The Mismunandi

Chapter 12

"Rich," I whisper. "What are you talking about."

"I guess it makes sense that you didn't know. They can be very powerful. Most Mismunandi have the same kind of powers, but each one has a special power, kind of like a birth mark," Rich says.

"What's yours? Have you always known about it? Oh! For that matter, have you always known you're Mismunandi?" I ask.

"I found out I was Mismunandi when I was nine. My parents are both Mismunandi and they were going to wait until I was older to tell me, but my special power was already getting to me."

"What is it?" I repeat.

"I can read minds."

After he says it, everything starts to make more sense. When he told me he'd see me tomorrow at the beach, when he told me the plane was going to get here safely.

"I thought I was crazy," he interrupts my thoughts. "I could just look at a person and their voice would echo throughout my mind. I couldn't control it. I was too afraid to tell my parents, but as the years passed, it got worse. Not just one person, but everybody's thoughts would cloud my mind. I would pretend to be sick so I could stay at home in silence and that's when my parents started to get worried. Then one day, at school, I broke down. All those voices-" he shakes his head. "I just started screaming on the playground. I just laid down and screamed. And that night, my parents told me. They taught me how to control my powers and use new ones."

"How will I find out what mine is?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I'm sure not everyone here knows exactly what their power is either. You'll have to tell Rebecca though. Or maybe your brother?"

"How did you know my brother's in charge?" I ask foolishly and he gives me a look. "Oh, right. The mind reading thing. So how long have you been invading my mind? I thought you could control who's minds you wanted to read."

"Maybe I want to read yours," he laughs. "I'm sorry. It's not that I want to pry, sometimes I can't help it. Sometimes it's like people want me to know what they're thinking and I don't mean speaking with them telepathically. Any Mismunandi can do that. With you, it's different. It's like your thoughts push through the barrier of my mind." He says.

"Do you think the special powers are how they decide what house we belong to?" Nora, who has been listening, asks.

"I think that's exactly what it depends on. If your power is dangerous you go to Precarious, you know, stuff like that." Rich says.

About half an hour later, we reach the island. This is it. I know that when I put my feet on the soil of this island, I am a true Mismunandi and I have a feeling that it is up to me to take care of Nora and Brighton. I don't trust this place. Not yet.

Everybody begins to follow Rebecca and Chester down a path of wooden planks. The island is covered with forest. I hear birds from every direction and a light fog covers the ground. It is getting late and the sun is hidden by the miles of tall trees. Brighton suck in a deep breath before slowly walking toward and carefully placing each foot on the ground outside the boat. She waits there for a second before she finally lets her breath out and turns to face me and Nora. I grab Nora's hand as we make our way to Brighton. Once we are out of the boat I let go of Nora's hand and nod.

"This feels right," Brighton says. I disagree, but I don't let them know that. I want them to feel safe. The group is now leaving so we quickly walk down the boards to catch up. Rich, Nicole, Michael, Logan, and the blonde guy are in the back of the pack and greet is when we catch up.

"I don't think we've actually met," the blonde guy says. "I'm Jason." I introduce myself and we continue our walk.

After walking for about seven minutes, I start to hear drums and see fire. What is all this?

"I thought you said there wouldn't be a ceremony," Brighton whispers.

"I really didn't think it was that kind of place," I reply.

As we round the last corner, we see a bonfire with people banging on bongos around it and even more people sitting in the soft sand, dancing, and getting food from the tables set up. The beat of the drums gets louder as the group nears the fire. The people standing around quickly sit as soon as they see us and four people stand on one side of the fire and four more, including Rebecca and Chester, on the other side. The man standing next to Chester holds his hand up and the music stops.

"Welcome to Mismunandi Training Academy. I'm co president, Matthew Paver. As you may know, there are four houses: Precarious, Astute, Benevelence, and Pariah. By this time next week you will be a part of one of those houses. For now, we will get to know you. I'd like you to first meet the leaders of each house. Meg for Precarious, Alice for Astute, Giselle for Benevolence, and Peter for Pariah."

Just from looking at them, I can see their different personalities. Meg's expression seems to dare whoever looks at her to keep looking and her hands are placed on her hips. Alice can't seem to keep her gaze in one place, but she seems over interested in everything she sees. Giselle has a smile plastered on her face and wether it's real or not I cannot tell. The weirdest thing about her is that she is barefoot and she's swaying to the nonexistent music. I can't even guess how old Peter is. He's one of those people that could be anywhere from fifteen to fifty.

Matthew says a few more words about the academy before he exclaims: "Let the party begin!" and the music starts back up again. So I guess this is our welcoming party? Maybe this place isn't so bad.