Fledgling

by Natasha Brown

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a dark form walk toward her.

  ***

  From the porch, Chance could see ominous clouds tumbling through the atmosphere. Electricity was in the air and raised the hair on his arms. His impatience made him pace, unable to keep still. He wished he were in the meadow training and not on restriction.

  If Ana were here, at least his attention would be more readily engaged. Where was she anyway?

  He held the claw-like token his grandfather had given him as he paced. His thumb traced along the arch and created friction. Blue light glinted.

  His back pocket rang and he put his phone to his ear. “Where have you been?! You said you were coming over after a shower. It’s been over two hours!”

  Silence.

  Chance squinted his eyes as his pores tingled in warning. “Hello? Ana?”

  A voice answered him, but it wasn’t Ana’s.

  “I’m sorry. Ana’s busy right now. . .busy turning blue. I think she needs a doctor.” A pubescent voice chuckled.

  The veins in Chance’s neck throbbed as he roared into the phone. “What? Who is this? What’s happened to Ana!”

  “Is that how you talk to family? Play nice, Chance.” It sounded like the voice was being thrown to stay deep and smooth, but a couple high pitched tones broke through the condescension. A young teenager, definitely.

  His body released its tension except for the hand that held his phone, which was coiled so tight his fingertips tingled. “What do you want?”

  “To meet you. Come join us. We’re at the top of the mountain just north of your home. You can’t miss us. Not with your eyesight. Oh and. . .you might want to hurry. She really isn’t looking good.”

  Chance could hear the smirk through the phone and his temper flared. His energy, no longer blue, burned into a red inferno and licked at the air around him as it radiated beyond his body.

  “If you hurt her. . .” Chance said through pursed lips.

  “I don’t think you’re in a position to threaten me.”

  The connection went dead as Chance frantically yelled into the phone. Birds burst high from their perches as a howl echoed across the mountainside.

  Chance raced through the house and upstairs to his grandfather’s room. Without knocking, he burst through the door. Niyol sat at the end of his bed. His face was pale, his eyes wide.

  Chance said in one breath, “He has her, Grandfather! They’re at the top of the mountain north of our house! I have to get her—save her!”

  Niyol stood and opened his mouth to speak, but Chance brushed past him to his bedroom window. The curtains were yanked off the rod as Chance shoved the window open. In one movement, he flung himself from the window and dropped down.

  “Chance! No!” Niyol called out as a large bald eagle rose into the sky.

  Chapter 33

  Ana had a hard time focusing. She couldn’t see. Similar to when she had passed out in the meadow with Chance, she was removed from everything. Detached, simply an observer.

  Her body lay limp on a rocky outcropping. Pine and fir trees huddled around the rocks. A cold wind whipped through the woods and sliced through the branches like icy knives. Ana couldn’t feel the cold. She was numb, dulled, trapped in her own body. She tried to open the curtains of her eyes so she could see outward, but someone had boarded the windows shut.

  She imagined a fire inside her; the red flames kept her warm, even if just in her thoughts. Her attention on the pyre made images flash through her mind. Images of driving, then of stopping. There was a gas station at the base of a forest. Yes. That was right—she remembered that. She stopped for gas. Then something was said, someone spoke to her and she turned to face. . .what?

  A young man’s body had sauntered toward her, but instead of a boy’s face, a distorted beast had sneered at her. The hideous maw with sharp, knifelike teeth had opened menacingly. Grey eyes narrowed and focused on her while pointed ears pulled back. With the head of a wolf, she would hate to meet one like this in the forest. The monstrous face was now too clear, too close. Its musty odor was laced with such a putrid stench, it turned her stomach. She tried to move her thoughts to something else.

  She recalled his hand lifting up and resting on her chest. And pain—so much pain.

  Her bruised arms and legs ached. She had tumbled around on the back bench of her van. It must have been an uphill drive on a rutted road, because her body had been repeatedly slammed against the back hatch.

  Ana flung her eyes open.

