Nationals this year was in Utah. To win here could lead to an international assignment. Every gymnast dreams of not only making the national team, but getting sent on assignment abroad. I was now old enough to vie for a spot on the senior squad. The juniors could only do dual meets, and meets between just two countries often took place within the United States. As a senior I could hope for the World Championships, or in three more years, the Olympics. I just had to stay healthy and focused.
I had my nerves in check as my roommate and I got ready for our first day. Coach was already at the venue as our gym had a girl in the junior session earlier in the morning. Today was actually just a training session to let us all get used to the equipment. I was excited to see friends from other meets that I havent's see since last year. I was looking forward to showing off my new skills.
Mom was with me as always,
I hope your enjoying it so far. Do you think the dragons will get Katalea? Let me hear what you think...
Subtlety was not an issue for whatever was rampaging my way. It wanted me to know it was coming. Perhaps it got a thrill from the pungent odor of fear. I scented sulfur and ran away from it, towards the scent of water. Ahead I saw a small ravine, man-made near the highway, one of those built to keep it from overflowing in severe weather. I could use some severe weather right about now. I thought of the drawings I had done as a child. I have loved weather catasrophes for a long time. The thought of a violent storm had not been relevant for so long but maybe I could use those thoughts now to my advantage. I picture one of my favorite drawings of a tornado, the details becoming clearer as I lose myself to the memory. The murky clouds clashing together, causing thunderous booms and formidable lightning strikes. Wind so fierce the trees were bent in arcs or snapped at the base and tossed heavenward
Reminiscing was fun, and all these childhood memories had me nostalgic for the care-free days of my youth. In a few short hours I would be officially eighteen. High school was a distant memory having graduated early. I still trained with the local werecats here in California, until the school year was done. In a few short days we wold all be making the permanent move to Egypt. On my eighteenth birthday many things would take place. I would take over the Pride as Alpha, I would be crowned Princes Katalea, and as the werecat world had not had a princess in thousands of years, it would be quite a celebration. I would also be eligible to find my mate. This thought excited me and terrified me at the same time. We would celebrate at home here in typical human fashion. Music, food, friends, and more food. Many of the kids from the high school actually had become decent people in the last year and all were invite
Packing up a life is hard work. I had piles for donation, piles for storage and piles to send to Egypt. Most of the things going to Egypt were weapons. Now, I understood the need for a private plane! How in the world did one ship countless weapons commercially without bringing in law enforcement and their myriad of questions. I made one last trip to the gym where I had spent my youth. I wanted to give my old leotards away to someone who could use them. Walking in the front door brought waves of memories. Countless hours of my younger years had been in this building. Soaring high days when everything just clicked, lonely low days where nothing I could do was right. Pulled muscles and overworked joints could not compare with the feeling of perfection when you hit a spectacular routine and stuck the landing. I saw Coach, a little olde
When we finally arrive in Egypt, Maggie is there to meet the plane. I didn’t know I could love another like I love Maggie. It is so good to see her, we hug forever before noticing we are the last ones on the tarmac. After the long flight we all piled into different cars and vans sent by Grandfather. Maggie and I rode together in the first car. Dalya was probably jealous about that too, I couldn’t keep up with her emotions. When we finally pulled up to the ferry I noticed the long line of cars waiting to be searched before entering. To the left I could see the walk-on customers in a single file line that snaked around the Ferry Master’s office. It looked as if everyone had some sort of ID they had to show before they were searched. I wondered what they could be searching for.
“No more, I just can’t.” I whimpered. I had been trying on dress after dress, approving fabrics and style. How many outfits does a princess need after all? I had seen silks, satins, linens, and lace, what I had not come across was good old denim. My days clad in jeans and a t-shirt appeared to be at an end. The room was cleared and a delicious smell wafted in….Grandmother in her infinite wisdom had called in a caterer. Scrumptious grilled tuna over a bed of asparagus, a milky cream sauce and a mixture of tropical fruit. I gorged myself on the tuna to the p
Taken!” I felt panic in my chest. “Taken where? By whom?” Dakari was one of my best friends, how could this have happened here on the island. Maybe he was just off in town, chasing some girl. I dismissed this thought as ludicrous. It was not in Dakari’s shy nature to seek entertainment from the local girls. He was content to wait for his mate and spent his time studying his craft and training. “He was supposed to be home hours ago. We were having some trouble at the ferry dock and he went across to lend a hand.” Mr. Toma explained.
I took the police report back to my room. By the time the sun started showing signs of life over the horizon I was very familiar with the case. I knew I wouldn’t be able to leave the island, but I wanted to show support to those who would. I grabbed a light sweater and headed to the docks. As I approached the soldiers all dropped to one knee. “Please rise.” I said, “It is I that come to honor you this day. Be tireless, and bring Dakari home!” Everyone cheered, the mood was confident. As the ferry departed and became a speck on the water, I wa
The grin on Maggie’s face matched the crazed one on Daniel’s friend. He looked like he had just been hit over the head with a hammer, and liked it. As he started to make his way towards her the others started to clue in. “Not another mate bond?” Abe spoke in disgust. “She doesn’t even know his name.” Daniel spoke for the first time, “This is my best mate, Geoff.” Geoff muttered hello to all of us, but never let his gaze leave Maggie. They were only separated