Kat stared off at nothing in particular, casually running her fingers over the smooth black handle of her knife. It felt right, carrying weapons. Naturally they gave her a sense of security, but they also provided an almost overwhelming feeling of pride. All their hard work, all their training, had not gone to waste. They were finally real soldiers.
Kat loved being in her combat gear almost as much as a skimpy dress. She wore light, flexible gear that granted her the freedom of movement she need to keep up with her spirits. They, and she in turn, preferred a more fluid style of combat. Clunky gear would just get in the way of that. She didn't carry much on her person, not wanting anything to hinder her. Just the necessities. Her sword, sheathed across her back and accessible from her right shoulder, her dagger, which was held horizontally on her lower back. She also carried two canteens, slightly larger than the normal size, which carried her third weapon. Given the nature of her spirits she found it best to carry a bit of water with her. It was not always going to be available. Though with this storm coming on, she imagined she wouldn't have too much trouble.
Kat stood off from everyone at the gate, lost in her own mind. She very much preferred to ignore the fact that no one was here for her. To say goodbye to her. Not that she felt sorry for herself or anything, but it was just easier if she didn't think of her parents at all. Avoiding the problem was pretty much Kat's life philosophy.
A cursory glance over the group, a subconscious check to see if everyone was there, landed Kat's eyes on Puck. He was off on his own as well. Likely doing the same thing as her. She took a step towards him, but the group was called to attention before she could say anything.
Sawyer, great soldier or not, was a twat. But he was a commanding twat, and one whose type Kat had gotten used to. She went through the motions again, salute, straight face, sir yes sir. If anything would push her to rise through the ranks, it would be having the ability to skip over these dumb formalities. Sure they promoted discipline and order or whatever but to her they were a nuisance. A waste of time. Not that what mattered to her really... mattered anyway.
The trek was an arduous one. Very boring, very uneventful, very taxing on Kat's patience. If this was what the military was going to be like for real, just a bunch of walking, she was ready to go AWOL. Why couldn't she get like a car spirit or something.
As they walked, Kat made sure to air her opinions. Most got no response, and were mostly just for her anyway. Sometimes complaining made things easier.
"What a twat." She said as they left the Field Marshall.
"Not even one truck was available? Sounds like bull to me."
"Maybe if the academy spent less money on hot dogs..."
"WARG: Walking Around is Really... Great?"
When Olivia decided they should take a break, Kat was all for it. Was it the best idea? Probably not, as voiced by a few others. But she didn't mind too much. A break was always good to Kat. She moved and sat down against a tree by Emily, who was particularly vocal about moving on.
Kat nodded in agreement, not really sure whether she was really ready to continue the journey. Once the two began talking about more sensitive matters, Olivia being in the position of leadership in particular, Kat got up and moved away. If she had stayed, she would have joined in. And if she joined in, she would have voiced her opinions on who should really be leading. It wasn't Olivia, in her mind, and she didn't think Olivia needed to hear that. Obviously the thought had already occurred to Olivia, but hearing it from others wasn't exactly what she needed right now. Kat still felt like she was lying as she walked away.
Kat found a spot to sit under another tree, this time next to Puck.
"Don't look so grumpy." She said as she slid down against the rough bark.
"Not enjoying our first mission?"
She followed Roy's gaze to Olivia, and then looked back at him. "She's not absolutely terrible at this."
"Definitely a better choice than the either of us." Kat continued, laughing a bit. "D'ya think she'll be up to it?"
Kat's conversation with Roy was cut short by the approach of the pack. Kat hopped up with Roy and followed him into the formation the group naturally formed. She was grinning. Finally some excitement. Finally something that would make this feel like an actual mission.
"This is more like it. It's about time." She said calmly as she grabbed her first canteen.
Kat listened as Olivia gave out orders. She did quite well, and her plan sounded pretty solid. It was only a few moments after Olivia had finished talking that Aaron was already out of position. Kat knew there was nothing stopping him now, but shouted out after him anyway. "Get back here you idiot!"
She looked back as Aaron threw himself into the heat of the battle, and made eye contact with Roy.
"I got your back, Kitty Kat, you just do what you gotta do."
She nodded and smiled. "Glad at least one of my knights in shining armor decided to stick around."
Kat unscrewed the cap of the canteen and turned it over, allowing the cool liquid to gush out. It fell about a foot before it stopped and pooled up in front of her. The water floated there, its form still flowing despite being suspended. She emptied her second jug, allowing the contents to join the existing water. The water then stretched out, encircling Kat and Roy as one thin stream. She wanted to wait until more of the raptors were engaged before revealing her ice. A quick count came up with somewhere around ten of the things, and it would be best if some where otherwise occupied before the majority came upon them. In the meantime, Kat drew her sword and knife in preparation.
The feeling of everyone's spirits flaring was quite intense, and it brought a smile to Kat's face. Maybe she wouldn't have to go AWOL after all.