away from her reflection and stood tall.

  Her mother’s brows knitted together. “That doesn’t sound like you. You aren’t trying to cover your scar anymore?”

  Ana lifted her chin. “No. I’ve decided it’s time to move forward. I don’t care who knows. I won’t let it affect me from living my life.”

  Aunt Tera and Eva exchanged surprised glances, both raised their eyebrows and shrugged.

  “I’m proud of you, baby,” Melissa whispered. “That makes me happy to hear. So, does that mean you want the dress?”

  Ana turned in the mirror and assessed her glamorous reflection. She thought about going to the prom with Chance in a black tux. The inner vault labeled “wishful thinking” had been thrown open. She was living the daydream she had kept locked away from herself. She blinked, her throat tightened and she had a hard time swallowing.

  “This is the one.”

  ***

  A light knock came from Ana’s door.

  Small twinkling lights glowed softly. Ana saw her reflection in the window; a ghostlike apparition overlaid the dark shadows of trees outside. Green satin shimmered on the contours of her body. Her dark hair was swept on top of her head with a pretty hair clip Melissa lent her and a few strands curled their way down her exposed back.

  Too anxious to face the door, she said, “Come in.”

  Through the reflection on the window, she saw the door open.