Power

The Ranking Ceremony

I awoke the next morning right on time. For once. I threw on some clothes, sneakers, and brushed my brown, long hair into a high ponytail. I checked my watch.

7:00 am.

I had exactly 45 minutes to get to the main building, and 15 minutes to get to the Pond of Powers.

After a long walk, I made it through the doors of the main building.

"Name?" Asked the clerk at the desk, obviously wanting to be done with the day already.

"Kamryn Parker."

"Age?"

"15."

Why on earth do they have to ask that? You have to be 15 to do this stupid thing!

"Please go to room #3 and change into your uniform." She says, peering over the top of her spectacles, held by a chain around her neck. 

I nod and walk into the narrow dressing room.

I look at the clothing pieces in disgust. They were ugly. Very ugly. The shirt was rough-looking and dirty, the pants were ripped almost to shreds, and the boots were covered in mud and grime. It looked like a potato sack, somehow cut into an outfit. I pulled the garments on anyway. I looked in the mirror, straightened my shirt, brushed some dust off of my pants, stamped my boots so mud flew off, and perfected my ponytail. I was ready to go.

The clerk looked at me with her glasses down and the chain around her neck. She looked like a worse version of a librarian. If there even was a worse version.

"Are you ready?" She said looking me over, obviously in as much disgust as I was with the uniform.

"Yes."

"Please go through this door..." She used her hands to show me where it was, "then follow the stone pathway to the edge of the Pond of Powers. Present your power to the Pond when you are ready. When you are finished, say the words 'My powers have been presented' and the Pond of Powers will shimmer, and your rank number will appear. Do remember that the Elders are watching, so be careful." Her eyes looked into mine like daggers, like I was some rebellious teenager.

I walk away cautiously, knowing her eyes are still staring at me icily. I walk out the door and breathe a sigh of relief. 

That woman is a nightmare. I'm glad I only have to be here once.

The stone path that I walk on is carefully paved. Flowers, carved bushes, and small saplings line the route. The aroma in the garden is marvelous. Birds are chirping and flying overhead, small rabbits dart in between bushes, and delicate butterflies are fluttering effortlessly through the slight breeze of the early morning.

The Pond of Powers is even more magnificent than the garden I had just walked through. A waterfall is toppling over an edge and into the Pond. I can even feel the spray of the cool water. There is a willow tree slightly hanging over the edge of the Pond, along with blossoming cherry trees. All of this is reflected in the magical pool of water. There are so many different types of flowers I can't even count them. The colors and smells are everywhere and for once in my life, I am happy just looking at something beautiful. 

After a long time of admiring such an angelic place, I pull myself away from staring and back into reality. 

Just do what you always do. Create and destroy.

I think of Jordan and Brielle. I am doing this for them.

I breathe in. Then begin my work.

First, inspired by Jordan, I begin to create a water monster. I have never done anything like this before, but it's worth a shot.

In the beginning stages it is just a blob of water and bubbles. I continue to think, breathing in and out, as I am creating this new being. It takes on a face, and body, legs and claws. When I am satisfied, I stare at it for a minute, proud of myself and intrigued in my own work. It snarls at me, hissing, as a mist of water comes out of its mouth. I smile at my creation. It takes a step toward me.