The World of the Ranger

Chapter 1

Just to make sure there's no copyright laws getting involved here, the Ranger's Apprentice franchise is owned by John Flanagan.

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"I think I'm gonna win," Jilly said, watching her mother finish organizing the arrows in her quiver. "Is it too much do you think?"

"Jillian Hoversund, you have been lucky enough to be invited to the biggest costume contest in the world. There will be 195 other contestants from the rest of the world, and you represent the USA," her mother said, with the slightest note of pride in her voice, "Your designs have gotten you this far. Now you're in Australia, about to go on that stage wearing your Ranger costume design. Considering where you are, nothing is too much."

"a) Thank you for another of your pride speeches, Mom. b) It's not a costume. The Rangers were real, so therefore this is a Ranger outfit's replica. Not a costume," Jilly retorted. She had loved the Ranger's Apprentice book series ever since she was assigned The Ruins of Gorlan in the fourth grade. Although she had considered the book unlikable at first, she was quickly hooked, and had followed the series ever since. When a cosplaying contest was held in Dallas, Jilly designed a Ranger's outfit. The design advanced, and Jilly ended up representing the United States as its top costume designer. She and her mother flew out to Australia, and Jilly was the youngest contestant. Although the prize was a mystery, Jilly was very excited. She put on her quiver, picked up her longbow, straightened her bronze Oakleaf, and went to wait with the 195 others.

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When the contest began, Jilly hadn't realized how tough the competition would be. There were so many characters from so many books! There was Katniss from the Hunger Games, Firestar from the Warriors series, & Mia from the Princess Diaries. Tally Youngblood from the Uglies trilogy, & Frodo from Lord of the Rings. There were also some manga characters which Jilly had never heard of. She wasn't sure she had a chance.

After two hours of the costumes being presented, the contenders withstood another anxious hour as the judges made their decision. They then assembled on the stage, each hoping to take home the Golden Novel, and the mystery prize. Felicity Faragone, hostess of the event, strode gracefully onto the stage. She was quite the stunning woman, in spite of her late thirties age. When she spoke, the was a slight Australian accent.

"Welcome, everyone," she announced, "to the thirteenth annual worldwide Cosplaying Contest: Books Edition. All of the contestants did an excellent job of costume design. The presentations had finesse and exquisite detail. However, one stood out from the rest. She has shown supreme sewing work, and her design shows a strikingly realistic appearance to the original. Please step forward to receive your Golden Novel, Jillian Hoversund of the USA!"

Jilly was on the verge of tears. She strode forward eagerly with her head up and shoulders straight. Applause roared in her ears. As she took her award from Felicity, she stepped up to the podium and looked out towards the audience. Even though she hadn't prepared a speech, her next words sounded like one, well practiced and heard throughout the entire room.

"Thank you, Miss Faragone," Jilly said, "I gratefully accept my Golden Novel. I want to thank the judges for choosing my outfit as the winner. Hopefully, this win represents my country, and how if we set our minds to our passions, we can accomplish great things. Also, I want to congratulate my fellow contenders. I really liked your designs, and wasn't sure if I had a chance against professionals such as yourselves. Again, thank you to the judges, Miss Faragone, Mom, my rivals, and everyone who supported me!"

Tears now flowed freely down Jilly's face, and the applause was deafening. Felicity came up and put her arm around Jilly's shoulders. "Wave," she hissed in Jilly's ear. Hastily, she began waving to the crowd and cameras; they were still waving as they walked off stage, and the curtains closed.

The pair walked to Felicity's suite, and sat down on the leather couches in front of the seventy-two inch television. "Congratulations, Jillian," Felicity said, pouring some non-alcoholic wine into two glasses. She passed one to Jilly.

"Please, Miss Faragone," she said, "call me Jilly."

Felicity smiled at her. "Well then, Jilly, I ask that you call me Felicity."

Jilly returned the smile. "I will. Now, the question that has been bugging me: Why am I in your suite?"

The hostess smiled coolly. "Ahhhh, yes. Well, other than to share a bottle of celebration wine, we're here to discuss your mystery prize. Tell me, where is the place you'd most want to visit?"

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Okay, I know this chapter was short. Hopefully the others will be longer. I will try adding a new chapter in a reasonable amount of time. In the meantime, create ideas about what will happen! :D