Djinn Tamer - The Complete Bronze League Trilogy

by Derek Alan Siddoway

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  A ripple of shock passed through the stadium. The crowd murmured. A couple of people booed.

  The camp coordinator, Mr. Golding, put his hand on Moto’s shoulder and gave her a long, serious look. He waved a hand which resulted in the audio feed cutting out. When both of them spoke, Jackson had to strain to hear.

  “Are you sure about this, young lady? This is not a decision to be made lightly.”

  Moto nodded. To Jackson, she seemed to be growing calmer by the second now that the announcement was out.

  “I’m sure. I’ve thought about it a long time. I just — I can’t do this.”

  Mr. Golding nodded gravely. He and the camp coaches gathered together off to one side of the podium and talked in a tight group for several minutes. At last, they broke apart and continued down the line as if nothing had happened. When every tamer had been recognized, the camp commissioner took a position in the middle of their line.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, in light of the recent development with tamer Moto Rine, the tamer with the next best record will be selected from Group 2. And that tamer is…Fiona Sato.”

  A scattering of applause came from around the tournament. Either no one knew what to think of Moto’s announcement or they were less than enthused about Fiona’s appointment. Jackson resisted the urge to whisper a message to Fiona on his watch. Was she still at the stadium? How would she find out the news?

  And just like that, the ceremony was over. The commissioner called for one last round of applause and then the winning tamers made their way down the stand back into the locker room. There, the head coaches gathered them together for a final message.

  “Training for the season will resume in two weeks,” Vanova told the group. “In the meantime, you are all encouraged to return home and rest up. Remember, you are all representatives of the Granite Region for the Bronze League now. Anyone who does not act according to this honor will not have a place on our roster. Enjoy your break and prepare yourselves. The real work is about to begin.”

  By the time Jackson gathered his things and met Jane, Briggs, and Kay outside the stadium, some of the excitement had worn off. He felt drained and wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed for a week and sleep. At the same time, he was afraid if he fell asleep, he’d wake up from the dream.

  Once they were outside the stadium, Briggs puffed on a large, reeking cigar. “Hell of a time,” he said with it clenched between his teeth. “I’ve seen more of these ceremonies than I can count, and I’ve never seen anything like that. Gotta respect Ms. Rine, though. She understood the magnitude of her joining the League. Better to give it up to someone else who wanted it more.” Briggs let out an exhalation of smoke and turned to Jackson. “You get five days off, then I want you at my gym bright and early, got it?”

  “Bright and early? As in not at noon?”

  “I think my sleep-in days are done for the foreseeable future. Gotta earn that minuscule Bronze League paycheck they’re paying me. Guess it’s better than this pro bono BS I’ve been doing with you for the past couple months. You’re lucky. In my day, we had to pay for our coaches out of our own pocket.” Briggs turned away. “Anyway, five days. I should be able to sleep off my hangover by then — see you at first light next Wednesday!”

  Jane, Jackson and Kay watched Briggs go. “I do not understand that man at all,” Jane said.

  “Me neither, but he gets results,” Jackson said. “I just hope that — hey, Fiona!”

  Fiona exited the stadium doors a few dozen yards away and appeared not to have noticed them. When Jackson shouted, she stopped and turned. Jackson shot a glance at Kay and Jane then ran up to speak with her on his own.

  “Congrats!”

  He actually slowed down and stopped a couple steps away. Fiona looked like she wanted to knock his teeth out. Her eyes were red almost as if she’d been…crying? Impossible. Fiona Sato didn’t cry.

  “Don’t give me that, Jackson,” she said in a loud voice. “We both know I shouldn’t be here right now.”

  “But you are,” Jackson said. “When it comes down to it, that’s all that matters. Moto Rine didn’t want to be here. You did.”

  “All that matters is I choked in the most important tournament of my career.”

  “Well, technically it’s only the second tournament of your career and you won the first one, so I wouldn’t say you’re doing so —”

  Fiona rolled her eyes. “Just stop, okay? Look, thanks for coming over and everything, but I just want to be alone right now. Vance was almost as mad as I was at myself. While you’re sitting on the couch the next two weeks, I’ve got Djinn charts to go over, skirmishes, drills and… why are you looking at me like that?”

