Time passes slowly, and as the sun begins its descent, casting an orange hue over the forest, boredom starts to take hold. Nikko and I sit idly, watching Ryu study the hologram of the encampment. Apollo stands vigilant, watching the forest behind us, ever ready for any potential threat.

  I glance at the sky, noting the sun's position between the leaves of a large tree. My thoughts drift to the scar on my face, and I retrieve a small mirror from my pouch of holding. The reflection startles me. The cut has healed, but a deep scar runs from my left cheek to the top of my nose. I trace the scar with my finger, feeling the raised tissue beneath. Glancing over at Ryu, still engrossed in the hologram, I can't help but wonder if he'll see me differently now.

  "I still think you're pretty," Nikko's voice breaks through my thoughts.

  I turn to see her standing beside me, her eyes sincere. "What?" I stammer.

  "I still think you're pretty," she repeats. "Papa thinks so too."

  Her words warm my heart. Despite everything, she remains a sweet and kind-hearted girl. "Thank you, Nikko," I say, smiling warmly at her.

  Nikko's tail swishes happily, and an idea forms in my mind. "How about a sparring lesson, Nikko?" I suggest.

  "But Papa is busy," she replies, glancing over at Ryu.

  "Not with Papa, with me. I may not be as good as him, but I know a thing or two," I say.

  Nikko's excitement is palpable, her tail twitching with eagerness. "I'll ask Papa," she says, rushing over to Ryu.

  A short conversation later, Nikko and I stand across from each other, each holding a stick. "Alright, Nikko," I begin, "I'm going to teach you something called Lindor'Thar, a form of combat taught by kind. Lindor'Thar translates to Flow of Dance. It primarily uses the momentum of the opponent against them."

  Nikko nods, her eyes wide with anticipation. "First, we need to focus on your stance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Good. Now, hold the stick with both hands, keeping your grip firm but relaxed."

  She mimics my stance, adjusting her posture as I gently guide her. "Lindor'Thar emphasizes quick, decisive movements. It's about using your opponent's force against them and making every strike count."

  I demonstrate a basic defensive stance, moving slowly so she can follow. "Raise your stick to block, keeping your arms flexible. Don't tense up, or you'll get tired quickly."

  Nikko raises her stick, imitating my movements. "Like this?"

  "Exactly," I say. "Now, let's try a simple block. Imagine an opponent is striking at you from above. Raise your stick to meet their blow, then deflect the impact."

  I show her the motion several times, then stand back to let her try. Her first few attempts are clumsy, her movements uncertain. I step in to adjust her grip and stance. "Remember, keep your arms flexible. Let the stick absorb the impact, not your muscles."

  Nikko tries again, her movements smoother this time. "Good. Now, let's add a counterattack. After you block, step to the side and strike back."

  I demonstrate the sequence, moving fluidly from block to counterattack. Nikko watches intently, then attempts to replicate the moves. Her steps are tentative at first, but she gradually gains confidence.

  We spend our time practicing the basics. I show her how to block strikes from different angles, guiding her arms to ensure she's using the correct technique. Nikko's progress is slow but steady, her determination evident in her focused expression.

  "Alright, let's try something more advanced," I say. "This time, we'll practice disarming an opponent. When they strike, deflect the blow and use their momentum to pull the weapon from their hand."

  I demonstrate the move, executing it slowly so she can see each step. "The key is timing and leverage. Use their force against them."

  Nikko attempts the move, her first few tries resulting in clumsy grapples. I step in, adjusting her stance and guiding her arms. "Try to feel the motion, Nikko. Don't force it. Let it flow."

  She tries again, this time managing to pull the stick from my hand. Her eyes light up with excitement. "I did it!"

  "Great job!" I exclaim, genuinely impressed. "Now, let's practice that a few more times."

  We repeat the exercise, refining her technique with each attempt. I guide her through the motions, correcting her form and encouraging her progress. By the end, she's executing the move with surprising skill for someone so young.

  "You're doing really well, Nikko," I say, giving her an encouraging smile. "Lindor'Thar takes time and practice, but you're picking it up quickly."

  Nikko beams with pride, her tail swishing happily. "Thank you, Talia. This is fun!"

