The Shapeshifters

Chapter 6: The Mysterious Stone

Mike hopped on Lucy's back. “Hold on, little guy!” she slid into the water, and Mike squealed with delight. Blizzard went into the water, paddling with her large paws. Melissa did twirls overhead. They finally made it across the lake. Blizzard crawled out of the water, sopping wet. That's when she saw it.

A beautiful granite stone. It sparkled with little white bits in the sun, illuminating the red beauty of it. It was jagged and flat, so one could stand on it. There were lots of animals crowded around it, seemingly hypnotized. Blizzard looked at it. On a closer look, she saw streaks of blue and black crackling through it like lightning. It was opaque in some parts, but in others Blizzard saw her reflection. She hadn't seen yerself yet in wolf form. Her eyes sparkled blue, and her white fur was sleek and glossy. She stuck out a silver furred paw and touched the stone. It was smooth, but rough at the same time. Her friends were also inspecting it, touching it, just plain staring. It was odd, yet amazing.

It was then that a grizzly bear erupted from nowhere. He growled, and Mike just walked up to him, turning into his human self.

“Mike!” hissed Blizzard, turning into a human also. He stuck out his hand to the bear.

“I'm Mike! It is Mike's pleasure to meet you, sir!” The bear turned into a human, an 18 year old boy.

“Hey there, fellow shifters. Sorry about scaring away all those other gazing animals. It gets annoying to see them staring like wierdos.” he shook Mike's hand. Lucy and Melissa exchanged a glance, then they both turned into humans.

“That's Blizzard, Melissa, and Lucy.” Mike introduced them. Blizzard smiled slightly. She took a good look at the boy. He was tall, with brown hair, but darker than Mike's. His eyes were very dark gray. He had a muscular, heavy build, especially around his shoulders.

“I go by many names, but most call me Ursa. Call me sterotypical, but hey, can't blame me.” he gave a mock bow.

“I'm Mike!” blurted Mike randomly. Ursa laughed.

“So, what brings you guys here? You all look sopping wet, 'cept you, birdie.” he gave a nod of his head to Melissa.

Blizzard decided to explain. “We want to rebel against the government. I need a few volunteers.” Ursa shrugged.

“Yeah. I'll join your campaign. Does it cost anything? How about a dry towel and some cookies?” Mike's eyes widened.

“Cookie...” he smiled creepily. “Mike wants cookie!” Ursa mussed up the little boy's hair.

“You can have some, little guy.” he turned around and began to walk into the forest, beckoning the group to follow. They hesitantly walked after him. Mike skipped after him, excited for his sweet treat.

“Here we are.” he beckoned to a medium sized cave. Ice saw a spider crawling around the entrance.

“Ursa, are there...spiders in there?” A small laugh seemed to come from Melissa, but when Ice turned to growl at her, she was gone. “Melissa.” Ice muttered. Ursa laughed.

“Sneaky, isn't she? Well, if you don't like spiders, we can go to your place, if you have one.” Mike smiled.

“Ice has a home! Mike likes it, it has cookies!” Lucy was just about to take a bite out of Mike.

“Lucy!” shouted Ice. “This is no time to munch on rabbit children!” Lucy recoiled from the boy.

“Fine. But good lord, I'm starving. Can we all go fishing or something?” Lucy asked, annoyed.

“Fine! Have it your way.” Ice growled, walking hastily towards the lake.

“Well excuse me, princess.” Lucy muttered.