A Gift for Father, Scene v1

This scene immediately follows after "A Handful of Flowers". These small introductions are getting repetitive, so I'll start keeping them short after this one. Thanks to everyone who has been providing constructive feedback, it has really helped me a lot in making the stories better, as well as improving my writing as a whole. Please continue to provide feedback, as always!

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Kismet returned to Delphi’s room and knocked on the door, the cavalilies hidden by her side. “Delphi? It’s Kismet.”

Helen, Delphi’s handmaid, continued tending to the room when she answered, “The princess isn’t here right now.”

“Know where she is?” asked Kismet. The sound of footsteps clomped behind her. Kismet spun around and saw Delphi entering the sitting room. “Nevermind.”

Kismet stepped toward the young princess, whose hair was still down and damp from her bath. “Hey, Delphi. Feeling a little better?”

Delphi continued walking toward her room as she replied disappointedly, “Where did you go? I was looking for you.”

“You said you wanted to be left alone.”

The two entered the bedroom and walked to the full-length standing mirror with a wreath border. “When someone tells you to leave them alone, what they really mean is they want someone to comfort them!”

Helen draped a folded towel over the armrest of the chair beside the mirror, and closed the door behind her as she left the room. Kismet grabbed the towel and began drying Delphi’s golden hair one section at a time. “Oh? You mean like last time, when it just made things worse?”

“That…that was different, okay?”

Kismet chuckled. “Well, I decided to go out for a walk, and I was worried about you, so…”

Kismet brandished the bundle of cavalilies hidden at the back of her leather belt. Delphi slowly took the flowers in her hands, a bittersweet smile crossing her face. Kismet could see envy in her eyes, as she caressed a petal with her finger without saying a word.

“I know you would’ve rather picked them yourself.”

“It’s okay. At least now I can give some to Father. Thank you, Kismet,” replied Delphi, with a gentle embrace.



King Marcus, adorned in a red silk robe with silver embroidery, stood at the birdcages in the garden, listening to their song. Delphi approached her father while Kismet stood at a respectable distance, as she always did. “Father, I have something for you.”

“Ah, cavalillies. My favorite.”

Marcus closed his eyes, his whole body relaxing as he breathed in their sweet fragrance. “They’re absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Delphi.”

The king gestured for his daughter to sit with him on the nearby wooden bench. He set the flowers aside and placed his hand atop Delphi’s. He gave a small frown, partially hidden behind his neatly trimmed full-beard. “I thought you weren’t able to pick any before Sara brought you back.”

Delphi was surprised, and a little confused. “Wh—how’d you know?”

“Your mother told me when I spoke with her earlier. You know very well that you’re not supposed to leave the castle without our permission.”

“But Kismet was with me. Lydia always gets to leave with Nakita,” argued Delphi.

“Yes, but Kismet isn’t a member of the Royal Guard,” explained Marcus.

“But I’m going to pick Kismet to be mine anyway.”

“A member of the Royal Guard must be with you, that is the rule. We can’t risk having anything happen to you, Delphi. You’re still too young.”

“But Lydia has been able to leave the castle ever since she was ten. I’m older than that and I still can’t,” stated Delphi, her voice becoming louder with frustration.

“That is true, but we need to be more careful with you. Your lessons must come first, so that way you can become a fine Queen once I step down. Once you’ve finished with your studies, you’ll be able to leave the castle whenever you want,” encouraged Marcus, comforting Delphi in his arms.

Delphi gave up arguing with a frown. The king gestured for Kismet to come closer. “Kismet, I appreciate how you’ve always been by Delphi’s side, but that also means you need to know when to put her safety first. After all, rules are in place for a reason. And now that you’re a soldier, you really need to start showing some more discipline, especially if you wish to become Delphi’s bodyguard. You understand?”

Kismet nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. I’m sorry.”

Marcus continued. “I trust you enough for the position, and you know that, but others won’t be as supportive. You have to prove yourself, beyond doubt, that you deserve that position.”

A messenger spoke before Kismet had a chance to reply, “Pardon my intrusion, Your Majesty. I’ve been sent to inform Kismet that General Devin has called for her. He said to report to the castle gates for her next assignment.”

The messenger bowed before the three, then took his leave. The king placed his hand on Kismet’s shoulder. “Don’t disappoint us, Kismet. Show everyone that our trust wasn’t misplaced.”

Kismet nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

She quickly hugged Delphi and gave a small lick to the cheek before she left the garden.



First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: A Handful of Flowers, Scene v1
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A Handful of Flowers, Scene v1

This scene follows "The Great Outdoors", introducing a few new characters. As always, please leave comments and feedback!

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Sara began to walk off until Kismet’s skin crawled at the sound of the Queen’s yelling. “Where in heaven’s name have you been, Delphi?”

Queen Natalia and Princess Lydia entered the courtyard. The Queen scowled at Delphi and Kismet, with Lydia walking by her side. Natalia glared at the grass stains and dirt that defiled Delphi’s embroidered, white dress. “Look at you, you’re filthy!"

Sara grinned. “I found these two just on the other side of the river, Your Highness.”

The vein on Queen Natalia’s temple sprouted into view. “What? You left the castle?”

Delphi shrank behind Kismet. “I-I just wanted to pick some flowers for Father…”

Lydia watched indifferently, as her mother continued scolding and gesturing wildly. “Flowers? You left the castle for some flowers? Don’t you realize how dangerous it is out there? What if you were attacked by wild animals; or kidnapped? Honestly, sometimes I just don’t know what to do with you. First your studies, and now this?”

The residents of the castle continued about their business and forced themselves to ignore the spectacle. The furious Queen redirected her anger toward Kismet. “And you!”

Natalia slapped Kismet across the face. “Just what were you thinking? You’re supposed to protect her, not help her break the rules. And you want to become her personal guard?”

“Useless cat, just be thankful King Marcus is more forgiving when it comes to Delphi,” concluded Natalia, as she stormed off.

Sara left the scene, frowning in disappointment. Lydia shook her head at Delphi with a sigh. “My dear sister, such a simple rule yet you still ignored it. Rules are in place for a reason, you know.”

“Why is it only me that has to stay? Why can everyone else leave but I can’t?” questioned Delphi.

Lydia’s mouth twitched. She pondered a moment before replying, struggling to maintain her composure. “Complaining won’t change anything. You’re obviously still too immature to have the right to leave the castle. If you want to leave the castle so much, why don’t you try doing the things you’re supposed to, and earn the right? I swear; it’s as though you enjoy being a disappointment to Mother.”

Tears welled up in Delphi’s eyes. Kismet placed her hand on Delphi’s shoulder sympathetically. Delphi sobbed then ran off. Kismet snarled at Lydia. “Have you no shame?”

Lydia glared at Kismet. “Me? If I’m not mistaken, you’re the one trying to become a member of the Royal Guard. Even then, you still go about assisting my sister in sneaking out of the castle.”

The princess closed her eyes with an arrogant smirk as she continued. “You’re lucky, Kismet. If any other soldier did what you did they would’ve been discharged on the spot, if not worse, yet here you still are. If it weren’t for
Father’s kindness, you would’ve been left out in the wild, living off of scraps and being chased by hunters. So, try to show a little more respect. It’s bad enough that merely having you around has damaged our reputation.”

Kismet restrained herself as Lydia took her leave. The frustrated Cathera searched the castle for the saddened princess. Delphi sobbed in the confines of her room as

Kismet knocked on the door. “Delphi—”

“Leave me alone…”

Kismet gazed sympathetically at the bedroom door, wracking through her mind for a way to cheer Delphi up. A little disappointed, all that came to mind was to pick some cavalillies for the young princess, but it was better than doing nothing.


Wasting no time, Kismet quickly treaded across the bridge to the cavalily patch. The sound of terrified sobs and quick footsteps drew her attention away from the flower patch. In the distance, she spotted a little girl attempting to climb a tree, with three wolves closing in from a distance. Seeing no other option, Kismet sprinted to girls aid and called out to the girl to draw wolves’ attention. “Don’t worry, I’m coming!”

The little girl, too frightened to respond, trembled uncontrollably as she shuddered behind the tree. Two of the wolves snapped their heads and began surrounding Kismet, while the last one continued approaching the child. She watched the wolves intently, while inching toward the girl, ready to react. The wolves growled at her, as the positioned themselves to attack. One of the two wolves lunged at Kismet’s leg. She quickly countered its attack by jumping off its head. The wolf chasing the cowering child dashed toward its prey. Kismet swiftly threw one of the several throwing knives fastened onto the leather band on her thigh, striking the wolf in its side. The wolf fell in front of the terrified child, struggling against the pain to rise back to its feet. It ran away as the second wolf near Kismet attempted to bite her arm but she evaded the attack and swiped at the wolf’s torso with her claws, leaving deep scratches. The wolf whimpered in pain, signaling the pack’s retreat.

Kismet rushed over to the little girl who was shaking uncontrollably behind the tree. “Are you alright?”

Although the wolves were gone, the sight of the foreign cat-human left the little girl uneasy.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.”

The girl hesitated. A woman’s voice called out from the distance, catching the girls attention and calming her down.

Kismet offered her hand. “It’s okay.”

The child eyed the fur-covered hand with uncertainty. With a trembling hand, she slowly placed hers on top of Kismet’s soft, leathery palm. Kismet gently held the girls hand, and eased her away from the tree.

“You’re not hurt, are you?” asked Kismet, as rushed footsteps approached.

A disheveled woman with long, dark-brown hair, dressed in a ragged dress ran up calling, “Lita! Lita!”

The little girl ran into her mother’s open arms. The woman sobbed with relief. “Oh, my precious little girl…Don’t you ever run off like that again!”

Lita hugged her mother back and replied with a muffled voice, “Sorry, Mommy…”

Lita’s mother looked up slowly at Kismet, who watched from a few yards away. She quickly pulled her daughter away, never taking her eyes off Kismet. Her glare pierced through Kismet’s heart. “Stay away! What have you done to Lita?”

Kismet took a step forward and tried to calm her, “Please, calm dow—“

“Stay back!”

Kismet froze in her tracks. She watched Lita gaze back at her, confused at her mother’s reaction toward the one who rescued her. Lita squirmed out of her mother’s arms then ran up to Kismet.

“Lita!” cried her mother.

Lita opened her satchel and pulled out a handful of cavalillies. Her mother watched, paralyzed with anxiety. Lita offered the vibrant, white flowers with a smile that warmed Kismet’s soul and left her speechless. Apart from Delphi, no one has ever given her a gift, much less given her such acceptance. Her hands trembled when she took the flowers from Lita. Kismet stood there, frozen, as she watched Lita leave along side her mother, the child’s glimmering brown eyes still glued on her feline savior.



