Free They Were Born Upon Ashes by Kenneth Champion

recognized her,” said Nick. “I knew her. I remembered everything about her. I remembered how I felt about her. I also remembered Poloski and everything evil about him.”
    “Very interesting. Go on,” said Andrew.
    “I tried to run and jump up onto the balcony. It was no use. I did it over and over but I was about six feet shy with my arms completely extended. I finally jumped one time and moved my arms up and down. I stood there floating in mid air. My arms had turned into black scaled wings. Poloski threw her from the balcony and I flew down and caught her before she hit the floor. I flew back up to the balcony, opened my mouth, and breathed a ball of fire onto Poloski. I defeated him and saved my love. Next thing I knew, I was free falling through the various levels of my tests. Then, at last, I was awake.”
    “Very rare and unique,” said Andrew. “There is only one other man I have encountered who has had four tests like you did, Nick.”
    “Who was it?” asked Nick.
    “It was me,” said Jeffrey. “I grew wings to save a woman just like you did, Nick. The only difference was that I had no idea who she was. I just saw that she was facing an imminent death, so I intervened.”
    “We all still don’t know what it means,” said Andrew. “Or if it means anything at all. However, it is very interesting that you both grew scaled wings. There is such a thing called a coincidence. I do not believe this would be one of them.”
    “Truly remarkable story,” said Tyler. “I wish I could take the psychedelic plant. For recreational use, of course. It sounds like a good time.”
    Ron was standing next to Tyler and he punched him on his shoulder. “You are truly a remarkable idiot, Tyler,” he said.
    “Yes, I am jealous you ate the plant and had fun, too, my dear, raspy Ron,” replied Tyler. “Maybe the shango plant has a relative that’ll work on Paplon. Maybe I’ll find it and become the first ever supreme Paplon.”
    “Call me raspy Ron one more time, dagger fairy,” he said.
    “Dagger fairy. Hmm, that’s a good one,” said Tyler. “I’ll let everyone know that raspy Ron was the one who came up with it.”
    Ron grunted and shoved Tyler with great force. He readied his hands as if he was going to send an attack at Tyler’s face.
    “Enough!” shouted Jeffrey. “We have no time for this nonsense. You two will act like grown adults and you will act like leaders. There are thousands of people who are scared, hungry, and sad. They just left their entire lives because they believe in what we are doing here. If either of you wish to act like children you can do so in the back end of the faction.”
    “Apologies,” said Tyler.
    “Yes, apologies,” said Ron.
    “Good,” said Jeffrey. “Now onto the next order of business; training. Nick, we will start as soon as you are feeling one hundred percent.”
    “I’m feeling as good as I ever have,” replied Nick. “But I thought going through the levels and finding my powers was my training.”
    “No, that wasn’t your training, Nick,” said Andrew. “It was like you just said, a way to find your powers. Now you must be taught how to execute your attacks properly, how to make them as powerful as possible, and how to access them with ease.”
    “Sounds like training I had not too long ago when I discovered I had the powers of a Reza.”
    “Similar, yes,” said Andrew. “But not quite the same. You and I shall begin after our meal.”
    “Perfect,” said Nick. “I just wanted to make sure of one thing though.”
    “Yes?” asked Jeffrey.
    “Were you able to send out the raven with the message about my friends?”
    “Yes, I personally did.”
    “And did you send a message to the leaders of our neighboring cities warning them of what had happened in Genold City?”
    “Yes, I did,” said Jeffrey. “And thank you for your concern. Your friend should be released from the arena by tomorrow. I do not know how the leaders will react to the