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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkX1MZy2gL
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡHea1W2kLPC
There was a sudden flush in Jek’s cheeks, telling Mikaen everything he needed to know.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG17pD9qO9
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡMytKzgK8j0
“So,” said Jek as Tirinia helped Mikaen strap on his armor, “I hear you’re leading a group of shadows to Ronisgald.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0e32b6nWV
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvC0C2ELss
“Don’t worry,” said Jek with a laugh, “I already know about your plan. I hacked into the intercom before the Council started.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf1oZBFJJY
Mikaen stared at him for a long moment before asking, “Did you tell your father?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDZYH19Np6
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoBlodn3ZQ
A smile crept across Mikaen’s face. “You’re definitely your father’s son.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU6xj68YQR
“Yeah well, I was thinking-”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAuXycYIZo
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJMr4bFseE
Nodding, Jek looked at Mikaen. “Ready?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKzqhSwqRm
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPWMMvYLeY
“I'll do my best, Tyr.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93HVuM7aem
With a final smile, Tirinia slipped out of his arms and left the locker room.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy7nYpguP7
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7WNTIjStx
Before Mikaen could object, Jek added, “You don’t have to answer right now. Just think about it during the match, okay?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCBxy5jGgy
Mikaen grinned despite himself. “Okay, but you should know that I don’t impress easily.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2479s5yIAo
“Right.” Jek nodded. “We’d better get out to the field.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrvMfpuyhY
They were almost out to the field when Jek suddenly stopped Mikaen. “Oh, I forgot to tell you: no magic.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57BGF9MZP2
“I beg your pardon?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR7F1zKAil
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7MuT2ToAa
“Yeah, Jyle said something about that. No magic, got it.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGiXnY79YX
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwPjcQTXrb
The other members of the Muonsol Marauders were waiting for them near an abandoned gas station.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqj5Ud7NCH
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZogWLe4Ud
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17JQrVHkT8
“Is he any good?” asked Shelle.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbyQgt3ogF
“Everyone, this is Mikaen.” Jek said, “He’s an old friend of my father.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eEuuBfJGa
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHhGyICg3v
“Combat’s one thing,” Lenne said, scratching her chin, “Is he a good blader is what I want to know.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAHXqYqumH
“One of the best.” Jek assured hercopyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sVOWqqca6
“Then why ain’t he on a team?” asked Shelle, putting her gauntleted hands on her hips.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ODNmmqDp
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡV20CZqBqUX
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84q3TnujzE
“Still not sure if we could afford this one.” Shelle muttered just loud enough for Mikaen to hear.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVLdzyAVYd
“Shelle, Yenk, you’re on point. Tryan and Mikaen, stay on guard. Everyone else, just keep up the good work, okay?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUflxfM8GH
As they broke, Yenk and Tryan flanked Mikaen on both sides.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OMwSFTmYt
“Been playing long?” Yenk asked casually as they skimmed across the ground.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1noMBXlcTk
“All my life.” replied Mikaen, grinning. “Though our equipment wasn’t quite as good as this.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeeFALUnUB
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40qQxiwrFu
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGSjtuhOGa
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95onLZ9Fm4
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr5HhC0O4F
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYmbhQGzFm
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOs8cd7lTu
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaVuSd7S1b
Shelle came from nowhere and deflected an energy burst that would have hit Mikaen had she not been there.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk9UwrLc0q
Spinning about, she shouted, “What’re you standing around for? Head for their HQ before one of their damn tekkers pings you!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKe0Sqe0M7
“Right.” Shaking his head, Mikaen moved toward the football field.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡucipGaCO2D
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAY9uuBfGC
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡGemUffltf7
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKjT903MO5
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOFoYaSzqy
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Ny13Onx4
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8OO1YP5KE
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡbatRzr1r0s
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cyNLARzXo
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDswshyq6Eb
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPleGUFImG
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡamTJaEj2eh
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSJXk0vL7a
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSZi7FcNoz
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyWni72C9h
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzaCwuD2gK
Rushing over to where the two would pass, Mikaen boosted up into the rafters beneath the bleachers and waited for the pair.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡccDcuLSHzg
Whichever Jenkins it was managed to clip the blader’s leg, tripping him and sending the kyon shooting into the air.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Pdr7kuJt