  Jackson grinned. “I’m just glad to see the mighty Fiona Sato can still keep it together after losing for the first time. It took me until right now to get over losing to you.”

  “Wow, that’s comforting,” Fiona snorted. “If you want to rub it in —”

  “No, no,” Jackson said quickly. “I’m trying to give you a compliment. Losing isn’t easy, and you’re still handling it…really well.”

  “Well, I don’t want to get used to it,” Fiona said, wiping her eyes. “Is this how you feel all the time?”

  “Oh, screw you!” Jackson laughed. “It’s not so easy, is it?”

  Fiona gave him a look. “Do you really even need me to answer that for you?”

  “I’m glad you made it in, though. Really,” Jackson said. He paused, debating if he should say what he’d been thinking next. He went for it. “Seriously! How else would I beat you in a rematch if you didn’t make the rost — ow!”

  Fiona grinned. She’d punched him in the arm. Hard.

  “Think what you want, Jack,” she said. “I haven’t lost to you yet, and I don’t plan on doing so in the future. Don’t let these tears fool you. I can still beat your ass, with or without my Djinn.”

  “Ah-ha! There’s the Fiona I know,” Jackson said with a smile. He held out his hand. “Ready to face off in the Bronze League this season?”

  Fiona smiled and clasped his hand with hers.

  “Bring it on.”

  EVOLUTION

  Chapter One

  “Coming up: Another episode of the DBL Talk — Bronze Edition! Today, we’re sitting down with four of the hottest tamers this side of the continent. Literally! They’ve all come from the Granite region in Mara and have made quite the splash in their first season in the Bronze League. We’re going to find out just exactly what makes the Fabulous Four so fabulous when we start the show!”

  The holo-cast host sat back from his mic and flipped a couple of switches, killing the “On-Air” light, before turning to look at the four tamers sitting across from him. He flashed them a toothy grin, almost manic. It was as if the cameras were already on to catch him.

  Jackson Hunt’s eyes darted around the room. The cameras weren’t on yet, were they?

  “Just a little teaser to get people excited,” the host said, as if sensing Jackson’s nerves. “How’s everyone feeling today?”

  Jackson spun one of his Djinn rings around on his finger, not sure if he was nervous appearing as a literal talking holographic head to millions of listeners, or if he just didn’t like the idea of being cooped up in a little recording studio next to his three biggest rivals and competitors.

  He looked down at his clammy hands and the ring on each — the one of the left hand sported a vermilion stone while the right was a darker obsidian with a slight shade of purple. Inside were his two Djinn, Asena and Scrappy — a Lyote and a Scoundrook, respectively. He squeezed his hands together and felt a small pulse from each, as if the Elemental monsters inside were offering him comfort.

  “We’re doing fabulous, Kent,” Danai Azikiwei, one of the other competitors, said to Jackson’s left. She was lounging in the plush, new-age, ice-cream-scoop-looking chair, no doubt thinking of something funny or snarky to say during the interview. Jackson envied her c
onfidence. He had no idea how she managed not only to keep it together, but to make it look so easy.

  Kent, the host, threw back his head as if it was the funniest thing he’d ever heard.

  “I’d be doing a hell of a lot better if they hadn’t labeled us as the Fabulous Four and spread it all over the holo-feeds,” Akamu Kaleo said. “Who over in marketing do I get to yell at for that one?”

  “Well, one thing’s for sure,” Kent replied, his grin somehow not leaving his face as he spoke, “it’s had real staying power.”

  “That’s right,” Danai said. “You know how many other tamers would kill for that kind of recognition?”

  “I finished the season at the very tip-top of the pack, Danny,” Akamu Kaleo said, “I don’t need to kill anyone for recognition.”

  Jackson wasn’t sure if he’d rather smash Akamu’s face into the table or throw up. Maybe both. Probably both. Definitely both.

