01 The Long Journey

CHAPTER 1 THE LONG JOURNEY Tag, Skyla, and Blaze sat on a rock in a patch of grass. They ate the last of their fruit and nuts. Claw stood in front of them, walking back and forth. "We need to get moving," Claw said. "We have a long way to go before we reach the Golden Temple."

"How far away is it?" Blaze asked. "A few hours, at least," Claw replied. "The temple is hidden within a thick jungle. It is very hard to find." Tag turned his back to peek inside his sack. The Ember Stone and the golden feathers were still safe inside. He turned back to Claw. "Are you sure you know the way?" Tag asked. "Yes," Claw said. "But it has been a long time since I last saw the firehawks. If they do not want to be found, it may be impossible to find them. Unless— "Unless what?" Skyla asked, tucking her slingshot into her armor.

"Unless you have any clues?" Claw said slowly, looking at Tag's sack. Tag shook his head quickly. "Our only clue is what you've told us about the Golden Temple. That's why we need your help, Claw." Claw nodded. "Well, if you've finished eating, we should continue on," he said. He walked off into the trees. "Shouldn't we fly?" Blaze called out, hurrying to catch up. "It is better if we go on foot," Claw replied. "The jungle is very overgrown. We won't be able to spot the Golden Temple from the sky.

They walked on through the Cloud Kingdom. In the distance, Tag saw the Rainbow Waterfall, where Blaze had been taken by the giant birds. The friends soon reached a wide stream. It sparkled different shades of blue. "Oh no!" Tag said, remembering they had been here before. "Watch out for the snappy fish!"

Then a large fish leaped from the water! It snapped its sharp teeth at Blaze. "Aghhhh!" Blaze yelled, stepping back. "This is Snappers Stream," Claw told them. "Be careful. Those fish bite!" "I remember," said Skyla, gripping her tail tightly. She jumped onto Blaze's back.

The friends flew over the hungry fish in Snappers Stream and landed on the other side. "Phew," Tag said. "I'm glad we flew across this time." Suddenly, a loud hum filled the air. In the sky, heading right for them, was a cloud of angry-looking bugs.