by Katie Pottle
The gins struck Lacy several times, turning her armor from gold to pink before she could release her hand. She swatted two gins down and shot an arrow faster than Cadin thought possible. It would have hit him squarely in the chest if he hadn’t been able to partially deflect it with his gin-shield. He quickly raised Tsuyo and knocked the bow out of her hand.
Cadin took a step back as she swiped at him with a dagger. He pulled his sword across his body, preparing for a strong strike he hoped would zero out her armor, only to be stunned by Lacy kicking him back and pulling a mini crossbow out. Just as she pulled the trigger, an arrow planted dead-center on her chest-plate—turning her shinny armor bright red. Instead of hitting Cadin in the center of the chest—the bolt bit into the shoulder guard of his armor.
Cadin turned to see Sun smiling before she re-focused on her battle.
He approached the lump in the ground, and reached into the cloud to release the cloud-walls around the statue. Once exposed, Cadin sent all his attacking gins at the golden statue until it shone red. He gave the nonplused Lacy a nod before flying over to help Lep and Sun finish their battle in the few remaining seconds.
“We did it!” Sun said. “We finished the Final Qualifier!”
“I don’t know how many points they scored against us. I hope we placed!“ Lep said as he high fived Sun.
“Me too!” Cadin was still amped up after their battle and couldn’t stop fidgeting. It didn’t help that Gur was just as anxious and kept spitting fire dangerously close to Cadin’s cheek.
He put his hand over Gur and turned to his team. “Listen, whatever our score is—I just wanted to say that I’m proud to be on a team with you guys. You are the best friends that I could ever hope for.”
Ohhhs, and ahhhs erupted from the crowd watching the other teams compete. Dragon Fire sat and waited on the stage as each team returned from their battle.
“It is time,” Instructor Kade said as the last team finished. “Let us find out the scores.”
“Welcome to the award ceremony for the biennial Glade Warrior Path Qualifier! The four teams that competed today all had a chance to Qualify for the Calvarian Commons Championship Games and represent all of Glade's Warrior Path angels.”
The crowd cheered and Lep kept grabbing Cadin’s shoulders in excitement. Gur switched sides to nibble on Lep's fingers. When they first exited Cadin guessed they had performed exceptionally well; however, with each passing minute he was remembering more and more flaws—a stumble here, getting hit there. By the time Headmaster Tripharian took to the stage, Cadin figured they were barely hanging on to a third-place victory.
Sun smiled at him and he remembered seeing her hit hard by one of the last two opponents standing. Cadin had raced through the clouds in time to see Lep and Sun take on a large warrior together before the Academy angel had flapped his wings to lift in the air and plunge down at Sun with his sword raised. Cadin had sent out his gins to meet the warrior mid-air which did enough damage to finish his armor to red, but not stop his downward momentum as he crashed into Sun. Now Cadin couldn't remember if Sun's armor had changed from silver to bluish after the blow as he ran to help her up from under the immobile warrior. Was I too late to save Sun from being scored on?
“I can now tell you that we have the results in from all of the other cloud-land Qualifiers and a total of thirty-two teams have qualified for the Calvarian Games. Let us start with Team Oblivion,” Headmaster Tripharian said as he waved them towards him. Gregor swaggered forward, stepping hard on Cadin's foot on the way, and puffed up his large chest to the crowd.
“We all know Oblivion is Glade's most experienced Com team and they had already qualified for this summer’s Calvarian Games before going into this round. However, another place in the finals could help their starting position in the elimination bracket. Warrior Path teams will be competing head to head with the other teams in a single elimination tournament until there is only one victorious. As you all know, the winning team will be the Calvarian Games Champions and win scholarships to the Academy. It has been a few years since a team from a green cloud-land has won the Games; however, this year I have a feeling green will dominate!”
The crowd went wild and Gregor's team soaked in the cheers, knowing already they were a part of the Games.
