Fledgling

by Natasha Brown

  “Thanks.”

  Ana glanced at what Chance had handed her and faced her aunt and uncle. “Thank you sooo much. That’s very generous of you.” She clung to them both as she held the check they had gifted her.

  “Well, we thought you could use the money for school or whatever it was you planned on doing. We know you want to travel. You’re welcome.” Aunt Tera blushed and grew quiet.

  Melissa appeared to be on cloud nine, her eyes aglow and overjoyed about her daughter’s accomplishment. Ana achieved more than a diploma. She was alive.

  They headed toward the parking lot receiving congratulations along the way. After Ana thanked her aunt and uncle again for their gift, she waved goodbye and climbed into Chance’s truck. “Bye, Mom. See you in a minute.”

 

  ***

  When Chance and Ana entered his house, they were welcomed with balloons and ribbons. Food was laid out on the dining table buffet style and a burst of colorful flowers centered the ambrosia.

  Aiyana walked in from the kitchen with a bowl in her hands. “Hi, guys. What do you think?”

  “It’s great. I can’t wait to try. . .everything,” Ana said as her eyes passed hungrily over the table.

  A voice rose from behind the graduates, which startled Ana. Chance appeared unsurprised. “Congratulations to you both.”

  They turned to face Niyol, who greeted them with his hands held out to each.

  “Thank you,” Ana said, as she accepted what he placed into her palm.

  Chance held his own gift and began to study it.

  “Chance, this is something that was passed to me from my father,” he said and caught Chance’s eye. “Something that has been passed through many generations. Keep it protected. I believe it will prove to be useful—somehow.”

  A huge claw extended from Chance’s hand, like a scythe. He inspected it, puzzled. Was it a fossil? It was far too large to belong to anything he had ever seen.

  Niyol rounded his attention to Ana and his eyes softened. “Ana. This is something I’ve had a long time. I gave it to my wife a lifetime ago, but now I think it belongs to you.”

  While he spoke, she held the silver ring between her fingertips and slid it onto her finger; a perfect fit. It was a simple band, but had an intricate feather design.

  “It’s an eagle feather.” Niyol continued, “Something sacred. Eagles hear and see all. They represent courage and guidance. Eagle feathers were used by shamans as tools in healing because of their power. This reminder may bring you closer to your potential.”

  Chance wondered what his grandfather meant but didn’t want to interrupt.

  Ana admired it with wide eyes. “Thank you, Niyol—it’s beautiful. Are you sure?”

  She was family now. Chance knew Niyol had accepted Ana. She knew their family secret. A secret he had never even shared with Aiyana.

  “It’s yours.”

  A loud knock at the front door drew their attention. Melissa’s loud compliments rose from the entry. “Isn’t this a beautiful home? And so big. I love how you’ve decorated it.”

  Melissa and Eva were welcomed into the living room. Eva’s eyes went right to the food.

  Aiyana carried in a stack of plates and set them on the table. “Well, if you’re ready we can begin eating.”

  Everyone milled toward the table and the piles of steaming meat, potatoes and grilled vegetables. Eva stood with a plate in her hands, eyes closed, as she inhaled the aroma from each tray. Aiyana stood beside her with an appreciative grin.

  Ana and Chance sat beside each other on the brown suede couch while they tucked into their food.

  Eva placed herself beside Aiyana and quizzed her about ingredients. “Is there rosemary in the beef? And orange?”

  Aiyana answered in appreciation for her new little friend. “Why, yes, Eva. You have excellent taste buds. You must like to cook?”

  The phone rang in the kitchen, which interrupted their conversation. Aiyana ran off to answer it. Melissa and Ben continued their discussion as the soft melody of classical music danced through the air.

  A moment later, Aiyana wandered into the living room with a confused look. “Father, you have a phone call. It’s George.”

  Niyol’s eyes shot to the doorway where Aiyana had just appeared. He rose from his chair and proceeded to the kitchen as though something unwelcome lay ahead.

  Chance turned his head and caught his mother’s eye. “George, the ranch manager? Did he say why he was calling?”

