Anomalies

by Sadie Turner

  “Before what?” Calix demanded.

  “You are the heir apparent, Calix,” Anya said mustering all of her strength. “And with great power comes great responsibility. From now on, your life as you know it will no longer exist. There will be a new normal for you that you must accept, embrace, and excel at. I have done my part in giving you a well-balanced perspective so that, perhaps when the time is right, you will instinctively know the clear path to take.”

  “I don’t understand, Mother.” Calix felt as if this were a goodbye. The one constant in his life had been his mother. Why was she speaking to him so strangely? What was she saying?

  Anya walked over to the windowsill of the large ground-floor apartment. She stopped in front of a bright white flower, sitting in a crystal bowl of water. It was in full bloom. “Remember what I told you about the lotus flower, Son.”

  Calix rolled his eyes. For as long as he could remember, his mother had taught him about plants. He knew how to use them to heal, to kill, and everything in between. “Of course. The Nelumbo nucifera, or the lotus flower, can live for over a thousand years and has the rare ability to revive after stasis.”

  “Yes.” Anya reached into the pocket of her black tunic dress and pulled out a small pouch with a string around it. She placed it around her son’s neck. “The lotus seed. For you to always remember that in the deepest darkness can come the most beautiful light. The greatest gift of the lotus flower is to bloom brilliantly, even though it grows out of the mud.” She put her hands on Calix’s shoulders and looked into his deep eyes. “You are now on a journey, Son. And like the lotus flower, it may sometimes feel as if you are surrounded by mud and darkness … but know that you are capable of growing beyond. Don’t let your eyes fool you. For sometimes deep below, can rise up something quite magnificent. Sometimes, it is only when you become blind that you can really see.”

  As if on cue, the house servant entered from the bedroom, carrying two packed duffel bags, which she placed by the front door.

  Anya gave her son one last hug before stepping away. “You are to live with your father from now on. You have a world to run and it is agreed that Sobek will be the one to show you how to run it.”

  “But I don’t want to, Mother,” Calix insisted.

  “I don’t care what you want,” Anya said, willing a harshness to her voice which she didn’t feel. “Get out. It’s time for you to stop being so soft. You’re nearly eighteen. It’s time to start being a man.”

  Calix didn’t recognize the cruelty coming from his mother. Her words were more painful than the slap. He tried to look into her eyes to find a glimmer of kindness; yet there was none. Eventually he picked up his bags, hesitating at the door. “Goodbye, Mother.”

  Anya turned, not trusting herself to respond. She did not want her son to see the tears streaming down her face. She had made a deal with Sobek, and he had come to collect. All of her hard work in raising her son with love and empathy was now in the hands of Sobek. She only hoped she had given enough goodness to Calix that he could endure his father’s evil.

  When Anya heard the door shut behind Calix, she returned to the windowsill and picked up the beautiful bowl that hosted the lotus flower.

  And smashed it into the ground.

  I am excited.

  The entire camp is gathered in the auditorium for Sobek Vesely’s visit. Most of us have never seen the world leader in person, and we line up at the helipad awaiting his arrival. Some of the campers have been up since daybreak, claiming their places in line closer to the landing pad to catch the first glimpse. The Anomalies are standing near the back. It’s not that I’m not curious; I am. I just don’t want to lose any more precious sleep just to stand in line and wait. It seems silly. Plus, today my fate will be decided, and I really don’t want to have a few extra hours to worry.

  I can see the helicraft as it comes over the mountain. Everyone cranes their necks to watch the sleek black metallic craft as it descends onto the pristine salt flats. The dichotomy of nature and technology is almost unnerving as the craft descends. For a moment, the bright sun reflects off of both the helicraft and the flats, causing everyone to shut their eyes. It feels almost as if the craft is trespassing. Almost. I feel Kai’s hand grab mine and I don’t pull away. I smile gratefully at Kai, gaining comfort from his touch as the whirring blades echo noisily. Holding hands like everyone else, we almost blend into the crowd of two by twos.

