Malaika

THE barren forest was dark and serene. The absence of the moon added the eerie around where the dead trees perfectly concealed. Even the temperature was humid, and since the altitude was relatively high, its location made it harder for an average human to gasp for air.

Malaika sprinted fast so that she could no longer sense the danger engulfing her body. It had been the sixth day of her Santiguar—the sacred rite of her tribe given to children aged seven to ten-year-old. An ancient tradition which all the participants should survive seven days around the forest, alone. It was a test for survival to determine which shapeshifting attributes they could exercise at an early age. They blindfolded them on their first day upon reaching their respective locations.

One more day left, and it will be over. She would survive unscathed.

She knew her abilities already. Malaika could shapeshift in different animal forms. Although it required mastery, her tribesmen told her she would be the best warrior when she reached her full potential. And the possibility that she could inherit her father’s position as their Tribe Leader.

The last six days were strenuous. She made it this far thanks to the edible fruits around that she found it unnecessary to hunt live animals for food. She encountered a few wild critters, and Malaika shifted as a bird to escape. Shapeshifting exhausted her body because of her small built. She had to wait long hours to cope with the energy she lost. Once she drained her mana, she might die.

Malaika felt her thumping chest as her heartbeat increased. Navigating the barren forest was difficult. Although her father taught her the geography of their island, being present on-site was different. If only she took the schooling seriously. Geography lessons usually made her yawn. She was only interested in combat training.

She slowed down when she finally heard splashing water. Her mind wandered about the spot she was in. Could it be possible that she reached the Great Lake? Or a river near it?

She finally found her haven. Her green eyes flickered, and her lips curved into a smile. Malaika thought she would stay here until the last day of the rite.

She fetched water, using her hands to satisfy her thirst. She hoped she was not mistaken. This was the flowing river near the Great Lake of Virina, this body of water divided the two territories of Hala and Axum. It provided everyone abundance of water and the reason their agriculture thrived without food scarcity for the past centuries.