The Lycaetos

Chapter 1: A Quiet Start

I remember the first time I shifted.

The scent of blood had filled my nostrils. I was surrounded in abyss like blackness, far from the lights below. Previously crying over my newfound orphan status. A storm was coming. The night could only get worse.

I was so scared I jumped off the roof I was sitting on right onto the corpse below. A corpse I would later learn, had triggered the change. It happened so fast. One moment I was terrified beyond breathing at the sight below, absolutely sure I would run off screaming. The next I had stubby paws and fur thick enough to shield the wind that blew from all directions attacking my new form. As I fell the wings which were apparently attached to my body fluttered around, smacking me in the face twice before my rather ungraceful landing.

My claws ripped out of my paws and crushed into the poor dead soul below me. The power of the wind mixed with the blood which squirted out below splashed all over the murderers. 

This was also the first time I'd seen two grown men run screaming for their lives.

I was so young then, small. Yet the lesson was already learned. Something was wrong with me, and no one could know. 

But I wasn't alone.

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I've learned to control whatever I was since then.

Now, I proceeded to run as fast as I could down the halls and to class. My long violet tinted brown hair whipping against the air, as if to motivate me to increase my pace. Once again Hunter had left without me, for my oversleeping as usual. I could just imagine his glowering form, brown eyes sending daggers at me for this ever irritating "atrocity!" I dared to commit under his family's home. Already imagine the definite punishments coming my way when I got back. By now I've become an expert at scrubbing impossibly dirty floors. My calloused palms proof. Still, it didn't bother me enough. Yet as I jerked open the class door and slid unceremoniously into my seat, I was reminded through the staring eyes of my classmates that I'd one day need to be more timely. Not tomorrow, or the following day, but eventually.

I'm not exactly a morning person.

I could hear a small sigh come from Kirsa. To my left she had her dark eyebrows raised and a knowing frown formed full force. I bowed slightly in apology. She rolled her eyes, concealing a small grin. At first sight, a lot of people might be surprised that this was my best friend. When we opened our mouths, it became a bit more evident. I politely flipped her the bird, her eyes darted back toward the teacher, and the day traversed on.

"Ara you keep pissing off Hunter and one day he's gonna have you kicked out..." There was no real expression on her face as she spoke. Just the intensity of her 50's style red lipstick and shimmering of her almost black irises. You're thinking, she's some type of creature too right? Nope, although beautiful enough to have caused car accidents just walking down the street, Kirsa was most definitely not of anything of the magical sort. I think. I've never really asked her.

Most of her physical abilities were on par with a sloth's. Plus her intelligence didn't much make up for it. She wasn't a genius or even really smart or studious. Though she could dance better than the stars on television. Her plans are to be a Korean pop star. Regardless of her current U.S. only status and obsession with strong make up. See? Human.

I chirped, "Naw Kirsa, if there's one thing he's not going to do, it's that. I can't even go to your place without him flipping his shit." Of course she doesn't know I'm not human, but she's never asked me either. Though its not like such a subject comes up in conversation.

"I guess, but seriously wake up earlier." I could feel the shame creeping up my back. I didn't want to do anything, but I knew I should. So instead I tried to put the work on her. If she cared so much, she could help.

"Call me and I'll wake up." Ha! Got her!

"I will," damnit,  "but if you don't pick up I won't share my food with you anymore!" Hit me at my weak spot. I guess I'll have to honor this.

I officially take it back. From now on, I Ara Caul, am a fake morning person. Weirdly, I feel like I just joined some type of unspoken club.

Grass tickled at my fingertips and I refocused my attentions on said food. Kirsa could cook really delicious odd delectables, but left a pile of dishes that probably had her little sister resenting her more than she already does. I guess you could say they were a little ageist at her place. While mine it was just me or the maids.

This time we had cooked sweet egg on rice served with a rich chocolate mole sauce. I don't know what inspired her, but my stomach could care less. The sweety eggy spicy sensation melted over my tongue as I blissfully aimed  at eating about two thirds of the food.

To my benefit she wasn't a big eater. I've discovered part of my "magicalness" is a far oversized appetite. If I don't eat enough I get weak. Really weak. Can't fly and will haphazardly partial shift. That discovery, was luckily in private.

I continued munching away when I heard Kirsa loudly clear her throat.

That could only mean one thing. Hunter was not far behind me. His shadow soon darkened my view. You're thinking I'm probably going to say something witty right? Something bold?

Bitches you crazy.

Yeah I'm bold with Kirsa, and in my head, but I'm not stupid. Hunter's not the type of person you stand up to. If you want to keep your fingers that is, or you know, worse. One does not simply develop an attitude like his without having earned it. Cue imaginary okay sign. Even Kirsa changed her face to her more approachable resting bitch face, versus the downright cute rude one she's always giving me.

His hand pressed firmly against the top of my head as he gave whatever command was quelling him now.

"Ara, don't come to the house until 8 tonight. Don't go to Kirsa's either. Just sit outside the school. I'll pick you up then." He didn't even wait for me to concede to his demands before leaving as quickly as he came. Kirsa rolled her eyes the minute he was out of view. Obvious disdain. A small "tch" could be heard from her lips.

She quickly complained, "Iyeeah I told you not to piss him off!" This time I rolled my eyes. My words slipping out dry.

"After. The fact." She gave me a small grimace before going back to what was left of the food. I spent the rest of the time, suppressing any and all subtle rebellious thoughts suggesting I come home early just to test the universe.

Another fun night on the corner of a sidewalk and nowhere.