OH MY GOSH GUYS I'm so sorry, I was off the CB for a bit because of a college program and totally missed the deadline, I'm so, so sorry! I promise I'll get to it first thing in the morning when it's not 1am.

Once again, I'm so sorry that I'm so late for the judging!! All three of your entries were amazing!

3rd Place ~ Hawkstar!

I loved the whimsical feeling of your writing, as well as the pure joy that it conveyed. It captures the free feeling that summer brings and your descriptions were very well done. Good job!

2nd Place ~ Jaybells!

Your piece was short, but very impactful. The tone shift halfway through was done really well and conveyed that sense of forboding and melancholy so beautifully. Your writing was so evocative and fun to read! 

1st Place ~ Moon Wolf!

I loved this piece so, so much! The 'dark beast' vs the roses did a wonderful job at showing internal conflict. This also showed what I really think summer is about: recovery and growth. I just really enjoyed how you put everything together! Congrats, you're the next judge! 

Stars to Dawn

The cool night sky of early May was speckled with silvery stars. A nearby owl hooted letting the surrounding forest know that dawn was fast approaching. Nearby, the forest stopped abruptly at a cliff side, where the ocean waves crashed nosily on the rocky cliff. And on that cliff, outlined against the setting moon, were two girls. Although these two girls shared the same blood, they looked nothing alike. The one on the left, Luna, was pale with midnight black long hair, wide eyes, and a small mouth. She stood short though her attitude made her stand tall. Upon her forehead, a six armed star shone bright like it was filled with moonbeams.

Her sister, tall and slender, with cropped blond hair dyed pink at the tips, was Dawn. She had a bright smile, and on her fair skinned forehead a bright sun shone in the darkness. 

Each of them looked at each other with a secretive smile once the moon dipped under the waves, and when the sun just barely warmed the sky. As one, the reached into their pockets, each pulling out an object. Luna pulled out a small drawstring pouch. It was silver, and it shimmered in her grip. She loosed it open, and the began to pick the specks of silver stars from the sky, tucking each star and constellation carefully into the bag. The sky began to turn gray as the stars were put away until the next night.

Dawn removed from her pocket a paint brush. It has a mahogany handle, and the bristles where horses tail hair. As the sun steadily slid up over the edge of the world, she artfully began painting beautiful pinks and yellows, before flicking the brush above and splashing the sky blue, with a few white spots quickly turning to fluffy clouds.

The sisters stood shoulder to shoulder, their jobs done, as the sun cleared the horizon. Behind them, birds burst out chirping, waking up any late sleepers. Squirrels started chattering, and a few sleepy animals poked their snouts out of their dens. In front of them, dolphins and fish lept from the sparkling waves, smiling happily, the two sisters slowly faded into non being. Nature's magic was the best in it's own way.

2nd person perspective!!!

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It is a dark night. From your beach house portico you see a figure. You can’t tell if it’s a boy or girl or neither, but that doesn't really matter. You lean farther over the railing, trying to see the figure better, the salty breeze whipping at your face. You see the figure wade into the lapping water, but something’s not right. You gasp, seeing that the water parted for the person. You swing both legs over the railing and sit there, with your foot wrapped around one of the posts. You squint, trying to see better. You see the figure begin to walk, and after about three yards, stops. The person sticks out their hand, touching the water in front of them. You’re so stunned you slip off the railing silently and walk a few steps and sit, still watching. Your eyes widen abnormally as you see the stars weaving together to make a woman, a brilliant shade of shining white from the stars. The other figure steps closer and whispers something into the Star Woman’s ear. The Star Woman stands up and then sees you, and screams a scream so strong it could tear apart the universe, then disappears. The other figure takes a quick look over their shoulder, and you almost faint when you see the look of rage on their face. The figure takes no time in leaving, and the figure dives into the water. As soon as their body touches the water, they turn into a sleek dolphin, and it swims away. You call out “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!,” and you run to the edge of the water, but it’s too late. The dolphin is out of sight.  

