To Fall is to Die

Chapter Eighteen (Isa)

Isa glared across the divide at Liliana, her chin raised high and legs showing no shaking weakness. She had managed to cross the ropes even after the boy had fallen over them. But now, there was the question of what should be done. The boy didn't belong on their side, but he would be in danger if he went back to Liliana's group. Already, Lydia seemed protective of him.

"So what? Are you going to fight me just because of one small accident?" Liliana challenged.

Isa felt her face getting hot. It had clearly been no accident on Liliana's part of throwing the boy onto the ropes exactly when she had been trying to cross. "You know what? Sure. Let's fight. We'll see who goes tumbling off into the clouds, and let me give you a hint. It won't be my team."

"We don't need to get into a fight this early in the cup," Faze called out as he pushed Isa back. "We all need to work together to win." Of course, he was always trying to stop fights, but this was one that would prove their honor.

Reminded of the time, Liliana straightened and looked away. "This is the Cup. We don't work together." Her piercing gaze now sought out Isa. "I will be back...this is not the end." Together with her other team mate, the strategist, she ran.

"Coward." Isa muttered, turning her attention back to her own team. Now that they had an additional member, things should go much faster. That was if he could keep up, of course. She wasn't waiting behind for any slow poke.

"No. She's just biding her time." Faze took one of the boy's hands. "We need to get moving if we ever hope to win."

Faze was right, of course. They had no time to waste with two hours already down the drain. Isa looked over the boy, her gaze scanning. What could he add to the team? They already had a team leader, a techy, and a strategist. Maybe there was reason enough to add a new position.

She walked over to him. "What are you good at?"

The boy looked up and met her eyes. "I'm a good...mediator. I can help you solve problems with other teams."

Isa considered this. A mediator would be useful, but she didn't even know how good of one this boy would be. So far, he had caused nothing but trouble, but maybe he would come of use in the end.

"Come with us, and we will see what you can do." Isa nodded curtly and started to walk along the path. Her teammates fell into step beside her. They had faced one challenge, but she knew that they would need to face many more before they could even hope of reaching the tower. She didn't know what the future would look like, but she knew that she wouldn't have to face it alone.