When they arrived at the locker room, there was a fresh set of blader gear sitting next to an empty locker. The breastplate had large holes in the back for his wings.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKVZPQPnto 維尼
“Wow, a suit of blader gear made for sentients,” Mikaen said, picking up the breastplate, “and what do you know? It just happens to be my size. How convenient.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKjxbVBIuI 維尼
There was a sudden flush in Jek’s cheeks, telling Mikaen everything he needed to know.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb4MreQLry 維尼
Mikaen wasn’t really surprised; he had suspected that Jyle was probably going to spring this on him at half-time. The impending Ronisgald mission aside, Jyle had been eager to help Mikaen find something non-combative to do with his life.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡifKA6WFkCV 維尼
“So,” said Jek as Tirinia helped Mikaen strap on his armor, “I hear you’re leading a group of shadows to Ronisgald.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1NVgVSuCt 維尼
Tirinia flashed Mikaen awarning glance. Mikaen gave her a subtle nod. No one had said anything to him about needing to keep Council information secret, but it still seemed somewhat questionable.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B1rw9OFBj 維尼
“Don’t worry,” said Jek with a laugh, “I already know about your plan. I hacked into the intercom before the Council started.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPWTj84g0e 維尼
Mikaen stared at him for a long moment before asking, “Did you tell your father?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf7hnyAKhK 維尼
“Nope. For one, I’d have to admit I was listening in on the Council.” Chuckling, he added, “Second, I’d have to admit I stole his cyberdeck to do it.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡZup57QaW7F 維尼
A smile crept across Mikaen’s face. “You’re definitely your father’s son.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYvJNqw01W 維尼
“Yeah well, I was thinking-”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19lJQ5Ycpp 維尼
“Okay, slamm fans! Grab your snacks and get back to your seats! The match will continue in two minutes!” Jyle’s magnified voice reverberated through the locker room.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡza8A80JmIm 維尼
Nodding, Jek looked at Mikaen. “Ready?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk8NH7cKxX 維尼
“Almost.” Tirinia held the blader gauntlets out to Mikaen. As he slid his arms into the gauntlets, she slipped between his arms and gave him a kiss. “Be careful … but have fun too, okay?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU95iY6fOJ 維尼
“I'll do my best, Tyr.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡcel9MJIdx8 維尼
With a final smile, Tirinia slipped out of his arms and left the locker room.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu75MvsjoT 維尼
As Mikaen stretched a little to make sure he had a good range of movement, Jek suddenly blurted, “I want to come with you to Ronisgald. You said you needed a tekker, right? I'm every bit as good as my father, probably better.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHHk8aDPJE 維尼
Before Mikaen could object, Jek added, “You don’t have to answer right now. Just think about it during the match, okay?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnIqM11FBo 維尼
Mikaen grinned despite himself. “Okay, but you should know that I don’t impress easily.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡODVFjLvSnN 維尼
“Right.” Jek nodded. “We’d better get out to the field.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6jtXRm0r4 維尼
They were almost out to the field when Jek suddenly stopped Mikaen. “Oh, I forgot to tell you: no magic.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRqjD18SLH 維尼
“I beg your pardon?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGvSjIEPOU 維尼
“Pretty much anything’s fair game, short of deliberately causing injury, but you can’t use any kind of magic. Only matches in the Center League sanction lifestream manipulation.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWrvhtgidZ 維尼
“Yeah, Jyle said something about that. No magic, got it.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8QsZ3oElM 維尼
As the doors opened onto the field, everything went silent. No cheering crowds, no Jyle announcing, not a peep other than the sound of the occasional bird. Mikaen looked around, but couldn’t see a trace of the arena aside from the door.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLcfLojZ75 維尼
The other members of the Muonsol Marauders were waiting for them near an abandoned gas station.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnjeGgSYQu 維尼
“That’s Leeroy and Travers Jenkins,” said Jek as they approached, “Don’t bother trying to figure out which is which, they both look and act the same. Those guys leaning on the gas pump are our bladers, Yenk and Tryan. Jacob and Lenne are our tekkers, and the pretty redhead sitting on the trash can across from them is Shelle. She’s a blader too, one of the best in the league.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYne0EMVqE 維尼
“You found another blader!” said Leeroy or Travers (Jek was right; they both looked the same), “Whoa! He’s got wings too! Most excellent!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrophLYj0U 維尼