All three entries were amazing! It was quite hard to pick a winner. Everyone did so well!

3rd Place - Cloud Bunny!

I loved how you told this story from a second perspective, which isn't something I see often. The perspective helps me imagine myself in the scene, and I can see the topic clearly in this entry, especially through the Star Woman. Great job!

2nd Place - Hawkstar!

I really enjoyed reading this piece, as it gives off a feeling of a myth/origin story. I also enjoyed the contrast between Luna and Dawn, as two girls who are complete opposites as they slowly transform the world from night to day. I especially enjoyed the last sentence, "Nature's magic was the best in it's own way." It really captured the feeling of magic through this.

1st Place - CelineBurningBright!

This piece was amazingly created, from the beginning where it shows a dreary scene of a mundane life, that is transformed through the magic of laughter. I enjoyed how it portrays a sort of brightness and freedom as magic. I loved how it was quite different from what I usually would think of as magic. Congratulations! You're the next judge!

Alright! Let's get started! :DDDD

Friendship was SO easy, as Nikki would tell you. Her best friend, Eleanor Rose, A.K.A Ellie, was the most popular girl in Nikki Wright's middle school. And for good reason! She was the Queen Bee, she has a new boyfriend every month, she was super rich, she always had the top designer clothes and the latest fashion, and if she didn't, it would BECOME the latest fashion. Most importaintly, all the girls constantly fought over her, whether it was friendship... or her money. But to Nikki that was unimportaint. Out of the hundreds of eighth-grade girls that Ellie could've chosen to be her best friend, she picked Nikki. Nikki was SUPER unpopular before then, but after, she SKYROCKETED. And yet... Nikki didn't care about that. She was the one-in-a-million kids at her school that wasn't after Ellie for selfish (or romantic) reasons. All she wanted... was a friend. 

And Nikki got what she wanted! Ellie was the best friend she could ever ask for! One fateful Friday, Nikki carried Ellie's books to class, as Ellie talked about her boyfriend, and how she had to break up with him because he hated her dress, and how Tristan looked cute today, and so on. Nikki listened and smiled softly "Hey, Ellie, could you carry some-" "And then, Valerie gave me this dirty look..." Ellie continued, as if she hadn't heard a word. Nikki frowned, struggling to carry all the books. Her backpack was already full, and with Ellie's books too... it was a lot to juggle... but Ellie was busy... Nikki continued on, after all, Ellie was her best friend!

When they got to their English classroom, they sat down next to each other. Ellie grinned. "Oh! By the way..." She said, rumaging through her own, almost empty, backpack. "I have something for you!" She handed Nikki a bright pink envelope with Nikki's name on it. Below it, were other pink envelopes, all with the names of the popular girls on them. Ellie grinned "My birthday party is this afternoon at 5 o'clock sharp! I hope you can come! Btw, could you deliver the other ones? You're a charm!" Nikki nodded, excited. Ellie's birthdays were always the best. They would have fancy desserts, at least three pinatas, a swimming pool, and then a sleepover at the end!

Most kids would kill to be in Nikki's place, going to a sleepover like THAT! But, to her, it didn't matter where it was, as long as Ellie was there. So Nikki dutufully handed out the invitations and waited for what seemed like forever... 4:30.. 4:45... 4:55... 4:57... Finally, it was time. She lept out of the car, and ran to the front door.

Mrs. Rose opened it instantly "Oh! Nikki! You're later then usual, the party started half an hour ago!" Nikki frowned "I thought it was at 5!" Mrs. Rose shook her head "Sorry, sweetheart. It must have been a typo!" Nikki thought "But Ellie said it was 5... surely something must be wrong..." Mrs. Rose smiled softly "Don't worry, you're just in time for the games. Would you be a dear, and bring the candy to the girls?" Nikki nodded and grabbed the candy, slowly walking to the party room.

