
“Let her go.” Matto caters to her.
Dyani hops from the couch. “Wado, Adadoda (Thank you, Father).” Her restlessness is clear as day. Dy hustles out the door as fast as a wild horse.
“I wish you hadn’t done that; she has to be here for support.”
“Why ruin her day?”
The green wall phone rings from the kitchen. His wife gives him an annoyed glance before going to pick it up. “It’s your father,” she informs him. “Yes, the sunlight hex. I have the books; I just need to study.”
Matto focuses on his son. “How are you feeling?”
“Bad…I ruined Dy’s day.”
“Your sister will recover. Is there any thirst?”
“No. Just the buzzing…my hearing is amplified.”
“How so?”
“The mixer sounds is a chainsaw.”
Matto broods. “I’m sure my father will sort out these mishaps. He’s a caster, his magic isn’t as strong as it used to be.”
“Are there others out there who cast?”
“I’m sure there are… your mom and I will do our best to locate them. You have our word.”
“Dear, your grandfather wishes to speak to you.” His mom calls him over to the phone. “Hold it far, in case it’s too loud.”
He does as his mother recommends. “Osiyo, Ududu (Hello, Grandfather).”
“Osiyo, Kota.” An elderly voice chimes; calming and sweet. “How are you?”
His grandfather’s tone is high in volume through the receiver, so he holds it at an awkward distance. “Still adjusting.” He ups his volume, since the old man isn’t superhuman.
“I assume your hearing is catastrophic?”
“Yes.”
“I have remedies for that as well. I’ll forge a necklace for all the issues. The thirst, sun, and senses will be put at ease. But not cured. You’ll never be able to remove the locket. Understood?”
“Understood.” Kota nods. “When will it be ready?”
“I will begin carving tonight. As for the spelling, that will take a while. I wish I could do it sooner, but my strength has lessened over the years. But I will gift you this blessing. There is still hope. These horrid days will soon be in the past.”
Kota can’t help but allow his emotions to stir. His eyes water. “Wado (Thank you).”
“Of course, walela (hummingbird).”
He wipes his eyes, perplexed that such a human quality can still belong to him. Aren’t tears a sign of being alive?? A sign of being human? I thought I was dead. Why would the devil allow me to pose as human? Is it to mock…or is it for balance? Even animals feel. When thrown from heaven, even Satan felt emotion. I guess this life comes with a double-edged sword.
Once the sun sets, the family goes out to the porch. “We can stay here, if you’d like.” His mother consoles, holding jumbo containers of pudding.
“I think we should join the crowd.”
“But the discomfort?”
“I’ll handle it… Dy was right, we can’t enjoy the show from here.”
Matto grins proudly at him. “Yes, you’ll handle this.”
The park is where the town’s Pow-Wows are always hosted. The fire staffs mounted from the ground take him back to his childhood. I remember my 5-year-old self wearing a headdress too large, which kept slipping down past my eyes. I remember being fascinated by the flaming staffs waved by the dancers. I still am. A flutter of honor consumes him.
Kota’s lifeless eyes burst with color. Fireworks scatter the sky in orange and yellow explosions, representing the Cherokee Nation. Tiki torches circle the entire park, ten feet high. Flags hang, rippling gracefully. The Great Seal at the center; surrounded by seven yellow stars. Each is positioned towards the middle, paying tribute to the seven clans.
Drumming, flutes, and chants resonate the neighborhood. He endures the blasting music, not caring that his ears feel as if they’re bleeding. The pulsing is crucifying. But the pain is worth it… He smiles so big that Odina laughs. The three enter the park, mingling in with the mass. All members of the community are present, well over a thousand. Kota tiptoes to see over the shoulder of those ahead of them; they’re at the back of the crowd.
An assembly of performers prance in the center of the park; moving as one in a flawless circle dance. Their beaded moccasins, ankle-high footwear, and pucker-styled toes glide in unison. Their head-dressings bounce, the eagle feathers are colored black and white. The entertainers bear long, braided hair with otter ties.
Both men and women wear vibrant costumes complete with dangling fringe. The artists hold flaming staffs. Rattles are tied, which twirl and shake to add flare. Women sway their shawls in a breathtaking motion, resembling huge, colorful birds flapping their wings. He cheers with the crowd, clapping up a storm.
Orange, yellow, blue, green, purple, gold. The traditional costumes are mesmerizing. Kota appreciates the singers, who all share a gigantic drum. Their beating hands and vocals warm his heart. His eyes gloss up. It’s so beautiful. Life is still beautiful despite the darkness inside. All I need is my tribe to remind me where I belong. I belong here. We are strong as one.
“Let’s get closer!” Kota shouts before grazing through the crowd.
A few in the audience notice his appearance. Pale skin, and even paler eyes. It makes many double-take. Kota is surprised that people he’s known since childhood are flinching away from him. Fleeing. Terror waves over the crowd, an uproar of hectic screams. One man holds his arms out to protect those behind him. The defensive grimace he gives is soul-shattering.
Oh, no... Kota’s eyes sweep those around him.
They all back away, no longer enjoying the show. The yells of children pierce the air. He’s seen as a horrendous monster in their eyes. A devil. The band’s music stops. The singing fades. The entertainers slow their dancing. The joyful festival dies. The mob clears further and further away, isolating Kota into a lonely circle. Many exclaim in long gasps.
The rez officers. Bly is amongst them. A friendly face that now holds hostility. What? Why? I know Bly… he knows me too. I don’t understand! Am I that menacing?? Is my appearance that chilling?
The officers march their way. Matto and Odina rush to shield their son. The audience part ways for the cops. “Matto… what do we do?!” Odina panics.
“Stay calm.”
Bly studies Kota’s ashy skin. It’s no longer brown as his. He gawps at the creepy eyes. A shiver overtakes his body. “It’s true… you fed on the Waya family!! You killed them!”
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