Chapter 8

"Okay, everyone, welcome back to Day Two of school. Today, we're going to start off with target practice. I expect to see everyone out on the archery range in fifteen minutes." Saori said, looking down at her class from the top of the grand staircase in the main hall. As she turned to leave, she spoke over her shoulder. "Oh, and Kuromaki-san, if you have another outburst like yesterday's, you probably won't have it past Intro Week. Just remember that, okay?" as she looked at them, the smile on her face turned blood cold. "Well, if Yuri-san, Shayde-chan, and Mitsuki-san will follow me, we'll get started."

The three girls in question jumped up at the sound of their names and hurried to catch up to their teacher.

"Okay, so for the most part, you girls are on arrow duty. Also, try to make sure the others don't shoot each other," Saori said sarcastically.

The three nodded in agreement.

As they filed into the archery range, Saori turned back to Mitsuki. "Oh, and Mitsuki, I never thanked you and your family for bringing that blade yesterday. I don't know how we could have done the swordplay demonstrations yesterday without it."

Mitsuki smiled sourly, simply saying "It was our pleasure to help out."

The new students slowly trickled their way into the range. Once everyone had picked a row, Saori turned to address the class.

"Okay, well let's get started then. The actual test will start in about a half hour, so you can, and should, use that time to practice. The second years will be helping you kids out, because I figure at least one of you's never used a bow before. Oh well. Let's get started then."

Saori paused for a second, and then, acting on inspiration, said, "Oh, Mitsuki, why don't you show them how it's done - just a quick demonstration."

Mitsuki stood up with a calm "Yes, Saori-sensei." She walked over to the nearest lane and picked up the bow that had been laid there. Taking out an arrow from the quiver laying next to it, she effortlessly drew back the bow string and paused for a moment to aim. Tranquilly, she released the arrow, which swiftly found its way straight into the center of the nearest target. Lily and Shayde smiled to each other - they knew Mitsuki had no rivals at the school when it came to marksmanship. "Should I shoot another one?" Mitsuki looked at her teacher as she asked the question.

"No. I think they get the idea. Thank you Mituski." Mituski sat back down by her friends as Saori addressed the class again, "Okay, well, in that case, pick a lane and get to work. Remember - you've only got a half-hour to get warmed up."

Saori turned to sit down, before adding, "Oh, and if any arrows are aimed at something besides a target, I will have the person responsible punished. Personally." And with what was universally interpreted as a death threat, Saori sat down to watch the students practice.

Shayde walked around the far left side of the arena, grateful that most of the new students seemed confident with a bow, as Shayde wasn't the most coordinated herself. However, there was one girl, in the farthest lane, who seemed to be having trouble. Shayde watched as she picked up an arrow, and tried to hold it in place. Pulling the bow string back, her arms trembled as she tried to take aim at the target, with a strained expression on her face. After about ten seconds, the girl let out a slight gasp as her hand slipped, sending the arrow flying off to the side. Quietly sighing to herself, Shayde approached her.

"Hey. You look like you could use some help." Shayde smiled kindly.

The girl turned her face, her two pigtails swaying under the motion. "Thanks! Yeah... I'm kinda bad at this..." Her expression turned distraught as she turned away from Shayde.

"No, no. You're fine. Here, let me give you a few pointers. Now get an arrow, and I'll try and help you."

"Okay" As the shorter girl tried to cock the arrow, Shayde reached around her to help steady her hands as the girl with the pigtails pulled back on the bow string.

"Now, concentrate on the center of the target. Picture the arrow flying straight into the center," Shayde tried to speak calmly and confidently to the other girl.

"Okay, senpai."

"Now, let go." The girl released the arrow, with promptly found its way into the target, abet halfway between the edge and the center.

Shayde smiled at the other one. "Nice! That was great... umm..." She stammered as she realized that she had never asked the other girl for her name.

"Oh! I'm Emi! Umm... what's your name, senpai?"

"I'm Shayde."

"Oh, nice to meet you, Shayde-senpai!" Emi smiled the single biggest smile that Shayde had seen. "And thanks for the pointers! You're amazing!"

"No... really, I'm not that great. Seriously. I had a lot of help from Mitsuki. And Cade-senpai..."

"Really? But you helped me so much!"

"You saw Mitsuki just now. She's easily one of the best here. Anyway, why don't you try again?"

"Okay, Shayde-senpai!" Emi picked up another arrow, and closed her eyes momentarily and taking a quick breath before cocking it. When she opened them, Shayde felt a change in her demeanor. Emi pulled back the bow string and let loose in on fluid motion. The arrow hit the target right at the edge of the bullseye. Shayde blinked before letting "Wow" slip out her mouth.

Emi turned to her senpai again. "How was that, Shayde-senpai?" She had turned back to her original self as quickly as she had changed. Shayde just stood there, dumbstruck.

"LOOK OUT!" The cry came from the other side of the range. An arrow almost hit Shayde, landing a few inches from her feet, and it shook her from her mental stupor.

"Lily? Are you trying to kill me or something? Seriously!" Shayde shouted, more from shock than anger.

"Sorry! I guess it got away from me." Lily laughed, embarrassed.

Just then, Saori stood back up. "Okay, class. Time's up. Let's see what you got." And with that, the students lined up one by one to demonstrate their skill.