Spirit [Dragon Academy Book 1]

Spirit {7}

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            Feet stamped as the cheerleaders for the dragons started doing their routine. The crowds were roaring with excitement as Cody and his friends stepped out onto the bleachers and sat down. Cody smiled as he looked at the excited school students and even some teachers.

            “And now, please welcome the home team and defending champions, the Dragons!” The announcer’s voice was lost in a roar of voices and cheers as the Dragons ran out onto the field. They wore teal jerseys with a large red Dragon on the center.

            “Please also welcome, the Eagles!” Cody felt his heart sink. The Eagles were from the high school he would’ve gone to next year. He used to go to some of their games. The junior high school students had always considered the Eagles to be their team. “What’s wrong Cody? Help us boo the losers!” Cody turned to Jake. “That’s my old school Jake!” Jake blinked before grinning. “Well now your new school can beat them.”

            The teams got their players set up on the field and the referee blew the whistle to start the game. Cody couldn’t help but laugh at the schools mascot. A long dragon sheet over 3 students whose legs were showing as they ran together and danced.

            “Cody?” The voice made Cody jump but then his smile grew wider. He turned in his seat, closest to the stairs, and grinned. “Eli!” But his smile slipped when he saw Eli’s expression. Anger and hurt. He glared. “Why haven’t you been in school? I lost my cell phone and couldn’t call you and no one was ever home when I stopped by! You owe me a big explanation dude.”

            “He owes you nothing but a good punch in the face.” Jake glared at Eli. “Who are you?” Eli asked. “I’m Jake, Cody’s best friend, and I’ll gladly stick up for him.” Eli got even angrier. “No way dude! I’m Cody’s best friend! We tell each other everything! Now what are you doing Cody?” Cody gulped. “I, uh, I go to this school now Eli.” Eli seemed shocked.

            D laughed. “Looks like he told you loser,” he said with a smirk. Eli glared. “And are you his other best friend?” D got an amused look on his face. “Not even close. In fact, I’m out to get my revenge on Cody. But I don’t like you so I’ll help him. For now.”

            “Watch it D, you and Sky don’t need to get in trouble for another fight at the football game,”Tylersaid. D thumped him in the back of the head. “Man stay out of this!”Tylershrugged. “I’m just saying.”

            “And what do you mean you go to this school now?” Eli asked. Cody shot Jake a nervous glance. “He means he was asked to attend this school because of his good grades.” Cody mouthed a thank you to Jake.

            “Cody you can’t go here now! What about the baseball team? What about our friendship?” Cody felt stunned. “We can still be friends Eli. That’ll never change.” Eli looked like he was holding back tears. “Yes it will Cody! You didn’t even care to tell me! You’ll make new friends and forget about me dude.” “Eli,” Cody whispered. “I just got really busy. We’ll still be friends I promise.” Eli glared. “Liar.”

            Cody suddenly felt angry. It wasn’t fair for Eli to get so mad. It wasn’t Cody’s fault he was a dragon.