The Spirits of Shadowfire

TJ and Jessica hurried through the bustling streets of Neo-Anapia heading towards the academy.  Irises, the clan leader was to begin teaching them new lessons at school.  Jessica’s father, Rathooq, had told them of Irises’ legendary fighting prowess and his great wisdom.

“Do you really think Irises is as old as your dad says?” asked TJ, trying to keep up with Jessica.

“Who knows” she shrugged. “All I’m thinking about right now is how late we are going to be! How come you have to take so long to eat breakfast? Oh, I forgot you have to cram in second and third helpings before you’re full!”

“I am a growing boy and besides, it’s not my fault your mum is such a great cook. I just can’t resist her food especially those thick buttery blueberry pancakes she makes. Mmmmmmmm! You should be grateful, my mom might be a good warrior but she is the worst cook in the whole universe.”

“We’re about to be taught by a living legend, whose bravery and courage are our shining example and all you can think of is your stomach!” yelled Jessica, stopping in her tracks, hands on her hips.

”I know Jess, why don’t we cut through the Crooked Passage it will take at least five minutes of our journey”

“I am not sure that’s a good idea T, you know we are not supposed to leave the main road” Jessica replied cautiously.

“Come on stop being a scaredy cat” TJ exclaimed as he turned down the dark pathway that ran between two tall old buildings. The fire escape on the smaller building of the two had a faulty overflow pipe above it that constantly dripped water.  The staccato rhythm tap, tap; tap could be heard as it created a large puddle.

“I’m not sure about this TJ…” began Jessica but it was too late, he had already made his mind up.  “Here we go again, he’s always doing stuff like this” Jessica mumbled to herself.  “Hold on, I’m coming!”

TJ stopped, looked over his shoulder and then waited for his friend to catch him up.  As the two children approached the exit of the alleyway, they saw some teenagers sitting on the wall talking and smoking.  Their Geometric school tunics were dusty and unkempt.  One of them, the largest, took notice of the two children, jumped off the wall and walked over towards them, chewing gum and sniffing.

 “I’ve got a bad feeling about this TJ” Jessica said nervously, “look; they’re smoking—let’s turn back”

“Oh stop being silly Jess, we’re almost there now, don’t worry, just ignore them they’ll leave us alone.”