Chapter Four: A New Friend, A New Foe

Author's Note:

Sorry for taking so long, guys! I got an e-mail from one of my readers and he wanted me to continue. So, here it is. Chapter Four: A New Friend, A New Foe. In this chapter, Slider's younger cousin is introduced. Also, the Rememberance Day Assembly at my school was on Thursday, Nov. 10/2005. The Christmas Assembly will be scheduled, and I might get a chance to performa a solo song for the Assembly. If I can get one of my parents to come, I'll post up the concert pics and maybe even clips of the performance on the Cyberchase Shrine website. (freewebs(dot)com/cyberchase05) Enjoy and review guys! Until Chapter Five: Tracking Elyon, see ya! ;-)

-CelestialTime93

"Everybody, may I have your attention please?" the director named Willow called.

All of the contestants of both opposing teams turned to face Willow.

"We have a new entrant today." Willow said, "You might know her from the Cybersquad. Inez, will you please rise."

Inez was sitting on a chair in the front. A chair which Willow called the Newbie Chair. Inez stood up.

"Tell us a little about yourself, Inez." Willow said.

"You all know that I'm from the Cybersquad." Inez explained, "But, what you all and my friends don't know until today, is that I've been skating as a family tradition ever since I was three. I started competing in competitions when I was five."

"Who's your coach?" a girl about Matt's age sneered. She had brunette hair with golden streaks and she had dull blue eyes.

"My friend for 7 years, Slider Metropolis." Inez replied.

The girl's expression darkened. While a different girl in the opposing team, seemed surprised and shocked. She had the same shade of hair colour as Slider's. Same emerald eyes as well. But she seemed to be Inez's age.

"You're lying." the first girl growled.

"I don't think she is." the second girl said, "Infact, I'm sure she's telling the truth. Positive."

Then, there was as knock on the door. Inez and the others turned to the doorway to see Slider.

"Hi." Slider said, "I just came here to pick up Inez and Kimberly."

"That's me." the second girl and Inez said in unison. The two looked at each other.

"Um," Slider said, "I'll explain on the way to the skating rink. Aunt Letonia's gonna get restless if you don't come to the rink at the same time as Inez."

"Fine." the girl named Kimberly frowned. She joined Inez as the two joined Slider.

"Oh, Inez!" Willow called, "Which team do you want to be in? Ella Cathrines' team, or Kimberly Anderson's team?"

Inez smiled. She knew which team to choose, as Kimberly bit her lip. She knew that Kimberly had her fingers crossed behind her back. There was no need. She was here for a reason.

"I choose Kimberly Anderson's team." Inez replied.

Kimberly and Slider sighed in relief.

"How do you two know each other?" Inez asked, as the three walked down the streets of Radopolis.

"We're cousins." Kimberly explained, "Apparently, Aunt Elyon and Uncle Coop pushed me into the skating competition years ago. But, this is still what amazes me. You started competition when you were five earth years old?"

"I know." Inez smiled, "Most kids at earth don't start competing until they're at least sixteen."

"I'm guessing your aunt and uncle pushed you as well?" Kimberly asked.

"Nope." Inez replied, shaking her head, "My mother. Her side of the family has been skating since my mother's first ancestor. Back in the pilgrim days."

"A generation of skating?" Kimberly asked, "Oh, lucky you! I'm only the first skater in my family! The rest were coaches!"

"Aunt Letonia agreed with mom and dad that Kimberly should start competing, ever since she was 10." Slider explained, "Of course, Kimberly had other ideas."

"I wanted to be a writer." Kimberly replied, "But Slider's parents pushed me into skating instead. But our team keeps on losing to against Ella Cathrines' team. Nobody knows why. We have at least one or two new members every year, but it still doesn't do any good."

"Inez wanted to turn that around." Slider explained, "After all, she's going onto the Sectionals next month on Earth."

"The Sectionals?" Kimberly exclaimed, "That means you passed the Regionals!"

"I did." Inez replied, "For the ninth time in a row. Nine years straight, I got gold medals at the Sectionals. This year, I'm aiming for the Winter Olympics."

"You really can skate good!" Kimberly exclaimed.

"Thanks." Inez smiled, "Hey, can I call you Kim?"

"Sure, why not?" Kim laughed.

"Hey! Nezzie! Over here!"

Inez shook her head in disbelief.

"Matt and Jackie?" Inez squealed, "What are they doing here?"

"They have something to tell you." Slider said.

"We're so sorry." Jackie apologized, "We should've understood."

"I accept." Inez said, "And, Matt. Don't ever call me Nezzie again."

"Fine." Matt frowned.

"Inez!" Kim called, "It's practice time!"

"Okay, who can choreograph moves here?" Inez asked.

Jackie raised her hand. Matt stared at her.

"What?" Jackie asked, "I'm inthe school dance club,remember?"

"That'll do." Slider said, skating over to the Cybersquad.