“I am proud to announce that team Oblivion, with five hundred and twenty-two points has earned a first-place spot in the Final Qualifier and has secured the highest rank of any green team going into the Games. Give it up for the fourth ranked team in the entire Calvarian Cloud-System!”
“Jerks,” Lep said quietly to Cadin, but Cadin was too worried about their team's fate to participate in the banter. Gregor's team had not gotten a first-place victory by a large margin. Twenty-two points was only a couple of good blows one way or another.
“With another first place win today, and the thirteenth overall ranked team—give a round of applause for the Strikers!”
Loud cheers broke out across the crowd. Freddy’ team high-fived before stepping back.
“Now we move on to our two teams that had to place today to earn a spot in the Calvarian Games. We have our fourth-year team—the Fast, Furious Fighters, and the youngest team to make it to this final cut—Dragon Fire. As team FFF is closest to me, let's start with them.”
Araina shifted from one foot to the other.
“I am pleased to tell you with one hundred and fifty-eight points, they have achieved a third-place victory and earned the twenty seventh rank in qualifying for the Calvarian Games.”
Araina let out a huge sigh as her girls high-fived and hugged each other.
“And finally, we move onto the youngest Com team in the Calvarian System—Dragon Fire. When we opened the Games to second years—our goal was to allow them more experience so they could be more competitive in their later years.”
Cadin’s pulse was pounding through his ears as he strained to hear Headmaster Tripharian.
“No one on the board expected such a young team to be able to not only keep up in the Qualifiers, but then to actually qualify for the Calvarian Games. Well, I am most pleased to tell you, with the highest score in this Final Qualifier of six hundred and ninety-eight points—Dragon Fire is officially qualified to compete in the Calvarian Games and represent Glade as the sixteenth ranked team!”
Cadin's jaw dropped, the crowd went wild, and both Araina and Gregor had looks of complete disbelief as Bart pulled Sun, Lep and Cadin in for a team cheer. Cadin heard himself shout, “Dragon Fire,” but was still in shock. The highest score of the Final Qualifier! We did it! Cadin thought.
Araina stalked up to Cadin, without a word dropped three shinny betos in his hand, before turning back to her group.
Cadin turned to his team. “Well, I guess we have money to celebrate tonight!”
“First you need to go shake hands with all of the instructors and board members who came here to support you,” Instructor Kade said from behind them. “Oh, and congratulations.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Thunder Channel
Cadin shuffled along the stage, shaking hands and getting patted on the back. Instructor Nightan’s grip nearly crushed Cadin’s fingers. Gur didn’t seem know if he should swat, squeak or spit fire balls.
“I am very pleased at your results,” Master Sanjen said when Cadin approached. “You are turning into a fine warrior in training.”
“Thank you, sir.” Cadin smiled and lowered his voice. “How long might you stay in Glade?”
Master Sanjen gave him a hard look. Cadin didn’t flinch. He didn’t see how anyone might pull any secret information from that general question.
The warrior narrowed his eyes. “I actually don’t plan to stay much longer at all.”
Cadin’s heart-rate peaked. The Tlalocs were coming soon.
Cadin was pushed aside roughly. Gregor stepped forward and held his hand out to Master Sanjen who’s eyes were still on Cadin. He gave the smallest nod before bringing his attention to Greg
or and his team.
Cadin glanced around to find his team. He joined them as they were being congratulated by the Guardian Path Qualified teams that had concluded their trials the previous day.
“I can’t believe you pulled a cyclone out there!” A tall girl was saying to Bart. “You guys were by far the best team today.” She smiled at Cadin when he joined them. “What are those flying weapons you used?”
“Oh, ah, gins.” Cadin said.
The girl blinked twice with her mouth gaping open. He was saved from the need for further explanations by the approach of Valentine.
“I wanted to say congratulations,” Valentine said.
“Thanks!” Lep replied before anyone else could answer.
He stepped around the group and picked Valentine up and twirled her in a spinning hug.
Cadin had no idea a blush could come through so vividly under dark skin. She giggled when Lep set her down and gave him a small squeeze around the waist.