  Everything was sideways and blurry. She felt her body again and then wished she couldn’t. Every inch screamed in pain; her heart sloshed around like a boat taking on water. Her veins burned as well as her lungs and arms. She closed her eyes for a moment as the pressure in her head became too much.

  When she slid her eyes open again, she was still unsure of where she was. It was so dark, she couldn’t tell if it was day or night. The sun and moon were absent. She could barely see, but the air smelled like rain, pine trees and something electric.

  Tall trees swayed around her. A burst of wind blew her hair from her face and she saw a tall form standing nearby.

  Her eyes lifted.

  “Finally. Decided to join me?” a voice said.

  A tall boy, a couple years her junior, sneered down at her broken body. He had a pockmarked face and colorless eyes. They were so indistinct she thought they could be gray or made of stone. His oily hair was a limp, tangled mass that hung to his shoulders and his clothes were dirty and disheveled. He cleared his throat, pushed his hands into his dark jeans and flexed his underdeveloped biceps. His voice came out deeper this time, controlled. “Didn’t think you were gonna wake up.”

  There was no trace of kindness in his eyes. She recoiled from his glare. He seemed pleased with her response; puffed his chest out and lilted his head to the side with a sneer. While he stared at her, she could only lay soundless on the callous stone.

  “Your boyfriend will be here soon. I wonder, will he fly or run? Wanna place a bet? Maybe you’d prefer a different bet. How fast I’ll kill him? If he’s a good boy, I’ll do it quick,” he said like he tasted something sour. He sniffed and rubbed the end of his nose with his thumb. “I’m gonna go with ten minutes. I’m feeling generous.”

  What was this guy talking about? She couldn’t figure it out.

  Enflamed by her stare, he lost control of his voice and it wobbled in anger. “What are you looking at? I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I’m not on the market,” he said and turned away from her to stare into the dark forest.

  Ana’s eyes widened. Was this guy insane? Mentally fragile, at the very least.

  He whipped around to reveal a deep frown that cleanched into a frightening grimace. “I thought this—” He waved to the trees. “—would be much more exciting than killing him in his sleep. Whad’ya think?” He didn’t appear to require an answer, so he said without another glance, “I put a lot of thought into it, which says a lot, ‘cause I really hate waiting. I’m so glad Chance has powers. Starting with family—just seems right. Well, maybe he isn’t my first. . .”

  She couldn’t believe her ears. What had happened? Was she going to die here with Chance? And where was he?

  Her eyes fluttered while she used her last reserve of strength to reflect on Chance’s face and her useless heart jumped to life again. She kept him in her thoughts as a lifeline, unwilling to give in so easily. She would fight to stay alive.

  “Don’t die yet, it’d be so much better if he hears your heart stop for himself.”

  Unable to speak, for fear it would take her breath away, she glared up at the cocky kid who stood triumphantly over her. He chuckled, amused with her frown and crossed his arms in front of his sweat stained shirt. Then his attention snapped upward and his face grew rigid.

  “He chose to fly. That’s okay. It’ll drain his energy much quicker.”

  His back was turned to Ana and her line of sight became obscured by
his body. A long minute passed, which seemed like hours as she waited to hear Chance’s voice. She wanted to hear him again, feel him near her. She didn’t want to die alone.

  “Where is she?” A scathing voice spat, so unrecognizable at first that she couldn’t believe it was Chance’s.

  “Right here. She’s been dying to see you. Not very talkative though.”

  “Why are you doing this?!”

  “You don’t know?” Mocking laughter filled the air.

  The boy’s lanky body rocked back and then her eyes were locked behind the blackened veil again. She clung to the sound of Chance’s voice and the unsteady beat of her heart.

  No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t grasp what was happening around her. Her consciousness faded to black.

  ***

  “What do you mean?”

  Chance scowled at the boy before him. He measured him up and figured he could take him in a fist fight. Easy. They were around the same height, but Chance was broader and more muscular.

  “Interesting. You don’t have any idea what I want with you? Fine, guess Grandpa kept you in the dark. Works for me.” The boy shrugged and said, “It’ll be fun and easy this way.”

