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Katrina

Kat

By Courtney KellerPublished 4 years ago 96 min read
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Prologue

Kat stood there. Her head held high with her sword held even higher. She finally felt free, felt alive. This was the moment she was dying for. Sadly, it may take her dying in the end to get it. As Katrina, Kat, stood tall on the broken stones the warm wind pushed against her. Making her brown curly hair fly up with it. Blood covered her purple and gold warriors outfit. The blood of her enemies, her friends, her loved ones, even strangers who fought alongside her. Her sun-kissed skin glowed as the light hit her in just the right way.

“You know in your heart what you need to do Kat,” Her father said, “kill or be killed.”

Kat felt her father’s muscular hand grip her shoulder. His fingers squeezing her tighter. She frowned as she heard the saying her family spoke. Kill or be killed. Did it have to be that way? Her father, the strongest man she knew. He had a kind heart and soul. Wiser than anyone she ever knew. However, his looks could not compare. When a stranger would look at him, they would be filled with fear. Seven feet tall, he was larger than average. His muscles were large, he could kill a bear....with his bare hands that is. His black curls formed luxuriously around him. They were standing stiff, even in this wicked wind.

A tear fell from Katrina’s eye as she looked down upon the enemy. Kill or be Killed. Kill or be Killed.

“I can’t.”

Chapter One: The Truth.

Katrina arrived at the small cabin hidden in London with her held high. She tried to hold herself together. It was a long time since she visited this same exact cabin, with the same exact people. Years ago, Katrina had a falling out with her sisters. After the fight, Katrina moved to America, swearing she would never come back to London. However, her mother begged and pleaded for her to visit. Agreeing, Katrina made a promise to come back to her family. This was her family, the people she loved. Why was it that in her gut, she had a feeling something was about to go terribly wrong. Kat wanted to run, to vomit, to hide, anything but enter the home that was once hers. It could be the fact that Katrina made the decision to confess a secret she had hidden for years. Katrina was engaged and planning to marry next Spring. Katrina parked her 1999 red Ford Mustang in the front parking lot. Grabbing the steering wheel she sighed heavily before turning the key. She always felt different here, as if she didn’t belong. Her family was amazing, but she knew something was not right. One of her sisters, Daphodi, always made it known she did not fit in.

She went to America to find somewhere to fit in. Luckily, Katrina did find her place. Back home, a beautiful fiancé waited for her. He waited inside their brick house covered with pictures and memories. Memories of everything, but her family. However, no one here knows that. Her plan was to tell him today., Hoping to hurry up and get the day over with, Katrina stepped out of the car.

She paused to stare up at the oak cabin, it was exactly the same. The simple cabin was the perfect setting. There on their light tone porch sat two rocking chairs. One for her mother and one for her father.

I guess I should get this over with, Kat thought to herself.

Her black boots clicked at each step she took. The wind pushed her short golden long-sleeved dress back. It flowed gently like a stream. The sound of her steps only wanted to make her run away even more. Click, click, click…

Quietly, she opened the door to the cabin. Peering inside, she saw the room lit up with gold. The curtains, the carpet, the couches. Everything was painted in the color gold. Gold was there signature color it seemed. There on the couch sat her dad. He seemed as if he didn’t age a day while Katrina was gone.

“Hi daddy,” Katrina said as she entered the lovely cottage owned by him and her mother.

“Hey, princess,” he said with his gruff tone, “are you ready for the family event?”

Kat sighed, no she was not ready. Her mother walked inside at just the right time. Kat turned her frown around. Her mother was her role model. She was a girl’s best friend, and she was beautiful. Everything about Katrina’s mother was. Her hair was like honey dripping over her shoulders. Petite, Katrina’s mother was built like a fairy. Her height could not compare to Kat’s qualities that resembled an Amazon warrior.

“Hey, Kitty,” Her mother squeaked.

“Hello mommy,” Kat hugged her tightly.

Katrina loved her father, but the love for her mother could not compare to it.

Don and Donna. That was their name. Sometimes Kat felt like their names were the only reason that they took it upon themselves to start a family.

Don and Donna, like a cute couple's name. Maybe for twins, Katrina thought to herself.

Kat went to speak, but she was interrupted by the screaming that was all too familiar. Turning around to face the door, she saw her oldest sisters. The quadruplets, all 29 years old. All four of them looked exactly the same. Like their mother, they were tiny. Delilah, Daphodi, Daphne, and Daisy. Everything about them embodied a model except for their hair and height. Each girl had red hair, the color of a fading sunset. Their curls were tanged, intertwined with each other.

“Kitty,” Daisy screeched, “I miss you. We miss you!”

“Hey pussy, ” Delilah teased, ”I am sorry. I mean Kitty..”

Daphne and Daphodi did not speak. Their expressions were kept smug. Their arms wrapped around their chest. They were not friendly to Katrina at all. Katrina never understood why. Even when they were younger, the never accepted her.

“Matching outfits I see,” Kat stared at their bright gold dresses that hung low below their knees.

“Thank you,” Daisy’s smile beamed, “we decided to go strapless.”

“Scandalous,” a male’s voice whispered silently.

Turning around swiftly, Kat found one of her nine brothers standing behind her. He was a mirror image of their father, he even looked the same age. Which was unflattering to the girls his real age. His name was Daniel, he was part of the octuplets. Yes, the octuplets. Born in after the four, they were all 24 years old. All but one of the boys looked exactly alike.

“Danny,” Kat screamed with joy, “my favorite!”

“We heard that,” the other seven boys simultaneously replied.

Spinning around again, Kat saw the other seven boys forming a line, shoulder to shoulder. She couldn't tell which one was which. Devan, Donny, Dillion, Damion, Depth, Drew, and Daim.

Each one wore a black tuxedo and grey tie. All their names started with the letter D. Everyone in the family had names that started with the letter D. Everyone except her and her other brother. Stephen. Stephen was the male version of her. You could never tell he was part of the octuplets. His big brown eyes shined in the sun, matching his sun-kissed skin. Everyone else has eyes as blue as the ocean.

”Where is Stephen, ” Kat frowned as she noticed his presence was missing.

Her father’s gruff voice spoke loudly, ”He is here. With your mother.”

Katrina never even noticed her mother snuck away. Kat left the room without a word spoken. She had to find her brother. They needed to speak about something important. Something no one knew, her engagement. Silently, Kat walked through the house. Trying to find where he could be. Finally, she found him. Stephen and Donna stood in an all-white room. A white couch, white curtains, and a white floor. The tv even happened to be white. Katrina had located them because Stephen could never control the tone or pitch of his voice that is.

”I will not tell her, ” Kat’s mother voice cracked.

”You need to mother, ” Stephen spoke, ”she came for me. She will come for her too.”

”I can not tell her she is adopted, Stephen. Your mother came for you years ago. We made it where she would not come back. She should be afraid to face us. Plus soon she would be back in America.”

”Mother, ” Stephen's voice was filled with concern.

”How can I? How can I Stephen? Katrina is adopted. Katrina, you are adopted. Katrina, you are a..”

”adopted, ” Katrina interrupted loudly.

Tears tried to push out of her eyes, but Kat swallowed her pity. The room was filled with silence for once. For once, their roaring voices did not occupy their space. Kat turned around and ran. She ran as fast as she could, past her clueless family. Passing the door, she ran as fast as she could. Her long black boots crushing the leaves, rocks, and grass she stepped on. Into the trees, where no one could find her. Her warm salty tears finally broke free. Streaming down her face, she could not stop the crying so she stopped the running. Throwing herself onto the ground she sobbed quietly into her knees. It did not upset her she was adopted. She was saddened because she was unknown. Never feeling like she knew who she was or where she just in. It explains why here sisters never accepted her. Katrina finally knew. There is no clue who she is. Where does she belong? Only her mother knew. Was that the reason Daphodi hated her?

“Woman,” An unknown voice kindly spoke, “women do not cry. We fight.”

Kat looked up and saw the strong Amazon warrior standing above her. She was a beautiful stranger. Her black curls were damply tangled, standing high, but beautiful. The stranger's skin shined like hers, but it would not be described as sun-kissed. It was more of a toned bronze color. They say the eyes were a window to the soul. It seemed her eyes held no soul. Both eyes were pitch black, it was a wonder how she could see. Her outfit was even stranger. She wore a large golden ball gown that dipped at her chest. The dress was long enough to cover her ankles but short enough to float above the dirty ground. Her sleeves were tight around her arms, wrapping around each thumb. Katrina assumed it was to hold her sleeves in place.

“What,” Katrina said with a confused tone, “I do not know you. Who are you?”

Then again, Katrina did not even know herself anymore.

“My name is,” the mysterious amazon woman paused for a moment, “Sage.”

“Sage,” Kat tilted her head in confusion.

Kat put her hands to the dirt-filled ground and pushed up. Lifting herself off of the ground. Slapping her hands together, she brushed off the dirt from her hands.

“Why are you here in the middle of the woods,” Katrina carefully took a step back. Kat had no knowledge of who this mysterious stranger was or why she was here. Was the stranger following her? Did she know Kat was here? Who was she?

Sage laughed at her question, “My dear, I can ask the same to you.”

Katrina shrugged her off and slowly backed away to the house with her eyes locked onto Sage.

“See you soon Kat,” Sage grinned from ear to ear.

Stopping in her tracks, Kat could not believe the mysterious stranger spoke her name out loud. Katrina never told Sage her name, let alone her nickname. Looking up to find the woman had walked away. Confusion struck her to the core, mixed with a little bit of fear. Turning around, Katrina ran back to their family cabin. Dodging trees, stickers, limbs, and holes, Kat soon made it home. Her family was probably wondering what happened, why she left. One thing is for certain, Kat was wondering where she came from?

Breathing hard, Kat stopped in her tracks when she saw the cabin. It felt like she was gone for a few minutes, but it was hours. The large sunset was fading in the sky behind the cabin. Katrina bent down, placing her hands on her knees to catch her breath. Her mind was telling her to go inside the cabin, but her gut was telling her to stay back. However, her decision was soon made for her.

Thirteen siblings and two parents made their way outside to her. Each one had the same sorrow expression masked over their faces. Katrina knew they were already filled in about the fight. They knew who she was, but she didn’t know who she is anymore.

“I am here to say good-bye,” Kat said as she struggled to catch her breath.

”Katrina, ” Her mother sorrowfully looked at her, ”we need to talk.”

Kat placed her hands on her hip, ”Yea, yeah, I am adopted and I'm leaving. I’ll be back. I just need time to process.”

Before anyone else could have a moment with Katrina, she straightened her posture and walked to the car. She acted strong when in reality, she felt weak. Starting her car, she spun out in the dirt and sped away. Dust flew into the air slowly covering her rear-view until she was too far to see it in the distance.

Stephen placed his hands on his hips and peered into his mother's eyes. Their mother frowned at him for she knew what he was truly thinking. She should have told Katrina sooner. She should have told Katrina she was adopted. She should have told Katrina about her birth parents, about Sage...

Chapter Two: Who is She?

Katrina sat alone in her hotel room as thoughts raced through her head. Focus on something else, she thought to herself. Looking around the hotel room, there was nothing to distract her. Her large bed occupied most of the room. A small tv, which had three channels, stood on a nightstand in front of the bed. She could pass her time with a shower, but it would not rid her thoughts. There were a few attempts to contact her fiancé, but there was no answer.

