SKYLA’S P.O.V
I was at the lightening training centre with the team training as usual but with Axel and Nathan this time….While Axel and I took a water break as Nathan watched the defender’s training…Celia came running in.
“Royal academy has…” Celia trailed off as we turned to her.
“They won their first match, right?” Mark said happily.
“That was today, right? Skylar would’ve called but it’s probably good she didn’t” I said.
“All right” Mark cheered grinning.
“With a score of 10 to 0…” Celia continued.
“That’s a pretty large point spread” Mark said as even Kevin slowed his training down to hear.
“They lost to Zeus junior high” Celia finished.
“Huh?”
“That can’t be right celia” Mark said.
“It’s not fake info, is it?” Kevin asked coming to us.
“Royal couldn’t have lost their first match” Kevin said.
“And with a score of 10 to 0….” Jack said. “There’s just no way that Royal couldn’t have scored a point”
“Celia! What happened?” Mark asked.
“Zeus Junior high scored goals one after the other using techniques that no one had ever seen before…and apparently Royal couldn’t stand a chance against them” Celia said.
FLASHBACK
“My uncle wants revenge against Royal….He’ll never forgive Jude for doing what he did…He won’t forgive you either” June stated.
“I don’t want to be forgiven by a man as himself….Royal academy had been his ultimate project and work…But…He always had time to have back-ups” I gritted my teeth. “What is your motive to come talk to me at this time of the day?”
“My uncle….will get Raimon back for all this…you ruined his plans…He has a lot of leverage against you now that your true father is back” June smirked.
“He isn’t ashamed yet or hanging his head down low…” I laughed dryly. “Even a mad man knows when to call the quits…Your uncle is a deranged lunatic no worse than that even…He’s picking a fight with children and he knows he can’t win it even if”
June clenched her fists moving forward to hit me but I held her hand swiftly tightening the grip I had on her wrist as pain spread across her face.
“Look here….I don’t know why you find yourself loyal to him and my father but it’s not good for your mental health….You tried hitting me and how does that work out for you?” I asked her letting go of her hand pushing her back roughly.
“Don’t you dare insult my uncle one more time” June said glaring at me.
“You can’t do anything about it….You started this conversation and I’m happy to end it…Stay away from Raimon’s soccer club…That’s my last warning” I said walking away as it started to rain.
END OF FLASHBACK
“That Royal lost….? That can’t be” Mark said. “It’s Royal”
“Mark….” I started.
“We fought them so we know how strong they are! Those guys are really strong and they have Jude” Mark said.
“Jude…didn’t play in the match” Celia put her head down.
“What?”
“Jude got injured when he fought us remember?” Celia reminded us.
“Yeah but that was like a week ago…I think” I said.
“It wasn’t exactly an ordinary injury” Kevin said patting my shoulder.
“Their opponent was an un-marked school…so Royal decided to be prudent and put him on reserve.” Celia said.
“They didn’t know the power of Zeus junior high yet” I said clenching my fists tightly.
“But their opponent ended the match in minutes, and…The entire team suffered more injuries than Jude with his wound…” Celia said.
“That Jude…There’s no way that’s true” Mark gritted his teeth.
“Captain! You should calm down” Jack said.
“You think I can calm down…Jude and his team couldn’t have lost…That’s just not possible” Mark said running away.
“Captain”
“Mark”
I sighed.
“There’s no way he’ll be able to make it there in that state” I said putting my hands in my pockets.
“Where are you going?” Axel asked me worried.
“To get him to Royal…Jude needs a solid friend there doesn’t he? My sister will be visiting her boyfriend and his teammates soon enough.” I said walking to the train terminal.
I opened my phone calling the detective.
“I need a favor” I said.
“What do I get from this?” Detective smith asked.
“It’s more of a favor for you really” I chuckled. “I need you to find out where the name Zeus Junior high came from”
“They were introduced by the vice president weren’t they?” Detective asked.
“Yes but you know who the vice president is don’t you? I think I just gave you a lead on project Z” I hung up.
I saw Mark standing furiously at the Train terminal.
“What are you waiting for? Let’s go” I said.