  "You're welcome," I reply. "Remember, it's not just about strength. It's about timing, precision, and using your opponent's force against them."

  Nikko nods, her determination renewed. We continue practicing, the forest around us a quiet witness to our training session. The sun continues its slow journey across the sky, casting long shadows through the trees. Despite the challenges we face, this moment of normalcy brings a sense of peace and purpose.

  ?????

  As we finish the lesson, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in Nikko's progress. She's strong and resilient, much like her father. And in teaching her, I find a renewed sense of strength within myself. We may be fugitives, but together, we are a force to be reckoned with.

  Nikko's curiosity seems to grow with every passing minute. "Talia, can we practice some more?"

  I glance over at Ryu, still engrossed in his observation of the hologram. It amazes me how he can maintain such intense focus for so long. "Of course, Nikko."

  Nikko's tail twitches with excitement as she suddenly calls Apollo over. "Apollo, can you help us with sparring?"

  "Affirmative," Apollo responds, stepping forward.

  A knot forms in my stomach. I've seen Apollo in combat; he's a formidable opponent, and I know that sparring with him won't be easy. Still, I must remain composed for Nikko's sake. "Alright, Apollo. I need you to strike at me so I can demonstrate a technique called Lindor'Thar. I'll block, dodge, and use your momentum against you."

  Apollo picks up a stick and assumes a fighting stance. My heart pounds as I mirror his stance, trying to push down the nervousness. "Go," I say, my voice wavering slightly.

  Apollo's strike is swift, almost catching me off guard. I manage to parry, redirecting his attack and dodging to the side, causing him to stagger forward. A smile forms on my face, pride swelling within me. "See, Nikko? When your opponent is off-balance, their back is exposed for just a moment. That's your chance to strike."

  Nikko watches eagerly. "Can you do that again, Talia?"

  I hesitate, thinking that my successful parry might have been a stroke of luck. But I need to show Nikko she can defend herself. "Apollo, strike again."

  Apollo's second strike is as fast as the first, but I manage to parry and dodge once more. I'm surprised at my own skill, realizing that maybe I'm better than I thought. "Alright, Apollo, let's spar for real."

  Apollo nods, acknowledging the change in tone. "Affirmative. Shall we use sticks or our weapons?"

  I ponder for a moment before deciding. "Our weapons." We discard the sticks and draw our swords. Apollo holds his shield and sword, and I ready my twin short swords. My nerves intensify, but there's no backing out now.

  The spar begins with Apollo's first strike, a calculated swing aimed at my torso. I block with one sword and counter with the other, trying to use his momentum against him. He staggers slightly, but quickly recovers, adapting to my style. Each clash of our blades echoes through the forest, and I realize he's adjusting his attacks, making it harder for me to parry and counter.

  Our blades meet again and again, Apollo's precision forcing me to focus intensely on every move. At first, I manage to stay ahead, successfully using Lindor'Thar to turn his momentum against him. But Apollo is quick to learn. His strikes become more measured, his defenses tighter.

  I struggle to keep up, my initial confidence waning as the fight drags on. Apollo's shield blocks my attacks with ease, and his counters grow more effective. Each parry and dodge feels more taxing, my breath coming in shorter gasps.

  Apollo feints to the left, then swings his sword from the right. I barely manage to block, but his shield bashes against my arm, sending me off balance. He presses the advantage, his sword slicing through the air towards me. I twist, trying to use his force against him, but he's already adjusted, his movements too refined.

  In a final flurry of strikes, Apollo disarms me, sending my swords clattering to the ground. I stumble back, and with a swift motion, he knocks me to the ground, his sword pointed at my chest. My heart sinks, feeling defeated.

  Apollo sheaths his sword and extends a hand to help me up. I take it, feeling the weight of my failure. Does Nikko see me as a weak fighter now?

  Nikko rushes over, her ears perked and tail swishing with excitement. "That was amazing, Talia! You're so strong!"

  I blink, surprised by her reaction. "You think so?"

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Nikko nods vigorously. "Yes! You were incredible!"

  Her genuine admiration brings a smile to my face, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Nikko. I appreciate your kind words."

  Apollo steps forward, his mechanical voice breaking the moment of praise. "Thank you, Talia."

  I turn to him, taken aback. "For what?"

