Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist: Angel Academy

by Thomas, Kiesha

  I looked at Joe. He was the key to gaining Kyra’s trust. If I am lucky, I might be able to get Arianna off my case. A burst of pain radiated from the back of my skull to the front. Arianna was the last of my worries. Valcrum will pay for giving me these stupid horns and taking all my powers.

  I met the guys around the corner. Most of them were holding their heads.

  “Let’s find a place to stay and get rid of these headaches.” I placed Joe inside my right pocket since it had three tiny holes in it. He could breathe in there until we got home.

  Most of the buildings on this side of town looked abandoned. I liked that but it did not sit well if we need information. I spotted a boarded-up apartment building with green graffiti on the side. This looked like the perfect place to live. A single-story traditional house was a block down the sidewalk from the apartment building. The owner must have lived near the apartment, so he could manage the building.

  “You can’t be seriously considering staying in this dump,” asked Jake. He turned up his nose and looked at the other men.

  “My feet hurt but I’d be willing to walk further to find a cleaner place to stay,” said Ted.

  “You guys sound like a bunch of women. Shut your traps.” I had heard all the complaining I could take for one day. I need sleep and I must find Joe a cage. Losing him would be a nightmare. I am only concerned about Joe’s comfort, so the rest of the men can suck it up.

  Moving around to the back, I knocked out the back window. Glass shattered and tiny pieces stuck in my hand. I ripped the pieces from my flesh and wiped the blood on my pants. Slipping my hand inside I unlocked the door.

  Dust, decay, and wood rot filled the air. I almost vomited on the spot. What the carpenter ants did not eat, the termites did. Half of the wood siding was missing. The house had not been lived in a very long time. This place was disgusting but we could work on that tomorrow.

  Dylan walked toward the back of the house. The rest of the men went to explore the rest of the house. The house was a ranch but it had more square footage than it appeared to have on the outside. A green sofa set was placed next to an old-fashioned television.

  “I think I found something you can put Joe in,” said Dylan. He came back holding a fish tank with a black-vented hood.

  “Thanks.”

  Arianna

  “We’ve been looking for four hours non-stop and Joe isn’t anywhere in sight.” Glancing at Kyra my heart crumbles inside my chest like a soft-baked chocolate chip cookie. I’m dying to lash out at her for bringing him, but this time I hate that I was right.

  “I need to get into the lab and start work. I know you’re supposed to step in and play me so that you can fill in for me when I’m sick, but I’ll meet you at home.”

  “That’s it? You’re just going to give up?” Kyra brushed the dirt off her hands and got to her feet.

  This girl! I breathed deep to gather my thoughts so that I don’t speak in anger like she does. Kyra was the youngest by three minutes, but her selfishness was incomprehensible. We live in the same house and face the same struggles, yet she is oblivious to everything except what she wants. I’m growing tired of her foolish tantrums and her selfishness. She takes being spoiled way too far.

  “I know your head is always in the clouds but we need the money. Mom can’t afford to take care of us on her hospital salary alone. We can come back out here in the morning, but the day is almost over and we need at least six more hours on this paycheck.”

  “Fine. Go!” She stomped off through the woods.

  Rolling my eyes, I watch my ungrateful sister disappear through the woods. I stood there five more minutes to calm down. My cheeks felt hot and I didn’t need a bad attitude when I get back to the job. Turning the corner, I glanced at the patch of grass to my right before swiping my badge unlocking the door.

  Pratt Labs always smelled like eucalyptus and green tea. This place was immaculate and I’m grateful to work here. Kyra’s head may be in the clouds but mine wasn’t. How does she think she gets new pairs of shoes and jeans? The hallways were darker than usual but it was the first time I was working the late shift. It’s a blessing that the company even offers a late shift.

  Crossing the threshold to the southside of the building, I went inside the microbiology lab. Today was my first time working on this side of the building and I’m nervous. I usually work on rats but this side of the building makes a difference for humans. At my age I’ve never thought about cancer, but I know it affects many, and I’m scared of screwing something up.