“Is he any good?” asked Shelle.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAKBTjNUG9 維尼
“Everyone, this is Mikaen.” Jek said, “He’s an old friend of my father.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡinwArICg56 維尼
“Mikaen? The sentient dude who took on the Galden Security Force and that dragon mech?” Yenk shook his butter-blonde head. “By the Creator, Jek! You weren’t kidding about getting backup, were you?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡva2c8y2bU8 維尼
“Combat’s one thing,” Lenne said, scratching her chin, “Is he a good blader is what I want to know.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dhw89gg9N 維尼
“One of the best.” Jek assured her8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZLCYiYVw5 維尼
“Then why ain’t he on a team?” asked Shelle, putting her gauntleted hands on her hips.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LiejIYVh5 維尼
A little miffed, Mikaen started to reply but was cut off by Jek. “Not the time, guys. We got about a minute left. Helmets on!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbbVf6EVRg 維尼
As everyone put on their headgear, Jek continued, “We’re doin’ great so far, but be careful! We can’t afford another player loss.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fHblHlRpK 維尼
“Still not sure if we could afford this one.” Shelle muttered just loud enough for Mikaen to hear.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj0iFfAbJj 維尼
“Shelle, Yenk, you’re on point. Tryan and Mikaen, stay on guard. Everyone else, just keep up the good work, okay?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQJdyO6VIX 維尼
As they broke, Yenk and Tryan flanked Mikaen on both sides.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OK90SWIVJ 維尼
“Been playing long?” Yenk asked casually as they skimmed across the ground.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9DFqS7FUj 維尼
“All my life.” replied Mikaen, grinning. “Though our equipment wasn’t quite as good as this.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I66tL9eh1 維尼
They took up their positions: Yenk and Shelle standing close to where the kyons were hovering while Tryan and Mikaen stood a good distance behind them.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKAlDIQOkA 維尼
As they waited, Mikaen glanced around the area. It had been a little while since his last visit, but he still remembered Bridges like the back of his hand: they were standing in a court in the center of the school, half way between the teams’ respective headquarters.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡIodi0bOAye 維尼
The kyons began to glow brightly. Jyle’s voice came through a speaker in Mikaen’s helmet, saying, “Everyone ready? 3 … 2 … 1 … GO!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡJifDfV6xQ4 維尼
The kyons flew into the air. Every blader rushed forward, save Mikaen. In his experience, it was better to tag one of the people who grabbed a kyon and wait for an opportunity to steal it.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXrmrFhUBT 維尼
Seeing a heavily-built Brigade blader grab the kyon on the right, Mikaen quickly rushed after him. After a few seconds of sprinting, the overdrive function of the tek-boots kicked in, allowing him to skim across the ground.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfWT440uxt 維尼
The heavy-set blader rushed toward the old band hall, stopping once to bat aside Yenk. Mikaen stayed behind him, his eyes glued to the kyon. As they neared the building, Mikaen quickly shot ahead of the brigade blader and swung around on a pole that had once held a canopy over the walkway. With a bat of his energy blade, he knocked the Brigade blader off balance and snagged the kyon.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRygjDdE3U 維尼
It was a strange sensation; Mikaen couldn’t tell he was holding anything, but at the same time he could feel the strangest tingling sensation spreading throughout his whole body.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKai2lH01W 維尼
Shelle came from nowhere and deflected an energy burst that would have hit Mikaen had she not been there.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oEYBt6YXA 維尼
Spinning about, she shouted, “What’re you standing around for? Head for their HQ before one of their damn tekkers pings you!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIUDfx8aWV 維尼
“Right.” Shaking his head, Mikaen moved toward the football field.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡf17sNaM403 維尼
By the time he reached the edge of the football field, the large blader was hot on his trail. Mikaen wasn’t surprised; in fact, he was counting on the blader’s pursuit.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv1YT8eSUJ 維尼
As they started down the track that encircled the football field, Mikaen curled into a ball and rolled through a hole in the chain link fence. The metal edges scraped against his armor, but he managed to pass through without injury.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡfishtii0oL 維尼
The big blader was so close behind him that he had no choice but to try and duck through the hole as well. Perhaps realizing that he’d never fit through the hold, he tried to jump over the fence a moment too late. One of his boots caught on the railing, sending the massive blader smashing into the ground.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDIRP8BIC9 維尼
