After lunch, Tirinia, Mikaen, and Jeronem headed toward the arena in the west wing of the palace. As they neared the entrance, Tirinia asked, “So you and the Cygros started this game on Earth?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u75LIeL90
“Kind of,” replied Mikaen, raising his voice to be heard over the crowd, “It was more of a training exercise.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDNbKV0WmB
“I've never seen a slamm game before.” Jeronem yawned again; he had been sound asleep through most of the Council. “Not live, anyway.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvN1JCiFlG
“I have.” Tirinia said, her voice charged with excitement, “My mother played on the Akxeliv Alliance when Teria and I were little. She always thought I'd make a good blader, but dad thought I'd be great as guardian.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtaozV6NHf
“I bet so.” said Mikaen, eyeing her well-developed calf and arm muscles.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡObTCnDxoAT
She blushed, no doubt sensing the direction his thoughts lay. There was something else, though; something that had been bothering her since he picked her up to go to the game. He didn't know if it was an effect of the bond between them or just his intuition, but he was pretty sure whatever it was concerned her sister and One.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tpNu8qMNL
Tirinia pursed her lips. “It's fine. I'm fine. Teria just needed to rest, that's all.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4fDsOzzCh
“I didn't say-”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqtI2QmAeW
Tirinia gave him a peck on the cheek. “You didn't have to. Don't worry, love. She'll get it worked out.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡufpT2U2tGQ
As they neared one of the ticket stall, the idestan vendor smiled at them. “Greetings, honored Council representatives. How can I help you?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9UuMmilWU
“How much for three tickets?” Mikaen asked, digging in his pocket for some shards.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLl6toWQZb
The ticket-tender shook her head. “No charge. You'll be sitting in the Royal Box.” She spun on her chair and pointed to the doors of a nearby lift, saying, “Go to the fifth floor, go right, and take the fifth door on the left. It's the one with the guards, so it'll be hard to miss.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡMurcot6qWN
“Thank you.” Mikaen said politely.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbXbFJyY5u
Once they were in the elevator, Jeronem nudged Mikaen in the waist. “She was checkin' you out, Mikey.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIffPJEMzD
Mikaen bristled. “Don't call me that.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm8pywSFWP
“Why not? You were just thinking about it.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd1poH9WGf
“He was just thinking about Maria.” Tirinia told Jeronem. “That's what she used to call him. Besides, Mikaen's engaged.” she grabbed Mikaen's arm and hugged it tightly to her chest.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzYHPNqtz0
Jeronem gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry about that, Tirinia, but didn't his old boss call him 'Mikey' too?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xmfWVLPAI
“Syrin only called him that when they were in private, and only because they were close friends.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2VGskoCh4
Jeronem crossed his arms, an offended look on his face. “So I'm not a friend now?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIEQqtDQXd
“Of course you are, Jeronem. I'm just saying that-”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5LdlH87xI
Mikaen let out a sigh. “I remember when I used to be involved in my own conversations.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcLLTe6hQn
Tirinia blushed. “Oh! I'm sorry, sweetie.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI60ywucns
“Hey.” He told her, rubbing her cheek. “You can call me Mikey if you really want … just not around the kid.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqexbrSSzZq
“Hey!” Jeronem's furry ears bristled as they kissed.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPC3BvhHN8
As they walked out of the lift into a lavishly decorated corridor, Mikaen asked, “So, how exactly is slamm played anyway?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Qb9pIDC5
Tirinia gave him an odd look. “Don't you know? I thought you and Jyle invented the sport.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52kDdLw6lw
“We invented the training exercise, not the game,” he reminded her, “Back home, we had a game called football that originated from soldiers kicking around a severed head on the battlefield.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDl9HWFYEs
Jeronem's eyes went wide. “Awesome!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JBYULnDpZ
Tirinia, on the other hand, looked a little disturbed.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv138fOEla