  "For your lesson," Apollo replies. "I have added your teachings into my memory. It will be helpful in future combat."

  I smile and nod, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I'm glad I could teach you something, Apollo. You're already an incredible fighter, but it feels good to contribute."

  Apollo's photoreceptors flicker slightly. "Your combat style, Lindor'Thar, is efficient and adaptable. Integrating it with my current programming will enhance my effectiveness in battle."

  His words bring a warmth to my chest. Despite losing the sparring match, I've managed to teach something valuable to Apollo. "I'm happy to hear that. Just remember, it's not all about strength. It's about using your opponent's momentum and being adaptable."

  "Affirmative," Apollo says, his tone respectful. "I will apply these principles in future engagements."

  Feeling a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment, I look over at Nikko, who is still beaming with excitement. "See, Nikko? Even the best fighters can learn new things."

  Nikko nods enthusiastically. "You're the best, Talia!"

  ?????

  We head back to where Ryu is still engrossed in the hologram. The sun has begun to set, casting long shadows through the forest. Nikko, full of excitement from our sparring session, runs up to him.

  "Papa! Papa! Guess what I learned today!" she exclaims, practically bouncing with joy.

  Ryu glances up from the hologram. "What did you learn, Nikko?" he asks, his voice gentle.

  Nikko explains animatedly about the training, her tail twitching in delight as she recounts the details. Ryu continues to watch the hologram but places a hand on her head. "I'm proud of you, Nikko," he says. She embraces him, her tail swishing happily.

  Watching them, I feel a warmth spread through my chest. For that moment, the fear and uncertainty of our pursuit fade away, replaced by a sense of normalcy and contentment. I join Ryu, sitting close to him as the last light of the sun disappears.

  Nikko has fallen asleep, her small form resting against Ryu's shoulder. "All that practicing must have worn her out," I think to myself, smiling at the sight.

  "Thank you, Talia," Ryu says, his focus still on the map.

  "For what?" I ask as I sit beside him.

  "For teaching Nikko. I appreciate that. And you fought very well. You should be proud of yourself," he says, glancing at me briefly.

  I feel my cheeks flush at his compliment. "You saw that?"

  "Some of it," he admits. "Don't beat yourself up over losing to Apollo. He's programmed to adapt, after all. But you fought very well."

  "Thank you," I stammer, feeling a bit better at his words. "So, what were you able to find out from your observation?"

  Ryu sighs, looking back at the hologram. "They have stronger equipment and are now tearing apart my ship. Patrols outside the walls are consistent, with roughly two-minute intervals between different patrols. Archers on the towers have changed twice so far. A fresh cart of supplies arrived. It seems while people are starving, the soldiers are well-fed," he explains.

  "Have you come up with a plan yet?" I ask, watching his intense focus on the hologram.

  He shakes his head. "I've got a few ideas but nothing concrete yet. You look tired. Why don't you get some rest?" he suggests.

  The thought of sleep is tempting. "What about you?" I ask, concerned.

  "I'll keep watching, come up with a good plan. But I'll get some shuteye too, I promise," he says.

  I nod, knowing he won't rest until he's satisfied with his plan. I lie down behind him, leaning against the tree. The sound of Nikko's gentle purring helps me drift off, the air cool and calm around us. As I fall asleep, I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope that we'll get through this, together.

  ?????

  I wake up many moments later, the soft sound of Nikko's purring next to me. She's curled up beside me, her small body warm against mine. A smile spreads across my face as I watch her sleep, the tension of our situation momentarily forgotten. I gently brush a strand of hair from her face and then look over to where Ryu and Apollo are engaged in conversation.

  The hologram of the camp still projects from Ryu's glove, casting a blue glow over their faces. They speak in hushed tones, Ryu's face intense with concentration as he offers various ideas for infiltrating the camp.

  "We could use DP-7 to create a distraction," Ryu suggests.

  Apollo shakes his head. "Probability of success is 20%. The soldiers are too well-organized, and DP-7's capabilities are limited in open combat."

  "Scaling the walls then?" Ryu asks, his tone thoughtful.

  "15% chance of success," Apollo replies. "The walls are heavily guarded, and the archers on the towers would spot us before we could get close."

  Ryu sighs, rubbing his temples. "Digging underground?"

