The Thought Keepers: Ability

Chapter 8: Little Calliwell

Jade looked excited at the prospect of fighting Carson. She settled into a fighting position again, shifting to balance some of her overactive energy.

Carson was entirely calm on the other hand, taking his time to walk up to her. When he faced her, he didn't use a fighting position. He didn't even lift his sword from the ground.

She moved first, utilizing her intensity. She lunged forward, going for big impact. Her movements were strong, and her technique was relentless force.

Carson moved to the side at the last minute, turning right before she could hit him. He still hadn't picked up his sword.

Jade looked a bit frustrated at his non-reaction. She swung out wide, aiming for his head. He stopped the sword with his bare hand, letting the blade cut into his skin. With a firm grip on the sword, he shoved her back, hard. She went stumbling like I had earlier.

Before she could regain her balance, he lifted his sword and sliced her vest. Light bounced off the amethyst fabric, and the sword hummed in his hands.

She reoriented herself and pushed him back. The sound of blade meeting blade filled the room. The light of the quartz sword grew brighter, like it was full of electricity. Jade was fully energetic, putting everything into her strikes. Carson was unbothered by comparison, matching her attacks with little effort.

She went for his chest, since he wasn't wearing any armor. Carson let her cut into his shirt, grazing the skin. When she paused, staring at the open wound, he took his sword and knocked hers out of hand. Jade stared at the aquamarine as it hit the ground, swallowing as Carson's sword touched her neck.

Jade sighed, looking at his chest. "You should've blocked me. What the hell was that?"

"Distraction," Carson said. He lowered his sword, unconcerned by the nasty cut on his chest.

I walked over to him, frowning. "You're reckless."

He shrugged. "Unpredictability works. The last thing your opponent expects is for you to let them strike you. By contrast, if you're afraid of getting hurt, then you'll never be able to attack."

As always, my fear ruined everything. "I wish I could stop being afraid."

"It's not something you can learn in a day," Jade said. "Fear effects everyone, even if they don't show it." She looked pointedly at Carson.

He rolled his eyes. "Let's wrap it up here. We should get Zekara home, before it gets too late."

"Make sure you drink the citrine tea I left out for you," Jade instructed.

Carson pointedly ignored her concern, moving to hang up his sword on the weapons rack.

It was an open cabinet mounted with at least ten different crystal swords. A separate rack was entirely devoted to daggers and knives, while the last held bows and arrows. I walked past the imposing weapons, depositing the ruby hoodie into a wooden chest full of colorful Unnormal armor.

I studied Jade's form as she lingered in the center of the room, practicing alone. She liked to exhaust her opponent, using persistent strength to win. I realized that her fighting style was a lot like her way of arguing.

Carson waited near the door for me, shuffling his feet on the ground. I frowned at the cut across his chest, and its steady trickle of blood. He simply wasn't concerned, more focused on leading me out of the room and down the hall.

We passed the circular stairwell to the tower, turning a corner into a white-walled hallway of bedrooms. I kept up with his quick pace, not wanting to be left behind.