SKYLA’S P.O.V
“Our opponent for this round has just been decided…..And the team is Shuriken junior high” Coach said.
“That’s the team that came into the stadium first, right?” Mark asked.
“I’m ordering you all to take it easy today….I want you all to be in top condition tomorrow, got it?” Coach asked.
“Yes sir” We said.
*******************************
We were at the stadium’s locker room when Celia came to us.
“I just found something out, the coach of shuriken junior high is a descendant from a long line of Ninja masters” Celia said.
“Are you serious?” Mark asked.
“Shuriken is a Ninja styled weapon….i wouldn’t be utterly surprised” I shrugged.
“Yep….They say he’s using Ancient ninja wisdom passed down through the centuries to train” Celia said.
“Ninjas training soccer players?” Bobby asked.
“What kind of weird and violent soccer are they gonna play?” Jack asked.
“I don’t know….That’s all the information I have” Celia said.
‘It doesn’t matter….Whatever style they use, they’re still playing soccer, aren’t they? And we’re not letting them outshine us….No way” Mark said.
“Whenever it’s possible…we’ll set you up for the big fire rooster move” Mark said.
“Great” Axel said.
“If it’s possible try not to get distracted” I snickered.
“How about you on defense this time Skyla?” Bobby asked
“Huh” I looked up.
“That might be useful” Nathan smiled
“She’s a forward” Kevin argued. “Who plays midfielder”
“Let’s give defense a try….I did guard the goal when Mark ran out during the cyborgs game didn’t i?” I asked putting a hand on kevin’s shoulder.
“Except there was no ball going there” Steve said.
“I’d like to see you defend” Willy snorted.
“Would I like to see you score against me” I retorted.
“Alright guys….It’s time for practice” Silvia came in. “Hey I just got an SMS from Nelly”
“Read it out” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m sorry I can’t be there today, this is an historic game for all of you…I really wish I could be there to cheer you all on but I know you’re going to win….In fact that’s an order from the chairman himself….you know I speak for him on all matters” Silvia read out.
“How can you order someone to win a game?” Tod asked. “That makes the pressure even worse”
“Yep….that’s a very Nelly message that’s for darn sure” Max crossed his arms.
“You heard her….It’s an order, we have to win” Mark cheered.
“Yeah, we have to win!” The team cheered.
*******************************
“Do I have to tell you not to come here?” I asked angry at Sky.
“You said Father was back…In this stadium when last you guys were here….I want to find out myself” Sky glared at me.
“Would I honestly lie about it? You said it yourself you saw someone like him the other day at the Mall” I said.
“I guess not…Just be careful and one more thing…Lie low, because of your condition he might have nothing to say to stop you but once you get even slightly better….There’s no saying what he’ll do” Sky said.
I got out to the field to see the team already warming up….The crowd watching and cheering them on.
Bobby ran up to me.
“Hey” I nodded.
“Hey, so you want to warm up to prevent cramps…seizures or fright?” Bobby asked.
“Since when has that happened to me?” I frowned.
“You don’t want me to remind you” Bobby said shaking his head. “Trust me”
“I will….again, so why did you suggest me on defense?” I asked him.
“It’s been long since you played your roots” Bobby smiled.
“My roots are goal keeping” I shot an irritated glare at him.
“Defense is closer….If Mark knew why you actually agreed to help him with goal keeping training of God Hand and everything, he’ll…” Bobby started.
“Want me to debut as a goal keeper I know” I kept my head down as we neared the team.
“So….where we left off?” Bobby asked.
I saw Jack get bigger while trying to stop Kevin.
“Shouldn’t we help Jack instead?” I suggested.
“You’re avoiding the topic” Bobby plainly said.
“I would love to but it’s something….whoa! Ow” I fell on my butt as a red head with the ball and shuriken’s purple jersey was face to face with me.
“You should watch where you’re landing” I growled at him.
“Who are you?” Mark asked.
“I don’t need to tell you my name” He said getting up.
Bobby helped me up as the guy threw the ball to Axel as Axel caught it with ease.
