Chapter 14 - Evolution = Animal Sense & Flash-Speed

Whilst being crowd by dozens and dozens of people - Richard simply accepted all of the praise which had dialed down. The squad's success was grand that Link came over through the crowd and hugged Richard that shouted. "WE'RE IN TOP 8! WE'RE IN, BABY!" Following these cheers; Joe was shaking where he brought into a small group hug.

Off-the court before the time was down; Liz and Malcom had both cheered for their time. Liz supporting Richard more than anything with Malcom doing so that his investment having been worth it. The Big was playing like a demon with all of his offensive actions and defensive reactions, numerous little details from how his body adjusted during contact or played with a defender on his back during post-action was telling to his abnormally superior development in terms of his skillset where he was playing like he was 6,10 given his strength and athleticism.

It was planted in his mind that Richard was maybe... a level or two under Jackson when he was going all-out but in the back of the boy's head... A small feeling was present which he ignored.

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Was it pride?

...

Who would know.

After completing the last buzz-beater, these two siblings were the first to run on the court. Liz hopped at Richard who was shouting with Malcom high-fiving the squad in respect but the amazement cooling down with these boys having' qualified for the Tournament's Top 8 Brackets, all of them got refreshed with water provide by tournament-staff and some snacks.

Some moments later - the entrance of the basketball courts had folks exited in droves. Speaking on the games at various levels but a majority spoke around the Under 18 Talent: Ink. The 'Old-Heads' saw a literal flashback to their younger days with how he handled himself defensively and offensively where younger folk were drawn to his Athleticism - It had built up a legend with some making little sayings or words as others had recorded a majority of his play to put on their social accounts.

"Where is he?!" A frustrated and annoyed Link was currently leaning against the Tournament Ground's gate. Wearing a white hoodie that had been labeled 'STREET CHAMP TOURNAMENT' in a mint-green that kept him cozy despite the breeze which was coming through the sunsetting streets - Joe who was to his brother's side had a similar hoodie in pitch black with his label being purple but unlike his other boy, he was shivering. "Cold." Vocalizing as it made Link look at him strange leading to an insulting reply. "Bitch, you fat. All of the blubbler or something shit ain't workin'?" The words made Joe shove Link who found himself tumbling off-balance. "Shut up, Link."

Speaking up where the older of the two sprang up and they begun to grapple with each-other - Unlike the other times, Link wasn't able to get an advantage where the two had tired themselves out quickly. Bent over with hands of their knees that Joe spoke and said to his bro. " *Heavy Breathing.* D-Draw?" Wondering where the older teen was unusually quiet as he only responded with. "Draw. *Exhale* Fuck, You finally gettin' strong." Sighing as the two straight up.

Coming out of the gates was Malcom who simply stared at the two only to say. "You fuckers are dumb." Snapping their attention to the small, lean teen with Joe speaking up. "S-Shut up, Malcom." Link merely grumbled at the sight of the annoying boy that he openly said. "You're so lucky... I don't make me kick your ass." Those words caught Malcom's attention and he got aggressive. "Do something, you arse." Springing to his full height that the two inch taller boy spoke up. "You fookin' english, now?! Put your paws up, homie!" Answer it with the gesture that Malcom raise a hand to throw up the 'bird.'

In a manner of seconds; the two teens were throw punches at each-other with Link getting the better of these exchanges but it was pretty even. "I am so not getting involved." Joe whispered to himself when he continue to watch this brawl continue despite the looks from on-lookers at the fighting.

"Bitch!" A punch thrown from Link landed leading to laugh at Malcom who was stunned by the blow only to shut up by Malcom who spoke up to insult Link with a bloodied nose. "Fucked-up hair-li-Oof!" Trying to give his own insult lead to the gangly arm boy driving a fist into Malcom leading to a headlock as the two found themselves on the ground but exploding right back up to their feet to continue their fistcuffs.