She always felt like she did not fit into this family, and now she knows why. Sighing, she lifted herself off the rose-colored bed and got dressed. Today, she had to meet her mother. It was agreed that her mother can explain everything to her. Kat wanted to know the truth, she needed it. Slipping into a short blood-red dress with clear sleeves she dashed out of the door. Leaving her hair in tangles. Her black boots clicked at every step she made. The louder her boots sounded the faster her heart raced. Nervousness filled her mind, body, and soul. With her eyes to her toes, Kat walked straight to the park next to the hotel. The only thing in her line of sight were the floors, roads, sidewalks, and dirt. Basically, she looked at the ground the whole time.

Looking up, Kat saw that she had quickly arrived at the park. It was not a beautiful or extravagant park. In fact, it was barely a park at all, it was more of a walking trail. There was a large field covered in green grass, with only one silver metal slide. On cold days it was too cold to slide on. On hot days it was too hot to slide on. Children would have to wait for just the right temperature to come to play. Even then, the line would be too long. It would not be worth the wait. A small concrete trail shaped around the field making a perfect circle with black metal benches following along the trail.

Kat saw no one walking, playing, or even sitting at the so-called park. squinting her eyes, Kat scanned the park. Looking right to left and left to right. Finally, her eyes locked on to her mother. Her mother, Donna, was dressed down for this occasion. Donna wore all black. She had black scrubs and a black hoodie. even her tennis shoes were black. Her hair was pulled high into a messy bun.

“Hey you,” Kat yelled quietly as she walked up to her mother.

Embracing her into a hug, Donna spoke, “Kitty Kat, hello.”

“Have you even slept mother,” Kat frowned.

Matching Kat’s frown, “No kitty. Sit down, we need to speak.”

They walked silently to the closet metal bench. As they sat down silence continued filled the air. The only sound was the birds chirping. It seemed both women were at a loss for words. They both know what they wanted to speak about. Only, no one knew how to say it out loud. Finally, Kat broke the silence.

“Tell me about my real parents,” Kat sighed heavily.

“Well,” Donna ran her hands through her hair.

“Well, what?”

“Your real name is Katherine Apophis. I do not know your father nor your mother. We adopted you as a baby. However, technically we did not adopt you. Finding you was just like finding your brother. I can still remember the day like it was yesterday. You were a small baby. Bald as can be with not a trace of hair on your body. it seemed your father, who stole you from your mother, had placed you in a small picnic basket. It is funny how you and your brother both fit in one as a baby. You were not clothed, had no pacifier, no bottle, nothing but a note. He had placed you on our doorstep as if he knew where we lived. We heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. only to find you placed at the bottom of the steps.”

“What did the note say,” Kat questioned her story.

“It read, This is Katherine Apophis. Her last name means, the personification of evil and was known as the Evil Lizard. I can not keep her, but I’m afraid if her mother does then we will not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Please don’t let her be evil. Raise her to know kindness, to know pitty, to know the good in everyone. Keep her away from her mother at all costs. now I know I shouldn’t share her name, but I fear if I do not then she will befriend you to steal her away.”

“What’s my mother’s name,” Kat peered at her.

“I am your mother Kitty,” Donna frowned and sighed heavily, “her name is Sage. That is not all, however. I have to tell you something before it is too late.”

Katrina’s jaw dropped at that name. Sage. She had met a strange woman named Sage at her mother's house. Now that she thought about it, her and that strange woman had resembled each other in some weird way.

“Does my mother live near you,” Kat swallowed her spit at that question.

Donna sighed, “No one knows for sure. She came to visit your brother nearby. She spoke of evil. She spoke of revenge. Your mother wanted your brother to become hers again. For a while, we lost him. He was her slave, her puppet. A war went on between us. We won him back, but she came crawling back to him. Your brother denied it because to become hers again he had to become evil again. He had to disown us. Stephen would have not been able to see us ever again unless it was to kill us. Your mother is a murder. Not only that but you three are..”

Kat interrupted, “I have heard enough!”

“Wait,” Donna tried to stop Kat from getting up and walking away.

Katrina shook Donna off of her and left her alone in the quiet park. She would apologize to her mother later, but Katrina needed a moment of silence. A moment to think about what she has just heard. Her mother was a murder? Her father an unknown man who abandoned her, but out of love. He only wanted her to stray away from the path their mother decided to walk. With all of this running through her head, Katrina did not realize she left her mother alone at the park. She had already walked a few miles. Deciding to head back to her mother, Katrina turned around. However, the thoughts still lingered in her head. Who is she? Who is her mother? Her real mother?

As Kat walked closer to the park, she heard fighting. The park was in her line of sight, so she was able to bend down before anyone could see her. Peering through the gate, she saw Donna and the girl from the woods arguing. Both looked angry, but Sage was a different kind of angry. Donna was angry because she wanted to protect her family. While Sage looked like she was ready to kill.

”Give her to me, ” Sage hissed.

”She is not yours, ” Donna calmly replied, ”she will never be yours. In fact, she never was.”

Sage winced at those words as if it pained her to here it. At least that is what it seemed. Katrina went to help her mother, but as she went to stand up a big blue ball of light shined between the park and her. Using her arm to cover her eyes, she peeked out just a little to see what was happening. Sadly, all she could see was that ball of light. It was beautiful and captivating. A light blue ball is the only way she could describe it. Finally, the ball started to shrink. As it began to get smaller and smaller Katrina was able to see more and more of what was hidden inside it. Once the ball was completely gone, Katrina gasped at the sight that she saw. Donna kneeled on the ground, her hands pressing hard on the ground. She had been injured while the ball of light covered her view. That was not the weirdest part. A large scaly blue dragon stood in front of Donna. Katrina always thought the idea of dragons were ugly, but this one was beautiful. Its blue scales glistened in the light of day. Sharp talons the color of black protruded from all four of the beast’s feet. Eyes that shined bright, brown eyes in the sun.

“Sage,” Donna whimpered, “Please.”

“No,” the dragon roared before scooping Donna up and flying away with Kat’s adoptive mother.

Realizing what happened, Kat stood up. She tried to run to her mother, but it was too late. They were both gone. The park was empty yet again. Her dragon mother had stolen her adoptive mother away, and she did not even know if she was alive or dead. Panic spread through her body, she finally registered what had happened. Turning away, she ran back to the hotel. Sweat ran down her body as her ears pounded drowning out the sound of the city. Her heart heavy, she ran to the hotel. There was not a moment she looked back. Pushing the doors to the hotel opened, she headed straight for her room. Onlookers tried to speak to her, they tried to ask her what’s wrong. However, their questions were drowned out. Running to her room, she quickly packed her things. There was no time to be organized, she thought to herself. Leaving every item unfolded and wrinkled, she closed up her suitcase and headed straight for her car. The only place she knows. She decided to go was back to her family home. They would know what to do. At least Katrina hoped they would know what to do. Before leaving, Katrina stood up and ran her fingers through her now knotted hair. Pull yourselves together, she thought to herself.

“Kill or be killed,” Katrina said out loud, “hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that. I thought being adopted was bad.”

Grabbing her bags, Katrina calmly walked out of her hotel room. Looking down to the ground, she walked through the hotel once more. Avoiding eye contact and conversations with everyone, she did not look up until she arrived at her vehicle. Opening the door to her red 1999 Ford Mustang, Katrina threw her bags in the passenger seat and sat into the vehicle. Grabbing the keys, Katrina started to panic again. She felt her chest sink as she inserted the key into the car. Turning the key, she heard the car roar. Letting out a loud sigh, she pulled out of the parking lot. With a screech of the tires, Katrina sped away from the parking lot. The city lights shrinking in her rearview mirror. After seeing what happened in the park, she did not want to come back. Suddenly, tears burst out from her eyes. This week has been filled with tears.

Chapter Three: Dragons

After driving for what seemed like hours, Katrina finally arrived at her family home. It was away from the city, far away. She had high hopes that no one would find their cabin here. Turning into the driveway, she put the car into park and turned off the ignition. The area was quiet, but that did not set Katrina into a panic. When there is not a family event, it is usually this quiet. Katrina left her bags into the car as she ran into the house.

“Daddy,” she let out a scream.

“Dad,” she repeated again.

The house was empty, her heart sank as she realized what may have happened. Sage has him too. Katrina fell to her knees, placing her face in her hands she sobbed. What was she going to do? How could she help them? She didn’t even know what was going on!

“What is the matter,” a familiar voice whispered from behind her.

Turning around, Katrina saw her father. She grinned from ear to ear then let out a high pitched scream.

“What,” Her father frowned at her.

Katrina shot up from the ground, “She has her! She has my mother! Your wife!”

Her father frowned at Katrina as she frantically paced back and forth. He knew exactly what she meant by those words. Turning around, he went straight to the phone. Picking it up, he dialed an unknown number. Katrina frowned as she listened closely to his conversation, but who was he talking to?

“What we feared has come to us,” Her father’s voice was a rasp.

“.....,” she couldn’t hear what the other was saying.

“Yes, she knows.”

“.....,” a voice mumbled.

“I will explain it when you get here,” her father whispered, “just get here Stephen.”

Turning around to face Katrina, her father frowned. The room was filled with silence as they waited for the company of her brother. Katrina had no idea why he was called. Suddenly, after a moment of silence, a loud knock came from the door. Three loud knocks. No one answered the door. Two loud knocks. Nobody moved a muscle. One loud knock. Her father opened the door which revealed a worried brother. Her worried brother, Stephen. As soon as her father moved from the door, Stephen ran to Katrina.

“Oh my god,” Stephen said, “I told them to tell you. Tell you before it’s too late.”

“What,” Katrina pulled away.

Her brother's eyes were now filled with fear, “I just hope it’s not too late.”

Her father slammed the door letting the moment pass. He coughed loudly as to let Stephen and Katrina know he needed their attention.

“No questions,” Her father yelled, “Let us go to the back yard.”

Nobody said a word. Both Katrina and Stephen followed their father outside. In the back, there was a big empty field. The grass was cut short, it was a light green. To the unknown eye, it looked as if it was false grass. Katrina squinted, she could not understand what they were doing. Stephen stepped away as her father stepped in front of her. She looked at him in shock. He now stood as if he was a leader to an army. His posture had confidence, style. He was fearless.

Suddenly, All of her siblings walked out in front of her. Katrina did not know when they arrived, but she already knew that they received the message. Whatever that may be. All the girls were in a strange suit. A black leotard clung to their body, showing off each and every curve. A gold plate covered their breasts, bottom, and crotch area. Each female had their hair tied high and tight into a slick ponytail. Their faces were clean of any makeup. They were ready for war.

All of Katrina’s brother, except for Stephen, wore a matching black leotard. A gold medal plate covered there bottoms and genitals. Those with long hair matched the females' slick ponytails. They looked ready for a battler.

Ready for war.

“What is going on here,” Katrina asked in confusion.

Her father held in his hands behind his back, “Each sibling, except you and Stephen, were trained for when this day comes. Since they were old enough to hold a sword, they have been trained to protect themselves.”

“Protect them from what,” Katrina gasped, “Why didn’t Stephen and I know about this?”

“Because we can not train you the same. Have you ever felt the need to protect someone? Someone in life or death danger,” her father shrugged.

“My mother,” Katrina whispered, guilty for not doing more.

“But you were scared. You can not be scared. If you are scared it blocks your abilities.”

“My what,” Katrina’s face bunch up in confusion.

Her father snapped his fingers, “Daniel and Donny. Get him.”