“You came?” Mark asked.
“I’ve waited to beat the crap out of Jude since our last game with Shuriken….So yeah” I said giving him a small smile.
The train finally came as we got on it sitting in silence as Mark was looking through the window.
As soon as we got to Royal…Mark ran to the football field with me trudging behind him.
“Jude!” Mark screamed…. “Uh”
I saw Jude dressed casually on the field.
“Yo, Mark, Skyla” Jude said. “Have you come to laugh at me?”
“Of course not” Mark said.
“You never know” I said with a sadistic smirk as mark hit me. “Uh…I mean Of course not and mushy stuff concerning that”
I scoffed turning my head away.
Mark kicked the ball to Jude as Jude didn’t even react but let the ball hit him instead as he fell on the floor.
“Jude…What’s wrong? Kick it back” Mark said.
Jude stood up and went to the ball picking it up….He looked at the ball with a frown then tossed it back at Mark without even a kick.
“Juuuddddeee” I hear a familiar whine.
“Skylar?” I asked as I came to view with my sister. “You’re here?”
“Well he is my boyfriend after all and he’s down in the dumps…He was in such a sorry state…I had to stay the night with him” Skylar said frowning…. “It is to be expected of course I understand how he feels”
I nodded slowly “Yeah”
“You understand as well?” Skylar gave me a cheeky smile.
“I do” I said simply. “So mom and dad know?”
“Mom’s with her lover boy…so why can’t I be with mine?” Skylar said as I rolled my eyes…Of course…
“Come on….Let’s make some lunch for these soccer nuts” I said pulling her hand towards the Home Economics lab to make some comforting food for them.
*******************************
“Seriously though” I groaned face palming.
“This is his house…rich babe, right?” Skylar winked.
“You’re rich as well idiot” I playfully kicked her as she hugged me goodbye leaving.
“I have to get back home…I was leaving back for Chemo this afternoon” Skylar smiled bitterly at me before waving goodbye.
I watched as Jude and Mark talked with the atmosphere tensing….The trays I held in each of my hand.
I tried knocking on the door with my foot but they didn’t hear so I opened the door with my foot and put the trays on the table clasping my hands in exasperation.
“Hey…” I said
“Skyla….Hey whoa!” Mark said in awe of the meal I made with Skylar chattering about handing utensils to cook and ingredients….Cancer never stopped her from being lively.
“Glad to see that you never fail to use the kitchen well” Jude stated.
“Ah well….you two look in better states now” I chuckled sitting down next to Jude watching them eat…Mark was well….really worked up an appetite.
“Thanks” Jude smiled at me as I smiled back and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Anything for my future brother-in-law…We’re going to be family soon….” I giggled as he flushed red.
*******************************
“Guys….Our opponent for the second match in the Nationals….is Farm Junior high” Mark said.
“Farm Junior high is located among many mountains and their players have been trained in the great outdoors” Celia read…It seemed everyone was in a better mood than what happened this morning.
“They must be living in a wonderful environment” Jack said.
“I bet all of them take it easy” Jimmy said.
“They have an iron wall defense known as the “Infinite wall”…No one’s managed to score a point against them to date.” Celia read out.
“That’s fascinating” I sassed.
“Not even before the Nationals?” Silvia asked.
“Yes, absolutely no one” Celia nodded.
“They have weaknesses in their shooting ability...but it’s this impenetrable defense of theirs that allowed them to come this far” Celia added.
“I get it…Then all we have to do is break down that iron Infinite wall defense” Mark cheered as we sweat dropped.
“Break it down he says” Jack said.
“That’s easier said than done” Timmy added. “It’s because it can’t be broken down that it’s called an iron wall right?”
“Actually…not that I’m trying to be Mrs Know it all or anything” I flipped my hair… “Iron can only be broken down with something that is Iron as well as diamond and…”
“So we need an Iron offense in short” Axel cut me off as I glared at him.
“Right” They agreed as Axel chuckled.
“Iron wall means a wall made out of Iron, right?” Mark asked.
“No it’s a wall made out of plastic” I snickered.
Axel looked confused at what Mark came at.