First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: The Great Outdoors, Scene v1
Next: A Gift for Father, Scene v1

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Kismet vs. Bandits, Picture vFinal

Here it is! The finished product of the picture my brother has been working on for me! This is a shrunken down version.


Artist: Jason Chan (www.jasonchanart.com)

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The Great Outdoors, Scene v1

This scene immediately follows "Delphi in the Gardens". Hopefully it gives a better idea of the different personalities of the characters and their relationships. Let me know what you think!

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With hooded cloaks Delphi and Kismet stepped out of the hidden stone passage into the late morning sun. Kismet lent a hand, and helped Delphi out of the passage hidden amongst the side of a rocky hill. Delphi shielded her eyes from the sun as she lowered her hood. She gazed out over the woods at the base of the hidden trail.

“Wow—” exhaled Delphi in awe. “It’s so beautiful!”

Delphi hugged onto Kismet’s arm as they strolled down the path carved into the hillside. Kismet couldn’t help but watch Delphi beam with excitement. The pair weaved through the loosely wooded base of the hillside. As they reached the narrow river, Delphi squatted down and gazed into the water. Her eyes followed a small school of fish swimming in the river. The sparkles in Delphi’s eyes put Kismet’s heart at ease, but she knew their time was limited.

“Come here.”

Delphi rose to her feet and followed Kismet to the bank of a shallow portion of the river. Kismet quickly swept Delphi off her feet, making her shriek with surprise. Delphi squirmed as Kismet stepped into the water.

“Kismet! What are you doing? P-Put me down!” cried Delphi.

“Calm down. If you keep doing that I might drop you.”

“Go back! You know I can’t swim!” she pleaded.

“You’ll be fine, I promise.”

Delphi screamed and whimpered as Kismet raised her above her head. Trembling with fear, Delphi glanced at Kismet below her, who was up to her chest in water, then quickly looked away and closed her eyes tightly. The chilled, autumn water flowed slowly, but strongly around Kismet as she treaded through the river. Upon reaching the riverbank, Kismet lowered Delphi to the ground. Delphi stumbled on her feet then pounded Kismet’s chest.

“Don’t ever do that again!” she scolded with tear-stung eyes, still trembling.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry! But it's not like we could've taken the bridge; someone would've seen you,” she replied with a playful smile.

Delphi turned away and pouted, stomping ahead. Kismet looked back at the river and noticed a wispy, black silhouette gliding downstream. She stared at it intently but is unable to make out what it is.

Delphi turned around. “Are you coming or what?”

Kismet slowly peeled her eyes away and caught up to Delphi’s side. Delphi forcefully gripped Kismet’s hand and pulled her along. Delphi’s mood brightened as they passed by squirrels and rabbits that scurried through the brush. She curiously chased after anything that moved with a large grin on her face. Kismet smiled as she watched the young princess happier than she had ever seen her before.

Their fun ended with the sound of crunching leaves. Kismet gently placed her hand on Delphi’s shoulder. Another snap broke the silence. Kismet’s eyes locked onto the source. The tabard of the Imperial Army, the loosely, but fashionably tied back light-brown hair, the ever-so-loved figure of the ever-so-popular archer, was that of the last person she wanted to see.

“Well, well, well. Look what we have here!”

“Sara,” Kismet growled.

“And what may you be doing out here? Kidnapping someone for a midday snack?”

Delphi peeked out from behind Kismet.

Sara sighed. “Princess? You know you’re not allowed outside of the castle.”

Delphi looked away in disappointment. Sara struggled to hold back her smirk after having thought about the punishment Kismet would receive from helping Delphi leave the castle.

“I just wanted to pick some cavalillies for Father,” explained Delphi.

“But to come out here yourself? You could’ve just sent someone else to pick them for you.”

The young princess’ expression saddened. “I wanted to pick them myself...”

“I’m sorry, Princess, but it’s too dangerous for you to be wandering around. I’m going to have to escort you back to the castle,” stated Sara.

“Please, they shouldn’t be far from here!” pleaded Delphi.

Kismet glared at Sara. “Just let her pick some flowers.”

Sara grinned evilly at Kismet as she continued talking to Delphi. “As much as I want to let you, I’m afraid I can’t. You know very well that you shouldn’t even be out here. Just be glad that I won’t go telling anyone I saw you out here. Your mother would be furious. Now, let’s take you back.”

Delphi trailed behind the Sara, gloomily. With her chin held high, and a grin on her face, Sara marched in front toward the bridge downstream. Kismet grabbed Sara’s shoulder as they kept pace. “What’s wrong with you?”

“What?” replied Sara, mockingly.

“Is your heart really so cold that you can’t let her pick a few flowers first?”

Sara violently pushed Kismet’s hand away. “Hey, don’t blame me. I’m just following the rules. She shouldn’t even be outside of the castle in the first place.”

Kismet snarled. “Don’t give me that crap. It wouldn’t have taken more than ten minutes to grab some.”

“Rules are rules, Kismet, and the Princess broke them. She’s spoiled enough as it is, and I won’t be one to encourage it. Think of denying her flowers as a sort of punishment, although that hardly compares to what would happen if people in the castle were to find out.”

Kismet emitted a low growl, slowing her pace to the side of a saddened Delphi. “I’m sorry, Delphi; I’ll collect some for you later.”

“But I wanted to pick them myself.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I should’ve noticed Sara sooner so we could’ve avoided her.”

Delphi continued staring at the ground ahead as they approached the hidden passage back to the castle. The three reached the main courtyard when Sara broke the silence, “It seems you two squeezed by this time. I suggest you wise up and not press your luck again.”

Sara began to walk off until Kismet’s skin crawled at the sound of the Queen’s yelling. “Where in heaven’s name have you been, Delphi?”



First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: Delphi in the Gardens, Scene v1
Next: A Handful of Flowers, Scene v1

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Delphi in the Gardens, Scene v1

Here is the scene immediately following Kismet vs. Bandits. This scene introduces Delphi and her relationship with Kismet. As always, please feel free to leave comments.

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The castle garden bathed in the morning sun, emitting a warm and gentle glow. The soothing sound of trickling water filled the air, accompanied by Princess Delphi’s soft song. Her long, white silken dress glistened in the light, as she sat on the fountain side pulling petals from a flower and tossed them into the water. Kismet felt her troubles wash away as the sweet fragrance of the garden filled her lungs, and the beautiful voice of the young princess calmed her soul.

Kismet couldn’t help but smile as she walked up to her dearest, and only, friend. Her paws treaded lightly on the walkway. Delphi stood abruptly, her hand drawn back to her chest. Seeing the fur-hide she knew so well, the long auburn hair she groomed so often, and the feline face she had always loved, Delphi knew that it was none other than her very own Kismet.

“You scared me, Kismet!” said Delphi with a smile. “Stop sneaking up on me like that. I hardly even heard you walk in.”

“Sorry, your singing was so relaxing, I didn’t want to interrupt,” replied Kismet as she sat next to Delphi on the fountain.

“You know it embarrasses me when people listen to me sing!” said Delphi, playfully shoving Kismet’s arm.

Kismet flinched. “A—are you hurt? I’m so sorry!” said Delphi, startled.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing to worry about,” insisted Kismet, as Delphi inspected the wound, which had almost fully healed.

The young princess pulled out a handkerchief, dipped it into the fountain, and began cleaning the blood off Kismet’s arm. “But it looks like it really hurts.”

“Don’t worry so much. It’s really not that bad.”

“I really wish you didn’t join the military and would just stay in the castle with me. Every time you leave I get so worried.”

Kismet gave Delphi a comforting smile. “You know I have to if I’m to become your personal guard, since you can only select someone from the military.”

“I know, but I won't be turning sixteen for almost a year. Couldn’t you wait until then, just before I get to pick?”

Kismet laughed. “People already don’t like the idea that you want to pick me. We don’t even know if they’d let you. I just hope that I can earn at least a little trust before the time comes, so that you actually can.”

Delphi hugged Kismet tightly. “I guess you’re right. But I still don’t like it. What if something happens to you?”

Kismet returned her embrace warmly. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

The trickling of the fountain pierced the silence. Delphi rested her head on Kismet’s shoulder. “So, tell me! I’ve seen so many beautiful paintings. Is it really like that out there?”

“Apart from city life, it really is beautiful. The sweet scent of the trees swaying in the wind, the refreshing taste of a fresh stream, it makes me feel…at peace. But the outside life is in no way similar to how it is in the castle; I doubt you’d like it.”

“It’s because it’s so different that I’m so interested! All my life I’ve been stuck here. It’s been nine years since I’ve last left the castle.”

“The day you found me on the river bank.”

Delphi nodded. “Even then, I hardly remember what it was like, and it was with my family and the guards. To travel and see what life is like on the outside—even if it’s just for a little…”

After a moment of thought, Delphi leaned on Kismet’s knees excitedly with her hands. “Say, would you do me a favor?”

“Hah!” Kismet gave her a suspicious eye. “I can guess what you’re thinking, and you know very well that I can’t.”

Delphi frowned. “Aww! Please, Kismet? I only wanted to pick some cavalilies for Father. Karen told me she saw a patch growing on the other side of the river.”

Kismet sympathetically placed her hands on top of Delphi’s. “You know you’re not allowed to leave the castle without your parent’s permission.”

“I know, but it shouldn’t be far. We’d be back before anyone would notice I’m gone. Besides, you’ll be there to protect me!” Delphi looked at Kismet with sad eyes. “Please, just this once? For me?”

Kismet shook her head with a sigh. “Fine. Just this once. If anyone finds out, I’m going to lose my hide for this.”

Delphi cheered. She bounced with excitement and hugged Kismet tightly. Kismet flinched. “Oww! Calm down, you’re hurting my arm!”

Delphi jumped back in embarrassment. “Oops! Sorry, I’m just so excited!”

She quickly grabbed Kismet by the hand and began pulling her along. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

Kismet chuckled, “Alright, alright, just calm down!”



First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Next: The Great Outdoors, Scene v1

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Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1

Here is the written scene for the picture my brother has been working on for me. Please leave comments on what you liked or disliked about the scene. Also, feel free to suggest changes, or what to add/remove.

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The dawn sky appeared as if stained with blood, casting an eerie red glow over the woods. Birds greeted the morning sun, filling the air with their morning chatter. Kismet peered at the bandit camp in the distance with her yellow cat eyes. Her tail waved with excitement, tapping Sara’s face as three more bandits enter the camp...

