Chapter 6
April
Our squadron marches through the gray-colored passage as a unit. Kila and I walk side by side among our group. As always, I'm skipping over the cracks and rocks while Kila hops along on her two tiny feet. We are being herded to an observation day. We get to observe the Raptor squadron and learn from them! It rarely comes by and each observation is a special treat. So, the entire herd of primary troops in the special squadron has happy faces on as we try to contain our excitement and joy. It's fun to watch flyers at work. What's more? We're observing the primary troops of the Raptor squadron. Pokemon in the same stage and rank as us!
We round the corner and the cave opens to a high-ceiling cavern, almost as massive as the announcement auditorium. Wooden posts, remains of severed dummies, shards of shattered targets, and piles of feathers are scattered all over the floor as we stand among them Everything else is suspended high above our heads. Our necks crane to gape at the dummies, targets, and rings far up in the air. Yet, that's not the most exciting part. There are maybe thirty or forty bird pokemon up there, slashing dummies, maneuvering around posts. There are rings up there, but no one seems to be using them.
There is also a large crowd of birds flying around one of the platforms on a post. Their voices can be heard from down here. "Alright, Blake! Congratulations, bro!"
"Geez, that was incredible! I've never seen someone clear all ten rings before!"
"The Wings of Legend better watch out! Here comes a real Skyborne Raptor!" Our superior and "mom", Ontinous the Jumpluff, calls up to someone among the crowd. "Sheetsu! We're here!" A Swellow emerges from the blob of wings.
"Ontinous! I didn't expect you until a bit later!" He swoops down to greet us. Ontinous floats up to meet him.
"I thought so too, but you know my kiddos! They've been looking forward to this for months and it put a spring in their step in getting here!" They both chuckle and Sheetsu glances back towards the crowd. Ontinous follows his gaze. "So, what's going on up there?"
"One of our best flyers just cleared all ten of the rings in the rings course and then evolved right afterwards."
"That's great! I wish we got here sooner! We could have witnessed such a feat!" Her high-pitched voice rises and falls as Ontinous says this.
"Maybe we can get him to pull it off again!" Sheetsu turns toward the crowd above. "Hey! Blake! Get down here for a sec!" All the bird pokemon turn towards us and, emerging from the cluster of wings, flies forth a Staravia. His wings look strong and ready as he drops down to face his superior.
"Yes, sir?"
"The special squadron has come to observe. Can you give them a retake to the little show you put on just now?" Blake peers around Sheetsu and looks us over.
"I'll try." With that, He rises to a ring at the far wall of the cavern. Steadying himself, he stops in front of the rings, pauses, and shoots forward. His body twists and turns, goes up and down and all around through each ring. His wings move almost effortlessly. He's truly mastered every nook and cranny of this course. My wondrous eyes study his every move. I feel enchanted by his graceful paths and banks. The awesomeness of it all makes me feel lightheaded.
Blake climbs up towards the ceiling to meet another ring and drops to the floor in a dive. I gasp and my eyes widen. I can almost feel the wind in my own face just by watching him! Passing through the last ring, he levels out and stops. Everyone around me bursts into applause except me. I feel like I'm in a trance of some sort. I feel every inch of my body fill with longing. Longing to do what he can do. Longing to fly.
I feel my body getting lighter and I spread out my arms as if I really do have wings. My feet don't seem to touch the ground. I close my eyes, taking in the weightless feeling. I may not have wings, but I think this is what it's like to fly.
"April!" Kila's voice snaps me out of my trance. My eyes fly open and everyone around me is gone. I look down at my feet, but they are suspended in the air. Kila and everyone else is below me. I blink, then look at my own body. It's gone from it's cream color to a snow-white. My shell has disappeared. My neck arches to find what I'd just longed for. There, furiously vibrating to keep me airborn, are my brand new wings.
Ontinous floats next to me, her face pleased. "Congratulations, April. Welcome to your new evolution."