Alex Fernandez

Alex watches as Kurai returns to the bench. His heart was racing and everything hurt, but he was keeping up with a member of the Monster Generation. Jordan walks over.

"Alex… come on dude, we gotta get back to the bench-" He stops as Alex exhales. Having entered a state of flow.

"I've waited my whole life for this… and now, here I am playing up against a member of the Monster generation" Jordan holds his toungue as Alex continues.

"I don't want it to end… Can I stay in this moment forever?" Memories of a hospital bed and an OR flash through Alex's mind.

"I never wanna go back"

[14 years ago, Colonial Ikati regional Medical ER]

A younger Alex lays in the Hospital bed, recovering from a previous surgery. The heart monitor beeped, and he was covered in needles. His throat was sore and his eyes, heavy with burdens. His Mom slowly walking in.

"Oh, Alex… how are you doing buddy…?" Alex calmly looks at his mom who rubs her hand on the young 7-year-olds face.

"Everything hurts…" Alex's bone skinny arms reach up and hold his moms hands as she tears up.

"I'm sorry you were born with Brittle bone disease… It probably hurts so much… The doctors did everything they could to put you back together… but they suggested you try to slow down on sports" Alex's eyes widen.

"I-I can't…" Alex looks down. His Mom looking up at the TV. on the screen was a Volleyball match between Russia and the USA.

"I'm sorry baby" Alex's Mom loosely hugs Alex.

[8 years later]

Alex's arms were still skinny. No matter what he tried, he couldn't gain muscle or fat, making his bones even more easy to break. He watches the TV. the High School Nationals match between LakeWood Technical High School and East Carter High School.

Alex watches as Emperor of the Court: Kurai Vlast lands a jup serve that seemingly appears on the other side of the court. The announcer shouting as the cameras point at the TV with a speed rating.

"WHAT'S THIS!? KURAI'S BROKEN THE WORLD RECORD!!" The screen read 89.4 Miles an Hour. Alex's eyes widen. "That's the talent I'm up against…? He's so cool!" Alex's eyes sparkle in wonder.

[Present Day - halfway through 2nd set]

Alex exhales. His arms were bone skinny, and his legs wobbly after a long game, but he was watching a legend. In slow motion, Kurai tosses the ball. Stepping forward and jumping. Slamming the ball on the court, just as Alex had seen on TV when he was younger. Alex's eyes widen as he smiles. 

"Good serve" Kurai tosses the ball and once again slams it over the net. Zane falls down to receive it as Alex runs forward. Riley, Jordan, and Jason all run up to the net, Alex thinks to himself. 'I can't risk an overhand set or surprise spike like Kurai Vlast… My bones may be brittle and break easily, but this is my playing style!' Dougal rushes over to block Jordan as the ball falls over the net. Kurai smirking. 'Setter dump!?' Kurai reaches out and brings the ball up with his arm, but it hits the court with no momentum. WCC 19-20 OPU.

Alex exhales and overhand serves the ball. Carlos stepping back and receiving it. Kurai sets the ball the Jaden who spikes through the block. Zane brings it up as Alex runs forward and jumps in the air to spike. Jordan's eyes widen. 'You fool! You know if you don't land correctly, you'll break your legs!' Alex last second turns mid-air and sets the ball to Jordan. Jordan having a flashback to a week ago.

[One week ago]

"Don't go ricking yourself just to play a little volleyball!!" Jordan shouts as Alex calmly smiles.

"Don't worry about me… know that if I do ever do something like that, then know that I trust your teachings on how to properly land after jumping… I appreciate the help!" Jordan is speechless. Putting his hand over his face.

"You're crazy…"

Jordan rushes up to the net and jumps. Kurai, Jaden, and Owen appear in a triple block. Jordan smirks. 'This one's for you, Alex!' Jordan smashes his palm into the ball as it warps around his hand. Carving through the block and smashing onto the court. The crowd goes silent as they all land. A whistle blows WCC 20-20 OPU.

Suddenly, the entire arena shakes in cheers. The announcers shout.

"Jordan White just carved through an almost 7-foot-tall block!"