The Shifters: Katrina

The next day, I did my best to go to classes normally and keep my thoughts on track, avoiding losing myself dwelling on other things. It lasted for the entire day, and I still hadn't thought about my problems even as sixth period rolled around.

Maybe I shouldn't be proud of that, but I was good with it.

Either way, I was still concentrated even as I got ready for Victoria's hand-to-hand combat class.

"Okay, girls, ready?"

I stood across from a classmate I didn't even remember the name of, nodding at Victoria.

She mirrored me, looking nervous.

"Perfect. Five minute match; start!"

I smirked. For this sparring match, one of our 'projects' in Victoria's class, we couldn't use our animal forms or elements for an advantage. It was as if we were completely human, which was perfect for me. I had been fighting since I was younger, pummeling rich kids from Greenhill into the ground.

That, and I was hoping I could get a power wave here or there that could help me out.

The girl readied herself as I grinned, swinging for her. She went to block, only to realize we were much slower without our animalistic energy. The blow struck her throat, making her choke. Instead of taking the opportunity, I backed off, waiting for her to regain her breath.

"Don't have mercy!" Victoria yelled at me. She then turned to the girl. "Sandy, get your ass in there!"

This is dangerous, I thought to myself. She clearly isn't ready for this.

The student, Sandy, shook herself out and glared at me. I grimaced, watching her run at me. Instead of knocking her away, I simply side stepped, tripping her as she flew by. Sandy picked herself up immediately, looking uncomfortable in the ring. We were being watched by the entire class as a part of the assessment, and even my friends looked sympathetic for my opponent. I pursed my lips, dancing around her as she swung for me again. When she kicked, i caught her foot, throwing her to the ground.

"Just stay down," I hissed, "we shouldn't be against each other."

"You think you're too good for me because you're special?" She spat, getting to her feet. I ducked under her punch. "Back off. I'm fine."

That's nowhere near what I meant, damn it.

Frustrated by her judgement, I landed a blow in her gut, one hand on her shoulder to keep her from collapsing. She doubled over, grabbing my hand that buried itself in her stomach. Her chin rested on my shoulder as she gasped, groaning.

"I tried."

Sandy's eyes widened as I swept her feet out from under her, listening to her hit the mat. I turned to Victoria, putting my hands on my hips.

"I've had elite training," I pointed out, my tone flat. "This is an unfair fight."

"It's your assignment," she muttered. "Do you want to fail?"

I scowled, clenching my fists. "Victoria, I'm going to end up--"

My words fell short as a fist connected with the back of my head. I growled, craning my neck to see Sandy behind me. While I had been advocating for her safety, she'd socked me.

"What was that, Katrina?"

And Victoria was sassing me.

I glared, watching a few faces go pale as I stared at Victoria with a blank expression.

Then, without so much as a word, I turned toward Sandy and slammed my open palm into her face, sending her stumbling. Within seconds, I was in the air, using the ballerina training I'd had to kick her twice in succession. As I landed, she keeled over, a low thump filling the tense air as she fell. I didn't hesitate, driving my foot into her side, grabbing her by the arms and forcing her onto her feet. Once she was upright, I slammed my elbow into her throat, watching her collapse, grabbing her neck as she tried to breathe properly.

Rage fueled my body as I shuffled to face Victoria, glaring once again.

"Have I got a perfect score yet, teach?"

Victoria scowled. "You didn't have to do that."

"You wanted more," I countered, unable to look any of my friends in the eyes. They seemed horrifed. "I gave you what you wanted."

"You just beat her up without thinking," Victoria spat. "That was not a match. You should know better."

She walked onto the mat, shoving past me even if she could've gone around, kneeling next to my classmate. Sandy would be fine, and Victoria knew that, but she still insisted in babying her.

This is bullshit.

She provoked me. You told me to have no mercy.

I tried to stop this.

But it's still my fault? Is this a test?

I gritted my teeth, feeling water gather in my hands. It was a reaction to my overwhelming emotions, like what had happened with Marie. My control wavered.

What is going on anymore? Guardians? Invasions? Unfair matches? She should've known to separate us.

Ice crawled up my arms like sleeves, growing over my clothes. It was the same as the frost that became a mobile shield in my fight with Xavier.

Was I getting ready to take on Victoria? Is that where my emotions were leading me?

"Hey."

Despite the ice on my skin, someone had the guts to touch my shoulder. It was Luke, the sweaty student offering me his usual nonchalant smile.

"We all think that was a dumb decision," he assured me, "so just cool off, okay? You've done worse to classmates before."

I snorted, noting the reference to Heather and Beth. Shoving him away, I found my anger draining out of me.

Maybe I need some me-time to cool off soon...

Luke skipped back to my side, throwing his arm around my shoulders. I wrinkled my nose, ignoring him as best as possible.

"Over it yet?" Luke teased, watching Victoria help Sandy to her feet. The rest of the class had moved on, bored with the drama.

"Yeah," I muttered, "she insulted me during the fight -- I don't feel that bad."

He snorted, shaking his head playfully. "That sounds like you."

"Shut up," I said, sticking my tongue out.

He grinned, and I saw him look all around my face. I almost felt self-conscious, but then the feeling passed as he tapped my nose before ruffling my hair. I gasped, offended, and smacked him away. We started play fighting, hitting each other with a toddler's punches and kicks. People laughed as Luke tripped, the earth shifter playing dirty and pulling me down with him. I smacked into his chest, glaring as I lifted my head.

"Asshole."

"You know you love me."

"I know you love me."

He rolled his eyes, watching me as I pushed myself up and jumped to my feet. I offered him a hand, pulling him to his feet just as the bell rang.

"Got anything to do?" Luke asked me, stretching like a cat.

I shook my head. "Not really. I've mostly caught up."

"Want to do some patrolling?"

I shrugged. "Sure, I just need some shifting-friendly clothes. I'm wearing stuff from back in Greenhill."

His eyes swept me up and down, his lips curling upward. "What an amazing fashion sense."

Considering I was wearing a yellow t-shirt and lightwash jeans, I was going to peg that as sarcasm.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll meet you outside Coraline's."

We strolled out of the school together, Luke nodding. "Sounds good."

"Alright. Bye, dumbass."

He scoffed, but his grin proved that he didn't take offence.

"Oh, Katrina, you wound me..."

"Yeah, yeah. Sure."

"You really do, baby."

"Oh shut up. See you soon, Luke."

"Bye, dumbass."