Alan watched as Nidou's figure vanished behind the closing door, leaving him in silence. He sat upright, his legs dangling off the edge, he instinctively brushed his collarbone as if searching for something. His fingers slid beneath his collared shirt, pulling out a golden chain. Glistening the moment, it came to light, Alan's gaze travelled to it.
On an unmatchable gold, five intricately carved letters were crafted with what seemed like painstaking care. Their curves flowed flawlessly as each stroke radiated, precision, and timeless splendor. Both in English and Arabic at the same time, it read "Alain". And for Alan, it wasn't just a name; it was a hope that had kept his mask, his life and his future alive, it was his entire world. For, it alone had witnessed every single phase of his life.
Alan raised the pendant to his lips, pecking it softly, his lashes lowering. His hand then clenched the chain tightly. "That's right," he thought, a spark igniting within him. "It's too early. Way too early to break down."
A sudden fire surging in his eyes. Alan stood, pacing toward the balcony. Grabbing the rail, he took a deep breath in the vast expanse of the clear blue sky. Grinning, defiant and alive, his voice low yet full of resolve, he ordered himself, "Pull yourself together, Great Alan Rex Lorenzo. There's a match waiting for you next. A man to prove yourself to. A promise to uphold. And after that, an entire world stands as your enemy. There's a war you're destined to fight and win."
With a calm, confident stride, Alan shoved his hands into his pockets, eyes blazing with life, a wide grin stretched across his face. The chain disappearing beneath his shirt once more as he left the room, "Quetta… here I come."
_____
Meanwhile, the cafeteria floor buzzed with life as high schoolers gathered around the round lunch table, savoring their breakfast. Sunrays streamed through the windows, filling the air with the cozy scent of freshly baked cookies and sizzling breakfast. Amid the clinking of utensils, screeching chairs, and bursts of laughter, some ordered seconds, others enjoyed tea, while a few scrolled through updates for their upcoming matches. It was bustling sight.
"Ha! So full! Burp!" Aigou grinned, rubbing his belly.
"Don't overdo it. You're still hurt," Elias cautioned, settling beside him with a mug of matcha latte.
"Hurt? Oh, come on, that was yesterday. I'm all good today. Look!" Aigou flexed energetically.
"Still, take care of yourself," Kazuna added, his eyes on the newspaper. "
Where are the others?" Aaron asked, chomping on his peanut butter sandwich.
Zachariah, picking up his green tea, glanced over at Evan, Rauf, Ren, Nagi, and Elias.
"They went to check on the middle schoolers," Elias replied with a smile.
"Apparently, the little guys couldn't sleep last night and bugged Seles nonstop. They've been practicing frantically since morning and are taking extra coaching now. Can you believe it?" Ren laughed, scrolling through the messages on his phone.
Orion raised an eyebrow, skeptically, "And where are you getting all this info from?"
"It's Isa, Noah, and Senri; they're messaging me the updates," Ren replied, holding up his phone.
Haruf chuckled, "Haha, we definitely have an interesting group of kids with us this year."
Rauf gazed out the window, lost in thought while Will, hopped onto the table, nibbling on a carrot Aigou offered, who chuckled as he stroked Will's fur. O
rion, sprinkling pepper on his boiled egg, muttered, "Tch, they're missing breakfast just to babysit a bunch of kids."
Nagi rolled his eyes, "They care about them. Not everyone's like you, Orion. Furthermore, they already had their breakfast."
Orion shot back with a glare, "Did I ask you, hun? Or are you picking a fight now?"
"Aha, let's not start fighting first thing in the morning," Elias intervened, patting Orion's back.
Orion huffed and returned to his breakfast, while Nagi stirred his tea with a sigh.
"Morning, everyone," soon Alan greeted joining them.
"Morning~!" Aigou waved.
"Good morning, dear," chimed Aaron and Elias, while Haruf, Kazuna, Evan, and Ren gave Alan high-fives.
"All good, brother?" Alan asked, giving Rauf a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Rauf gave a quiet nod.
Zachariah nodding slightly gestured Alan to sit beside him, as Alan followed.
"So, what's your call today?" Elias asked. Alan smiled, wondering.
"Hm… something sweet. I feel like something sweet with a glass of milk." he replied.
"Coming right up." Elias stood, heading for the counter.
Alan then looked around, noticing a few empty seats, "Where are the others?"
"They went to check on the middle schoolers," Nagi answered, "They were absent when we woke up, so Isa, Noah and Senri went to look for them. Right now, they're eavesdropping on them on the gym floor."
Orion raised an eyebrow, "And, where were you, Alan?"
"In the infirmary," Alan replied casually.
At his words, the entire table fell silent, everyone turning to him with bothered expressions, especially Rauf, whose gaze sharpened.
Alan chuckled, realizing the misunderstanding, "No, no, I mean, I just went there to sleep. Nothing happened. I'm alright."
"Really?" Kazuna asked, still skeptical. "
Of course! Why would I lie? I've barely been active these days. What could possibly happen to me?" Alan leaned back in his chair.
The highschoolers glanced at each other silently.
