The first thing on the agenda was lunch, and the cafeteria was a hive of activity. Every camper had arrived, the last one making it in just an hour earlier, and now the place buzzed with the sound of chattering girls, the clinking of trays, and the shuffling of feet. Ms. Porlyusica, the Head Captain of the camp, was utterly famished. She had been running around since dawn—greeting kids and their frazzled parents, ensuring cabins were assigned, and making sure all the campers were settled in.
It was exhausting, sure, but Porlyusica secretly loved it. Despite her gruff reputation, kids were an exception. She saw potential in them, raw material that could be shaped into disciplined, capable young people. Still, after hours of non-stop action, her stomach growled loud enough to rival a lion's roar.
She spotted the line for the staff winding down and made her way through the bustling crowd of girls, carefully dodging swinging backpacks and elbows. When she finally reached the front of the line, she sighed in relief. The food spread looked glorious—fresh salads, crispy chicken tenders, warm rolls, and an assortment of desserts. Just what she needed after a morning of chaos.
"Looks ravishing, doesn't it?" Porlyusica remarked, giving a rare smile to the pink-haired girl standing beside her in line. She was petite, looking around with wide brown eyes, and stared at the food trays.
"You want some, child?" Porlyusica asked kindly, gesturing to the peanut butter sandwiches and picking one for herself.
The girl looked up, a sad little frown on her face. "Oh, sorry. I'm allergic to peanuts." She sighed and reached for a small bowl of yogurt instead, clearly delighted that they had yogurt.
"That's unfortunate," Porlyusica mumbled, shaking her head as she turned to the girl on her right. "And how about you, child?"
"I'm allergic to peanuts. Sorry, Ms."
"Yes, yes. You said that already." Porlyusica froze mid-reach for the tongs. She blinked. Then blinked again. She turned back to the left, only to see another girl standing there and reaching for food. Then she whipped her head to the right—the pink-haired girl Porlyusica knew she had just talked to a moment ago.
Her eyes darted between them, trying to make sense of the strange déjà vu. "Weren't you just here?" she asked, pointing at the girl on the right while looking at the girl on the left.
The girl on the left shrugged nonchalantly, clearly unaware of what the headmistress was talking about.
Porlyusica's mouth hung open for a moment, her brain struggling to catch up. "Bah, never mind," she grumbled, waving her hand dismissively. "Must be the exhaustion… or old age." She let out a raspy chuckle, trying to shake off the weirdness as she grabbed the tongs and started piling her plate with food.
As she continued filling her tray, she mumbled, "You know, when I was your age—" She turned again to the right, ready to deliver some wise tidbit about life at camp, but the pink-haired girl was gone. Vanished.
Porlyusica spun around, scanning the line for the girl, but she was nowhere in sight. "Where did she—?" She turned back to the right, only to find another girl staring at her in question.
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she scanned the cafeteria, the air thick with laughter and conversation, but no sign of the pink-haired girl. She rubbed her temples and groaned, muttering to herself, "I swear, if this is some sort of prank, I'm too old for this nonsense."
Shaking her head in disbelief, she turned her attention back to her tray and finally made her way to a table. As she sat down, plopping the tray in front of her, she couldn't help but chuckle. "Maybe I've been at this camp too long… or I'm going senile."
She took a bite of her chicken, savouring the taste as she muttered under her breath, "Next thing I know, I'll be seeing double all summer."
"So, Nasha," Clary leaned in, her wide brown eyes gleaming with curiosity, "you live in Magnolia, right?"
"Yeah," Nasha replied casually, reaching into her bag and pulling out a bottle of hot sauce, as if she carried it everywhere. With the expertise of someone who's done this a thousand times, she started drenching her fries in fiery red sauce, the sharp, tangy scent of spice filling the air and drawing the attention of her friends.
"Are you, like, neighbours with the stars?" Elizabeth chimed in, her gaze darting between Nasha and the hot sauce, clearly more interested in the spicy condiment than her grilled chicken.
"You know any of them?!" Clary added, practically bouncing in her seat with excitement. "I've always wanted to see Mirajane in person. She's, like, a goddess!"
Nasha chuckled, popping a fry into her mouth with a casual confidence that made her seem older than her years. "Well, my father's friends with her sister, so I see Aunt Mira around sometimes when she's not busy."