Nikki stopped when she saw a table filled with the pink invitations. Every one of them said 4:30. No other invite was a typo. Nikki frowned, getting suspisious. She hid behind the table when she heard the group come in. Voices began talking all at once "OMG, where is that candy that your mom talked about, I'm STARVING!" "Mrs. Rose said that... /Nikki/ would take it in." "Oh my gosh, Nikki is so stupid, she does all the work for you, Ellie, and when she gets a rare smile, she practically glows." A voice that was obviously Ellie's said "I know, Missy, that's the whole point! I /pretend/ to be her friend, and she'll basically carry me through whatever challenges I face. I even told her it was at 5, just so we could have some girl time!"

Nikki felt tears welling in her eyes. She tried to keep calm, until the group passed, but as soon as they did, she burst into tears. Nikki placed the candy bowl down, and ran out of the room. She told Mrs. Rose that she had to go home, and practically ran out of the door. Nikki ran to the park, sobbing the whole way. She sat on the swings and was bawling, when a small voice said "A-Are you okay?" Nikki looked up and saw a tall dark-skinned girl with shimmering green eyes "M-My name's I-Iris... what's yours?" Nikki sniffled "I-I'm Nikki..."

The duo quickly bonded, and were soon almost like sisters. They loved the same kinds of books, they loved the park, and they've always wanted to meet someone like them. THIS was the best friend that Nikki was waiting for. Friendship isn't easy. It's a give and take, something that Ellie didn't realize, and might never. But Iris and Nikki... they stayed close friends all the way through high school, which allowed Nikki to finally branch out and meet new people.... high school was also when they started dating... and one day, when they were out of college, and Iris proposed... Nikki said one word.

"YES!"

The end 

alright man i love friendship im making this happen but not right now because im on mobile and im a slow typer.

Reiyna looked up at the bright morning sky, smiling to herself. It was the first day of school, and although she was nervous, she was rather excited as well, since her best friend Marielle, or Mari, was in all the same classes as her! It was such a rare chance, like a one-in-a-million chance! Reiyna had practically screamed into her phone after they had told each other their schedules. 

Reiyna and Mari had been best friends since kindergarten, where they had first met each other on the playground. And they had hung out with each other since then. The two of them shared things in common and things that were different, but it didn't matter at all. They were friends regardless. They stuck with each other wherever they went.

As Reiyna arrived at school, she saw Mari behind her. She waited for her before talking to her. "What did you do over the summer, Mari?" she asked cheerfully.

"Oh, I didn't really do much," Mari replied. "Just...you know, went swimming, went to summer camp, all that boring stuff." She laughed a little.

Reiyna, having been best friends with Mari for such a long time, could tell something was a little off about her. So she asked, "Hey, Mari...are you alright? You seem more quiet than usual."

"Don't worry, Reiyna. I...I'm perfectly fine," Mari reassured. But still, Reiyna felt that there was something not quite right.

"Marielle, I know you better than that. I know you might have some things that you'd rather keep to yourself, but...just know that you can tell me anything, okay?" Reiyna said, looking at Mari directly in the eye to let her know that she was serious.

"Okay." Mari let out a small breath. "I...I guess I should tell you. The thing is that I'm...I'm transferring to another school!" she burst out.

"Transferring!? When?" Reiyna asked.

"Next month," Mari replied. Her eyes looked watery as she said, "I'm going to a whole different city just to be in that school."

"Why? Why not here, in this city, in this school?" Reiyna asked.

"I don't know, I don't know. My parents just told me last week..." Mari trailed off, looking close to despair.

"Oh, Mari. A whole different school...but we can still be best friends, right?" Reiyna said hopefully.

"I hope so," Mari answered.

Reiyna started to have a feeling of dread in her stomach, more and more each day as it came closer to the day that Mari would have to leave. What would she do now, without Mari? Beside her, there was no one else she knew as well.