Sara flinched away, glaring at Kismet. “Mind moving your tail out of my face, you fur-faced freak?”

Kismet’s feline ears twitched as Sara’s hisses disrupted her focus. She squinted in annoyance and whipped Sara’s face once more with her tail before calming it. Sara snarled with anger and reached out to strike Kismet.

General Devin restrained her arm with a forceful grip. “Deal with it later on your own time. You have an assignment to focus on.”

Sara snapped her arm back reluctantly, and resumed watching the bandits below, mumbling to herself. Devin rolled his eyes and glared behind him at General Raze, who perched herself atop a tree root, watching amusedly. Devin backed away from the ledge. “It seems the stolen jewels have arrived at the camp. Lucas and Kismet, sneak around to the storage tent and recover the jewels. Sara, position yourself so you can provide assistance if necessary.”

Sara waved her hand in front of her face, “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

Devin sighed at Sara, “Go now, the patrol is leaving the camp. We’ll be observing from here.”

The three recruits headed toward their positions. Raze walked to Devin’s side, both watching the three first-timers descend the hillside. “Is this your idea of some sort of payback?” asked Devin.

Raze chuckled. “Maybe.”

“I still don’t understand. You just had to give me these three, didn’t you?”

She smirked. “I have my reasons.”

Devin, rather curious to Raze’s reasoning, began thinking aloud. “Sara I can maybe see, since she’s proven herself to be the greatest marksman around since last decade, but let’s face it, her personality is impossible to deal with. Not only that, but forcing her and Kismet to work side-by-side? Anyone can see that’ll cause a world of problems.”

“A perfect way to test their determination, is it not?”

Devin laughed. “You really are a sadist, aren’t you? Alright, how do you explain Lucas then? He’s definitely not an ideal candidate.”

Raze turned her attention back to the trio cautiously descending the slope. “I guess I really am a sadist.”


The three recruits came to a stop and reassessed the situation after descending halfway down the hillside.

“The Great Goddess must enjoy watching me suffer, placing me in the same squad as your sorry hide,” snorted Sara. “Why don’t you go back to fawning over Princess Delphi like you always do?”

Lucas watched Kismet nervously as she grit her teeth. Kismet exhaled heavily. “Let’s go, Lucas.”

Kismet and Lucas darted off toward the rear of the camp while Sara crouched in waiting. As they approached the camp, Kismet and Lucas slowed their pace, stepping lightly around loose brush. Sneaking behind the patrol, they reached the storage tent. Kismet crept behind the guard, and snapped his neck with one swift motion. She quickly dragged his body out of sight as Lucas slipped inside the tent. He flinched when he saw another bandit inside who was hunched over a small table, sifting through the stolen jewels.

Oblivious to who actually entered, the bandit continued his inspection. “Hey, come take a look at this ‘ere diamond. It looks kinda fake to me, wha’ d’ya think?”

Lucas remained silent, trembling as he slowly inched his way closer. The bandit turned around slowly, calling out behind him, “’ey, you hear me?”

Panicking, Lucas drew his sword and lunged forward. Seeing his attacker through the corner of his eye, the bandit instinctively rolled to the side. A thin line of blood sailed through the air as the cold, steel blade sliced the bandit’s arm. The stolen jewels shower over the floor as Lucas lost his footing and crashed into the table.
The bandit stared wide-eyed at Lucas as he backs against the tent wall, grasping his wound. “Empire!”

A blood-curdling scream pierced the air as Lucas’ blade pierced the bandit’s heart. Bandits throughout the camp rushed out of their tents toward the scream with blades in hand. Crouching out of sight, Kismet swore under her breath with frustration at Lucas’ carelessness. Peering around the corner, Kismet waited for her moment as two bandits approach the tent, with archers at the ready across the camp. The bandits close in on the tent as Lucas scrambled about, picking the jewels off the floor.

Kismet pounced on the nearest bandit, causing his head to slam against the ground, which rendered him unconscious. The second bandit panicked at the sight of the feline body before him, unsure whether to fight or run. Kismet wrung the confused bandit’s arm behind him, spinning him around as arrows were sent flying in her direction. The bandit screamed out in pain as arrows pierced his body, one of which penetrated through his arm and into Kismet’s.

The enemy archers became distracted when birds took flight from the trees to the West. An arrow pierced through the sky and killed one of them, sending the rest into a panic. Kismet yelled into the tent, “What the hell is taking you so long? Are you trying to get us killed?”

“S—Sorry! I think that’s all of them,” stammered Lucas.

Another arrow sailed through the air, sending another archer to his grave. Kismet dropped her human shield as Lucas ran around the corner of the tent. As they approached the rear they become surrounded. Swinging his sword wildly in fear, Lucas cut down the foe before him, and kept another at bay.

Kismet rammed one of the bandits into the one close behind him, knocking them over. “What are you waiting for? Go!”

Kismet darted in front of a panicked Lucas and cleaved the interfering bandit across the face with her claws, leaving him screaming in pain. She shoved Lucas toward the trees as a bandit’s blade grazed her back. A heavy kick followed that knocked her to the ground. Kismet quickly rolled to the side, avoiding the bandit’s stab, and got back on her feet. She bared her fangs at her attacker with a threatening hiss. Fear struck the bandit as Kismet darted toward him. He swung his sword, but Kismet ducked under the attack and elbowed him in the stomach. The bandit collapsed onto the floor. Kismet escaped into the woods, pulling Lucas behind her.

Kismet came to a stop after traveling a safe distance from the camp. Lucas collapsed to his hands and knees, out of breath, as Kismet sat against a tree. After catching his breath he looked up at Kismet and cringed. Blood trailed through Kismet’s thin fur as she gouged into her already-healing wound with her claws. She winced in pain as she continued digging through her flesh.

Lucas stared with disgust and confusion as Kismet’s blood dripped from her fingertips. “What the hell are you doing?!”

“Don’t bother me,” snapped Kismet, never taking her eyes off her wound. “We could have finished the mission flawlessly if you weren’t so careless.”

Lucas clenched his fists in frustration. He knew she was right. He rose to his feet as Sara approached them. Sara shielded her eyes and looked away from Kismet with disgust.

“That’s disgusting!” she blurted. “For heaven’s sake, do that when people aren’t around.”

Ignoring Sara, Kismet painfully pulled a large splinter out of her arm and flung it on the ground. She twisted open her water canteen and poured it over her wound as Devin and Raze arrive. The young recruits watched them anxiously, anticipating a dreadful evaluation. He glared at each of them, and then at Kismet’s arm, which began a new trail of blood.

“That—“ Devin shook his head. “I don’t even want to know what happened down there.”

A subtle grin of confidence crept onto Sara’s face. Devin looked over his subordinates once more before continuing. “I’ll commend you all on escaping with so few injuries, but that little mistake nearly cost two of you your lives. It seems we’ve overestimated the three of you.”

“General,” interjected Sara. “You mean just the two of them right? I did exactly as I was told and —“

“The three of you are a unit,” interrupted Devin. “The mission either goes well, or it doesn’t.”

Lucas lowered his head in shame as Sara continued to plead, “But, General—“

“That will be all,” declared Devin, ignoring Sara. “You are all dismissed until further notice.”

Devin and Raze departed toward the castle, speaking softly amongst themselves. Sara welled up with anger, watching them walk off.

“I can’t believe this. On my first assignment—I mean seriously, what the hell happened?” yelled Sara, swinging herself around.

“Sorry, I—“

“No, you know what, I don’t care. I just can’t believe the two of you had to ruin my big debut. Even General Raze, leader of the Elite, was here watching and you had to mess it up! At this rate, the two of you will just keep dragging me down and ruin my chances of being invited.”

Kismet sighed as she began walking off. “All you ever do is whine.”

“Why don’t you just go lick yourself? I can’t believe I’m going to have to put up with your ugly face. It almost makes want to quit just to save myself from the misery.

Kismet rolled her eyes and quickened her pace back to the castle.



Next: Delphi in the Gardens, Scene v1

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Kismet vs. Bandits, Picture v4

Today my brother sent me the color scheme for Kismet vs. Bandits. I can't wait till it's all done! Please leave comments on what you think of it, and what changes you think would improve it.


Artist: Jason Chan (www.jasonchanart.com)

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Kismet vs. Bandits, Picture v3

Here's the next comparison image for Kismet vs. Bandits. The right is one with spots, and the left is the same image without. Which do you think looks better?


Artist: Jason Chan (www.jasonchanart.com)

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Kismet vs. Bandits, Picture v2

Here's a progress image of the next picture my brother is doing for me. I can't wait till it's finished, it's looking pretty awesome. This picture allows you to see Kismet's full body structure (legs, feet and tail which weren't in the pond picture). I will be posting the scene by next weekend, hopefully.


Artist: Jason Chan (www.jasonchanart.com)

Feel free to comment, and point out what you like or dislike between the two!

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Sight Unseen: Happy Follow-up

For those of you who hate sad endings and wanted a happy one, here it is. This is a follow-up to the original ending that I purposely omitted because I felt that the sad ending was more memorable, and makes the story deliver a different message.

Anyway, here's your happy-ending, let me know what you think!

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After several months had passed, Kismet returned to the very spot she first met Ced. She sat there, staring out over the pond as it glistened in the setting sun. The time they had spent together was so brief that she began to wonder if she imagined it all, but it didn’t matter to her. She could never forget his warm smile, the smile that once brought her to the pond every day. However, every time she remembered his smile, she would also remember the terror that tore them apart...

Kismet, lost in her memories, turned to the tree that Ced sat at the day they met, the same tree where Kismet was no longer the person he imagined, but instead a monster. She lowered her gaze to the spot he used to sit at every time they met. A letter lay atop the bare patch at the base of the tree. Kismet furrowed her brow as she crept toward the letter. Her hands trembled as she picked up the sealed envelope, which had her name written awkwardly across the front. She carefully sliced open the envelope with her claw, and opened the letter. The writing, hardly forming straight lines with some words overlapping, made Kismet’s heart skip a beat.

Dear Kismet,

I truly hope you find this letter, although I suppose you would have already found it if you are reading this. Ever since the last time we saw each other, I have been thinking more and more about the time we spent together. I realized that what I did was terribly wrong and unfair to you. I know you probably hate me for reacting the way I did, but I really wanted to let you know that I am truly sorry.

