13 Poe Cup

[Perseus POV]

A few days have passed since my "date" with Enid in Jericho, and her words have caused me to do some deep thinking. I realized that I had been somewhat antisocial, perhaps a little narcissistic and maybe even arrogant. It was a sobering realization, but it inspired me to change, to be more open and to reveal my true character.

In the days that followed, I made a conscious effort to be myself around Enid and Olivia, and we had a lot of fun together. I also tried to talk to people who approached me and took part in activities to make new friends. Enid and Olivia were delighted with my changes, although they were sometimes a little jealous when other girls talked to me and I didn't ignore them.

There's also a rumor going around that I'm some sort of Casanova who managed to get Enid while still being with Olivia. Enid didn't do much to dispel these rumors and even seemed to contribute to their spread passively. When someone asked about it, she simply remained quiet and appeared to acknowledge it. I don't really have anything against it, it's just that she refused my kiss in Jericho, saying she didn't want to, and now she's seems to be confirming these rumours... women.

At the moment I'm with Enid and Olivia discussing the upcoming Poe Cup, an annual boat racing competition at Nevermore Academy where each dormitory competes for glory. The teams have to race upstream in the Jericho River to Raven Island, retrieve their dorm's-colored flag and race back downstream to the finish line. There are no rules in this competition – anything goes to sabotage or slow down the other teams.

As I consider whether to participate, Xavier Thorpe and Ajax Petropolus approach me. I recognize them from the TV series; one is an introvert with snake hair, while the other is some sort of emo artist. In short, they're typical students from a school for outcasts. They stop in front of me and Xavier hesitantly asks, "Hey, just wanted to ask if you'd like to join Hawthorne Hall's team for the Poe Cup."

Hearing this, Enid eagerly chimes in, "Do it! It'll be fun!"

Perplexed, I asked, "Why me? I am just a healer."

He gives me an amused look, "A healer who beat my girlfriend Bianca in fencing and effortlessly threw a guy into the lake from a few meters away..."

I chuckle nervously, "Well, I got lucky with Bianca, and that guy was flirting with Olivia..."

So, are you coming with us?" Xavier asks again.

"Sure." I agree, but before they leave, Xavier fixes me with a serious gaze, "You're not going to sabotage us to let your girls win, are you?"

I grin mischievously, "No, I'll beat them!"

A few days have passed, and today is the Poe Cup. The riverbank is bustling with people, each cheering for their respective dorms. My team decided to dress up as fools. I wasn't keen on wearing all that make-up, so we compromised and I dressed up as a fool without make-up. Even without the make-up, I still looked a bit scary.

While waiting for the other teams to arrive, I looked our boat. It was shaped like a canoe with spikes sticking out of the sides. As I admired the masterpiece our team had built, the other teams finished changing and headed out. HOwever, my attention was immediately drawn to Enid and Olivia; they were dressed in the same costumes as from the TV series, both adorned with cat ears and black leather dresses that accentuated their curves, making them stand out among the teams. I couldn't help but watch them obsessively, and they smiled back as they approached me. Enid teased me, "Good luck, the winner gets a wish," to which I responded with a possessive whisper, "Don't play with fire."

Then each team boarded their boats and prepared. The director signaled the start and all the teams started rowing. Our team reached the island first and Xavier rushed to grab the flag. As I waited, I noticed the other teams approaching and I realised that Enid's team was last. I saw Enid looking a bit down and when she passed near me, she attempted to smile. Xavier returned with the flag and just before I got into the boat I accidentally bumped into the other teams' boats.

In the end, there was no suspense; my team came out on top. Strangely, all the other teams' boats sank, while Enid's team managed to come second... Sometimes luck just isn't on your side.

As we crossed the finish line, cheers erupted and chants of our dorm's name filled the air. As I watched, I felt a sense of déjà vu from my past life, when I won the European sailing Cup for my country. Suddenly, I felt a warm hug from behind, followed by a tender kiss. I turned to see Enid and Olivia, their presence a source of joy. Hugging them warmly, I whispered teasingly, "I've won, now I have a wish to make". Enid blushed, Olivia's gaze was playful. Enid's reply came in a hushed tone, "You need to get the trophy in a few minutes." "Plenty of time," I replied with a smile and reached over for a kiss.

************

Author Note: The book title is too long, I want to shorten it to "Reincarnated in the world of Wednesday Addams". What do you think?

See you on Monday! :)