Mikaen quickly grabbed it and slipped away before the Brigade blader could rise.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC2VfzqTCG
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPTi1o3T6D
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡanGZA86VCQ
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡontrjJ1KCD
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgskzuJDoP
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡgycXyN5FIH
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡv65ZyoIz9l
“Nice!” Mikaen called after them as they skated away. Behind him, the guardian shouted something in another language that sounded impolite.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡdACGVbaEOy
“Mikaen,” said Jek’s voice through his helmet earpiece, “Get to the cafeteria and give Yenk a hand! He’s getting blitzed!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡt47F1Fs6ka
“On my way.” copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQhTPPiyos
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB2wiXHsBw
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15A9KCOdJ9
He was so intent on keeping an eye out for trouble that he bumped into Shelle.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyZFrPvKoU
“Watch it, scrub!” She snapped, steadying herself on a nearby bench.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡciwfOOcvgO
Mikaen bristled; scrub was the term used for a knight-in-training. “What’s the situation?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iTCrEfgSZ
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgxpWZfrKD
He stopped her as she moved to go around him. “Wait! They might have a tekker waiting to snipe us.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWWScKHpgY
She shook off his grip. “Yenk’s in trouble, and Tryan’s already getting dogged near our HQ. We need to move, now!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡdig7VILaYE
He tried to stop her again, but she tore free from his grasp and dashed toward the cafeteria.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoUHNRG3jr
A few moments later, Shelle came hurtling back around the corner, hit the side of a building, and fell to the ground.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFoDyAnfZE
“You okay?” He asked; shield or not, being thrown into a brick wall had to hurt.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡddWukRc62b
“I’ll live.” she grumbled as she got to her feet.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdzFUnwBqP
Mikaen peeked around the corner for the smallest second.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27uqL318i0
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwdJ0xBdED
“Let’s rush him! He can’t get both of us.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡooRY3LlznL
“Nice strategy. I guess that means you’ll take point?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqTTREXSNf
Shelle glared at him. “Do you have a better idea?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAM6jNEU0i
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡypHpnKbIky
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJZnDQ2AIP
“Forget the doors. I know another way in.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBpCHIpmDp
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbPlBc6MVr
They moved quickly along the support struts. To Mikaen’s relief, there was no sign of the Brigade tekker.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpbkNOaQpS
“Okay, so how are we getting in?” She whispered.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡGft5RbOhxs
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcDwyeJE1E
“I’ve never seen that before. How did you figure that out?” asked Shelle, sounding both impressed and annoyed.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m4hGS5QIv
“Long story.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoKduCpjTW
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA9p7HEQmF
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs1zKIsQzb
Taking up positions on either side of the stage, Mikaen and Shelle waited until they could hear the bladers jeering at Yenk.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡliA5w4HVoB
Nodding at Shelle, Mikaen slid under the curtain and shot toward the nearest blader as fast as his tek-boots could take him.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9b2yiJc96
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡREzTdjBG9b
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuurA0viWT
Shelle took possession of the kyon from Yenk. “I’m sure you won’t mind if I take this off your hands.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP35RCnAOw
“No problem.” He said before another kinetic blast sent him diving for cover.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGagAozc4J
Mikaen rushed at the door, activating his energy saber as he made for the tekker.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWdRnNRT5O
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZDQ4usr5h
“Support to HQ!” Jek’s called through the intercom, “We need some defense over here!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMY92yyCKD
“I got it,” Mikaen told Shelle, “You go with Yenk.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7zzYXmQQs
“Yeah. Good luck.” The two hurried off toward the stadium as Mikaen started toward the old band hall.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDrhuwMXYR
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWEd6HLFjv
As he drew nearer, Shelle’s voice said, “Yo, Mikaen! The other kyon is heading your way!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEDSdBPAsF
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36jvoN1bLZ
The kyon blasted him back, past the Brigade players and mere inches away from the HQ.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZWHc2oYHH
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0m7SAJHab
“Mikaen!” said Jek, “Toss it here!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeiGJHtKSe
“Sure thing.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVeGDrI1qq
Jek took the two kyons and slammed them together, merging them into one massive kyon.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUq51iGK0Q
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn5e3OVxzN
“Bladers incoming!” Shelle shouted through the headpiece.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiJ1ZmsHoS
Sure enough two bladers rounded opposite corners of the old gym and headed toward Jek to intercept.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87NydORTzS