Elizabeth's jaw dropped, her fork frozen mid-air. "You're telling me your Aunt Mira, the Mirajane Strauss, just casually drops by your house?!"
"Yeah, she'll come by for tea or something," Nasha said, shrugging as if having one of the most famous supermodels in all of Fiore over for tea was no big deal. She reached for another fry, her grin growing as she noticed the stunned looks on her friends' faces.
Clary, who had been halfway through her ham sandwich, let it drop onto her tray as she stared at Nasha in awe. "Just like that? Tea with Mirajane?!"
Elizabeth, however, was staring at something else entirely. "Wait, hold on," she said, squinting at the bottle of hot sauce in Nasha's hand. "You put that stuff on everything?"
Nasha nodded with a mischievous grin. "Yep. I like my food spicy. It's better that way." She took another bite, not even flinching at the heat.
"Spicy?! That stuff smells like it could melt metal!" Elizabeth leaned back in her seat, fanning her face dramatically as if she were being consumed by the heat of a dragon's breath. "Girl, how are you not breathing fire?"
Nasha just shrugged. "I grew up on it. Plus, Dad always says hot sauce builds character."
Clary finally snapped out of her starstruck daze and leaned closer again, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "So… does everything, like, glow when Mirajane's around? You know, like in her photoshoots?"
Nasha burst out laughing, shaking her head. "It's not that magical, but yeah, sometimes when she smiles, it's like the room gets a little brighter. She only babysits me when Aunt Lisanna is away."
"Babysit?" Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Are you serious? So, the Mirajane is babysitting you? Okay, I officially want your life."
"Oh, it's not all glamorous," Nasha said with a playful grin. "Last time she came over, she was wearing a demon costume for Halloween, and every kid at the party was terrified because she looked like one." She shivered from the unpleasant memory, recalling how the make up and her outfit had haunted her dreams for days. It looked so real. "I had nightmares for three nights because of it."
Clary snorted, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're so lucky. Clover Town is so boring. The only thing that happens there is politicians gathering to argue about taxes or something. No stars, no celebrities. Just old guys in suits who think they're important."
Elizabeth sighed, her expression wistful. "Same here. Gazania is cool, though, with the mountains and sunsets. Plus, my dad's the mayor of the city, so we're quite well-known there. You guys should come visit sometime after the camp."
"Mayor, huh?" Nasha raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "I bet you get some pretty cool perks. Do you get to go to all the fancy events?"
"Some," Elizabeth replied, leaning back and folding her arms with a proud smile. "But honestly, it's mostly just boring speeches and shaking hands. You know how it is. Sometimes I sneak away to the dessert table, though. That's where the real fun is!"
"Well, if you have any crazy stories, you have to share them!" Clary said, her enthusiasm rekindled. "Like, what's the wildest thing you've seen at one of those events?"
Nasha, leaning in with a grin, couldn't help but add, "Yeah, and if any politicians try to do a magic trick, we need the scoop on that. I hear they can disappear, just like my fries when I add hot sauce!"
The three girls burst into laughter, the air filled with a mixture of spicy sauce and camaraderie as they continued to share stories, all while the sun set behind them, casting a warm glow over their little table at the camp.
As Nashi stepped into their cosy cabin, she took a moment to soak in the cheerful atmosphere. The space was spacious enough for three kids, with three white single beds nestled in one corner, each adorned with colourful bedspreads and fluffed pillows. At the foot of each bed were compartments for their belongings, a perfect blend of function and fun.
In the opposite corner, a small table sat surrounded by a couple of chairs, while a bathroom door stood invitingly ajar. The centrepiece of the cabin was a charming fireplace, its hearth ready to warm them on chilly nights, casting a glow that promised cosy evenings filled with laughter and stories.
Nashi dropped her yellow duffle bag onto her bed with a soft thud, the vibrant fabric contrasting with the crisp white linens. She opened it and began rummaging through her things, her fingers brushing against her favourite storybook, The Adventure of Iris, which her mother would read to her before bed. Next, she found her plush toy, Plue, a soft, white snowman with an orange pointed nose that always brought her comfort.
Then, she felt a familiar box nestled deeper in the bag. Pulling it out, she was delighted to find her playing cards, accompanied by a handwritten note from her Uncle Laxus:
"I know your mother wouldn't let you, but take this time to show off your skills, kiddo. Who knows what opponents you're gonna encounter."
