Twist of Fate

Chapter 21: Match Three

Match one concluded with Team Two's victory. Team Two's Swordsman exhausted Team One's Swordsman and forced him to yield. This took out the majority of the offensive power of Team One, allowing Team Two to push them back even further. Team One's members fell one by one until only the Strategist, or whoever was guarding the flag, was left. He was clearly more of an intellectual type than a fighting type so he submitted as well, leading to his team's defeat.

  Despite this win, I heard the Headmaster grumbling on stage, though no one seemed to hear. "This is Hunt for the Flag. You're supposed to actually aim for the flag, you know. Bah! Kids these days."

  The second match occurred more to his liking. Team Three and Four's strategies were simple; distract the offensive positions of the opposing team and go for their flag. The match ended with Team Three's win, swift and rather informative in way of strategy for me. Though I would only be watching in the first few matches, it was a good learning experience that could prove useful in the future.

  "We won't be using the stones in this round," Issa said, getting all of our attention. "The Barren Field doesn't work to its advantage, so I won't be using them here. Velero, you will still go out first and draw out Team Six. As you lead them into our proximity, Rolen will go after their Swordsman." Issa paused and waited for them to nod in response. "Velero, you're adept at close range as well, correct?"

  Velero nodded. "Yes. You want me to occupy the enemy with Rolen?"

  "No. While they are distracted, I want you to go for their flag."

  "And if there are too many guards for to handle around the flag?"

  "There won't be," Issa said, meeting Velero's eyes with a gaze I couldn't read. "You'll make sure of that, won't you?"

  "Of course." Velero's smile reminded me of a predator about to go on a hunt.

  "Kei." Issa turned to our Shield. "If necessary, you will cover Rolen. I don't expect you'll need to do much so just observe in case of hidden tactics."

  "Yes, sir." Kei said, practically bouncing on his heels in anticipation despite his more or less small chance of even getting involved in the match.

  "I'm not going to make this complicated, "Issa said. "It's only the first round, so we'll keep it fast and simple since its rather hot here. Attack the enemy and take there flag. Understood?"

  "Sir."

  Issa nodded and began to turn away. "You all ready?"

  "Yes."

  "Then let's begin."

  This little strategy meeting of ours occurred right on our soon-to-be battlefield. We got into our positions; Rolen and Velero a few feet ahead of us, Kei a foot behind the, and Issa and I directly in front of the flag, though I was to the side as just an observer.

  "Hey, Lord Kano," Rolen called from his position. "What's yours and that little girl's roles?"

  I looked at him humorlessly. Who was he calling 'little girl'? And beside that, he called Issa "Lord Kano"? Even though he wasn't one of the Select?

  Issa's face betrayed no emotion or reaction to Rolen's words. "I will be staying back to protect the flag. Lareria will remain here with me and watch the battle in case we miss anything."

  I glanced at him. So I did have a role besides just observing? As inconsequential as it was, he really gave me a role?

  "Its starting." Velero announced. "Shall I?"