Both brothers charged for Stephen with their swords held high. Katrina gasped as she realized that Stephen did not have a weapon to protect himself. Daniel started swinging his sword, trying to slash Stephen. However, Stephen used his elbows to block each blow. Focused on fighting Daniel, Donny was able to sneak behind him. Swinging his sword, Daniel slashed into Stephen’s torso. Stephen winced in pain but did not stop fighting. Suddenly, Stephen let out a sharp scream. A green ball of light began to grow around him. It surrounded him as if it was swallowing him up. The light looked very familiar. After the light surrounded Stephen, Daniel, and Donny, it burst into rays of light. Slowly disappearing around them it revealed something new. Daniel and Donny were on the floor, unharmed. Stephen now stood high. He was a dragon. Green scales covered his body, black talons grew from his feet, his eyes now light green. Everything about him has changed. He even grew wings.

“Stop,” Their father yelled as Stephen charged for his brothers, “Remember the enemy.”

“The enemy,” Katrina questioned.

“Sage,” All her siblings repeated Simultaneously.

“Sage,” Her father repeated, “your mother. It is time you learned the truth. At first, we didn’t tell you or Stephen. We thought if you knew the truth, you both could go back to her. You could choose to be evil. We were scared and confused. You had to be safe. Sage is a killer, a murder, and a monster. The things she has done to others is unspeakable. There was a child before you both. A child that chose to be evil, follow in her footsteps. He killed, raped, and fought. One day he made a mistake. This unknown mistake was the reason Sage killed him.”

“Her own blood,” Stephen turned human, “Our brother. I knew him.”

“What happened,” Katrina side with wide eyes.

“We ended up fighting her and him. They tried to kill us. Kill or be killed,” Their father said.

“So you killed him,” Katrina frowned.

Matching her frown, Stephen walked away from the conversation.

”What is the full story, ” Katrina questioned.

No one answered.

Katrina’s jaw dropped at the news. She was shocked. Her mind was trying to process everything, but it was so much. Her blood family was dragons. A brother she never knew laid in an unmarked grave somewhere. Evil ran threw her veins. However, the choice was not hers. Evil would never be her, even if she did have a choice. Katrina looked around her. A family of warriors stood around her. She finally understood her father’s words to kill or to be killed.

Her father squinted his eyes, “Go!”

Suddenly, all of her siblings separated. The boys went after Stephen and the girls after her. Katrina paused for a moment. Nobody taught her anything. They didn’t teach her how to fight or defend. Throwing her hand up, she realized the back of her wrist had blocked a blow from Delilah. Pushing Delilah back, she turned around as Daisy ran at her with a large sword. The anger in Daisy’s eyes scared her at first. Her sisters would never hurt her, she had nothing to fear. She was wrong! Daisy swung the sword that slashed into Katrina’s arm. Screaming in pain, Katrina realized her sisters would not protect her. She had to protect herself. Looking around her, Katrina saw that all her sisters were getting closer by the second.

“No,” Katrina whispered in fear.

Katrina felt the need to protect herself but did not know how to take on all of her sisters. Suddenly, an electric surge went threw her body. It felt good, it made her feel powerful. Kat watched as a purple glowing ball surrounded her. This time she was on the inside looking out. The purple ball was a thin translucent light, it showed the shadows of what was on the outside. While the outside world seemed normal, inside the glowing orb there was much more. Purple lighting bolts bounced off the sides, missing Katrina by only an inch. The feeling of electricity raced through her body, she began to grow. Kat began to turn. Slowly, she watched as her body transformed into a beautiful purple dragon. Purple scales covered her large dragon muscles. Pink razor sharped nails protruded from her hands and feet. Turning her large dragon head, she gasped as she saw the most extravagant wings. They were a large glossy purple, with one lighting bold running throw them.

Katrina tried to speak, but no words came out. Running her tongue along with her teeth, Kat could feel her now razor-sharp teeth.

“Ow, What the,” she thought to herself.

Suddenly, her purple bubble busted open. The remainder of the light waved across the ground until it disappeared. Kat saw her family staring at her. All her siblings had fallen back in line. Her father stood beside them. They all stood grinning from ear to ear. Katrina could feel what they were feeling.

“I can feel them,” she thought to herself.

“Yes, they are proud.”

She dropped her mouth in shock. Looking around the see who spoke, she could not find anyone. Not a single mouth moved an inch.

“It’s Stephen,” he laughed in his thoughts.

Whipping her head around, Katrina saw her brother was in his dragon form too.

“What’s happening,” She returned a thought.

“In dragon form, we can not speak,” Stephen grinned, “Our mouths are for killing, at least that is what they were made for. We are lucky we can hear others speak. Sometimes, I pretend we can’t.”

Katrina looked at where his ears should be. Instead of ears, there were two small holes on each side of his head. Even with these holes, their dragon forms were still attractive. However, Katrina had so many questions.

Breaking the silence, her father spoke, “Stephen, take her. Train her. Teach her. Fly away.”

“Fly,” Katrina thought in shock.

“You have wings,” Stephen returned a thought, “They are not for looks, you know? I can’t explain to you how to use them, but the feeling will come naturally. It will take a minute to learn to balance. However, I learned quickly.”

Sarcastically grinning, “stop bragging Stephen.”

Katrina focused on her body. Feeling every inch, every twitch. Focusing on her wings, she began moving them slowly. The faster she moved them the higher she lifted from the ground. Her balance was steady until she reached the tops of the trees. As she reached the top, she looked down at everybody. Her body began to tremble and shake. Suddenly, Katrina felt the heavyweight of her dragon body.

“Focus,” Stephen thought as he flew beside her, “do not focus on anyone, but you. Think of yourself gliding through the wind. You are finally higher than the rest. No one can touch you here. Positives outweigh the negatives. Instead of being scared of heights, be joyed you can fly.”

Those words calmed her nerves more than she thought they would. Focusing on only her, Katrina gained her balance. Straightening her body, she was able to fly higher, to fly further.

“Follow me,” Stephen kindly told her.

Before thinking of another word, Stephen flew off in front of her. Following his path, Katrina looked down. She could see all of the trees, the animals, and the lake behind her house. The stream was flowing faster than normal today.

Looking in front of her, Stephen flew quickly. His green wings flapping quickly. When suddenly, they stopped.

“Follow me, Kat,” Stephen thought as he started gliding in the sky.

“Okay,” Katrina watched as Stephen started gliding down into a field.

Another field, one where they would train to fight. One where they would train to be dragons. The hard-hit of the ground interrupted Katrina’s thoughts. Her face filled with pain as she tasted the grass. She could her Stephen laughing in his dragon form. Regaining her balance, Katrina used her head to push herself up. There was a moment of silence as she glared at Stephen. Stephen returned her glare with a grin.

“Listen,” Stephen looked around.

Confused, she followed his order. It was amazing all the things they could here in their dragon form. The trees and bushes whispered in the wind. Birds chirped from far off, and squirrels chatted with each other in the branches. She could even hear the water of the lake flowing from miles away. Her dragon ears enhanced every sound.

“It takes up for our lack of voice,” Stephen rolled his eyes, “Now let us get down to business. You can fly. You can hear. Can you run?”

Katrina wanted to laugh at the question but didn’t. Instead, she stepped back. Concentrating on her four feet, she began to walk slowly. It seemed easy enough. Until she began to run. Tripping over her feet, she grunted as she tasted to grass once more. To her surprise, Stephen didn’t laugh. Instead, he looked at her with concern.

“I had no one,” Stephen frowned, “You have me. Try again.”

Katrina repeated the task a few times. Each time, she tripped and tumbled. Finally, She got it. Katrina ran happily from one end of the field to the other. Stephen felt proud, she could feel it. Her thoughts distracted her as she tumbled once more.

“Focus on you,” Stephen ran towards her, “When running, focus on you. When flying, focus on you. When fighting or defending, focus on...”

“Me,” Katrina interrupted him.

“Yes, now what have you learned,”

“Focus on me no matter what. I can run. I can fly. I can...”

“That’s all,” Stephen laughed, “Fly, run, and now. Now we find your power. We don’t have time to practice one thing every day, but you will get better as we go. Now, I can spitfire. Typical dragon thing. What can you do?”

“Power? Well, I can feel how others feel.”

“We all do that Katrina. Similar to flying.”

Katrina frowned. Stepping back, she opened her mouth. Nothing came out, no fire. Nothing, but the warmth of her dragon breath. Frowning, she didn’t know how to find her power. This was all new to her.

Matching her frown, “It is okay Katrina. For now, You must learn how to fight. Human, dragon, or more.”

“More,” she questioned.

“More.”

“How do I fight? With four legs on the ground, how do I fight? With my wings tucked in, how do I fight? I can’t breathe fire.”

“Calm down.”

“Sorry Stephen,” Katrina frowned.

Using his back leg, Stephen knocked Katrina to the ground. She grunted as she fell. Suddenly, Stephen lunged at her again. Before he could reach her, she stuck her front right foot out. Tripping him, it was Stephen’s turn to fall.

“Good,” Stephen pushed himself up with his large head,” Having two extra legs should not make you helpless. It should give you an extra advantage. Being bigger, you are stronger. Being a dragon, you can fly. Focus on your strengths, not your weakness.”

Katrina lowered her large dragon head as she was ready to charge for Stephen. Striking him hard, he matched each blow of hers with his own. They fought tirelessly until Katrina was out of breath. She stopped fighting her brother. Attempting to catch her breath, she shrunk back down into her human form. It was strange how no-ball formed around her. Watching her brother slowly transform, Katrina did not speak.

Breaking the silence Stephen spoke, “Okay, good job. Running, fighting, flying, and what else?”

“My powers,” Katrina was finally able to speak out loud.

“I don’t know Kat,” Stephen sighed, “Mine came naturally. One day a fire rose in my gut. One day I found my powers. One day, you will find yours.”

“Okay,” Kat frowned, “should we fly home?”

“No,” Stephen said, “now you fight.”

“I already did.”

“No Kat, not in your human form.”

Katrina sighed. Standing up straight, she waited for the blow that was about to hit. Before she knew it, Stephen was behind her, holding her neck with his arm. Without even thinking, Katrina flipped him over her shoulder. lifting him up, Katrina used an unknown force to throw him towards the trees. Looking down at her hands, her jaw drops. How in the hell could she do that?

Stephen pushed himself off the ground. Wiping the blood off his lip, he charged to her again. Katrina bent her arms and lifted her leg. Stephen’s chest hit the bottom of her boot hard. Harder than a normal human would. That is when Katrina began to understand. Focus on your strengths. It was what Stephen was saying all along. Her mind focused on fighting the next hour seemed to be a blur. Blocking every blow he made, soon Katrina had him pinned to the ground. Her knee pressed into his chest a wave of anger came over her. The only thing she wanted was to rip his head off right there, but she loved him. As a brother, he protected her. If she was sad, mad, or even glad he was there.

Stephen interrupted Katrina’s thought with a laugh. Getting up quickly, Katrina brushed the dirt from her legs. Holding her hand out, she helped her wounded brother up from the ground.

“Now,” Stephen brushed the dirt off his jeans, “all you need to do is find your power. As I stated before, we do not have a lot of time. Find it quickly. Until then practice what you learned today. For one day, I am an afraid sister. I am afraid we will have to fight.”

“Why? Also, can we turn into dragons without feeling the need to protect?”

“Yes,” Stephen smiles, “think of your loved ones.”

Katrina nodded at him before they both transformed into dragons.

“Stephen,” Katrina thought, “What is inside your orb?”

“Fire,” Stephen returned a thought to her before flying home.

“I’m engaged,” Katrina thought as she lifted herself into the air behind him.

Katrina flew away with him but stayed a great distance. She wanted to collect her thoughts but did not want Stephen to hear her thinking. Before long, lost in her thoughts, Katrina made it home. Turning into her human form, she noticed all her family members were fighting in the yard. Each one paired with the other, practicing. They were practicing so violently that some were bruised and bloody. However, not one of them gave up. Each stood strong, never showing a single weakness. Katrina was amazed that humans could take that much damage, but was they even humans?

