The Lament of Death

Destiny, my grandma always said, is a funny thing. It has nothing to do with rights and wrongs. It’s all about necessity.

We lived in the town where my father was born. His shifter abilities held more prestige than my mother's healing abilities. As his only desire was to protect us, he chose to remain in the town where shifter power thrived.

If you're wondering why I'm talking about mythological beings of imaginative stories, I'll tell you the truth; they're real. When you've gotten past your shock, let me know so we can move on.

Our supernatural town belonged to the Realm of Gold, which included communities of supernatural species. While we tried to get along with everyone, we tended to hang out with the same kind. Therefore, my town in its majority was inhabited by shifters and healers. However, a portion of the population comprised of wielders—those who manipulated their power into energy. Wielders were considered rare gifts—a fact I knew all too well.

We knew of the human world, and some daring souls traveled into their strange world to experience the dangers and the thrills, but I had no such intention. My home was safe, and I could be myself among the people who understood me, so why would I want to leave?

Kyara, I am going shopping. Watch the food and make sure your little brother doesn’t go wandering around unattended, my mother called, picking up the shopping list, her purse and the garbage bag in one hand.

Alright! I snapped my book closed and took my one-year-old brother to the kitchen.

My mother pushed some strands of her chocolate hued hair off her forehead and opened the door huffing.

At the sight of the green boiling goo on the stove, I grimaced. I put my brother in his crib, held my nose, and mixed the cucumber smelling soup. Shutting the lid, I retreated to the crib.

This is the third time this week. This stuff is horrid! Don’t you think? I addressed my baby brother, who babbled in response. It’s spring, so there’s no need for soups. There are other foods. Pies, pastas, tomato-based dishes! I paced, shooting angry glares at the crackling pot. Who eats cucumbers, anyway?

When Mom showed up with armfuls of shopping bags a short while later, I grabbed the bathroom products, climbed the stairs and brought them to the blue bathroom, smelling of lavender and roses.

I gave myself a quick once over in the mirror and brushed aside some hair that mischievously drifted onto my forehead.

I looked at my white shirt covering my waist where my navy skirt flowed down to my thighs. I sucked in my stomach. I wasn't fat, but I wasn't a perfectly skinny girl like the rest of my peers. Pulling up my black and blue striped socks, I rubbed my calves, grinning. Socks were my favorite part of clothing and each day I took special care on selecting the right pair from the overflowing drawer in my bedroom.

I stared for a long time at my bland gray eyes. Choosing an eyeliner, I touched up my eyes and sighed at the serenity of the image I saw. I couldn’t stand colorless things.

Fashioning my inky dark hair into a ponytail, I slipped my feet into my electric blue chucks. When I emerged into the corridor, my eyes immediately went to the clock and had a mini heart attack.

Running down the stairs, I shot a hurried goodbye at my mother and raced the two blocks to school with my coat at hand and my school bag banging on my back. The brick building came into view when the sun baptized the windows with its light.

Kyara, you made it! Tia waved me over to the bench she was sitting on with the other girls of our group.

I fell on the bench, gasping, and drank half of my water. Once my breathing returned to somewhat normal levels, I peeped, What’s up?

Tia rose, eyes shining more than the stars of the sky, and announced with a dramatic voice, I watched the Wild Boars’ last video. Arms locked over her chest, she spun around in a very-Tia-esque ballet routine. Dan is so handsome! She looked at nowhere in particular, a deep sigh whooshing in the air.

We laughed at her over the top antics.

Tia, wake up. I elbowed her as the bell announced the beginning of classes. You can dream all you want during History class. No one’s going to notice. Ha!

Tia stuck her tongue out at me, and we marched to the building. I melded with the other girls, exchanging news and greetings until we reached the top floor.

We were a group of girls mastering the art of makeup, ready to take on any challenge. Even though I was the only girl with a plump body and curves, I fit right in.

Supernaturals attended a general education until our sixteenth year, when we got our powers. According to the species we turned out to be, we followed the corresponding specializations. Girls were almost always healers, except for some who turned into shifters. However, it was extremely rare in our town. The population was arranged in a way that encouraged a peaceful environment.

I’ll show you the video during break, Tia whispered as she took her seat next to me.

The only reason I would listen to hip hop music is if all other bands were disbanded, which will never happen. I rolled my eyes and leafed through the History book as I mentally prepared myself for the lengthiest and most boring class of the week. Rock all the way! I extended my thumb, raised my index and pinky fingers for emphasis.

Tia looked at the ceiling, opened her mouth, but immediately shut it in the presence of Mrs. Gia.

