Smack. Longboy's staff hit the ground. His breathing was rough and heavy. We've only just begun, and he's already out of breath. Pathetic. There was a lot wrong with this picture. He was slouching. His grip was too tight. His mind was definitely elsewhere. I gave a quick scan. He had no visible wounds-well-outside of the bruise forming on his right cheek. I might have to apologize for that one. I watched the sweat drip off his freshly shaven head. I remember when his gray locks slid down to his waist, effortlessly floating with every step he took. It was awful for combat. I missed it.

     Longboy's green eyes flashed gold. I'd been staring too long.

    "Your binder's too tight." I pointed it out , wondering if he'd listen to me this time.

     "And how do you know that?" His question was clearly rhetorical, but I'd answer anyway.

     "We've been out here fifteen minutes and you're already drenched in sweat. Most of said sweat is collecting around your chest," I directed my staff towards the area, "And you've got the posture of an old man." I crossed my arms, leaning on my staff.

     "Fine. You've caught me. This things been killing me for weeks, but Mana says we don't have any money for a new one," He said. He sat on the ground, stretching. I removed one of my sports bras, tossing it at him.

      "Lucky for you, I wear two," I beamed. Ever since his aunt and uncle divorced, things have been tight around his house. He favored his uncle, who was a wealthy banker, but Longboy couldn't leave Kalokairi. It was the only place on the island of Juniper where the children of The Abolish were allowed to train and go to school. If you did well enough at Wiccs academy, they might let you join their ranks and become a soldier in the Cardinal army. That was Longboy's dream. I'd rather die than be on their side.

     "I appreciate the gesture, but I'd rather be uncomfortable than to put that trash on," he refused, throwing the bra back at me.

     "Fine, but I won't go any easier on you." I challenged him. Training was the only time he could exist without reminding everyone it was Arlo and not Arline. Who am I to take that from him. Even if it's bad for his health.

      "Challenge Accepted," he chirped, rising to his feet. I watched as he shuffled backwards, bringing his staff to his waste and pointing it at me. Quickly, I copied his actions. I gave a nod. The fight began.

      Within seconds, are staffs slapped against each other. I glided through the air as my toes barely touched the ground. Longboy's staff swept me off my feet. My back slapped the ground. I propelled my chest forward, tossing myself back on my feet. I spun my staff, gaining momentum, and leaped above Longboy. I brought my staff down on his shoulder, knocking him to the ground. Swiftly, I whipped my staff around and pointed it at his chest. He gave two quick taps to the ground.

     "Longboy, we're getting you a new binder. Tonight," I declared, returning my staff to my side. I stuck my hand out and helped him off the ground.

       "With what money, Kya?" His brows pulled his face back. He's always had an expressive face.

       "Papa's giving me spending money today."

      "Yes, but because it's your birthday. That money isn't for me," he spoke in a low voice.

      "And I'm spending that money on you. It's not rewarding to kick the ass of a handicapped opponent," I quipped.

     "God, you sound like Sensei Klaus." We both laughed at the comparison. Sensei Klaus was the head of the marshall arts department at Wiccs Academy. He had the thickest german accent in the realm, but was one of the best instructors I've ever had. His teachings were so desirable that he was the only one of The Abolished allowed to leave the island to train Cardinal soldiers. Some folks consider him a traitor for working with those that placed us here in the first place. I considered him a true lover of his craft. He hasn't returned to the island in months. Rumors say he's either dead or there's a war brewing. I hope he's escaped.

     "Arlo! Kaskara! Breakfast is ready," papa called from the kitchen.

     "Race you," longboy called out. He was already paces ahead. It wasn't long before I caught up, taking my place at the table before him.

      "Even when you cheat your slow," I boasted.

      "For someone without The LIght, you sure are cocky," Papa said. He placed an assortment of pancakes, eggs, and all kinds of fruit on the table. I quickly stuffed a sausage in my face, ignoring the jab.

