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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡlySyrcHFzz 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLR7fc6vUD 維尼
There was a sudden flush in Jek’s cheeks, telling Mikaen everything he needed to know.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzyg7LWkiF 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VIleuaBLb 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQArQbj9Ik 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSUOCga4TG 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pRo9g9LNy 維尼
Mikaen stared at him for a long moment before asking, “Did you tell your father?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡceDlSGc0Th 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVYxbPJvFO 維尼
A smile crept across Mikaen’s face. “You’re definitely your father’s son.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo98qVxpYE 維尼
“Yeah well, I was thinking-”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKOqqjHfBY 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzMQfwBpgn 維尼
Nodding, Jek looked at Mikaen. “Ready?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡfitHl6Gq6h 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5pvIXdYJ8 維尼
“I'll do my best, Tyr.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡvduSAN7EPH 維尼
With a final smile, Tirinia slipped out of his arms and left the locker room.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx1WFbncIV 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡntWQIMneHh 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡMblZm0XmV1 維尼
Mikaen grinned despite himself. “Okay, but you should know that I don’t impress easily.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVZpoLWjpf 維尼
“Right.” Jek nodded. “We’d better get out to the field.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ui1vj6CBF 維尼
They were almost out to the field when Jek suddenly stopped Mikaen. “Oh, I forgot to tell you: no magic.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz06rmbApE 維尼
“I beg your pardon?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡiei9lroR5P 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8h0lozwHh 維尼
“Yeah, Jyle said something about that. No magic, got it.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tOBWmAVea 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3iq6j0uS3 維尼
The other members of the Muonsol Marauders were waiting for them near an abandoned gas station.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBQVjAEw68 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡoThdt5fYi4 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtDUdKzdaP 維尼
“Is he any good?” asked Shelle.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU4x5pgF3P 維尼
“Everyone, this is Mikaen.” Jek said, “He’s an old friend of my father.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBpgu5h6uX 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBPFiU0EFv 維尼
“Combat’s one thing,” Lenne said, scratching her chin, “Is he a good blader is what I want to know.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1WVO7K486 維尼
“One of the best.” Jek assured her8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL8uKMDN6F 維尼
“Then why ain’t he on a team?” asked Shelle, putting her gauntleted hands on her hips.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoqBUO68n2 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEzHha0YbN 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWdioi56N5 維尼
“Still not sure if we could afford this one.” Shelle muttered just loud enough for Mikaen to hear.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1UhCaZnD6 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNlD37MSs0 維尼
As they broke, Yenk and Tryan flanked Mikaen on both sides.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAYbCTIgoZ 維尼
“Been playing long?” Yenk asked casually as they skimmed across the ground.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnapwpXjge 維尼
“All my life.” replied Mikaen, grinning. “Though our equipment wasn’t quite as good as this.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvekvHrEjN 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI52456hba 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5g6sBdzVN 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9p2Rkwiwg 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8s1Xv7n7H 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTW2bvR7By 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡViH4YuTTRl 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgvwkbMMio 維尼
Shelle came from nowhere and deflected an energy burst that would have hit Mikaen had she not been there.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGSGZjxZRk 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡASuui64Bt0 維尼
“Right.” Shaking his head, Mikaen moved toward the football field.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WSBQqm5eJ 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6xxWUUZWK 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxn2rPF6W4 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbLXGgHX6I 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRDrdPvUCo 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXmeW2XQiy 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡApKzu7chyX 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK2cG3EiR8 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaBUlblM3O 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqblsq2BeT 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TBHjU5qyP 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXFKKgmCW5 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yuub8L3Dd 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjZgG4V6bL 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VlUzRd7to 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡxONZrVH3fc 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuDqSWG8Ez 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcf8nCEovO 維尼
