Not more training aids, he groaned. Im the only one who has to use them! Everyone will laugh at me!

They all had to use them once too, Coach Finkle told him flatly.

But Oliver knew that didnt matter one bit. Whether the other students had needed aids or not was beside the point. He was the only one using them today. It made him different.

Come on, Coach Finkle said impatiently.

Resigning himself to wearing the helmet, Oliver climbed onto the back of the animal. It was surprisingly comfortable. Mabels feathers felt soft as he took hold of them in his fists, just by the base of her neck.

With everyone mounted, Coach Finkle went over to the gate and put his hand on a lever. Ready, set, go! He pulled the lever and the gate flew upward. The ostreagles shot forward.

Oliver held on tight, the wind whipping in his face from the speed. Then suddenly he was out of the shadows and onto the huge court, flying upward through the air. Above him he could see Hazel. To his side was Ralph. But his mind felt slow. The pulsing from the helmet made him feel sleepy and disoriented.

Suddenly, someone whizzed past him.

Nice hat, dummy! came Edmunds voice.

Oliver glanced all about him, but Edmund had already gone. Then a voice called from above.

Its safest at the top!

It was Simons unmistakable British accent. But all Oliver could make out was his pale blond hair.

He felt flustered. The helmet was practically blinding him. If Edmund really wanted to kick his butt, then his near-blindness would certainly give him the advantage!

Far below, Oliver could just make out Coach Finkle holding a basketball. The coach threw it directly up into the air. The game was on.

The ostreagles reacted immediately. It was if the ball contained some kind of homing beacon. Everyone swooped for it. Olivers stomach flipped as Mabel soared through the air in pursuit.

No, stop! he yelled at her. All he could see were blurs. It made his stomach swill.

Suddenly, Mabel halted. She let out a snort that sounded very much like annoyance.

Im sorry, Oliver told her, breathing slowly to calm his racing heartbeat. I can hardly see a thing. If I go down there, Ill get pounded!

Mabel flew in slow circles. Oliver had no idea if she could understand what hed told her but she was heeding his instructions nonetheless, letting out disgruntled snorts every now and again.

From his position high above, Oliver watched the frightening sight of the ostreagles as they all homed in on one person. He realized it was Walter they were pursuing. It was like watching vultures circling their prey.

Im going to be terrible at this game, Oliver thought. Not only was his mind feeling far too slow to keep up, he didnt want to even touch the ball if it meant all those birds bearing down on him!