“Centuries ago.” he assured her, “We didn't come up with that one.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSNw1utGt7
“Oh.” Looking a little relieved, she said, “Anyway, there are two teams, each team with at least ten members: typically three tekkers, four bladers, a guardian, and two watchers. The object of the game is to get one of the kyon into the opponents headquarters. Points are given depending who gets the kyon into the opposing team's HQ: bladers get three points, watchers seven, tekkers four, and guardians twenty.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AQLyLwWoV
“Twenty?” Mikaen let out a whistle. “I guess it would be pretty hard for the goalie to score.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8qXbzd0ey
Tirinia nodded. “Bigger arenas naturally call for bigger teams, usually more tekkers and bladers, though more guardians are called in for arenas with multiple scoring areas. More kyons too. It can get pretty hectic.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaprXWssq9V
Mikaen nodded. “Except for the point system, that's pretty much the same way we played it.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjwo45aB1z
The royal box was a large covered balcony. As it was meant for royalty and VIPs, it was well furnished: lush, comfortable chairs, a full bar loaded with drinks of all hues, and large viewing panels set into the walls that currently were displaying 'The Muonsol Marauders' and 'The Balis Brigade'. There was also a large console with several headsets, presumably for the announcers. Given the extravagance of the seats in front of the console, Mikaen guessed that Jyle would be barking the match.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXHYVSx8SL
Letting Tirinia and Jeronem enter first, Mikaen said, “Still, I bet the arenas aren't the same as simplistic as-”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2b807BsxL
As he stepped closer to the edge of the balcony, his jaw dropped. He grabbed the balcony with both hands, not believing what he was seeing. Beneath them stood the town of Bridges. Every dilapidated building, every ruined street sign, every detail of the city where Mikaen had first awoken after the Devastation had been perfectly reconstructed, right down to the unevenly placed streetlights.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡo54Vu90EK1
He jumped as Tirinia touched his hand.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhZUfUMN3F
“Are you okay?” She asked, sounding worried.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKIKTJSucq
“Tirinia,” he said, putting his arm around her shoulder and pointing at the city with his other hand, “This is a recreation of Bridges. I woke up here after the Devastation.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAvjvZswDd
Now it was Tirinia and Jeronem who were staring eagerly at the city. In the center of the 'town' was the enormous Rip where he had awoken, his clothes in tatters and his past a mystery. Not too far away was the retail outlet that had been his home for almost a year.. Even the small gazebo where Mikaen had proposed to Maria had been replicated perfectly.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRvxLKryyu
A surge of homesickness washed over Mikaen. He wanted to go back, to be at the real Bridges, back in Misakren, or even at that old supply station where he had caught Echu sleepwalking. For the first time in months, his desire to return was just as strong as his desire to stay.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7fWS8FLCR
He looked at Tirinia, who was still looking with interest at the arena. The chronoan seed pendant he had given her shone ever so slightly. His hand went to a lump beneath his shirt, where the pendant she had given him rested: an intricate bit of metalwork designed to look like feathers surrounding an orb of azure and jade that looked a little like a miniature Earth. It was all well and good to say he'd come back, but even the best plans sometimes went awry. What if it was years before he returned? Could he really put Tirinia through that?copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSsGbYGEuj
He heard the door slide open behind him. “Ah, fine day, isn't it?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2bnzW80uG
Mikaen turned to see Jyle and King Iniagus. It was hard not to stare; for reasons best known to the Wenapaj King, Iniagus was now wearing a toga that appeared to have been tie-dyed, and his hair was sticking out wildly in all directions from beneath and above his crown. The more Mikaen looked at it, however, the more he realized that the hair had been set that way purposefully. It was Iniagus's magnificent red mustache that caught Mikaen's eyes the most, however.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIOKEHSksv
“It is indeed a fine day, my friendly friend.” said Iniagus, the tips of his mustache wiggling as he spoke, “Tell me, is it always this nice here in Ircandesta?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDnDkzB0e6
“Usually,” replied Jyle.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡk68vtHsCIW
