Prints_Birth of The Demon Read online

  Marinetta grabbed another dress from the bed. “Option two.”

  She held up a soft knee-length red dress.

  Dominaze eyed the dress. “Red is a bold color.”

  “Dominaze, today the Elders will give you rights back into Domicile and you will have your Talom celebration. Prints will be looking at you no matter what color you have on.” She tossed the dress to her.

  “You’re right.”

  Dominaze slipped the dress on. It was soft and wavy.

  “It’s perfect. Here.” Marinetta handed her some gold, strappy gladiator sandals.

  In a matter of minutes, Dominaze had her hair pulled into a high pony tail and was decked out in diamonds.

  Marinetta stood back and smiled. “What do you think?”

  “Wow.” That was all Dominaze managed as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I must be nervous. I feel like I’m shaking.”

  Maritnetta stood still. She seemed to be waiting for something. “It’s not you. It’s the Earth. Kor must be close. He’s the Elect Elder over Earth and it vibrates when he’s near.”

  Hemrick slowly poked his head around the corner. “I hope you’re ready. The Elders will be at the door any minute.”

  Marinetta gasped and held still again. “Soomi is coming too?”

  “Yes.” Hemrick disappeared again into the hall. “Please come.”

  Marinetta grabbed Dominaze’s hand. “Oh Dominaze, please invite me to stay with you for your Rights into Domicile interview. Soomi is iconic. I have looked up to her forever. She is the Elect Elder of Water and can create a tidal wave using just the moisture in the air. Not only is she extremely powerful, but she is a fashion symbol as well.”

  Dominaze shrugged. “Sure, I guess. You did help me get ready. How did you know Soomi was coming?”

  Marinetta linked arms with Dominaze and led her out of the room. “It’s always more humid when Soomi is near. The moisture in the air seems to follow her.”

  Hemrick smiled at Dominaze. “Yes and the humidity is another sign that I hope you’re ready.”

  “I don’t know. Am I?

  Hemrick shrugged. “I doubt it.”

  Dominaze’s heart sank. He didn’t think she was ready? Her mouth opened but no words came out.

  “I’m kidding.” Hemrick nudged her shoulder. “They’re not going to ask you anything you don’t know.”

  Dominaze glared at him. “Don’t do that.” She shook off her nerves. “Who’s the third Elder coming? Can you feel them too?”

  Hemrick motioned for them to follow him as he walked down the hall. “It’s Tistine, the Elder of Vegetation.”

  Marinetta interrupted, beaming with excitement that she was about to see Soomi. “Na, you can’t feel her. It’s just vegetation. You can’t feel anything about vegetation. They’re just plants. It’s only strong Prints like the Elect Elders over Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth that you can feel. The others are just regular Elders and can’t…”

  “Marinetta.” Hemrick turned to face them. “I left a window open in the bedroom. Can you do me a favor and close it?”

  “Sure.”

  She gave Hemrick a cheesy smile before hurrying down the hall. As soon as she was out of site Hemrick turned to Dominaze.

  “Dominaze, it’s very important that you understand that no Print is more important than the next. Every Print has an important role in keeping the balance of all three worlds. The Elect work with the Elders to govern and keep that balance.”

  “I understand. All Prints are important.”

  “Exactly. You must always remember that.”

  Marinetta jogged back to them. “There was no window open.”

  “Thank you for checking.”

  A knock on the door had Marinetta instantly bouncing with excitement.

  “Wait at the top of the stairs.” Hemrick left them.

  Dominaze rubbed her sweaty palms together nervously. “Have you met any of the Elect before?”

  “No. Daddy says their meetings are strictly military business and doesn’t let me attend.” Marinetta pursed her lips. “But as soon as I’m a Print all that will change.”

  “Has Hemrick?”

  “Oh yes. He’s met them many times. What with your dad being next in line to be the Elect Elder over Wind and all.”

  “What?”