The next month finally came, and after a tearful goodbye, she was gone. Now, Reiyna was alone. She typically wasn't the kind of person to just stand by herself, not doing anything to make new friends, but everyone else didn't seem to be interested. Most of them already had their groups of friends, and they didn't want anyone new.

So Reiyna was alone throughout the year. Completely alone...until one cloudy day. By then, she had gotten used to being alone. She kept her head down to not be noticed. But then she spotted someone. Someone new. It was a girl with long dark hair who seemed to be all alone.

Bravely, Reiyna went up to her, and asked, "Hey. What's your name?" 

Friendship

Once there was a girl named Josephine, or JoJo as most people called her, she was always alone at her old school and she was really starting to wish she had friends but no-one would talk to her. If she tried to talk to someone they pretended she was invisible. That summer JoJo moved to a new school, on the first day of school a group of girls came over and introduced themselves to her, their names were Vera, Maria, Amari, Molly, and Annabeth. The group of girls said that she could be part of their friend group. JoJo was so excited that someone actually wanted to hang out with her! Starting that day JoJo,Vera, Maria,Amari,Molly, and Annabeth were always together, a lot of people started calling them the best friend group of school. JoJo always had so much fun with her friend group. 

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The old fisherman rose every morning before the sun shot its brilliant rays to color the earth and the sky and the sea. Every morning, before the seagulls woke up to fly screeching over the waves, the old fisherman in his faded and salt-stained red jacket would wander down to the water’s edge. He’d stand and stare out over the ruff gray crests and dark swirling storm clouds, and he’d feel the wind dance over the tips of his silver hair, and he’d smile. Then he’d turn half-away and stride down the pier, his worn black boots thumping against the beaten brown planks. To the very end, where broken barnacle-encrusted spires shot up from underneath the structure, where there was nothing but sea and sky and one small boat.

An off-white canvas sail waves slightly in the wind. The mast, old but not yet finished, stands reaching far above the pier. The sides were once painted a deep green but have since faded to a color better described as wooden aquamarine. And near the bow, in flowing script that is too faded to read, is its name. As ancient as the old fisherman himself, the boat seems. As sturdy as him too, both weathering many storms in their own fashion. As hunched and stained and scarred as him. They fit together, boat and man, two characters with destinies written in the same constellation.

The old fisherman stands and surveys his craft. Today will be different than most. Today, the water is ruff and the wind smells like rain. Today he will not sail. Instead, jumping limberly onto his craft with a thump of his worn black boots, he will do something else. His boots navigate around a coil of rope and fastenings and drift towards a can of paint and a large stiff brush. He picks up the brush and the can and takes them to the edge of the dock, where he sits down and stares at his little boat and remembers.

—he remembers her newly made—her fresh bright green hull contrasting on the perfectly white sail—her youthful name spelled out in perfect black, The Voyager—his first trip—and then—he remembers being alone, so alone—the splash of waves on the deck, the slosh of his frantic bailing—the rising crests threatening certain death—a feeling of hopelessness tightening in his chest as he realizes there is nothing he can do—but they did it anyway, man and boat, somehow, always—and they found wonders together, somehow, always—the metallic mermaid flash of scales in water, the coy smile and hair flip before sinking back beneath the waves—vast cities and foreign ports and new countries, each one more brilliant than the last—and he remembers people coming and going, and years of life eroding, forever gone as if worn away by constant tides—and the one thing that was constant—even after everyone else left to pursue adventures of their own—the only one—left—

The old fisherman’s lips pull up into a wistful smile, and his eyes slowly come back into focus, staring at his little boat. He stands up and prepares to work, talking softly to someone: “yer paint’s gettin’ old, innit. Well, I reckon it’s about time fer a new name anyway.”

He stops and thinks for a second, and smiles once more. As he begins to trace out new letters across the hull, the old fisherman says one more thing to his little boat: “I think I’ll call you The Friendship.”