Mikaen quickly grabbed it and slipped away before the Brigade blader could rise.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoPsOws0rQ 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJwjEsbRte 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TGMTsE1tI 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuIZZ1SGfM 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlA41A0M6n 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFxD2oblXE 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡofAm5z3T3X 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzyEJ4srjo 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUuJQjW5JT 維尼
“On my way.” 8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oWUZ2HmpJ 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ5b390ank 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE350nEj44 維尼
He was so intent on keeping an eye out for trouble that he bumped into Shelle.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjqnCAFaJ4 維尼
“Watch it, scrub!” She snapped, steadying herself on a nearby bench.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvora7EzMT 維尼
Mikaen bristled; scrub was the term used for a knight-in-training. “What’s the situation?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K0wgf5Ut0 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡioxuW2iY5l 維尼
He stopped her as she moved to go around him. “Wait! They might have a tekker waiting to snipe us.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXhLLmvpdl 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwj5Hdacy0 維尼
He tried to stop her again, but she tore free from his grasp and dashed toward the cafeteria.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6casXNnWf 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡonVHpcfuer 維尼
“You okay?” He asked; shield or not, being thrown into a brick wall had to hurt.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡciXmvUsSQb 維尼
“I’ll live.” she grumbled as she got to her feet.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrDb3qkZUc 維尼
Mikaen peeked around the corner for the smallest second.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡukkFwIOK6j 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKFitsSTHP 維尼
“Let’s rush him! He can’t get both of us.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6wNDyiKTh 維尼
“Nice strategy. I guess that means you’ll take point?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡueQ7NsKbTZ 維尼
Shelle glared at him. “Do you have a better idea?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZgkobdQ2p 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNfwmZM5HD 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6CLbZ0L6t 維尼
“Forget the doors. I know another way in.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOJyczweGg 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaide0nqB0 維尼
They moved quickly along the support struts. To Mikaen’s relief, there was no sign of the Brigade tekker.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGHhzyrlsl 維尼
“Okay, so how are we getting in?” She whispered.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFsR9F5egA 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4R1CsKl8N 維尼
“I’ve never seen that before. How did you figure that out?” asked Shelle, sounding both impressed and annoyed.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxVFhXDg4x 維尼
“Long story.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3FFQNYsr6 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡF23UFjAA4J 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93G0Se8ajN 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡKezM0TBMwT 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp1SnJzH9r 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBWJlhbfS6 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjeAoKS9Iq 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWQgT6i928 維尼
“No problem.” He said before another kinetic blast sent him diving for cover.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡWin6xD73i5 維尼
Mikaen rushed at the door, activating his energy saber as he made for the tekker.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6xU6dT3Lh 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nQL8SKhVO 維尼
“Support to HQ!” Jek’s called through the intercom, “We need some defense over here!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdPApxcC8s 維尼
“I got it,” Mikaen told Shelle, “You go with Yenk.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s6QRL597b 維尼
“Yeah. Good luck.” The two hurried off toward the stadium as Mikaen started toward the old band hall.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡABTYyrgj21 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfhOtcaa8P 維尼
As he drew nearer, Shelle’s voice said, “Yo, Mikaen! The other kyon is heading your way!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7AGImPYgN 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lg1e4a64I 維尼
The kyon blasted him back, past the Brigade players and mere inches away from the HQ.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyMdeN6qAy 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdNmHntMtl 維尼
“Mikaen!” said Jek, “Toss it here!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEvtX083AM 維尼
“Sure thing.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJivQcpkuU 維尼
Jek took the two kyons and slammed them together, merging them into one massive kyon.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtReTtl4Vd 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAbwEy9ZcN 維尼
“Bladers incoming!” Shelle shouted through the headpiece.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ET7WC1joa 維尼
Sure enough two bladers rounded opposite corners of the old gym and headed toward Jek to intercept.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3c0Rqh9BU 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaUOfbOqKJ 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuIn7XbTi5 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFkLlXgHkx 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡGemzVpkhId 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4yxqPmhkn 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxBfMOWFQv 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtvdkgGdgJ 維尼