  The door to the lab closes and I shake like a leaf. There was a girl mixing something in a test tube. She looked up at me and didn’t say anything but kept her focus on what she was doing. Am I in the right place? She looked like she was a model.

  “I’m Arianna Deeds. I’m not sure I’m in the right place.”

  “Did your badge work?”

  “Yes, of course. I’m working the late shift today since I was sick earlier and I’m not sure I am in the right lab.”

  “You’re in the right place. Grab the clipboard hanging over there on the desk and I’ll show you what you need to do.” She pointed to the desk in the back and returned to her work.

  Wow. She was a woman few words. I think I might like her once I find out how well she teaches me what I need to know. Grabbing the clipboard and some clean latex gloves, I looked over the detailed questions and I relaxed a bit. The night could be worse. I could be here alone, with nobody to help me but I had her.

  Slipping on the gloves, I placed the clipboard down in front of me. “Thanks for helping me.”

  “Don’t mention it. My name is Claire Sands and the quicker I get you up to speed, the quicker I can go back to working in peace.”

  Flinching I sealed my lips shut. I couldn’t afford to make her angry before she taught me what I needed to know. Five hours passed in no time and the lab was once again as quiet as it was when I came through the door. Claire was an excellent teacher and she explained things more than one way, so I learned not just what to do, but why I was doing it. If only she could teach my advanced calculus class. If things go right tonight, I’m not sure advanced calculus would be necessary.

  “It’s late. If you want to head home, I can clean the lab by myself, since I’m usually the only one who works this shift.” Claire took the last beaker in the tongs and went to the wash station.

  “Nonsense. I’ll help you since I worked in the lab just like you. We can also walk out together since its dark. You know safety in numbers.” Walking to the cleaning station, I started gathering everything needed to clean up.

  Glancing outside I saw that it was much darker than usual, which is nothing new, but my nerves are bad. Things have not gone the way I want them. Shaking off my thought I focused on cleaning up since I didn’t want to be here any later than I had too.

  “Are your parents coming to pick you up or do you live nearby,” asked Claire. She tossed her hair over her shoulders.

  That’s a joke. My mother works two shifts at the steel plant and overnight at the Brady Medical Center. “I’ll be walking home. What about you?”

  Claire pulled her coat off the coat rack in the corner. “I’m walking tonight and meeting up with friends. It’s not safe to walk alone at night. When night falls the safest place is inside.”

  “You work the night shift. I would’ve never thought that you were scared to work at night.” My palms were sweating and I placed them inside my pocket, so I couldn’t rub the sweat on my jeans. Kyra could be out there waiting for me but I’m sure she wasn’t. Has there ever been a time Kyra did something for me or anyone else that didn’t benefit her? My mind was drawing blanks.

  “Arianna, I’m not scared just observant of my surroundings. I’ll walk with you until I head to my friend’s house.” Claire held the door open for me.

  “I met some guys that came out of the woods on the way here. I had never seen them before, but they rubbed me the wrong way.”

  “Y
ou shouldn’t walk in the woods. You never know what’s hiding in there,” said Claire.

  The wind was frigid for the middle of May. Ever since we destroyed the earth, the climate changes never stop. It is like mother nature has turned on us for all the years of abuse she’s taken. Kyra was nowhere to be found, and I’m not surprised. We are twins, but we are so different and that probably won’t change. Claire walked with me to the middle of the woods then she stopped.

  “I hope you don’t live much further than this. I’m going to head east now and get to my friend’s house.”

  Dang. I live another forty minutes pass this point. “Thanks for walking me this far. I’ll see you later.” Pulling the phone out of my pocket I sent Kyra a text. If something happened to me at least she would know where I am.

  “I hope so,” said Claire. She turned and disappeared through the woods heading in the opposite direction.

  Branches snapped in the distance. My heart slammed in my chest as I froze, debating whether to run back toward my job or through the clearing in the woods. A gut-wrenching howl pierced my ears. I took off running at full speed through the woods.

