Chereads / Turn Two / Chapter 3 - Rivals

Chapter 3 - Rivals

While the Upsilon Sectors' field may not be as prestigious as the Chi Sector, it is still certainly a well kept field. Considering the absolute pandemonium that occurs in their sector, the Coach's manage to keep their field looking spic and span. Baseball games may be the only chance one gets to escape reality, literally and metaphorically. Therefore the look of any field is a top priority. Symbolizing everything a sector stands for.

Now while not blatantly displaying the insanity of the Upsilon Unruly, there are still aspects of it implemented into the creation of the field. The seats surrounding the field are individually separated. During games, between each inning the seats randomly shuffle, giving the spectators a brand new view. That way it keeps the seating fair and keeps fans on their toes. It's quite an amusing thing to watch, people rushing to get back to a seat before the inning starts. 

Another thing that is unique exclusive to the Upsilon's field, is their shifting field. As well as the seating rearrangements, the bases on the field are also rearranged. Distances between bases can be increased or decreased. Each bag could be heightened or lowered. Creating unique base paths for runners to explore.

In the end, it is still the action of getting to the next base. That is the fundamental aspect of the game after all. This unpredictable change in the players surroundings, balances out the frequent use of support items. Giving the game the proper balance and enjoyment to the game without making it impossible for a team to even score.

Each field has its own properties. The only rule is to clearly state what that may be before the game begins. Games are almost never the same as the next, giving baseball the leg up on most other sports.

Neo has watched an array of professional games during his time alone, making his baseball IQ much higher than your average player. Having spent the time to analyze each team's field and tendencies, Neo has become a reliable rookie to turn to.

On Neo's run to center, being a whopping 400 feet from home plate, he gets confronted by a fellow newbie that was also recruited along with him.

"Hey," a voice echoes in Neo's ear from his right.

He glances over to a much shorter guy. Neo being roughly 6 foot, this guy being about 5 '5. There was definitely a height difference, so much so that Neo didn't even see him when he looked over. His line of vision simply went right over the guy's head.

"Down here you idiot." he calls from below.

Neo looks down upon an orange haired fellow, with eyes an even deeper green than his fathers. His hair was much longer than Neo's, trickling down his nose like water down a pipe. Just curling before reaching the tip. His hair was wavy and visibly greasy. Definitely not well kept, but who can blame the guy. The Upsilon Sector is a tough one to thrive in, it is no joke. Neo was lucky enough to even have a nice home.

"The names Leo. Leo Demonium. I hear that you're also new here, so I guess that makes us rivals then!" the guys said excitedly.

They finally get to the outfield wall just under the distance sign, tapping it and then running back to the line.

"You're not trying to use me for clout are ya? With my whole dad being a legend and all." Neo interrogates.

"What about him? As far as I'm concerned, you're no legend." Leo states brutally.

Neo winces at the statement, but although it hurts, it was nice to have someone that didn't seem as just the child of a legend. Somebody that has their own story to tell. Leo broke through Neo's social barrier.

"So uh, you play outfield is that right?" Neo asks.

The man looks at Neo like that was the dumbest question he's ever asked.

"Well duh, It's the best position to play nowadays." he responds.

"You don't happen to play center, do you?" Neo probes to find out if he has competition.

"Hell no! I hate being front and center. Left field is more my style. Not as boring as right but not as vital as center. The perfect position for a player like me." he adds.

They both reach the line and go to pick up their gloves. They both happen to be right next to each other.

"What a coincidence, our gloves are next to each other!" he says to Neo, trying to break the ice.

"It appears that way, yes." Neo says smugly.

Neo notices that everyone has already got a throwing partner and is beginning to warm up.

Being alone has caused Neo to be distant from others and creating friends has been hard for him. But for some reason, this new guy seems easy to talk to.

"Hey, do you maybe want to be my throwing partner?" Neo asks.

"Would I? Of course! We're rivals now after all." The guy responds with content.

Neo and his newly founded rival, Leo go to warm up. Neo was on the line while Leo went far. It turns out that Leo was just as capable as Neo was and served as an excellent challenge for him. They went as far as long tossing, nearly using up half the outfield. Finally, the Coach came out to discuss today's practice.

The coach was a bit on the older side, around 60 years old. The same coach Akiro had when he was still alive. He had completely gray hair, and had a bit of a hunch in his back. Always walking with hands behind his back. His hair was slicked back and he wore a purple jumpsuit. Not the most stylish guy but he definitely had wealth.

"Glad to see everyone here and ready to get on with the new season. I assume you have already met the new recruits and have gotten to know them a little, even if just their name." Coach Mauve

"Yes sir!" Everyone responds in unison.

"Neo. Leo. Welcome aboard." Coach Mauve.

The whole team starts jumping and cheering. Almost like a small rave circle.

"Alright, alright. Settle down now, time to focus. Today will be no different than any other practice we've done. That being said, practicing at 110%,so that the real game is just second nature. I expect the outfielders to take responsibility in nurturing our two rookies. Now hustle to your spots, we'll meet back here in about an hour." Coach Mauve informs the team.

Coach Mauve walks off, leaving the team to break it down and start off practice. The team decides to let Neo and Leo say it.

"AYYYY, UNRULY ON THREE, UNRULY ON ME! ONE TWO THREE! " Neo and Leo scream.

"UNRULY!" the team chants.

After the breakdown, the outfielders and infielders split up to begin practice. Leo and Neo race each other to left field. Let the rivalry begin!