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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmhlfqSNGl
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbJVOJIwgU
There was a sudden flush in Jek’s cheeks, telling Mikaen everything he needed to know.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM1iMyEhoH
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF4E0k5T7L
“So,” said Jek as Tirinia helped Mikaen strap on his armor, “I hear you’re leading a group of shadows to Ronisgald.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡftWZoLI7iY
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FK3XxBBO0
“Don’t worry,” said Jek with a laugh, “I already know about your plan. I hacked into the intercom before the Council started.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcFnRFIXzP
Mikaen stared at him for a long moment before asking, “Did you tell your father?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOjFNIrwPJ
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRpfUnNwZC
A smile crept across Mikaen’s face. “You’re definitely your father’s son.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiPbGGRoDq
“Yeah well, I was thinking-”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡemfx23fuz4
“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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4VDkQ18m0
Nodding, Jek looked at Mikaen. “Ready?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSjz3ZgVoT
“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?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCgBaiEpMe
“I'll do my best, Tyr.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0jqEDgFMC
With a final smile, Tirinia slipped out of his arms and left the locker room.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxuZ7yZnun
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ0xraQ5AC
Before Mikaen could object, Jek added, “You don’t have to answer right now. Just think about it during the match, okay?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4DCvhgLW3
Mikaen grinned despite himself. “Okay, but you should know that I don’t impress easily.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCASCHrB5W
“Right.” Jek nodded. “We’d better get out to the field.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnMZVdaLiK
They were almost out to the field when Jek suddenly stopped Mikaen. “Oh, I forgot to tell you: no magic.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCP1fljw6g
“I beg your pardon?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuS9nvRP6X
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5kx5fLg04
“Yeah, Jyle said something about that. No magic, got it.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oGRqWcJsi
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1NSbbn20u
The other members of the Muonsol Marauders were waiting for them near an abandoned gas station.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MAkjGA4WB
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X0POqL0ad
“You found another blader!” said Leeroy or Travers (Jek was right; they both looked the same), “Whoa! He’s got wings too! Most excellent!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9f62qhpti
“Is he any good?” asked Shelle.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt4uOoaot6
“Everyone, this is Mikaen.” Jek said, “He’s an old friend of my father.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C40rTqdTA
“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?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdKGkM7CcA
“Combat’s one thing,” Lenne said, scratching her chin, “Is he a good blader is what I want to know.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡU64ZATnKhR
“One of the best.” Jek assured hercopyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhtViUOI8I
“Then why ain’t he on a team?” asked Shelle, putting her gauntleted hands on her hips.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzV4ggQnS3
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!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM93MJW9ue
As everyone put on their headgear, Jek continued, “We’re doin’ great so far, but be careful! We can’t afford another player loss.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mwuhOp6xx
“Still not sure if we could afford this one.” Shelle muttered just loud enough for Mikaen to hear.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR7LVn1MLT
“Shelle, Yenk, you’re on point. Tryan and Mikaen, stay on guard. Everyone else, just keep up the good work, okay?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKGYNsIJCd
As they broke, Yenk and Tryan flanked Mikaen on both sides.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDzu8RixYP
“Been playing long?” Yenk asked casually as they skimmed across the ground.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NGcyCAAol
“All my life.” replied Mikaen, grinning. “Though our equipment wasn’t quite as good as this.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡte5acSDVCf
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ATI41zmyx
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDlSQUvquT
The kyons began to glow brightly. Jyle’s voice came through a speaker in Mikaen’s helmet, saying, “Everyone ready? 3 … 2 … 1 … GO!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY7R8kJLgm
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oWU60WGmv
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡey8zrYtWoY
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaWX15iLRy
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TX3O34KKq
Shelle came from nowhere and deflected an energy burst that would have hit Mikaen had she not been there.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYZoxqm1nL
Spinning about, she shouted, “What’re you standing around for? Head for their HQ before one of their damn tekkers pings you!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdWWaX1tJT
“Right.” Shaking his head, Mikaen moved toward the football field.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RMYUA2YkM
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡpALoYjPkkc
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kp2gA0i3J
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5AX4vy6uS
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUtEirY8Li
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSDKUTkVco
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡEntflxLTEf
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 haltcopyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx9fcsGaAs
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVl6Fg0Zbc
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPAR5VpQP4
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CBfSOIzZj
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tenATDASO
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgEn8JjyA9
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGLeWE3Ed2
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfvcC65gHY
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ufJSotcW3
