Jungle Mind

Deep Waters

A/N: Hello candies! 🍬 Guess what, I'm re-publishing this book, and will probably release another chapter on it when possible. I didn't re-do (only edited) these chapters, so enjoy cringing at my over-detailed 2021 me writing! Bai bai, ily. Enjoy <3

Ps: Also, I decided from now on, I'm only taking requests or prompts, so if I don't receive any, don't expect updates.

Aggressively tying up her curly black locks, Kiki glared at the closed wooden door of their humble home. The one thing preventing her from throwing a childish tantrum and getting punished. Kiki really didn't approve of her sibling's strict rules, but being the youngest in the household, she had no choice but to follow. Or so she'd thought. Her obedience had tragically shattered this morning, once her eldest brother Jacob cruelly banned her from swimming in the river with her friends. 

In the depths of her mind, Kiki knew he was being fair. She had put off all her schoolwork, hasn't bothered putting in the effort to harness her power and she hasn't even finished her stupid chores. Kiki stealthily slipped on a bathing suit underneath her loose, cotton dress before grabbing a rusted spare key for the back door. Even with tremendous magical powers, they decide to use locks. Like that will stop a basic fire manipulator. She sighed contemplatively, making sure she had everything she needed, before deciding to fuck it.

Ironically, Kiki was still pathetically struggling to decide whether sneaking out was worth it. She dreaded another spanking, she still couldn't sit down properly from the last onslaught of pain, and she knew in her heart that she deserved it. But being homeschooled meant that keeping socially active was incredibly tiring without being grounded, much less if she had to keep up the effort now.

 From the other end of the house, Lisa, her favourite sibling, kindly yelled a blessing towards her way. "Goodnight sis! I'll wake you up tomorrow." 

Guilt building up in her stomach like a volcano close to explosion, Kiki wished her back, scrambling quietly out her window. "Goodnight sissy! Love you!" 

***

Heart thumping under the two layers of clothing she wore, Kiki raced nervously down the dirt paths she was now so easily navigating, anxiously checking behind her back every few metres. The further out she was, the harsher her punishment. Gulping down breaths of chilled, night air, cool winds grazing her occasionally, Kiki slowed down to a jog to enjoy the beautiful jungle flora that guarded the pathways. 

As the full moon shone brilliantly on the hushed world around her, Kiki could barely contain her excitement while she whizzed towards her friends. Maya had been her best friend and neighbour since she arrived here, around two months ago, and their friendship never wavered since. Her other neighbour, Ethan, stood there cockily, smirking at me through his golden locks. A fleeting grin struck my face for a half second, before I was back to my normal smile. "Are we going?" I inquired energetically, throwing a friendly hand over Maya's tanned shoulder. "Or are we just gonna stand here and stare at each other." 

"You wouldn't mind staring at Ethan for an eternity if you could, Ki." Maya teased playfully, bursting into giggles as Kiki shoved her lightly. "See, both of you are blushing!"

Ethan scratched the back of his pale neck sheepishly, trying to hide his blush as he slyly winked at Kiki before strolling down to the river. "Come on!" He tore off his shirt and sprinted down towards the foaming, blue river. 

Hoping that her burning hot cheeks were unnoticeable now, Kiki grabbed Maya's hand and scampered down the steep slope, finally pulling off her dress as she reached the sapphire treasure that is the village river. Churning and racing towards the waterfall, the river's moonlight dappled waters seemed to drag them in, pulling their soul and heart to dance alongside it. After a few seconds, Maya quietly tapped Kiki's shoulder and gestured gently towards the group of teenagers, nearly two years older than the 13 year old trio, with most of their powers harnessed. 

As she gazed at them in awe, a bundle of jealousy built up in her heart, making her violently shake her head to drag her back into the real world. Kiki skilfully manoeuvred the rock bed, graciously lending Maya a helping hand when needed, and leaped joyously onto the sandy riverbed. The eldest of the group, Hiro was almost an adult, and a skilled water manipulator, so he used his powers to make sure the group's hair and clothes remain water free. As the adrenaline finally hit her, Kiki gasped out a rushed 'thank you' before leaping gracefully into the water. The others eagerly joined her soon after, and the children started to enjoy themselves, splashing about and playing mischievously in the water. Around two hours passed by incredibly fast, and fatigue started creeping up on the group like a lion to prey.