  "35% chance," Apollo says. "It's our best option so far, but it would take time and we risk detection if the noise attracts attention."

  "Noise aside lets go with that. Once we're inside the camp though we will have to deal with all the soldiers. What if Talia and I take out the soldiers one by one?" Ryu suggests next.

  "10%," Apollo answers. "There are too many, and the chances of being spotted are high."

  "Simply attacking everyone?" Ryu asks, though his tone suggests he knows the answer already.

  "5%," Apollo states. "We are outnumbered and outgunned. A direct assault would be suicide."

  Ryu's frustration is evident, his shoulders tense. "What about causing a distraction within the camp?"

  "20%," Apollo responds. "The soldiers are too disciplined. A distraction would not create enough chaos for us to succeed."

  I can tell Ryu's face is etched with worry. He knows the stakes are high, and the odds are against us. Suddenly, Apollo's photoreceptors brighten slightly, indicating a new idea has come to him.

  "Ryu, I have an alternative suggestion," Apollo begins. "What if we create a diversion that combines multiple strategies? We can use DP-7 to plant explosive charges around the perimeter of the camp. The explosives would go off simultaneously, creating confusion and drawing the soldiers' attention away from key points. While the soldiers are distracted, we dig a tunnel beneath the camp's walls. Once inside, we split into two groups. One group, consisting of me and DP-7, will create further distractions and sabotage the soldiers' equipment. The other group, you and Talia, will locate and secure the ship's vital components. This multi-pronged approach increases our chances of success to 55%."

  Ryu raises an eyebrow, considering Apollo's plan. "It's risky, but it might just work," he says slowly. "The key will be timing and coordination."

  "Agreed," Apollo replies. "We will need to be precise in our execution to maximize the chaos and minimize our exposure."

  Ryu nods, a spark of determination returning to his eyes. "Alright, let's prepare. We'll need to gather materials for the explosives and plan our tunnel route carefully. Talia, when she wakes up, can help with the digging."

  I listen to their conversation, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Apollo's plan is our best shot, but it's still fraught with danger. I gently extricate myself from Nikko's embrace, careful not to wake her, and move closer to Ryu and Apollo, ready to help in any way I can. The fate of our mission hangs in the balance, and we have no room for error.

  Ryu rummages through his sack of holding, his movements deliberate and focused. Apollo mirrors his actions beside him, and together they pull out five flat cylinders each, inspecting them critically. "Five charges, that's all we have?" Ryu's brow furrows as he speaks, his voice laced with concern.

  "Seems so," Apollo responds, his tone calm and measured.

  I approach them, sensing the tension in the air. "You've come up with a plan?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

  Ryu nods. "We have. DP-7, come here." The droid flits over, its photoreceptors gleaming with readiness. Nikko, having just woken up, rubs her eyes and joins us, still looking a bit drowsy.

  As we gather around Ryu, my heart pounds with uncertainty. I glance at the others, then at Ryu, and finally muster the courage to speak. "Ryu, what if these are just soldiers following orders?" I ask hesitantly. A part of me knows that we've fought before, but this... this feels different.

  Ryu's expression hardens, and he meets my eyes. "They're not," he replies flatly, his voice calm yet resolute. He turns to Nikko and says, "Nikko, could you get some firewood for us?"

  Nikko nods and darts off into the nearby woods, with Apollo following close behind. As soon as they're out of sight, Ryu lifts his gauntlet and starts tapping on its surface. A hologram flickers to life, revealing the camp we're about to infiltrate. Tents are scattered beneath the forest canopy, and I notice a large group of soldiers forming a circle around a figure cloaked in black.

  The scene shifts as the hologram zooms in closer. My breath catches as a soldier approaches the figure from behind and, without hesitation, slits the figure's throat. I gasp, horrified, but what happens next chills me to the bone. The figure, seemingly unaffected, falls to its knees, blood seeping from the wound, but a wicked smile spreads across their face before they collapse. Then, shadowy wisps emerge from the body, wrapping around it like living smoke, and the figure rises again. It's as if they are being controlled by something far more sinister than death. The soldiers kneel in reverence, as though worshiping the figure.