  Chance asked, “Hold on, aren’t you here to stop my grandfather’s bloodline? To keep your family power?”

  Chance wanted to keep him engaged, to give him more time to figure out what to do. He peered around the boy and saw Ana sprawled on the rocks behind him. He sensed a faint heartbeat. At least she was still alive, for now.

  “You could say that. I am here for power. To take it.” The boy groaned with a smile. “Man, I’m younger than you, but you’re the innocent retard.” He chuckled, amused and clapped lazily, putting on a performance that would have offended anyone. “Duh. You probably don’t even know there’s others like us all around the world. Not many. Gotta breed and mature naturally. We can’t just be created like that!” He snapped his fingers with a grin. “We live long lives—as long as we aren’t killed first!”

  Chance was annoyed with this cocky punk, but tried keeping his cool. He didn’t want to fan the fire.

  “Got your powers around sixteen, right? That’s average. Well hey, you’ve had two years to work at it. I imagine your grandpa’s been teaching you slowly. There are ways around that. I got my powers only six months ago. I bet I’m still better than you. Thanks to my grandfather I’ve got plenty of skills now. Can’t wait to see what you can do. I can feel the draw—can’t wait to kill you too.”

  The boy tightened his arms with a sneer and suddenly his lanky form shivered down into a snapping crocodile. Its thick hide tore apart the dirty clothing so it hung in threads. The muddy colored beast lunged forward and showed its white pointy teeth in a broad smile. Chance stepped back in surprise.

  The large armored crocodilian morphed into a towering white polar bear and the remains of tattered clothing drifted down to the ground. It grumbled raucously and swayed in place. Chance guessed he wasn’t familiar with this form and recognized his disorientation. He also recognized the sheer power put into these animal forms. He’s so powerful and has so many fierce forms, but hopefully his inexperience will help me.

  Promptly, the ghost white shape dropped down into a serpentine rope. The dark brown body was innocent enough until its hood opened to reveal its true majesty. A forked tongue tasted the air. Its muscles flexed and lifted up to meet Chance’s gaze.

  They stared at each other for a long moment before the cobra lifted into the boy’s human form. He smirked at Chance and reached down to grab his shredded clothing. “And I’ve still got plenty of energy.”

  Why didn’t Grandfather teach me to fight shifters? Chance had no idea how to win a fight against someone like himself. This kid was more powerful and knowledgeable. The only thing on Chance’s side was the boy’s inexperience.

  He checked on Ana discreetly. She needed a doctor quick. Her blue lips signaled trouble. He needed to move things along even if he didn’t have a plan. “Nice show.” Chance cleared his throat and said, “How’d you know I had powers? I haven’t used them for the last two days—or did you assume?”

  His counterpart shrugged. “You had it right, dumb-bo. I thought you had me, until you let me fly free.” A smile spread across his face as he watched Chance’s jaw drop open in realization.

  Chance could have screamed. “The crow? I was right?!”

  If he had trusted his instincts, this demon wouldn’t be standing before him now.

  “If you had an ounce of guts, you would’ve just killed the bird, but you’re one of the nice guys. And you know what? Like they say, nice guys always finish last.”

  Chance wanted to tear every limb off this boy’s body. He snapped his jaw shut and tasted salty blood after he caught his tongue by accident. The distraction drew his focus inward and things began to fall into place. A clear blue outline appeared in his mind, then he heard his grandfather’s voice counsel him, Keep your focus Chance—collect your energy.

  To keep the boy’s mind away from what he was planning, he asked, “You gonna to tell me your name before you kill me?”

  Chance dropped his hand to his side and recaptured the electricity he’d experienced from the large talon. His fingers prickled with sensation.

  “My name’s Markus. Got any last words?”

  In wide eyed meditation, Chance drew from the electromagnetic current in the air around him and pulled it in like a sieve. He was thankful it was a stormy day, although if it boosted him, it would equally help his opponent—an opponent who seemed to understand their abilities better than he did.

  Chance sucked in one last breath and an explosion of power burst outward; blue light radiated from his hand. He backed up to the edge of the cliff, turned and jumped.