“Splendid. I'd like to arrange a trade for some of these nice days. Wenapaj is absolutely frightful this time of year. All that rain and muck … so unpleasant. I sent a letter to the Creator, you know, telling him how inconvenient the rain is, but the chap hasn't bothered to reply. I mean, really! After all the trouble I took chiseling the letter on a sixteen-foot slab of marble then blasting it into outer space.” Iniagus giggled in a most un-regal manner before adding, “Spectaculous! Simply spectaculous.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡidF7XkPQEh
“Say, Mikaen, what's that building right there?” Jeronem asked, not noting the arrival of Jyle and Iniagus.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPVJtfi5gw
Mikaen glanced where Jeronem was pointing. “Hmm? Oh, that's the old school. I went there a few times while I lived in Bridges. Good place to hide from looters and wild animals.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbADk671yJJ
“Ah, yes,” said Jyle, glancing over at them, “Today's match will be in the Bridges arena. I thought you'd appreciate that, Mikaen.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Xa9VuZL9
Jeronem's grin quickly turned to a look of horror when he noticed Jyle's companion. “Ah! King Iniagus!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7YcQss9yI
Iniagus spun about, pointing at Jeronem. “Ah! Jeronem!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJjj3pq5Ya
With a yelp, Jeronem ran for the door. “Not the ears! Not the ears!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtcMEmH9lt
Iniagus chased after Jeronem, shouting delightedly, “Of course, of course! Today is a perfectly perfect day for a rousing game of tag!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCAhOrJgBh
Once they had both disappeared back inside the palace, Jyle started laughing.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh1iA5I1bH
Shaking his head, Mikaen asked, “Is he always that strange?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0aoNPKuY5
“Iniagus? Yeah, never a dull moment around him. Don't worry; his wife, at least, takes her position seriously.” Jyle looked out over the field, a satisfied smile on his face. “Nice job on the recreation, isn't? Took me months to get it right.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhHzyw0iNB
Glancing at Mikaen, he added, “It's only a holographic simulation, or course. We used this same space as a ballroom when Julia and I were married. Today's match is at the school, but it can technically be held anywhere in town. We even had a city-wide match once … twenty players for each team.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMTB5tHOvS
“Really?” Mikaen looked back over the recreated city. “Wish I could have seen that.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHSG5GvQau
As the players began to walk onto the field, the crowd roared loud enough to make the glass rattle in the windows of the royal box.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9LDIjaJBX
Mikaen watched the players with interest; in addition to what he recognized as tek-boots, the players were wearing sleek, brightly colored protective gear, a far-cry from Mikaen's crude plate armor.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbKdNQHuFd
Jyle gave him a sly grin. “Ah, you like the armor, eh? I designed the basic slamm suit myself. The plating is lighter and harder than steel, and contains portable shield emitters to boot.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaVfQ0WmR7
Even as he spoke, glowing fields sprang to life around each player.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMgBqYUBHw
In addition to their unique armor, each player wore a pair of gauntlets. Some were bulky and reminded Mikaen of One's Headache while others were little more than elbow-length gloves.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2IjgvaX0P
“Tek gloves.” Jyle said in answer to Mikaen's unasked question, “I made those too. See, when I started trying to spread the word about this game, I came under attack from about a dozen different agencies.” He let out a snort. “Some nonsense about safety concerns.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn06DQ7zdY
“Yeah, well it was a training exercise for knights.” Mikaen reminded his friend, “We both got our lumps back home.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3LWEbUzNC
Jyle rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I remember. Anyway, I put some thought into it and came out with the Impact series slamm gear.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mEOGUkRSk
He pointed to a red player taking position on the top floor of a three-story apartment. “See that tekker? His gauntlets are little more than arm-mounted cannons … surprisingly accurate, too. The skinny kid next to him is one of the Jenkins twins. He's a watcher. Each of his gauntlets can produce a low frequency energy blade. It's not very powerful, but it is strong enough to knock the kyon out of another player without seriously harming them.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3HGakxhTK