  Jackson had to admit his opponent had an undeniable charisma. The son of revered Gold League tamer Lei Kaleo, Akamu quickly became a fan favorite of the league, though he and Jackson hadn’t gotten along when they first met in Djinn Preserve about five months prior. Then, at the end of Bronze League Training Camp, Jackson narrowly defeated Akamu in a two-on-two match, thereby tarnishing the Kaleo’s perfect record.

  In the months since, Jackson got the impression that Akamu had grown to harbor a begrudging respect for him — though he knew the tamer would never admit it. Still, the elitism Akamu brought to the sport wasn’t something Jackson was overly fond of.

  “And what about you, Ms. Sato?” Kent said. “Strong and silent as ever I see.”

  The host chuckled a bit but Fiona, the fourth and final tamer in the room, wasn’t biting. Fiona shrugged. Unlike Danai to her left, Fiona definitely wasn’t lounging in the slightest and didn’t look happy to be there in the least.

  “To be honest, my mind is kinda set on the training routine I have after this,” she said, looking down at the two Djinn rings adorning the fingers on her right hand.

  “Always the professional, then, I see,” Kent said, making a note on his tablet. Just what was he writing down?

  Jackson shared Fiona’s feelings. The past few months had been rough, and they’d become so conditioned to constant training, every minute not spent either in the ring or on the field felt like a waste of time. At least they were all in the room together, so nobody could accuse the other of getting in some extra practice while the rest were forced to go along with the Bronze League’s little promotional schemes.

  Thinking of the three other tamers and their Djinn twisted Jackson’s stomach into a knot. He’d held his own against them over the course of the season, true, but almost wished he was the only member of the Fab Four not being interviewed, as it would allow him to put in some extra training, potentially giving him a much-needed edge against the stiff competition.

  Jackson stole a sideways glance at Fiona. She was sitting straight up in her chair, twisting her ring in her right hand. He felt his stomach drop slightly. Not only were her two Djinn probably the best-conditioned fighters in the Bronze League, but the tamer herself looked fit enough to step into a ring and go a few rounds with a Brawlaroo.

  “Welcome back!” the host said, making Jackson realize his eyes may have been lingering just a bit too long on Fiona. He glanced over at the man, and a wave of relief washed over him. The host had been speaking into the mic. “And we’re joined today by four of the most talented, exciting tamers to take the Bronze League by storm in years! You probably know them by their unofficial title: the Fab Four. We’ve got them all in the studio — Danai Azikiwei, Fiona Sato, Jackson Hunt, and Akamu Kaleo. Welcome!”

  Everyone muttered their thanks, Akamu with much more gusto than the other three combined. Jackson shot another glance at Fiona, two chairs down, still trying to gather his thoughts from before they’d been blasted by the return of the program.

  “I think it’s safe to say everyone has a pretty good idea about your backstory as the cream of the crop from the Granite region by now,” the host said, “but what about the season? There are just a couple battles left before the playoffs and championship and you — well, all of you all-stars — already have a spot secured. Why don’t you tell me how it’s been now that your first season is almost over after making such a splash.”

  Unsurprisingly, Akamu jumped in before the others could even open their mouths.

  “Well, Kent, it’s been a real honor competing in the Bronze League. Watching my dad growing up, I always dreamed of this day, and to be guaranteed a spot to compete in the Bronze League Championship is incredible.” Akamu flashed a toothy smile at the host. “Truly a dream come true for the son of a legendary tamer.”

  Danai snorted as she stifled a laugh next to Jackson. It was almost as if she wasn’t even trying to hold it back. Sure, Akamu may have oozed charisma and friendliness to most audiences, but it was public knowledge among the Bronze League tamers that Akamu’s dad paid some publicist big bucks to keep his son polished during public appearances. He pretty much had to after the nasty blow-up Akamu had when Jackson beat him in Training Camp.

  The short laugh didn’t go unnoticed by the radio host. He turned on Danai with a wide grin.

  “I see you have something to say?” he said.

  “Nope,” Danai said, still holding back a grin. “I have absolutely nothing to say regarding my esteemed and legendary colleague.”

