Academy Showdown - Book I - Rise of the Phoenix

Chapter 1: A Fateful Beginning

THE SLEEK BLUE MIDTOWN bus was zipping across the black tarmac at such a breakneck pace that the passing buildings and bystanders became a hazy blur. Cady, who was nodding off in the middle of the bus, was among the thirty-four passengers on board. The early morning sun shone ardently through the window across from her. Her vibrant orange short-sleeved blouse, emblazoned with the emblem of a phoenix, glistened in the sunlight.

Cady had spent three weeks preparing for her big move from Fableton, Boone, to Marlia City, Empyrea. She and her Papi were able to load her belongings onto a moving van, which would arrive at the Phoenix girls' dorm later that day after school. Her limbs still ached and burned from the strenuous exercise. She liked the burn. It gave her a sense of purpose.

Most small-town folks would be terrified at the prospect of suddenly relocating to a big city to attend a world-renowned academy. It turned out to be anything but for Cady. She had been anticipating this day ever since she could walk. This was her opportunity to demonstrate that she had what it took to become a model patrol officer.

As the bus continued down the busy street, her round pink eyes popped open.

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed, sitting up frantically and checking her surroundings, fearful that she may have dozed off. "Did I miss my stop??"

A tall human male in a black suit and blue necktie stood across from her. He reached over and pulled the signal cord with his free hand. The man tipped his black and blue fedora, giving the girl a small grin. She smiled as a wave of gratitude washed over her.

"Oh! Thank you kindly, mister!" she said with a smile, slightly bowing her head.

"Don't mention it, kid," the man said with a nod. "Best of luck to you."

The bus intercom chimed. "Route 57, Hullington Road to Phoenix Military Academy."

Cady jumped up from her seat and stretched her arms as the bus came to a complete stop. She then inhaled sharply and let out a loud "WOO!!" at the top of her lungs before quickly covering her mouth, remembering the fact that she was in public. This elicited some nasty looks from other passengers, but the tall man simply chuckled. A couple of teenagers dressed in the same school colors quickly disembarked. Waving goodbye to the nice man, Cady exited the bus and followed the others down the sidewalk.

Cady inhaled through her pebbled nose. The strong aroma of oak and freshly mowed grass signaled to her that she had arrived at her destination. She dashed past the young mages she was riding with and rounded the corner before coming to a stop. She let out a soft sigh of amazement as a large brownstone building came into view. A large rectangular plaque was nailed to the stone pillar at the gate's entrance.

The Phoenix Military Academy—located in Southwestern Marlia City—was renowned for molding its students with magical and other supernatural abilities into future protectors of the realm. Phoenix was among Taqora's oldest secondary schools and considered one of the most prestigious in the world.

Cady marveled at the tall silver statue standing just a few yards away as she stepped past the gate's entryway. It was of Myron Kedvale, the Starlight Crusader, a famous and legendary adventurer who helped Phoenix win three consecutive Academy Showdown Championships during his tenure. Following his two-year expedition beyond The Yolk, he would join the Zorro Unit, where he and his comrades would defend Terra from a massive yōma outbreak known as the Eternal Craze. Myron's heroics during the incident cemented his reputation in the eyes of the Holy Kingdom. Four years ago, during the Kageryuu Massacre, Myron would meet his end on the battlefield, cut down by the claws of a frenzied vampire. This statue would be erected to honor the memory of Phoenix Academy's fallen alumni.