  Aiyana shrugged and said, “No. You’ll have to ask when he’s off the phone.”

  He ate in silence until his grandfather reentered the room. Chance followed him with his eyes and sniffed the air. Was it fear he smelled? Niyol lowered himself into his recliner and stared at the thunderbird weaving on the wall.

  Chance walked over to his grandfather and squatted beside him. “What’s wrong?” Chance whispered.

  “Not now, Chance.”

  Chance raised his eyebrow and snorted.

  “Not now,” Niyol said and avoided eye contact with Chance. Without consolation, Chance returned to his place next to Ana.

  “What’s up?” Ana had watched the entire interaction with interest.

  He turned his head toward his grandfather, whose stoic, hardened expression worried Chance. “I don’t know. Something’s wrong. Stay after dinner—I’ll drive you home,” he said casually to Ana and she nodded back.

  Niyol seemed aware he was being monitored throughout the evening but he kept his eyes averted.

  When Melissa gathered her coat, Ana went to talk to her quietly. “Mom, do you mind if Chance drops me off a little later?”

  “Oh, sure I guess that’s fine. You deserve it.” Melissa picked her purse up and flung it over her shoulder. “Eva, it’s time to go.”

  Eva dragged herself off the couch and grabbed her stomach. “Thank you so much for that delicious food.”

  Aiyana smiled proudly and handed Eva some note cards.

  Eva read them and leapt to hug Aiyana. “Thank you so much. I can’t wait to make the beef recipe. It was sooo good!”

  “Thank you, Ben and Aiyana for your wonderful hospitality. I look forward to seeing you again soon,” Melissa said while she made her way toward the front door with Eva on her trail.

  Chapter 29

  After Melissa’s headlights wove down the drive and disappeared into the night, Chance approached his grandfather again. Niyol shook his head and said, “Not in front of your parents. Let’s go stargaze on the porch.”

  Ana grabbed her jacket for warmth. Since Chance didn’t require any extra clothing, he followed his grandfather to the back door. Before Niyol slipped outside onto the deck, he said to Aiyana, who was doing dishes with Ben, “I’m going to teach the kids some constellations out back. It’ll be a little while.”

  Aiyana waved her dripping gloved hand as they dissolved into the darkness. Chance remained close behind his grandfather, worried he might try to escape, but Niyol settled onto the wooden stairs.

  Ana and Chance sat beside him and waited for him to speak.

  “First, Chance, I recommend you take Ana home. If you love her and want to protect her, she shouldn’t hear this. She shouldn’t get involved.”

  Chance shrugged and said, “Well, you can tell me and I’ll tell her later, or you can just tell us both now.”

  Niyol faced Ana and asked, “Are you sure you want to hear this? It could risk your safety.”

  “If Chance is in danger, I want to know about it. My life is already balanced on a knife,” she said and took a shaky breath. “I’d rather know what’s happening.”

  “Very well.” Niyol focused on the stars above and avoided eye contact with either of them. “This story begins a long time ago, but I’ll start when I was a young teenager. I lived on the reservation in Arizona with my brothers, my mother and father. My father was a shapeshifter. We came from the direct line of the original one. Stories of our ancestors were p
assed down by every generation, something our family was proud of and careful to protect.

  “My father always taught us that the power was to be used to keep balance in the universe. There were other shifters who chose the path of imbalance and destruction. It was these evildoers who forever ruined the name of shapeshifters and that was why we were never to reveal what my father truly was to anyone.” Niyol paused to look at Ana and said, “My two older brothers started behaving differently when they were older teenagers. I didn’t know what was happening—but my father did. One day my middle brother phased into a small bobcat right in front of me. I was surprised and envious. At first, I looked up to them in admiration. They both were honored with having the gift. My father, he was so proud—two of his sons had the rare ability.

  “Well, then things started happening. Bad things. A girl was found killed by an animal, a sweet girl my brother, Nastas, had shown favor towards. Then, my older brother disappeared. Gone without a trace. My remaining brother, Nastas, became very dark and frightening.” Niyol shook his head as though he were trying to shake the memory from his mind. “After my eldest brother disappeared, my father seemed to understand what was happening. He confronted Nastas. They argued and fought, and then my brother ran away, but a couple days later, while my father slept, my brother returned and killed him.”