At the time, when you showed me who you really are, I was in complete shock. Twelve years ago, during the massacre, my sister was killed by Cathera before my very eyes. Despite the time we spent together, all I was able to think about was how my sister was killed. I was angry, confused, and frightened. But ever since that day, I started to regret how I acted. It was unfair for me to blame you for what happened in the past. I just wish I were able to take back the way I acted.

I also wanted to thank you. You’ve been nothing but a good friend to me since the day we met, and I’ll never forget the words you said to me that night. Your words opened my eyes, so to speak. I’ve been doing my best to accept my accursed fate. A little over a month after the last time we saw each other, Allie came by for dinner and I told her how I truly felt about her. After a long conversation, we decided to try again. My family and I moved back to Lesai, so Allie and I could be near each other again. Thanks to your words, it’s been four months now and we’re living happily together, so again, thank you.

I wanted to apologize and thank you in person, but I no longer live in Levan, much less did I even expect you to visit the pond anymore. Even if you have read this, I still do want to thank you in person for telling me what I needed to hear. I hope that one day you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. It would truly be a blessing to hear your voice again.

- Ced


An overwhelming array of emotions flooded over Kismet. She had given up hope in hearing from him again. She looked at the corner under his signature where a date was written. The date was that very day. She stared at the date more closely in disbelief. She sprung to her feet and ran toward Levan.

Kismet surveyed the village from the trees near the main road. Ced was nowhere to be found. She peered down the road toward Lesai in hopes to spy any hints to his whereabouts, but there was nothing. A door opened from one of the homes.

“Thanks again for the lovely lunch!”

“Yes, thank you, it was very delicious.”

“Any time! It was great seeing you again.”

A young woman walked out of the house leading a man by the hand. Kismet held her breath as she watched the couple make their way to a small caravan. She made her way ahead of the caravan, down the road toward Lesai, out of view from Levan. The couple smiled as they shared a conversation. Kismet walked out onto the side of the road, no longer caring if anyone saw her. The young woman stopped abruptly, mid-sentence, and drew the horses to a stop.

“Allie? What’s wrong?”

Allie stared at Kismet in disbelief, obviously fighting back her initial instinct of fear and hatred. “Is that her?”

“Who?”

Kismet clenched her fists, conquering the anxiety that left her speechless. “Ced…” she said softly.

Ced snapped his head in her direction in disbelief. He slowly descended from the caravan and took a step forward. “Kismet?”

She nodded in reply. Even though he couldn’t see, he knew it was her from the sound of her voice. “I…I’m so sorry I—“

“I read your letter,” she interrupted.

He persisted, “I’m so sorry. I just…I—”

Kismet embraced him, no longer able to restrain her happiness. Ced froze in shock as tears welled-up in his eyes. He returned her embrace, fighting back the memories that haunted him.

“Can you forgive me?” he asked.

“Of course…”

Allie stepped down from the caravan and tapped Ced on the shoulder, clearing her throat. Ced broke his embrace, cleared his throat, and gestured toward Allie. “Kismet, I’d like you to meet Allie. I’ve told her all about you.”

Allie extended her hand hesitantly in greeting, “I’m glad I was able to meet you.”

Kismet stared at the bare hand before her. The only other person who greeted her so sincerely was Ced, only now there is no veil of darkness. Kismet shook Allies hand cautiously.

Kismet averted her eyes, well aware of Allie’s discomfort when she gave an awkward smile.

“Sorry, I just never would’ve imagined a situation like this,” assured Allie with a nervous laugh. “Besides, I have you to thank for bringing me and Ced back together.”

Ced sighed in relief with a smile. He took Allie’s hand in his. “Thank you, Kismet. You have no idea how much you’ve helped.”

Allie smiled softly at Ced. “Would you like to join us for dinner?”

Kismet was speechless. She couldn’t believe that the couple before her was accepting her for who she was, and even inviting her for dinner.

Kismet grinned, unable to contain her happiness, “I-I would love that!”

Ced extended his hand. Kismet left her’s in his care, as he guided her onto to caravan, followed by Allie. Kismet trembled with excitement. Never has she felt such acceptance, such happiness. After leading a life of being ostracized, she never expected that one day she would be invited for anything. She grinned helplessly at the couple. Allie chuckled as she took hold of the reins. She set the horses in motion and the three rode down the trail together.

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Sight Unseen, 4th Draft

The difference between this draft and the 3rd was less than I thought it would be, but hopefully it made a significant difference. Again, please let me know how you like this version and any comments/feedback.

NOTE: The colored text are the main differences in this draft from the previous one. Other small changes have been made that have not been colored in this post.

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Kismet retreated into the secluded woods behind the neighboring village of Levan. Her soul settled as she filled her lungs with the sweet smell of autumn. She strolled toward the pond ahead, the gentle breeze easing her mind. She wanted nothing more than to cleanse away her troubles and forget about those who, every day, brought her such grief...

“H-hello? Is someone there?” called out a young man.

Kismet flinched in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly hid behind a tree. Her cheetah tail froze in alert as she slowly peered out the side of the trunk. A young man stared in her general direction. His eyes suddenly locked onto her yellow cat-eyes, but gave no reaction of fear or surprise, as if he didn’t even notice her.

“Hello?” he called again.

The man continued to look blankly in Kismet’s direction, growing more anxious with every passing moment. All her life, people have been frightened of her. Being a Cathera, she had a slender, cheetah-patterned, fur-covered body, with large, yellow cat-eyes, large feline ears, and a long tail; the sight of which brought nothing but fear and hatred from those that saw her. She hated it. She hated being feared for reasons she could not control.

Kismet gazed back into the eyes of the young man. The fear in his eyes wasn’t the same fear she grew used to seeing, but was instead a fear of the unknown. His eyes were empty and grey. It dawned on Kismet that he was blind and was probably frightened because he feared her footsteps might have been from something more threatening.

She stepped out into plain view. His expression remained unchanged. He was surely blind. Kismet replied back, “Umm...sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

The young man appeared to be eighteen, about a year older than Kismet. He let out a small sigh of relief and laughed nervously. “Don’t worry about it. Ever since I went blind, it’s not an uncommon feeling. The name’s Ced,” he said, extending his hand in greeting.

Kismet approached him slowly, lost in disbelief that someone would treat her with such warmth. She reached out to shake his hand, but remembered that he had not seen who she really was—what she really was. Kismet stared at her fur-covered hand next to his, bare-skinned. Her heart ached with a heavy sense of loneliness as she withdrew her hand. The darkness, she told herself, is the only reason. “I’m Kismet.”

He leaned against a nearby trunk, tilting his head slightly, “Kismet? That’s an interesting name. I don’t seem to remember anyone by that name around here…are you lost? Or maybe visiting someone?”

“I was just looking for somewhere to relax,” she replied, standing a few steps in front of him along the pond side.

“I know how that can be sometimes. I come here when I want to relax and forget about my troubles.” Ced paused a moment. “Well, I guess I’ll leave you to your thoughts. It was nice meeting you.”

Ced brushed his clothes, and began walking off. Kismet trembled slightly as an overwhelming, yet familiar, wave of loneliness resonated throughout her body.

“Please, don’t go.”

“I wish I could stay, but I really should—“

“Please!” she pleaded.

Kismet, taken aback by her uncontrollable desperation, could do nothing but stare helplessly at him. She dug her claws into her palms, as if it would keep him from leaving. Ced turned back around and found his way back to where he was standing. He lowered himself down, resting one of his arms on a bent knee. “I guess I could stay a little longer,” he said with a smile.

Kismet smiled back with relief. Sitting down, she wracked her mind for something to say, but found herself speechless from the shock of someone actually willing to spend time with her. She averted her eyes to the ground beside her, embarrassed at being unable to find words after having asked Ced to stay. She watched him stare blankly in her direction with a subtle smirk on his face. Despite his company, his empty gaze at her created a knot in her core. For all he knew, Kismet was a perfectly normal, human girl that he happened to meet by the pond side. She couldn’t help but think of what would happen if he discovered what she really was. She tried and tried again to think of something to say, but all she could about was the loneliness she would face again if he were to discover the truth.

“You’re awfully shy, aren’t you?” chuckled Ced.

“S-sorry, I…it’s just—“

“There’s no need to be so nervous,” he reassured her. “So, where are you from? I’m from Levan, about five minutes west of here.”

“Rokan,” replied Kismet.

“Oh? The capital? That must be pretty exciting. I’ve only been there maybe two or three times. It’s always so full of life there, especially at the center plaza.”

She shruged. “I guess so.”

“You don’t think so?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not supposed to go there, not that I would really want to,” she replied.

Ced leaned forward curiously. “Why is that?”

She forgot that he still thought she was a normal person. She chose her next words more carefully. “I’ve always preferred being somewhere quiet and away from the city.”

“Yeah, I guess I know what you mean. In the end, I think I would always prefer living in Levan over Rokan,” he replied in agreement. “Speaking of which, aren’t your parents worried about you being all the way out here, away from home?

“I doubt anyone would really notice I’m missing,” answered Kismet. “Delphi is busy until night, so I usually just wander around until then.”

“Delphi? Like the young Princess Delphi?”

Kismet’s heart skipped a beat. She dug her fingers into the ground with frustration for having carelessly mentioned Delphi’s name. Rumors have run rampant that the King allowed the young princess to befriend a Catheran and harbor it in the castle. Carelessly mentioning her name in such an informal way, Kismet was certain Ced would soon deduce her true identity, even though her own name was not well-known.

“Did the Delphi you know used to live in Lesai?” continued Ced. “I remember she passed by here with her family a couple years ago when they were on their way to the capital to sell their harvest for the fall.”

Relief filled Kismet from head to toe. However, she refused to lie and say that it was the same Delphi. “A different Delphi. The one I know has always lived in Rokan,” she confessed nervously.

Ced smirked. “Hah, if I didn’t know better I’d think that you—“

“Ced! Are you still out here? The sun’s almost set!” called out a woman’s voice in the distance.

“Okay, I’m coming!” he called back.

Ced rose to his feet. “Well, that’s my mom calling. It looks like I better get going.”

“Oh…” said Kismet sadly.

“Sorry, I really wish I could’ve stayed longer. It was a pleasure, Kismet. I hope we can talk again sometime.”

“Will I get to see you again?” she asked desperately.

“Of course, I come here almost every day.”

Kismet, completely overjoyed, smiled in response. Even though he couldn’t see her, he smiled back as if he felt her happiness, filling her soul with a warmth she never felt before. She sat there, in a stupor of bliss, watching him walk back home. Never did she imagine she could enjoy a normal conversation with someone other than Delphi. But finally she was able to, and wanted nothing more than to do so again.