It would've kept going... If it wasn't for two find themselves in states of pain. Behind an aggressively standing Link; Richard had snuck up and brought a close-fist on top of the smaller male's head making his gape and crumble to the ground. "Motherfucker!" Shouting whilst he was rolling on the ground in pain. In a comedically fashion; RIchard proceed to stomp the every-living hell out of older brother of his teammates. Joe's eyes winced at every stomp where the ordinarily deeper voiced Link was bellowing and crying out like a girl... Consider those heavy feet coming down... He'd do the same.

"HA! NOT SO FU-YEOWWWWWWOOOW?!" Attempting to throw some shade at the taller teenager only to have his ear yanked and his neck smacked by his sister who kept a firm grip on it. "Let Go, Liz! Let Gooowowaaaaah!" Demanding a release from her vice-grip leading to the girl's grip getting even stronger that she had been pulling him around in a circle - humming a twisted tone as she tormented her brother. "Stop acting stupid, stupid." When her brother tried to speak - Liz merely tighten her grasp on the boy's ear.

Both of the teens had calmed as Richard and Liz calmed everything down but Richard looked slightly different - He got his own jersey which was adorned with the same label in black but it was pure-red. "Left y'all alone and you just start fighting?" Asking in disbelief where Link flat-out stated. "Yeah, Ink! This b-" When his mouth moved to curse; he noticed the Big-Man's body flex. Ready to hit him again making him second guess.

...

"This 'boy' is so annoying!" Stating making Malcom stick his tongue in a childish manner that made Joe laugh where Link was prepared to shout at everyone only to be stopped when Richard speaking towards Joe. "You don't laugh, either. Joe... Stop it when your brother argues." Speaking that Joe put a hand to chin and thought for a moment to reply to Richard's favor. "No."

...

As the chubby boy was laying on the ground, nursing a large spot on his head that was punched - Richard spoke up to his squad. "Sorry that it was taking so long. They just called Squad Leaders for measurements." Drawing Link's attention whom asked. "Measurements? For what?" Practically all of them had merchandise to some degree from the tournament yet it was a question which drew even Malcom and Joe's attention despite their situations.

"Well.... We're getting uniform for the top 8. We're getting them on the day of our next game so we should arrive early." Link and Joe's eyes widen as the younger brother spoke up. "Next game? We aren't playing tomorrow?" A shake of the head came where Link whose eyes were still glued to Richard lead to him pulling up Joe from the ground who looked.

Malcom who was currently nurse his nose where his sister gave him some tissue from her pockets which he made due with was overhearing this. Normally; the fair-skinned teen would've helped the squad but his argument with Link who in his opinion is just as big an ass as Ralph to some people ruined his intentions. "Yeah - I assume that Ink was over with the organizer or something... Would've spoke if a certain SOMEONE didn't lose their cool." A jab at Link whoever lead to another fight before he got a swift smack to the back of his neck from his sister.

"Dayum! Nice job, Liz." Putting a hand out with a smirk - Liz smiled and high-fived Link where the two enjoyed Malcom's misery at the moment. It was becoming one of worst afternoons that he's had for some time - Numerous folks headed on their way where some just laughed to themselves underneath breath to not be evolved in all of this craziness.

Just as the squad head on their way home - Richard found his thoughts interrupted by Malcom who asked.

"Hey... Ink." Trying to get the attention of Richard whose head perked up - all of his things on his person where he nudged Joe who was walking beside him to hold his basketball before his attention directly turned to the other teen. "Yeah, Malcom? What's up?" Ordinarily, Malcom didn't speak to him during the past two days only to say gruff congratulations - mostly likely still angry about his shoes yet his face was very calm unlike beforehand.

"I just wanna ask... How did you get so good?" A curious question made nearly everyone silent. Richard merely thought about it for a second only to respond quickly. "Just extra practice." A brow was raised by Liz who was wondering about this sequence where the brothers' were much more keen on these words being spoken... Afterall - Richard improved so fast it was beyond normal. "How much extra practice, Ink?" Malcom spoke up once more whilst he had still been curious on the matter at the moment; afterall. Imparting some of his knowledge to the Big-Man whom absorb alot of it and was putting it into action yet... he was still missing something.

