The first touch… the receive, either shockingly beautiful or horrifically terrible. The second touch, the set… depending on the talent of the setter, a set can be slow but precise or fast and powerful… or just somewhere in between… Third comes the spike… the most intense offense in the sport… either you score or you don't. But you shall not fret for even if there is a wall in front of you; I will help you. Even if you don't notice me, I'll train until you do. I bust my butt to recover that bad pass, I help get the ball up so you can get a kill, and I watch as you get the applause. But I know what I do, and one day you'll see it too. Remember this; you wouldn't have your kill without me, and who else would go after that bad pass. Someday everyone will remember my name; I am a setter, I am proud. I am-
"OH MY… AND HERE COMES VLAST'" the announcer shouts into the mic. The ball quickly falls from the high Arena ceiling. A 6 foot tall man appearing under the ball. His long gray hair flying back. He easily receives the ball. Standing confidently in front of the entire stadium. The bright lights shining on him dramatically as if he was the star of the show. The setter looking up at the near perfect receive.
"Nice Receive Aki" Aki took a deep breath as he took a small step forward before launching forward. His left foot slamming into the ground as he seemingly jumps several feet into the air. A smile on his face as he swings his hand back. The volleyball seemingly floating in front of him.
The two kids standing right beside the court are in awe as the sound of the ball hitting the court echoes. Their dark blue eyes widen in amazement as their gray hair blows in the cool AC. The announcer shouting into the Mic again.
"And there you have it!... the Russian men's National volleyball team's first victory of the season!" The crowd goes crazy as the Russian team members huddle together. As they are walking off the court Aki looks at the two kids who are jumping up and down and points to them. The nice lady standing behind the kids blushes a bit. Her long black hair resting on her shoulders.
"wow… my husband was always an overachiever…" the older of the two kids of which had wavy hair like his dad turns to his mom. Looking with a blank stare
"Daddies also over exaggerates..." She's taken aback as she smiles. Rubbing his head.
"You're really smart for your age… you know that Kurai?" Kurai smiles calmly as the other one of the two reaches over. He grabs her hand and putting it on his instead of Kurai's.
"Me… not… him..." She looks down at Kaneko and smiles as she rubs his head as well.
"okay, okay… But we better get going so we can meet up with daddy... Okay?" The two of which were twins start excitedly jumping around. Each grabbing either hand and following her out to the arena's lobby. She walks them out and sits them down on a chair where they start playing while they wait. Kurai sitting next to Kaneko.
"Hey… kaneko? Wadda you wanna be?" Kurai looks over at Kaneko who's playing on their moms phone. A smile forms on his face.
"A spiker Like Daddy!... wadda Bout' you?" Kurai smiles brightly and gasps.
"I wanna be a setter… they do the coolest stubs on the court!" Kaneko smiles and turns to look at Kurai.
"yeah! We can be the best Spiker and Setter duo!" Kurai Snickers and whispers at Kaneko.
"in the world" Kaneko nods in agreement.
"in the world!" Kurai notices as someone walks over to them.
"That's a pretty hefty dream you two" the man chuckles as Kaneko jumps into his dad's arms. Kurai smiles confidently.
"I take it you two enjoyed your daddy destroying the opposing team?" Aki puts Kaneko down. Kaneko pumping his fist into the air.
"yeah.. I wanna be just like you in the future daddy!" Aki bursts out into laughter. He quickly glares at them. His pride on full display.
"I'll be waiting for you up here at the top of the food chain" Kurai locks eyes with Aki.
"I'll be up there faster than you could say rhombicosidodecahedron!" There was a loud extended silence as Aki bursts into laughter once again.
"I see you learned some new words?" Kurai nods as Aki's wife walks over to them from the restroom.
"Yeah… he's been studying cause he wants to impress you." She lightly chuckles as Kurai's face turns red.
"MOM!" She pats his head as she hugs Aki.
"Well, in the season of the victory, why don't we go eat out at a nearby restaurant?" Aki smiles as the twins cheer.
"YAY!"
[At the Hotel - That night]
The door to the room clicks a bit as the handle turns. Kurai and Kaneko running in in front of their mom. They both quickly jump on the bed and simultaneously agreeing in the beds comfort. Their mom finds her seat in a small desk chair, placing her purse on the table.
"Hey boys, up here… look at me please" the twins turn to her as she stretches.
"We'll be leaving early at 7;30 tomorrow so we can catch our plane back home… Dad's next match in the VNL won't be until a few weeks from now… so get some rest… we'll be leaving early." Kaneko smiles brightly.
"Kay'!" Their mom stands and walks over to the bed. The moon rises out the window. She gets comfortable under the covers as she turns the lights out. Kaneko quickly falling back on the pillows. Kurai calmly smiles as he fantasizes about being a professional. He lays his head down as he closes his eyes.