Mrs. Gia could have walked in a fashion show with the full lips, speaking with a honeyed voice you couldn’t ignore, the perfect almond eyes, sunlight catching the gold of her hair and vibrant voice, as she welcomed us every morning.

Umm...sorry. I’m sure there’s a person possessing all these charming attributes, but unfortunately, she didn’t.

Mrs. Gia was something worse than ugly. She was slow. Her frizzy hair fell unkempt on the timeworn cardigan she never changed. She made her way to her professor’s desk with a slow, sluggish pace. Being a sloth shifter, she played with our patience every week, but I for one would like to know who had the nerve to torture us like this.

Hello… I set the timer of my watch and waited, my… I looked at the ceiling, tapping my heels against the floor, counting. I cursed the person’s bright idea to put students in her class first thing in the morning, ...dear… I tapped my fingers, frowning at the chipped corner of my blue shimmering nail polish. children.

Fifteen seconds! Do you think if we fed her coffee, she’d go any faster?

Tia chuckled. Careful. We won’t be able to keep up with her.

We stifled our laughter before the teacher noticed us. A reprimand would only serve to delay us even more.

As the lesson started, I tried to focus since I loved historical facts and peculiar events, but the pauses were so annoying I soon turned to observing my classmates.

Tia scribbled hearts around the lead singer band boy’s name on her notebook, Alicia made origami animals and the boys on the right wing had given up to sleep.

Wake up, class’s over. Tia nudged me.

Yawning, I pulled my eyes away from the window and started gathering my spotless notebook and well-sharpened pencils.

We shuffled off to Language and Science.

Good morning, everyone! Professor Lee said with his rich voice, winking at us when we entered the familiar room with the artistically decorated walls with scripts and famous sayings. Just like every time, I tried to decipher the meaning of a language I didn’t know.

Next week, when your power is revealed, we’ll be able to advance in other languages. Professor Lee rubbed his palms together, his smile complimenting his shapely jaw. Young he might be, but it was easily overlooked in light of his lively manner of teaching.

Everyone shifted in their seats, their impatience growing. Looking at the empty seats, I tapped my pen on my notebook, wondering when my turn would come. My birthday was next week on the first day of spring, but the transformation could occur any time after.

Whenever a classmate got their powers, they advanced to an appropriate class, matching their new self. So far, ten boys and two girls had left us.

Professor Lee attacked the board with viciousness, leaving shapely letters in his wake, then pivoted, his chestnut hair an ocean of brown you could happily get lost in for days, waving over his shoulders, pointing at Lena, our goth girl.

Miss Goldington, think fast! What’s the common theme in Brook's poetry?

Lena rolled her eyes and twirled a blond lock around her finger. Love is the common theme of her poetry. She huffed and adjusted her black shirt better, revealing the silver dove on her shoulder. It was no secret Lena’s distaste for anything concerning love.

I saw her with Kei, yesterday. Tia nodded at me with wide eyes. The kitsune guy is so intelligent and handsome. So not her type, though.

While copying the board’s notes, I glanced at Lena, who wrote feverishly, her charm bracelets jingled on her wrists.

We’ll find out tonight. I lowered my pen and started rubbing the red spot on my pinky finger. They sprung out like weeds when I applied too much pressure on paper.

The soft breeze blowing from the window diverted my attention and I smiled, thinking that in just a few hours I would be at Lena’s, enjoying sparkling sodas and elaborate jokes.

Break time roused us from the lethargy that often accompanied our lessons. I could daydream all I wanted while eating the delicious vegetables rolls and rice on the side. Students chatted animatedly, planning afternoon activities and weekend ideas. Cats leaped from behind the bushes and birds descended from their hidden spots to beg for bread crumbs and chicken bits.

Show offs! Lena snorted.

Giggles wafted in the air accompanied by the shuffled padding of hurried footsteps. The students that had been selected graced us with their presence at least once per day, demonstrating their talents in a manner that spoke volumes.

A boy in a spiky hairdo formed a ball of water and shot it to the pink-haired girl who turned it into a rock and the game continued until all elementals had had their fun.

At first, it was interesting to watch what they could do but it was becoming ridiculous. Since growing up with Jay, I was accustomed to such behaviors so I didn’t bat an eyelid at their lame peacock techniques and made sure to keep away from fire wielders—things tended to escalate quickly around them.

This day is dragging so much! Tia exclaimed. Let’s lighten the mood. She put her phone on the table, turned up the sound and Break My Heart blared from the speakers which encouraged the wielders to commence the more dangerous circus tricks.

