Ruby Fridays

Chapter 43: Heaven

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N O W P L A Y I N G

» [ The Archer - Taylor Swift ] «

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───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E' S P O V ❞ ────

║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 22 - 2027 ║

║ Friday║ Olympia's Cup 1st Training Day║

With the strange warmth of the current task dangling on my veins, the bow felt heavy on my shoulders, its ominous weight a reminder of the task ahead. The quiver swung against my back, arrows clacking together in dissonant rhythm.

The sun shone brightly, casting long shadows across the cobbled path as I made my way to the starting point. Walking across the quad, I see my fellow archers gathering at our designated spot on the side of the courtyard near the stage.

With the grass still wet with dew, I take a deep breath of the morning air, relishing these moments of calm before the bustle of training begins. When the darkness of the forest seemed to creep into my soul, the once bright sun now filtered dimly through the thick canopy of twisted branches and gnarled trees signaling me of venture I was about to lead on to.

Nearly approaching the space of the group, I see both familiar and half-familiar faces turning towards me, waiting for instruction and motivation. Walking across them, a hush fell over the usual bustle. Fellow archers gathered at our spot on the side of the courtyard near the stage, faces grim and determined. Surrounding them, a tension hung in the air, thick as fog.

Yet then as soon as my footsteps echoed around the courtyard, as if each step I took seemed to disturb the stillness that had settled over the woods as the twigs snapping sharply underfoot and the dried leaves crunching noisily, the headmistress' voice then choose to float through the air, "A pleasant afternoon once again players of both houses. At this moment, I, as the headmistress stand beneath you all in this stage marking the beginning of the annual training for the Olympia's Cup,"

Her ominous words drifted through the courtyard as the school bell tolled, signaling the beginning of another sinister chapter. I could sense the anticipation and nervous energy building around me as I saw my league are already complete and gathered at the starting point. Shining them was the cheerful glow of the morning sun that seemed out of place, in stark contrast to the darkness that was about to unfold.

Continuing her opening zinger, Ms. Rose, as wicked as she is then stood beneath us, like a hawk watching its prey, as she outlined the cruel challenges that lay ahead for the Olympia's Cup Training, "As what I've said for a million of times already, all of you knew that for the next weeks, your abilities, teamwork, perseverance, and twisted minds will be tested to the limit. The trials designed to break even the strongest of wills and push you to the edge of sanity await you. There will be moments you question your very purpose and desire to continue, but those who persevere through the darkness will emerge victorious as you all please to be,"