This time, when Zek made the lightning ball, Jyx zoomed toward him from the east and Mina from the west. Leaning forward, Mina pressed against Pixit’s neck—​he flew faster and faster.

«Um, do I crash into him?»

I think that’s Jyx’s plan.

«It’s a dumb plan.»

She also failed to see how crashing into other students was a useful skill to develop, but it was too late to argue, even if she wanted to.

Mina squeezed her eyes shut and held on, and then they crashed into Zek. She heard Jyx whoop and Zek yelp, and she opened her eyes to see the lightning ball spurt out of Zek’s hands. “Get it, Chauda!” Jyx cried, switching direction.

But Ferro was already there, grabbing the ball and then zooming to throw it at the rod.

«Ow. I think I bent a scale. This is not fun.»

From the sidelines, their teacher called, “Nice try! Do it again! Come on, look lively! A storm won’t wait for you to have a nice rest break.”

Jyx and Chauda flew back to Mina and Pixit. “Hear that? We almost had them! Next time, try to crash a little harder, okay?” Before Mina could reply, she flew back into position.

Mina considered her, the boys, and the rods. Guard the rod.

«But Jyx said . . .»

I know. But Jyx is wrong. She doesn’t have to listen, but we can show her. Like we showed Professor Dano that it was time to fly. Tugging on one of Pixit’s scales, she urged him toward the school. He shot looks back over his shoulder, but he trusted her. Land on the rod.

«I won’t fit. I’m bigger than it.»

That’s why this will work. Wrap yourself around it with your tail and wings. They can’t hit the goal if you’re covering it. Jyx had said there wasn’t a rule against goaltending. It just wasn’t the style of most lightning guardians. They all liked being on the offensive.

From across the sky, Jyx called, “Mina, Pixit, what are you doing?”

Pixit landed with one paw on the top of the rod, then scooted down it, hugging it with his four legs and winding his tail around it. Mina wrapped her arms and legs around his neck so she couldn’t fall off.

And then the game began again.

She watched as Zek called to the electricity, watched as Jyx and Chauda rammed into him, watched as this time Ferro was ready and caught the ball several seconds before Chauda could pivot in the air. He raced toward the rod.

Be ready.

«For what?»

For him to throw it.

«And then what?»

You catch it.

«But I’m holding on to the rod.»