What They Don't See

Chapter 3

There is a moment in life when everyone forgets.

The man forgets his wife; the dancer forgets her steps; the bird forgets how to sing; the assassin forgets why; and the sniper with the bow forgets to let go.

And there it was. Taka forgot. Right there, with his blades ready and the archer with an arrow aimed perfectly for it to pierce right through his heart.

He laughed. This hadn't been the plan.

When he saw her again, he told himself tell her something that would stun her, like I guess royal archers don't have the guts to kill or I'm alive, BIIIIITCHHHH.

That was not how it went down.

"We're on the same team."

"Yes, I know." Her voice was smooth. "But that doesn't mean I won't take a chance." She didn't let go of her bowstring.

The queen had to pick her. Taka didn't even know her name yet. But he would have to fight with her and keep himself from letting her to fend for herself.

What a burden.

"Kestrel!"

Her eyes widened, her face enflaming.

Taka laughed again. "Kestrel!"

Catherine stood behind Kestrel then, holding her war helm and an angry look on her face. "Taka."

His face fell. Oh, no.

"Get to the base, now!"

In spite of Catherine's rant, Kestrel smiled at him. She had gone stiff, straightening herself out. "Glad I could finally get to know you, Taka of House Kamuha."

With a slight bow of her head and a tip of her baret, Kestrel disappeared.

Catherine cursed. "Let's go."

*****

Taka followed Catherine through the fortress the queen had provided for them. Minions scurried around, carrying knives, arrows, helmets, and mini pistols.

The only exit he saw was a doorway with no door. It lead to their battle ground. A strange aura of light shone from the outside.

Taka walked over to the doorway while Catherine examined her blade and shield.

A shining purple crystal floated over a well, sparks of electricity bursting from it at random moments.

Kestrel stood there. She reached out, her fingers almost grazing the stone.

"What are you doing?"

Kestrel pulled her hand away.

Taka stepped out, until he had left the platform that lead to the building.

"When I was a child, my parents told me touching a Vain crystal will give you luck." Kestrel looked down at her hand. "My mother said she once held one in her hands, and that she was lucky enough to have me."

"Do you believe that?"

Kestrel turned her head enough to look at him. "They weren't able to ever have another child."

Catherine stepped out behind him.

Taka found himself walking over to Kestrel's side. He reached out, and pressed his palm against the crystal. "Well, then I think we should get all the luck we can, don't you?"

I'm never going to make it to the fighting part am I

Nope