At that moment, Jenkin's gloves both produced a blade of energy about two feet long. He took a few warm-up swings before deactivating them and scratching his nose with the back of his glove.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAN0wscr20
“Bladers have one of those, and one 'force glove' which lets them absorb and pass the kyon.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38mIW3DhUv
“What do you use for a kyon?” Mikaen asked curiously.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAzihKDP1x
The crowd fell silent as two similarly armored men, one wearing black and the other white, walked out onto the field, each carrying a glowing orb in a see-through canister.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh7nhEQu5S
“Super-charged stream plasma. It's harmless to hold, but it saps energy from any technology that uses stream energy.” Jyle brushed off his shoulder, saying nonchalantly, “A particularly ingenious idea of mine.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡu90RSXUveO
“I don't understand.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QpB9GlMvn
“The energy fields of the armor operate off lifestream energy. When you're holding the kyon, your armor's shielding doesn't work and your tek-boots only have partial functionality. The armor's padded and all, but you're still vulnerable, especially if someone pegs you with the other kyon.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5EstW6jqc
A large, semi-translucent rectangle appeared in midair over the replica town. The screen flared to life showing feeds from numerous cameras that were apparently zooming around the arena.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVldMebHJp
“If you'll excuse me,” said Jyle, rubbing his hands together, “It's time to start the game.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKgUmpBHb7
He sat down in front of the console and grabbed a headset from the front of the panel. After clearing his throat, he called out, “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the first match of the Slamm Championship Tourney!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wdIYGF406
The crowd roared in reply. It was loud inside the royal box; it must have been deafening outside.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc1CqORBvA
“After a grueling season, it's all down to two teams: the Balis Brigade!” Blue flags and emblems waved from all over the stadium. “and the Muonsol Marauders!” Considerably more red flags waved in response.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11lhVHGxpS
“Knights!” Jyle called out, “Present the kyons!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtpRcnyRrz
The men in the black and white armor each activated their canisters. Immediately, the balls of energy ballooned to three times their original size and shot toward a glowing circle in a walkway located roughly in the middle of the school grounds.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡXILZlcNcNj
The crowd fell silent as two bladers from each team approached the circle. The Black Knight and the White Knight took up posts on either side of the glowing field. Slowly, they raised their arms to the sky.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOk96gQNNf
All players around the field seemed to prepare themselves. The tension was so thick that Mikaen nearly jumped from his chair when Tirinia slipped her hand in his.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsJ5kWsTNU
Two bursts of light shot from the hands of the referees. Instantly, all four bladers shot toward the kyons, energy blades swinging as they tried to knock the other players away.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLDeKZqycd
One of the Marauder bladers got the left kyon first. A Brigade blader took a swing at him, but the Marauder was already airborne, kicking off a nearby bench and landing on the roof of the school, his tek-boots leaving glowing trails in his wake.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ2c89tZWg
The other Brigade blader managed to get to the other kyon before his opponent. He batted a Marauder aside and quickly shot toward the Rip in the center of the town.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCJZH3VaWJ
Jyle was already in full announcing mode. “Merko and Sylva in possession, Sylva passes to Yenk, Merko … ooh, that's gotta hurt! Well, he'll walk it off. Yenk and Travers in possession, Yenk to Tryan, Tryan to Sylva … nice rebound off the road sign … Genel intercepts to Senestra, Travers hits it to Haley, Haley to … no, Leeroy intercepts from Haley, sends it to Leeroy, Leeroy's powering up, powering up, it's off, and …”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pvHDfG3OS
Mikaen had a hard time following Jyle. Keeping an eye of both kyons was hard, even with multiple video feeds.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGSkT1tm1q
The Brigade's guardian made a dive at the kyon, but the energy ball whizzed by him and into the concession stand at the far end of the football field.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg3mgKqbUn
