fragile time

~chapter 3~

Chapter 3: "Isn't This Just Fantastic?"

~✶~

"Ready!?" Our coach, Mr. Farstrook boomed, "Begi–" The different duos froze as Emily and I ran into the garden. Our fencing class was my favorite class, as the teacher favored us. With his light brown hair- not many gray streaks- and tall, muscular body, he was built for training. Emily and I found fencing fun. The two of us dueled a lot in our freetime. Nevertheless, we became the best in the class. I liked to think nobody stood a chance against us.

Mr. Farstrook smiled when he saw us, "Ah, Willows. Summers. Thanks for finally joining us. It's your turn to duel each other!" Emily's eyes darted to me as he continued, "I've been waiting all year. Get dressed and take your marks." Emily's eyes left me and went back to Mr. Farwater.

"The two of us?" I managed to say, "Duel each other? You're serious? We–"

"Can't say I'm as surprised as you, Summers." Emily smirked, "We're good. Better than you think." I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't choke it out. The two of us were on the same team. We had always been a duo; I had never been put against her before.

"Yes. Now, go change!" Our coach smiled at us with his blue eyes, but his mouth stayed flat. Without looking back, Emily and I exited opposite ways.

~✶~

"Finally." I muttered to myself as I finished putting my uniform on. It was pretty comfortable. It felt almost exactly like the uniform the castle guards wear. I knew I was going to be there one day- as General Emily Willows. If I could defeat my best friend, Micheal, which I knew I could, then I would be the best in the school. I tightened my updo, pale blonde hair somewhat falling out, before I put my helmet on. After I did, I noticed the sound of thunder overhead. Rain would give me a better chance of winning. Of all the things Micheal could do, fighting perfectly in rain wasn't one of them. I exited the bathroom and muttered, "Summers is going down."

~✶~

The crisp wind swayed my brown bangs slightly as the clash of mine and Emily's swords removed the notice of all other sound. All other life. It was only me and her- and the determination. The determination was definitely there- from both of us. I wasn't sure if I was dueling with my friend or my foe now, but we were fighting. All the memories were nothing now. It didn't matter who we were. There were only us and the clashing of the swords. The other kids were dueling around us, but I wasn't watching as I normally did. Normally, I would defeat my opponent quickly, just so I could watch the others.

I grunted as I quickly ducked from Emily trying to strike me. "Getting tired?" She teased, clearly confident in herself.

"You wish!" I replied as we both tried to strike, until we hit and our swords held still against each other. We stood our ground firmly, refusing to surrender.

"Pull back!" She commanded. I shook my head, not ready for this to be over. If I did pull back, she would have a straight shot at, you know, stabbing me- though I could dodge her attack. If she pulled back, then I could win- or she could dodge it. It was only a matter of who would have the chance and who would dodge. We both wanted the possibility to win, but one of us would have to surrender eventually. "Summers, if you don't pull back, I swear-!"

"Fine," I reluctantly agreed— I would rather her win than myself any day, "but don't you dare hold this against me!" I finally pulled my sword back, ducking as I did. Her sword came swinging towards my head, but I was out of the way just in time.

However, the force I used to get out of the way caused me to lose balance and tumble on the ground. The taste of wet grass was in my mouth, and I was now covered in filth. Wait... wet? Oh. It was raining? 'Isn't this just fantastic?' I thought. I looked up, the sound of some kids gasping filled the air. The only thing I was focused on was Emily standing above me- her sword ready to strike me now I was at my weakest.