Rushing over to where the two would pass, Mikaen boosted up into the rafters beneath the bleachers and waited for the pair.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzJ7NFLQkZ
Whichever Jenkins it was managed to clip the blader’s leg, tripping him and sending the kyon shooting into the air.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiepuRvz7c
Mikaen quickly grabbed it and slipped away before the Brigade blader could rise.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡycHNVzboM8
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7HbfuR0lc
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeueDZ59zd
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7p3UlC6Ko
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡecwVnLqfML
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM0W1DW7Nv
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9DKcy6PEQ
“Nice!” Mikaen called after them as they skated away. Behind him, the guardian shouted something in another language that sounded impolite.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT2KOqwfGj
“Mikaen,” said Jek’s voice through his helmet earpiece, “Get to the cafeteria and give Yenk a hand! He’s getting blitzed!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ085057E1es
“On my way.” copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzBakNJqCo
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQhjA6K7lq
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmywnDD2FS
He was so intent on keeping an eye out for trouble that he bumped into Shelle.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡucs5nMT6dv
“Watch it, scrub!” She snapped, steadying herself on a nearby bench.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡvumMNXTx4e
Mikaen bristled; scrub was the term used for a knight-in-training. “What’s the situation?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvBw1Y9F1P
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv10BpMvwZ
He stopped her as she moved to go around him. “Wait! They might have a tekker waiting to snipe us.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11tnOhkHOp
She shook off his grip. “Yenk’s in trouble, and Tryan’s already getting dogged near our HQ. We need to move, now!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMUxiVwsBx
He tried to stop her again, but she tore free from his grasp and dashed toward the cafeteria.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡh93j9FJVaf
A few moments later, Shelle came hurtling back around the corner, hit the side of a building, and fell to the ground.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbhpz5GTMv
“You okay?” He asked; shield or not, being thrown into a brick wall had to hurt.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIhcfA8L3J
“I’ll live.” she grumbled as she got to her feet.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlSmF12oXc
Mikaen peeked around the corner for the smallest second.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSoUiX0YRM
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡuauLmKmvwq
“Let’s rush him! He can’t get both of us.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡePL7cq8eO6
“Nice strategy. I guess that means you’ll take point?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsZPnhNngE
Shelle glared at him. “Do you have a better idea?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KOEwbpTGV
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVL52Xvbck
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?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDNhsayfyO
“Forget the doors. I know another way in.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIzIn5UMYA
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhwtmzrSLD
They moved quickly along the support struts. To Mikaen’s relief, there was no sign of the Brigade tekker.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3g0kJbTZJ
“Okay, so how are we getting in?” She whispered.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡITshCPmwBl
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jDDM0ddSY
“I’ve never seen that before. How did you figure that out?” asked Shelle, sounding both impressed and annoyed.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6176lQifP
“Long story.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XJueljARU
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYdzC0zPer
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4xPcEb2Wq
Taking up positions on either side of the stage, Mikaen and Shelle waited until they could hear the bladers jeering at Yenk.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYnBsBXMcO
Nodding at Shelle, Mikaen slid under the curtain and shot toward the nearest blader as fast as his tek-boots could take him.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8NUHpVhf9
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3egSqV4tS
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmRSYkuV6H
Shelle took possession of the kyon from Yenk. “I’m sure you won’t mind if I take this off your hands.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNQwIyWDPb
“No problem.” He said before another kinetic blast sent him diving for cover.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxe1O7sKbV
Mikaen rushed at the door, activating his energy saber as he made for the tekker.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGitzgN4bT
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVGBsp9o2Y
“Support to HQ!” Jek’s called through the intercom, “We need some defense over here!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQwORlVk57
“I got it,” Mikaen told Shelle, “You go with Yenk.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIOybnOYs0
“Yeah. Good luck.” The two hurried off toward the stadium as Mikaen started toward the old band hall.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdVzPnYZL1
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlRv9IQ42W
As he drew nearer, Shelle’s voice said, “Yo, Mikaen! The other kyon is heading your way!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡciE0QQnFOQ
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH3AgTYeTK
The kyon blasted him back, past the Brigade players and mere inches away from the HQ.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR57mfQdkS
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡawbOw2FUHt
“Mikaen!” said Jek, “Toss it here!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnbOXrIWGB
“Sure thing.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWsM4P1U3m
Jek took the two kyons and slammed them together, merging them into one massive kyon.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdSY2o1HjJ
“Attack run!” He shouted before starting forward as fast as his tek-boots could carry him. Mikaen followed, not exactly sure what was happening.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡb36mS4OA0v
“Bladers incoming!” Shelle shouted through the headpiece.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHsEuwuvqx
Sure enough two bladers rounded opposite corners of the old gym and headed toward Jek to intercept.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdLKcN9evs
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGw43o8RZ9