“They are strong,” Her father snuck up behind her.

“Oh damn,” Katrina flinched.

“Language,” He sneered.

“Father, what are they so afraid of? I understand my mother is evil, but how much damage can she do?”

“Child! Sage has your real mother! For the love of God, she killed your brother! They fear the worst.”

“Do they fear me?”

Her father gulped.

“They fear me? I am a monster.”

Looking down at her hands, Katrina felt a lump in her heart. She wanted to scream and cry. This is not what she asked for. It is not what she wanted! Instead, she was filled with anger. Running inside, Katrina threw herself on to the nearest couch. She did not cry, but she did feel defeated. Her family was to busy fighting, and there was no telling where Stephen was. No one noticed her. Katrina decided to sleep on the couch. That way she won’t be filled with these thoughts.

Whenever Katrina was asleep, all she could see was herself drowning. Her body lay in a lake. Her brown curls swaying in front of her face. She was screaming, but the more she tried to scream the more water was able to enter her mouth. Gurgling, she reached her hands out in front of her as she sunk deeper and deeper. Her sun-kissed skin was now a pasty white. Katrina was watching her death, or was it her?

Out in the distance, she saw the wrinkles of a large shadow. Watching and waiting for her to stop fighting. This shadow stood outside of the lake, it was where Katrina needed to be. Suddenly, everything went dark. She had died.

Katrina’s own screams had woke her up. It was a dream. Gripping her chest, she gasped for air. It felt as if the water was still stuck in her chest. Stephen ran beside her. His facial expression was of pure panic.

“Are you okay,” Stephen said worrisome.

“Are we monsters,” A tear fell from Katrina’s eye.

“No,” Stephen frowned, “Monsters are made, they are not born. You, sister, were not made a monster. However, now the path is yours. What will you become?”

“I do not want to be a monster,” Katrina reached out and hugged her brother tightly.

Sighing, Stephen wrapped his arms around her tightly. He knew the fear she felt. It was once the fear he had felt himself. He wished his sister would not feel like this, but there was nothing he could do. Sage was with their mother. Stephen knew there was a chance that Donna was dead. Katrina could not know that.

“Katrina,” Stephen pulled back from her, “Do you have to harm her, Sage?”

Stephen froze in shock. How could she not want Sage dead? He wanted to kill her for everything she did.

“No,” Stephen reworded his lies, “You do not have to kill her.”

Luckily, Katrina did not question the word you. Instead, she lifted Stephen up. They were now standing. Katrina looked out the window, realizing the sun was setting. Her family was still outside fighting.

She wanted to go practice with them. Walking away, Stephen grabbed her arm holding her arm back. Katrina turned around quickly.

“They are not dragons, ” Stephen frowned, “You do not know your powers. You could kill them.”

Katrina understood Stephen’s words. She did not like them, but she understood them.

“I am going to bed,” Katrina said, “I will take my old room.”

Stephen nodded before watching his sister walk away. Walking into her old room, Katrina did not even look around. She fell onto the bed and blacked out. That night the same nightmare repeated itself over and over again. It was a miracle she got any sleep.

Chapter Four

The next day Katrina woke up to an empty house. She walked around the entire house, but not a soul was near. She did not understand why everyone left her the day after telling her all the secrets they kept from her for years. After searching the house, she went to walk out of the front door. On the door was a note signed by her father.

The note read, “Dear Katrina, we are sorry to leave you here by yourself. We would have taken you with us, but you just found out about being a dragon. It was not too long ago, you found out you were adopted. We thought we would have more time to break the news, but we were wrong. We hope you forgive us. We hope you love us. Please, understand we did this to protect you. Hopefully, we will see you soon. Hopefully, we will find your mother and bring her home.”

Katrina’s mouth dropped at the news. They left her behind to go find their mother. She wanted to scream in aggravation. How could they? She could help!

“It’s been 23 years,” She frowned, “they had time.”

Katrina, Kat, knew the truth. She was untrained. The moment she left their yard, anything could happen. Her powers were still unknown. Racing out of the house in yesterday’s clothes, her aggravation took over. A purple ball of light formed around her, lighting bounced off the walls of the orb. Suddenly, she changed into her beautiful dragon form. Flying away, she looked below as she rose above the trees. Her family was nowhere in sight.

“Are you kidding me,” she thought to herself.

Deciding not to go home, Katrina flew to where Stephen and her practiced. She wanted to concentrate on herself. What were her powers? Could she really fight against Sage?

For hours, Katrina practiced fighting in her dragon form. Running back and forth, Katrina Tumbled a few times. Finally, she was able to do things without falling. Slowly transforming into her human self, Kat sat on the muddy ground.

“I can help,” Katrina whispered to herself before laying back.

Her clothes were getting dirty, but she did not care. They were the clothes she wore yesterday. With her heart racing and chest-pounding, Katrina looked into the sky. It was a light blue filled with perfectly shaped vibrant white clouds. Suddenly, her chest started pounding. Katrina was frozen in fear.

High in the sky, there was a large shadow figure. Katrina could not make out what it was. She saw the shadow of a large circle with wings. It was Sage or Stephen. However, she did not know which one. One was evil, but the other was not. She hoped the shadow did not see her, but that was not her luck it seemed. The shadow lowered itself, getting closer and closer.

Katrina did not move as the shadow moved in closer. Finally being able to let out her breath, she realized it was not Sage as a green dragon landed beside her. Transforming into a human, Stephen frowned as the sight of Katrina on the ground.

”You were not home, ” Stephen spoke loudly with anger.

”YEA, ” Katrina said sarcastically, ”I was left out of the family vacation.”

”This, ” Stephen’s tone was dry, ”Katrina! We are looking for our mother! Your mother.”

Jumping up to face him, ”I know! I can help! You think I can't fight, but I can at least search! I can search for her too!”

”You can not! You are not ready! You could die!”

”Yea! So could our mother, Stephen!”

Before Stephen could reply, Katrina turned around and walked away. Walking towards the woods, Katrina didn't listen to Stephen screeching in the background. She knew it was not the way to the cabin, but she did not care. Katrina was aggravated by her family.

Kicking a stick, Katrina whispered vulgar words to herself. Looking up, she realized she had walked a great distance away from the field. She was lost in the woods, the trees huddled close to her. There was no room for her orb.

”What is the matter child, ” a fiery voice whispered.

Jumping in fear, Katrina turned around to see the person everyone was looking for.

”Sage, ” Katrina questioned.

Sage’s jaw dropped, ”Mother! We are family, I am mother!”

”You are not my mother. We are not family!”

“We are family,” Sage laughed, “Why did your so-called family leave you behind?”

“Because I’m not ready.”

“Lies,” Sage hissed, “You are me! They are afraid of you!”

“They are not afraid of my brother.”

“Oh,” Sage grinned, “but they were. Did you tell you the story?”

“The story,” Katrina squinted her eyes.

Before anyone spoke another word, Sage reached her hand out. For a beautiful woman, she had large skinny fingers. You could see her bones shaping them. Sage pressed her hands onto Katrina’s head. Her palms rest on her forehead, while her long fingers wrapped around the back of her head. Suddenly, Katrina was in a different part of the woods. In the distance, Katrina saw her brother fighting against his own family. An unknown man fought with him. The unknown man resembled him quite a bit. Gasping, Katrina was shocked. She knew who it was. It was there now dead brother.

From what she could tell, two against 14 were not good odds. Even with there dragon forms. Suddenly, the vision skipped to the end. The fire covered everything. Ashes fell to the floor. Stephen kneeled on the floor with his brother in his arms. Katrina had never seen Stephen cry like that. Kat’s father walked up to Stephen with no remorse on his face.

“Do not come back,” Their father sneered, “You are evil. Evil runs through your blood. We should have never trusted you. Your kind, Your kind is the devil made over.”

Katrina’s vision ended as Sage pulled her freezing hands away. Rubbing them together to warm them up, she stared into Katrina’s eyes.

“Where were you?” Katrina backed away from her.

“Excuse me,” Sage scoffed.

“You were not in the vision.”

“You were looking through my eyes. You saw what I saw.”

“Who killed the boy,” Katrina took another step back.

“Your father. At least that’s what you call him.”

Katrina pauses. How could her family lie to her?

“Why is Stephen with my father now?”

“Baby,” Sage walked closer, “to get you back. They kidnapped you. I missed you!”

Tears fell from Sage’s eyes as thoughts ran through Katrina’s mind. However, one thought stood out the most.

“Where was I,” Katrina frowned, “I knew nothing of this.”

“Gone,” Sage said, “out of London. You were in America.”

“Where is Donna,” Katrina whispered.

“Dead,” Sage cried harder, “I didn’t mean to kill her Kat! I swear! She feared me! Running from home she tripped down a hill! I am sorry!”

“Where is she,” Katrina gritted her teeth.

Taking Katrina by the hand, Sage whispered, “I’ll take you to her grave.”

Katrina did not speak as she let Sage lead the way to her grave. It was not far from where they stood, but the trees looked exactly the same. It was a wonder how Sage remembered exactly where it was. The grave was marked with a large gray stone. The words HERE LIES DONNA was written into it. Dirt was covered with rose peddles, daisies, and Delilahs. Katrina glanced at Sage. She was whispering apologies. Katrina began to think she was not as evil as her family made it seem. Katrina reached out to Sage, grabbing her hand to comfort her.

”They said you were evil, ” Katrina looked up at Sage.

Letting go of her daughter's hand, Sage stood there in shock.

”I'm not evil, ” Sage grabbed at her heart, ”We just don't agree.”

Katrina squinted her eyes. What about the vision? It didn't matter. Even if her mom was evil, Katrina wanted to know her. She didn't have to become her to know her if she was evil. She decided to play along.

”So mom, ” Katrina smiled, ”Your power is you can make what people are what you see? What's my power?”

”You don't know your power?”

”No.”

”I don't either Kat when you know you know. I was fifteen when I found mine. It was actually a funny story. I met your father a few years back. At fifteen we decided it was time to, well you know. I accidentally showed him a vision of me accidentally walking in on my dad changing.”

Katrina laughed at the story. If everything was a lie, at least that may be true. Her father.

”They said, ” Katrina paused, ”they say my father left a note and put me on their steps. In the note, he tells of you being evil.”

Sage sighed, ”your father was not a dragon. He didn't know of dragons until after you were born. I was afraid to tell him. My fear was right. After he found out, he did leave that note, but you were not included. They stole you at the dead of night. When we slept. We are only evil because we are different. People fear us because we are different.”

”I understand, ” Katrina actually agreed with her.

”Can you show me how to be a dragon, ” Katrina spoke with a giddy tone.

Sage wrapped her arms around Katrina and transported her to another cabin in the woods. This cabin was smaller than her other families. It was a normal small cabin made of perfectly rounded logs. There were no windows or doors. Only an open space for one to go in and out. Beside the cabin was a large gray cave made of grey rocks. The entrance was large enough for multiple dragons to enter Katrina wondered what was inside.

“Come dear,” Sage whispered.

Pulling into the cave, Katrina’s heart sunk to the pit of her stomach. Although she wondered what was inside, she was scared it was where she would meet her demise. Inside the cave was a dark and dirty tunnel. The light of the day shined a single beam lending the way to the very end. The cave was empty, except for a large nest. She assumed it was where Sage slept in her dragon form.

“Do you sleep here,” Katrina’s voice echoed.

