As Devon approached the gates of Seacrest High, the morning sun dawned brightly. After weeks of repairs and fortifications, the school was finally reopening after the devastating Coco Mosquito attack.

Students milled about chatting and laughing in the yard, but an undercurrent of grief remained palpable. The disaster had claimed over two dozen young lives and left no one untouched.

Passing through the gates, Devon overheard hushed conversations about the tragedy.

"Yuh hear how much died because of them mad bugs?" one lanky boy whispered to his friend. "Mi cousin get bite up bad and now he can't stop lighting things on fire when he sneeze!"

Nearby, a group of girls consoled their weeping friend. "Shana did have so much potential as a healer. Why God take her so soon?"

Devon sighed and continued on. The mosquito massacre had left his school community reeling. But there was hope too. Many students had awoken to marvellous Coco Powers like Tanya. Though still mourning friends, they now had amazing gifts to shape their futures.

As Devon daydreamed, staring at the wispy clouds overhead, he collided straight into another student entering the yard, knocking the books from her hands.

"I'm so sorry!" he blurted out, bending to retrieve the fallen texts. "Mi shoulda watch where..." The words died in his mouth as he rose and got his first good look at the girl.

She was Asian, maybe half a foot shorter than his six-foot frame, with long silky black hair and delicate features. The girl blinked at him with stunning amber eyes that seemed to swirl with hidden depths.

"Um, here yuh go," Devon muttered, handing her books back sheepishly. She was strikingly beautiful.

"Xièxiè," the girl replied with a slight bow, hugging the books to her chest. Her musical voice had a distinct Mandarin lilt.

Devon rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Yuh new here? Don't think mi see yuh before..."

The Asian girl smiled. "Yes, I just transferred to this school recently. My name is Mei Wen." Her melodic accent wrapped warmly around each syllable.

"Nice meeting yuh, Mei Wen. Mi name Devon." He smiled back, finding himself drawn to this fascinating new girl already. "Yuh have a schedule yet? I can show you around."

Mei Wen nodded gratefully. "I would really appreciate that, Devon. This school seems very big for such a small island."

🔔

When the first bell rang, Devon walked with Mei to the office to get her class schedule. She had literature first period, the same as him.

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"Just stick with mi, I'll make sure yuh reach your classes safe," Devon promised. Mei beamed radiantly.

While they headed to the literature classroom, Mei Wen admired the vibrant wall murals depicting scenes from Jamaican folklore - Anansi tricking the other animals, or Papa Bois the bush spirit protector.

"Jamaica has such a rich culture and history," Mei remarked. "I'm going to learn so much during my stay here."

Devon nodded proudly. "Yeah man, wi culture is really unique. Plenty legends and mysteries."

He pointed out notable landmarks around campus as they walked - the towering Jackfruit tree behind the cafeteria, the statue honouring Olympic gold medallists, and the radiant mango tree with the golden fruits.

Soon he delivered Mei safely to their literature class. "Just remember, I'm your guide while yuh deh ya," Devon said supportively. The first day at a new school could be daunting.

Mei’s amber eyes began twinkling. "I'm so grateful to you, Devon!" She gave his hand an affectionate squeeze before entering the classroom.

Devon stood frozen for a moment with his heart fluttering oddly in his chest. Shaking away the strange sensation, he hurried to take his own seat seconds before the final bell.

During the long hours of lessons that morning, Devon's thoughts kept drifting back to the beautiful transfer student Mei. He couldn't explain the almost magnetic pull she seemed to exert on him.

Finally, the recess lunch bell rang and students poured eagerly into the courtyard to chat and eat. Devon headed straight for the large mango tree in a far corner, secluded from the rest of the bustling crowd.

Tanya was already waiting there and broke into a huge grin when she saw Devon approaching. Ever since gaining her shapeshifting powers, Tanya had taken to wearing fox print dresses and hats that matched her new talents.

"Devon! You have no idea how dead-bored I've been in class all morning," she exclaimed, embracing him happily. "Tell mi how you enjoying being back at school now."

Devon laughed. "Trust mi, it was way more interesting than being cooped up inna the hospital bed still. But mi have huge news fi share when yuh done eat." His eyes were lit with excitement.

Tanya quirked an eyebrow, intrigued. They sat together beneath the shade of the mango tree, watching glittering fairies no bigger than hummingbirds zipping between the sweet golden fruits. Ever since the Coco Quake, tiny mythical beings had returned across Jamaica.

Devon lowered his voice to an eager whisper. "Remember how I told you after the funeral that mi never get any powers?"

Tanya nodded, looking confused.

"Well that changed a few nights ago," Devon revealed with a grin.

Tanya's eyes went wide. "What?! 😲 Tell me now, what’s yuh powers?"

In hushed tones, Devon described the confrontation with the three thugs in the woods, and how in desperation to save Rex, his dreadlocks had discharged some kind of electric whip that destroyed a flying Coco blade.

"It happened so fast, mi still figuring out how mi do it," Devon admitted. "But there was definitely some electric energy shot from mi locks that saved Rex."

"That's incredible!" Tanya exclaimed. "We can be superheroes together now. Just wait till yuh learn yuh full powers."

She plucked a ripe mango and split it open for them to share, the sweet tangy flesh was delicious. "So are you ready to start training and make the most of your blessings?"

Devon nodded firmly, already imagining himself mastering his electro-dreadlock abilities. "Yeah man, for sure. We need to find a safe space though, away from prying eyes."

Tanya smiled thoughtfully while licking mango juice from her fingers. "I know just the spot. Meet me after school at Lover's Beach. That cove is protected and secluded."

The dismissal bell rang then, forcing an end to their clandestine conversation. "Bet, see you there," Devon said as they walked back towards the campus buildings. He couldn't wait to further explore his budding superpowers.