“Well….Yeah, that’s what it means.” Axel said.
“Then we’ll just have to attack it like diamonds” Mark said.
“Attack like diamonds?”
“Attack like diamonds?”
“Yeah…That will definitely work…Diamond is the hardest substance that can only be cut through by itself….” I stated quite proudly.
“I take it you’ve been reading ahead on science lately” Willie scoffed.
“Keep attacking until the iron wall falls down…That’s our diamond attack” Mark said happily. “And in order to do that….We train”
“Yeaahhhh…..” We aimlessly cheered.
*******************************
We were training really hard….well not me though…I’m pretty much pro with heading drill….dragon strike…Sky strike and other new moves I’m working on.
The only weird part was their passes were totally off.
“Skyla….go join the training…” Coach Hillman said.
“Fine” I shrugged running out to the pitch as I continued running around the pitch for well a long time.
I stopped running in front of the goal.
“Skyla….Duck!” Axel’s voice came as I looked up to see the ball heading at me at full speed.
“Ah!” I ducked down as the ball entered the goal weakly as Mark and Kevin chuckled nervously.
“You made a goal”
“Have a death wish blonde spikes?” I asked bored.
“Do it again” Axel narrowed his eyes at the goal ignoring me.
“Humph” I said using the towel around my neck to wipe off my sweat.
I saw the ball flying in at me and caught it with my hands.
“Mind explaining why the hell this was weak?” I tossed the ball to Mark.
“Why won’t it zoom in?” Axel asked.
“My kick must have been too weak.” Kevin said.
“No…Your kick was perfect” Axel said. “So was mine”
“And yet, why?”
“Maybe you’re just not feeling it today” Mark suggested. “Anyway, let’s keep practicing”
I smiled at Mark as I continued my run around the field….I felt a breeze beside me soon enough and I looked to my side to see Nathan trying to outrun me.
“Having fun?” I teased him stopping to breathe properly.
“Why’re you running?” Nathan asked crossing his arms….We have passes to be accurate and moves to make.” Nathan said.
“I’m a girl so I’m not exactly as fit as you boys….Remember that” I said.
“So you running?” Nathan continued.
“Increases my stamina and helps my body remain in a stable condition for me to play.” I said
Nathan got the ball.
“How about we dribble it for a while?” Nathan asked.
“Sure” I said as the whistle was blown.
“Time for a break” I smiled.
“Rehydrate with these sports drink”
“I’ve also brought lemon slices soaked with honey” Nelly said.
“Uh” I tasted one with the others. “Sour”
We smiled in relief as I gulped the drink down.
“Alright guys….back to practice” Mark said.
“Yeah” We replied as I stopped to take one more lemon slice but my hand was held.
“Come on” Axel said.
“Fine” I said taking one last look at the lemon slices….Nelly’s specialty or in other words….the only dish she can’t mess up.
I got the ball running up with Axel and Nathan.
Mark called us up to the goal post as we ran to him.
“Mark….Are you sure about this?” I asked.
“Eh? About what?” Mark gave a cheeky grin.
“Mark” Axel stated seriously “Do you really think we can break down the infinite wall?”
“Yeah …We’ll crash through right from the front” Mark said.
“Are you sure, we’ll be able to….in our current condition?” Bobby asked.
“It’ll be okay….We have Fire rooster and Inazuma one.” Mark said.
“Only if we manage to make them in” Axel said.
“As long as we’ve got spirit, we’ll make as many goals as we want” Mark said.
We sweat dropped.
“Yeah Mark…..it doesn’t work that way….It’s not a free goal is it?” I said face palming.
“Hey bobby, What about Tri-Pegasus?” Silvia asked.
“You mean our tri-pegasus?” Bobby asked. “That could work”
“You mean the technique you were telling me about last week?” I asked.
“Yeah that” Bobby nodded.
“Oh…From what I can say from the description….It’s supposedly powerful” I said.
“What? How do you do that technique?” Mark asked excited.
“It was a technique performed by me, Eric and another guy.” Bobby explained.
