Chapter 9 - Lone Stars Part.1

Friday finally hits and there's a feeling of school spirit throughout the King's Academy. The Lone Star Classic is a big deal for The King's Academy and for the dodgeball teams, it's go big or go home, despite the game playing in their city. School activities due to the Classic have been shortened to allow time for the school festival to happen across. Throughout the school, the dodgeball team players are the talk of the town, even the practice squad kids are given some attention. Unfortunately, the charter bus waits for no one and the players head inside with a crowd of students cheering and shouting their name. There are big expectations but can Teddy's plan make all the difference for a rival team awaiting for all potential plans?

Inside the charter bus, the majority of the players head with a partner, friend or even a romantic interest. But that's the last thing on Teddy's mind. He's planning on wiping the floor against Carter in such a big crowd. No time to be on other than game time. Suddenly, his face is greeted to a cold sensation, his body chills up at the sudden drop he was feeling.

He turns to see Jonathan handing him a cold water bottle. "Mind if I sit next to you, Ted?"

"Go sit with your girlfriend, man."

"I wouldn't want to interrupt her girl talk. Besides I was hoping to talk with you a bit more, you're an interesting guy."

"Interesting comment." Teddy chuckles. Making friends with the team captain is very vital in getting far in the roster, but it feels nice to talk with him either way.

"Listen, Teddy. This game is important to me. My entire family are King's Academy Alumni and I want to also win for them as well. I'm really risking a lot placing a rookie into this gameplan. It feels like I'm sending you to the dogs." Teddy places a hand on Jonathan's shoulder. He glances at Amelia who is hanging out with her girlfriends. He looks back at Jonathan again, staring into his eyes.

"It's because you put your faith in me that I won't let you down, captain. All I gotta say is when you find the time, talk to Taigen. I wouldn't know but the kid hates your guts tredmously."

"Taigen? I always assumed we were always cool."

"Not really, man. He really hides his emotions so well that I barely noticed it myself." Teddy's face softens. "He's jealous of you. How close you are with her."

Jon's eyes widened, "I…..never thought he was jealous….I just thought he was being off putting as usual…"

"Welp, now ya know." Teddy opens the lid to the water bottle Jonathan gave him. "It's best to open the lid on the situation, wouldn't you say?" Jonathan gives him a slight cringe smirk.

"You're right. Fist bump on it?"

"Fist bump, friend."

Jonathan heads back to his seat next to Amelia. Her girlfriends quickly move back from his seat, giving them some well-deserved space. Teddy glances with a smirk on his face. Everyone has a main long-term goal that pushes them forward, keeps them going. All Jonathan wants to do is make his family and himself proud with a win. It seems our goals aligned and with that Teddy will make sure to put on a performance.

As he looks at the bus window, he spots the game arena, the Arlington Sports Complex. Used for hockey, indoor soccer, and other semi-pro activities, this complex has served as the host for the Lone Star Classic for many years. This is where the strongest come to thrive. It is also more importantly home to Dallas's pro league dodgeball team, the Diamondheads. Teddy's eyes open wide as he gazes on the supporters of both schools heading to the area. The spirit of fandom is in the air in great numbers. He even spots people in his class, coming with a team spirit shirt that was provided by the school itself.

The bus stops at a position where a red carpet is placed and side by side there are crowds of people cheering and shouting the team's name.

"Monarchs! Monarchs! Monarchs!" screams the crowd.

The other players can feel their blood pumping. It is their moment to shine. Their time to display their superiority. Their chance to continue beating Carter High into the ground.

Teddy stands up, as he waves at Jonathan to come over to the front of the bus. Other students egg him on to hype them up.

Jonathan takes a deep breath.

"We're finally here, guys and gals. You know, they think we can't maintain what previous King's teams have done in the past! That we are slacking compared to other programs. THEY CLEARLY DO NOT RESPECT OUR AUTHORITY! I want us to go out and show Carter High, who's the King of Texas! I wanna see blood, sweat, and tears out there! Now, on the count of three, say Monarchs!"

1…..2...3…..

MONARCHS!

The door bus opens and each of the players head out with their gear in hand. Jonathan leads the line, with some people in the crowd fangirling over him, much to Amelia's dismay.

Teddy looks onward at the sight of Arlington Sports Complex. Nowhere better to start his dodgeball journey! It's now or never for him.

A blond boy with a mullet looks onward in the crowd. He smirks sinisterly, "It's all over for you King's Academy, it's time for Carter High to dominate Texas again!