“Yes,” Sage laughed, “you would be stronger if you slept as your dragon form.”

Katrina went to speak but stopped herself.

Katrina stepped up closer to the wall, it seemed the inside was held up by stone. Rubbing her hands across the drawings, she inspected each crack and crevice. They seemed to connect into one big puzzle.

“You like it,” Sage stepped closer to her.

“I should go,” Katrina suddenly got the urge to run.

“You just got here. I haven’t even given you the full tour.”

“I will be back tomorrow.”

Katrina did not say it, but she wanted to find her other family. She needed to hear their side once more. There are three sides to every story, she was determined to find the third side. That would be the truth to it all. Sage stepped out of her way and motioned her hands to the exit.

“You are free to leave or enter at any moment’s time. You are welcome here always.”

“What if I choose them?”

Sage sighed, “I would be disappointed greatly. However, you are still welcomed here. You may not consider me a parent, but you are my daughter.”

“Thank you.”

Katrina walked out of the cave. Before transforming into her dragon form she looked back one more time. Sage was beautiful. She did look evil at first glance. Her velvet green dress pressed to her breasts and sucked her gut. However, the bottom flowed with the wind. Her bronzed skin was beautiful even in darkness. Her hair could not be seen in the darkness of the cave, but Kat knew Sage’s curls still stood high and shiny. Sage, in her human form, was a beautiful picture. A model, she could be. Sadly, Katrina could not see what was behind that picture-perfect smile. No one could. Was she evil like Donna said? Was it all a lie? Who could she trust?

Forming into a dragon, she flew off. A hundred thoughts filled her head. Making it hard to fly, Katrina had to stop at the field where her brother and her last saw each other. Turning back into a human, Sage scanned the field. She was alone, finally. Crossing her legs on the ground, Kat put her hands in her lap.

Letting out a big sigh, “Great. Do I even tell the others? How would I even tell the others? Ugh, Just great!”

Throwing herself to the ground, Kat looked into the sky. The day was growing dim, soon it would be dark out. She had to go home, but she didn’t know where to go. Sage or the cabin. Katrina decided to close her eyes there. At least no one could ask any questions or tell any stories. As far she knew, no one needed her.

That night she had the same dream as before. She was screaming, but the more she tried the more water was able to enter her mouth. Gurgling, she reached her hands out in front of her as she sunk deeper and deeper. Her sun-kissed skin was now a pasty white. Katrina was watching her death, or was it her?

Katrina woke up in the feels. Sweat covered her from head to toe as she shivered from the cold.

“I need the cabin,” Kat wrapped her arms around her, “I need heat.”

Katrina transformed into her dragon form in flew home. Turning human again, Kat snuck inside the cabin. Falling asleep on the couch, she surprisingly slept all night. 

Chapter Five: Finding Mother

“Kat, Kat, Kat!”

Katrina woke up to Stephen shaking her by her shoulders. She was exhausted and did not want to hear what he had to say. Aggravated about yesterday, Katrina grunted before throwing herself off the couch.

The first thing she did was yell at Stephen.

“What do you want,” She said with her eyes wide open.

“We can’t find mother,” Stephen sighed.

“So, you decided you did need my help after the second time you looked for her?”

“Well, the fifth. Technically, there were a lot of breaks.”

“Wow,” Katrina gasped.

Katrina wanted to tell Stephen the truth but did not want him to know about her meeting with Sage. Agreeing to help, she ran upstairs to get dressed. Before she made it to her old bedroom, her father stopped her.

“Katrina,” His voice croaked loudly.

“Father,” Katrina rolled her eyes.

“This is for you.”

Katrina’s father or adoptive father handed Katrina a box. Instead of opening it, Katrina brought it to her room. Slamming the door behind her, Katrina slung the box on her bed. Sighing loudly, she walked to the suitcase. All of the outfits she had were made for a dinner date or a trip to the mall. None were made for the woods or...She gulped loudly. FOR A WAR.

Turning her head, she glared at the box on her bed. Walking slowly to it, she reached out. It was a cardboard box with hay sticking out of it. Hay...Why hay?

Opening the box slowly to reveal what was inside. Katrina gasped. It was a purple warrior’s outfit. One of her very own. However, it was not unique. It looked just like her sisters’ outfits. She slipped it on quickly and paused. It fit her perfectly. The purple spandex clung to her curves while the gold plates held tightly tighter. Knocking on her chest, she listened as the metal clanked together. How strange.

“Katrina,” her father spoke through the crack of the door. “Your siblings have left to find her. I am leaving a walkie talkie at the door. Call if you find anything. It’s on the right channel.”

Sighing, Katrina listened to her father’s steps fading away. She knew where Donna was but did not know how to tell them. However, Katrina did have a plan. One that was not exactly foolproof. Katrina was going to pretend to stumble across their mother’s grave. Donna’s grave. She would not say anything about Sage or the stories she told. Those would be for another day.

Grabbing the walkie talkie, Katrina stepped outside. She turned into a dragon and flew to the field where Stephen and her practiced. It would be there where she would turn back into her human form. Walking the same path Sage showed her, Katrina felt lost confused. She knew the grave was somewhere nearby, but it was nowhere to be found. Closing her eyes, Katrina tried to visualize the path. Trying to remember, Katrina, squinted her eyes tighter. Remembering the path, she realized that she should have passed it by now. Looking behind her, the large area was dominated by trees. It was a wonder that the twigs were not scratching her or snagging her hair. Now that she focused on her sight, she realized no tree had fallen. No limps stuck out, the forest was clean. Like her mother, it seemed to be picture perfect.

Lifting her face, letting the light and shadow dance across her skin. Bees hummed. She inhaled its minty smell and continued on, the sound of her feet sliding through the leaves. Shaking her head to rid her thoughts, Katrina remembered why she was there. It was a search for Donna, not a vacation away.

“It was right here,” Katrina said to herself calmly, “at least near here. I should have passed it by now.”

Kicking the leaves away, Katrina looked at the ground. Trying to compose her thoughts, she saw something on the floor. Right in front of her, on the ground, was a reddish-brown powder. Squatting down low, she ran her finger over the powered like substance. Putting the powder on her finger, she lifted it to her nose. Realizing it was dried bloom, she stood up in a panic. Wiping away the blood on her pants, Katrina quickly walked away. Straying from the path, Katrina refused to look back. She refused to look at the ground, her vision was locked straight in front of her.

Suddenly, she stumbled over a large lump on the ground. Falling to her knees, she caught herself with her hands. A sticky substance covered her hands. The smell of rot engulfed her, and at that moment she felt sick. Pushing herself up, she wiped on hands on a clean tree nearby.

“Gross,” Katrina groaned, “What is that?”

Looking back, Katrina gasped at the sight of it. She did not trip on a log or stump. She tripped on...

Katrina turned back around and started to gag. Now that she saw what it was, she could smell the rot even more. On the ground, laid Donna. It was a grizzly sight. Her body sprawled out onto the dirty ground. Donna’s skin was pale from the lack of color and blood flow. Her hair was covered in blood, dirt, and what looked like brains. Tucked behind her ears, Katrina could not even tell what color her hair was. Donna’s eyes were closed, but what was even more strange was what she was wearing. It was not what Sage had kidnapped her in. Instead, it was the same velvet green dress Sage had worn the other day. The length of the dress went far below her feet. Unlike Sage, Donna’s body was not made for this dress.

“The dress isn’t dirty,” Katrina gasped, “What is happening?”

Bending down, Katrina inspected Donna’s head. It seemed a blunt object was forced into her head. Causing brain damage and ultimately death.

“What about the grave,” Katrina whispered.

Picking up the walkie talkie from her pocket, Katrina slowly stuck it to her lips. Pressing the button, Katrina whispered.

“I found her.”

“Okay,” Her father replied from the other end, “bring her to the house. The kids would be happy. I will tell them.”

“Don’t father. My mother,” Katrina paused, “Donna is dead.”

Her father paused. The radio was silent.

“Did,” Katrina said.

Katrina dropped the walkie talkie. Why was she panicked? Why did she feel like the knew for the first time Donna was dead? Sage had told her Donna died. However, Sage had shown her a grave. Where is the grave? Donna was out in the open, wearing Sage’s dress.

“Katrina,” The static of the walkie covered the voice.

“Katrina,” Stephen spoke, “we heard the news.”

“What do I do,” Katrina asked about Donna’s body.

“Burry her,” Daisy whispered.

Using her dragon form, Katrina squeezed between the trees. It was a tuff fit, but she made it. Using her front two feet, she dug a hole a little large than Donna. Pushing Donna’s body, the small cadaver tumbled in. Katrina covered her rotting corpse with the once dug dirt.

Knocking over trees, Katrina managed to squeeze her body through. Concentrating on only herself, Katrina flew up high. Higher than she has flown before. Shooting off, Kat flew quickly to the cabin. She was not ready for the questions, but she had some of her own. Except they were not for her family, they were for Sage.

Finally arriving at the cabin, Katrina transformed into her human form. Her father waited outside for her, but her siblings were inside. Giving a confused look to her father, Katrina tried to walk inside the cabin. However, her father lengthened his arm out beside him. Blocking Katrina’s path, her father looked into her eyes and frowned.

“I wouldn’t,” Katrina’s father said.

Pushing her father’s arm down, Katrina stormed inside the cabin. Only to be met with a screaming crying sister in her face.

“This is your fault,” Daphodi screamed.

“Stop,” Daniel tried to pull her away.

However, Daphodi broke free from her brother’s grasp. Once Daphodi returned in front of Katrina’s face, she spoke words that made Katrina’s heart drop. It made Katrina choose what side she wanted to be on.

“You,” Daphodi spit, “You killed her. You knew she was dead. For days, we searched for her. We looked near and far. We had Stephen fly around searching the grounds for any sign of her. Dead or alive, we searched. You join one search and you mysteriously find her. Dead.”

“I,” Katrina stuttered, “it was an accident.”

“What her murder,” Daphodi hissed.

All of her other siblings gasped as the huddled around to watch the fight. No-one stopped it. They let it play out for better or worse.

“Finding her,” Katrina held back tears, “I found her by accident. I promise I did not murder her.”

Depth stepped forward, making himself seen out of the crowded room of siblings. Everyone stared at him, including Daphodi and Katrina.

Clearing his throat, Depth spoke loudly, “Katrina, even if you did not kill mother. Which let it be known, I do not think you did. Did you know she was deceased? Is that why you found her so quickly?

Everyone stared at Katrina. Their eyes locked on her. Katrina’s face went pale as her jaw dropped. The answer…yes. She did not want to tell them that. She never planned on that. Sadly her posture, facial expressions, and body language gave it away.

”No, I did not.”

Daphne whispered, “she is lying.”

“Oh no, she is,” Dillion agreed.

Daphodi returned on her rampage, “You little lying Viper. You are a lousy stinking good for nothing dragon. You are no family of mine. You are a betrayer. You know who killed her. You knew she was dead, yet you falsely acted.”

“I thought,” Katrina sighed, “if you guys knew I knew, I would never find out the truth.”

“The truth,” Daphodi laughed in anger, “The truth is you found out your evil, now you are choosing your own path.”

“I am not evil,” Katrina grabbed her own shoulder and frowned.

At this point, she couldn’t hide her tears. The salty water streamed down her face.

“Oh cry me a river,” Daphodi scoffed, “better yet go jump in the one over there.” She pointed to the direction of the river.

“Daphodi,” Daisy gasped.

“Shut it,” Daphodi snipped at her sibling.

Returning her focus to Katrina, “As I was saying. You are no family. You are a brat who we took in. May the devil dance on your grave. Better yet. May Sage. I just have one questioned, who killed our mother?”

