Friday Barnes one shots

The IYA games (pt 3)

Game 2: Capture the flag

Friday sat quietly with the other players at lunch that day. The headmaster of St Rajahs was explaining what the next game was: capture the flag, and what skills they would need to win it.

But the sounds of it, it was a relay/obstacle corse and Friday was not looking forward to it. The Highcrest students seemed to feel the same way. Everybody knew Friday couldn't run, or do anything that involved athletic ability. She kept telling herself that it was ok, she just had to reach her flag before one other person and she would still be in the game. After that, they were easy.

Headmistress Amber was a happy woman, who took great pride in having Aiden as her player. It was clear she thought he would win this game too.

"So," she concluded, "we will see you all at the edge of the swamp in 30 minutes for the beginning of the race. Players, with me."

Friday got up. People patted her on the back and gave her reassuring smiles. She pushed down her fear.

They were taken into the gymnasium and given instructions.

"Go get into bathers." The headmaster of Highcrest said. "It is part foot race, part swimming, and part climbing. You aren't allowed anything other than yourself."

They all nodded and turned to leave. "Friday, a moment."

She turned back and they waited until everyone else had left.

The Headmaster leaned in. "Play dirty."

Friday was taken aback "what?"

"You heard me" he said. "Friday, you and I both know you can't win this without playing dirty. You're failing 8th grade P.E. You need to let that evil part of you mind take over."

"But," Friday said, coming to terms with this information. "I don't have an evil side."

The headmaster sighs, "yes you do. I haven't seen it, but you do have it. Now, go get ready."

She didn't say anything before she turned and jogged towards the doors.

"Oh, and Friday?"

She turned around.

"Remember to take everything seriously."

She frowned. What?
__________________

Friday was standing at the edge of the swamp. People were chattering and laughing. She spotted Ian in the crowd. He gave her a smile and a thumbs up. She felt a bit better.

"Players. Take a seat while I explain." Headmistress Amber says kindly.

They all took a seat on the grass. Friday was the furthest from the swamp.

"The game today is Capture the flag. The four players, Barnes, Quicksilver, Nova, and Burgess-"

She was cut off by cheers and claps.

Headmistress Amber smiled, "Will have to complete the relay and collect their flag. Highcrest has the green flag, Gorge Stanley has orange, Dicksons has purple and Rajahs has yellow. Their corse consists of three elements that are designed to test their physical abilities. First, is the swim. Players are to swim through the swamp to the white flag hanging from a branch that signals that the swim is over. Second is the climb, they are to work their way through the tree until they reach the third part of the relay. Lastly, they will run through a series of bridges set up as a maze to reach their flags. Last player to get their flag looses. GO!"

At first none of them moved. The announcement was so sudden that they thought she was kidding. Then Friday locked eyes with the Headmaster and she remembered what he had said "Remember to take everything seriously."