“I see you Axel Blaze, and I challenge you” He said.
“How cocky…you little piece of” I started as Bobby put his hand over my mouth.
“No swearing or curse words…Innocent minds are present” Bobby said.
“Pardon?” Axel asked confused.
“I’ve heard all about you, people say that you’re an amazing striker” He continued.
“And you are?” Axel asked.
“I am Sale Lucie from shuriken junior.” He said.
Jack huffed.
“Shuriken junior?” Axel asked.
“They’re our next opponents right?” Nathan asked.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself too….I wanna see which one of us is better….Why don’t we take a dribble down the field and see who’s faster?” Sale asked. “What do you say? How about it Axel?”
“ I don’t think so…Get off our field” Axel said throwing the ball back to him.
“Serves him right” I crossed my arms huffing.
“What’s wrong are you scared?...What are you a chicken?” Sale asked.
“How about I show you a chicken?” I rolled up my sleeves but I was pulled back by bobby.
“What did you just call him?” Mark called out.
“I’m not talking to you” Sale said.
“Look here….someone gotta teach you some manners” I gritted my teeth as Bobby dragged me to the bench.
“You need a time out” Bobby threw a water bottle to me.
“Okay” I rolled my eyes.
“Focus on your energy” Bobby said leaving me as I massaged my temples sighing .
*******************************
I sighed….Why am I sitting this game out?
I glared at the field.
“If you wanted to take me out on a date Jude….You could have at least asked and not demanded for Coach Hillman to pitch me out….I was defending today” I clenched the ticket in my hand.
“Not my problem” Jude said. “I totally saw just how nervous you were about Heaven’s gate…I am your knight after all”
“Yeah….My knight in Royal academy’s uniform” I scoffed watching the game…I looked around the stadium to see if I could spot anyone familiar and yet I did…My father
I gritted my teeth.
“Skylar told me your father is back in town” Jude said.
“Isn’t that some nice news to receive in the middle of a game” I said not removing my eyes from the pitch as Nathan advanced up the field.
“How’re you doing with that piece of news then?” Jude asked.
“He hasn’t caused any damage yet….But I won’t count on it” I crossed my arms.
I watched Mark concede the goal with fireball knuckle.
As Mark caught the ball….the whistle blew for the end of first half.
“I’m going down there” I said but Jude held my arm.
“You’re out of the game…They know” Jude said.
“Yes but I want back in” I snapped at him.
“Just sit and enjoy the snacks I got you” Jude said as I pouted.
“You didn’t get me cake” I huffed.
“You think cake is easy to bring into a stadium to a girl who has various reactions” Jude said.
“It is….If bobby does it on our dates…You can too Jude” I stuck out my tongue at him as his goggles glazed over.
“Such a temperamental teenager” Jude shook his head with a small smile.
I smiled as the second half started with Raimon bringing the heat while on defense.
“Mark must’ve gotten injured” I shook my head. “They’re protecting him”
“That’s the raimon spirit, right?” Jude said
Nathan looked so fired up….so in control…and I’ve gotta admit….that’s kind of hot.
“Your pupils are dilated you’re starting to find Nathan attractive” Jude smirked.
“How do you know it’s not Axel?” I quirked my brow at him.
“Because Axel’s up the field” Jude pointed out as I pouted before he added. “You also added that you have an interest in Axel.”
“H-Hey” I stammered….I’ve never really stammered before…..Jude!!
“No worries….I’m not telling on you” Jude chuckled.
“To my sisters either” I stated.
“Why not?” Jude shrugged agreeing.
I shifted my gaze back to the field to see Shuriken having a formation that looked really weird….but it was knocking Raimon off their feet….no seriously.
I smiled as Jack activated his new special move ‘The Wall’
“Your team has been training hard…I take it” Jude said as we watched Nathan get the ball…Mark almost conceded.
I looked down to see Miles so happy cheering for Nathan….They’d almost be a perfect couple…I looked around to see if I could still spot my father’s electrifying blue eyes.