Grinning, Mikaen continued along the bleachers toward the Brigade’s HQ. Stopping the blader was one thing, but he knew he it would be foolish to think that was all that stood between him and the Brigade guardian.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXT6IBNRL 維尼
As he suspected, a watcher emerged from the stands the moment Mikaen leapt back on the track. Unencumbered by a kyon, the watcher moved toward him at an alarming speed.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbHyiLtGlx 維尼
Mikaen may have been inexperienced in the game of slamm that Jyle had invented, but he knew plenty about the old training exercise. When an opponent is faster than you, the key was to outmaneuver him.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp1aPM8Hau 維尼
Mikaen headed straight for the nearest rail, the watcher following closely behind. As the watcher raised a bladed hand to take him out, Mikaen tossed the kyon high in the air and skidded to a halt8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFYo6dFI6C 維尼
The watcher’s swing bounced off Mikaen’s instantly recharged energy shield. With a backhand of his energy blade, Mikaen sent the watcher hurtling toward the rail. Unable to stop, the watcher crashed into the railing.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMYK5jPa8L 維尼
Kicking off the rail just inches from the watcher’s head, Mikaen leapt at the falling kyon. Once it was within range, he gave it a whack toward the concession stand.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9VRYjyL9H 維尼
The Brigade’s guardian didn’t move quite fast enough. As the kyon soared past him into the goal area, a loud siren shot through the air.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGJTRxEc05 維尼
Mikaen felt a surge of satisfaction at his score. He knew wouldn’t get away with that tactic again, but he had more tricks up his sleeve.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw5Mqz9FVQ 維尼
His knowledge of the city proved most useful as he popped in and out of hidden tunnels in the school and the surrounding grounds. Sometimes he was followed, but many of the tunnels were apparently unknown, small surprise seeing as no one on Vinta or Earth had spent as much time in Bridges as Mikaen and Jyle.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdeLsxoi55 維尼
Jek proved to be an excellent team leader. When he wasn’t calling out orders, he was giving away the positions of the Brigade from the roof of the Marauders’ HQ. His aim was exceptional; he once pegged a Brigade blader between the shoulder blades from across the school grounds.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡVobu2D0KUZ 維尼
It was a hectic match, but the Brigade was pulling just a bit ahead. The score indicator in Mikaen’s helmet read that the Brigade was in the lead by eleven points.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMdTu9uV8S 維尼
A little after the third quarter, Mikaen was on top of the old gym when he spotted a Brigade blader circling around the stadium, one of the Jenkins boys closing in fast from behind.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡILPN5fymnS 維尼
Rushing over to where the two would pass, Mikaen boosted up into the rafters beneath the bleachers and waited for the pair.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhXhUeLLrY 維尼
Whichever Jenkins it was managed to clip the blader’s leg, tripping him and sending the kyon shooting into the air.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0emYnsA5X 維尼
Mikaen quickly grabbed it and slipped away before the Brigade blader could rise.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ12B2k1T2 維尼
As he rushed toward the enemy HQ, feeling confident that he had a clear shot, a blue burst of energy missed him by a hair. He quickly hid behind an old ticket stand, glancing around to see where the shot had originated.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnCs43c7AF 維尼
Something hit him in the back, knocking him forward. The Brigade watcher who had been hiding behind the stands skated past Mikaen, bouncing the kyon in the air between his sabers.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWQSMbcPeG 維尼
Quickly picking himself up, Mikaen hurried to reclaim the kyon. The watcher was technically faster, but couldn’t move at top speed as without a reserve gauntlet to hold the kyon she could only bounce it between her blades. Mikaen stayed on her as she rushed down the football field on a path straight to the band hall.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGwb1JbFyT 維尼
Mikaen was just barely able to reach out with his saber and smack the kyon back at himself while it was in midair. Catching it in his gauntlet as it fell, Mikaen made a run for the the Brigade HQ.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8cY9a1sOU 維尼
Hearing the slightly higher-pitched hum of the watcher’s tek-boots uncomfortably close, Mikaen decided to risk a shot. He blasted the kyon at the concession stand, though he could tell by the rate of deceleration that it would be easy to block. Sure enough, the Brigade guardian caught it easily and shot it back.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXpD2pQbws 維尼
Mikaen made a dive, as did the Brigade watcher, but Jenkins who got there first. He swatted the kyon toward his twin, who had just emerged from the stands and heading toward the Brigand’s HQ. The other Jenkins brother easily knocked it past the confused guardian.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqY5hjTEU7 維尼
