Omnis Bestia

Chapter One: Fragmentum

When I was little, maybe five or six, I saw something. I was in the woods behind my house and the sun was about to set. My mom had always warned me about being out after dusk, telling me that when the light had faded, things began to lurk in the cover of darkness and shadow. And through that darkness, I saw the glow of something... not quite human, its eyes beaming at me as it stalked towards me. I was so scared that I just stood there, paralyzed by fear. Right before its gnarled finger touched me, my mom appeared with a lighter in her hand, forcing the creature to retreat to the forest.

This incident is probably what fueled my interest in tales about monsters and demons, and why I wanted to know everything there was to know about the supernatural. My mom always told me I was just imagining things, and that my young mind must have warped what happened, as she said it was only a raccoon in the forest. The only people who believed me were my friends, Malik and Nikolai, although even they are skeptical.

"I'm not sure if I want to take Frisbee or Basketball. I know I'll obviously be good at both, but I want to hear what you think." Nik said, a smug look on his face. He ended up taking both, but he was always the kind of person to talk out what he was thinking, said that it helped keep him focused on the topic at hand.

We were at Nik's house deciding on the electives we would take in the upcoming year. The school was called Northeast High, right by Lyle's Creek. We had already turned in forms on our admittance and core classes, and we were just picking the classes we wanted to take in our free time.

"In my opinion, I believe it would be most fitting to play fetch, as that game is usually used for animals with small brain capacities," Malik responded. He and Nik weren't necessarily on bad terms, but they always seemed to pick a fight about anything and everything.

"First off, it's frisbee, not fetch, and second, I was talking to Mara, not you. Now, why don't you go pick out some electives your pace, like A History on the Evolution of Slugs," said Nik, clearly miffed about being insulted.

"Why you little-"

Before things can escalate, I interrupted "I think Frisbee would actually be a good idea, not because it might be similar to fetch," I look pointedly at Malik "But because it's a game with partners and I think it would be fun doing it with you." I said, stopping the debate in its tracks.

"I would personally appreciate if you would join Reading and Literature with me, Amara. I feel like it would be very satisfying and a good break from frisbee with the fireball." Malik said, pointing to more information about the elective.

It actually seemed kind of fun, so I put it on my list. There was just one more elective I wanted to choose, although I wasn't sure if Malik and Nik would agree to it. While they tolerated my obsession with mythical beings, they usually tried to stop me from delving too deep into it. I knew that no matter what, they'd be with me, but that they'd definitely try to stop me from joining, saying there are more "productive" things to do.

"Okay, and with those two along with Latin and Ancient Tales, my classes are complete," I said, ready to hear them shoot it down, but that never came.

"Sounds like fun, me and Malik already put it on our schedules. I hope we all get into the same periods." Nik said with a grin, obviously amused by the blatant surprise on my face. "And before you ask why we're doing it, it's because this year a friend of our families is teaching that class this year, and both of our parents forced us to sign up. Your mom would have probably made you sign up too if it wasn't already obvious that you were going to."

"Yes, this is going to be great! I didn't even have to use the speech I wrote," I threw out the flashcards I had prepared. "I'm glad we finally finished, we've been working on that all afternoon."

"Speaking of the time, you need to get home Amara. Your mother will throw a fit if you're not home on time. Do you want me to walk you there?" Malik suggests, already packing his things.

"It's okay, you live in the other direction and I don't live very far away. I'll have to hurry in order to make it before dark, so I'll see you guys later!" Before any other offers are made, I'm already out the door and running home. The last time I waited to see who would take me home, Nik and Malik took so much time arguing that by the time they had come to a decision, Nik's dad had come home and offered to drive me because the sun had already set.

As I ran home, I began to think about the upcoming year. The three of us were going into our first year of high school and Northeast High. I had been so excited to start this new chapter with my friends and hoped to make some new friends along the way. Of course, if that was all that had happened, there would be no story to tell, would there?

"Mom, I'm home," I shouted into the house, as I began to take off my boots and head towards the kitchen, which smelled of cookies. Whenever my mom is stressed about something, she bakes until she calms down. When I walk through the doorway, I see she's already made two pies, three dozen cookies, and a cake. I assumed it was because she didn't want to see her "baby girl" grown up and going to high school.

"Hey honey, let me finish this up and get cleaned and I'll be right with you. How were the boys today? Did they both try to make you join an elective as you said? And if you didn't already eat dinner there's some lasagna in the microwave" Mom replies, as she stores the batter she made and began to wash her hands. She'd always been a beautiful lady, with hazel eyes, short curly hair that was easily straightened, and beautiful olive skin. I, unfortunately, got none of her genes. Mom always said that I looked more like my father, with my skin as a sepia reddish-brown, crinkly dark brown hair, and eyes the color of hickory.

"The boys were fine, and yes I did join their electives but they also joined one of mine, and I had a burger and fries at Nik's so I'm good. Also no need to stop baking, I know it helps you relieve stress. I'm just going to go upstairs and get ready for school tomorrow." I had figured that I was more likely than not going to stay up reading horror novels, but what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

She turns around and gives me a big hug, "Okay baby, just don't stay up too late, make sure you scan in your schedule so they'll have it ready by tomorrow, and get some rest. I love you very much, Amara Imena Nnadi" she said, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Mom always loved to say my name, because my father had named me. Mom said he died a long time ago, but I didn't really know much as she didn't like to talk about him.

"Love you too, Mom!" I shouted as I went up the stairs and headed towards my room. I hopped into the shower and began thinking about what had happened nine years ago and what I had seen in the woods. I wasn't the best at remembering things, but I could never quite forget those red beams that cut through the darkness. No matter what anybody had told me, I knew there was more out there, something old and ancient, and unlike anything I had ever seen.