Nashi couldn't help but grin at the words, the warmth of the message igniting excitement in her chest. She tucked the note back inside the box, feeling empowered, and finished unpacking, placing her clothes neatly in the drawers. She set aside her favourite outfits for tomorrow's activities, already imagining the fun they would have.
Once she was done, she turned to her roommates, Iara Milkovich and Graeven Knightwalker, who were deep in conversation. Iara, with her tousled black hair and infectious laugh, was animatedly discussing the various activities lined up for the next day, while Graeven, her scarlet hair catching the light, nodded along with a serious expression that only added to her playful charm.
Eager to join in, Nashi raised the box of playing cards high above her head, a wide smile on her face. "You guys wanna play later?"
Iara's eyes sparkled with excitement as she glanced over. "Playing cards? Count me in! I hope you're ready to lose, Nashi!"
Graeven cracked her knuckles, the sound echoing in the cosy cabin as if she was preparing for a great battle. "Well, they didn't call me a Knightwalker for nothing. Just to inform you guys, strategy games are my thing."
"Bring it on!" Nashi shot back, her competitive spirit igniting.
The three of them shared a laugh, the air filling with the kind of excitement only summer camp could bring. They began to chatter about their favourite games, each trying to one-up the other with wild stories and exaggerated tales of their previous matches.
"Just wait until you see my new tricks!" Nashi declared, her confidence growing with each word.
As they continued to talk and laugh, the cabin felt warm and welcoming, the flickering light from the fireplace casting playful shadows on the walls. Nashi felt a sense of belonging wash over her, a promise of adventures and friendship just beginning to unfold in this magical place.
The next morning, the camp was buzzing with excitement, filled with laughter and shouts as girls moved from one activity to another. The air was thick with the sounds of gardening tools clinking, pots bubbling in the cooking area, the rhythmic thuds of karate kicks, and the chatter of teammates bonding over various sports. Each girl was on a quest to find the activity that sparked joy in her heart.
Amidst the clamour, a group gathered around the fencing area, where the sharp clash of thin swords rang out like a musical symphony. The fencers moved with grace, their footwork a delicate dance on the mats. Nasha lunged forward, her footwork precise as she advanced with a thrust, her blade glinting in the sunlight. With a flick of her wrist, she parried an incoming strike, the sound echoing like a crack of thunder.
She executed a perfect fleche, darting past her opponent, using her speed to her advantage. The other kid attempted a riposte, but Nasha anticipated the move, sidestepping effortlessly and delivering a clean counterattack. With a swift flick, she disarmed her opponent, the sword flying from the kid's hand and clattering to the ground. The girl stumbled backward, tripping over her own feet and landing on her butt with a soft thud.
Without hesitation, Nasha pointed the tip of her sword at the defeated kid, a playful smirk crossing her lips. "Checkmate!"
"Alright! What a fantastic move once again from the undefeated champion of fencing, Nasha Dragneel!" The crowd erupted into applause, clapping in awe at her skill.
The girl on the floor, slightly embarrassed, removed her mask and accepted Nasha's outstretched hand. "You were amazing, Ms. Dragneel!"
Nasha bowed with an elegance that belied her age, still clad in her fencing gear as they shook hands. She flashed a bright smile before making her way back to her group of friends, the thrill of victory evident in her sparkling eyes.
"Now, who wants to be the next challenger?" the staff announced, scanning the crowd for a brave soul. Silence fell over the group, not out of fear but because many had already tasted defeat at the hands of the pink-haired girl.
"Anyone?" The staff looked hopeful, but still, no one answered. Nasha , her mask still on, continued chatting and laughing with her friends, a lively presence amidst the anticipation.
"Okay, since—"
"Can I try?"
The crowd turned as a new contender stepped forward, another girl with pink hair and elegance vibe, her friends cheering her on from the sidelines. The staff's face lit up with excitement as they gestured for the girl to don the fencing gear.
With a grin, the new challenger slipped into the outfit, her friends hooting and clapping as she pulled on the mask. Once she was ready, the staff handed her a fencing sword and called for Nasha.
"Okay, both of you ready?" The two girls nodded, determination evident in their stances. "Ladies, begin!"