For several days, Kismet visited Ced at the pond in the afternoon. Then one day, after the moon was well overhead, Kismet decided to go to the pond and relax in the water. She slipped out of her clothes and walked into the cool, refreshing water. The moon shined brightly off her wet fur as she stood in the shoulder-high water. She dipped her head in the pond. The water trickled soothingly down her face.

“Is someone there?”

Kismet quickly ducked into the water, and peeked over the surface. She scanned the shadows of the trees and saw him standing there. “Ced?”

“Kismet? Is that you?” he replied.

Kismet stood in the center of the pond, her shoulders just above the water. “Yes, it is. What are you doing here so late at night?”

“I was about to ask you the same thi—Are you in the water? I’m so sorry, I had no idea,” he instinctively looked away and shielded his eyes.

Kismet chuckled softly. Never had someone shown her the same courtesy as they would show a real woman. In fact, people purposely stole her clothes when she bathed, which eventually led her to only bathing with Delphi, or sneaking out of the castle to bathe in ponds at night. It’s not that she cared if someone saw her unclothed, since only her fur was visible, but it was the snide remarks people would throw at her, and losing the clothes that Delphi gave her.

Kismet, touched by the gesture, reassured him, “You don’t need to do that.”

He laughed then sat down. “I guess you’re right, not like it’d make a difference anyway.”

Kismet walked out of the water and sat a few steps to the side of him. Ced fidgeted uncomfortably, blushing. He cleared his throat. “So, why are you out here all by yourself this late in the night? It must be close to midnight by now.”

The gentle breeze felt rejuvenating as it blew over her dampened fur. “I had a long day and wanted to relax,” she replied.

“But it’s dangerous at night, especially for a girl. And shouldn’t you be sleeping?” he asked.

Kismet frowned slightly. Although grateful for his concern, she felt as though she were living a lie, hiding within the shadows, pretending to be someone she’s not. Ced, who imagined her as a gentle young woman, couldn’t even begin to imagine the lean, athletic feline figure that sat next to him.

“I couldn’t sleep. And I really like it here. I wanted to come visit this afternoon, but I couldn’t,” she answered.

“Oh. I was wondering if you were going to come visit or not. I guess we all have things we need to do.”

“Sorry, I really wanted to. But what about you? Shouldn’t you also be sleeping?”

“I tried, but I had a lot on my mind, so I came out here to try and settle them,” he replied.

“Well, I don’t know if I can be of much help, but if you want someone to talk to you can talk to me,” offered Kismet.

Ced pondered a moment then gave her a warm smile. “Have I ever told you how I lost my eyesight?”

Kismet never really thought about how Ced lost his vision, or even that he was, at some point, not blind. All she cared about was that it allowed her to talk to him.

“No. What happened?”

He leaned back on his palms. “Well, first off, about five years ago Allie and I began our relationship.”

“Allie?”

He smiled somewhat sorrowfully as he reminisced. “A girl who lives in Lesai that I’ve been friends with since I was four. She’s a year younger than I am. I met her when my family started working on her family’s farm. We would always play together, and even as we grew older, we were still the best of friends.”

“She must be a really wonderful person.”

Ced nodded. “She really is. She’s all a person could ask for.”
He hunched forward as he continued. “But three years ago I became very ill. Often I would grow feverish and my body would ache. Every day she was so worried about me that she would always stay by my side and take care of me. She would watch over me every waking moment, and wouldn’t even go home or rest. The pain from the illness was nothing compared to seeing how worried she was all the time.”

“The illness wasn’t too painful at first, but as time went on it kept getting worse. After a month had passed, I was hardly even able to get out of bed. That was when I began losing my vision. At first I thought it would go away, but day after day it became worse. I was terrified. Seeing Allie by my side, watching over me, gave me the strength to last the day. But that was disappearing. I became so terrified and frustrated that I would yell, even at her, and she would always cry because she couldn’t do anything to help me.”

“By the end of the second month, I no longer grew feverish and the aching went away, but I could no longer see. Every day we would hope it would start to come back, but it never did. I wanted nothing more than to see Allie’s beautiful smile again. I was so frustrated that I would always get angry easily, even at the smallest things. Not being able to see where I’m going, not being able to see the day, not being able to see to work…not being able to see the girl I loved so much, who was always by my side when I needed her.”

Ced paused for a moment. His eyes glistened in the moonlight. He stared off into the pond as he continued. “Even after I was no longer ill, Allie would always stay by my side. She was always there for me. Even when I couldn’t stop myself from yelling at her from being so frustrated, she would be there for me. She always tried to be strong for me, but almost every night, when she thought I was asleep, I would hear her talking to one of our parents, blaming herself for what happened to me. She would always cry, no matter how much our parents comforted her, repeating to herself, ‘I couldn’t do anything…I couldn’t do anything for him…’ It tore me apart inside. No matter how much I told her that I loved her, and how she was the only reason I even made it through the sickness, she would continue to blame herself. So, a few months after my recovery, we went our separate ways.”

“But why? You two loved each other so much,” asked Kismet.

“I couldn’t bare to see her like that. She spent every second of her life watching over me, and I couldn’t do anything to make her happy again. It was best for her to try and put us in the past.”

Kismet was at a loss for words. A moment of silence filled the air as she gazed sympathetically at him.

Ced inhales sharply with a quick shake of the head. “Sorry about that, I kind of rambled on there.”

“No, not at all. I just had no idea,” insisted Kismet.

“Yeah, I guess it’s a lot to take in. Thank you for listening, though. I just kind of missed where I was going with the story. After we separated, my family and I moved here to work on a different farm so that Allie and I could live apart. A few times a year our families would still have lunch together, but Allie and I would exchange no more than a simple greeting or an awkward conversation. I assumed she was mad at me, since, after all we’ve been through, I was the one who ended things between us. But today she and her family came over for lunch, along with her new boyfriend. Even though it’s been over two years, I couldn’t help but feel jealous, and a little angry. I couldn’t stop myself from being rude, so I excused myself from lunch and went out to the porch.”

“That was the first time in two years that Allie really talked to me. She came out to ask what was wrong. I couldn’t lie and tell her I didn’t miss her, or that I didn’t love her anymore, and that I was just jealous. Before today, I always thought she was angry at me, but she told me she was never angry, that she still loved me, and always will. I asked her how her new boyfriend was, and she said he was a really nice person. That’s when she said, ‘I really miss you Ced. Don’t you ever look back and wish we were together again?’”

“What did you say?” asked Kismet, entranced in his story.

“I said, ‘I won’t lie. I do wish we were still together, but I don’t regret the decision I made,’” he answered.

“So that’s why you came out here…but you really don’t regret breaking up with her?”
He shook his head and said, confidently, “It was for the best. She was finally able to live her life again. That illness already ruined my life, there’s no reason it should ruin hers too.”

Kismet turned toward him and said encouragingly, “There’s no reason it should ruin yours either! It’ll only ruin your life if you let it. Just because you can’t see any more doesn’t change who you are as a person. It’ll only change you if you let it.”

Ced pondered her words for a moment, then smiled warmly at her. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’ll be hard, but I can’t let this ruin my life. It has been two years, and I’ve made it this far. And, now that I’ve seen that Allie has moved on, maybe I can move on too.”

“Ced! Ced! Where are you?” called a faint voice.

Kismet silently slipped behind a tree as Ced replied, “Mom? I’m here!”

Kismet peered from the shadows as a middle-aged man and woman rushed up to Ced and embraced him.

“Ced, you had us worried. Don’t go wandering off in the middle of the night!” said the man.

“It’s okay, I’m fine dad.”

“We thought you might’ve gotten lost! What were you even doing here at a time like this?” asked his mother, sobbing hysterically.

“I was just talking to a friend I met here about a week ago. Mom, dad, this is Kismet, Kismet these are my parents,” answered Ced, gesturing toward the empty spot beside him.

“Ohh no…” his mother feels his forehead and touches his cheeks with her palms. “Ced, there’s no one else here. Oh dear…he’s getting sick again isn’t he? What are we going to do? He needs to rest!”

Ced’s mother and father rush him off toward home. Ced’s voice trails off as he gets taken back home. “I’m fine mom! I really was talking to Kismet—.”



Two days later, Kismet rushed to the pond shortly after high noon in hopes that Ced would be waiting there. She knew he was likely busy with work, but she couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed. She paced around the pond and hummed a song softly to herself as she tried to pass the time. Every time the breeze rustled the trees, or an animal scurried through the brush, Kismet looked around in hope that somewhere amidst the noise was Ced. Growing tired of waiting, she made her way to Levan.

Kismet scanned the farms of the village for Ced, from behind the cover of the trees. At the closest field to the pond, she spotted him pumping water into a large bucket to the side of the barn. She zipped to the back of the barn excitedly, keeping out of sight.

“Ced!” she whispered sharply.

He flinched in surprise. “Kismet?”

“Hah, you recognize me?”

Ced gave her a smirk. “Of course. I’m just a bit surprised that you’re here.”

Kismet blushed with embarrassment. Never has she shown such weakness, such lack of self-control. She didn’t know why she acted the way she did, seeking him out so suddenly, but somewhere deep inside, she wanted to be weak. The fear-struck faces, the cold gazes, the abuse, she was tired of it all. For twelve years, she longed for another person like Delphi, one who genuinely cared and enjoyed her company; one who would blesses her with a smile. Despite having been so lonely for all her life, never once had she shed a tear or shown weakness. However, it was because of that warm smile, on which they departed the first day they met, that Kismet found herself weak and desperate.

“W-well…I was just out and—“

Ced chuckled softly with small beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. “I should be finished here in less than an hour. I’ll meet you at the pond, okay? I have something I want to give you.”

Kismet, for some reason, felt oddly lonely, even when he smiled at her so sincerely. She returned his ignorant, innocent smile, and responded cheerfully, “I can’t wait.”



Kismet gazed into her reflection in the pond. Slowly, she gently ran her fingers down the thin fur on the side of her face, drawing parted trails with her small, black claws. A pair of yellow cat eyes watched her, unblinking, from the water’s surface.

“Kismet, are you here? Sorry for taking so long,” called Ced’s voice from the trees.

She smiled helplessly as he walked into sight. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“I’m glad you came to visit me today,” he said.

“You say that as if I rarely do.”

He chuckled, “True, but I was really hoping you’d come today.”

“Why’s that?” she asked.

Ced rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately ever since that night we met here and I really wanted to say thank you.”

Kismet looked at him puzzled. “What for?”