  The doors of the helicraft open. Like everyone else, I am excited to meet Sobek Vesely. It is tradition that he visits every session of Monarch Camp and gives a speech to the campers on the last day. After the craft settles, I can easily make out Sobek’s tall stature. He steps out, quickly followed by two Protectors. A helicraft landing just behind him holds four more Protectors who quickly form a perimeter around their leader. The minions are all burly men and women clad in black, boasting stern expressions. Even though he is surrounded, Sobek Vesely stands out in his small crowd. He is a head taller than his bodyguards and is unafraid to smile. As he bobs his head up and down, acknowledging everyone, it doesn’t take me long to realize that the smile is a lie.

  Sobek Vesely is standing forty feet away from me. My world leader is a great and powerful man. At least I have always believed so because I have been told this in my history books. My teachers have preached it. The media has supported it. My father has confirmed it. Yet, looking directly at him, I am quite aware that there is something slightly off. Sure, he is composed, attractive, and certainly radiates power, but he is devoid of emotion. Despite his enormous, hundred-watt smile, his eyes are completely dead.

  I watch closely as he walks from the helipad to the auditorium, blatantly ignoring the campers who have lined up to see him. He is the biggest celebrity in the universe, and kids have been waiting since early morning just to have a chance to catch a glimpse of him up close. I see a thin girl, a shy brunette whom I slightly know from the Ocean Community, step out of the line and attempt to approach him. Sobek’s goons quickly box her out, causing her to trip. Sobek Vesely doesn’t even turn around. The girl’s intended partner helps her up, but neither one of them seems upset by what has just transpired. They don’t seem to notice his behavior. I do.

  I’ve been noticing a lot of things lately, especially about my instructors. I’ve never really had any experience with Protectors before Monarch Camp. The ones in the Ocean Community mainly spend time at the Desalination Plant and keep their distance from the rest of us. I always thought it was because they were better than we were, but maybe it is something more. I’ve had a lot of time to observe my instructors up close and all three of them, even Inelia, behave differently than everyone else. They are more defined as individuals. Also, I never see their intended mates. All the other counselors seem to pair off, but not my instructors. They all operate on their own, without someone else helping to define who they are.

  What is it about being connected to one’s intended mate that makes one lose his or her identity?

  Ever since they’ve been paired up, the other campers seem to have a collective docility. I suppose that it’s fine that they are always content to be with each other, but their contentedness has dulled their curiosity and spontaneity. The first day of camp, only three weeks ago, everyone was buzzing with anticipation: a bunch of strangers and individuals. In less than a month, the atmosphere is much different. The campers have become unemotional. Detached. Self-Absorbed.

  “Sobek’s not what I expected,” Kai whispers as we enter the crowded auditorium, finding seats in the back row.

  “I know. He’s …” I can’t find the right word. It’s treasonous to speak ill of our world leader; yet, every instinct I have makes me want to run as fast as I can from the camp. Where is this instinct coming from? I want to leave; however, there is nowhere for me to go. We are surrounded by a mountain on one side and acres and acres of salt flats on the other three sides. It’s topographically impossible to escape … unless I was a practiced mountain climber or co
uld live without food and water for a month. I take a few deep breaths, trying to control my spontaneous panic attack. What am I freaking out for? I shake it off and smile at Kai, aware that several campers are within earshot. “He’s certainly a surprise.” I turn my attention to the world leader and wonder what he is going to say. Sobek stands behind the dais, waiting for everyone to stop their chattering. When the room is finally silent, he begins his speech.

  “Butterflies begin their lives as worms,” Sobek Vesely smiles a toothy smile, “and worms are … ugly.” He pauses, waiting for the requisite laugh and the audience easily complies. Vesely is quite charming. His disarming nature allows him to easily win over the crowd who are intoxicated by his casual manner and dulcet voice. “Worms represent undeveloped potential. Just like the potential I see in all of you.” He winks while gazing at the front row where Annika is sitting, and I see her blush.

