Swords and Arrows- A Medieval Tale

Genius I. The History Assignment

Here is "Genius One" of this series! Hope you enjoy- plz vote for this story for the Watty Awards! Thanks :)

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Aelita looked at her history assignment flyer she received from her history teacher, Mr. Henderson. She read the words listed in a gigantic font:

HISTORY ASSIGNMENT:

Genre: Arthurian Literature

You must write a report on the subject featured above. You may research information related to this topic if you need help listing facts. You have to include the following in your report:

- Choose a knight (such as Gawain or Rowan) and list a few facts and why you chose this knight.

- Draw a timeline of the history of King Arthur.

EXTRA CREDIT: Write an essay (of 5 paragraphs) describing your feelings while you were researching. (You will be graded on how descriptive you are.)

"Aelita?" Mr. Henderson called. Aelita startled a bit.

"Y-yes?"

"You seem panic-y about the assignment . Do you have any concerns or questions?"

"Uh...no... I'm good." Mr. Henderson nodded. "Now, class." he announced, "Remember that this history report is due next-"

Suddenly the dismissal bell rang. Students began packing their belongings and leaving the classroom. "-next Friday...." Mr. Henderson finished, sighing.

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"Aelita, you looked scared, dude!" Marcus said, punching Aelita's shoulder.

"Yeah! Like you were confused or something." Katie exclaimed. Aelita shrugged. "I guess I had that kinda strange feeling..."

"Don't be scared! It's just another one of Mr. H's crappy reports.." Logan said, patting Aelita's back. "Dude, Logan. You're making her freak now." Marcus hissed. Logan stayed quiet. "Nah, I'm okay. Maybe I'm just new to this.." Aelita said, walking up to her locker. "C'mon Marcus! She's an 8th grader. She can make and solve her own decisions!' Katie said. "Whatever you say, Kate. Aelita, just.... don't worry. You'll ace this one like always." Aelita nodded smiling- but she wasn't so sure. She felt an unusual feeling about the report. "Omigosh! I can't wait to research! Think about it- Arthurian Legends. Knights in shining armor. Maidens waiting to be rescued. Handsome squires. EEK! I'm so excited!" Katie squealed, a bit too enthusiastic. Aelita tried to smile, but instead, she turned in attention to her locker. She dialed all the 3 numbers of her locker combination and in an instant, the locker opened. "Am I overdoing it?" Katie asked softly. Aelita chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm excited too." she said. "Oh goody!" Katie exclaimed, clapping her hands and hopping. Aelita took out her lunch money from her locker and stuffed it into her pocket. "Want to sit with us?" Katie asked. "Um... sure!" Aelita replied. She was glad that Katie changed the subject. Katie pulled Aelita's arm and took her to a small table where Marcus, Logan, and Tasha sat.

"What's up, ya'll?" Tasha exclaimed. "Nothin much, yo!" Tasha and Katie embraced. Marcus sighed. "Girls...." he whispered into Logan's ear. "They always are so..." Marcus and Logan shrugged at their horrible thoughts or "girls". Tasha noticed Aelita's strange expression. "What's up, doll? You okay?" she asked. Aelita looked up and smiled. Tasha embraced her. "She's psyched about Mr. Henderson's history report." Logan added. Marcus thumped Logan hard on the head. "You idiot! You just brought up that topic again!" Logan's face turned red. "Sorry! How else can you explain it to Tasha?" Logan retorted. Marcus rubbed his chin. "Uh... Aelita's psyched about the history report?" Katie smacked her forehead. Tasha put her hands on her hips. "Ya'll fools won't even pass 8th grade." she said, rolling her eyes. She turned to Aelita. "Don't worry, gal! You'll beat those fools anyway, ain'tt it?" Aelita laughed. "Hey, we're not fools!" Logan complained. "With these girls, we're their dogs." Marcus mumbled. Tasha hooked arms with Katie and Aelita. "Let's go get some grub, ya'll. These fools can wait!" Marcus and Logan groaned. Aelita, Tasha, and Katie laughed.

Well, THAT'S what friends are FOR, right?