July 22, 2010
Location: Oak Hill Academy Gymnasium
The air in the gym buzzed with the rhythmic sound of squeaking shoes and bouncing basketballs—until a voice rang out from the entrance, sharp and confident.
"You must be the team Vorpal Basket."
The entire gym fell into a stunned silence.
Everyone turned.
Standing at the doorway was a boy, around their age, but with a presence that demanded attention. He wore a black-and-red Chicago Raptors warm-up jacket, the kind stitched with pride and pedigree. A duffel bag hung loosely over one shoulder, and the fading sunlight outside caught the red trim of his sleeves, making him almost glow against the backdrop of the gym.