“Wow,” she mumbled. “These are good. So crisp, and the flavor is kind of like a peanut but with almond mixed in.”
Onyx grinned, getting out more food.
“I have no idea about Earth food, I’ll be honest,” he said. “I’m very glad about what you’ve taught me so far. If you say a certain thing tastes like another thing, I’ll have to take your word for it.”
“I think we should definitely have a tasting party,” she said with enthusiasm. “Then we can compare the foods directly and maybe come up with new recipes.”
“I can think of a dozen people who would love that idea,” he said. “Not even counting the local farmers and restaurant owners who would be very keen to attend an event like that.”
The players were starting to come out onto the field, and the crowd began to cheer. Onyx went through a few more snacks with Azura, showing her the Nova Aurora version of spun sugar, popcorn, and soda.
Even though she seemed enamored, Onyx couldn’t help but notice how often she looked down at the field.
Worried about Martin.
Onyx could relate. Back on Earth, Martin had looked impressive, his shoulders far broader than most kids his age, as well as being taller. Down there, mixed with shifters, he looked small and fragile.
The match began. Azura put her food aside and sat on the edge of her seat. The game was different from Earth football, but not by much. As they ran with the ball, Onyx felt a bolt of pride as Martin jumped high, caught it, and then ran for the goal.
The kid plowed along, getting faster by the second. He was giving it his all, but Onyx could see the others were outpacing him, and they were doing it effortlessly.
Martin was demolished by a cruel tackle a few feet from the goal. The poor kid stood, clearly confused as to what had happened. He shook his head and jogged back to the others to start the next set.
This time he threw himself into the action immediately instead of going wide. His moves were perfect, and his charge was strong, but he bounced off the other boys as if they were concrete blocks. Onyx winced in sympathy as the boy hit the ground with a hard, teeth-shattering thud.
Martin watched the game running away from him, his confusion turning into rage.
Uh-oh.
This time, Martin launched himself into the line with a clever tactic. He tried to cut off the guy with the ball so that one of his teammates could take him down.
Unfortunately, he got jostled by one of the others and went down under the rest of the pack, almost getting trampled as they charged toward the goal.
Martin got up slowly. The coach headed to him, and Onyx knew where this was going. He and Azura shared a quick look and stood, immediately heading for the ground floor.
By the time they reached the bottom of the stands, Martin had stormed off the field and left the stadium. They ran out the main doors, chasing after him. Onyx was relieved to see Kyra heading in the same direction.
Maybe she can calm him down.
“Martin, wait!” called Azura. Martin stopped and turned, his face twisted in a scowl.
“I got humiliated out there!” he yelled. “Did you see that? Back on Earth, I’m unstoppable. Here I’m just a dweeb! I can’t even run as fast as those guys.”
“Martin, it’s okay,” Azura said. “I’m sure you can find a way to …”
“No! Shut up. You have no clue what I’m going through. I don’t like it here. I want to go home. I was a superstar there. Here, I’m just a nobody!”
“You’re a superstar to me,” Kyra said, her voice soft. She reached out and touched Martin’s hand, squeezing it gently.
He looked at their joined hands for a moment, and Onyx thought Martin might actually calm down.
“Get off me!” he cried suddenly. “Leave me alone. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Kyra stepped back, tears in her eyes. Azura rubbed the girl’s arm apologetically.
“The only way I can stay here is to become a shifter,” Martin cried. “How can I do that?”
“You can’t,” Onyx said softly. “There is no way that can happen. I know it’s difficult for you, but you have to accept the situation as it is.”