“Nice!” Mikaen said as the rest of the Marauders turned to head back to base.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ798Ix77KOe 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0HXroX5Q4 維尼
Mikaen asked, “What? What is it?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkT8JvuR7m 維尼
“The match’s over.” He pulled off his helmet and said, “We won by disqualification.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CrbH6A3iv 維尼
“Disqualification?” Mikaen said, surprised. “What did they do?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCxjgL0JtU 維尼
“the Brigade had split screens in their headgear. Dad just intercepted the frequency.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdxoZL8Epr 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZyDO7hVkk 維尼
“I don’t understand.” Mikaen said, lifting off his own helmet and following the other.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡHekl5Be9wY 維尼
Leeroy asked, “Ever play a first-person shooter?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZXMaN1hEq 維尼
“You mean like a video game, right?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JfNnaKbnc 維尼
“Yeah, well, ever play a death match on a split screen?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ322f3qFP1X 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI0ym6rZjb 維尼
Travers thumped Mikaen’s helmet. “Hidden mini-screen in their headgear.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbwngLM6kD 維尼
Leeroy chuckled. “Didn’t help them much, did it? I mean, we still whooped their sad scrub butts!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tVdkBI0EI 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡfllFh1HGe9 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03NfSvygi2 維尼
“You kidding?” Yenk slapped Mikaen on the shoulderpad, saying, “The guy’s a natural!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Idmatv8fQ 維尼
Shelle shrugged. “He’s okay, I guess.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRwsW1ENTv 維尼
“Okay? Just okay? The dude threw Yasik. The guy’s a friggin troll!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TOX64JY8C 維尼
As the two bladers continued arguing, Mikaen slowed down so he was walking in stride with Jek.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqEvMFvo2Y 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7L3qwC0Oc 維尼
“Well?” Jek asked in a low tone. “Good enough?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXspkZzzzd 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHRj2mgKjr 維尼
“So I can come along?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX4PBwBq34 維尼
Mikaen sighed. “Fine. You’d probably just follow us anyway. Meet us at the stables tonight.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0TlGMRNFl 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jGnW0NALX 維尼
Narrowing his eyes at the young idestan, Mikaen asked, “And when were you planning on warning us about this?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZkXEsCNmB 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyD3ArIzho 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHTjppD0Ns 維尼
“Meet me at midnight in the royal garden, underneath the oak tree.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3f8pWmmMd 維尼
Mikaen wanted more information, but seeing Jyle approaching, he said, “We’ll be there.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OcXm30lJd 維尼
“So, Mikaen!” Jyle asked, “How was your first official game?”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaexofuYMi 維尼
“Short. Fun, though.” Mikaen replied.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IYz4wzfYa 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNuJtzmva1 維尼
“Let me guess; you want me to be on the Muonsol Slamm team.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVXFVKD2TM 維尼
“No, I want you to form your own team in Homestead. After this business with Ronisgald, of course.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0BCYiymSJ 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNvXoZ85CY 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr9GoXfnKx 維尼
“Not really,” said Mikaen.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGtnqBK39O 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4kRAPxEty 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡQABX0o1r0w 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHN9SHH0bV 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUPDOtnysG 維尼
His face burning, Mikaen said, “So I did okay then.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UvdFObsNz 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4olmiA2j3 維尼
Jyle shook his head, smiling. “Well, you two have fun. I’ve got some things to attend to.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡONqfDgH6G5 維尼
“Come on,” Tirinia pressed, grabbing Mikaen’s arm and pulling him toward the city, “Show me everything.”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zMyYn0qHC 維尼
“Hey, wait up!”8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKfjefrhQB 維尼
Jek and his team approached, still in their gear.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL4PGHfYpQ 維尼
“What’s up?” asked Mikaen as they skated closer.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4DNqgBkRI 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI7cNyGR5c 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G5ZLIBbyb 維尼
“Tornado Tyr, huh?” Mikaen asked, his eyes on Tirinia as she zoomed away.8964 copyright protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRlr1jo0yP 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 protection484ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLdwe85iP8 維尼
Mikaen smiled as he pulled on his helmet. “Well, this should be interesting.”488Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqnyhTtALy
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