“For listening to me. You were right, I can’t let my life be ruined by my blindness. Ever since it happened, I’ve been nothing but frustrated, hoping that one day I’ll wake up and realize it was all some horrible nightmare. But there’s nothing I can do about it. It has happened, and I can’t change that. You words helped me realize that it is something I will just have to live with, and that accepting what has been lost is the only way of moving on.”

“Nearly every day I would come here, resentful at my fate. The people around me live their lives normally, lives like the one I used to have and, because of my blindness, I cannot take part in that. I always felt left behind and spoken to out of pity. But you; you treated me differently. You come all the way out here just to talk with me. You make me feel accepted, as if I’m no different than any other person. And it is because of you that I have finally been able to move on and accept what has happened to me.”

So—” Ced opened his hands, revealing a white silken ribbon with a lotus decorating the center. “—this is for you. I hope you like it.”

“I love it! Did you make it yourself?”

“I sure did! It took me awhile too. I just hope it actually turned out well.”

Ced chuckled whole-heartedly, without the faintest sign of self-pity at not being able to see his efforts himself. His smile warmed Kismet’s heart. First his words, then a gift; never has she felt so much joy.

Kismet carefully took the ribbon from his palms. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

His face brightened, as if he himself just received something truly precious. “I’m so glad. How I wish I could see how beautiful you’d look with it on.”

A momentary silence filled the air while she marveled at his craftsmanship, despite his handicap. Ced then broke the silence. “There’s something that has been bothering me lately.”

Kismet looked up at him. His smile had disappeared. “What is it?”

“Sometimes I cannot help but feel that you’re…afraid of me, or something.”

She looked at him, puzzled. “What? Why would I be afraid?”

“You seem to take extra care in avoiding any sort of contact. Like when we first met you refused to shake my hand, or whenever you visit you tend to sit a ways away; or just now, when you took the ribbon, I didn’t even feel you grab it.”

Kismet panicked. She wracked her mind for a believable reason for the way she’s been acting. “I-I just don’t like people touching me, that’s all,” she stuttered.

He frowned. “I can tell that’s not the real reason. I won’t be offended with whatever you say, so please, tell me why.”

Hearing those words sent a torrent of sorrow rushing through Kismet’s body. All this time she knew, deep down, that this day would come, but she never wanted to accept it. Hearing those words surfaced the painful truth she can no longer ignore.

Kismet shook her head as if in disbelief that she could no longer live in a dream. She swallowed painfully. “…It’s not that I’m afraid of you.”

Ced takes a step forward insistently. “Then what is it?”

She breathed laboriously. “I’m…I’m not what you think I am.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not the beautiful girl you think I am. I don’t look anything like how you would imagine me.”

Ced shook his head. “It doesn’t matter to me how you look. I like you for who you are.”

“No, that’s not what I mean.” She paused a moment before continuing, her words quaking, “I’m not even human.”

He looked at her confused and laughed awkwardly. “Funny, but really why—”

“I’m a Catheran,” she blurted.

Ced’s brow furrowed in frustration. “Look, I can handle being disliked or whatever, but now you’re just—”

Kismet grabbed his hand in both of hers. His hand grew rigid in shock, which paralyzed her with anxiety. Her soft, yet leathery, palms warmly held his in desperation for acceptance.

He froze in disbelief. “This—This must be some kind of joke.”

Kismet slowly guided his hand to her cheek. Ced trembled as he slowly moved his hand over the fur on the side of her face, to her large feline ears.

“Ced. Please don’t be afraid—”

Ced staggered back into a tree. She watched his face contort, as his dreams suddenly became a horrible nightmare. His eyes welled up with tears, his expression filled with horror. “Y—You’re…”
Kismet stepped toward him. “Ced, please—!”

“Stay away!” He stumbles backward over roots and brush.

“Ced…” she said more soothingly, trying to calm him.

His voice trembled painfully, “No. This—this can’t be. You…you’re a Catheran? There must be some mistake.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s true. I wanted to tell you, and I should’ve, but I was afraid of how you’d react.”

He shook his head in disbelief as tears ran down his face. “No…no…”
She grabbed his hand desperately. “Please, don’t be afraid—“

He staggered back violently. “Stay back!”

“But why? Wouldn’t we still be friends if I hadn’t told you?”

He continued shaking his head, “No…you’re…you’re one of them!”

“But why does it matter? I’m still the same Kismet you know; the same Kismet you’ve been meeting here at this pond,” she insisted.

“No…you’re not. You’re not--!”

She stepped toward him earnestly. He stumbled backward in a panic, “No—! Stay away from me!”

“Ced—!” Kismet reached out helplessly as Ced ran away. The person who smiled at her so warmly, showed her kindness, and treated her like normal girl, was gone. Like everyone else Ced was terrified of her. Once again, she was alone.

Day after day, she returned to the pond in hopes that he would be there. Day after day, she would wait there until the moonlight glistened across the pond. Day after day, she would wait, hoping he would come back. He never did. Every day, she stared at the silk ribbon. She stared at the lotus in the center and caressed its smooth surface. Fashioned with such love and care, she knew the ribbon was never meant for her. It was meant for a young maiden that a misfortunate young man had fallen for, a young maiden fabricated in eternal darkness, but was now lost. A young maiden Kismet longed to, but could never be.



Extended Ending: Sight Unseen, End Part 2

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Look, it's Kismet!

For those who haven't noticed yet, this is Kismet, or at least the latest picture drawn of her. Hopefully there will be plenty more to come. Also if any of you are bored--or want practice--and want something to draw, please let me know! :D

This is a very, very shrunken down version of the picture so the quality is a bit poor.


Artist: Jason Chan (www.jasonchanart.com)

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Sight Unseen, 3rd Draft

I primarily changed the ending, so I will only post that in order to avoid having another excessively long post. Draft 4 will be coming within a week hopefully, as I already received enough feedback on Draft 3 to write the next. Of course, additional feedback on any parts of the story are more than welcome, since the more the better!

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Kismet gazed into her reflection in the pond. Slowly, she gently ran her fingers down the thin fur on the side of her face, drawing parted trails with her small, black claws. A pair of yellow cat eyes watched her, unblinking, from the water’s surface...

“Kismet, are you here? Sorry for taking so long,” called Ced’s voice from the trees.

She smiled helplessly as he walked into sight. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“I’m glad you came to visit me today,” he said.

“You say that as if I rarely do.”

He chuckled, “True, but I was really hoping you’d come today.”

“Why’s that?” she asked.

Ced rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately ever since that night we met here and I really wanted to say thank you.”

Kismet looked at him puzzled. “What for?”

“For listening to me. You were right, I can’t let my life be ruined by my blindness. Ever since it happened, I’ve been nothing but frustrated, hoping that one day I’ll wake up and realize it was all some horrible nightmare. But there’s nothing I can do about it. It has happened, and I can’t change that. You words helped me realize that it is something I will just have to live with, and that accepting what has been lost is the only way of moving on.”

“Nearly every day I would come here, resentful at my fate. The people around me live their lives normally, lives like the one I used to have and, because of my blindness, I cannot take part in that. I always felt left behind and spoken to out of pity. But you; you treated me differently. You come all the way out here just to talk with me. You make me feel accepted, as if I’m no different than any other person. And it is because of you that I have finally been able to move on and accept what has happened to me.”

So—” Ced opened his hands, revealing a white silken ribbon with a lotus decorating the center. “—this is for you. I hope you like it.”

“I love it! Did you make it yourself?”

“I sure did! It took me awhile too. I just hope it actually turned out well.”

Ced chuckled whole-heartedly, without the faintest sign of self-pity at not being able to see his efforts himself. His smile warmed Kismet’s heart. First his words, then a gift; never has she felt so much joy.

Kismet carefully took the ribbon from his palms. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

His face brightened, as if he himself just received something truly precious. “I’m so glad. How I wish I could see how beautiful you’d look with it on.”

A momentary silence filled the air while she marveled at his craftsmanship, despite his handicap. Ced then broke the silence. “There is something that has been bothering me lately.”

Kismet looked up at him. His smile had disappeared. “What is it?”

“Sometimes I cannot help but feel that you’re…afraid of me, or something.”

She looked at him, puzzled. “What? Why would I be afraid?”

“You seem to take extra care in avoiding any sort of contact. Like when we first met you refused to shake my hand, or whenever you visit you tend to sit a ways away; or just now, when you took the ribbon, I didn’t even feel you grab it.”

Hearing those words sent a torrent of sorrow rushing through Kismet’s body. All this time she knew, deep down, that this day would come, but she never wanted to accept it. Hearing those words surfaced the painful truth she can no longer ignore.

Kismet shook her head as if in disbelief that she could no longer live in a dream. She swallowed painfully. “…It’s not that I’m afraid of you.”

Ced takes a step forward insistingly. “Then what is it?”

She breathed laboriously. “I’m…I’m not what you think I am.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not the beautiful girl you think I am. I don’t look anything like how you would imagine me.”

Ced shook his head. “It doesn’t matter to me how you look. I like you for who you are.”

“No, that’s not what I mean.” She paused a moment before continuing, her words quaking, “I’m not even human.”

He looked at her confused and laughed awkwardly. “Funny, but really why—”

“I’m a Catheran,” she blurted.

Ced’s brow furrowed in frustration. “Look, I can handle being disliked or whatever, but now you’re just—”

Kismet grasped his hand in both of hers. She became paralyzed with anxiety as she felt his hand grow rigid in shock. Her soft, yet leathery, palms warmly held his in desperation for acceptance.

He was frozen in disbelief. “This—This must be some kind of joke.”

Kismet slowly guided his hand to her cheek. Ced trembled as he slowly moved his hand over the fur on the side of her face, to her large feline ears.

“Ced. Please don’t be afraid—”

Ced staggered back into a tree. She watched his face contort, as his dreams suddenly became a horrible nightmare. His eyes welled up with tears, his expression filled with horror, as if he saw her murder someone he loved. “Y—You’re…”

Kismet stepped toward him. “Ced, please—!”

“Stay away!” He stumbles backward over roots and brush.

“Ced…” she said more soothingly, trying to calm him.

His voice trembled painfully, “No. This—this can’t be. You…you’re a Catheran? There must be some mistake.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s true. I wanted to tell you, and I should’ve, but I was afraid of how you’d react.”

He shook his head in disbelief as tears ran down his face. “No…no…”

She grabbed his hand desperately. “Please, don’t be afraid—“

“No…” he staggered back violently. “Stay away from me!”

“Ced—!” Kismet reached out helplessly as Ced ran away. She collapsed to her knees and stared into the woods, once again, alone.