“Nice!” Mikaen called after them as they skated away. Behind him, the guardian shouted something in another language that sounded impolite.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡucvB3ZQXpd 維尼
“Mikaen,” said Jek’s voice through his helmet earpiece, “Get to the cafeteria and give Yenk a hand! He’s getting blitzed!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75jIE26GIK 維尼
“On my way.” 8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY9TKeylTa 維尼
The cafeteria was near the middle of the high school campus, just in front of the kyons' starting point. Most of the entrances had long since rusted shut, but the main doors were mostly glass that had long since shattered.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jGRoitqX5 維尼
As Mikaen drew near the walkway that led to the starting circle and the cafeteria, it suddenly occurred to him that he had met no resistance. If they were blitzing Yenk to get the kyon, they probably had someone watching to keep out any backup, probably a tekker.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzImnpZpwL 維尼
He was so intent on keeping an eye out for trouble that he bumped into Shelle.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcnZtYlgI3 維尼
“Watch it, scrub!” She snapped, steadying herself on a nearby bench.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzwSpq8KeL 維尼
Mikaen bristled; scrub was the term used for a knight-in-training. “What’s the situation?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73yTHqhKyd 維尼
She gave him a look that he could feel it through her face mask. “What’s our situation? Yenk’s getting pounded, that’s the situation.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgzQuWhrdS 維尼
He stopped her as she moved to go around him. “Wait! They might have a tekker waiting to snipe us.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD4CnLfJyG 維尼
She shook off his grip. “Yenk’s in trouble, and Tryan’s already getting dogged near our HQ. We need to move, now!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHsVrDQHWO 維尼
He tried to stop her again, but she tore free from his grasp and dashed toward the cafeteria.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlEBz24VCE 維尼
A few moments later, Shelle came hurtling back around the corner, hit the side of a building, and fell to the ground.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jKljdcAbk 維尼
“You okay?” He asked; shield or not, being thrown into a brick wall had to hurt.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6lqXnNgTu 維尼
“I’ll live.” she grumbled as she got to her feet.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ065BThWKVi 維尼
Mikaen peeked around the corner for the smallest second.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3upYQr0ALj 維尼
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” he said as the inevitable kinetic blast broke what was left of a nearby window. “They’ve got a tekker at the other end of the walkway.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSMDyO5nZJ 維尼
“Let’s rush him! He can’t get both of us.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3iyD0Gr17 維尼
“Nice strategy. I guess that means you’ll take point?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXKYtoAFMB 維尼
Shelle glared at him. “Do you have a better idea?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUGxBPWNQC 維尼
Mikaen pointed to the walkway cover above them. “This extends down the entire length of the central walkway. If we’re quiet, we should be able to get close without being noticed.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡvroJjOaeIH 維尼
A sly grin spread across her face. “The stealthy approach. Not bad. Not bad at all … but how are we going to get through the doors?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡghIT64exOB 維尼
“Forget the doors. I know another way in.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3vYdZsZ08 維尼
They both boosted up to the top of the metal over the walkway. He hoped the tekker hadn’t heard the wobble of the sheet metal from their landing.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1VPbMkP7Z 維尼
They moved quickly along the support struts. To Mikaen’s relief, there was no sign of the Brigade tekker.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb7y32mLCh 維尼
“Okay, so how are we getting in?” She whispered.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWHhY9vuH6 維尼
Mikaen moved over to a large wood-carved emblem of a cardinal that hung on the side of the building. The emblem swung aside at Mikaen’s touch, revealing a hidden entrance.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Wz2ogtIG 維尼
“I’ve never seen that before. How did you figure that out?” asked Shelle, sounding both impressed and annoyed.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuycanS3WG 維尼
“Long story.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPBage9372 維尼
The inside passage was cramped, but there was enough room for them to get through … barely. Moving as quickly as they could, they followed the passage through the now-defunct air conditioning system until they were standing on a lighting platform above the cafeteria stage.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3L0PPN25l 維尼
