Strike force - Assemble

Chapter 3

2 months later was the school holidays. Damian had passed grade 10 with flying colours, winning first academic in his school, averaging a's in each of his subjects. But something pleased Damian even more. He had been selected to play for the u17 USA Basketball team at the world cup! Shane was also selected. After going through 5 rounds of trials, and dominating the state competition, even winning MVP for his state, South Carolina, Damian was selected to play as a starter. He would be going to Australia, or 'the land down under' as the 'aussies' call their home, to compete. Each player was allowed to bring their family, and 2 friends on the trip. He decided to bring Amanda and his club coach. A few days before they were leaving the country, Damian met with Amanda for lunch.

"Hey, how are you?" Damian asked as Amanda entered Damian's favourite restaurant, Grill'D. He pulled out a chair for her at their table.

"I'm great, you? I'm guessing your crazy excited for the trip. Congrats on your grades as well." Amanda said, listing off all of Damian's achievements. 'He sure has done a lot recently' She thought to herself.

"Fantastic, and yes, I cannot wait for the trip. I have never left the country. I also heard Luke Thunder is playing for Australia. I can't wait to see him again. It's been so long." Damian and Luke had become very good friends about 7 months before, when Luke was playing for Australia as they toured the USA, playing against the US team. Luke had also become great friends with Amanda.

"He is? We have to see him." Amanda said excitedly.

"That is exactly what I said when I was calling him last night. I asked if his family would be okay if we stayed there a few nights. They own a huge mansion! I saw it when I called him last night. He gave me a tour. He said it would be fine if I stayed there, but my family probably not yet. He didn't mention anything about you. They might have a few inches spare somewhere around their house for me is what he said." Damian quoted Luke's words from the call, setting Amanda and himself off with laughter, drawing a few eyes their way. The two quickly regained their composure.

"Sick! This is gonna be a great holiday." Amanda couldn't wait to get going.

"I know!" Both Amanda and Damian's minds were racing. "Remember that Academy that I was invited to join? Well, Luke is the leader of their best team. He is a master, and may even teach me."

"Serious?" Damian nodded. "Wow!" Amanda was blown away.

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The next few days trickled slowly by, and Damian counted down the hours till he would be taking off. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be travelling with his family, he would be traveling with his team. For the flight he sat next to Shane, and the two mostly came up with strategies and play's for the world cup. When Damian told Shane that Luke Thunder was playing for Australia, on their home soil, Shane was terrified. The flight sped by, and before the team knew it, they had landed in Brisbane, Australia. Most of the team was taken off to an apartment, but a few stayed behind, because they were being picked up by relatives or friends. Damian walked off the plane and had his first look at the inside of Brisbane Airport. The waiting area was filled with comfy, dark grey seats, and the walls were painted white. The entire airport looked as modern as the best airports in the US. He looked all around the waiting area, but he couldn't find Luke anywhere. Where are they? Damian asked in his head. Then he saw Luke at the back, with his own personal crowd. Luke was very strongly built, with huge bulging muscles that was the reward of all of his countless workouts. Standing 6 foot 4, he was already very tall, and when his arms were stretched out, they reached a wingspan of 6 foot 10. He had a commanding presence around him, but despite all of this, he was just like Damian — very kind.