Disclaimer: Ok this is it. This disclaimer counts for all subsequent chapters including this one since my creative well has run dry. ALL I OWN IS MARIA AND THIS COMPUTER. And maybe not even this computer....

To Fulfill One's Destiny

Chapter 11- Reflections

Maria strolled at a steady pace into the woods, feeling his gaze on her back.

I guess it's become normal now, expected even.

She brushed a low-hanging branch away from the girl perched on her hip.

Always there to protect us, no questions asked. Wonder when I got used to it.

She carefully stepped over a protruding root.

Strong, silent type. Scary as hell if you tick him off. Oh, right- gorgeous as sin to boot.

Here she came to a clearing and slowed her pace.

Educated in books and in battle, not exactly warm and welcoming. Pretty sharp and unemotional.

The spring was now right in front of her.

I've been thinking of him a lot lately. And not in a detached manner either. Does this mean something?

She stopped right at the edge of the spring.

Am I...

She looked at their reflection in the water.

Have I really...

Her eyes widened in realization.

...fallen...

...for him?

The reflection shattered as a small girl's scream echoed across the forest.