"Weeeeeell~. I snuck out to the courts at night and in the morning to work on everything by myself; everyday for a couple hours at both times of the day in addition to all of the training we did." Stating as if it was nothing which made the much smaller male simply look up and speak up.

...

"Richard. You playing amazing, today.... To be clear... You've played like... basketball with anyone beside us?" Asking leading to a shake of the head. "You did play alot of basketball before we played the first time we met?" Another shake of the head brought a look of disbelief.

...

"Richard... When did you start playin' Basketball?" Malcom asked where Liz popped over beside her brother awaiting the answer as well. Link and Joe were watching this exchange before the thinner brother whisper. "Ah fuck. They're gonna freak out in a second." Speaking up where Joe gave the other Richard's basketball in a moment making him simply blink to look at Joe who was holding his ears tightly with his hands.

"I have been playing basketball for a 2 weeks or so." The stunned faces of the two with gaping mouths followed by them screaming as loud as they possibly could. "REALLY, INK?!/WHAT THE FUCK?!" The shout was so loud that Link exclaimed in pain as his ears felt a ring in their vary depths; shoving Joe who uncapped his ears to hear. "Fuckin' bitch!" Joe didn't care... His ears were fine.

"R-R-Really?!" Malcom questioned getting a relax nod that Richard also had a ringing in his own ears. The two were freaking out that Richard only scratched the back of his head - Why was it so difficult to understand.

"Ink, You're so cool!" Looking up at the Big-Man who looked down; Liz spoke up with even more 'shine' compared to before as Richard merely nodded his head in agreement. Malcom however was quiet.

...

Very quiet.

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"Ink... Why... Nevermind." Attempting to speak but he had no words; the trip home was quiet for Malcom where his thoughts ran around wildly. The squad was talking among themselves where Link and Joe found themselves being critiqued by Liz! Scoffing at the information only to pelt the two with so much information that Richard by the end of the girl's rant had gone into a fit of laughter at this.

When the squad arrived at the station and the group was heading on their own ways... Malcom spoke to Richard for the last time before they went on their ways. "Hey, Big-Man!" Shouting out where the large youth turned before heading down the steps to take the Sub-Way. "Yeah?!" Speaking up to Malcom who looked at him with a determined look, walking over to him as he spoke up as they were more directly face to face.

...

"You have the instincts like me but... You forgot some of the details during training. You're using an extra step when you sprint that wastes energy; you aren't switch up your strides when you should and your pacing is off... But... I know that you just needed a remind." A shocked Richard heard this info... He had! Learning so much in such a short period of time lead to some thoughts filling his mind; a pat on the arm distracted him that he looked at Malcom in the eyes who smiled.

"Ya know... You're a cool dude... Sometimes, Ink. ... Catch you on the flip, Big-Man." Putting a lightly-clenched fist towards the large male whom smiled and bumped it back. "Thanks for the reminder, Malcom." Only nodding back where the teenager ran off to head with his sister to head home; giving a wave to Liz who was waiting for her brother which Richard traveled right down to follow up with Link and Joe who were standing at the bottom.

"Finishing talk with your 'girlfriend?'" Link spoke up to tease Richard who only sighed at the taunt yet he ignored it only to stare-off into space.

"Ink? Innnnk~? Yo, Ink. ... INk!" Attempting to get the Big-Man's attention yet it was failing with Joe sighing in shame. "Good Job. He's broke." Joe spoke with a flustered Link shouted. "N-No, he isn't! R-Right?"

...

The two looked at each-other then Richard.

...

What was Richard dealing with was the system!

The task that he had completely forgotten about! Apparently - His attention was drawn to it before he proceeded to watch it and awaited for it.

[Notification - Side Task: Show out for Mally!

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Successful!

Reward: Three Malcom-Inspired Badges.

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Processing.

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Prcoessing.

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Processing.

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...

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Successful!

Animalistic Senses (Player-Inspired Badge): Some folks are far more Intune with their natural and more primal instincts. This may be seen in athletes whom often have their 'wildness' compared to that of animals themselves given the intimidation factor and the like that they could produce. Reflexes are improved by a significant margin and ability to read opposing player's actions.