  I miss Annika. I miss my best friend. I haven’t really spent time with her since our interaction at cinema night and it’s not like I haven’t made the effort. I sneak away to her cabin every chance I get, but she’s far more interested in her relationship with Dante than spending time with me. She’s changed. A lot. Rane has, too. My best friends still look the same and have the same character traits and quirks, but they have become completely self-absorbed, both in themselves and in their future spouses. Dante and Edward have become their entire worlds, and I am just a nuisance, an outsider they politely tolerate.

  “Metamorphosis. Life is about metamorphosis,” Sobek continues, adeptly speaking to the entire crowd of campers and counselors, making sure to make eye contact with each person. “And life truly begins once you have made the transformation from an immature form to a fully realized adult. After insects cocoon, they are reborn as beautiful butterflies. Citizens, you are now butterflies. Your parents have all attended Monarch Camp and were imprinted to create you, my beautiful butterflies. And one day, you too will create your own beautiful butterflies.”

  Wait. Did he just call us beautiful butterflies? Seriously? I look at Kai and he rolls his eyes. He is just as baffled as I am. This is our world leader? He sounds crazy. Beautiful butterflies? We’re not small children, but he’s talking to us like we are imbeciles. Yet, everyone seems to be lapping it up … campers and counselors alike. I feel like there is this daze over everyone at the camp as they are nodding idiotically at our leader.

  “Today, you will receive your butterfly tattoos. I know how exciting this is for all of you. A day you have been waiting for your entire lives. With that tattoo, comes your official entrance into the GG: A society free from the threat of terror. Safe from war and secure in our quest for peace. One world. A single universe run by the Global Governance. Nurtured and commanded by me.”

  Sobek is clasping his hands together over his head, cheering for himself. I can feel the lust of power radiating from him. What is wrong with him, and why can’t anyone else see it? Are they so brainwashed that they don’t know he sounds like a dictator? They are just sheep, following the herd.

  “What if we don’t want to enter the Global Governance?” a solitary voice asks. The entire camp turns and looks at Burton, who is now standing just a few seats away from me and addressing the world leader. Burton is not intentionally defiant, just genuinely curious.

  “What is your name, Son?” Sobek asks, the practiced smile never leaving his face.

  “Burton Skora … Sir.” He adds the sir as almost an afterthought.

  “Well, Burton Skora. There is always a choice.” Sobek exchanges looks with Claudia Durant, who gives the leader an almost imperceptible nod. “Why don’t we have a chat about it later?” Sobek returns his attention to the captive audience and continues to spew his propaganda. “Across the world, in the Asias and Australia, children are at Monarch Camps. They are also receiving their tattoos and officially becoming citizens of our new world. International brothers and sisters joining us on our universal quest for peace. I welcome my new citizens, just as I welcomed your parents and will welcome your children.”

  He bows and everyone jumps to their feet. Kai, Burton, and I are the last to stand and I only do so when I feel Inelia pinch the back of my neck so hard that I have no choice. Blue and Genesis stand without any prodding. They seem to be buying into the system.

  So why can’t I?

  After Sobek addresses the camp, he meets with the five remaining Anomalies separately. Apparently, this is customary. Our entire fate is decided in one ten-minute interview. Talk about needing to make a good first impression. We are prepped before the meeting: Max preps Kai and Genesis, Claudia Durant preps Burton and Blue, and Inelia preps me.

  Inelia and I take a walk along the perimeter of the lake. She puts her arm on my shoulder and the touch is electric.

  “It is time for you to overcome your ego, Keeva,” Inelia says quietly, even though we are alone.

  “What do you mean?”

  “If you erase the self, there is no you, just infinite possibility.”

  “Wait, why are you talking in riddles?” I ask. “This is the most important meeting of my life. You’re supposed to be helping me.”

  “I am, Keeva. Stop questioning and start listening. When you meet with Sobek, you need to think beyond the small picture of yourself. Beyond your own wants and needs. You have an opportunity here, which few people have. Especially the few daughters of the Ocean. It is finally time for you to listen to your heart.”