“So, what do Qualified warrior teams do next?” Valentine asked.
Cadin shrugged. “Note sure. We will have to ask Instructor Kade.”
“I saw him rush past the back of the stage,” Bart said. “He looked pretty serious. Oh, there he is.”
Cadin followed Bart’s gaze. His stomach tightened.
“I’ll be right back,” Cadin said as he rushed back up the stage. He stopped shy of Master Sanjen. Instructor Kade whispered something into his ear. Master Sanjen’s warrior face slid into place as he nodded.
Cadin stepped forward to hear Master Sanjen say, “Prepare the Alpha Group.”
“Yes, sir!” Instructor Kade took to the sky and was met by several Core officers that flew with him out of sight.
“Is this something I can help with?” Cadin stepped forward to ask Master Sanjen.
Master Sanjen turned to Cadin with a forced smile. “No.”
Cadin felt rejected, even though he had anticipated the answer. More offers played on the tip of his tongue, but he held back. Master Sanjen had already been quite clear that Cadin had to place in the Summer Calvarian Games before he would have any access to the Core or chance to help.
“I must go. Congratulations on qualifying.” He clasped Cadin’s shoulder before pumping his wings and leaving in a flourish.
“What was that about?” Bart huffed, out of breath. Sun and Lep followed, apparently losing the race.
“I think that the Core is trying to catch some Tlalocs.”
Bart flinched and Lep’s face drained of color. “What, now? Here?”
“I guess. Master Sanjen wouldn’t say, but I am pretty sure that whatever they have been planning for is happening now.
When Cadin jumped down from the stage, a slight tremor ran up his leg. Confused, he reached for the cloud and tried to concentrate. The cloud instantly connected, groaning with frantic energy.
“What is it?” Lep asked quietly.
“I think someone is inside of the cloud-land.”
“Good thing that the Core is here,” Sun said as she glanced at the ground. “Maybe we should go inside.”
Everyone started to follow Sun down the hill. Cadin was still connected and hadn’t budged.
“I don’t think that the Core knows about this,” Cadin said shaking his head. He released his connection, not able to concentrate with the upset cloud rolling through his mind.
“What do you mean? Isn’t that why they are here? You said…” Lep stopped mid-sentence as he looked Cadin in the eye.
“I can’t explain it. There is a tumultuous energy within the cloud. Connect and you’ll see.”
Lep shook his head. “You know I don’t feel things the same as you do when connected to the cloud. None of us do.”
Cadin glanced at his friends, perplexed, but needing to take it in stride. “Well, the cloud-land is in danger and we need to do something.”
“I think we need to find Master Sanjen,” Bart said.
“Eh! I know you’re right, but I really don’t want to mess up their plan!” Cadin shook his head. “Plus, I don’t even know where they might be.”
“I think I know,” Lep said. “The old outpost. They have been fixing it up all year.”
“Of course! At the very least, it is a good place to start.”
Sun gracefully drew her bow and opened her wings. “Ready when you guys are.”
“Okay, follow me!” Cadin felt instant relief as he took to the sky, separating from the cloud completely. It made him doubt the necessity of finding Master Sanjen. He was torn about what to do, but was distracted by the scene below.
“There!” Lep shouted, pointing towards the outpost.
Cadin tried to gesture for silence as he took one last glance below before descending into what appeared to be a trap.
Several nimble-looking young men approached the outpost, one at a time, each a good distance away from the others—holding large, empty sacks. Cadin knew right away what was about to happen and the oversight made by the Core. These were not the Tlalocs that the Core had assumed were coming.
Cadin summed up his courage and flew straight for the outpost.
“Wait!” Sun yelled from behind, but Cadin was too fast and landed in a flurry in front of the single door. The closest intruder jumped, and yelled out a warning as another quick signal sounded. The intruders all scattered extremely fast. Core warriors jumped up from under the clouds, and from behind access ways within the outpost.
“Catch them!” Master Sanjen shouted.