  Forty minutes later, I arrived in my neighborhood with my shirt clinging to my back. Sweat dripped off my brows, as I rounded the corner and ran smack into a wall.

  “Why are you running? Did something happen to you?” asked Kyra. She was texting on her phone.

  “Let’s get out of here.” I rushed around the corner and up the stairs into the house. I was already in our bedroom when I noticed Kyra hadn’t locked the front door.

  Five minutes later, the front door slammed. I didn’t bother asking Kyra why she didn’t lock the door. I didn’t have any more patience for her. Tossing my purse on the bed, I yanked my pajamas out of the third drawer. There was no way that I was going into the most important night of my life smelling like a sweaty football team.

  An hour later, I was refreshed and smelling good but my nerves were still on edge. I paced the floorboards of the kitchen while I made dinner. My eyes felt like sandpaper but there was no way that I could take a nap. Mom would be home early tonight and she would need to eat.

  The sink was empty. I looked in the refrigerator and there was no turkey. I closed my eyes to fight for patience. Kyra does not cook, clean or work. Why hasn’t she taken the turkey out of the freezer? I need a change. I’m not sure how much more of Kyra I can take. She’s over there texting on her phone, lounging on the sofa with her foot over the broken arm of it.

  “Why didn’t you take the turkey out of the freezer?” My fists ball at my side. I don’t intend to ask her again. I’ve been saving up every month for the last three years for this day. If I came into my powers, and get accepted into the Angel Academy, I want mom to be able to make it without my income. Mom has done so much for us, and I want to do this for her. If Kyra doesn’t come into her power she will have to stay and help mom.

  “Why don’t we have chicken tonight?” asked Kyra. She giggled and typed something into her phone.

  “Did you buy chicken? You want chicken? Get a job!” I stormed to my room. Looking at my sister makes me want to scratch her eyes out and punch her in the throat. If I’m the only one that comes into power tonight, I will have a break from Kyra. I could use a break and she need to grow up.

  A few minutes later, Kyra closes the bedroom door behind her. “Are you done? What is your problem? We eat turkey every day and I know you hate turkey.” She plopped down on her bed and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “You know how important tonight is and that I worked late helping you, the least you could have done was thaw out the turkey.”

  “You should have taken the meat out before you went to work. You know you need to cook, so you should’ve taken the meat out.” Kyra shrugged.

  “Why do I need to cook? You don’t do anything. I cook for mom. It is not my responsibility to take care of you. Grow up.” I jumped to my feet and tower over her. There was a little satisfaction when some of her cockiness fled from her eyes. We both know I will wipe the floor with her in a fight. I always have and I will do it again.

  “You don’t tell me what to do,” said Kyra.

  “It would be funny if you don’t get your powers then what will you do? I won’t be here to take care of you. You’ll be on your own.”

  “I might get the power tonight and go to the prestigious academy and you will have to stay here cooking and cleaning. Don’t worry, you are not destined to do anything important,” said Kyra. She brushed past me and slammed the door.

  “Good.”

  Two hours passed, and mom still had not shown up. It was eleven o clock. I fixed my plate. I turned on the stove and reheated the food. Mom needed her dinner warm when she came in. The front door slammed shut.

  “I’m here. Has anything happened yet,” asked mom? She left her coat on and walked over to the sofa looking down at Kyra.

  “Ari pushed me down. She’s being a bully.” Kyra lower her phone from her face to poke out her lips.

  “You and your sister need to get along. I do not allow you to fight.” Mom raised her eyebrows when Kyra opened her mouth.

  “She pushed me and told me to get a job. Ari was mad because I didn’t take the turkey out of the freezer.” Kyra surged to her feet and tossed the pillow on the sofa behind her. She flung her hair over her shoulders and headed into the kitchen to sit at the table.

  Picking up the bowl, I scooped mom some turkey stew and placed the bowl at the head of the table. Ignoring Kyra, I took my seat at the table. Kyra’s hands are not broke, so she can fix her own plate of food. I’m not a slave nor am I the hired help, and I am treated much worse. It ends today. I should’ve nipped Kyra’s behavior in the bud years ago.

