The Shifters: Katrina

During my lunch break, I was lost. I strolled slowly in the direction of the cafeteria wondering who I could hang out with. So far, the only teenagers I knew were Heather, Beth, Gene and Tyree. The first three weren't my type, though I did prefer Gene to the two girls. Tyree was also intriguing, but I couldn't invite myself to her table because we'd barely spoken.

Gradually, I pushed the door open and stepped through. Various people looked over at me, and I figured they could hear my steps with superhuman hearing. I could see flashes of elements being played with, and noticed that everyone seemed lively. There were no ridiculous separations and cliques, just a sea of goofy teens with powers I was excited to test.

Kami doesn't want me to fight anyone, but what if I just provoke them to show off a bit? I mused, wandering toward the lunch line. As far as I knew, the school would provide us lunches for frees, and I grabbed whatever I wanted without a fuss.

Once again, I was at a loss for somewhere to sit.

"Hey, new girl."

I turned around, slightly annoyed, and met eyes with one of the shortest boys I'd ever seen.

"I'm Antonio. Tyree sent me over to invite you to sit with us," the boy said. While he was short, he was built like someone strong, and was surprisingly handsome with blue eyes and nearly platnium hair. On his arm was a green band.

"Thanks," I said, lightening up as best as I could as I followed him to a table. Tyree was already there with another three people, one of which I recognized. It was Gene, and his eyes widened when he saw me.

"It's you!"

I laughed sheepishly. "Yeah... Hi again."

"You know each other?" Tyree asked as Antonio sat down. There was space beside the gorilla shifter, and she motioned for me to sit. I whispered a quick thanks before nodding.

"I met him on my first day here. I wasn't supposed to though," I laughed, glancing at the new shifters I'd never met. There was a lean muscled boy and a bigger girl with white hair and dark eyes.

Tyree snorted. "You're the one that got dragged back to Coraline's by the ear. Damn girl, I didn't recognize you."

The others laughed as I shrugged. "I don't regret it -- that much."

Tyree nudged me with her arm. "You looked lost, so I figured you might want to sit with us until you find someone you prefer," she said in a low voice so that only I could hear. I nodded subtly, whispering another thank-you before digging into my lunch.

Though I was already liking where I was.

"So, who are you? Tyree didn't tell us your name."

"Katrina," I replied, holding up my wrists, "I'm a water shifter. I have no form, though."

The girl offered up a gentle smile. "I'm Sonya. This is Ben."

"Nice to meet you," I answered before shoving more food into my mouth. She followed suit, eating much quicker than I expected her. Damn, she's a beast, I thought as I watched her wolf down salad. But maybe vegetarian, I added, spotting zero meat on her tray.

"So," Antonio began, "you're new here."

I lifted an eyebrow. "Yup."

"And already a master's apprentice."

I shrugged. "More like I'm just being watched extra. When I took that power test I got a giantic willow tree, so they put me with a master."

Ben's food nearly spewed from his mouth. "A tree? Your blood made an entire freaking tree?"

I nodded. "It was weird for me too," I admitted, "I'm trying to adjust to all this but I keep having to give myself a wake up call."

Beside me, Tyree cleared her throat.

"Most shifters are like that. Especially the ones that are contacted by shady people and told they're apart of a magical race. That's how most outside shifters learn about who they are.

"Either way," she continued, "looks like you're gonna be the most powerful shifter in Iluita. Trees are totally unheard of. Supposedly, Coraline grew a giant patch of tall sunflowers, and she owns a compound."

I shifted uncomfortably. They'd mentioned having responsability as someone who has the abilities of a shifter, but there was no way in hell I wanted to be responsible as the strongest one. Strongest being used loosely, of course. So far, my form hadn't made any appearance and I had no clue how to use my element.

"Sounds like I'll have a fun time," I sighed, flashing a half hearted smile.

Sonya reached over and gave me a playful poke. "You'll be fine."

"Excuse us."

Everyone at the table turned to look at the shifters behind us.

They were twins, and behind them was the familiar face of Beth. Tyree tensed, glaring at Beth over the shoulders of the twins, who were both tall, model-like blondes.

"What do you want?" Antonio snapped. It was clear to me that there was hatred between them and the group of three, and I knew immediately that the twins were apart of the cliché popular girls. After all, Beth and Heather were the type to be with that clique.

"New girl," Beth greeted me, "you're sitting with the wrong people. These guys aren't your type."

One twin smirked. "Beth's right. These guys are loners. They don't let anyone into their little club."

I glanced at the arms of the twins, but found no bands. Instead, they had the apprentice cuffs around their wrist, one with air and one with earth. While I was staring at them, the three girls managed to find space on either side of me, leaning in uncomfortably close. They wedged in between Tyree and I, and the gorilla shifter looked like she was fuming.

"You're a water apprentice!" The second twin exclaimed. "You should come sit with us. We're apprentices too!"

"These guys will think you're a bitch soon enough, don't bother trying," Beth echoed, her face too close to mine. The familiar feeling of rage boiled up inside me, a challenge bubbling up. I wanted to pummel her into the ground, but Kami's words kept me from grabbing her by the hair and shoving her off.

Tyree sighed. "You can go, Katrina. It doesn't matter to us."

"See?" Beth chirped. "They don't care."

I leaned so that I could look around at the people at the table, instead of the girls crowding my personal space. They all stared at their food, and I was surprised to see that Gene wasn't able to get Beth away from us. After all, she seemed to try to show off around him.

I'm not throwing myself into the volcano of gossiping bitches, I decided, crossing my arms as I faced one of the twins.

"I'm good here," I said firmly, "whether they want me here or not."

There was a pause before she laughed obnoxiously in my face, her hand wrapping around my arm. She continued to giggle, yanking me to my feet with shifter strength.

"You're hilarious. Oh my gosh, like who would ever," she snorted, her twin and Beth getting to their feet as well. My anger began to increase, and I planted my feet as I tore my arm away from her.

"I'm being serious."

There was a look on Tyree's face, one that told me no one had ever decided to ignore the twins before. I forced myself to relax, dropping my hands to my sides instead of aiming to punch the girl.

"You must be dumber than we thought."

I blinked, partially shocked as the other twin crossed her arms, leaning on one hip. The other two looked sympathetic, their eyes scanning me up and down.

"Maybe you belong with the loners."

My breath caught as I had a flash of what it was like in Greenhill.

Alone.

Did I just give up my chance?

My mouth fell open as they strode off, commenting snidely under their breath. I was feeling indecisive, which was unlike me, and confused.

"Hey, Katrina?"

Tyree's voice broke my shock and I looked over at her.

"What?"

She nodded toward my tray of food.

"Lunch's gettin' cold."