  “For sure. Orphes is the Wind Elect Elder right now, but he’s old and really sick. As soon as he dies, Kyro will be recognized as the new Elect.” Marinetta shrugged like it was nothing.

  Kyro’s voice came from downstairs. “Ms. Dominaze Pierce.”

  Dominaze put her hand in front of Marinetta who seemed ready to race down the stairs.

  “Um…Wait here for a minute.” Dominaze didn’t want Marinetta bouncing out of control, acting all star-struck while she was trying to stay calm.

  Stepping with caution down each step, Dominaze hoped she wouldn’t trip and make a fool of herself. She was grateful Marinetta chose flat sandals for her to wear. She could feel the vibrating ground from Kor. The gathering downstairs was impossibly intimidating as they watched her approach. Dominaze knew who each Print was immediately. Soomi’s shimmering dress was fitted to her perfectly shaped curves. The ocean-blue color matched that of her markings, which weaved over her skin and throughout her pinned-up hair. Her pale eyes stood out against her tan skin and dark hair. Next to her stood Kor. His black hair and beard were longer than anyone’s in the room and completely entangled with dirt, sand, and shimmery dust from gems. His brown suit looked to be the only clean part of him. Far shorter than them both stood Tistine. She was much younger than the Elect Elders but there was a look to her that warned Dominaze not to mess with her. As Dominaze came closer, she noticed not only was Tistine’s skin marked with green swirls, but actual vines seemed to be growing over her. They weaved throughout her green-streaked hair and wrapped about her arms and legs. She wore what appeared to be a green poncho. With Kyro looking just as intimidating, Hemrick was the only one that didn’t make Dominaze want to run from the room.

  “Ms. Dominaze.” Kor came forward. He placed his hand on her right shoulder and bowed his head.

  Dominaze stood motionless.

  Kyro cleared his throat, “Do the same, Dominaze.”

  “Oh.” She quickly placed her hand on his right shoulder and awkwardly bowed her head.

  The other two Elders both stepped forward and greeted her the same way.

  “Come.” Kyro led everyone into the sitting room. “I understand you are all busy. We’ll get started right away.”

  Marinetta crept down the stairs after Dominaze and clung to her arm as if she were afraid someone would pull her off. Dominaze sat next to Hemrick on the sofa.

  Soomi gestured to the center of the room. “Please, remain standing dear.” She had an unfamiliar accent.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Getting up, Marinetta was quick to scoot in next to Hemrick. Dominaze tried not to shake as she walked to the center of the room.

  “We will begin. I am Soomi Elect Elder of the Water.” Her accent was so thick Dominaze had to focus to understand her. “This is Kor, Elect Elder of the Earth and this is Tistine, Elder of Vegetation. We will be your three witnesses for this interview and Rights into Domicile.”

  Dominaze swallowed hard.

  “Very well. Kor.” Soomi motioned for him to begin.

  “Yes. Dominaze Pierce, do you swear to answer all questions asked throughout this interview truthfully to the best of your knowledge?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good, and do you understand that the purpose of this interview is to give you rights back into Domicile? Meaning, that once rights are given you must remain in Domicile throughout your training years and cannot travel the border into either of the other worlds?”

  “Oh. Um…yes.” Dominaze fidgeted with her fingers as she realized there was no going back now.

  “Good,” Kor c
ontinued. “Before crossing the borders into Domicile last night by way of wind, how much of this world were you aware of?” He paused for her answer.

  “None of it, sir.”

  “And your mother, Kora Pierce, does she remain in her Manick state?”

  Dominaze furrowed her brows. “What is a Manick state?”

  Kor rethought the question. “Does your mother have markings on her skin like that of a Print with authority?”

  “No...”

  He nodded. “Have you ever seen markings on your mothers skin during any of your time living in The Keep?”

  “No, sir.”

  He nodded and continued. “Have you ever broken a law or code in your former world?”

  “No…or…maybe?” Dominaze swayed nervously. She wanted to answer the questions as honestly as she could. “I stole something once.”

  “Please explain.”