  Ana gasped and put her hand to her mouth. Chance’s foot slipped from its resting place.

  “My brother disappeared, but before he left, he made me promise I’d never return or threaten his power. I didn’t have the family gift, so I wasn’t a threat. I was as useless as dirt, he said. He thought I was pathetic and that was what saved my life. I fled and never returned. I’m not sure where he settled, if he did at all. The pact I made with Nastas applies to my kin as well. To you, Chance.”

  Everything his grandfather was telling him made no sense. He didn’t understand how it applied to him. The expression on Niyol’s face frightened him, however, so Chance asked, “What do you mean, Grandfather?”

  “This gift has only been passed to the males in the family. I knew your mother wouldn’t show the skill. When you began to show talent, I knew I’d have to train you and keep you hidden. I decided using the gift for good was a responsibility and necessary to continue the honor of our blood line. I’ve had to be so careful teaching you.”

  Niyol sat stone still as he gazed at the stars. He added, “Now, the phone call. George, my ranch manager, called to say a young man came through asking about me and my kin. He was very curious to learn about you, Chance. The boy had Native American bloodlines and George thought he might be one of your cousins.”

  Niyol rested his hand on Chance’s and said, “I might be wrong, but my brother’s bloodline may have survived. If I am right, he will come searching for us—here. No one can know you’ve been given the gift. Too dangerous for all of us. Your parents can’t know about our family history. They need to be sheltered from this. They have no way to protect themselves. Son, you must stop all use of your powers for the time being.”

  Ana’s mouth hung open. She squinted and scanned the forest. Her body slid closer to Chance’s.

  Chance glared into the wilderness as his mind reeled with questions. “Well, if you insist. I’ll lay low.”

  “Yes, I do. For everyone’s sake. Be normal for a while. This boy could be here already—the ranch isn’t that far as the bird flies. He could be watching us right now,” Niyol said while he surveyed the black profiles of the evergreens that loomed above. “We have to show there are no powers on this side of the family. None.”

  Niyol leaned forward to look his grandson in the eye. His face remained like stone, unmoving.

  Chance had had enough of this absurdity. Something was being left out of the story. “Why do you think this guy’s bad news anyway? Just because his grandfather or whatever was some crazy shapeshifter?”

  “Listen to me, Chance! It’s important—you can’t give your cousin any reason to kill you. I can’t let that happen.”

  “Kill?!” Chance yelled and searched his grandfather’s solemn profile. “What’s going on, Grandfather? There’s something you’re not telling me!” Chance stood and gripped the stair rail. His jaw clenched and his head pounded with blood flow. “Why can’t I just fight, then? Let me end it now. I’m strong—I have bear form.”

  His mind spun. What was his grandfather talking about? Why would anyone want to kill him?

  “Chance, settle down. Understand this. You have no experience fighting your own. There is much you don’t know. You can’t enter a fight with an unknown enemy. What if you’re outmatched?” Niyol shook his head and pleaded with him. “You need to stop all use of your powers. Now. Once he sees our family is powerless, he should move on. Please, Chance. I don’t want anything happening to you. Promise me you’ll stop practicing. Until we determine it’s safe.”

  Ana broke her silence and said, “Chance, maybe you should listen to your grandfather. Really. He only wants what’s best for you. I don’t want anything happening to you either. It’ll just be for a little while.”

  “Fine. I don’t like just sitting idle. But I‘ll stop using my ‘special abilities.’” Chance made finger brackets and spoke mockingly. His anger was framed in his locked jaw and tensed muscles. Why hadn’t his grandfather told him any of this before? Agitated, he glared at Niyol.

  Ana rose and laid her hands on his shoulders. His stone body grew tighter under her touch, almost in defiance. She leaned in and nuzzled her face into his back. Like butter, his muscles melted at her soft caress.