They carefully went down the rickety old ladder and slowly moved to the edge of the curtain. Peeking into the cafetieria, they saw Yenk, looking desperate as he moved toward the stage. The two Brigade bladers were advancing from the aisles of the cafeteria, effectively blocking off any possible escape routes.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDiugAnZUx 維尼
Taking up positions on either side of the stage, Mikaen and Shelle waited until they could hear the bladers jeering at Yenk.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOMj8iqNO7 維尼
Nodding at Shelle, Mikaen slid under the curtain and shot toward the nearest blader as fast as his tek-boots could take him.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2SmydhOl1 維尼
As the tekker guarding the door let loose a burst of shots from his gauntlet, Mikaen quickly dove behind the enemy blader. The tekker was so intent on Mikaen that he accidentally blasted his own blader, knocking the large fellow across the room into an old chalkboard that still displayed the last meal that had been served.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxaakhBxBo 維尼
Shelle slid beneath a table, came up behind the last blader, and sent him flying into the old snack bar. Mikaen grabbed a hanging loop of leather and pulled a steel shutter down over the snack bar, trapping the blader inside.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjqHY2RUaq 維尼
Shelle took possession of the kyon from Yenk. “I’m sure you won’t mind if I take this off your hands.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv0OmEg1vV 維尼
“No problem.” He said before another kinetic blast sent him diving for cover.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l2oRffHFH 維尼
Mikaen rushed at the door, activating his energy saber as he made for the tekker.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LFYTdKjhK 維尼
The tekker took a shot, but Mikaen deflected it toward a Brigade watcher who had just tried to get inside the cafeteria. The blast hit him full in the chest, sending him flying. Left alone with three Marauder bladers running straight at him, the enemy tekker turned tail and fled.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡPse2sNq0SM 維尼
“Support to HQ!” Jek’s called through the intercom, “We need some defense over here!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN2e4mO4lQ 維尼
“I got it,” Mikaen told Shelle, “You go with Yenk.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP5dvsM5KO 維尼
“Yeah. Good luck.” The two hurried off toward the stadium as Mikaen started toward the old band hall.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9M5uRUyoA 維尼
Even from a distance, Mikaen could make out the figures of Jek fending off the other two Brigade bladers and a watcher. The kyon bounced off Jek’s twin gauntlets like a pong pellet. The bladers were relentless, however; no matter how Jek tried to angle it, they always managed to intercept the kyon and fire it back.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡiupVos5aZj 維尼
As he drew nearer, Shelle’s voice said, “Yo, Mikaen! The other kyon is heading your way!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcODAlMN9I 維尼
Mikaen turned just in time to see the plasma ball rocketing through the sky toward the HQ. He leapt in the air to intercept, forgetting that the slamm kyons were not the rubber balls they had used as kyons back on Earth.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyfGIeJNxl 維尼
The kyon blasted him back, past the Brigade players and mere inches away from the HQ.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z0z81sB1I 維尼
It took a second for the enemy bladers to realize what had happened, but when they did, they both started for Mikaen, only to suddenly get knocked aside by energy bursts from the approaching Marauder tekkers.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gxFWxEbVR 維尼
“Mikaen!” said Jek, “Toss it here!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzKhA24p9r 維尼
“Sure thing.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAstHOQi6O 維尼
Jek took the two kyons and slammed them together, merging them into one massive kyon.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡV26kgHXlGb 維尼
“Attack run!” He shouted before starting forward as fast as his tek-boots could carry him. Mikaen followed, not exactly sure what was happening.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrhlLA1TAB 維尼
“Bladers incoming!” Shelle shouted through the headpiece.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡTykNyoDUI0 維尼
Sure enough two bladers rounded opposite corners of the old gym and headed toward Jek to intercept.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdwUhkfNK7 維尼
Mikaen skimmed by Jek and headed toward the first. The Brigade blader took a swing, but Mikaen ducked the blade and shoulder checked the guy through a nearby car window. He turned to deal with the next, only to see Jek leap over the fellow, spinning with a grace Mikaen could not help but envy. The blader's blade came within inches of the Muonsol guardian, but Jek managed to twist around just enough to avoid the glowing weapon.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1IoXLNmKZ 維尼
Jek landed neatly against the side of the building before kicking off into mid-air and landing neatly on the now-confused blader's head. Another kick, and he was rushing forward again.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxRuQAX7pl 維尼