Nasha shifted into her fighting stance, feet shoulder-width apart, her sword raised, poised and alert. She took a deep breath, focusing her energy as she prepared for the duel. The world around her faded away, leaving only the two of them in the ring.
The new contender mirrored her pose, holding her sword confidently at shoulder height, legs slightly bent in a classic en garde Nasha.
With a sudden burst of energy, Nasha initiated the first attack, darting forward with a quick advance, her footwork smooth and practised. She aimed a series of thrusts, each one precise and calculated, weaving in and out of range with agility.
The newcomer, undeterred, responded with a defensive parry, her sword meeting Nasha's with a satisfying clink. She then transitioned into a counterattack, a graceful lunge aimed at Nasha's right, but the champion sidestepped, executing a swift retreat that showcased her quick reflexes.
The crowd watched with bated breath, captivated by the spirited duel unfolding before them. As the two girls continued to clash swords, Nasha's movements flowed seamlessly, a dance of strategy and skill, while her challenger found her rhythm, matching Nasha's energy with a newfound confidence. The atmosphere was electric, each clash of swords igniting cheers and shouts of encouragement from their friends.
It was a thrilling showdown, and the camp was alive with the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
The intensity of the match escalated as Nasha and her challenger moved beyond the designated fencing zone, the excitement palpable in the air. A staff member kept a close watch, ensuring the safety of both girls while sensing their fierce determination to win. The new challenger was relentless, pushing Nasha back with swift, unpredictable strikes that kept her on her toes.
Nasha felt the sweat trickling down her brow, each clash of swords ringing louder as her opponent surged forward. With a sudden feint, the challenger ducked low, aiming for her legs, forcing her to leap back just in time. The unpredictability of her movements caught Nasha off guard, making it increasingly difficult to calculate her next attack.
Despite feeling the pressure, Nasha refused to give up. She lunged forward with a quick thrust, trying to reclaim control of the duel, but the challenger sidestepped with a practised ease, countering with a sweeping arc of her sword that pushed Nasha further back. Nasha's heart raced; she felt the challenge mounting, and with each retreat, her frustration grew.
As she fought to regain her ground, Nasha tripped on the first step of a nearby cabin, instinctively glancing back to assess her surroundings. The wooden structure loomed behind her, and before she could react, her opponent advanced with a powerful thrust aimed right at her.
With her instincts kicking in, Nasha executed a breathtaking backflip, her flexibility allowing her to land gracefully on the porch of the cabin. The crowd gasped in admiration at her agility. The challenger, undeterred, quickly followed, launching a rapid series of attacks, aiming for Nasha's torso with precision thrusts.
Nasha felt the pressure mount as she found herself cornered by the wooden fence surrounding the cabin. With nowhere to escape, she braced herself for the final thrust. Just as the challenger aimed her sword directly at Nasha, she lost her balance, tumbling over the fence. Fortunately, she landed in a basin of water nearby, the cold splash soaking her from head to toe but saving her from injury.
The staff rushed over to help her up, concern etched on their faces. As Nasha emerged from the basin, drenched and irritated, she scowled at the challenger. "How dare she!" she thought, her mind swirling with frustration.
The challenger, now at the base of the cabin, stood proudly beside the staff member, who raised her arm in victory. "We have our new champion!" The crowd erupted in cheers, excitement buzzing in the air. Nasha, still wearing her mask, grunted in annoyance, her competitive spirit refusing to accept defeat, especially in something she knew she excelled at.
"Alright, you two. Shake hands and remove your masks so you can introduce yourselves," the staff instructed, attempting to foster camaraderie between the competitors.
Nasha felt a surge of resentment; she wanted to storm off and scream in rage. But she remembered her papa's wise words: "Losing means there's more room for improvement." With a reluctant sigh, she forced herself to extend her hand to the new champion. Nasha knew she was gripping the other's hand tightly. They both removed their masks simultaneously.
The crowd gasped collectively, the sound echoing around them like a chorus of astonishment. Nashi glanced around, feeling the weight of their stares, as if they were seeing aliens for the first time.
"Oh my gosh!" one girl exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief.