  “You should have been working a job. All the girls your age have jobs and you should too.” Mom strolled into the kitchen and sat down in her chair.

  “Daddy never asked me to work,” muttered Kyra. She narrowed her eyes at me.

  I sighed. Talking reason to Kyra was like talking to a block of cement. She was not listening.

  “Your daddy died when you were five. He expected both of you to grow up and do great things in society. Frankly speaking Kyra, he would be very disappointed in you. You should be glad that he is not here to see what you have become.”

  Mom must be tired. She never brings up dad, but today she hit Kyra where it hurts. She isn’t wrong. Daddy died when we were five, but Kyra refuses to grow up.

  “What have I become, Mom?” Kyra’s tears ran down her face but her eyes were narrowed at mom.

  “You have become a spoilt, selfish brat who cannot see past herself to anyone else.”

  “I learned that from you. You only favor Ari because she’s stupid enough to give you her whole check. You never used to say two words to her, until she got that stupid job, and now you’re best buddies.”

  Wham. The glass crashed to the floor. Mom had both hands wrapped around Kyra’s neck choking her. “You will never be half the woman your sister is. You had better hope you get your powers tonight because if you do not, you will have to find somewhere to live. I refuse to take care of you until I die!”

  Mom let her go and sank back down in her chair. Kyra was doubled over coughing. When she could draw a full breath, she rose from the table to leave.

  “Sit down.” Mom looked at Kyra. Kyra sat back down with her eyes glued to the clock.

  Kyra has lost her mind. She has driven mom to put her out of the house. Kyra is right. Mom never had much use for me until I got my job. I’m no longer upset about it and it doesn’t cause any sharp pains in my chest anymore. People are who they are, and when they show you who they are, deal with it. It’s like a piece of her died when daddy died too. My muscles feel like silly putty and I don’t want any more of Kyra’s drama. Sliding into my seat I taste my cold stew.

  “Thanks, baby. You did not have to cook tonight. I volunteered to take Sandy’s shift later tonight at two in the morning.” Mom unbuttoned two
buttons on her coat near her neck and fanned herself with a piece of paper on the table.

  “Why? We don’t know what’s going to happen.” I’m frustrated that she’d take on another shift when this was important. I guess it was only important to me. Swallowing the cold stew past the lump in my throat hurt.

  “Whatever is going to happen will happen at midnight. We need the money. I would stay if I could, but I cannot afford to turn down this shift.” She glanced at the clock.

  Pushing the bowl away from me, I wiped my mouth. In five minutes, everything would be different, or nothing would be different. I’ve built up this moment in my mind for so long that I’m numb. This night is all I’ve had to look forward to and the thought that I may not be an angel fighting to help makes me frantic.

  Kyra is toying with the tattered tablecloth. She rarely fidgets so she must be nervous too. I can’t imagine Kyra staying here with mom, especially now, with the tensions rising between them. It’s so hard to read her at times. Glancing at mom, I see her nervously looking at the clock then back to us.

  The clock struck twelve. I looked up at Kyra then at mom. I didn’t feel any different.

  “I guess you’re not an angel,” said Kyra. She rolled her eyes and stood up.

  “Just wait a few minutes. Do you feel any different,” asked mom? She looked between both of us and stood.

  “You always said at midnight. Is there a chance that this transformation can happen at any time today?” My stomach rocked back and forth. I stood up.

  “Your father knew more about this than I did. He said at midnight but we only spoke about it a couple of times. He said once you transformed there would be someone from the academy to collect you and take you to the school.”

  “Tonight. You never mentioned that someone would be taking us to the school tonight,” said Kyra. She gritted her teeth and ran her hands through her hair.

  My mouth began to salivate. I wasn’t in any mood to clean vomit up off the kitchen table. That’s gross and I’d never be able to eat at the table again. Swaying on my feet I headed toward the bathroom.