I did…He caught my eyes and grinned…My eyes widened and went back to the field.
“It’ll be easier not to worry about you if you could stop looking for his eyes” Jude said.
“Is there…..Is there another reason why you brought me up here?” I asked Jude looking at him.
“No” Jude averted my gaze.
“I’ll find out sooner than you think” I said.
“I wouldn’t bet on it” Jude smirked.
Nathan and Axel got in the position for fire rooster and scored.
“Go you two” I cheered for them….Axel caught my gaze and smiled waving.
“They’re on a tie now” Jude stated.
“They’ll do it….They always will” I stated firmly with my belief in them growing strongly.
“All the games we’ve played should be enough to help them scale through this one…Soccer playing ninja-s’ we’d be seeing soccer playing gods soon enough” I smirked.
“Don’t Jinx it….with Ray Dark around…I wouldn’t count on it being impossible” Jude clenched his fists.
“Sure whatever rocks your boat” I relaxed back crossing my arms.
I watched as Axel scored with fire-tornado.
‘It gets boring as I’m not playing but There’ll be times I won’t be totally on the team able to play at all….get used to this…You don’t just have one condition that’s critical’ I gripped tightly on my popcorn
They won the game as the final whistle blew and I stood up.
“Thanks for treating me Jude…but I have some drama to watch” I said looking around to spot Miles.
“Go ahead and about today” Jude said.
“I won’t tell my sisters it’s a deal” I said taking my water bottle and leaving the bleachers.
*******************************
I was at the hospital with Nelly…I came to visit my dad and tell him news...I already did that and then went out to find Mark and Silvia there
“Hi guys” I nodded at them.
“Hi Nelly” Mark said as Nelly walked towards them.
“How is he? Any improvements?” Silvia asked.
Nelly looked really pale…Unlike me Her dad was all she really had apart from my family being her relatives and all but still.
I was here trying to work on my soccer and the re-appearance of my father while she was worrying non-stop 24/7.
“They say they’re out of danger” Nelly said as I smiled at her rubbing her shoulder.
“Ah. Thank goodness” Silvia said.
“Yeah” Nelly said as her gaze travelled to Mark’s bandaged hand.
“What happened?” Nelly asked.
“Uh…Oh this? Just a little ball-related injury but we won the game and we’re moving to the next round” Mark said.
“Really?” Nelly smiled. “Oh that’s great”
“Tch. Calm down Nelly” I said smirking…She behaves like a Tsundere a lot.
“That’s no ordinary injury then…that’s a badge of honour” Nelly said ignoring me as an irk mark appeared.
“It’s no big deal though….Look, the doctor said it’ll heal…2 or 3 days and I’ll be 100 percent” Mark said.
“Oh that’s good” Nelly said crossing her arms.
“You’re the only keeper the team’s got…we need you Mr.Evans….It’s kind of a one-horse race and we can’t afford to lose you” Nelly said.
“What was that?” Mark asked ticked off. “Did you just call me a horse?”
Nelly and I sweat dropped….How dense is he really?
“I meant it as a compliment you doofus” Nelly said.
“What’s nice about being a horse….I hate horses” Mark yelled.
“Horses are lovable creatures Mark” I said.
‘Much yet as annoying as yourself’ I snickered at the thought.
“I only said it as an example….Calm down” Nelly said.
“But they’re mean…and they bite and they make weird noises” Mark said.
And there goes the chance of ever inviting Mark to my ranch house in Okinawa.
“And they’re fast and strong” Nelly defended my horse Star…Because she’s a star and Nelly would know having ridden on her a few times more.
“And scary” Mark added.
“I can’t decide if they love or hate each other” Silvia smiled.
“It’s both” I wheezed getting irritated at their argument.
“Can we just drop this whole horse thing please?” Nelly asked.
“Wait! What? You want to drop me now, huh?” Mark asked.
“Oh go and play with your Madonna” Nelly said
“It’s Maridonna” Mark said. “Diego Maridonna”
“And who the Frick is that?” I asked.