As the tension dissipated, Elias returned with a bowl of biscuits, pancakes, and a generous glass of milk, which Alan eagerly devoured. "Heavens…" he murmured, savoring the sweet treats.
"Heavens indeed," Haruf replied with a smile.
"Oh, by the way, Old Man Nidou asked me to remind you all to get ready. We're leaving for Quetta at 12:30 sharp." Alan informed.
"Oh, come on!" Orion and Aigou exclaimed in unison.
"Sigh~ I'm so tired of all this moving around. I just want to return to Karachi," Aaron lamented, lying flat on the table.
"Don't be lazy! We have a match ahead. Keep your spirits high; who knows how much we'll have to travel after the PSL," Evan encouraged.
"Yes, vice-captain…" the others responded, lacking enthusiasm.
Zachariah who had been observing Alan for a while finally spoke up, "Alan."
"Hm?" Alan turned to him, taking a sip.
"You mentioned wanting to talk yesterday. What was it about?" Zachariah asked.
Alan, recalling their conversation at the pavilion the day before, placed his glass down and turned serious, falling silent. Kazuna looked at Ren and Aaron, who shrugged in uncertainty. Rauf and Evan too listened.
"Yes, I wanted to discuss something…" Alan began, "but I'm unsure if I should ask."
Zachariah blinked slightly and urged, "Go on."
Alan turning to him, exhaled. "Zach, I need you to unseal Kenzo's abilities," he stated firmly.
"Ah" Aigou exchanged glances with Haruf and the others.
"I know you sealed them for a reason, but we lost a crucial match yesterday, and we can't afford any more losses. If Kenzo is selected for the next match, I fear he'll be a burden rather than an asset," Alan explained.
Zachariah listened silently.
"Poseidon and Helios are still working on their pairing ability, and Seraph isn't taking wickets as he used to in the inter-academy tournaments. Poseidon just faced a tough opponent yesterday, and we don't even know if he's fully recovered. With only Xavier and Gabriel in peak condition, our chances of winning aren't secure. What if they aren't selected in the upcoming matches? That's why I strongly urge you to reconsider. We really need the middle schoolers, especially the third-years," Alan told.
Zachariah's gaze turned mischievous as an upset grin crossed his face. "Oh?" he replied nonchalantly.
Alan's eyes narrowed.
"With everything he said before, he should have freed himself from my sealing abilities by now. What happened? Did he cower in fear?" Zachariah asked, his look challenging.
Alan held his ground, "Will you do it or not?"
Zachariah pushed his chair back and stood, hands in his pockets, his right azure orb glinted as he frowned at Alan before leaving in silence.
"Well… that means 'No,'" Haruf interpreted, while Ren whistled in surprise.
"Haiz, that little prince really got under his skin," Aigou said, scratching his head with a sigh.
Alan's expression, hidden beneath his hair, he called out, "Zachariah…"
Zachariah halted at the entrance, without turning his back.
Alan smiled, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"EH?" Ren uttered stunned.
"HUH?!" Orion and Aigou gasped, while the rest stared at Alan in shock.
Rauf grinned thrilled.
Gulping down the glass of milk in one go, Alan's gaze shifted. "They say… 'When shadows stretch long, stars blaze with might; those who endure the night will rise stronger by dawn. And before them, if mountains rise, rivers shall bend; a king with a blade at his throat will ascend, transcending all.' right?"
Hearing him, Zachariah left with a faint smile on his face.
The room silent, Orion exhaled speechless while Nagi and Aaron shared startled looks.
"You seriously did that?! How could you go against him?" Orion exclaimed, slamming his fists in disbelief.
Alan nodded, his gaze resolute, "Yes, I did. If Noah and Aaron hadn't decided to help Helios and Poseidon right now, I would have opposed them, too. Even if Senri hadn't stood by Feng's side in the last match, or Isa, Kazuna, Aaron, and Aigou hadn't backed the middle schoolers before Islamabad United, I wouldn't have gone easy on any of you." A flare sparked in Alan's eyes, something unusual, something different, something that the high schoolers were completely unaware of. They stood on edge over his unexpected words, narrowing their gazes.
"Don't get me wrong. I care about all of you, but I won't let that get in the way of our goal. We have to win the World Cup, or this dream stays just that—a dream. We agreed last night to set aside our egos. And it's not just ego; I'd cast off every defense, surrendering all I have. If it must be done, why wait for tomorrow?" Alan added.
"Wait, wait… you're joking, right?" Ren asked, bewildered.
But, Alan interrupted, "Not at all. I'm absolutely serious."
Rauf's gaze grew stern as he studied Alan.
Alan then smiled standing up and leaving, "Sorry… but now, you'll all have to deal with a side of me you haven't seen before and I'm not taking back a word I said."
"One more thing…" Alan turned back with a confident gaze, "It's precisely because Zach understands exactly what I mean is the reason I'm opposing him."
As he walked away, the high schoolers looked at each other with comprehending but nervous grins.
Aaron gulped, "That's dangerous."
"Seems like… we can't turn back now." Elias added as the rest sighed.
"Alan…?" Kazuna murmured.