Nasha's heart raced as she realised the source of the astonishment rippling through the crowd: both she and her challenger shared strikingly similar features. Their brown eyes sparkled with surprise, their light skin glowed under the midday sun, and their pink hair framed their faces in a way that was undeniably alike. The unexpected resemblance drew whispers and surprised glances from the onlookers, a twist in the narrative that no one had anticipated. The only difference was in their styles: the challenger's long pink hair cascaded gracefully down her back, radiating an air of elegance, while Nasha sported a shorter cut, her shoulder-length pink hair contrasting sharply with red ear piercings and a boyish aura.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Nasha asked, breaking the silence that had settled over the crowd.
"Don't you see?" the challenger replied, a hint of incredulity in her voice.
"See what?"
"We look alike!" the long pink-haired girl exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over like an overzealous soda can.
Nasha just raised an eyebrow, clearly finding the situation bizarre. Just as the challenger opened her mouth to respond, the staff member, pen poised over her notepad, interjected, "What's your name?"
"Nashi Heartfilia, ma'am," the long pink-haired girl replied, her voice steady despite the chaos of emotions swirling inside her.
Nasha squinted her eyes at Nashi, making the girl fidget uncomfortably. "I don't see any resemblance," she said smugly, flipping her hair back like a diva.
"What? Are you blind? You literally look like me!" Nashi shot back incredulously.
"Uh-huh, turn on your side then so I can see how I look like you." Nashi rolled her eyes but turned to show the girl her left profile, striking a pose like she was on a magazine cover. "And the other?" Nasha smirked deviously, as if she were presenting a grand reveal.
Nashi, again, grunted in annoyance, throwing her hands in the air but complied. "There? Happy?"
"Well, I don't see anything similar. First, your nose is bigger than mine—" Nasha declared, her smug smile quickly faltering as Nashi suddenly felt insecure. She touched her nose as if checking for defects, then glared at the girl standing before her like a rival contestant in a beauty pageant.
"Your eyebags are showing—"
"Hey!"
"And there's no way my teeth are that crooked!" Nasha shot back triumphantly, as if she'd just delivered the final blow in a debate tournament.
Nasha and her friends erupted into laughter, the sound ringing out like a group of mischievous chimes. Graeven, her eyes glinting with excitement, punched her own palm, inviting Nasha and her crew for a friendly spar. "I'll make it crooked for you, champ!"
"And punch like a kid?" Nasha retorted, the laughter rolling out again and chipping away at Nashi's confidence. Nashi could feel the frustration rising like steam from a kettle, and oh boy, that was it.
"Besides, it'll take you forever to look as awesome as me!" Nasha argued, raising her eyebrow in a challenge that could rival any dramatic film. Her friends cackled alongside her, fueling the fire, while Graeven and Iara crouched like panthers ready to pounce.
"You wanna know the real difference between us?" Nasha continued, a mocking lilt in her voice. But before she could finish, Nashi cut in, "I know how to fence, and you're just a wannabe fencer?"
"Oooooohhhhhh!" The crowd gasped dramatically, as if a scandalous secret had just been revealed.
Nashi smirked, standing taller with all the elegance of a peacock showing off its feathers, mocking pride glinting in her eyes. "Or that I have class and you don't? You choose."
Nasha glared, fists planted firmly on her hips. "What? Did I hit your ego? Poor you!" She feigned sympathy, her voice dripping with mock concern.
"Oh, that's the last time you'll ever have that victorious smirk on your face," Nasha growled, her determination sharpening like a freshly honed blade.
"Bring. It. On," Nashi challenged, the air around them crackling with competitive energy, like a scene straight out of an action movie.
Just as it looked like they were about to throw punches, the staff member rushed in like a superhero. "Okay, enough of that! This is just a friendly competition, Nasha and Nashi!" She looked from left to right, her eyes darting between the two then tried again. "I mean, Nashi and Nasha." The confusion on her face was palpable, as if she were trying to solve a riddle with no clues.
The two girls still glared at each other, eyes locked in a battle of wills, each refusing to back down. Their friends, in the meantime, exchanged amused glances, as if they were watching a live-action comedy unfold before their eyes. Suddenly, Graeven and Iara swooped in, grabbing Nashi by her arms and dragging her away.
The two girls shared one last look, their banter sealing an unspoken promise of more rivalry to come. And just like that, the competition morphed into a challenge—one that neither of them would back down from. As Nasha and her friends moved toward the mess hall, the air buzzed with anticipation for the next showdown, and Nashi stood with her own group, plotting her next move.