"With that insane block by LakeWood Technical's main defense, Dougal Wilson, LakeWood Tech wins the first set in a landslide victory!!"
"The score topped out at 25-15!"
The crowd goes crazy as both teams walk off the court. Coach Russ is waiting.
"I'd like to say we're keeping up our momentum, but it seems something is off today… Kaneko's slower reactions at the start of the first set, Ajax's late arrival… Kurai, you don't seem to be yourself? What's up guys?" Kurai sighs.
"I just… feel sloppy and tired" Lucas yawns a bit. Ajax's heart racing. He knew what was wrong but was afraid to talk, he was surrounded by monsters, and even with his receives, he still felt normal. It had crept back in without him realizing, his nerves, he was afraid. What if he couldn't receive the next points? This was nationals so there's no way he could keep receiving such powerful serves and spikes. He's supposed to be helping from the shadows, but right now, it doesn't even feel like there's a light he can be the shadow in. he's-
"Ajax? Are you okay? You're hyperventilating" Ajax snaps back and looks up at Kurai.
"I-I'm fine…" Kurai exhales.
"Take this from a fellow friend and not from a fellow teammate… You're important to this team Ajax, we wouldn't even be in Nationals if it weren't for you… I never had the chance, but thank you for being such a good Libero for our team, for the Seniors" Ajax gulps. Kurai looking at Russ.
"Substitute him with Nathan… Give Ajax a break" Russ nods.
"If that's what you feel is necessary, Kurai" The timeout buzzer goes off as Nathan walks onto the court. 'Even as a Libero for the Senior's… It's an honour to be on this court.' Nathan smiles.
"Hey you guys! Look at me!" everyone looks over, towering over him in height.
"Don't just watch their blockers or players, keep an eye on the ball… no matter how much someone moves, the ball will never betray us in letting us know where the spiker will be. We don't need no fast quick attacks to get past their blocks, we don't need to guess and block all their spikes cause their plays are too fast… if you can't shut down the spike, direct it in a way I can get to it. Don't worry about it hitting the court because I'll be there… let's do this team!" The buzzer marks the beginning of the second set.
Zander overhand serves the ball as Nathan receives it calmly with a smirk, shocking the arena. People stomp the stands, standing up to watch the magnificent game being played.
Kurai smirks and jumps up to setter dump the ball. Matthew and Devin appearing to block. Kurai smiled and set it to the middle center. The block goes down as Dougal easily spikes it past the ball. Kurai lands with a smile, turning to look at Nathan. 'Nathan, the Senior classes Libero… With his experience, he's the definition of Slow it down!'
"Nice receive, Nathan" Nathan smirks. 'So this is Kurai's genius up close and personal? I can deal with this'