“A three-person technique?” Axel asked
“So it can’t be pulled off unless all three work in perfect coordination …..Say! What kind of guy was Eric like?” Mark asked.
“He was a friend we have when Bobby and I were studying abroad in America. He was really good at soccer.” Silvia said.
“Yeah. He was the main man who lead our team to victory in the American Youth League championships. The guy was a genius. He was called the magician of the soccer field” Bobby said.
“All these in past tense….Bobby?” I asked.
“The magician of the soccer field? That sounds cool! I wish I could meet him….Where is this Eric now?” Mark asked.
Bobby smiled pointing at the sky.
“Uh? The sky?” Mark asked confused as Mark and Axel looked up.
“He’s dead” Bobby said.
“Dead?” Mark repeated
“But Bobby…I think you would be able to teach everyone how to do that technique.” Silvia said.
“Yeah maybe…I’ve been trying to get Skyla interested though” Bobby said as I huffed to the side.
“She’s not mastered anything to do with that element yet….All she’s got is wind” Bobby chuckled as I gave him a death glare.
“Not that there’s anything wrong in that too” Bobby nervously chuckled.
We sweat dropped at bobby’s hesitation to talk.
“ Just hurry up and tell us” Mark said
Axel nodded crossing his arms.
“It’s hard to put into words” Bobby said.
“He literally used a stick to draw it out for me” I stated.
“Okay…right great idea Sky” Bobby ruffled my hair as I cringed at the nickname…He bent down and so did we
“Anyway let me start with this….” Bobby said drawing the formation with his finger.
“How did it end up like that?” Mark asked.
“So, look you see how you collide like this?....After that” Bobby said.
“Oh, I see now” Mark said
“That’s interesting” I said.
“You caught the words from my mouth Skyla…It really is” Mark gave me a goofy smile.
Axel held my arm.
“We’ve got to go” Axel said.
“Where to?” Bobby asked
“We’ll be back later” I answered giving them a thumbs up as Axel and I walked to the riverbank bridge.
“Axel….” I started as I saw Jude and Celia….suddenly…Axel had a soccer ball in his hand
“No seriously….How’d you get the soccer ball?” I asked as he shot Fire tornado towards Jude but Jude kicked it back before it could touch Celia.
Axel got back the ball with a frown.
“Honestly….You are one weird person” I said as he gave me a look before walking to where Jude was.
I sighed following him as Celia came to us.
“Axel….Jude didn’t come here to spy on us….I’m telling the truth” Celia said as I raised a brow.
That was obvious…With royal defeated by Zeus…they were out of the competition and there’d be no use spying.
“Brother, huh?” Axel said.
“Axel” Celia said.
“Come with me” Axel said.
“Okay” Jude said walking down the stairs to the river bank.
“He’ll be alright…Jude just needs some sense knocked into him really” I said.
I watched them kick the ball with passion that I wanted to play too but I knew if I did…I’d get hurt…they were both angry guys with amazing kick power….
I saw the ball deflate by the side of the hill.
“The fight’s over” Celia sighed in relief
“Yeah….All that’s left is Jude’s decision.
*******************************
Game day finally and yet the match was due but Coach Hillman wasn’t starting the match yet.
He kept saying one more person that I had to wonder.
The team was getting really annoyed…if we didn’t start soon it’d be a forfeit and a forfeit meant the other school wins.
“Wait! Where’s Jack?” I asked Kevin.
“Where’s Jack?” Kevin asked.
“He went to the toilet” Timmy replied.
“He’ll be back soon….In any case the entire team is here” Nathan said angrily.
“Now, now…This is the proper time for a nice stretch heh” I shrugged sliding off my seat to stretch more.
“You said that 2 minutes ago” Axel said.
“Yeah well….a good warm up is always good no matter how many times you have to do it” I said.
“That’s the truth” I said.
Mark was practically a lost cause….
“Wait? We’re gonna forfeit this for one stupid person” I said. “Hardly sounds fair….He doesn’t have to begin the match with us now”
“He’s here” Coach Hillman said as I glanced to see Jude in Raimon’s uniform and a blue cape.
“That cape?” I groaned.
~~~TO BE CONTINUED~~~~