The crowd went wild as Jyle shouted, “SCORE! A great shot by Leeroy Jenkins! Score is zero to one, Marauders in the lead.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZMqHpGnsu
The bladers were a rowdy bunch, always knocking opposing players off buildings, smashing them into cars, and occasionally just flat-out decking them. If the energy blades had been weapon-grade, both teams would have been sliced to ribbons within minutes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKb944ayrb
The watchers darted into the fray very selectively, a good idea considering their light armor. They couldn't hold kyons, but they could sure give them a good whack, usually to a waiting tekker who would blast it toward the goal.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4s1rIMRUH
The two kyons seemed to have a lot of force behind them. Mikaen saw a Brigade tekker shoot a kyon at the Marauder blader Jyle identified as Shelle. The shot blasted her into one of the cars hard enough to make the car skid back a few feet.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡePG1fnqVLT
“Don't worry, Mikaen.” Jyle whispered, shielding the microphone on his headset, “The armor's designed to handle just that kind of impact.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2DBbIGmg7
Sure enough, she got up a moment later, looking a little dazed but unharmed.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡyec1gDJ2uD
It may have been rough, but the players all seemed to be having a good time. The two watchers for the Marauders, Leeroy and Trevor, were particularly rambunctious, often bouncing off walls and seemingly coming out of nowhere to intercept kyons. They weren't shy about taunting the much larger players of the Balis Brigade either. Fortunately, they were fast enough to avoid injury. Energy shields or no, a gauntlet to the face had to hurt.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJtqKIObDA
After watching the game for a few minutes, it was obvious that the Marauders were more familiar with the arena. They even knew about a few of the shortcuts Mikaen himself had used back in the day, small surprise seeing as they were the Ircandestan team.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44CIFOqmbH
Covering his microphone again, Jyle asked, “Good, huh? See that shot Jek just blocked?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJVGLckufP
Mikaen glanced at the Marauder's guardian. He was standing in front of a partially collapsed house at the edge of the Rip, guarding the double garage door. His headgear covered his eyes, but Mikaen still recognized Jyle's son, Jek. After all, the young man was the spitting image of his father, albeit with his mother's dark skin.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZyBqjkeuY
“Your son's the Marauder guardian?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy2rhIgH4r
Jyle thumped himself in the chest. “Yup. I naturally wanted him to be a tekker, but I can deal with him being one of the best guardians in the league. He coordinates the entire team. Oh, there he goes again!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoybkfWxzrM
Jek dove at an incoming kyon, catching the energy ball between his gauntleted hands. Without hesitation, he shot the kyon at the Brigade blader with enough force to knock him across the street, where one of the Marauders was waiting to gain possession.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoALXbbgwqK
“Whoa!” Mikaen exclaimed, “We never did that.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡufjwGAeWij
He glanced at Tirinia only to see her smiling at him. “You're really into this, aren't you?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHRA17wzGY
“You kidding? After the Council?” He looked back over the city, continuing, “Peace is nice, don't get me wrong, but I do miss the action.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5y72KjjgJ
The crowd roared again as the Marauder blader Sylvia tossed her kyon in the air and smacked it with her saber into the Brigand HQ. As the kyon shot past the Brigade guardian, two of the Brigand players came out of nowhere and hit her in the same leg simultaneously. She fell to the ground instantly, her leg obviously broken.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KYnhFXwBf
“Foul! Foul!” shouted Tirinia, pointing angrily at the screen displaying the injured player.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0WGAYN7xu
Apparently she was correct; the knight-referees ran out onto the field moments later, whistles blowing. The black knight and the brigand blader started shouting at each other as the white knight helped Sylvia walk off the field.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TAD0DnjWE
“And that's a penalty for the Brigands, deliberate assault. Five minutes penalty for Merko.” said Jyle, a hint of anger in his voice. “Yenk takes the kyon, nice speed up to the HQ … and he puts it away easily!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30p1nGGkci