Day after day, she returned to the pond in hopes that he would be there. Day after day, she would wait there until the moonlight glistened across the pond. Day after day, she would wait, hoping he would come back. He never did. Every day, she stared at the silk ribbon. She stared at the lotus in the center and caressed its smooth surface. Fashioned with such love and care, she knew the ribbon was never meant for her. It was meant for a young maiden that a misfortunate young man had fallen for, a young maiden fabricated in eternal darkness, but was now lost. A young maiden Kismet longed to, but could never be.

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Sight Unseen, 2nd Draft

Here is the second draft of my most completed short story. Any feedback on what you liked, disliked, and possible suggestions on how to improve it, are greatly appreciated.

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Kismet retreated into the secluded woods behind the neighboring village of Levan. Her soul settled as she filled her lungs with the sweet smell of autumn. She strolled toward the pond ahead, the gentle breeze easing her mind. She wanted nothing more than to cleanse away her troubles and forget about those who, every day, bring her such grief...

“H-hello? Is someone there?” called out a young man.

Kismet flinched in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly hid behind a tree. Her cheetah tail froze in alert as she slowly peered out the side of the trunk. A young man dressed in typical village attire stared in her general direction. His eyes suddenly locked onto her yellow cat-eyes, but gave no reaction of fear or surprise, as if he didn’t even notice her.

“Hello?” he called again.

The man continued to stare blankly in Kismet’s direction, growing more anxious with every passing moment. All her life, people have been frightened of her. Being a Cathera, she had a slender, cheetah-patterned, fur-covered body, with large, yellow cat-eyes, large feline ears, and a long tail; the sight of which brought nothing but fear and hatred from those that saw her. She hated it. She hated being feared for reasons she could not control.

Kismet gazed back into the eyes of the young man. The fear in his eyes wasn’t the same fear she grew used to seeing, but was instead a fear of the unknown. His eyes were empty and grey. It dawned on Kismet that he was blind and was probably frightened because he feared her footsteps might have been from something more threatening.

She stepped out into plain view. His expression remained unchanged. He was surely blind. Kismet replied back, “Umm...sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

The young man appeared to be eighteen, about a year older than Kismet. He let out a small sigh of relief and laughed nervously. “Don’t worry about it. Ever since I went blind, it’s not an uncommon feeling. The name’s Ced,” he said, extending his hand in greeting.

Kismet approached him slowly, lost in disbelief that someone would treat her with such warmth. She reached out to shake his hand, but remembered that he has not seen who she really was—what she really was. Kismet stared at her fur-covered hand next to his, bare-skinned. Her heart ached with a heavy sense of loneliness as she withdrew her hand. The darkness, she told herself, is the only reason. “I’m Kismet.”

He leaned against a nearby trunk, tilting his head slightly, “Kismet? That’s an interesting name. I don’t seem to remember anyone by that name around here…are you lost? Or maybe visiting someone?”

“I was just looking for somewhere to relax,” she replied, standing a few steps in front of him along the pond side.

“I know how that can be sometimes. I come here when I want to relax and forget about my troubles.” Ced paused a moment. “Well, I guess I’ll leave you to your thoughts. It was nice meeting you.”

Ced brushed his clothes, and began walking off. Kismet trembled slightly as an overwhelming, yet familiar, wave of loneliness resonated throughout her body. “Please, don’t go.”

“I wish I could stay, but I really should—“

“Please!” she pleaded.

Kismet, taken aback by her uncontrollable desperation, could do nothing but stare helplessly at him. She dug her claws into her palms, as if it would keep him from leaving. Ced turned back around and found his way back to where he was standing. He lowered himself down, resting one of his arms on a bent knee. “I guess I could stay a little longer,” he said with a smile.

Kismet smiled back with relief. Sitting down, she wracked her mind for something to say, but found herself speechless from the shock of someone actually willing to spend time with her. She averted her eyes to the ground beside her, embarrassed at being unable to find words after having asked Ced to stay. She watched him stare blankly in her direction with a subtle smirk on his face. Despite his company, his empty gaze at her created a knot in her core. For all he knew, Kismet was a perfectly normal, human girl that he happened to meet by the pond side. She couldn’t help but think of what would happen if he discovered what she really was. She tried and tried again to think of something to say, but all she could about was the loneliness she would face again if he were to discover the truth.

“You’re awfully shy, aren’t you?” chuckled Ced.

“S-sorry, I…it’s just—“

“There’s no need to be so nervous,” he reassured her. “So, where are you from? I’m from Levan, about five minutes west of here.”

“Rokan,” replied Kismet.

“Oh? The capital? That must be pretty exciting. I’ve only been there maybe two or three times. It’s always so full of life there, especially at the center plaza.”

She shruged. “I guess so.”

“You don’t think so?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not supposed to go there, not that I would really want to,” she replied.

Ced leaned forward curiously. “Why is that?”

She forgot that he still thought she was a normal person. She chose her next words more carefully. “I’ve always preferred being somewhere quiet and away from the city.”

“Yeah, I guess I know what you mean. In the end, I think I would always prefer living in Levan over Rokan,” he replied in agreement. “Speaking of which, aren’t your parents worried about you being all the way out here, away from home?

“I doubt anyone would really notice I’m missing,” answerd Kismet. “Delphi is busy until night, so I usually just wander around until then.”

“Delphi? Like the young Princess Delphi?”

Kismet’s heart skipped a beat. She dug her fingers into the ground with frustration for having carelessly mentioned Delphi’s name. Rumors have run rampant that the King allowed the young princess to keep a Catheran as her own. Carelessly mentioning her name in such an informal way, Kismet was certain Ced would soon deduce her true identity, even though her own name was not well-known.

“Did the Delphi you know used to live in Lesai?” continued Ced. “I remember she passed by here with her family a couple years ago when they were on their way to the capital to sell their harvest for the fall.”

Relief filled Kismet from head to toe. However, she refused to lie and say that it is the same Delphi. “A different Delphi. The one I know has always lived in Rokan,” she confessed nervously.

Ced smirked. “Hah, if I didn’t know better I’d think that you—“

“Ced! Are you still out here? The sun’s almost set!” called out a woman’s voice in the distance.

“Okay, I’m coming!” he called back.

Ced rose to his feet. “Well, that’s my mom calling. It looks like I better get going.”

“Oh…,” said Kismet sadly.

“Sorry, I really wish I could’ve stayed longer. It was a pleasure, Kismet. I hope we can talk again sometime.”

“Will I get to see you again?” she asked desperately.

“Of course, I come here almost every day.”

Kismet, completely overjoyed, smiled in response. Even though he couldn’t see her smile, he smiled back as if he felt her happiness, filling her soul with a warmth she never felt before. She sat there, in a stupor of bliss, watching him walk back home. Never did she imagine she could enjoy a normal conversation with someone other than Delphi. But finally she was able to, and wanted nothing more than to do so again.


For several days, Kismet visited Ced at the pond in the afternoon. Then one day, after the moon was well overhead, Kismet decided to go to the pond and relax in the water. She slipped out of her clothes and walked into the cool, refreshing water. The moon shined brightly off her wet fur as she stood in the shoulder-high water. She dipped her head in the pond. The water trickled soothingly down her face.

“Is someone there?”

Kismet quickly ducked into the water, and peeked over the surface. She scanned the shadows of the trees and saw him standing there. “Ced?”

“Kismet? Is that you?” he replied.

Kismet stood in the center of the pond, her shoulders just above the water. “Yes, it is. What are you doing here so late at night?”

“I was about to ask you the same thi—Are you in the water? I’m so sorry, I had no idea,” he instinctively looked away and shielded his eyes.

Kismet chuckled softly. Never had someone shown her the same courtesy as they would show a real woman. In fact, people purposely stole her clothes when she bathed, which eventually led her to only bathing with Delphi, or sneaking out of the castle to bathe in ponds at night. It’s not that she cared if someone saw her unclothed, since a thin fur covered her body anyway, but it was the snide remarks people would throw at her, and losing the clothes that Delphi gave her.

Kismet, touched by the gesture, reassured him, “You don’t need to do that.”

He laughed then sat down. “I guess you’re right, not like it’d make a difference anyway.”

Kismet walked out of the water and sat a few steps to the side of him. Ced fidgeted uncomfortably, blushing. He cleared his throat. “So, why are you out here all by yourself this late in the night? It must be close to midnight by now.”

The gentle breeze felt rejuvenating as it blew over her dampened fur. “I had a long day and wanted to relax,” she replied.

“But it’s dangerous at night, especially for a girl. And shouldn’t you be sleeping?” he asked.

Kismet frowned slightly. Although grateful for his concern, she felt as though she were living a lie, hiding within the shadows, pretending to be someone she’s not. Ced, who imagined her as a gentle young woman, couldn’t even begin to imagine the lean, athletic feline figure that sat next to him.

“I couldn’t sleep. And I really like it here. I wanted to come visit this afternoon, but I couldn’t,” she answered.

“Oh. I was wondering if you were going to come visit, but we all have things we need to do.”

“Sorry, I really wanted to. But what about you? Shouldn’t you also be sleeping?”

“I tried, but I had a lot on my mind, so I came out here to try and settle them,” he replied.

“Well, I don’t know if I can be of much help, but if you want someone to talk to you can talk to me,” offered Kismet.

Ced pondered a moment then gave her a warm smile. “Have I ever told you how I lost my vision?”

Kismet never really thought about how Ced lost his vision, or even that he was, at some point, not blind. All she cared about was that it allowed her to talk to him. “Nope. What happened?”

He leaned back on his palms. “Well, first off, about five years ago Allie and I began our relationship.”

“Allie?”

He smiled somewhat sorrowfully as he reminisced. “A girl who lives in Lesai that I’ve been friends with since I was four. She’s a year younger than I am. That was when my family started working on her family’s farm. We would always play together, and even as we grew older, we were still the best of friends.”

“She must be a really wonderful person.”

Ced nodded. “She really is. She’s all a person could ask for.”

He hunched forward as he continued. “But three years ago I became very ill. Often I would grow feverish and my body would ache. Every day she was so worried about me that she would always stay by my side and take care of me. She would watch over me every waking moment, and wouldn’t even go home or rest. The pain from the illness was nothing compared to seeing how worried she was all the time.”

“It wasn’t too painful at first, but as time went on it kept getting worse. After a month had passed, I was hardly even able to get out of bed. That was when my vision slowly started to get worse. At first I thought it would go away, but day after day it became worse. I was terrified. Seeing Allie by my side, watching over me, gave me the strength to last the day. But that was disappearing. I became so terrified and frustrated that I would yell, even at her, and she would always cry because she couldn’t do anything to help me.”