      "We both know if I used my light, I'd smoke you," Longboy bragged between bites. I laughed. We both know he'd only use his light when prompted. He was a powerful magi, and his aunt cautioned him when using it. At the age of fourteen, he'd manage to manipulate all the Nature elements: water, air, fire, earth, and sun. His aunt was afraid his power might not come from the two. There was The Light, a controllable force that promoted healing and growth. There was The Dark, a chaotic force that endorsed destruction and disarray. Then there was The Other, a force so powerful we weren't even allowed to know its name. The Other was a combination of both dark and light, usually resulting in the death of those who possessed it. Longboy's quick control of The Light lead us to believe he could do the same with the dark. He keeps his skills within my family and his. No telling what The Cardinal would do this information.

     A soft purr drew me out of my thoughts. I look down to see a gray kitten clawing at my leg. I tsked at the kitten, wagging my finger. Its icy gray eyes went from twinkingly orbs to angry slits. The kitten pounced onto my lap, slapping the sausage out my hands.

     "Kitten, you know you're not allowed at the table till you transform back," I cooed. The kitten growled at me, teeth fully exposed.

     "Kitanna, go," papa shouted from the kitchen. The kitten hissed at me before trotting off. Moments later, Kitten returned in her school uniform.

     "Why do I have to go to school in this form?" The small girl pouted.

    "Because you're barely a first year, Kitten," Arlo answered, rubbing her head. "And what's the rule for first years?"

     "First years can not attend class as their Morphi. I know. I know. Doesn't mean I like it," Kitanna whined. She was almost seven, but already controlling her transformations. She was outdoing many third years, but wasn't allowed to move up till she'd gotten her temper under control. Last year, she permanently scarred a kid. The only reason she wasn't kicked out was because she didn't start the fight. She just ended it.

      "Where's Mew and Honeycomb?" Longboy asked. I looked at Kitten and we both started laughing. Longboy squinted at me, asking for answers. Papa placed a firm grip on his shoulder.

      "Kahrin left early this morning to take Mew to the vet," Papa said. I watched as his face wrinkeled when he gave Kitten and I a knowing smile. Honeycomb had been trying to court Longboy for years. Sadly, he's not exactly what Longboy's looking for. After accepting they'd never be together, Honeycomb's been avoiding him. And he's been dragging my poor little Mew with him. That little dragon didn't deserve that. Somehow, Longboy's remained clueless. Deep Down I think he knows, but it's easier on everyone if he acts none the wiser.

     "A shame. He's missing out on a Cornelius Black breakfast." Longboy swooned over the breakfast. Papa was almost as good of a cook as he was a blacksmith. No matter how rough and beaten his hands were, he refusesed to retire. Seventy seven never looked so good.

      "Papa, why don't you use our nicknames?" Kitten questioned. The old man took a seat before answering.

      "Your parents gifted you those names, and I will use them until you're ready to." Papa had a way of sounding like an oracle. Sadly, this wasn't Greece, and around here oracle's were drugged up washouts.

      Papa always felt guilty for failing to save our parents. We (and our names) were all he had left of them. Thirty years ago, the Sacri Wars broke out. Those of The Light and those of The Dark fought for power. Eventually, a peace treaty was signed by The Thirteen Factions. The Thirteen most powerful supernatural groups in the realm came together to form The Cardinal, an organization meant to keep peace. Of course, there were those to be blamed for the war. So, the leaders cast out those they felt chose war over their people. Those cast out were The Abolished. My parent's, Arlo's parents, papa, and thousands more were exiled to Juniper. However, six years ago, rebels rose up against the Cardinal. Those rebels were slaughtered. Those rebels were Arlos's parents. Those rebels were my parents. The Cardinal treated the rebels as flukes and still claim twenty five years of peace. My parents were kind people. They dedicated their lives to the welfare of The Abolished. To this day, I still don't know what good people did to end up on Juniper. To end up dead.

     "I understand. But the nicknames are representations of the wonderful beings their parents made," Arlo refuted. He was right. Kya was my grandmother's name. My father called me Kya because Kaskara was too fierce a name for such a sweet girl. If only he could see me now. My mother made me these special sugar cookies she called honeycombs after their shape. Kahrin would eat so many, my father would joke he'd soon become one himself. Kitanna was the feistiest baby to ever live; my mother had no choice but to call her kitten. If only she knew Kitanna really was one. Our names were gifts, but our nicknames were blessings.