I focused on the fast notes the phone emitted, ignoring the hoots and claps behind me. Can’t see what all the fuss is about. It’s all honey and sweet notes. I shrugged and rose with the rest of the girls, the bell echoing in our ears. I sighed when I looked at the flowers blooming, branching out of each one a small painting of pinkish and red, beckoning us to stay.

Yeah, turn on some metal rock, throw on some black clothing and get rolling. Lena, playing air guitar, shook her body, hopping up the stairs to our classroom.

Are you ready for tonight? Lena tapped my shoulder while we endured math as our last lesson for the day.

Of course. I got you something special.

Aww. I’m hoping for something dark. Lena faked a hurt face when Mrs. Donna, nicknamed Crazy Mermaid because of her hot pink hair run down by blue highlights, gave her a scolding.

We stayed silent for the rest of the hour, enduring math equations and divisions. Mrs. Donna wasn’t known for her sense of humor.

When the bell announced our freedom, we raced down the stairs until we reached the gate. Chattering about trivial things, our conversation returned to the afternoon gathering.

The students coming out of the school shouted in joy, running to the streets, full of people rushing to complete their errands or shopping.

I didn’t realize we arrived at the flower beds surrounding the City Hall until my nose twitched at the intoxicating aroma of groomed roses, smelling of wine and romance, forming birds and playful kitties.

Tia jumped in front of us, held her hand over her chest, chin up and announced in a deep voice, This is our stop, brave amazons! Her dark braided hair slithered around her shoulders, the sun fighting to penetrate the thick Rapunzel mane.

Laughing, we exchanged our goodbyes, and I took the left curve, the rocky path peppered with the shyly blooming magnolia trees. The sun offered a soft caress on my face as I walked. The shadows blinked, playing hide and seek.

My smile faded at the thought of my birthday. Usually, I was looking forward to celebrating with my friends, but this year, everything would be different. A big change was coming, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted it.

Absent-mindedly, I traced the tattoo on my shoulder blade. A nightingale.

Every girl was born with a bird tattoo on her shoulder. It provided us with a shield from wicked powers until the moment our gifts were bestowed upon us. After the Selection, the bird disappeared.

When I was little, my grandmother used to tell me fascinating tales where birds came alive to save the bearer, but I wasn’t sure I believed them now.

Our town was decently peaceful with only the occasional bar fight or looting, but when most of the population comprised wild animals, there was only so much we could do. Yet, there was talk about rogue shifters rising and the people had become jittery, avoiding to walk during the night, barricading themselves in their houses and looking over their shoulders. I just hoped it was a passing madness.

I’m home! I shuffled my feet on the wooden floor and fanned the air with my hand as the sudden wave of heat blew around me.

Hey, sis. How was your day? My older brother, sitting at the dining room table, lowered his spoon and grinned at me.

Jay’s sandy blond hair our mom was so proud of stood tousled, dusted with ashes, and smelling like hot metal. His grey eyes the color of clouds on rainy days lit up when he flashed his silly grin.

Touching a finger to his plate, a flame appeared, and the cucumber soup steamed.

How can you eat that? I pinched the bridge of my nose, shuddering. And why do you need to heat it up more? It will reach wild temperatures if you keep this up.

As a fire wielder, my brother had the gift of fire. However, his careless nature prevented him from considering the consequences and as such he often set things on fire.

You’re right. He blinked as he realized just now his bowl was glowing like it was in a kiln. He chuckled and scooped up a green goopy spoonful.

My day was fine, but it will be even better later. I grinned and grabbed the piece of bread and started picking at it. How about yours?

Eventful as usual.

Jay worked at the factory, fueling the machines and appliances which transported the energy to our town. He made it out like it was no big deal, but I had the false impression the factory was a place of wonders. I never told him it was fascinating or he would tease me endlessly.

The main generator caught fire because of someone’s rookie mistake.

That explains the smell.

Flipping his hand, he mimicked the way the flames caught fire. It was pretty cool.

Cool? People could have been hurt!

Jay shrugged and finished his dish. They’re fire wielders, K and know how to take care of themselves. Besides, they only got some bruises. Water wielders and healers rushed in immediately, just like every other time. He rolled his eyes. No harm done, so don’t be such a nervous Nellie. Jay brushed the crumbs off his pants and rose with a cookie in his hand. Just something to break the monotony. I have to get back to work. See ya!

He left, and I shook my head at his insensibility. Why do I even try? He finds anything fiery, cool. A house burning up would