  I can't tear my eyes away from the hologram, my heart hammering in my chest. "They... they serve the Shadowfell," I whisper, feeling a deep sense of dread. Ryu deactivates the hologram and nods.

  "This has occurred several times throughout the day," he says grimly. His voice snaps me out of my shock just as Nikko and Apollo return, each carrying large bundles of sticks for the fire.

  "Papa, I brought the firewood!" Nikko says brightly, her innocence a sharp contrast to the darkness we've just witnessed.

  Ryu gives her a soft smile, then kneels beside her. "Good job, Nikko."

  He then turns to us, taking a deep breath. "Alright, here's the plan," he begins, his tone calm but focused. "First, we need to deal with the birds. DP-7, you'll attack the birds from different positions around the hill, confusing them. Keep moving and changing spots." DP-7 beeps in acknowledgment.

  Ryu then turns to Apollo. "You'll stay here and protect Nikko. Your plan was good, but I need you to protect her. Just in case."

  "Affirmative," Apollo replies, his tone resolute.

  I notice Nikko's ears droop slightly, disappointment flickering across her face. "But, Papa, I want to help," she says quietly, looking up at Ryu with wide, pleading eyes.

  Ryu softens, kneeling down to her level. "You will help," he says gently, reaching into his pouch of holding. "Here." He pulls out a sleek, black device with small glowing buttons on top. It looks advanced and foreign to me. "This is a pair of macrobinoculars."

  "What are those?" Nikko asks, holding the device carefully in her small hands.

  "You look through these two eyeholes, and you'll be able to see things far away, like the birds or the soldiers," Ryu explains, showing her how to use it.

  Nikko's face lights up with curiosity as she peers through the lenses. "Whoa! Everything is so big!" she exclaims, lowering the macrobinoculars with a look of awe.

  Ryu places a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle but serious. "You'll be our spotter."

  "What's a spotter, Papa?" Nikko asks, her tail flicking with excitement now.

  "A spotter tells us where the enemies are coming from and warns us. You'll be my eyes and ears while we fight," Ryu says proudly.

  He then reaches into his pouch again and pulls out a small device, no bigger than a coin, with a glowing blue button in the center. "This is a communicator. Press the button and speak, and I'll hear you no matter how far away I am."

  Nikko presses the button, her voice coming through Ryu's gauntlet as she says, "Hello!"

  Ryu smiles, clearly proud of her enthusiasm. "Can you be our spotter, Nikko?"

  Nikko stands tall, her eyes shining with determination. "I'll be the best spotter, Papa!" she says eagerly.

  Satisfied, Ryu smiles before standing and reaching back into his pouch. This time, he pulls out a long, rugged blaster. It's much larger than the others I've seen, with a dark metal body worn from use, a long barrel reinforced with stabilizing fins, and a thick grip that looks like it could crush someone's hand if they're not careful. A flashlight is mounted on the side, and the blaster's muzzle gleams under the faint light, ready for battle.

  Ryu hands the blaster to Apollo. "You'll cover us from up here, Apollo. Use this."

  Apollo accepts the blaster, inspecting it with his usual meticulous nature. "Affirmative," he responds, holding the large weapon with ease.

  "I also want you to focus on the archers," Ryu continues.

  The droid nods. "Understood."

  Ryu rises to his feet, his expression turning serious once more. "Once the birds are dealt with, I'll set off the charges. In the confusion, we'll strike. Apollo, you'll cover us but keep an eye on Nikko."

  Apollo nods. "Affirmative."

  "DP-7, you'll handle any stragglers. Stay mobile, don't stay in one spot for too long," Ryu orders, and the droid beeps in acknowledgment.

  Ryu turns back to me, his eyes meeting mine. "Are you ready?"

  I swallow my uncertainty and nod. "Ready."

  Ryu places a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his expression softening. "I've got your back, Talia. Nothing will happen to you. I promise."

  I nod again, feeling a bit more confident. With the plan in place, we prepare to move forward. I can't shake the feeling of dread, but I trust Ryu.

  Nikko hugs Ryu tightly, and he hugs her back. "We'll be back, okay?" She nods, controlling herself not to cry, and then runs over to me, hugging me as well.

  "You be okay out there and protect Papa," she says, her voice trembling slightly.

  I hug her back, assuring her, "I will. Don't worry."