Crimson Hood:
As my second last class of the day finally ends, I hurriedly head to my locker, dropping off my books and grabbing my athletic bag. Then, trying to ignore the nerves that are threatening to overwhelm and distract me, I beat a path to the changing room. I am so excited and nervous for the joust that I can hardly breathe, not to mention the butterflies I feel fluttering relentlessly in my stomach. But I wouldn't exchange these feelings for anything in the world. Jousting, or more specifically, rigorous athletic training and athletic competitions, mean more to me than anything. The adrenaline that they instigate within me, always leaves me starved for more. Now, I am determined to get more. To be more. I am determined to shatter the monotony of Adrien's winning routine because I will win this joust. I take my time, carefully putting on my sinewy silver armor on top of my breathable red tights and matching black and red sports bra, assembling the armor onto my muscled, toned body piece by piece. By the time I am completely clad in my iridescent suit of armor and arrive outside on the fields, I notice people taking their seats in the grandstands. An audience of hundreds already gathers, a cacophony of students and teachers excited to watch the show. Of course, I had almost forgotten that Headmistress Blue had cancelled everyone's last period classes in order to allow them the opportunity to view the joust. The sheer size of this audience is perfect. It means that more observers will be present to watch me claim what is rightfully mine. Fortissimum Jouster. "Good luck, Crimson!" A group of my friends, consisting of Rose, Cherie, Chrysabelle and Colette,shout encouragingly towards me. Turning to face them, I smile widely in thanks as I take off my helmet momentarily. Then, I scan the grandstands in search of Serena, but I am unable to spot her. This is most certainly due to the fact that she's now currently hidden within the heart of the crowd, or she's still making her way here from her second last class, English. Serena will arrive soon, I assure myself, but am unable to calm down, as I realize how much I require the reassuring presence of my best friend. I need Serena now. Where is she? "Ready?" Hunter, a fellow jouster, asks me. Taking a deep breath in the hope that I may once again regain a calm demeanor, a demeanor that is essential in any tournament, (I've learned long ago to never display any signs of weakness to an opponent, be that even just a bit of nerves, for those weaknesses can be used against you), I nod. "Good, cause we're going first." Hunter says, then walks over to his large horse that boasts a luxurious ebony mane. "What?!" I cry out in panic, but Hunter must not have heard me, as he does not respond. I had assumed, I had hoped, that I would have more time to mentally prepare myself, more time to wait for Serena's arrival. Well, now I suppose that I truly do understand the allure of pessimism. "Don't worry Crimson, you're ready." Turning around, I realize that it's Adrian who says this, that it's Adrian who has offered me moral support in the absence of Serena. Then, upon closer inspection, I notice that Adrian's currently holding my horse's reins. My dear horse, Luna, is a sleek beauty, with muscles that roll underneath the supple white coat that hangs majestically on her frame, and with a flowing white mane that unfurls and whips as the wind calls it,Luna has always been another beacon of light in my world of darkness. Adrian offers me another genuine smile that is savage in its beauty, a smile that perhaps alluded, hinted at, Adrian's animalistic, wolverine side. Yet, that smile Adrian had just given me, was a smile so different from his usual mocking one, that when I smiled back, my own smile was different from my usual condescending smirk (one that I typically reserved for Adrian), as well. Then, Adrian hands Luna's reins to me, reinstating that the kind, caring and benevolent Adrian from this morning is still around to play. Remind me again why it is I want to beat Adrian at this joust so badly? No, I must not lose focus now, not now, when I am so close. Adrian must sense that despite his encouragement, I'm still quite nervous, so he adds, "Are one of the reasons you like jousting because of the feeling of freedom that comes with it?" I blink in palpable shock, initially unable to respond, for its as if Adrian had looked deep within me and read the words etched on my soul. "Yes! I-How, how did you know that?" I say, my shock causing me to stumble incoherently. Instead of offering me a much needed explanation, Adrian continues,"Do you love that moment, when you're filled with adrenaline, when all the doors of possibilities are open, when time seems like a frozen breath that only you can control, that moment right before you throw your lance?" Again, I am rendered speechless at Adrian's words, which where akin to my own beliefs. Finally, I manage to murmur a surprised, "Yes!" "Then just think only of that. Nothing else."
He gently grabs my arm and holds up my lance. "Nothing else but you and your opponent. Think only of where you want your lance to land." Delicately removing his hold on my arm, Adrian turns to leave and prepare his own horse for the joust, but then he turns to answer my burning question. Looking deep into my emerald eyes, he explains, "I know about those thoughts, Crimson, because they are my own as much as I am sure they are yours." Recognition runs through me. What is it those starstruck lovers call it? Kindred souls? I am positive I have just found mine, for never have I felt so understood, so close, to any individual before, as I do now to Adrian. Before I can contemplate how to respond to such an emotionally instigating statement, Adrian's already off towards his horse. Taking one last, albeit desperate, look for Serena, I gather my courage and head to mount Luna. Minutes later, I find myself mounted atop Luna's strong, muscular form, lance in hand, facing Hunter, who's mounted his horse as well and is now on the opposite side of the long strip of metal that draws a line of division between our two opposing sides. After a few more minutes of breathless anticipation, the trumpets are sounded and I pull back the reins, guiding Luna forward. Luna's haunches quiver as they rock forward and she tosses her head back, her big, genuine eyes that always saw through my copacetic mask and tried to offer comfort, roll backwards, as Luna launches herself into gallop, gaining speed as we near Hunter. Following Adrian's advice, I let all the noises, the cheering from the stands, the snorting of the horses, leave my focus. Instead, I focus on aiming my lance and maintaining my grip on Luna. Closer and closer we get, the world seemingly paused in suspense around us, waiting to see who will be the victor. Twisting my fingers to perfect my aim, I rear my arm backwards. I then throw my lance with forceful, calculated grace. Due to the perfect positioning of my throw, my lance hits Hunter's shield pinpoint center. As the top breaks off and flies towards the bleachers, I knew that my hit was a winning one. Moments later, I hear the cheers of the crowd calling my name. I did it, I won. But this was only one round. I have plenty more to go, before I may be proclaimed Fortissimum Jouster.
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The Switch
FanfictionIn the fantastical land of Ever After, where life after the so-called "Happily Ever Afters" continues, there lies a mystical, and elite school by the name of Everadon High. There, Serena White, daughter of the beautiful and illustrious Snow White...