  “I said son of a legendary tamer,” Akamu cut in.

  “But we all know what you wanted to say.”

  “So I should feign modesty?”

  “Daddy’s accomplishments aren’t your own, Akamu,” Danai said with a smirk.

  “Now, now, folks,” Kent said. “As entertaining as this is, the playoffs haven’t started yet. So let’s switch the subject to you, Danny — I can call you Danny, can’t I?”

  “Is my real name that much harder to say?” she said with a smile. “It is the same number of syllables, you know.”

  Jackson was impressed. Coming from anyone else, the request would have sounded mean, but coming from Danai, it was impossible not to at least smile.

  “Ouch, well you got me there, I suppose,” Kent said with a chuckle. “Danai it is, then. Danai Azi…”

  “Ah-zee-kee-way.”

  “Azi…”

  “Ah-zee-kee-way. Did you even listen to how I said it?”

  “Azikai —”

  “Okay, you don’t have to hurt yourself,” Danai laughed. “We only have, what, fifteen minutes?”

  While the host was busy composing himself from his fit of overblown laughter, Jackson looked over at Fiona. Her eyes had seemingly glossed over. She was, no doubt, used to the routine now, as Jackson was. It’d pretty much been like this all season — Danai the jokester and Akamu the charismatic, scripted pretty boy. Jackson couldn’t count the number of times Danai had to correct someone pronouncing her name.

  The host wiped a tear away from his eye and took a deep breath. By the time he’d finished another round of back-and-forth with Danai, he was getting signals from his producer that he needed to move on.

  “My apologies, Ms. Sato,” the host said. “Let’s turn our attention to you for a moment. Tell the watchers and listeners, how does it feel stepping out of the shadows of your big brothers?”

  Jackson cringed. This wasn’t her favorite topic.

  Fiona’s brow twitched and she gave the host a testy smile. “Well, I didn’t ever really feel like I was in their shadows, just following in their footsteps,” she said. “I think I’ve done enough to prove I have a place in the League. I’m looking forward to the chance to have a match against them, though — once I catch up to them in the Silver League.”

  The host nodded. “You’ve more than proved you deserve a place, I’d say. And the love of Djinn seems to run deep in your family. They famously own Sato Breeders, a prime place where some of the biggest names, including Ricard Mayimbe, go to for top-dollar Djinn.”


  “That’s right,” Fiona said.

  Jackson bit his lip. He really hoped the host wasn’t about to suggest what Jackson thought he was.

  “And what do you say to those who criticize you for having your pick of the litter in terms of Djinn?”

  Fiona held back a huff and sat up a bit straighter. “I say it’s easy to be a backseat tamer, and it’s even easier to come up with B.S. excuses for you own shortcomings. If you really want to see for yourself what level my skills are at, you’re welcome to join the League yourself.”

  “Fiona Sato, ladies and gentlemen!” Kent said, forcing a nervous laugh. “If you don’t mind, I have one more question in that same vein.”

  Fiona stiffened and gave a taut smile. “Shoot.”

  “What do you say to comments that your Megala was already a fully-trained Djinn when you received it?”

  This was ridiculous. “Well, actually,” Jackson cut in. He couldn’t take it in anymore. He had seen Fiona’s Megala, Rebel, when it was nowhere near the level she wanted it to be. The folks out there had to know. “I’ve seen —”

  “People can believe whatever they want,” Fiona said sharply. She gave Jackson a sideways glance. “I can tell you the truth until I’m blue in the face, but it won’t likely change any minds if that’s what they believe.”

  “Okay, then,” Kent said with a short nod. “I want to come back to you for a few more questions, but before we get to that, let’s go to the other tamer from Tyle, Jackson Hunt. That’s right, the Fabulous Four not only has four tamers from the Granite Region, but two of those tamers come from the same small town. Jackson, what are they feeding you youngsters down there? Is there something in the water?”

  Jackson swallowed down a knot of anxiety and forced a smile. The other tamer from Tyle. That was a new one.

  “Well, I guess competition makes better tamers, and we’re definitely competitive down there in Tyle.”