Archer

Jaiden closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he raised his bow out in front of him.

His Father, Adrian, stood behind him, watching Jaiden’s every move.

“Focus on the target ahead of you,” Adrian explained as Jaiden opened his eyes. “Feel the wind in your hair. The feel of the arrow in your hand.”

Jaiden felt the wind through his chocolate brown hair before releasing the arrow.

He smirked as the arrow hit the bullseye ahead of him.

Adrian nodded in satisfaction and smiled at his son and pupil.

He had been training Jaiden since he was six years old after his mother suddenly died.

Jaiden had heard stories about his father in the field.

He knew he was a legend and was admired by those around him.

Jaiden and Adrian both live at a secret organisation called Haven.

They would go out secretly to protect the innocent from harm and threats.

He hopes that someday to be like his father and make him proud.

Now that he was sixteen, Jaiden could finally be sent out on missions.

Adrian patted his son on the shoulder. “You have done well, my son. You are better than the other students here. You will soon pass me.”

“Is that so? I hope that does not mean us too?” A familiar young voice said.

Jaiden turned to see his best friends Kyle and Kirsty walking toward them.

They were both in training like Jaiden; only Kyle used a long silver sword while Kirsty used a gun.

Adrian laughed as they approached. “Of course not.”

“Are Jaiden’s lessons over?” Kirsty asked.

Adrian nodded. “Yes, his lessons are done for today.” He looked to Jaiden. “You are free to leave.”

“Thank you, Father.” He said before walking away with his friends.

Kyle’s parents were Master swordsmen who, like Adrian, were admired by everyone at Haven.

Kyle and his younger brother hope to follow in their footsteps.

Kirsty’s parents were also admired until they decided to deflect.

Jaiden’s director and leader at Haven had no choice but to hunt them down.

Jaiden knew Kirsty did not want to be like her parents and tried desperately to prove herself.

Most people don’t trust her because of her parents.

It was not the first time someone had deflected or betrayed the people at Haven.

As they walked through the compound, they came across two boys sparing. A group of onlookers were close by, cheering them on.

The two boys, Dean and Ethan, were circling each other, waiting for the other to make a move.

They were also trained in different fighting techniques as well as the weapon of their choice.

Jaiden walked up to another boy named Lewis. “What’s the score this time?”

Lewis chuckled. “It’s 3-1. Dean has the upper hand. Ethan is not giving up.”

“Ethan is very stubborn,” Kirsty said, smiling. “He doesn’t like to give up.”

Lewis glanced at Kirsty, rolled his eyes, and moved to close the distance between him and Jaiden. “Did you have to bring her along?”

Jaiden gave Lewis a stern look. “She’s my friend. Anywhere I go, Kirsty will always follow.”

Jaiden’s attention was drawn back to Dean tackling Lewis to the ground.

“Way a go, Dean!” Kyle cheered.

Jaiden looked at Kirsty as she groaned in annoyance. “Can we go? I’m so sick of all the staring.” She looked over to a girl who was sneering at her. “Yes, I see you.”

Jaiden followed her gaze to the girl and then looked back at Kirsty. “Alright, let’s go.”

Kyle turned to the group as they walked away. “Kirsty is not a bad person. If you can only get to know her like Jaiden and I have. Then you’ll see.” Kyle turned away and ran off after his friends.

Kirsty looked at Kyle after they were well away from the group. “You didn’t have to do that, Kyle.”

Kyle smiled slightly. “It isn’t fair how they treat you because of something your parents did. You are not your parents. They will never see that, though.”

“So, what did you want to do now?” Jaiden asked, quickly changing the subject.

“I think I will head home,” Kirsty replied, looking down to the ground.

“You sure?”

Kirsty nodded, and Kyle looked at Jaiden. “I’ll escort her home. We’ll see you home.”

Jaiden nodded as he watched them leave before heading home himself.

Jaiden arrived at a small wooden cabin that was kept at the base.

He approached the light blue door that led into his home.

“I’m home!” Jaiden called out as he walked inside.

He saw Adrian standing in the middle of their kitchen, staring intently at a piece of paper in his hand.

“Everything alright, Father?” Jaiden asked as he walked into the kitchen. “Is something wrong?”

Adrian looked from the piece of paper to his son. “Hamish wants to see us first thing in the morning. You’re going on your first mission.”

Jaiden’s eyes widened in surprise. “My first mission.” He glanced at the paper. “Does it tell us information about it?”

Adrian shook his head. “Hamish will tell us in the morning.”

“You’re coming as well?”

“He wants to see us both. We’ll be going on this mission together.” Adrian smiled and patted his son on the head. “Get some sleep. You’ll need to be prepared for tomorrow.”