Cadin was grabbed, arms forced behind his back. He didn’t resist and took a breath as Master Sanjen approached, eyes blazing.
“Not him!” Master Sanjen’s voice quieted, but Cadin caught the tremor underlying each word. “The Tlalocs! Before they escape!”
“Yes, sir!” The solder said as he released Cadin.
“What have you done!?” Master Sanjen’s wings quivered as he glared at Cadin.
“It…it is a trap,” Cadin sputtered, trying not to be burned by Master Sanjen’s laser glare.
“Of course it is a trap!” Master Sanjen raged, voice rising again.
Sun, Lep and Bart came to stand at his back. Cadin took a steading breath and looked Master Sanjen in the eyes. “A trap for you!”
The laser eyes faltered. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe not so much of a trap as a diversion.”
“Start making since now, boy, before I have you arrested.”
“There are Tlalocs inside of Glade right now!”
“I know! Why do you think we set up this trap? We have been waiting months to catch them and you just blew the entire operation!”
“No, no! They are inside of the cloud-land right now! They must have known about your trap and used it to keep you occupied! We must go now!” The cloud-land rumbled under their feet as if to emphasize his point. Cadin took a deep breath and Gur let out a fireball.
Master Sanjen stepped back, his eyes returning to their deep blue-gray. He glanced at each of them briefly.
“Captain Kade!”
“Yes, sir.” Instructor Kade answered as he ran over. He eyed them, but said nothing.
“Flash update?”
“We have only caught one of the intruders. They are fast and seemed ready for us. The rest have fled and we are in pursuit.”
Master Sanjen nodded. “Cancel pursuit and gather all soldiers.”
“But, sir!”
“Do as you are ordered. Meet us at the entrance to the Thunder Channel!”
“Understood.” As he launched into the air, he grabbed a whistle and blew three short blasts.
“Us?” Cadin asked, eagerness lacing his voice.
“You wanted to help the Core; here is your chance.” With that, he took flight and headed for the edge of Glade.
Cadin glanced at his friends and only had a moment to take in their excited and nervous acceptance of the offer before taking to the sky.
Once past the edge of the cloud-land, Master Sanjen folded his wings and
dove down. Cadin followed, slowing as they approached the side of the massive cummulo-nimbus cloud that was the base of Glade. The gray cloud trembled as lightning rolled along the edge before being sucked towards the center of a smooth hole.
“The entrance to the Thunder Channel.” Master Sanjen said. “There!” he shouted as he shot forward. Cadin gaped as an angel fell out of the tunnel with his wings bound to his body. Cadin followed, angling lower in case Master Sanjen missed. Master Sanjen wrapped his arms around the falling angel and extend his wings to stop the decent. Cadin rose to meet them, as Sun was doing her best to unwrap the man’s wings.
“There are too many wings to work this out here,” Master Sanjen whispered. The man had lost consciousness. “Take him to the surface.” Master Sanjen pulled a spear from a sheath on his back and extended it before heading off to the hollow entrance.
Cadin secured the angel’s feet while Sun held his middle, and Bart got him under his arms. Lep kept flying back and forth to try to help, but there was no room.
“Find a healer!” Cadin said.
“Right!” Lep took off as the rest carried the man up. They reached the surface and set the man down.
“Should we take him somewhere else?” Sun asked, glancing back over the edge. Some muffled shouts echoed from below.
“I don’t know—oh, look.”
Instructor Kade landed with a flourish next to them—the other soldiers hovering above. “Are you okay? Where is Master Sanjen?”
“Inside the Thunder Channel!”
Instructor Kade motioned the soldiers down towards the entrance. “Stay here, I’ll be back.”
“But we want to help!”
Instructor Kade paused for a moment. “First you must unbind this man and make sure he has a healer. I will call if I need you.”
Cadin stepped towards Instructor Kade as he took off. “Cadin, get his arm,” Sun called.
The man moaned as they carefully unwrapped his wings. The binding was a large black band. He coughed as his eyes rolled.
