by KlaraSofe Winner, Equinox Battle Challenge

Jacaranda | Spring | Changer

When I entered the arena, emerging from the dark tunnel, the light momentarily blinded me. I could hear the excitement of the crowds as they cheered, even as the heavy weight of expectation settled around my shoulders.

My vision cleared and I stepped forward, approaching the raised platform in the middle.

Changer Ice Rime was already there, his white eyes, pale features and cold expression reminding me of the icicles that donned the branches of trees in winter.

When my feet hit the platform, the announcer began.

"Welcome Seasons, to the annual face-down between Winter and Spring!"

The crowd cheered; Winter, Spring, Autumn, Summer.

"This match will decide the fate of Nature!" The announcer continued. "Will the season change and Winter be dethroned as the winning champions? Or will Spring's reign begin?"

Chants were taken up by the Seasons, the cries of 'Winter' and 'Spring' loud and excited.

I sighed, my eyes meeting that of Ice, and then grinned.

With my bright armour, my purple hair, and blood, and eyes, I was anything but intimidating.

"Changer Jacaranda Blossom from Spring will challenge Changer Ice Rime from Winter. May the best Season win!"

And then the bugle sounded.

Ice | Winter | Changer

We'd practised together, Jac and I. But never like this- not to change the Seasons and establish the reign of a Season.

Purple swirled around her limbs, toying with her hair, and not taking the shape of an object or being. She sprang into motion as soon as the bugle's note echoed throughout the stadium.

I blocked her kick and sent a flurry of snowflakes her way.

She swept her arm up, the floor of the arena sprouting in plant life and a purple-blossoming shield which melted my snowflakes.

I shot my icy projectiles towards her, dodging a punch and a kick, sweeping my foot towards her. She easily evaded me, her speed reminding me of a spring wind, and I whipped up a gale of ice and snow around us.

A mist came up from the floor, the warm water droplets melting my frozen snowflakes.

Ice daggers formed in my hands, and I was surprised when Jac jumped on my back. My left dagger found its way into her thigh. I could feel her gasp, pain streaking around my neck as supple twigs entwined around it.

I managed to throw her off, sending a blast of cold air her way. She scrambled to her feet, lifted her hands, and the mist swirled around her, once again obscuring her from view.

Seeing a flash of purple, I blasted little projectiles of snow, ice, and frost. She countered it with the rumble of a Spring thunderstorm, the small burst of electricity travelling through the Winter conduits.

Pain spread across my skin, more severe than I'd ever felt, and I doubled over.

Something hit my chest, blasting me backwards, and the last thing I saw was Jacaranda, kneeling in front of me, a hammer of raindrops in her hand.