We got to watch the first two teams compete and then came our turn. We were paired with a team named Storm. Only 1 female among them but even she showed scars. None sported embroideries but we're all clearly battle hardened. None of them spoke words aloud but they all moved in unison in silent communication. It was very intimidating to see them move so fluidly without having to utter a word.

As we walked into the rink the other 3 in my team settled into their own unison. I felt very much like an outcast. Never having been battle tested like everyone here I had a clear disadvantage.

A little voice inside me though reassured me. Like a comforting hug. I could almost hear it say things like "we got this" "we can do this" "let them come, we will be victorious".

Each team started in opposing corners. The overseer was talking but all I could hear or see were the players on the field. I could feel everyone one of them. My senses sharper than ever.

I saw the other teams body language speaking to each other. Before what seemed to be imperceptible became apparent. Every shoulder shrug or finger twitch now spoke volumes.

I could see that they had singled me out. They had first chase and they were coming after me first. It was as clear as ever. How I had ever missed all these signs before I didn't know. It all seemed obvious now.

I heard an inner voice say "they don't know who they are messing with" in the most obnoxious way possible. Never had I felt more certain they had picked the wrong target. No anxiety, no doubts, nothing entered my mind but thoughts of victory. It was the greatest feeling I'd ever had.

The bell wrong and my team all split ways but team Storm ignored everyone but me. They circled me and tried to corner me. I had seen the previous team chase each other and even having just seen from only one side I felt like I knew this course by heart.

I ran over a wall, under a platform using the platform leg to drastically change direction. I leapt right and left. Never really able to think things through. Thinking would slow me down. I just used my instincts and was reassured by this inner voice that I wasn't going to be caught.

My teammates tried to distract the other team by cutting across Storm's members paths but they were clearly trying to get me out first. They thought I was the weakest link. I was proving them wrong.

I was starting to enjoy all these twists and turns and being chased. I started to smile broadly. My heart was beating so fast from the thrill and adrenaline.

The whistle blew! The 30 seconds were over. We became the chasers now. I laughed out loud as I turned my devils stare at team Storm.

"Hell!"
I heard one say out loud finally.

All my teeth were showing with my smile.

I chased in kind. Raced across a platform and through a hole in the wall and cut an opponent off who stopped in his track before reaching me and turned around only to walk into Neberu and be Tagged out.

This was the most fun thing I had done in my life!!

The 30 second whistle was heard again and so team Storm changed their tactics and started chasing Padfoot and Bay. Two went after Bay and Tagged him out but Padfoot was far to quick for the female from the other team to catch.

Team Storm was battle tested but they weren't agile and quick like us. I'm sure in many other games they would have won but here we clearly dominated.

The 30 second whistle was blown and I became a chaser again. Having been left out from being chased I was feeling ignored and I didn't like it. So I went after one of the guys that had Tagged out Bay at the last second. Neberu took cues from me and helped me corner him and Tag him out in less than 15 seconds.

Padfoot was chasing the female from the other team and we turned to help her out. Before the whistle was heard we'd Tagged her out as well.

I was beyond happy. It all just felt right. Like I couldn't make a wrong move and working with Neberu was thrilling but I'd also kind of wished I'd gotten a tag by myself. No matter though.

The last guy was chasing us and almost Tagged Neberu but the whistle was heard and Neberu simply had to turn around and touch the other guy as he was still so close.

This round was over.

We'd won!!!

I started to feel this rumbling in my chest. I cheered with my team and we all bumped into each other with joy and we started up again when Bay joined us. Once we'd calmed down we went over to team Storm and shook each of their hands and congratulated them on a round well played.

The female at the group stopped at me and said:
"You really impressed me out there, your footing was without fault and your speed was undeniable. You will be a force to recon with"
"Thank you. It was a pleasure to compete against you. You helped bring out the best in me"

I tried to be modest but it was proving hard. Inside I just wanted to say very unmodest and egotistical things like "underestimate me at your own downfall" or "ya I'm good and I know it".

However I managed to hold a little modesty and move back to our team square without causing a scene. Once there the other three had a few words for me.
"You gave me the shivers the way you were smiling after the first time we became chasers." Said Bay
"Ya girl, you looked like you enjoyed yourself a lot out there" said Padfoot a little hesitantly.
"I don't like how they all tried to get you at the beginning" was all Neberu said.

"I had a blast! I can't wait for the next team. I just have this feeling like I couldn't make a wrong move. My instincts seemed to lead me and my brain is only just catching up." The rumbling in my chest became a full purr.

"Are you purring Z!?" Said Neberu.
"I guess I am" this was the first time I'd ever purred like a cat. I must be close to being able to transform soon. It was an exciting thought but also purring in public was kind of an embarrassing moment and I tried to calm it down.

This day was awesome, embarrassment and all, in my opinion.