"Welcome back folks, we find ourselves nearing the end of the second set!"
"Yup… after Dougal blocked Michael in the first set, LakeWood Technical picked up the pace"
"LakeWood Tech won the first set of this match 25 to 21! And in the second set we are currently tied at 20 to 20!"
"Kurai is up to serve after Dougals shutdown of Devon just moments ago!"
Kurai takes a deep breath and spins the ball in his hands.
"Good serve" Kurai tosses the ball high and bolts forward. Jumping high into the air and slamming the ball over the net. Michael appears under the ball as it goes into the stands. LWTHS 21-20 LSBVT. Michael thinks to himself. 'This is where we lose… there's no debating it… my father always told me…'
"Michael…" His dad grabs a younger Michael's hand.
"You're special… you think differently than most… Don't let anyone take that from you" Michael looks up.
"Special?" His Dad nods.
"The way you spike a ball is different. Because of your back and joint pain, you've found ways to hit the ball past blocks that your joint problems would normally stop you from doing" Michael looks back down and continues colouring.
Michael later joined a junior boys Volleyball team and took his teammates by storm with his vertical jump and hitting prowess and tactical advantage. But he quickly lost interest in the sport, after being called the best in the nation, he was happy where he stood. Until today, LakeWood Technical fought with their strength for a single purpose. It made him slightly happy. He could finally step down as the world Number 3 and take a break. The sport was in good hands. But until this match is over. He shouldn't be the one to give up until the final point is scored.
The ball slams on the court beside Michael who smirks.
"Father… thanks for protecting my gift… but… it seems uniqueness only takes me so far… True Monsters are crafted by the things they do daily and not their natural born abilities… I guess… I just ended up on the wrong end of the spectrum… I can't play monster ball with these guys anymore-" Suddenly he locks eyes with Kurai on the other side of the net. Kurai exhales.
"Why do you limit your talents to the court?" Michael's eyes widen.
"You're better than this Michael… you can use your talents for better blocks… use it to reach receives easier than most… Don't limit yourself to your single thought of yourself… you're better than you give yourself credit for… and in the end, if you lose… Loose knowing you gave it your all" Michael smirks.
"Encouraging your opponents… I like you LakeWood Technical setter… come and get me" The score bumps up LWTHS 22-20 LSBVT.