The Shifters: Katrina
Part Three - Ch.13: Winter Walks

The next day, I woke up and escaped the dorm before Talia could bully me into an outfit to her liking. I dressed warmly, despite not really needing it, and walked through the thin layer of snow. Most of the roads were already cleared of the fluffy white layer, but the forest was untouched. I spent my time walking, having woken up much earlier than normal. It was just getting light out as I wandered through the trees, their branches without leaves and reminding me of a scene from a horror movie. I walked in silence, appreciating the crunch of snow under my boot and the fog that was my breath.

It was peaceful.

I didn't have to worry about fighting anyone. Coraline would find a way to track down Xavier, and if I needed to, I would take him on. Then, we could track down the last Guardian in captivity. Cory's party was tonight, and I could count myself as eighteen since it was the third of February.

I kicked snow, watching it stick to the tree trunks.

Things seemed okay.

I was constantly waiting for another attack, another nightmare, or another bout between friends. But, there was none of that waiting for me in the trees.

"You're such an ass!"

I stand corrected.

My curiosity was piqued, my boots leaving footprints behind as I walked toward the noise. It came from one of the outdoor sparring areas where shifters used their elements against each other. Standing in the center were two very familiar boys.

And they were shirtless.

Not that I minded, but I still had the decency to look up.

Rowan and Quintin sparred, using fire against water and martial arts against martial arts. The two of them had fought before, so it didn't surprise me. Instead, I was happy to know that they were dealing with it in training instead of yelling or snapping at each other.

With nothing better to do, I leaned against a tree at the edge, watching. They looked angry, both of them putting effort into the fight.

And arguing.

They put a lot of effort into arguing.

"You're such an irresponsible idiot," Quintin snapped as Rowan's fist connected with his face.

"And you're a jerk to all of us," Rowan spat, blocking a hit, "except for the water kids."

Ice shot from Quintin's fingertips, digging into Rowan's shoulders. "Well you're not exactly my friends."

"Well," Rowan grumbled, leaving a burn on Quintin's wrist, "we're not enemies."

Quintin grinned, kneeing Rowan in the stomach. "The compounds may not be, but you can't blame me for being territorial."

"Oh, yeah?"

The water shifter used a kick, only for Rowan to brush it off. He tripped Quintin, sending the wolf shifter to the ground.

"Yeah," Quintin panted. "Wolves tend to want to protect the people close to them."

"Well, I can't push the blame onto my animal, because I don't have one," Rowan grinned at Quintin, "I'm brave enough to admit I'm fighting for her because I want to."

"Cocky," Quintin snapped. He threw him off, both of them scrambling to their feet. My eyebrows rose, and I snorted as they continued pummeling each other.

Wonder what's got them so angry, I sighed, turning away. I continued my walk, ignoring the sound of grunting and cursing as I spent my morning alone.

My good mood stayed with me for most of the day, even through all of my classes. By the time it was sixth period, I was fired up and ready to blow off steam before tonight's party. Cory hadn't been able to shut up about it during lunch, getting all of us excited.

"Hey, Katrina!" Victoria called over the sound of people taking hard punches. "Step it up! This isn't kindergarten!"

I scowled, turning back to the punching bag ahead of me. As she asked, I stepped up my speed and strength, pulling on the stamina of a dragon. My fists were a blur, the chain holding the bag to its bar rattling with each strike. The elite hummed in approval as I grumbled, sweating and focused on nothing else.

"Okay, warm up over!" Victoria yelled. Everyone stopped, staring back at her. This class was for hand to hand combat, the elite smiling maliciously. "Pair up for sparring."

I looked around, unsure of who to ask. Usually I would be paired with Sonya, since before the foreign shifters had arrived, she was the only friend I had in this class.

A hand slammed into my back, making me stumble. I whirled around to see Luke sticking his tongue out at me.

"Partners?"

I smirked, punching his shoulder. "Partners. I'll get you back for that, earth boy."

"It's on, water girl."

"Alright!" Victoria shouted once everyone had their pairs. "You know the drill. Get a mat, shake on it, then start. Five minute rounds, okay? Take. Breaks."

The class nodded, spreading out to the various mats. Luke and I shook hands, both of us sweating from the previous activity. We backpedaled, starting at either end of the mat.

The fight was well matched. Even though Luke was bigger than me, we were both pulling on our animal sides for extra power, which helped even out the scales. We landed as many hits as we missed, going back and forth and all around the mat. We were keeping it on the simple stuff, flying under the radar as sweat poured down our backs. I grinned at Luke, his own smirk appearing. The shifter ducked under one of my punches, tackling me around the middle. We wrestled on the ground, eventually rolling away from each other.

We didn't get back up.

"Okay, I'm calling the break, damn it," Luke sighed. "You're such a stubborn fighter."

I would've stuck my tongue out at him, but he wouldn't have seen it.

"You're a good fighter," I said breathlessly.

"Thanks. You are too. One of the strongest ones in our year, which is impressive."

I blushed. "Thanks, Luke."

"Not a problem."

I listened to him groan, turning my head so that I could watch him stumble over to me. He offered me a hand, and I smiled. Reaching for him, I felt his strong grip around my hand, a feeling of trust forming in that second.

Even when he tricked me, tripping me.

"Break over," he smirked.

I rolled my eyes.

Asshole, I thought, smiling as he backed away to give me space to ready myself.

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But still...

Luke... Isn't too bad...

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