Shifters

Chapter Eight

"Vivian." My father called. I run to the stairs and peered over the railing to speak with him.

"Yes father?" I ask.

"I want you to stay home from school today. We must keep working on your training."

"What?" I was surprised. He has always told me that no matter what, school comes first. "But why?"

His face grew solemn. "Just respect my wishes." I nod. It's useless to argue with him. "Change into workout clothes and meet me in the back."

~•~•~•~•~>

Fifteen minutes later I'm dressed in sweat pants, the same black tank top, and running shoes. The backyard was still dark but was slowly being given the suns light.

Father and I are standing face to face. Neither of us has spoken yet.

Finally he breaks the ice. "Where did Shawn disappear to?"

I shrug. "He was gone when I woke up this morning." He just nods in return as we continue to stand in silence.

"So..." I begin awkwardly. "What is this about?"

He looks into my eyes, his face serious. "There's something I haven't been telling you, Vivian." I flinch in surprise and make an 'O' shape with my mouth. "I didn't think you could handle it but now... now you've proven to me you can."

I nod, remembering when my father use to be all fun and games. The man who stands before me now is not the man who first taught me how to control my telekinesis when I was 7.

"Go on." I say. I still love him, I just cant be myself with him anymore.

"We are called Shifters, yes?" I nod in agreement. "Are we the only supernatural beings out there?"

I froze. The thought never crossed my mind before. "I... Are we?"

Father smiles. "No." He says simply, causing me to gasp. "There are others. They call themselves Elementalists."

"Oookay..." I've past confusion and went straight to idiots vill.

"I've lied to you my sweet." He looks to the ground, no longer meeting my eye. "I told you that controlling the elements was the most common power a shifter can have... its not."

He continues, "Shifters, in fact, can't control the elements. Only an Elementalist can."

My eyes widen. "So that means..."

"Yes." He finishes. "I was one. See, there are 8 Elementalists in existence at a time. Each one posses the ability to control an element: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Metal, Ice, Gases, and Lightning. Once one of us is too old, or injured, they can pass their element to another. One who is suited best for the element their about to be given."

"Holy crapers..." My head was spinning. This was a lot of information to take in at once, the world felt like it had stopped. "Does that mean your an Elementalist?"

"Was." He corrected. "I was no longer able to do my job so the others decided it was time for me to pass it on."

One question stuck in my head out of the millions still to be asked. "Who?"

His smile was worn out, forced. "I can't tell you, Viv. You will soon find out, I am sure."

Rage started to build up through my body. "That's not fair! You tell me this huge secret for nothing!"

"Not nothing. I am telling you this to better prepare you for your future. Also, we need to continue with your training." He pauses to look me in the eyes. "You must learn to shift on command and still be able to use your powers, plus your wolf instincts, and still keep your human mind."

Well that sounded fun...

"Fine..." I say. "Lets get to work."

~•~•~•~•~>

We pent the rest of the day training. The only breaks father aloud was to use the bathroom and a quick one for lunch.

Shawn and Maya stoped off once to see why I wasn't at school. I so desperately wanted to talk to Shawn but my mom sent them away saying I was ill.

By 8:00pm father stood and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Nice work. You are half way to conrolling it."

"Yeah I feel so accomplished..." I said sarcastically. "Can you tell me what the rush is now?"

Father sighed. "Vivian-"

"I know I know!" I rolled my eyes and talked in my best imitation of my father. "In due time my sweet."

He laughed and nodded. "Exactly."