Mikaen moved to follow, but felt the hit of tekker-fire. His shield protected him from most of the impact, but there was surely more to follow. Fortunately, Jek seemed to have been expecting this, as he was now heading toward the bleachers. It gave them cover from the energy fire, but not from the two Brigade watchers now heading their way. The bladers had regrouped as well, and were catching up with them.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEdPPBGyq2 維尼
And then they were gone, knocked aside by Tekker fire. Mikaen could barely make out the form of one of the Marauder tekkers on the roof of the cafeteria.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBkNjKxv1v 維尼
Mikaen rushed the remaining Brigade watchers, his sudden charge making one slip and crash against the door of an old restroom. The other ducked around, only to get batted aside by Shelle.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMvyMyx9yN 維尼
“We're clear!” She told them as they rounded the last of the bleachers and approached the concession stand. “Take the shot!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNLZnABpoz 維尼
“Got it!” When Jek brought his gloves together, the kyons seemed to merge together into a larger kyon. The Brigade guardian dove aside as Jek fired the combined blast with enough force to blast clear through the other side of the stand. The kyon hit the concession stand, blasting through the old building hard enough to shatter what windows remained.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNBMR6Qfub 維尼
“Nice!” Mikaen said as the rest of the Marauders turned to head back to base.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡntnaqtcWpX 維尼
Jek froze abruptly in the middle of his victory jig. “What?!” he asked suddenly, putting one of his gauntleted hands to the side of his helmet.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmE5xpXfRY 維尼
Mikaen asked, “What? What is it?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK5WB6LVyS 維尼
“The match’s over.” He pulled off his helmet and said, “We won by disqualification.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmJciwl8KU 維尼
“Disqualification?” Mikaen said, surprised. “What did they do?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2GLO5peyj 維尼
“the Brigade had split screens in their headgear. Dad just intercepted the frequency.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi3zsfF3je 維尼
Everyone seemed angered by this, none more so than Shelle. She threw down one of her gauntlets, “Son of a bitch! I knew something was going on.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4IkdGSgVz 維尼
“I don’t understand.” Mikaen said, lifting off his own helmet and following the other.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡN47jp2tmJI 維尼
Leeroy asked, “Ever play a first-person shooter?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ3Fyr76ji 維尼
“You mean like a video game, right?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YlD66xL8H 維尼
“Yeah, well, ever play a death match on a split screen?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡxihk0RWs49 維尼
“A few times, but wasn’t very good at it. Jyle kept looking at my screen …” Mikaen stopped, suddenly understanding their meaning. “Ah, I get it. How could they do that?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nACtO6nca 維尼
Travers thumped Mikaen’s helmet. “Hidden mini-screen in their headgear.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs2a2IyjoW 維尼
Leeroy chuckled. “Didn’t help them much, did it? I mean, we still whooped their sad scrub butts!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOYANVB54C 維尼
He and his brother started taking swats at each other. They were still at it when the group reached the entrance. Jyle was waiting for them, looking a little disappointed.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGKYyQRX7L 維尼
“Great match, Marauders,” Jyle said, clapping his hands, “Sorry it had to end like that. Still, Mikaen did pretty good though, eh?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkbCwYTEPT 維尼
“You kidding?” Yenk slapped Mikaen on the shoulderpad, saying, “The guy’s a natural!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbzGFllgiS 維尼
Shelle shrugged. “He’s okay, I guess.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXvZN6ZUe3 維尼
“Okay? Just okay? The dude threw Yasik. The guy’s a friggin troll!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO3Xo3vJhW 維尼
As the two bladers continued arguing, Mikaen slowed down so he was walking in stride with Jek.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmXLYwiRtQ 維尼
He glanced at Jyle, who was clapping the other members of the team on the back as they walked past him out of the arena. Shelle gave the Cygros a sharp glare that made him opt to just give her an encouraging smile.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT2HT7wFhG 維尼
“Well?” Jek asked in a low tone. “Good enough?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡElIDRg6fB6 維尼
“All right, I’m impressed. You managed the team well, and bouncing off that guy's head was a pretty slick move.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwHtgntccv 維尼
“So I can come along?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSVDBbGAXB 維尼
Mikaen sighed. “Fine. You’d probably just follow us anyway. Meet us at the stables tonight.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXTXq8qkbp 維尼
