FROST FOREST

As the days went by, Luna, Lexi, Ari, and Chloe grew closer, their bond strengthening with each passing day. They spent their days training with Mr. Qi, learning new martial arts moves and honing their skills.

But despite their busy schedule, Luna couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach whenever she thought about her foster family. Her foster father, Mr. Gray, was kind and loving, always making sure she felt included and loved.

However, her foster mother, Mrs. Gray, was a different story altogether. She was cold and distant, always finding fault in everything Luna did. Luna tried her best to please her, but no matter how hard she tried, she always seemed to fall short.

One day, as Luna was walking home from training, she saw Mrs. Gray standing in the kitchen, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Luna's heart sank as she realized she was in for another lecture.

"Luna, where have you been?" Mrs. Gray asked, her voice cold and detached.

Luna hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I was just out with my friends," she said finally, trying to sound nonchalant.

Mrs. Gray raised an eyebrow. "Friends? What friends? You don't have any friends, Luna."

Luna felt a sting from Mrs. Gray's words, but she tried not to let it get to her. She knew that Mrs. Gray didn't understand her, and that was okay.

But just as Luna was about to walk away, Mr. Gray appeared in the doorway, a warm smile on his face. "Hey, kiddo! How was your day?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with kindness.

Luna's heart swelled with love for her foster father. He was the only one who seemed to understand her, the only one who made her feel like she belonged.

"It was good, Dad," Luna said, smiling back at him.

Mr. Gray nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's great, kiddo. I'm glad to hear that."

As Luna watched, Mrs. Gray's expression turned even colder, her eyes narrowing into slits. Luna felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that Mrs. Gray's dislike for her went far deeper than she had ever imagined.

But Luna refused to let Mrs. Gray's negativity get to her. She knew that she had found a new family with Lexi, Ari, and Chloe, and that they would always be there for her, no matter what.

As she walked away from the kitchen, Luna felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would never let Mrs. Gray's hatred bring her down. She would rise above it, and she would make sure that she always stood up for herself.

The next day, Luna met up with her friends at the park, eager to put the drama with Mrs. Gray behind her. As they trained and laughed together, Luna felt a sense of freedom that she had never felt before.

She knew that she had found her true family, and that nothing would ever come between them.

As the sun began to set, Mr. Qi appeared, a warm smile on his face. "Girls, I have some news to share with you," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Luna, Lexi, Ari, and Chloe exchanged curious glances, wondering what Mr. Qi had in store for them.

"What is it, Master?" Luna asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Mr. Qi chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "All in good time, my dear," he said. "But for now, let's just say that your training is about to take a whole new level."

And with that, Mr. Qi turned and walked away, leaving the four girls to wonder what lay ahead.

" Luna, what does matter mean or do you know about it? I mean th e next step?" Ari asked as she back hugged Luna putting all her weight on her.

" He didn't tell me so I guess we'll all be on hooks till he says it himself" Luna said with a stiff shrug due to Ari's hug.

" Maybe it's also a test?" Chloe asked from where she stood. Through the last year, she showed a completely different side which to them was the best. She showed braveness and she was always ready to defend herself. She also showed to be just a little less playful and mischievous than Ari.

The eleven year old girls thought about it for a while befoqre nodding in approval.

" Chloe you're right but how did you think of it though?" Ari asked.

" Because she thinks" lexj said from the side making Ari scowl playfully at her.

" I guess you also don't think" Ari said back with a grin and Lexi shook her head.

" Let's go it's getting late already" Luna said and they made their way to the Gym.

When they got there, Mr Dave was training some few members of the Gym.

" You girls are back?" He asked as he unbandaged his fists.

" Yes, Mr Dave" Lexi said a little spark of excitement adding in her voice.

He was the family she had before the other two girls joined. He's been more than a parent to them and he's always supported them with everything, smiles and laughs.

" Little girl, Dave. You can go in and have some food first" he said to them with a smile and Lexi scratched her nape.

He's always told them to call him Dave but although the rest of the girls call him Dave, she couldn't. Maybe it's because she came there first and so she can't.

They made their way inside and he turned to some other members too.

As the days went by, Luna, Lexi, Ari, and Chloe couldn't stop wondering what Mr. Qi had meant by his announcement as since he announced it last week, he never said anything about it anymore, they even thought he forgot about it but they knew that isn't it. They had been training with him for months now, and they had grown accustomed to his calm and collected demeanor.

But there was something about the way he had smiled, something about the way his eyes had twinkled with excitement, that made them feel like something big was coming.