Jek shot a flare from one of his gauntlets. Nodding, Jyle tapped his earpiece and said, “Time out for the Marauders!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1ixITww04
As the knights brought the kyons back to the center of the field, Mikaen asked, “What's wrong?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05XBJYe7ia
“The Marauders have a problem. Could you and Tirinia come with me for a moment?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlaanxR4S3
The three of them left the royal box and headed for the lift.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt5F1Nzxjz
Tirinia was still bristling over the foul. “I can't believe they deliberately attacked her like that!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkFzVoy9vQ
“Yeah, well, that's the Brigade for you. They set the record for most penalties last season.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhcurA2jEV
“In a game, or for the season?” Mikaen asked.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1prHqfgXy
“Both.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzSv9OTHXp
The lift doors opened at the bottom floor. Jyle, Mikaen, and Tirinia walked down the hall to a large golden archway that opened out into the arena. Jek was waiting for them, his helmet in his hands. He looked worried.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhGKM8kOrZ
“Dad,” He said as they drew near, “we don't have a substitute blader.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN09fHzuYx
“What? What about Sahara and that Bennon kid?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O7WjgKcYH
“Out for injuries.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwZihLqCAR
Jyle snorted. “Injuries my foot! They're just fooling around somewhere. Isn't there anyone else?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkFCtVk3qj
“Nope. We're gonna have to forfeit the match.” Jek's eyes darted toward Mikaen. “Unless …”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt7IpqY9DX
“Unless what?” Mikaen asked cautiously.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfuRyLCZod
“Well, you are a blader.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0yxD1sX5S
Jyle snapped his fingers, “That's a thought.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGmooLOnVs
Mikaen was struck speechless for a moment. “Wha … you can't be serious, Jyle! Slamm may be based off our old training exercises, but it's a completely different game! I don't know any of the rules or penalties … besides, I've got wings now! How the heck am I supposed to cover that?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNIOEhAhgZ
“I'm sure we can find a set of armor that'll work … and don't worry about penalties. Don't deliberately try to cause an injury, and avoid using magic, and you'll be fine.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Z2EC47A9
“I'm not from Muonsol!” Mikaen protested, “I mean, is this even legal?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RQmfe84B3
“Teams can draft on the spot if needed. I put the rule in myself.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWRfLvxmMN
Snorting, Mikaen said, “You put it in so you could play tekker every once in awhile.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgVljzYnHy
Jyle put his hands on Mikaen's shoulders, the same pleading look he used to give Mikaen just before getting both of them into trouble on his face. “We just need another player out there, or the Marauders will be disqualified. You and Tirinia are the best possible replacements on such a short notice, and Tirinia's out of the question.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHqo3FCbJe
“What? Why?”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgb7wWC3ip
Jyle looked at Tirinia expectantly. Blushing beneath her pale fur, she said, “Because I'm first guardian for the Axeliv Alliance and the winner of this game goes against us next week.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEGL0ZlYn2
“Oh.” Mikaen said, feeling sheepish. Tirinia had mentioned she was a member of Longshore's slamm team several times.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVJXjNCVZm
Jek glanced from Mikaen to Jyle expectantly.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡafClm8iYbB
“Come on, Mikaen.” Tirinia coaxed Mikaen, rubbing his arm. “I'd like to see how you play.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2g3Og3aeq
The eagerness in her eyes cinched it. With a sigh, Mikaen said, “Okay, I'll play.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMlWJFKmBJ
Clapping his old buddy on the arms, Jyle said, “Jek, show him to the locker room and get him into gear. Nine minutes!”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡILYl7ktqjF
As Jyle ran off (probably wanting to get away before Mikaen could try and object again), Jek gave Mikaen an apologetic smile. “Sorry about this, but we really do need your help.”copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HIiKwyOGN
“Yeah, yeah. Just show me to the locker room.”107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpCiLKCeaW
copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTAAQkfAGQ
