Chapter X: Flashes

                                    

                                          
Session five brought about a class where I knew what to do. Flying One, as it was known, was a class that practised flying manoeuvres for the rider and dragon. There were three classes every two weeks. One was dedicated to individually thinking up different flying strategies for different situations. 
                          
Upon arrival, the class was separated into groups of three. The instructor then told us that one dragon and rider would be chased by the others and, if caught, someone else was then chased. Sky and I were quickly pulled into a group with Alu and Daphne. 
                          
Sky conversed with Alu and Daphne as the three discussed who would be the first to be chased. While this was happening, I was going through all knowledge Sky had. It was quite interesting, seeing from Sky's point of view. From the ground, you could easily see the mistakes people and dragons made. Sky had also talked with the instructor during the sessions and had gained insight on what to do. Although the advice hadn't helped Sky then, it certainly helped us now. 
                          
A quick game of rock, paper, scissors ended with Daphne being the first to be chased. Daphne took a few seconds to mount Apollo, who took off in the thirty-second head start. Drake stretched himself and Alu mounted, meanwhile I connected our – Sky, Alu, Drake, and myself – minds. 
                          
Anyone got a plan? Drake asked. 
                          
Apollo's a relatively big dragon; it'd be best if we can come from opposite sides and try to force him to the ground, I suggested.
                          
A good plan. Drake's probably better at the quick turning and gaining speed due to his small mass and general fitness, so he's probably better at following, Alu said.
                          
Well, we can easily dive from above and keep watch from there. It might come in handy, Sky murmured. Alu nodded and gave a mental acknowledgement before Drake leapt into the air and took off after Apollo. Sky told me she was ready and I took off. 
                          
Drake was quick to follow Apollo, who appeared as if he couldn't be bothered trying. Drake almost tagged Apollo, who suddenly twisted in the air revealing Daphne making a face at Alu. 
                          
Above us is a cloud, we can use it as cover to get above Apollo before diving, Sky pointed out. 
                          
A heavy downbeat pushed me into the clouds. Droplets of water covered us, and I blinked as I soared through the clouds. I could tell Sky was feeling cold, although she pushed the feeling down to concentrate. I dipped down, looking about to see where Apollo and Drake were. Apollo was quickly approaching where I was, but lower. I prepared to dive when Sky offered some advice. Remember to dive ahead – to where he will be not to where he is. Hopefully, Apollo will be used to others diving behind him, and we might be able to catch him by surprise.
                          
I half-closed my wings and dived, the extra surface-area allowed me to control my flight better, although it made the dive slightly slower. Neither Apollo or Daphne seemed to worry as I approached, I hoped that Sky was right, and pulled up a moment before they came underneath me. I heard Daphne cursed and Apollo tried to twist away. However, Drake was quick to appear, snaking alongside Apollo and snapping his teeth when Apollo got too close. 
                          
I started slanting down towards the ground, forcing Apollo to go down as well. Meanwhile, Drake continued harrying Apollo, forcing him to stay beneath me. Between the two of us, we managed to have Apollo land. I twisted myself, landing heavily on the ground without hitting Drake or Apollo.
                          
"Who's next to be chased?" Daphne asked with a scowl on her face, yet her eyes were glimmering in amusement. It didn't seem like she minded being caught too much. 
                          
I want to see how well Rya and Sky hold up, Drake said. 
                          
I stretched my neck. Ready for the challenge, Sky? I didn't need to see Sky to know she was smirking. She shifted her weight, leaning forward and I took two bounds forward before leaving into the air. Got any ideas?