  “It was last year. I took some gum from a convenience store on the way to school.” Dominaze felt her face turn red and regretted agreeing to wear the red dress. It no doubt made her blushing look worse. She quickly found herself rambling in defense. “But I had only taken it because I didn’t have time to brush my teeth and my breath was terrible that morning and I felt bad right after. The gum didn’t even taste good and I left it on the table outside the convenience store on the way home because I was too scared to go in. I promise I won’t steal anything ever again.”

  Kor smiled. “I see. Well as long it was only a one-time offense.”

  “Yes. It was only once.”

  “Very well. And have you ever committed a crime that resulted in government action?”

  Kor tried not to smile as he waited for another explanation like that of the penitent gum thief. Dominaze blushed again as she realized he was asking about more serious crimes.

  “Oh. No, sir.”

  “Very well. You will be taught codes established in Domicile by the Elect, Elders, and Prints of this world to support the balance of this world along with its two co-existing worlds. Do you agree to follow and live by these codes, and to support the balance of our worlds?”

  “Yes.” Not knowing what these codes were, she could only hope she was answering truthfully.

  “Have you ever experienced any supernatural or unnatural abilities that you believe you may possess?” Kor eyed her closely as he waited for her response.

  “No, sir.”

  “You’ve never thought of something you wanted and had it happen?”

  “Um…” Dominaze racked her brain for any memory of ever having anything happen that she had wanted. “No, sir. It’s more of the opposite. The more I think of something I want, the more it’s repelled from me.”

  “Very well. Do you agree to train and use your imprinting authority to benefit those around you in ways that comply with established codes?”

  “What?”

  Kor again rethought the question. “Do you agree to do good to those around you and use your imprinting authority only in ways that abide to our codes?”

  “Yes. I do.”

  “Misusing your imprinting authority can result in a fine, removal of your strip, time in our detention center, and, depending on the severity of the situation, lethal action. Do you understand?”

  Dominaze swallowed hard. “Yes, sir.”

  “Very well. Soomi.” Kor gestured for her to take over.

  “Ms. Dominaze Pierce, you are hereby granted Citizen’s Rights and may return to Domicile and are therefore permitted to reside here permanently. We do encourage you to learn as much as you can to give yourself equal opportunity as those Prints who have been born and raised within Domicile. We also grant you clearance to undergo your Imprinting here within your home, rather than in an Imprinting Facility.”

  All three Elders stood and for the first time Dominaze noticed Thora Hummington standing at the back of the room. It was the first time she had seen her be so still, not even a twitch from her finger or flutter from her eyelids gave her away. She stared at the Elders with narrowed eyes and a scrunched forehead. No one seemed to notice her. Each Elder pressed their finger to a white paper before Kor handed it to Kyro.

  “Her identification number will come within the week. This form is temporarily good for any legal documentation you will need for her schooling enrollments.” Kor turned to Dominaze. “Good day, Ms. Dominaze. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Dominaze smiled at all of them as they walked away. She relaxed her shoulders and sighed in relief.

  Marinetta was by Dominaze’s side in an instant, bouncing anxiously. Dominaze looked back for Thora, but she was suddenly gone.

  Marinetta sighed. “Did you see her, the way she talks and moves and looks? She’s filled with authority.”

  “Sounds like you have a crush.” Dominaze nudged her.

  “Of course I do.” Marinetta stated in all seriousness. “It’s important to strive for perfection and so I will surround myself with nothing less than perfection.” She looked over her shoulder at Hemrick still sitting, before turning back to Dominaze. “I’m invited to your Talom celebration right? Because you need me there and I have the perfect outfit that would look great with what Hemrick is wearing.” She giggled.

  “Of course. I need someone I know to be there.”

  “Great. See you soon.” She called to Hemrick as she ran out.

  “You didn’t have to invite her.” Hemrick came and put his arm around Dominaze’s shoulders.

  “I kind of feel like I did.”

  “Well, then I’m changing so I don’t match anything she comes back in.” Hemrick left and Dominaze was alone.

  Looking around, she smiled.

  “Tonight I will imprint and finally belong.” She said, staring out the window. For the most part she believed it, but another part, a deeper part, knew it wouldn’t be that easy. She found herself staring at the now empty place where Thora Hummington had stood, glaring at the Elders just moments ago.

  ~4~

  BURNED

  Hiding behind a curtain, Dominaze peeked through the window at the arriving guests. There was a never-ending stream of Prints gathering outside. She crunched down on some chips she had stolen off a party table in a pathetic attempt to drown out the surrounding voices. The thought of being the center of attention among these strangers had her stomach in knots.

  “Dominaze?” Hemrick called as he jogged down the stairs.

  She knew he had gone up looking for her. As much as she didn’t want to be found, she couldn’t hide forever. Forcing herself to stand a little taller, Dominaze came out from behind the curtain. She was about to call to him before he ran outside, but someone else found her first.

  “There you are.” Kyro came from across the room.

  Dominaze forced a smile. “Kyro…I mean Dad…”

  He was holding a thick red leather-bound book. “I was hoping to catch you before you headed out. This is for you.” He handed the book to her.

  Dominaze groaned under its weight. “What is it?” Heaving it up, she read the title, 5,001 Prints.

  “This book is from the Elders headquarters. I requested to have it for the next few days so you could get a better idea of all the Print types there are and better understand our world. It describes every Print ever recorded and what their authority includes, as well as rules and directions.”

  Dominaze flipped open the cover and glanced at the pages.

  “Don’t get overwhelmed,” Kyro warned, placing his hand on the book. “By tomorrow there will only be one Print that will concern you most…the one you become. I have no doubt you will be amazing and do incredible things.” He touched her right shoulder and bowed his head before heading out to greet some new arrivals. Looking down at the page in front of her, Dominaze read aloud.

  “Number 208, The Dust Print.”

  Next to the name was a picture of a Dust Print showing off his grey speckled markings. Beneath it was a
description of everything a Dust Print could do.

  “A Dust Print has authority over all dusts in the environment. The dust ranges from small dried earth, air, animal, and plant particles, to dust mite droppings and, in rare cases, authority over the Dust Mite as well. Dust Prints are highly valued in clean facilities such as hospitals and clean rooms. They can easily use absorbent dust particles to collect harmful germs and take them out of the environment. In battle, a Dust Print’s attack can fill the air with dark dust clouds, rendering an attacker blind. Lethal attacks are strictly forbidden and will result in government action. Dust Prints must be aware of the harmful effects dust can have on surrounding Prints, Taloms, Manicks, and Humans, and must exercise proper authority to keep their surrounding environment clean. Polluting the air and suffocating any person is among actions that will result in immediate government discipline.”

  Dominaze shook her head. It didn’t look appealing. She hoped she wouldn’t become a Dust Print. Turning a few pages back, Dominaze read “Desert Flower” and saw a Print marked with pink and white swirls down her side. As she was reading the description, she noticed torn page fragments down the margin of the book. The page before had been torn out. Touching the ripped edge, she briefly wondered what Print was on the missing page, but shrugged her shoulders and continued to flip through a few more pages. She was surprised at the variety of Prints in existence. There was a Dandelion Print who could grow a dandelion in the dead of winter. There were Prints that could manipulate the thoughts of animals or insects to do as they needed. There were Water Prints, Fruit Prints, Fire Prints, Soil Prints, Gold, Silver, Light, Shadow and the list went on and on. Dominaze’s head hurt looking at all the possibilities. Shutting the book, she wondered what she would wake up as.

  “I have been looking everywhere for you.” Hemrick took the book from her. “You can look at this later. You’re missing your party.”

  Outside a band began playing and cheers filled the air. Dominaze shrank.

  “I’m not sure I want to go out there to have a bunch of Prints stare at me.”

  Hemrick gave her a pitiful smile. “Well, then you won’t mind that most of the guests came just to see Dad and will hardly notice you.”