Three Sides of a Triangle

Chapter 3 - First encounter

   The war dated back twenty-one years ago, when the first human mutation took place, followed by the mutation of half the population, into Animen. Animen are humans that can shapeshift into a certain type of animal, depending on genetics and personality.

   Most Animen get their powers as children, at about seven years old, and then learn to control it, for, it is not something that comes naturally but rather a matter to take care of and supervise with utmost seriousness and concern, to refrain it from becoming dangerous for the person and those around them. 

   Indeed, not everybody controls their powers and when they shapeshift, and learn to do so, certain people take more time than others!

   Unfortunately, since this transformation requires a great sum energy, children easily get overwhelmed and need a great deal of rest. Furthermore, in the most drastic situations, especially with babies, the individuals die, unable to recover from the considerable loss of energy.

   Akan had his first time when he was seven years old, during his first day of second grade, nervously presenting himself in front of the entire class. It was that nervousness that had been the cause of this mutation, turning him into an adorable lion cub, with golden, flaxen fur but terribly sharp and dangerous claws. The screams that the children released were a cross between amazement and fascination for the beautiful creature before them and utter fear and terror regarding the fact that, that same creature could kill them in a split second. The boy was sent home, not only to appease his classmates but also to offer him some rest to recollect himself after that experience.

   It was only a year later, after an incident at school one day, that the child realized that being a lion, he could also fire and metal bend. In fact, that day, during lunch, he spotted a charming and fetching young lady called Maya, who had newly transferred.

   She had asked him if she could sit at his table since she did not have any friends yet, and he was the first person she had talked to, since they were in the same class and were assigned next to each other on every course. He turned to his friends for approval, which they unanimously gave right away, letting her join their group. 

   That is where she met Alan, Akan's cousin, and best friend, who had been struck by cupid's arrow the moment he saw her, as did most of the guys in their grade. She was seated next to Akan, who was so tense, stressed, and nervous, that the fork he was holding started melting and formed a heart, which he unconsciously gifted her after seeing it. She smiled, chuckled, and thanked him for the thoughtful and lovely gift.

   Not only did he discover new abilities that day, but he also forged a new friendship, which lasted longer than he thought. Indeed, from that moment on, the two of them as well as Alan had become good friends, their camaraderie growing increasingly with each passing day. 

   At least for now...