In The Stars

Chapter 2

     I always considered myself a freak. I never understood why I saw what I did. I mean no one else could. So why me? When I was younger I would keep telling myself it was just in my head. Demons can't do anything to small children anyway. 

     They're always protected by some kind of ancient magic. But when I was older and they still didn't go away I started to just tell myself I was insane. Until they actually started to do stuff. When people could see their human forms. When they made things appear. When they made changes. Not even to just me. But everyone around me. That's when I first realized I was special. 

***

     I stood there frozen with fear. Why was an Akumu here? At the school? The Akumu smiled at me. "Are you ok?" He asked me kindly. All I could do was a nod. What else do I do? I couldn't let him find out I know about him.

     His aura glowed brightly like the night sky. I kept glancing at his black wolf ears and tail. His wing was out of sight in human form.

     "My name is Masai. I'm new here." He played nervously with his fingers. What does he want?

     Aria was quick to my side. "Welcome! I'm so glad you are here. I can show you around if you want!" Aria smiled sweetly. Of course, she was falling for him. Demons do look so much more handsome and beautiful than humans could do with all the plastic surgery in the world. It was amazing really.

     Masai looked at Aria for a second before looking back at me. "I'll see you later." his eyes shone brightly. His smile was warming. You'd have to be a fool to not fall for him. Or just magical. Aria glared at me as Masai left.

     "You," she snarled.

     "He's all yours. I don't want him," I said smoothly and walked away. Aria stared at me shocked as I left. I guess I never used to just say anything plain out to her face. But right now I didn't care about her. I was too focused on Masai. He seemed to have an interest in me. Does he know? Did he recognize me as I did him? I clenched my fists by my side. I took a deep breath. I needed to calm down. When I relaxed I finally noticed everyone around me.

     Everyone was staring directly at me. A few were whispering amongst themselves while others just stood there watching. I felt the tips of my ears go pink as well as my face. I didn't realize I had such a crowd watching. 

     I quickly ran over to the wooden bench near the great oak where I always went when I had free time at school. Otherwise, I liked to be near the river near my house. Once I sat down I was apparently old news already for no one seemed to care anymore. Well, no one but Aria Who stomped away angrily, ice cream still tipping her nose. I had to smile. It was about time Aria got what was coming for her. I pulled my leather bag out, pulling out my drawing book when I noticed there was a folded paper tucked inside one of the corners. I stared at it. Why was it in my bag? I pulled it out, not bothering to open the sketch pad. My demon drawings could wait. 

     I unfolded the paper carefully. I froze with shock when I realized what it was. A letter. Someone snuck a letter into my bag. My eyes glazed over the fine black letters. It was handwritten not typed but I didn't recognize the handwriting.

We need to talk. Meet me at the Cherry Blossom Orchard near the river at midnight. We can't talk here. There are too many people. Please come alone. It's important. I hope you understand.