Katrina thought about answering. Except, she did not. If that’s how her family really felt about her, then she would choose her path.

Looking at her siblings Katrina asked, “Is she true?”

Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.

With new tears forming, Katrina turned around and ran outside.

“I told you not too,” her father whispered.

Creating her large purple orb, Katrina transformed into her dragon self. Flying overhead, she scanned the land for Sage’s cave. Once Katrina laid eyes on it, she flew down quickly. Her mother was in her dragon form too. Katrina stayed in hers once she landed. In case she had to make a quick getaway.

“Why was she in your dress,” Katrina transferred her thought to Sage.

“What,” Sage returned the thought.

“She was in your dress. There was no grave. Her head was injured. She was murdered.”

“Katrina…I,” Sage replied.

Before Sage could say more, Katrina flew away. As Katrina flew away, Sage smiled up at her daughter.

The only place Katrina knew to be alone was the field Stephen and she once practiced in. Once she arrived at the field, she transformed back into her human form. Laying on the cool grass she closed her eyes and fell asleep. It was a long day. She hoped tomorrow would be better, but she knew she was wrong.

Chapter Six: Why?

While asleep in the field, Katrina had the same dream as before. She was screaming, but the more she tried the more water was able to enter her mouth. Gurgling, she reached her hands out in front of her as she sunk deeper and deeper. Her sun-kissed skin was now a pasty white. Katrina was watching her death, or was it her? What could this mean? She was about to find out.

Katrina woke up in a panic. Sweat covered her body, and dirt was stuck inside her nails.

Looking at her nails, Katrina spoke, “What is happening?”

Knowing she needed to wash off, but could not go home, Katrina walked to the river. It was a very far distance, but she knew it was better than going home. As Katrina reached down into the lake, someone had pushed her in. She twirled around in the water to see a shadow figure standing above her. The mysterious figure reached down and placed her hands on Katrina’s neck. Pushing her under, Katrina began to taste the dirt-filled water. As she was able to swallow some, she chocked on the rest. Kicking her legs violently, Katrina graded her attacker’s hands. Trying to pull them away, she was already too weak. Katrina was about to die. She could feel it as the cold water flowed around her. She knew if she put up a fight, she would be wasting energy. She also knew if she didn’t put up her fight, her attacker would definitely win. Using her fingernails, Katrina clawed into her mysterious attacker’s hands. The attacker flinched but did not stop pushing her under. Suddenly, Katrina could not move anymore. Her eyes were open, but she was dead. She was dead, but her spirit could see. her hands floated out in front of her as she sunk deeper and deeper. Her sun-kissed skin was now a pasty white. Katrina was watching her death. Correction, she had already died.

“No,” her spirit screamed.

Sadly, no one can hear the dead.

“No.”

“No.”

“I need to wake up. This is a dream. I need to be alive.”

Suddenly, her purple orb grew around her. Lighting bolts bolted across the walls bouncing back and forth. One lightning bolt, white as snow, shot right into Katrina’s heart. This did not kill her. Instead, it brought her to life.

Choking on more water, Katrina swam to the top. As she crawled to the surface, she gasped for air. Her body felt weak and fragile. She knew in this state, she could not fight her attack. Pushing herself up to her feet. Katrina decided to follow close behind, but not reveal herself. It is better for her attacker to think she is dead. Katrina walked a great distance but eventually found her attackers. How did she know these two were it? What gave them away?

She listened as her attackers bragged about killing her. Their voices sounded familiar, but Katrina could not make them out. Stepping closer, Katrina hid behind a tree. She watched as her attackers faced each other. Covering her mouth before she gasped, Katrina listened to what they had to say.

“She is dead,” Daphodi spoke in an evil tone.

“Good,” Sage said, “next is Stephen.”

“What about my family?”

“What do you want to do with them?”

“Kill them. Kill them all.”

Sage giggled, “Oh, why couldn’t you have been with me long ago?”

“With Stephen?”

Sage stepped back and looked down, “Yes, sadly he did not go for my tricks. He found out my power, and did not trust me from then on.”

“Oh, you mean the power to misinform? Show anything, but the truth?”

“Yes,” Sage laughed, “Katrina believed it. Her father believed it. You, you were different.”

Daphodi stepped closer to Sage.

Placing her arm on Sage’s shoulder she spoke, “We are not born into the path we take. We forge our own patch. Even if that means cutting a few trees or digging some dirt. I chose a path that eventually led to you. You are my destination.”

Sage laughed once more, “That is sweet but stupid. Now go break it to your family Katrina is dead.”

“Wait,” Sage stopped her, “did your siblings believe you about Katrina killing Donna?”

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” Daphodi smirked before heading back to the cabin.

Sage didn’t show Katrina what happened. The entire vision was a lie. A tale from a storybook no less.

“I have to worn Stephen,” Katrina thought to herself.

She knew she could not be seen by Daphodi or Sage. Katrina would have to remain in her human form until it was safe.

Chapter Seven: Believe Her

Finally, Katrina arrived at the house. She did not know what she would say or do. She slowly grabbed the door handle to turn it, when she heard Stephen scream. She flinched as the sound of his scream managed to pierce her ears. Now, Katrina knew she could not go inside. Quietly, Katrina presses her ear onto the door.

“What do you mean she is dead.” Stephen roared.

“Stephen.”

“Daphodi,” Stephen grunted.

“Where is everyone else,” Daphodi spoke calmly.

“Gone.”

“Gone, what do you mean?”

“They went to the store! In case you have not noticed, we have been so busy searching for mom. We have no food.”

“What?”

“Yes,” Stephen said, “back to Katrina!”

“Yes, I saw her body in the lake. She was dead. There was no hope.”

“You didn’t remove her! Perform CPR! You didn’t try to save her!”

“No, it was too late!”

“This seems fishy Daphodi.”

“Excuse me,” She screamed, “You want to blame me for her death? How about you blame hers for Donna’s death?”

“Our mother,” Stephen corrected her.

“I’m leaving.”

Katrina heard her footsteps getting louder and louder. She knew any minute Daphodi would burst open those doors and see her. In a panic, Katrina did the first thing that came to her mind. She quickly sat down and pushed herself under the cabin. Her warriors suit now full of dirt.

“Do I ever change,” Katrina thought to herself, “I need a bath.”

She rolled onto her stomach quietly, to watch her sister drastically stomp her feet as she marched away. Katrina could hear Stephen standing at the opened doorway. Once, Daphodi was out of sight. Katrina turned her body to the front. If she came out the way she came in, there was a chance Daphodi would see her. Crawling to the front of the house, Katrina covered herself with dirt, spiderwebs, and so much more filth. What made it worse is that she was still a little wet from her last altercation. Everything clung to her as if she was glue. Finally, she reached the end of the porch. Crawling out slowly, she grunted as she pulled her self up. Katrina did not need a mirror to know, it looked like she had been killed twice.

Walking to the door quietly, Katrina started knocking loudly. Bang, bang, bang! She did not stop until Stephen answered the door. Katrina frowned as his jaw dropped. It was as if he was seeing a ghost!

“You,” Stephen stuttered in fear and shock.

Pushing him out of the doorway, Katrina ignored him as she made her way to the bathroom.

“What happened,” Stephen followed behind her frantically.

“Your sister,” Katrina raised her hands in the air, “my sister.”

Stephen did not speak as he listened to Katrina rant.

“She blames me for mom’s death. Yet the girl tried to kill me herself. Can you believe it? We have to get out of here. There is no telling who you can trust. We need to leave.”

Stephen stopped in his tracks, “Which sister?”

“The one who blames me for mom’s death!”

Stephen paused. Katrina turned around to see him frowning down at her.

“How many,” Katrina whispered.

“All but Daisy blame you.”

Katrina rolled her eyes drastically before heading off to the bathroom where she planned to wash up before leaving. Stephen gave Katrina her space. He knew that the news would upset her. However, Katrina also knew they had a right to be angry.

Turning on the shower, Katrina looked at herself in this mirror. Gasping in shock, she started to pull the spiderwebs out of her hair. She could not even recognize herself. Her skin tone was lighter than normal. Eyes that were once a dark forest green were now a lighter green. Knots tangled her brown hair making it seem much shorter than it appeared.

Katrina went to touch her face, but seeing her nails stopped her. They were dirtier than ever. She knew that was from crawling under the house.

”This is crazy, ” she thought to herself.”

However, at times like this….the crazy doesn’t seem so crazy anymore.

Getting undressed, Katrina washed her outfit. Holding up the showerhead, she let the dirt, webs, and everything else fall off slowly down the drain. Once that was done, she hung the outfit on the shower rod. Next to clean was herself. Jumping in the shower, Katrina washed every inch of herself.

Getting out, she ran the plan thought in her head. She will put this outfit on, run to her room, get her bags, and leave. Of course, she wanted her family to come with her. However, Katrina knew their logo was kill or be killed. Unlike hers, which was RUN FROM EVERYTHING! She ran from problems, men, jobs, friends, problems, and PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO KILL HER.

Sighing, Katrina quickly got dressed. Running to her room, she quickly packed her bags keeping on outfit out. Katrina put on a yellow long sleeve romper and black heels. Oh, how she wished she brought jeans. Dragging her suitcases to the front door, she was met by a very panic-sickened father.

“I have to leave,” Katrina said, “they should leave to.”

“Why,” he frowned.

“We are all in danger,” Katrina said worrisome.

“No, I will not leave my home. Your mother and I built this home.”

“Daphodi tried to kill me, father! She is with Sage!”

His jaw dropped. Her father paused before saying the dreadful words.

“You are related to that monster,” the anger rose in his voice, “my daughter would never work with someone like her. For all I know, you are working with Sage! Liar! Liar! That is my child you speak of! Leave!”

Katrina held back tears, “I am your daughter too! You can not take sides with a murder!”

“You,” he pointed to the door, “get out! You are not my daughter! You are a liar!

Katrina walked out the door, but before she left she turned and stared at him. Time passed by as she waited for him to say he didn’t mean it, sadly he never did.

“I love you father,” Katrina swallowed her pride, “goodbye for good.”

Katrina knew he didn’t mean it. She just did not want to let them win. How could they take sides with a murder? Their own blood turned against them. Yet, here Katrina was on their side.

Chapter Eight: He is gone?

It has been a week since she left her family’s cabin. Not a day goes by where Katrina does not wonder how they are doing. Did Daphodi accomplish her plans? Is that why they have not called?

Katrina decided to stay close by the cabin but to not tell anyone. She took it upon herself to rent a hotel room nearby for a few weeks. They said hurtful things, but she knew she had to be there for them. Family or not. Every day, she would wear her purple suit in case someone called her. Katrina was prepared for battle.

The hotel was pathetic, but it was to closet one to the cabin. There was no tv, no microwave, or fridge in it. The bed was smaller than a twin. It was a wonder she could fit in the bathroom. However, she dealt with it.

Katrina decided no call her fiancé in America. She wanted to be with him but knew this is where she needed to be. The phone rang for a while, but then an unknown woman answered.

”Hello, ” the unknown women said, ”who is this,”

Katrina was shocked at the fact she did not recognize the voice. It could not have been his family or her friends. It was a squeaky voice she had never heard before now.

”Uhm, hello, ” the women questioned.

”Who is this, ” Katrina whispered.

”This is Kevin’s girlfriend, Molly.”

”Molly?”

”Yea.”

”How long have you been dating?”

”What does it matter to you?”

”This is Katrina, Kevin’s.”

”Kevin’s what? Sister?”

