Gifted - Ehtoslab

                                    

                                          
Following the Southlanders movements from a distance I watch as Martyn takes the lead, swerving playfully around the trees, Jimmy following. Pulling my bow off my shoulder, I knock an arrow, its bright red feathers brushing against the apple of my cheek as I take aim. I steady my gaze, positioning my shot at Grian, aiming for the left side of his back, just where his heart should be. Releasing a deep breath, I loosen my fingers, ready to fire, when a cheery shout from several feet ahead of my target catches my off guard, aiming my bow downwards slightly as I let go, hitting a tree to his left. Cursing, I duck behind the tree, steadying myself on the large branch, watching as Budbs runs towards Impulse, wrapping him in a tight embrace, followed closely by Etho, Skizzle, and Tango, all laughing lightly at his antics. I watch their wholesome interaction closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike, finding none. Preoccupied with my original target, I neglected the stare of Etho as he advanced towards my arrow, pulling it sharply from its resting place and gazing at it curiously. Averting my gaze to his strayed figure, I lock eyes with him, watching him tense and dart his gaze from mine to the group on his level. I shift, concealing my figure, eyes darting around for an escape route. Swinging my bow back into its original position, I jump down, landing as softly as I could into a semi roll, popping back up and regaining my footing.
	"Y/N!" I whip around, seeing the Southlanders stare at me in surprise, with team B.E.S.T nearer to me, reaching for their weapons. Throwing my hood off, I rip my sword from its sheath, readying it in front of me, then advancing towards  Skizzle, who quickly draws his own. Parrying my attack, I swing around, attempting to hit Tango, who stands a few feet away. He narrowly dodges, causing me to whip around, slamming a blow against Skizzles blade. Martyn joins in the three against one duel, all trying to wear me down, being unsuccessful, and after several desperate attempts to strike me down, or even weaken me, they stand in front of me panting heavily. Smiling wickedly, I eye Grian, tightening my grip, and when they let down their guard the most, I dash forward, breaking  through their somewhat wall, raising my weapon to strike. But I'm stopped by a sudden flush of warmth to my back, spreading throughout my body, my arms freezing in midair, eyes wide in shock. Lowering my sword, I glance around, turning to find Etho behind me, his hands raised in caution. Blinking, I look to my dominant arm, spotting the yellow glowing heart. What..?
	"What did you do...?"
	"I couldn't let you do this." I look down the barely viable patch of skin of his arm, spotting his heart tattoo now glowing a lime green, opposed to the forest green before.
	"Ehto...no, why-why did you-." I'm cut off as he tightly wraps his arms around my frame.
	"You're alright now Y/N. Everythings going to be alright..." Tears brim in my eyes, my arms quickly reciprocating the hug. A few moments pass before several more pairs of arms wrap themselves around us, making a large group hug. We stay like that, leaves gently drifting to the ground around us, a few deer pausing in their grazing to watch, until one by one, the guys pull away, ending with Etho, who keeps a comforting hand on my arm.
	"Why were you targeting Grian?" Impulse asks. I hesitate racking my brian for an answer.
	"Joel."