“By the end of the second month, I no longer grew feverish and the aching went away, but my vision never came back. My vision was completely gone. Every day we would hope my vision would start to come back, but it never did. I wanted nothing more than to see Allie’s beautiful smile again. I was so frustrated that I would always get angry easily at the smallest things. Not being able to see where I’m going, not being able to see the day, not being able to see to work…not being able to see the girl I loved so much, who was always by my side when I needed her.”

Ced paused for a moment. His eyes glistened in the moonlight as he stared off into the pond as he continued. “Even after I was no longer ill, Allie would always stay by my side. She was always there for me. Even when I couldn’t stop myself from yelling at her from being so frustrated, she would be there for me. She always tried to be strong for me, but almost every night, when she thought I was asleep, I would hear her talking to one of our parents, blaming herself for what happened to me. She would always cry, no matter how much our parents comforted her, repeating to herself, ‘I couldn’t do anything…I couldn’t do anything for him…’. It tore me apart inside. No matter how much I told her that I loved her, and how she was the only reason I even made it through the sickness, she would continue to blame herself. So, a few months after my illness, I broke up with her.”

“But why? You two loved each other so much,” asked Kismet.

“I couldn’t bare to see her like that. She spent every second of her life watching over me, and I couldn’t do anything to make her happy again. It was best for her to try and put us in the past.”

Kismet was at a loss for words. A moment of silence filled the air as she gazed sympathetically at him.

Ced inhales sharply with a quick shake of the head. “Sorry about that, I kind of rambled on there.”

“No, not at all. I just had no idea,” insisted Kismet.

“Yeah, I guess it’s a lot to take in. Thank you for listening, though. I just kind of missed where I was going with the story. After we broke up, my family and I moved here to work on a different farm so that Allie and I could live apart. A few times a year our families would still have lunch together, but Allie and I would exchange no more than a simple greeting or an awkward conversation. I assumed she was mad at me, since, after all we’ve been through, I broke up with her. But today she and her family came over for lunch, along with her new boyfriend. Even though it’s been over two years, I couldn’t help but feel jealous, and a little angry. I couldn’t stop myself from being rude, so I excused myself from dinner and went out to the porch.”

“That was the first time in two years that Allie talked to me. She came out to ask what was wrong. I couldn’t lie and tell her I didn’t miss her or that I didn’t love her anymore, and that I was just jealous. Before today, I always thought she was angry at me, but she told me she was never angry; that she still loved me, and always will. I asked her how her new boyfriend was, and she said he was a really nice person. That’s when she said, ‘I really miss you Ced. Don’t you ever look back and wish we were together again?’”

“What did you say?” asked Kismet, entranced in his story.

“I said ‘I won’t lie. I do wish we were still together, but I don’t the decision I made,’” he answered.

“So that’s why you came out here…but you really don’t regret breaking up with her?”

He shook his head and said, confidently, “It was for the best. She was finally able to live her life again. That illness already ruined my life, there’s no reason it should ruin hers too.”

Kismet turned toward him and said encouragingly, “There’s no reason it should ruin yours either! It’ll only ruin your life if you let it. Just because you can’t see any more doesn’t change who you are as a person. It’ll only change you if you let it.”

Ced pondered her words for a moment, then smiled warmly at her. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’ll be hard, but I can’t let this ruin my life. And now that I’ve seen that Allie has moved on, maybe I can move on too.”

“Ced! Ced! Where are you?” called a faint voice.

Kismet silently slipped behind a tree as Ced replied, “Mom? I’m here!”

Kismet peered from the shadows as a middle-aged man and woman rushed up to Ced and embraced him.

“Ced, you had us worried. Don’t go wandering off in the middle of the night!” said the man.

“It’s okay, I’m fine dad.”

“We thought you might’ve gotten lost! What were you even doing here at a time like this?” asked his mother, sobbing hysterically.

“I was just talking to a friend I met here about a week ago. Mom, dad, this is Kismet, Kismet these are my parents,” answered Ced.

“Ohh no…” his mother feels his forehead and touches his cheeks with her palms. “Ced, there’s no one else here. Oh dear…he’s getting sick again isn’t he? What are we going to do? He needs to rest!”

Ced’s mother and father rush him off toward home. Ced’s voice trails off as he gets taken back home. “I’m fine mom! I really was talking to Kismet—.”


Two days later, Kismet rushed to the pond shortly after high noon in hopes that Ced would be waiting there. She knew he was likely busy with work, but she couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed. She paced around the pond and hummed a song softly to herself as she tried to pass the time. Every time the breeze rustled the trees, or an animal scurried through the brush, Kismet looked around in hope that somewhere amidst the noise was Ced. Growing tired of waiting, she made her way to Levan.

Kismet scanned the farms of the village for Ced, from behind the cover of the trees. At the closest field to the pond, she spotted him pumping water into a large bucket to the side of the barn. She zipped to the back of the barn excitedly, keeping out of sight.

“Ced!” she whispered sharply.

He flinched in surprise. “Kismet…?”

“Hah, you recognize me?”

Ced gave her a smirk. “Of course. I’m just a bit surprised that you’re here.”

Kismet blushed with embarrassment. Never has she shown such weakness, such lack of self-control. She didn’t know why she acted the way she did, seeking him out so suddenly, but somewhere deep inside, she wanted to be weak. The fear-struck faces, the cold gazes, the abuse, she was tired of it all. For twelve years, she longed for another person like Delphi, one who genuinely cared and enjoyed her company; one who would blesses her with a smile. Despite having been so lonely for all her life, never once had she shed a tear or shown weakness. However, it was because of that warm smile on which they departed the first day they met that Kismet found herself weak and desperate.

“W-well…I was just out and—“

Ced chuckled softly with small beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. “I should be finished here in less than an hour. I’ll meet you at the pond, okay? I have something to give you.”

Kismet, for some reason, felt oddly lonely, even when he smiled at her so sincerely. She returned his ignorant, innocent smile, and responded cheerfully, “I can’t wait.”


Kismet gazed into her reflection in the pond. Slowly, she gently ran her fingers down the thin fur on the side of her face, drawing parted trails with her small, black claws. A pair of yellow cat eyes watched her, unblinking, from the water’s surface.

“Kismet, you here? Sorry for taking so long,” called Ced’s voice from the trees.

She smiled helplessly as he walked into sight. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“I made something for you,” he said with a warm smile.

Kismet’s face lit with excitement and curiosity. “What is it?”

Atop his open palms was a white silken ribbon with a lotus decorating the center. “It’s a thank you for listening to me that night. Do you like it?”

“I love it! Did you make it yourself?”

“I sure did! It took me awhile too. I just hope it actually turned out well.”

Ced chuckled whole-heartedly, without the faintest sign of self-pity at not being able to see his efforts himself. His smile warmed Kismet’s heart. Never has she felt so much joy.

“It’s absolutely beautiful.”

His face brightened, as if he himself just received something truly precious. He walked toward Kismet, eager to deliver his heartfelt efforts. “I’m so glad. How I wish I could see how beautiful you’d look with it on.”

Hearing those words sent a torrent of sorrow rushing through Kismet’s body. All this time she knew, deep down, the truth, but she never wanted to accept it. Hearing those words surfaced the painful truth she can no longer ignore.

Kismet shook her head as if in disbelief that she could no longer live in a dream. She staggered back a few steps. “No…Ced, I can’t accept this.”

“Why not? It looks horrible, doesn’t it?”

“No, of course not. It looks beautiful, it really does. It’s just—”

“I don’t understand,” he said in confusion, stepping forward.

Kismet began to struggle for air, dreading the thought of how Ced will react to what she was about to confess. “Ced…There’s something about me you should know.”

His expression became grave. “What is it?”

A brief silence filled the air. Kismet began to tremble anxiously. “I’m not beautiful at all. I don’t look anything like how you would imagine me.”

He let out a sigh of relief. “Don’t scare me like that. I thought you were going to tell me we wouldn’t be able to see each other anymore.”

Kismet stepped back, “No…you don’t understand—“

Ced smiled reassuringly as he stepped forward, “It was only a figure of speech. It doesn’t matter to me how you loo—“

He tripped.

Helplessly, he stumbled into Kismet, who instinctively catches him. Ced fell heavily on top of her. The two of them lay there, stunned by the impact, with their faces side by side. Kismet, still loosely embracing him from their collision, reluctantly withdrew her arm and asked, “Are you okay?”

A brief moment of silence passed before he responded, “Yeah, I’m fine. I am so sorry; I accidentally tripped on a root. I hope you’re not hurt.”

Their faces gently touched one another as Ced began propping himself up. Ced became rigid. Kismet froze with sudden awareness. The cloak of darkness now stripped away, filled her with fear and anxiety. Ced’s breathing stopped, as if petrified.

Kismet breathed laboriously in attempt to fight back her fear. “Ced…?”

He began to tremble horribly. Slowly lifting his hand to Kismet’s head, Ced cautiously touched her cheek. His hand shook more and more as he ran it over her fur to her large, feline ears.

Kismet’s body shuddered. Her words quaked. “Ced. Please, don’t be afraid.”

Ced quickly pushed himself to his feet in a panic, staggering back into a tree. Kismet watched his face contort, as his dreams suddenly became a horrible nightmare. His eyes welled up with tears, his expression filled with horror, as if he saw her murder someone he loved. “Y—You’re…”

Kismet stepped toward him. “Ced, please—!”

“Stay away!” He stumbles backward over roots and brush.

“Ced…” she said more soothingly, trying to calm him.

His voice trembled painfully, “No. This—this can’t be. You…you’re a catheran? There must be some mistake.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s true. I wanted to tell you, and I should’ve, but I was afraid of how you’d react.”

He shook his head in disbelief as tears ran down his face. “No…no…”

She grabbed his hand desperately. “Please, don’t be afraid—“

“No…” he staggered back violently. “Stay away from me!”

Kismet reached out helplessly as Ced ran away. She collapsed to her knees and stared into the woods, once again, alone.

Day after day, she returned to the pond in hopes that he would be there. Day after day, she would wait there until the moonlight glistened across the pond. Day after day, she would wait, hoping he would come back. He never did. Every day, she stared at the silk ribbon. She stared at the lotus in the center and caressed its smooth surface. Fashioned with such love and care, she knew the ribbon was never meant for her. It was meant for a young maiden that a misfortunate young man had fallen for, a young maiden fabricated in eternal darkness, but was now lost. A young maiden Kismet longed to, but could never be.

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