”No, ” Katrina sighed, ”it does not matter. Tell him do not call me back at all.”

Rage filled Katrina’s body. She knew Kevin was cheating, she knew she was not going back to him. As she practiced hand fighting techniques, the phone started ringing. Jumping in excitement and worry, Katrina quickly answered it.

“Hello, is this Katrina,” a croaky voice questioned.

Keeping her voice steady she answered, “Who am I speaking too?”

”It is your father, ” he paused.

”I'm sorry, but I don’t have a father, ” Katrina started to get frustrated.

”I know you are mad at me Katrina, but Stephen has been hurt.”

Katrina hung up the phone. She was worried about her brother. Putting on a back romper to hide the purple outfit, Katrina quickly slipped on black sandals. Running outside, she did not talk to no one. Her only thought was to get to Stephen. She did not know how bad his injuries were, but she figured it Daphodi played a part in it. It is definitely deadly. Running to her car, Katrina sped through the cabin. Ignoring every stoplight or stop sign on the way. Peeling into the driveway, Katrina slammed the car into park. Ripping off her romper and shoes, she ran to the porch. Knocking on the door was the last thing in her mind right now. Slamming the door open, she was her brother laying on the couch covered in blood from head to toe. It seemed as if he was attacked.

“Daphodi,” Katrina thought to herself.

Running closer to him, she noticed something strange. His lips were sealed shut with thread.

“What the hell,” Katrina gasped out loud.

“Daphodi said she needed too,” her father entered the room, “she said it was the only way to keep him quiet. When she found him, he wouldn’t stop screaming.”

“Daphodi,” Katrina said worrisome, “let me guess, she found him on her own.”

Daisy slipped into the room, “actually, she said he showed up here. Passed out on the steps.”

Crossing her arms, Katrina questioned her story, “If he was passed out when did he have time to scream.”

“When he woke up,” said Daniel as he entered the room, “I do not agree with it.”

Daphodi walked in carrying a tray of glass drinks. Katrina watched as Daphodi saw that the girl she tried to kill was alive and well. Daphodi’s jaw hit the floor as she dropped the tray of drinks. Glass shattered around her feet.

“I know,” Katrina laughed, “I am alive. Shocking right!”

Daphodi started to stutter some words but was interrupted by their father.

”Daphodi, what is your problem, ” He bent down to pick up the glass.

”Nothing, ” Daphodi gritted her teeth, ”Can Katrina and I have some time alone.”

The ten siblings and father all walked out of the room. It was now just her, Stephen, and Daphodi.

”I will kill all of you. You can not stop me, ” Daphodi walked closer to Katrina, ”I will win this. You will fail. No one will believe. They do not believe you.”

Daphodi left the room in a stride. Katrina looked down at the glass shards before looking at his mouth. Picking up the sharp shard, Katrina touched it between his lips. She paused for a moment. Looking at a sleeping Stephen, she felt bad for him. He was always the one to protect her. Stephen was always there for her. The one time he needed her, she wasn’t there. A tear fell from her eye as she slowly cut the thread apart. One by one.

As Katrina moved the glass away, Stephen’s eyes shot open. He whispered three words before passing out again.

“Daphodi killed me,” he struggled to say.

Katrina dropped the shard. She stood up ready to fight. Kill or be killed. At this moment she wanted to kill Daphodi. Looking down at her brother, Katrina knew he needed her more. The revenge would have to wait.

Walking quickly into the kitchen, Katrina filled a large pan full of soapy water and grabbed a towel. She sat on the floor beside her bother and stared at him.

“I’m sorry,” She whispered with regret.

First, Katrina pulled all the tiny pieces of thread from his mouth. Second, she took the wet rag and washed his face. After that, she washed his body. By the time she was done her water was completely red filled with chunks of dirt. Katrina was able to inspect his body and face now. The wounds have stopped bleeding, and they seem to have been burnt shut. Katrina assumed he must have done that himself.

Suddenly, Katrina heard the sound of crunching glass. Whipping her head around quickly, she saw Daphodi dressed in her warrior’s outfit lunging at her. Katrina stood up quickly and pushed her backward.

“Why are you doing this,” Katrina cried out.

“For Sage,” Daphodi hissed.

Lunging at her again, Daphodi pinned Katrina on the floor. Gripping her neck tightly, Katrina struggled as she gasped for air. Out of the corner of her eye, Katrina saw her father enter the room. She decided to let Daphodi win. Let her confess to her crimes and her path.

“Why,” Katrina croaked.

“Why, why why,” Daphodi mocked her.

Laughing, Daphodi answered, “Sage has shown me a way to live. A way that is so much better than here. All I have to do is kill you all. Stephen, father, our siblings, and you! Once you are all dead, I can be like her! Powerful, strong, beautiful, and fearless.”

This poor girl, Katrina thought to herself.

“Anything else,” Daphodi groaned.

“Behind you,” their father spoke up.

Daphodi twisted around to see her father coming at her. Carefully, he grabbed Daphodi by the waist and picked her up. Throwing her off Katrina, he looked at her with shock and disappointment.

“What daddy,” Daphodi said sweetly, “are you gonna kill me? Are you gonna kill me like you did Katrina’s brother?”

“No, I will kick you out. You are no daughter of mine. Leave now. Do not, I say, do not come back.” He said emotionless.

“You fool, ” Daphodi laughed, ”we have an army now! You can not stop us! See you tomorrow! That’s when I’ll say goodbye for good!”

Once Daphodi left, their father turned to Katrina with disappointment and anger in his eyes.

“What happened,” Katrina stuttered, “What happened with my brother?”

“He tried to kill us,” he said with a dry tone.

“What.”

“Family meeting.”

Katrina’s father left the room, but it was not long before he came back with the rest of the siblings. All dressed in body armor, including him. There was Delilah, Daisy, Donny, Dillion, Damion, Depth, Dale, Drew, Devan, and Daim.

“We need a plan,” their father said as he watching his children circle around him.

“What for,” Daisy piped in.

“What is happening,” Daniel said worrisome.

As all the siblings, including Kat, stared at him. He frowned as he grabbed his chin to think.

“Daphodi,” their father looked down in disappointment, “she will kill us all. We need to have a plan. A good one.”

“We can fight,” Donny roared from the crowd.

“Kill or be killed,” Drew chanted.

“War,” Daisy questioned in a fearful manner.

“I can’t kill Daphodi,” Delilah stepped out from her siblings’ shadows.

“We are not monsters,” Katrina stood up from the flow, “we are not evil. Kill or be killed, it is not my saying.”

“It is ours,” Daim cut his eyes towards Katrina.

“Listen,” their father yelled loudly, “I have a plan. A plan to avoid a war. However, it involves Katrina.”

Katrina stepped back slowly as to not get involved.

“It is too late to run,” Dillion whispered before grabbing her arm.

“Listen,” their father spoke in whispers, “last time, we were not prepared. We didn’t have a warning. Daphodi gave us a warning. We can be one step ahead. Kill them before they kill us.”

“I can not kill,” Katrina realized she was not ready for this task.

“Trust me,” her father stepped closer, “In the heat of the moment. When all is nearing the end, you will fight. Death do you stop.”

“I can’t kill, but I also don’t wanna die,” Katrina said as she shook Dillion’s grip loose. Freeing her arm, she rubbed the now soar area.

I have no choice, Katrina thought to herself. Looking down at her brother who was injured, Kat knew she needed to help them. After all, she was only working dragon.

Looking back to her father, Kat spoke, “what is the plan?”

“It starts with you,” Her father grabbed her hands, “and ends with you.”

Dropping his hand quickly, Kat gasped, “DEATH! You want me to die!”

Her father rolled his eyes drastically before he scoffed at her.

“That means no,” Depth said with no emotion.

All of the siblings and their father sat around Stephen. It was there they went over the plan. A plan that did not involve Stephen. After a few hours pass, everyone went their separate ways except for Katrina and Devan.

”What happened, ” Katrina questions, ”Why the war? Why is she evil?”

Devan sighed, ”it is time you learn the truth. The actual truth. A few years ago, while you were in America, Sage came to Stephen. She told him all of these wonderful things. Her visions showed him fairy tales. Little did he know, they were all lies. Stephen believed her. He was mad at us for lying about where he came from. He was disappointed that we could not show him his true form. Stephen chose to go with her. However, with that came more terrible outcomes. He and his brother teamed up. They were killing innocent people, stealing, causing fires, and so much more. Father decided he wanted him to come back, he needed him to come back. We went to find him, all of us. When we did, they…he…turned against us. Stephen swore to kill us all. There was a battle, a terrible battle. It ended in his brother’s death.”

”Who killed him?”

”Sage. She was hidden in the wounds, she shot him. On purpose.”

Devan left Katrina with her thoughts. She stayed by her Stephen’s side the entire night.

Chapter Nine: Kill her

The next morning, Katrina woke up to the sound of her family preparing for battle. Swords were being passed around, the armor was being put on, and the plan was being spoken yet again. Katrina turned to see Stephen still asleep on the couch. There was no telling how the week he was. Katrina, who slept in her suit, went upstairs to brush her teeth and use the bathroom. As she closed the door, she leaned against the wall. This plan was crazy. It was insane. It was not a plan for war! Yet she had no choice. Finish up her deeds, she went to the back yard to join the others.

“Do you remember the plan,” her father said as he met her outside.

“Yes,” Katrina looked into the sky, “do they?”

“Yes.”

The short exchange was over. Katrina watched as her siblings started to walk in the woods. They were heading to the field. The field Katrina was familiar with, but were they?

Once everyone was out of sight, her father spoke again.

“Katrina,” he said calmly,” we need to leave, “Stephen is too weak to fight.”

“At least,” Katrina frowned, “unlike the rest of us, he has a bigger change.”

Her father grunted loudly before stepping back. Giving Katrina some room, she formed her glowing purple orb. Lighting shot from wall to wall as she grew into her long scaly dragon form. The light bursts to show her father watching her. Placing one sword behind his back, he climbed onto Katrina.

“I hope I don’t hurt him,” Katrina thought about her not so great flying skills.

No one replied. It was just her alone in her thoughts. For a minute, she forgot no one could hear her.

Closing her fiery eyes shut, Katrina thought to herself. How she hoped Stephen could here.

“Stephen, please wake up.” Katrina thought, “I need you. We need you. I am scared for us. Wake up!”

“Leave,” Katrina’s father spoke in an aggressive tone.

Katrina took off to a field she had never seen before. It was near the one she and Stephen practiced in, but it was on the other side of the river. She was confused as to why they went separate ways, but she did not question it out loud. After all, everyone except for her has been in a war before. As they arrived at the new field she could see many different features compared to the other one. This field was burnt before, the grass was now dark green. It was short, but one could tell it has not been mowed over by an actual lawnmower. The field was much larger than the other. This was because all around it trees were burnt down. Some, however, seemed to be down because of a storm. Right in the middle of the field was a large broken stone. It was as if it was once used as a platform. Landing on the soft ground, she bent down to let her father slide off her back. Turning back into a human, Katrina eyed her father’s outfit. It was black leather pants with a black t-shirt. His feet were covered by black leather boots.

“What are you wearing,” Katrina scoffed.

“No time.”

Her father gently grabbed her arm and led her onto the broken down plate. Facing away from the river, they stared into an empty field.

“Remember the plan,” her father stood behind her.

“The plan,” Katrina whispered.

Sadly, the two did not know their plan already failed. In the field over, her siblings were ambush. They were fighting Sage’s army. Their plan had already started to crumble.

”Sage, ” her father’s voice roared.

Katrina flinched as his voice pierced her ears.