  He fell heavily for a moment. Please work. . .please. . .

  Chapter 34

  Thunder clapped in the absence of lightning. A massive flying shape soared into the clouds and swooped back around to meet Markus, who stood with his mouth open. Chance dove in and then swept across the ledge, his talons open, ready to grab his enemy.

  In a flash, Markus was gone from the top of the ridge, as he flung himself from the crag Ana lay upon.

  Chance was joined in the skies. He examined his doppelganger with his new sharpened vision, able to target his eyesight at a whim. The enormous bird had no living equal, frightful in size with large claws and a sharp beak used to tear and rip. Cinnamon feathers rippled in the air current, the tips snow white.

  Chance’s yellow eyes flashed as he swooped toward the other bird. Their talons met in a violent tangle and they spiraled down toward the earth. Neither letting go.

  Their eyes locked and their powerful nails released at the last moment. They began an upward ascension, just avoiding a collision into the forest below. The two huge bodies circled in the sky and sought an opportunity to attack. Chance studied Markus teeter sloppily and wobble through the air. Even if he was powerful, he wasn’t an experienced flyer.

  Chance kept a close eye on his opponent’s erratic flight pattern. Slowly, as he gained altitude, he sensed a point of weakness and dove through the sky, his wings tucked against his body. Markus saw him coming and pivoted his talons ready to take a swipe.

  Their bodies connected and agonizing pain seized Chance’s leg. His sharpened claws met Markus’s chest and tore downwards. Their weapons connected and they fell into another coiled plunge toward the earth. They broke free from each other and flew in opposite directions.

  Chance’s wings rippled in the wind dangerously and threatened to thrust him downward. He had never been hurt in animal form and didn’t know how to handle a flying shape while injured. He was weakened. He would have winced if he could. His leg stung in pain and he was unable to tell how bad the wound was. He knew his claw sank into the flesh of his assailant’s chest and hoped he had done damage.

  He recalled what his grandfather had told him. The thunderbird could direct lightni
ng. It was worth a try. He skimmed through the air, careful his rival was not near and pulled in the electricity, which made his pores throb. It collected and arched between the ground and clouds.

  His beak tickled when a bright burst of light blinded him. At first he thought he was successful. Then his body fell through the gloom. He hadn’t been quick enough. Markus used his own plan against him. Electricity ravaged him. Everything hurt. He struggled to glide downward, but his body bent in pain. Chance spiraled in a wide circle and his wings did their best to guide him to the earth.

  He tried to level out, reaching his legs ahead of himself and braced for his landing. As his feet hit the ground, his gashed leg collapsed and he tumbled into a feathery heap. Unable to move, his body could not follow direction. It was too busy short circuiting. Dirt and needles settled around him and he drew his wobbly body upright. The pain was unreal. Bursts of flame seared his muscles and joints.

  While he lay in the dust cloud, fear bled through him. How’s Markus so powerful? Chance’s energy was half depleted from taking thunderbird and that was with the benefit of the electricity in the air to aid him. His thoughts scrambled wildly. How can Markus take thunderbird form? He said he’s only had abilities for six months. . .that’s impossible! How can this be?

  Chance pulled himself up and faltered, crumbling back into his dirty resting place. He knew what he needed to do.

  The gigantic bird circled above and screamed in exultation.

  Chocolate brown fur bristled over Chance as Markus dove through the air to hit him. Erect and now pain free after taking grizzly bear form, Chance’s energy reserve was sapped, but it was worth it. He towered over nine feet tall on his hind legs and readied his long razor claws for the oncoming thunderbird.

  The bird grew near with its legs extended, aiming for the grizzly’s chest. In one sweeping motion, Chance cleaved his arm downward and razed a deep gash across the bird’s legs, which sent the creature crashing into the dark trees. Branch tips swayed violently from the impact and dropped green immature pinecones to the ground like grenades.

  A large dust cloud of pine needles lifted and Chance turned his body to survey the scene. While the dirt settled, another tall form materialized through the haze.