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKufPJjEEQd
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCwcDvy6cW
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk4MTiBLba
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWFTLocq33
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwG9IkEhqR
“We're clear!” She told them as they rounded the last of the bleachers and approached the concession stand. “Take the shot!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqbid5APRM
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuIFou4AU7
“Nice!” Mikaen said as the rest of the Marauders turned to head back to base.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxDkHmElD5
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRvo9JuKyl
Mikaen asked, “What? What is it?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyQfdeJiOE
“The match’s over.” He pulled off his helmet and said, “We won by disqualification.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsc3MTpqe3
“Disqualification?” Mikaen said, surprised. “What did they do?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrU1P4LjOj
“the Brigade had split screens in their headgear. Dad just intercepted the frequency.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡElSuA6Ikox
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO0bRN5hej
“I don’t understand.” Mikaen said, lifting off his own helmet and following the other.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKLeMAixU7
Leeroy asked, “Ever play a first-person shooter?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRysJ33PMnd
“You mean like a video game, right?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm1lyT8Dbn
“Yeah, well, ever play a death match on a split screen?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv7IKTj3rd
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiMD1PGRC4
Travers thumped Mikaen’s helmet. “Hidden mini-screen in their headgear.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wr6hZ0qDb
Leeroy chuckled. “Didn’t help them much, did it? I mean, we still whooped their sad scrub butts!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBHVkrPDvg
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFyDjAtZr5
“Great match, Marauders,” Jyle said, clapping his hands, “Sorry it had to end like that. Still, Mikaen did pretty good though, eh?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w2uDjuEK8
“You kidding?” Yenk slapped Mikaen on the shoulderpad, saying, “The guy’s a natural!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxJxt3YiHt
Shelle shrugged. “He’s okay, I guess.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy97bsIFs9
“Okay? Just okay? The dude threw Yasik. The guy’s a friggin troll!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvGM0k6vYR
As the two bladers continued arguing, Mikaen slowed down so he was walking in stride with Jek.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOpmlSpka6
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJFXQRqywS
“Well?” Jek asked in a low tone. “Good enough?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhnp4oKbTJ
“All right, I’m impressed. You managed the team well, and bouncing off that guy's head was a pretty slick move.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wxrTTjieu
“So I can come along?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2d503WqCs
Mikaen sighed. “Fine. You’d probably just follow us anyway. Meet us at the stables tonight.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡilKGKO5uZY
In a low tone, Jek replied, “No good. Dad’s already started posting guards there. I think I might have another way, though.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1vLsoFMHT
Narrowing his eyes at the young idestan, Mikaen asked, “And when were you planning on warning us about this?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7VtcVx8ma
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEvllgaqK9
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYaUKDipqZ
“Meet me at midnight in the royal garden, underneath the oak tree.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG6fajbIrx
Mikaen wanted more information, but seeing Jyle approaching, he said, “We’ll be there.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3cnpxDzXo
“So, Mikaen!” Jyle asked, “How was your first official game?”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡImnTg7xzxX
“Short. Fun, though.” Mikaen replied.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡyREF6OYhxq
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpu1NTzrsx
“Let me guess; you want me to be on the Muonsol Slamm team.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbTd5alDKT
“No, I want you to form your own team in Homestead. After this business with Ronisgald, of course.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiKfYR4X9B
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY1R0OLzge
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76q1kvbG8V
“Not really,” said Mikaen.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJekZdc3al
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFykGqlvbUL
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2RQ3cmeSv
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡarfpMeCYiN
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXlEELZ9XU
His face burning, Mikaen said, “So I did okay then.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnWMe0YAfR
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pjlP5zs4S
Jyle shook his head, smiling. “Well, you two have fun. I’ve got some things to attend to.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoPB3un3Dl
“Come on,” Tirinia pressed, grabbing Mikaen’s arm and pulling him toward the city, “Show me everything.”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyJVlXVkya
“Hey, wait up!”copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEAu0pAASE
Jek and his team approached, still in their gear.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡs83iJ6M7aq
“What’s up?” asked Mikaen as they skated closer.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8Yb3k9YEI
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QnJkn9VY1
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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr9DJTKw0U
“Tornado Tyr, huh?” Mikaen asked, his eyes on Tirinia as she zoomed away.copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt3VF6fP5U
“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 protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeKVY4j7Zh
Mikaen smiled as he pulled on his helmet. “Well, this should be interesting.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVHUQm16c7
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