In a low tone, Jek replied, “No good. Dad’s already started posting guards there. I think I might have another way, though.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTkE6mntql 維尼
Narrowing his eyes at the young idestan, Mikaen asked, “And when were you planning on warning us about this?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAzx0cBehT 維尼
Jek grinned back at him. “As soon as you let me join your group. Oh, don’t give me that look. I was going to catch you and the others before you reached the stables.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnyLj3q9LV 維尼
“I’m seeing more of Jyle in you all the time.” Mikaen shook his head, unable to suppress a smile. “Okay, fine. What’s the plan?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ9X9Y1LEC 維尼
“Meet me at midnight in the royal garden, underneath the oak tree.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRDkXofNK7 維尼
Mikaen wanted more information, but seeing Jyle approaching, he said, “We’ll be there.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQHJDGWIiE 維尼
“So, Mikaen!” Jyle asked, “How was your first official game?”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEUBjWfVPz 維尼
“Short. Fun, though.” Mikaen replied.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSeuvJklVF 維尼
“It’s sad that people cheat. Still, it would be more unfair if we just let them continue as though nothing had happened.” Jyle paused for a moment before saying, “Say, you did great out there. I was wondering if …”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fYehnoBu2 維尼
“Let me guess; you want me to be on the Muonsol Slamm team.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51V4XmjCc3 維尼
“No, I want you to form your own team in Homestead. After this business with Ronisgald, of course.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz9hoc7qrR 維尼
“You’ve gotta be kidding.” Even as the words escaped his lips, he nevertheless found himself sizing up some of his friends in Homestead for positions. The vuestan were smaller than most humanoids, but they were also much faster and more agile.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡDssbN2e4o1 維尼
“Homestead’s wanted to join the Slamm League for ages, but every time they assemble a team, they get crushed. You know the game-”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZDAMtgE6Q 維尼
“Not really,” said Mikaen.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRr73nP6wS 維尼
Jyle amended, “You know enough about the game. You can help them play their strengths. I know they’d make a good team if they just had a good leader.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQU3jCqrXT 維尼
“Can’t say I’d look forward to playing against you.” Jek admitted, “But it would be fun to have a new team in the league.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvEl50kOFV 維尼
The idea had definite appeal. Playing slamm was closest Mikaen had felt to being back on Earth since he first arrived on Vinta. The name 'Homestead Heroes' floated innocently across his mind.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUJKjFkOG1 維尼
Mikaen was distracted from his current train of thought as Tirinia approached in guardian slamm gear. Without warning, she gave him a kiss that made the Marauders start whooping.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡr23bpbVBgc 維尼
His face burning, Mikaen said, “So I did okay then.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5M64eZk9e 維尼
“Yeah, good enough.” She said, giving him a teasing smile. “I was hoping you’d show me around a little. You must know all sorts of shortcuts in this arena. Besides, I’d love to see if you could get a kyon past me.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcia2irhOq 維尼
Jyle shook his head, smiling. “Well, you two have fun. I’ve got some things to attend to.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uea7024CD 維尼
“Come on,” Tirinia pressed, grabbing Mikaen’s arm and pulling him toward the city, “Show me everything.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHrIZLx7CZ 維尼
“Hey, wait up!”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrpOt0hE2M 維尼
Jek and his team approached, still in their gear.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu74ZNKwkU 維尼
“What’s up?” asked Mikaen as they skated closer.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVdZElOVoJ 維尼
Jek shrugged, “Well, we’re all in gear, and with Tornado Tyr, we have enough for two small teams. We figured we’d keep playing for a bit.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7loX3SOhI 維尼
Still a little red, Tirinia pulled her helmet on, saying, “Fine, but I’m on Mikaen’s team. You scrubs better give me a challenge.” Without another word, she rushed off into the city.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HAm1p9qju 維尼
“Tornado Tyr, huh?” Mikaen asked, his eyes on Tirinia as she zoomed away.8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRvuL64nWr 維尼
“Yeah.” Jek rubbed the back of his head. “During her first year, she pulled off thirty-seven attack runs, eleven of which were unguarded. Just smashed through everyone in her way.”8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFKkvwMTXr 維尼
Mikaen smiled as he pulled on his helmet. “Well, this should be interesting.”379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuE1XBlISY
8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNSpAzm6RI 維尼