     "Very true," Papa whispered. His brows lowered, pointing towards his nose. His lips puckered, bringing his cheeks forward. I knew that face. He was in deep thought. Nothing good ever came out of papa's deep thoughts.

      "What's wrong?" I asked.

       "Arlo, will you take Kitanna to school for me?" Papa asked. Arlo nodded, herding Kitten towards the door. I scarfed down the rest of my juice before following. "Not you Kaskara. I need to talk to you." Papa had a base in his voice I hadn't recognized.

      I took a seat. What did he have to say to me that he couldn't in front of Arlo. Even though we weren't blood, Arlo and I were practically Papa's children. My eyes followed Papa as he muttered through the kitchen. Soon, he popped back around the counter and took a seat. He placed a journal on the table.

       The leather journal looked rather unscathed. Outside of the discoloration, you wouldn't of know its age. The silver string holding it together caught my eye. I placed a hand on the string only to recoil. It was cold. Nothing on the island could hope to be this cool unless trapped in a freezer. My fingers moved to the carvings lining the covers. My heart sank with recognition.

      "Is this..." I trailed off. I was afraid of the answer.

      "It's Runic," Papa replied. Runic: Ancient Norse. I've seen pictures in relations to the Norse Gods, but never held anything Nordic in my hands. This belonged in a safe, not on the Island of Juniper.

     "How did this get here?" I questioned. Something like this was means for execution. Anything belonging to the Gods, stayed locked up and hidden. Even if this was nothing more than a fake.

     "I found it on the porch this morning. A note came with saying it was for you. That it was from your parents," papa slid me the note,"but we both know that's false."

     "Who would do this?" My gut was retching. Nothing about this felt right. My question hung in the air. We both knew what I had to do. Gently, I unraveled the string. The journal fell open;it swum to the first page. Ink dragged onto the pages, making themselves at home. I quickly skimmed the letter. I dropped the journal. It floated down to the table, unbothered.

     "What is it?" Papa asked. I pushed the journal towards him. "There's nothing here." My heart jumped. I turned to him, hoping I misheard. "There's nothing here, Kaskara." Papa slid the journal back to me.

    "Papa. Do you know what an Enchanter is?" I watched the old man freeze. Horror flooded his face. I watched him rush to the kitchen and raid the drawers. Papers went flying as he continued searching. Soon enough, the object was found, and he rushed back over to me.

    "Take this." Papa shoved a white business card in my hands. "I want you and Arlo to take the journal to this address and ask for Deci. Tell her Cornelius Black sent you."

     "Papa. Papa, what is an Enchanter?" I pleaded.

      "Hush. Don't say that word again until you reach Deci, you hear?" I nodded. "She'll take care of you. Now go." His eyes engulfed a fear I've never know. Papa's been through it all. He's run out of things to fear. Or so I thought...

      I grabbed the journal and card, rushing out of the door. I slammed into Longboy as soon as I stepped outside. He caught me before I could hit the ground.

      "Woah? What's the rush?" Longboy asked.

      "It's a long story." I wasn't sure what else to say.

      "Well, I'm a good listener." Longboy's smile was the only thing keeping me from imploding.

       "Okay. But we've gotta walk and talk. Down for an adventure?"

        "Always!" He beamed! I flashed him a grin before charging forward, but before I could take a step forward, Longboy pulled me back.

      "What?" I snapped. We were in a hurry. I was in a crisis. 

      "Were your eyes doing that this morning?" Longboy was concerned. I gave him a puzzling look. Longboy pulled out his phone and snapped a picture. Hesitantly, he turned the screen towards me.

      My stomach turned. My once brown eyes were screaming green, pulsing against my dark skin. I closed my eyes, praying to whoever would listen. My call was declined. I watched as Longboy shook his head, informing me that nothing had change.

      Whatever this was. Whatever was happening. I needed answers. And I needed them now.