Chimera

I remember that day so clearly.. As if it was just yesterday. The day my parents left this world and also the day I discovered my true powers. It was a rainy, gloomy day and dad was out teaching our new members how to fight. Mom was braiding my long blonde hair inside our seven story, Victorian style home. I lived a great life in that house surrounded by smiling faces and laughter, never for a moment realizing just how sheltered and naive I really was.  “Aspen..” My mother’s soft tone rang out. I looked up at her with my blue and green eyes curiously. “Yes mama?” She smiled warmly, her deep ocean blue eyes filled with love. “You’re 13th birthday is coming up soon.. that means you’re going to start getting all your powers. With that comes great responsibility.” I gave her a toothy grin and started squirming with excitement. “Stay still.” My mother said sternly, “I’m almost done but if you keep moving then I’ll have to start all over.”  I sat straight up and nodded carefully, “Sorry mama.” I said quietly. I definitely didn’t want her to start over, my head was already sore from her tugging and pulling. I heard Erin, my moms most trusted friend, giggle and I gave her the squinty eyes which only made her laugh more. Suddenly I felt my mother stiffen and her hands dropped to her side. I turned to look at her and her face that was once so soft and kind, was contorted into an expression I’ve never seen before. Is that fear? Is she smelling something? No. She’s listening.. but to what? There was a knock at the door and I felt the hairs on my arms raise and a sudden wave of fear washed over me. What was going on? Erin walked slowly over to the double oak doors, her dark red curls swaying with every step.  “Ezra? What’s going on?” Her bubbly voice rang out. “Is everything okay?”  My gaze snapped up to meet Ezra’s steel grey eyes staring right back at me. Why is he here? Ezra was the blonde haired, never spoke much, grey eyed man whom my father entrusted to protect us Incase something ever happened to him. Before Ezra could give an answer there was a huge snarl that came from directly behind me. It was a menacing sound, one that shook me to my core. I turned to look behind me and saw my mothers beautiful, form fitting, mermaid dress now in tatters on the floor and a giant grey and white Saber tooth tiger where she once stood.  “M-Mom?” I stuttered, at a loss for words. Her saber form was beautiful, her long sharp canines protruding from her mouth with her deep ocean blue eyes being the only thing that remained the same about her. She looked down at me with sad eyes and nudged me with her big furry head as if she was saying goodbye. She then lowered herself to the ground and with such strength, launched herself out of the 4th floor window into the rain. That was the last time I saw my mother alive.  Before I could chase after her I heard the sounds of screaming and the smell of blood filled the air. So much blood. Ezra made it to me before I could reach the window to see what was going on. He cradled me up into his muscular arms and wouldn’t let me go. “No! No! Please Ezra put me down please!” I screamed.  I caught a glimpse of sadness in his eyes but as quickly as it appeared it just as quickly vanished. “Listen Aspen. I can’t let you go. I need to get you out of here now. We’re under attack and it’s not an ordinary attack. We need to leave now.” His rough, raspy voice declared.  “I’m not going! Let me go! I want my mom! Where’s my dad?!” I exclaimed. Again that look of sadness crossed his face.  “What aren’t you telling me Ezra?.. Where are they?” I suddenly remembered Erin and frantically looked around the room. “Where is Erin?” He began to walk out the door and down the winding staircase. “She went after Luna when I grabbed you. You’ll be safe now.” He stated. My blood began to boil. Who is he to make these types of decisions? If we were being attacked, why wasn’t he fighting?  “Ezra please stop! You coward! Why aren’t you helping them? You’re a coward! You’re just going to run awa-“ I was cut off by the intense glare he was giving me. He set me down and sighed heavily. “We don’t have much time. I wanted to stay and fight but your father is my alpha and this was his order. I am your sworn protector and I refuse to fail. Now get in.” I was in such a panicked state I didn’t even realize we were in the library. He pushed one of the bookcases to the side with ease, revealing a trap door in the floor where the bookcase once was.  “I-I’m not going in there. You can’t make me! I refu-“ Stop whining. My head snapped up, this time I was the one glaring at Ezra. “What did you say?” He looked at me puzzled. “I was letting you finish Aspen. I didn’t say anything. Yet.”  I shook my head, “I heard you just no-“ We don’t have time for this. Shift! Suddenly I felt my body start convulsing. What’s happening to me? Pain shot through my entire body and an awful sounding scream left my mouth. I felt Ezra place his hand on my head and I looked up to his wide eyes staring at me as if I just grew horns and a tail. Suddenly the pain stopped and I felt.. Calm.  “Ezra.” My voice sounded more mature and collected. “I’m not going in there. I’m going to fight.” I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, picturing a lion just like dad had taught me. When I exhaled and opened my eyes I felt different. I looked down and saw fur as white as snow and sharp claws where my hands used to be. I ran to the body mirror we had that was laid against the wall and was shocked to see a lion with the horns of a rhino peering back at me. I wasn’t very big, about the size of a miniature horse but the power I felt running through my veins was exhilarating.  “Aspen... How is that possible? You haven’t even turned 13 yet.. I don’t understand-“ Ezra was cut off by the sudden bloodcurdling noise that sounded like a dying animal. That’s mom. I rushed out the door in lighting speed with Ezra, who had shifted into his bear form, following close behind. The scene that was waiting for us outside would haunt me forever.