Learning

Neo had only just come back from training in school, and here he was, already training again.

That was how badly he really wanted to win this championship. He didn't just want to win it, he needed to win it. it would make his life a lot simpler.

Neo suddenly thought of his father. The man's silence was begining to scare him, whenever Neo thought about what his father was going to dish him next, he felt a cold chill go down his spine.

Neo had trained for a while and it was dark already. But the field was lit by the many solar lights thats surrounded it.

Damn! Neo cussed as he just missed the fifth floater shot in a row. It seemed that he was trying to control his shot's uncertainty, but the certainty of his shot even being carried out effectively became an uncertainty on it's own.

Neo tried it again and the shot ricocheted off the woodwork before bouncing into the back of the net.

Bravo!

Neo was startled and he immediately jumped backwards with a quick spin to the side.

Neo was surprised to see an Old man walking towards him, clapping his hands gently. Neo was stunned, all this while he thought he was alone, he would have never imagined someone to be so close to him and he didn't have any idea.

Who are you? Neo asked as he made sure there was more than an arm's length distance between them.

The old man laughed. My name is Samuel Parker, and you must be Jackie Chan, right? Sam said this with an old, dry laugh.

Neo didn't find it funny one bit. This old man had suddenly appeared, and now he was making dry jokes?

No I'm not, My name is Neo Austin.

Seeing the sharp look on Neo's face, Sam raised his hand. Ok, I get it. You're not a fan of jokes, my apologies.

Neo snorted a bit. I'm not a fan of dry jokes.

Sam laughed. Okay now, Neo. I'm an old man, I couldn't possbly hurt you, can I?

Neo loosened his guard a bit. Well, I guess so.

Just as Neo said this, Sam leaned forward and he was suddenly appeared in front of Neo.

Neo was shocked, it took his brain a while to register what just happened. And when it did, Neo took an involuntary step backward, then he sank to the floor.

Sam stretched out his hand and pulled Neo up.

Neo's eyes was burning with excitement as he stood upright, coming face to face with Samuel.

Can you teach me?

Sam chuckled. You mean... Sam suddenly blitzed forward and he was a good distance away from Neo again.

...Flash steps?

Neo blinked his eyes, then he shook his head repeatedly. The high speed that Sam was displaying was blowing his mind.

Neo nodded his head. Yes, that. Teach me flash steps.

Sam smiled. I can teach you soccer.

Neo's eyes was buzzing with life. Does it include flash steps?

Sam nodded. Yes, it does.

Neo was about to say something, but Sam spoke first.

But...only for a week.

Neo was confused. What is only for a week?

Sam sighed before he spoke. I would only teach you for a week.

Neo felt his excitement die an instant death.

What!!!!!?

Sam smiled, indicating to Neo that there was no iota of Joke in what he just said.

Neo sat down on the floor as he suddenly lost strength in his knees. Only for a week? Damn it, what am I supposed to learn in such a short time?

Sam shrugged. If you can't learn anything tangible in a week then you'd better quit soccer already.

Neo quickly jumped up from the floor where he was seated. Huh!? Why!?

Sam spread out his hands. It's simple. The world wants to see another Greatest Of All Time, No one wants to see another average Joe. and if you can't learn anything reasonable within a week, you would just end up as an average Joe, and no one wants to see that.

Neo pressed his lip into a thin line. Elaborate.

Sam sighed. To become The Greatest Of All Time, you need three major things; The ability to Evolve quickly, the spirit of adaptability and the natural ability to be a fast learner. If you lack any of these, then your future as a soccer star is bleak.

Neo was quiet, the lecture was seemingly sinking in deeply.

Sam smiled as he made the last remark. And if you can't lean anthing within a week, then you are certainly lacking these three things, and you had better quit soccer immediately so that you would have more time to focus on other areas that you might thrive in.

Neo nodded his head. I understand, so when do we start, master?

Sam laughed.

We start...

...Now.