  “But … how do you know?” I blurt out, but Inelia only smiles and continues to walk. I’ve never told anyone about the instincts I have—not even Rane and Annika. Definitely not my father. It’s like a psychic ability where I sometimes know things are going to occur before they do. This doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s been happening more and more … especially since I’ve come to camp. For most of my life, I’ve worked so hard to silence this instinct so that I can be like everyone else that I often forget it’s there. But Inelia knows. Somehow, she knows.

  One of Sobek’s bodyguards appears in the distance and beckons to us. It is my turn to meet with the world leader. Inelia suddenly speaks to me with an urgency I’ve never seen before.

  “We’re counting on you, Keeva. All of us. You have no idea how incredibly special you are, but it all comes down to this moment. This is your final test and you must listen to your heart. Trust yourself.”

  She escorts me to Claudia Durant, who is waiting for me just outside of the cafeteria. The camp director gives me a terse smile before opening the door. I don’t think she likes me, but there is nothing I can do about that. I guess if there is anything I’ve learned from Monarch Camp it is that it doesn’t matter if anyone likes you. Burton and Kai certainly don’t seem to care if they are liked. They just are who they are. And the rest of the campers only seem concerned that they are liked by their intended partner. No one else. I used to be so desperate to be liked by everyone. To fit in. Now, it all seems so pointless.

  I follow Claudia Durant into the cavernous room where I immediately see Kai sitting at a far table with Sobek Vesely. He looks completely at ease. They both do, and I swear they are laughing. I can feel myself holding my breath. I’m surprised that what I am most worried about is not me, but Kai. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him. There are rumors, terrible rumors, that if Anomalies cannot reintegrate into society, they are recycled … which I believe is just a euphemism for killed. I don’t want Kai to die. I feel a lump at the bottom of my throat. Kai is the only person I can really relate to here. Kai and Inelia. I shudder, thinking about my conversation with my instructor. I can’t get her warning out of my head. The last person who told me to listen to my heart was … no, there can’t be a connection. I close my eyes and try to rid myself of the memory of my baby sister and that horrible morning all those years ago.

  I wait in the corner of the large room and watch as Kai and Sobek Vesely shake hands. Annika was right—Kai is handsome. So tall and self-assured. And when he smiles, there is a mischievous
ness behind his eyes. I feel lucky that he is my friend. As if he can read my thoughts, Kai looks in my direction and winks at me before he leaves the cafeteria. I find myself blushing. Why am I blushing? I don’t have feelings for Kai. He is just a friend. Then why am I blushing? I don’t have time to question my newfound feelings. Claudia Durant is at my side, walking me over to the world-leader’s table.

  “Have a seat, Keeva,” Sobek gestures to the chair across from him.

  At a nearby table, Sobek’s six bodyguards play holo cards. They furiously tap the air as holographs of cards spread out on the table into formations, and the Protectors slap at the transparent cards to claim their win. I’m a bit awed by the entire situation and I stand there stupidly. He motions again for me to sit down.

  “Caffeine?” He nods to Claudia Durant, who is still standing at attention. She brings me a steaming cup and leaves. “Three sugars, right?” he asks while dipping a silver spoon into the sugar bowl and doling out three spoonfuls.

  “How did you—”

  “I’m the world leader; I know everything.” He looks serious before cracking a smile, “Your instructors told me. I’m a bit of a sugar addict myself. Tell me about yourself.”

  I drink my caffeine, using the action to stall, a tactic I learned from my father. I don’t want to talk about myself. Is the point of this interview simply to exchange pleasantries, or is it to determine my future? I feel incredibly tense and the immediate caffeine and sugar rush isn’t helping.

  “There’s not much to tell. I’m from Ocean, which you obviously know. I love to swim, which is fairly obvious. I live with my father. We’re … happy.” I stare into the world leader’s eyes, somewhat entranced by them. This close, I notice they are almost oblique. Sobek’s eyes are completely mesmerizing and once I lock into them, I have trouble pulling away.