Sonic-Zoom(Player-Inspired Badge): An explosive first-step is difference between a successful move or a failure but some may have such speed and acceleration that they can maintain their speed in an effortless form. Stamina cost from jogging and sprinting is reduced - In addition Player's explosiveness and speed is increased where they can maintain the same level of acceleration over longer-spurts.

Serpentine Strike(Player-Inspired Badge): Whenever a snake is ready to spring into action; they snap with a such moment and vicious that it is a terrifying thing. Some players are rather able to blow-by and attack like a serpent itself. Boosts speed during drives and blow-by to the hoop; reduces the ability of defender(s) to negatively affect gathers to change Lay-Ups or Dunks.]

A small smile and laugh echoed from Richard at the powerful boost that he had received from Malcom. 'Thank you, Malcom. Didn't know that you cared so much about me.' As his face twisted into a bigger smile; Link and Joe merely saw Richard appearing crazy in front of them.

"... Told you, he's weird." The thinner brother spoke with Joe nodding dumbly before they head off to home.

The day was quiet with the squad speaking on games that all played - Link was giving the Big-Man credit for his defense and his skills. Joe did say that he was lucky with the triple ankle-breaker but he did give him credit during the shot which made Richard wince considering Joe's teachings was something he took to heart.

Nearly there but he wasn't able retort consider Joe's much more advanced and innate knowledge of perimeter offense. Stupefied by this leading to him sighing to himself only to grab his father's backup phone and text his parents; informing them that he was on the way.

"Ah shit." Perking his head up; Richard looked up from the phone to see Link pause in his feet. It was Monny who was equally frozen or rather; the mysterious girl which made Link all-flustered. Noticing that she was turning a corner before she went on her way... Only for Richard to call out. "Hey! Can I wait up!" Freezing like a deer in headlights as the Big-Man head over ignoring Link's desperate attempts to stop in his tracks which failed with Joe just sigh and going along with all of this craziness. "Y-Y-Yes?" The stuttering girl spoke up to Richard who only smiled and said.

"What's your name? I hear alot of nicknames but what's your actual name?" Asking the poor girl - She was dressed in a loose shirt and jungle-like camo-colored pants with some off-brand sneakers for comfort rather than fashion. "M-M-My Mom S-Said N-ot to T-Talk to S-Strangers." An audible pause was summoned by that sentence with a hurt Richard looking down with Link looking back and forth as Monny was equally effected by this where she looked down as well consider she felt bad for insult the boy infront of her.

"J-Just.. D-D-Don't W-W-Worry bout him." Speaking up to Monny; Link and Monny spoke more as they got lost in their own little world.

Leaving Richard and Joe to slither out of the situation with a smile forming the Big Man's face. "Perfect." A curious boy looked up and asked. "What do you mean, Richard? You looked so sad." Laughing to himself before he said. "Well; I got Link and... 'Monny' to talk... By themselves."

A face of realization came to the chubby boy's face who proceed to mouth and vocalize an "ooooooh." The two were left to speak on the various things leading to them heading home with Joe going to his apartment home and Richard entering his own. A long yawn escaped his mouth only to shout out. "MOM! DAD! I'M HOME!" A childish shout came with his parents both come out to see him - dressing their night-wear that they hugged and welcomed their son back.

"Heyo!" Reaching forward to hug his mom who hugged him back where his father came over to give him a hug as well. "How did it go, baby?" His mom appeared alittle bit concern where Richard made her feel at ease by saying. "It was awesome! My team is in the Top 8 for the Tournament!" His father's eyes widened that he replied. "Top 8? Impressive, Ricky. Didn't know that you could play." Rubbing his son's head making his chuckle that he proceeded to say to the bigger of the two. "Me neither, Dad! I was so cool, today!"

An excited Richard broke down the details of today to his parents whom sat the boy down to hear everything - Finding himself with dinner being pasta in a cheesy-tasting sauce with pork-meatballs added in with some salad. Like the night before; They didn't believe that their son was performing the way he described. "It's not good to gloat, Ricky and Lie." His father spoke up making Richard's eyes snap open with his mouth full of food. Chomping down at a furious speed to swiftly swallow what he had followed by him reply. "Dad! I'm not lying." A sigh escaped the man who looked right at Richard's eyes.

