Venture

Chapter 3: A Test For You

Alex and Esther were extremely dumbfounded at the girl named Amora. There was a height difference. Amora seemed to be 5"3 with a slight chubby body. Her Asian eyes were big and round, and nut brown irises glowed against her caramel skin tone. Straight raven-black hair fell like a waterfall just below her breasts. She wore a huge, loose gray T-shirt, black sweatpants, and black socks.

     In all honesty, Alex had thought the girl was fifteen or maybe even younger than that. There was no way this tiny thing would be able to become a part of their team. Certainly, Alex had thought of a way to test the mysterious girl.

     "Excuse me?" Amora spoke coldly, clearly irritated at the invaders of her spacious mansion.

     Esther's eyes widened at the rudeness of the girl's tone. Surely she knew what respect was.

     "Amora, no need to be so rude," Scarlet scolded, glaring down at her short friend.

     Apparently, Scarlet knew Amora ever since Amora moved into the rich neighborhood, which was two years ago. The college student discovered something about the high school student that seemed to be a secret. Ever since they met, Scarlet treated Amora as a little sister, making sure she was healthy and okay. None of them would go further into detail, so Alex and Esther found it wise not to persist.

     Amora rolled her eyes. Her first impression was disappointing. Could she be one of those spoiled rich kids? Just how old was this girl?

     "My name's Alex. Twenty-three and I'm a fourth-year in college," Alex introduced herself, nudging Esther to do the same. It seemed strange to introduce herself that way, but she wanted Amora to answer back.

     Startled, Esther began, her thick Australian accent surprised Amora, "Uh- my name is Esther. Turning twenty-one soon and a third-year in college."

     "And obviously you know me, Amora," Scarlet finished, smiling brightly. "Go ahead. Introduce yourself. They're my friends and they'll be yours too."

     Amora scrunched her nose out of habit before she began to speak monotonously, "Amora. Eighteen. Senior in high school."

     Alex and Esther were taken aback. This little girl was eighteen? Even so, she probably had no history in combat. There was no way this high school student had any time to take training classes like the rest of the girls did. Alex, especially, had a hard time trusting Amora.

     "Scar, can we talk to you?" The blue-green-eyed friend glanced at the mysterious girl. "In private."

     Scarlet hesitated, but nodded in agreement. The three friends walked out of the mansion to speak to each other, while Amora plopped herself on the couch in attempt to fall back asleep.

     Once the girls reached outdoor, the wind slapped them in a gentle way, brushing softly against their cheeks. Birds sang wondrously and trees whistled gracefully. It was a bright afternoon, but the sun was still up. Breathing in the fresh air from the wealthy neighborhood, Alex and Esther wished they could live like Scarlet and Amora.

     "You seriously don't expect us to allow Amora into our team, right? She's practically a child! We're not going to babysit her while we're trying to save our asses day and night during the hunt!" Alex explained in a harsh tone, running her hands through her tangled hair.

     "Look, hear me out-" Scarlet, visibly stressed, sighed before Esther interfered.

     "Alex is right, Scar. Amora isn't even nineteen yet. It's a bad idea to bring her into the jungle. She's probably not capable enough, not to mention she has school. There's no way she had years of training like we did."

     "Look!" Scarlet exclaimed sharply, catching the other's attention. "The flyer says they'll take care of our education matters. Also, Amora is more than capable. She's independent. Just because she's short doesn't mean she can't handle herself. Watch what she can do and you'll see. I'll even test her to prove it."

     The oldest shook her head. "I've already got a plan to test her. Esther, interrogate the girl. Keep her distracted." She shared a glance toward the second oldest, who immediately understood what she was thinking.

     The three sauntered back inside, standing a few feet away from Amora. The shortest was already on her feet, completely cautious and wary. Although, her blank face showed no signs of fear.

     Scarlet nodded her head toward Amora in apology. The girl brushed her sister-figure off.

     "Amora, sorry for taking so long. We just had something to discuss to one another," the girl with the bangs spoke. Amora seemed to have forgotten her name. "Anyway, we just weren't sure if you'd be the right person for the group."

     The clueless girl crossed her arms. "No worries. I don't even know what's going on, so no hard feelings."

     Scarlet was quick to interfere with the conversation and began explaining why Amora was needed in the group. She thoroughly gave details about the island, jungle, treasure, and the adventure itself. The prize was tempting to Amora. Using the money would allow the girl to leave her wretched home.

     "No need to force me. I'm definitely-"

    Whoosh!

     Amora instantly caught the switchblade before it could pierce between her two eyes. The sharp tip was inches away between her eyebrows. Though fear crept within her, she made sure to steady herself and stay calm. A hint of fear would lose her spot in the team.

     Scarlet gasped. She whipped her head toward Alex, her luscious locks slapping her face in the process. 

     "Alex, what the hell?! Her safety is in my hands. What were you thinking?!" she rambled. "Oh my- you could've killed her!"

     However, Alex paid no attention to her panicked friend. Her eyes focused on Amora, who was casually twirling the custom-made switchblade around her petite finger. Without a doubt, Amora was certainly skilled in some way. Nobody should've been able to catch that. Alex had made sure to throw it with such speed.

     Amora sighed and questioned in a chilling tone, "I'm assuming you would want this back, correct?"

     Without hesitation, the mysterious girl whipped the blade back to its owner.