Out from the shadows, Sage walked into the light. She was grinning ear to ear.

”Give me the girl, ” Sage spoke.

”First, ” her father clenched his teeth.

”First what.”

”Tell me your plan, what do you plan to do with Katrina?”

Sage laughed, ”Well, kill her of course.”

Katrina frowned, ”but why? I am your daughter. Your blood.”

Sage screeched, ”My daughter would not take their side! Daphodi is my daughter. The only thing left is to kill you! Give her hour powers! Make her like me!”

On the other side of the river, Katrina’s siblings were still at war. Sage had formed an army of fighters. Yet none were dragons. They were human. Why did humans fight with humans?

”Come, child, ” Sage pulled a sword from her back.

Matching her moment, Katrina pulled out a larger sword. Holding it high in the air.

”I don’t want a war, ” Katrina stared at her sword.

Suddenly a mysterious stranger attacked her father and her from behind. The man pushed Katrina’s father off the ledge. Leaving Katrina and him alone. This unknown man stood at a Monstrous height. His black hair fell to his knees, it looked it tangled with leaves and sticks. His sword was bigger than hers. However, that didn’t matter. It isn’t the size that matters, it’s their skills. How well they have practiced. Their swords clashed together. This went on for a while, but it was not long before Katrina was injured. The stranger jammed the sword into her hip. Katrina screamed in pain as she was able to slice the stranger’s neck. Blood splattered across her face. The unknown man fell to his leaves before falling flat. Katrina kicked the motionless body off the rocks and helped her father back up.

”You could have helped, ” Katrina scoffed.

Her father went to speak but was interrupted by Sage’s squeak.

”No, ” Sage screamed, ”no. How could you?”

Kat stood there. Her head held high with her sword held even higher. She finally understood. She understood who she was. Where she came from. What her path is. This was the moment she was dying for. Sadly, it may take her dying in the end to get it. As Katrina, Kat, stood tall on the broken stones the warm wind pushed against her. Making her brown curly hair fly up with it. Blood covered her purple and gold warriors outfit. The blood of her enemy and hers. Her sun-kissed skin glowed as the light hit her in just the right way.

“You know in your heart what you need to do Kat,” Her father said, “kill or be killed.”

Kat felt her father’s muscular hand grip her shoulder. His fingers squeezing her tighter. She frowned as she heard the saying her family spoke. Kill or be killed. Did it have to be that way?

Her father, the strongest man she knew. He had a kind heart and soul. Wiser than anyone she ever knew. However, his looks could not compare. When a stranger would look at him, they would be filled with fear. Seven feet tall. he was larger than average. His muscles were large, he could kill a bear....with his bare hands that is. His black curls foamed luxuriously around him. They were standing stiff, even in this wicked wind.

A tear fell from Katrina’s eye as she looked down upon the enemy. Kill or be Killed. Kill or be Killed.

“I can’t.”

Chapter Ten: Kill or be killed?

Stephen woke up in a daze. His wounds burned on his skin. Something was telling him to get up. He had to help his family, his sister. Grunting, he slowly pulled himself up off the couch. The wounds were painful, but Stephen attempted to push them aside. Limping outside, he attempted to form his glowing green orb.

At first, he could not transform. His orb would grow, but then it would slowly diminish. Gasping for air, Stephen grabbed his hip as he noticed he reopened a wound. Deep enough to harm a human, but not a dragon. He had to change before it was too late. Thinking about protecting his family, a fury rose in his belly. The green orb expanded around him. Soon it engulfed him. He watched as balls of fire blasted from each wall of the orb. Looking down, he watched as his body slowly morphed into a dragon. A beautiful green dragon.

Stephen did not know where his family was or what he would see. His mind wandered back to the past war with his mother.

The war started because of his mother. Her urge to take revenge upon Donna and Don for taking them. She wanted them to be evil. They chose their own paths, they did not follow the right path. Sage took it upon herself to gather every dragon she knew to fight against his family. He still had scars he hid under his clothes. Everyone still had hidden scars from that fight. Whether they are physical or mental scars.

As a tear fell, Stephen’s mind skipped to his brother’s death. After hours of fighting. Stephen had burned everything to the ground. They were winning. His brother fought alongside him in dragon form. Someone, still unknown to this day, pulled out a power strong than any other. It blocked Stephen and his brother from being in their dragon form. As they were morphing back into their human form. That unknown someone threw a dagger that landed right into his brother’s heart. Stephen ran to him, but it was too late. Picking up his dead brother, Stephen wept loudly. His adoptive father came up to him.

“It is killed or be killed,” his father frowned, “I am sorry Stephen. He did the best he could to protect himself, to protect you. Forgive us.”

Shaking his thoughts away, Stephen flew high into the sky. He did not know where they were at, but he assumed they were at the field Katrina knew. Flying above the field, Stephen looked down to see his siblings at war with Sage’s family.

Delilah fought Sage’s sister. She resembled Katrina in many ways. Daisy was blocking hits from Sage’s brother’s sword. He stood three inches taller than her. His muscles filled his shirt. Black dreadlocks fell onto his shoulders. His brown eyes matched his brown skin. Donny was holding his sword to a stranger’s neck. This stranger was someone Stephen never seen before. Unlike any fighter, this stranger’s hair was a shiny blonde. His blue eyes were brighter than the ocean. He was pale as a ghost. Dillion was on the ground gasping for air, blood covered his body. It dropped from his nose, his lips, and wounds. Damion, Depth, Dale, Devan and drew seemed dead. Dohodi was dragging Daim to the other dead bodies. She was forming a circle with all of the dead bodies. Stephen’s family needed him. But he needed to find Katrina.

Chapter Eleven: The Fight

Suddenly, Stephen landed beside their platform. He was still in his dragon form, but it was not long before he changed.

Once he was in his human form he spoke, ”They are in trouble. Her army is attacking them. You have to do something Katrina. Make a decision.”

Katrina’s jaw dropped, ”go help them. I will fix this.”

Waiting till Stephen flew away, Katrina finally made her decision. Jumping down quickly, she transformed into her dragon form.

Sage laughed as she changed forms to match Katrina’s.

Now both dragons, they charged at each other with their heads down low. As their heads collided, both dragons were knocked to the ground. Standing up, Katrina charged at their mother again. Anger filled her mind as she pinned down Sage in her dragon form. Sage struggled to move. Suddenly, they were in the field on the other side of the river. All her siblings laid motionless in a circle as Daphodi stood in the middle.

Daphodi laughed, ”all we need is Katrina. I will be a dragon. Finally, I will be strong. I will be fierce. I will be fearless.”

The vision faded away, now Katrina was looking into Sage’s pitch black soulless eyes. She was emotionless.

”You lose, ” Sage thought as she grinned at Katrina.

Anger, Katrina felt anger. Placing her front talon onto Sage’s neck, she pressed down hard. Her sharp talon entered Sage’s neck. Oddly, Sage did not scream in pain. She did not cry out.

Transforming to her human form, Sage struggled to speak.

”A monster, ” Sage struggled, ”you killed your own mother. You are a monster.

Katrina began to tear up in anger. She was not like her.

”go ahead, ” Sage grinned, ”follow your path. I will die with pride. You will live like me. A monster.”

Pulling her talon out, Katrina backed away.

”Shut up, ” Katrina yelled as she transformed into a human.

Picking up Sage’s sword, she cut her mother’s head off in a fit of rage.

”Katrina, ” her father whispered.

Her eyes flashed white.

”SHUT UP!”

Her purple orb started to glow around her. Whit lightening flashed across her faster than ever. It was as if the bolts felt her emotion.

The orb exploded as she began to flap her wings. As she lifted herself into the arm, she flew towards the field across the river. Looking down, she saw her mother’s vision. Her siblings were laying in a circle around Daphodi. Daphodi in the center of the circle spreading green scales around her.

Katrina was confused by her actions. How would this make Daphodi like her mother? What was Daphodi thinking? Katrina looked around for Stephen. What she found made her blood boil and her mouth dropped. Located outside the circle, she saw Stephen in his dragon form. As he lied on the ground, Katrina could tell he was wounded. His skin was peeled off by some sick person, that person was Daphodi. The green stuff was Stephen’s skin. Anger filled her. It flowed through her like a river. Laying her purple dragon eyes on Katrina, a silver lightning bolt fell from the sky. It fell right onto her sister. Striking her down, her burnt body was now on the ground. She was dead.

Katrina fell to the ground and morphed into her human body. Tears fell from her eyes. The salt warmth was not enough to distract her from this gruesome scene. Running into the middle of the circle, Katrina let out the biggest scream. Her rage had turned into sadness. Throwing herself the ground, she sobbed into her hands. Without noticing, Katrina’s orb enlarged around her. It began to surround Katrina and her twelve siblings. Twelve lighting bolts shot from wall to wall. One lightning bolt entered each sibling’s heart. Working like AEDS, the lighting bolts brought each sibling back to life. One by one each sibling gasped for air. Katrina uncovered her face to see what she had unknowingly done. She brought each sibling back to life. The orb burst open letting out purple rays that crossed the grass until they slowly disappeared.

Her father, who walked miles to find her, saw what had happened. He was amazed by her newfound powers.

“Katrina,” Her father said amazed.

Katrina was startled by her father’s voice. She did not know her father had witnessed what she had done. Before she could speak, all of her siblings struggled to get up. Some walked to her, while others limped. Some were smiling, while others were frowning. One this is for certain, each sibling was confused. Confused about what happened and where they were at. Not one sibling had a memory of a fight. They only knew of the plans, they didn’t know it happened.

“What happened,” Daisy touched her head.

“What,” Daphodi yelled, “no. No. No. You are all dead.”

Katrina turned to see Daphodi alive and well. Daphodi started throwing a fit. She stomped her fit like a toddler. Katrina walked up to her. Her hands on her hips, she was ready for another war.

Squinting her eyes, Katrina spoke, “kill or be killed. You tried to kill us. All of us. You failed. Kill or be killed.”

Katrina picked up a sword off the ground. She held it to Daphodi’s neck. Daphodi started crying. She was pleading for forgiveness.

”Let us forget it, ” Daphodi laughed nervously, ”it was a big misunderstanding. We can forget it ever happened.

Silence filled the out.

”You, ” she pointed to her siblings, ”you would have done it too. If you only knew the power you can get.”

All the siblings shook their heads simultaneously.

“Forgive and forget. I forgive you. Now forget about us,” Katrina dropped the sword. Daphodi ran away quickly. She had no questions. She had no reason for her actions. No explanation, no apologies, or remarks. With Daphodi gone Katrina looked at her other siblings.

“It is not kill or be killed. We can not live that way. We have to just forgive but not forget.”

The siblings stood there shocked, as Kat began to speak again.

”Daphodi has made many mistakes. Mistakes she can not forget. In the end, it is our choice. Our choice to kill or be killed or forgive and forget. I choose to forgive her, but not forget. I will not forget what she has done. Maybe this is her second chance to be better. You can all do what you want. I, however, am going home. I will forgive her, but I will not forget what happened here today.”

”You are not a monster. You chose a path that ended up saving multiple lives. You are a hero that no one will know, ” There father spoke proudly of her.

”Thank you, ” Katrina looked up, ”As I know I can not stay here. I will be back, but right now…..”

”I get it, ” her father interrupted her.

Her brothers and sisters, except Daphodi, ” all said their goodbyes. Each one after another until it was over. Once over she backed away from them and turned into her dragon form. Flapping her wings she flew away. She did not look back, but she knew they were watching her as she flew into the distance.

fantasy
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About the Creator

Courtney Keller

I am still learning.

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