Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 8: Football & Free Throws

Destiny Fanart by Tayyphernelia <3

The first week of school passes by in a blur, and Monday comes swiftly.

Dean heads to gym with his bag on his shoulder. Asher walks a little behind him, looking nervous.

"Ash? You're looking a little green," the older boy comments.

Asher shoots him a glare. "Haha, because I'm a turtle." He rolls his mismatched eyes. "I'm just freaked about gym. I actually did research on shooting a basketball correctly, just in case."

"Dude, we're ninjas. We're gonna rock gym."

"If we play dodgeball."

Dean laughs, socking his cousin in the arm softly. "Come on, you nerd. Lighten up."

Asher chuckles. "Fine."

They head into the class, and Dean catches sight of Elisabeth already out on the floor. She volleys a ball to herself against the wall half-heartedly, and the disguised wolf-raven boy smiles lightly as he watches her. She's wearing a slimming black athletic shirt and short shorts, his eyes wandering downwards. He shakes his head and looks away instantly, scolding himself.

They head into the change room, getting changed at a leisurely pace. The other guys talk about football tryouts, classes starting up, and sometimes, girls. From what the two mutants catch from the conversation about football, there's a smaller team for grade nines and tens that prepares them for grade eleven and twelve. You have to be pretty good to make it at their age though.

"Hey."

Dean and Asher look over at a tall, built guy. He's tanned and has bronzed hair paired with deep brown eyes, a curious grin resting on his lips.

"Dean and Asher, right?" he asks.

"Uh, yeah. That's us," Dean says.

The guy smirks. "You two trying out for football? You look pretty strong."

Asher glances down at his abs, which aren't super defined, but still there. Dean looks to his own for a fleeting second, subconsciously tightening them and making them look better.

"Do you guys work out for fun or something?" the guy asks.

"Ninjutsu classes, actually," Asher says, his gap showing through his strained smile.

"I'm Chase." The guy holds out his hand, and Dean takes the initiative and shakes it. "So? You gonna try out?"

"I don't know if I'm any good. Haven't really played," Dean admits.

"You've got to start at one point, right?" Chase smirks.

"I'm more of an academic kind of guy," Asher admits, scratching the back of his neck.

Chase shrugs. "Hey, whatever you do. I was just wondering. My dad's the coach, he wants me to drum up some new recruits. That's all."

He turns and leaves the locker room. Dean crosses his arms over his bare chest, watching the door as Asher pulls on his shirt.

"Are you really thinking of doing it?" the secret turtle boy asks.

"Maybe..." He shrugs, getting his royal blue athletic shirt on.

They both make sure the patches are still hidden from view of their classmates. They head out, where everyone is warming up with stretches or various sports equipment. Elisabeth still sets the volleyball against the wall, looking bored.