They were mirror reflections of each other. So similar and yet so different. A distorted image of the other. They should have been natural friends, but instead they were bitter enemies since youth. As the years progressed, Tristan DuGray and Logan Huntzberger became each other's ultimate rivals. Both born from power and wealth, the world was their battlefield and their peers were their pawns. And with the arrival of Rory Gilmore, their heated competition has turned into a deadly war for love.
Prologue"What the hell's your problem Mary?" Tristan asked while running a hand through his tousled blond hair in frustration.
"You!" Rory cried. "It's your womanizing, arrogant…"
"They're at it again…" Mark Lawrence announced in a singsong tone to his raven-haired friend. The entire camp stopped to see what the sudden outburst was, but immediately went on with their business at the sight of the familiar pair bickering. Ryan Mason rolled his eyes at the two figures standing not three feet away from them.
"Seriously, it's sophomore year now. You'd think this would get old."
"Care to place a bet?" Mark asked with a smirk. "Fifty bucks says that our dear friend Tristan wins this round."
"Nah, my money is on Gilmore." The bickering has escalated into an all out shouting match by now.
"You know Ryan, this a true phenomenon." Mark began after a long pause. "Tristan scores like at least four times a week, each time with a different gorgeous woman I might add, and yet he can't get this one feisty brunette to go out with him. How long has he been chasing after her now? Since freshman year?"
"Longer than that," Ryan replied. "I heard he's been after her even before he went to military school."
"How sad…" Mark shook his head. "I suppose he's just jinxed with her."
"Well, you can't say that the fault lays with him completely." Ryan defended their dear friend with a shrug. "Remember who her brother is and how much he hates Tristan?"
"True…" Mark replied. "So you think this year his fortunes will turn?"
"... and furthermore," Rory shouted, "I can't believe you sneaked into the Dean of Admissions' office in the middle of the night! That's just like you, so irresponsible! You know this can get you expelled right? It can-"
Suddenly, Tristan grabbed the brunette and firmly pressed his lips to hers. The sudden silence immediately attracted the attention of the entire camp again and shock swept through the crowd at the astonishing sight. After a silent minute, the rigid figure of Rory Gilmore responded to the passionate ministrations of Tristan DuGray.
"Looks like his fortunes just did." Ryan commented with a smirk. "Who do you reckon won?"
"Let's call this a draw." Mark answered after a pause. The two were now in a heated embrace and making out.
"How do you reckon Hayden will take this?" Ryan asked with a frown.
"Very badly," Mark replied, "but nothing that our reigning playboy of Harvard won't be able to handle. Besides, now that older brother is out of law school, there's not much he can do here anymore."
"Speaking of titles, now that our dear friend has got the girl and will likely be shackled in a relationship, do you reckon that I will get the title of reigning playboy?" Ryan asked hopefully.
And so went on another event of the Crimson Challenge Brigade. Except this time, the newly appointed leader truly lived up to the motto of Carpe Diem.