Theo the Street Kid and the Extraordinary Competition

Chapter 23 - Stage Two: Lost in the Clouds

  After another high-calorie meal, the four contestants were taken to Apsaras' Cliff, the highest cliff in the Kingdom.
Speaking into a microphone, Mr. Sotia said, "Welcome to Stage Two, everyone. In this stage, you will each take a vial and attempt to capture some magical water from the Apsaras' Pond high in the sky, and then cross this white finish line back here at the cliff."
"The water is rumoured to be the tears of Asparas or wind and air spirits. But be forewarned: who knows what kind of dangerous mythical creatures guard it?"
He handed out a vial to each contestant.
Still smiling, he continued, "Each contestant will be provided with their own rama-rama as well as be followed by a rama-rama with a cameraman."
As though it knew it was being summoned, several giant birds descended from the sky.
Theo was in awe of their magnificence.
Mr. Sotia said, "Our national bird has the majesty of an eagle, the grace of a swan, the dexterity of a keel-billed toucan and the speed of a peregrine falcon."
In fact, they resembled all those birds combined into one.
The referee went on, "Your rama-rama has a special sense that will lead it to the Apsaras' Pond."
He fired a gun into the air. "Ready, set, go!"
Theo tried to hop onto his rama-rama, but the humongous creature screeched.
He looked at the other contestants and they were all having trouble getting on to their transport vehicle.
Theo put one hand on his rama-rama's wings and stroked it.
"It's OK," he said, staring into the bird's eyes.
He was hoping that the creature would look into his soul and see his sincerity.
He continued to stroke the rama-rama's wings and the bird began to calm down.
When he was sure that the creature would allow him a ride, he hopped onto its muscular back.
Gripping its neck gently, Theo said, "OK, let's go!"
Having warmed up to him, the bird screeched and then took off into the clouds. A rama-rama with a cameraman followed closely behind.
As bird ascended into the chilly air, Theo felt such a sense of freedom. He had never flown before. He had also never known that rama-ramas existed, let alone ridden on one before.
But he calmed himself down. He knew he had to focus.
He scanned his environment.
There was nothing but air vapour all around him.
Below him were forests and lakes and farms.
He stroked the rama-rama's neck. "OK, take me to the Apsaras' Pond."
The bird let out a yelp and then shot straight up, nearly knocking him off.
As the wind rushed around him, Theo held on for dear life.
A little while later, a loud screech drew his attention.
He looked behind him.
It was Borm and he was fast on Theo's heels.
Theo was certain Borm was trying to ram into him, causing him to fall off his rama-rama.
Adrenaline pumping through his veins, Theo tightened his grip on the bird's neck and shouted, "Hee-yah!"
His rama-rama zoomed even faster, but Borm was gaining on him.
Theo got the sense that his opponent was trying to collide into him, making him fall off
Theo promised himself he wouldn't play dirty, but being too nice would spell disaster for him.
If Borm was successful, then Theo would fall to his death.
So Theo hatched a little plan.
He decided to do something unexpected.
He turned his bird around and bolted straight for Borm.
Not expecting such a maneuver, Borm panicked, but he still managed to dodge Theo's connter-attack.
Taking advantage of his rival's momentary confusion, Theo flew in the opposite direction, high into the thick clouds.
Drunk on victory, Theo looked around him.
Borm was nowhere to be seen.
Feeling smug and extremely self-satisfied with his tactic, Theo continued to soar through the air on his bird.
Ten minutes passed, then ten more.
They had not arrived at the Apsaras' Pond yet.
He had lost a competitor, but now he had another problem.
He himself was lost too.