  He growled and turned. “Okay, okay. I guess we’ll do something like the movies instead. I’ll take you out to dinner, too. A real date. We’ll stay out of the forest—for once.”

  Niyol stood and patted his grandson’s head. “Thanks, Chance.” He retreated to the confines of the house and left the teenagers outside on the stairs.

  Ana kissed him and said, “Come on. It can’t be that bad. I’m sure we can find some things to do together that don’t involve you turning into an animal. And if it keeps us safe, let’s do it.”

  He pulled away smoothly, not to hurt Ana’s feelings and gazed into her shaded eyes. “Ana, but I do it all for you. I want to protect you even more now. If I need to be just a little stronger to heal you, or to fight some crazy nut, then I want to be ready. This is the worst time for me to stop training.”

  “Chance, what would your family and I do without you? Please, just listen to him for now. Patience. . .please.” Ana grabbed the front of his shirt in desperation. “I can’t lose you.”

  “I’m right here.” He lifted her to the next step and they clung to each other as though it were their last night together.

  “Want to look at the stars for a while before you take me home?”

  “Sure.” Chance lowered himself onto the stair ledge and pulled Ana into his lap. She leaned her head against his chest.

  While Ana stared up at the stars, Chance’s mind wandered. He began to speculate. If there were stories about brave protectors, could there be other stories, ones about terrible animals haunting various tribes through history?

  Of course there were. It dawned on him. All Native American tribes have stories about animal spirits. Some good and some bad.

  Chance decided that after he took Ana home, he would do some research on his laptop. There would have to be a multitude of stories that could answer his questions. If his grandfather wasn’t going to talk, then he would have to use another resource.

  He enjoyed being with Ana and he hated being away from her, but tonight he was too anxious about this new mysterious information from his grandfather. Questions bubbled up that he needed to find answers to. He wanted to get her home so he could begin his research.

  Chance stroked her face and said, “I bet you’re exhausted after today. You look a little tired. Should I take you home so you can get some rest? Maybe tomorrow we can do the real date thing. Dinner and a movie. What do
you think?”

  Ana stretched while yawning and said, “Yeah. What a day. I guess I am tired. You’re so good to me. I’m lucky to have you in my life.”

  Chance rose and jumped in front of her with his hand outstretched. After he pulled her up, they walked into the house and tracked down Chance’s parents who were half-asleep on the couch. Ben was reading the newspaper and Aiyana’s eyes were closed.

  “I’m going to take Ana home now. Be back soon.”

  “Okay. See you later Ana—and congratulations.” Ben lowered the paper as he spoke, clearly trying not to disturb his wife who was propped against him.

  “Thanks for everything tonight. The food was wonderful. Will you let her know for me? See you soon.” Ana waved, then Chance tugged her out of the house by the hand.

  “Geez, where’s the fire? You trying to get rid of me?” Ana said with a laugh, but her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

  “No way. I wouldn’t do that. I just don’t want you passing out. You’re always my first priority.” Chance put on his best poker face. He wasn’t lying about caring for her, but he didn’t want her to know he was going to look around for more information, especially after he promised he’d let it go.

  On the way to her house, Ana chatted about the different movies they could go to the next night. Chance’s black truck pulled up the gravel driveway to the little blue house.

  He said into her neck before giving her a kiss, “I’ll call you in the morning and check on you. Oh, and hey—could you stay in the house right now? No more star gazing for a while.”

  “Yeah, no problem—I’ll stay in the house. And Chance, remember your promise.”

  Ana returned a kiss to his forehead, grazing his frown lines. His eyes followed her as she walked into the house.

  He sped home. When he arrived on his driveway, most of the lights were out in the house. He sped upstairs to collect his laptop, unsure if using his accelerated abilities was included in the whole no-special-powers ban. His speed, hearing, sight and smell were things he’d grown accustomed to and he didn’t want to give them up.

  He opened his computer. The screen flashed blue as it came to life. Chance typed in, Navajo animal attacks.

  The first couple of results summarized superstitions the Navajo had about dead animals. The next seemed promising, titled, Skinwalkers—Navajo Shapeshifters.