The Shifters: Katrina

I was starting to hate this conference room.

Sitting there with my team, Coraline, and the other masters did nothing to improve my spirits. Even when my other friends walked in, I couldn't muster up a grin. I hadn't looked at the book or loose page since leaving the library, leaving it to Coraline. Her expression had turned from curiosity to wonder to horror as she read through it, which also didn't improve my mood. My hands were shaking, my stomach felt queasy, and my heart was racing. I tried to close my eyes and calm down, but all I saw was the fight with Xavier and Sonya, or the face of my mother as Coraline ripped off her hood.

Damn it, I thought, gritting my teeth. I just wanted the bad news and wanted this all to be over.

"Everyone ready for this?"

We nodded at our leader. I wasn't the only one who was antsy. Sitting next to me was a fidgety Koren, the wolf unable to sit still. I nudged his arm, distracting him from the wait. He offered me a grateful smile before Coraline cleared her throat.

"According to Zei Droves, the creator of compounds, the originals were, in fact, the first four shapeshifters. They do, however, have successors."

I hugged myself, trying not to tense up. Koren, who couldn't hide his nervousness, perked up. "Successors to what?"

"Their duty to help shapeshifters, of course. Like in the stories, the originals were tasked with protecting our race. That's the only reason they helped Zei with himself."

"So," Willa prodded, "what does this mean?"

"According to Zei, the successors are born in generations. There are four, like how there were four originals. When the last of the four dies, they all get reborn. Apparently, they have roles as well."

"This is all in some book?" I blurted.

Coraline lifted an eyebrow, looking unimpressed. She pushed the journal my way, motioning to me.

"Be my guest."

I scanned the words slowly, having a hard time with the cursive at first.

Pride told me about their futures when I first met them, but I didn't believe him until I felt the power waves a year ago. The four successors, the Guardians, are just like them. I have finally met them all. Zora, the kind shifter with the ability to use her charms to convince any shapeshifter. She's Elegance's successor. Harvey, Ferocity's reincarnate. He has more power than any shifter I've ever met. His form is a gryphon. Then there's Loyalty's, who I just met. Laura's element is not any of the four. She has the gift of healing. Finally, the first successor I ever met. Rogan, the commander. Pride's successor that the original warned me about. His word is law.

After reading the paragraph to everyone else, my voice had become strong once again. "Four special shapeshifters made to lead us," I said slowly. "Special like how the originals were special."

"Generations of them," Coraline added, "meant to work in strong teams."

I looked up, sliding the journal back to her. "That's incredible. Of course the hunters hid that from us."

The others didn't share my enthusiasm. I looked around the table, ignoring the fact that I hadn't even seen the separated page of clues that Coraline held as well.

"What? What's wrong?"

Silence.

Seriously, why're they so upset? We're making progress! We fought off the hunters! These Guardians could save us from Sonya and Xavier's betrayal!

What's the problem?

Puzzled, I stared at my lap. The two coloured apprentice bands glared back at me until it clicked.

"Wait..."

Coraline nodded, confirming what I didn't even say.

"If the Guardian of power had a form that isn't supposed to be possible... And Katrina has a form that isn't supposed to be possible," Shae muttered slowly, "then... I mean, is she..?"

"She has two elements too," Gene pointed out. "That's a hell of a lot of power."

"So, Katrina..," Coraline shrugged, "maybe this is the explanation."

Is this is the reason why I am who I am, I thought, why was Marie so worried? What is it about being this way that will be a danger?

"Katrina?"

I got up, unable to stay any longer.

"I'll read the book later on my own time. You guys decide what to do."

"Katrina, don't go, we should--"

"Please," I whimpered, "let me go."

Everyone was still as I strode to the door.

"What will you do?" Coraline asked, half gently, half curiously.

Cry over my family. Cry over my mother. Train until my thoughts are nothing but static. Let myself mope until I can get over this and... And maybe even...

No. Not even I could do that.

Similar to the day in her office, I spun around on my heel while leaning back, swinging myself around. A dry, upset smile was on my face.

"Who knows..."

I tilted my head.

"Maybe I'll do some Guardian stuff."

End of Part Two.