...

Unknown to his dad; a bit of dust had found itself in his eyes making them water. A noise coming from Richard's father who said. "I knew you!" Point at his son who snapped back. "What?! I just had something in my eye!" Shaking his head in a bit of shame that he told the younger boy. "Stop gloating - Liars always get what comes to them, Richard." Pouting at this; Richard had to prove his parents wrong.

Especially his dad.

...

A thought came up into Richard's mind that he knew was stupid.

...

"Hey, Dad?" Speaking up where his father looked at him and showed that he was listen.

....

"Could I get tattoos?"

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.....

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[Later]

.......

*Inhale* An once-sleeping Richard snapped awake where he found himself in his room yet he felt a radiating pain which throbbed on the top of his head. Moving a hand up to rub the bump where he figure out that he must've pissed off the two with his dumb question.

....

'Just a question! Tattoos are cool and they have them' Pouting to himself where he had seen other people receive them from his Father's work and he wanted to get them - It was in back of his mind but he felt the need to ask at the moment.

He was gonna be heading to Houston... A completely different place compared here... He wanted to have something permeant to remember everything.

His change. His growth. His life. His... past.

All of these things drove the youth who merely felt an acing in his brow that he held his brow with his hands. 'Maybe... I should really... Sleep.' A yawn formed and crawled it's way out of his lip before the head of Richard fell back to the pillows underneath it.

His eyes closed and he wasn't just sleeping, tonight... But dreaming.

Dreaming of basketball. Of playing at the highest level. Of every possession seeming to be his last. Fighting for every rebound as if his life absolutely depended on it; no matter who attempted to contest the rebound.

Scoring on people - Pull-Up Jumpers, Spin-Moves and Head-Fakes, Rhythm Crossovers and explosive drives to bring down the hammer on any poor sucker.

Blocking shots and getting steals - making his opponent's fearful of what may happen if they didn't play perfect.

Dishing out passes left and right, making his teammates involved in the very game itself with numerous dimes to the open-man or hand-offs/bounce-passes to a teammate who was in motion towards the basket itself.

Thinking long and hard; the dream got more intense as Richard went off against bigger and stronger players where he actually had to work for it and he did so. Going to wars with anyone who faced off against. Still being an unstoppable force and immovable object at the same time to lock down the interior and score from the post.

Just as the dream continued along. Richard saw dozens of people. Their faces were gone aside from their smiles who all laughed and smile at him with pride. Looking further that they all spoke positive.

In one part - a couple dozen girls of a very attractive appearance seemed to be very focused on him and openly praised him yet he ignored them which only drove them to purse him in some odd yet interesting manner.

But the dream wasn't done - Richard found himself sitting on a bench in some empty area. Looking around only to stop when he looked up with wide-eyes.

Banner.

After.

Banner.

Numerous banners celebrated victory whilst the sign of a gigantic jersey appeared with his last name affixed.

...

An announcers' voice spoke in a faded tone. "Former MVP. Former Defensive Player Of The Year. New York's Finest; Ricardo 'Ricky' Richardson!" Finishing this where the empty gym was filled with thousands of cheers.

Bringing a great big smile on his face. He was loved. He was respected. He was feared. He was admired.

...

He was rich. He was happy. He was successful.

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He had strived. He had won. He had succeed.

...

Richard felt so... complete.

....

Why was he so completely?

....

Maybe the system just gifted him with this dream or something along those odd lines.

A long-winded sigh escape his mouth only for the lights to flicker off. 'Am I waking up?' They had turned on but it was the spotlights which were focused on one thing.

...

Something behind the boy who instantly got serious when he heard that voice.

"Enjoying yourself, Player?" 'THAT VOICE!' Richard's thoughts went haywire and his eyes turned over his shoulder to meet with one figure.

The man... in... all... white.

...

'God.'