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbROQlllQL
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIZEtbsCpX
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nEArHZAzZ
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWbAK1V5mM
“We're clear!” She told them as they rounded the last of the bleachers and approached the concession stand. “Take the shot!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfvQUY2mBs
“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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFPYghFgRf
“Nice!” Mikaen said as the rest of the Marauders turned to head back to base.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBbqcWs82P
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT5qKZpMl0
Mikaen asked, “What? What is it?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFG5DWmjde
“The match’s over.” He pulled off his helmet and said, “We won by disqualification.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡytPJT1FmaH
“Disqualification?” Mikaen said, surprised. “What did they do?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5BgvlgV8C
“the Brigade had split screens in their headgear. Dad just intercepted the frequency.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnhCsVzPfM
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NfTx9Vdv5
“I don’t understand.” Mikaen said, lifting off his own helmet and following the other.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHaxXFSeB1
Leeroy asked, “Ever play a first-person shooter?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxo89R3IGj
“You mean like a video game, right?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ7JCETxSo
“Yeah, well, ever play a death match on a split screen?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO5Ml3seh4
“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?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8BEgKvksb
Travers thumped Mikaen’s helmet. “Hidden mini-screen in their headgear.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXULHxpA5i
Leeroy chuckled. “Didn’t help them much, did it? I mean, we still whooped their sad scrub butts!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH64ur8XGq
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VyDzPn59Q
“Great match, Marauders,” Jyle said, clapping his hands, “Sorry it had to end like that. Still, Mikaen did pretty good though, eh?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNNbyvJY5O
“You kidding?” Yenk slapped Mikaen on the shoulderpad, saying, “The guy’s a natural!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4wn90PiYv
Shelle shrugged. “He’s okay, I guess.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0rhD1616g
“Okay? Just okay? The dude threw Yasik. The guy’s a friggin troll!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm4FyCahBg
As the two bladers continued arguing, Mikaen slowed down so he was walking in stride with Jek.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SkBfuC5MB
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvB2Nf3Tga
“Well?” Jek asked in a low tone. “Good enough?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7xeM5QXnr
“All right, I’m impressed. You managed the team well, and bouncing off that guy's head was a pretty slick move.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtky5z2IFP
“So I can come along?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgkVj7an1q
Mikaen sighed. “Fine. You’d probably just follow us anyway. Meet us at the stables tonight.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcy4qlahiy
In a low tone, Jek replied, “No good. Dad’s already started posting guards there. I think I might have another way, though.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv1346D6Oi
Narrowing his eyes at the young idestan, Mikaen asked, “And when were you planning on warning us about this?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7zg2Todgq
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOCbT3x3lP
“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?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5lD8pJMwy
“Meet me at midnight in the royal garden, underneath the oak tree.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sFEJIx8VO
Mikaen wanted more information, but seeing Jyle approaching, he said, “We’ll be there.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzCbLvfizA
“So, Mikaen!” Jyle asked, “How was your first official game?”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bGtPOTyBp
“Short. Fun, though.” Mikaen replied.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GSMlBvSJr
“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 …”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi1juMPK5p
“Let me guess; you want me to be on the Muonsol Slamm team.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡldB1GqPAYr
“No, I want you to form your own team in Homestead. After this business with Ronisgald, of course.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ57RSstnld
“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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2vQm0DbKI
“Homestead’s wanted to join the Slamm League for ages, but every time they assemble a team, they get crushed. You know the game-”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5Vc6CCWcB
“Not really,” said Mikaen.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡncHv4zXxXi
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNkgDHggS1
“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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt7UGexibK
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzWB40b2y9
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjWFzzmQQf
His face burning, Mikaen said, “So I did okay then.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQJZKpdiIp
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CYZe2Zq4y
Jyle shook his head, smiling. “Well, you two have fun. I’ve got some things to attend to.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpRv5r5rhW
“Come on,” Tirinia pressed, grabbing Mikaen’s arm and pulling him toward the city, “Show me everything.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9Mq9xPnPy
“Hey, wait up!”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSbKRpNRPS
Jek and his team approached, still in their gear.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡpphhUnI0PZ
“What’s up?” asked Mikaen as they skated closer.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw9IXifNF4
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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsWwcOW0FM
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.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4bal6x36m
“Tornado Tyr, huh?” Mikaen asked, his eyes on Tirinia as she zoomed away.copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32TdKQw0Dc
“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.”copyright protection164ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YE2vRQrRv
Mikaen smiled as he pulled on his helmet. “Well, this should be interesting.”168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4DHhoyNob
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