Like promised, chapter five up today!

And Finn, Junko, Stork, Radarr and Dark Ace should all be in the story at some point, i'm not entirely sure when, or what part they will play, though. I'll have to find a spot for them, although Finn, Radarr and Dark Ace have positions already and should appear soon! I might need help with Junko and Stork. How can i fit them in? They dont really fit into the 'mage' or 'sky knight' categories. Ideas?

Chapter 5 - Sorry, Wrong Way

My alarm clock blared at seven fifteen, way too early for a Sunday.

I shuffled out of bed and headed for the bathroom, eager to wash away all traces of sleep. I changed out of my pajamas and slipped into an orange shirt and black jeans.

"I have a surprise for you," Starling said. I turned around and she handed me a plate of hot strawberry waffles and a glass of apple juice.

"How did you do that?" I asked, my mouth watering.

"Mr Moss," Starling said. "I told him about your test today and he helped me make these."

"Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome. You're going to do great, I know it!"

After I finished my waffles, and some yoga breaths, I headed for the lab.

I arrived at my locker and sat down at the bench. Cyclonis and her friends weren't here yet, so I spent some time tidying up my locker. Ten minutes went by, and still no sign of Cyclonis. I decided to dust some of my crystals while I waited. At eight forty-five, I put down the cloth.

"This is ridiculous, she's forty five minutes late! I can't wait any longer or I'll be late for the meeting." I whispered to myself, (or maybe the crystals.)

I closed the locker door and headed for the indoor training room. A neon green piece of paper on the door caught my attention. 'The Crystal Mage Meeting has been Moved to the Outdoor Training Arena.' I peered inside the training room and saw chairs and a small table set up. It looked like the right place, but I'd follow the flier's instructions.

I walked through the gate in the arena and saw that it was empty. There were no chairs or tables. Hmm. Did we stand for the meeting?

Nine o'clock rolled around and I was the only one in the arena. The unusually chilly morning air pricked my skin. I waited ten more minutes, pacing back and forth. Surely I wasn't the only one showing up today! There wasn't a place to sit, so I leaned against the fence. Five more minutes ticked by. I kicked the sand. Where was everyone? Ayrgyn didn't look like the type of man to be late for anything.

Finally, i gave up and headed back to the lab. I walked slowly down the aisle, looking around for any students. When I reached the training room, I knew something was wrong. Where had the flier gone? My face flushed as I peered inside. Cyclonis, Dove, Ravess, and the other Mages were gathered together, each of them seated in a chair. Did Cyclonis forget about me? What about the sign on the door? Ayrgyn waved his hands as he spoke. I couldn't believe I was late for my first meeting!

Cyclonis glanced toward the door as I entered and gave me a smile and a small wave.

Ayrgyn stopped talking. Everyone looked at me.

"Piper," Ayrgyn's voice boomed across the room. "We start meetings promptly at nine."

"I saw a sign on the door that said – "

"No excuses, Piper. I expect you to be here on time. Next time, I'll kick you out of the meeting. Clear?"

"Yes, sir," I said, my voice barely audible.

He motioned for me to take a seat and I headed for an empty chair in the back row.

When I passed Cyclonis, she whispered, "Oops. Guess someone put the wrong directions on that flier."

Was this payback for the Firebolt incident? I'd apologized a million times! She had probably faked her arm injury, too. I folded my arms across my chest and stared straight ahead.

"Had you been on time," Ayrgyn started, with a glance in my direction. "You would have heard that this is one of the few times all of the mages will be meeting together. From now on, you'll only be meeting with your specific class – whether it is beginner, intermediate, or advanced."

According to the handbook, a student rarely reached advanced on his or her first test, so I'd be happy with beginner, but I was hoping, hoping, hoping for intermediate!

"Finally," Ayrgyn continued. "Remember that the annual Atmosian Crystal Show is a month away. I expect to see some hard practicing. To the three new students who are testing today: please prepare for your individual event. The rest of you are free to go." Today, I'd use the F.A.B technique that famous mages use – focus, agility, balance. If I can actually float my crystals without a floater, concentrate hard enough, and not get distracted by the new arena, maybe it would make up for Friday's disaster.

Cyclonis got up and grinned. "Good luck, Piper! I'll be in the skybox cheering you on!"

Just what I needed – an audience.

"You kay?" asked a voice behind me. it was Dove. I hadn't noticed how pretty she was. She had gorgeous milky-latte skin, and soft, delicate features that projected a genuine sweetness. Her light black hair hung down by her shoulders. "I thaw you talkin' ta Cyclonis," she added. "Just…wach out fe her. She plays dirtee sometimes'."

"She made me late to the meeting," I said.

"She pulled dat trick lasht year, too." Dove said. "She, Ravess and Lark – da Trio – act like thay own te place. Ayrgyn likes 'em cause thersh good with da crystals, but 'e doesn't know how dey weally are."

"Ayrgyn thinks I'm a total idiot now. He probably can't wait for the end of semester."

"E wants 'is mages ta succeed," Dove said. "If 'e sees you workin' 'ard, e won't pick on you."

"Any tips for impressing him in my test?" I asked.

"E's fussy 'bout da basics. Keep yur chin up, shoulders relaxed, and neva be intimidated by a crystal stronger van you. I've gotta go, but weh could chill out together some time?"

"That would be great," I said. "You can show me all of the good spots around here."

Dove nodded and smiled, before heading off. I looked over at Ayrgyn. He gathered a massive stack of papers off the table and eyed me as I approached him.

"I don't have an excuse for being late," I said.

"Go gather you crystals and be back here in fifteen minutes. Let's determine what level you're on."

"It won't happen again," I said. "I promise."

He put his stack of papers down, took a seat, and said, "We'll see."

O.O

Cyclonis, Cyclonis, what are you doing, girl?

I hope people could read Dove's speech...

Next chapter will also be short, and at the end, Piper gets another small glimpse of Aerrow! Have the chapter planned in my head, but writing it down will take a while, as i have lots of homework for the weekend. Might be up Monday or Tuesday. Read and Review please!

~LouiLuvr