Archie waded in the pool, the wonderful feel of cool water caressing his body. It was a pleasure to be able to swim again, especially now that the high school athletics were back up after the school year ended.

"Summer..." He mused. "Where the sun's warm and water's satisfyin'..."

His thoughts didn't last long, however, and were stopped abruptly by a volleyball that seemed to head straight for his head.

"Holy-" Was all the teenager could say before ducking under the light blue waves in order to avoid getting hit by the sphere.

When he resurfaced, all he could hear was the laughter of his teammates, Arthur, Cecil, and the undeniable booming laughter indicated the appearance of Matt.

"BAHAHAHA! We sure got ya, Leader!" He yelled, continuing his prying chortles all the while, while the other two cackled behind him.

Archie replied with an annoyed look, though the smirk on his face clearly showed that he wasn't offended at all.

"Jee, Matt... How many times do I have'ta tell ya not to call me by that? It's just the swim team." The male retorted, taking the volleyball in hand and tossing it back to his larger teammate.

"Oh yea, Just a swim team. And our life. Our career. Our FUTURE." Matt continued, over-exaggerating as usual.

"And... Leader is nothing more than a title. Don't make it seem like I'm nothin' other than just a swim captain. Don't go all Ave Caesar on me now, bro." Archie chuckled, leaning an arm against the poolside for support, yet this action was only to be disturbed by a swift kick to his elbow.

"Fish don't need land."

Archie swam back, letting his glare rest upon the plump kid who disturbed him. The boy's name was Tabitha, and oh was he a Jerk. He could very well feed off of the struggle he gives others each day: others except for that guy Maxie and his other cronies, at least.

"Listen, Lardlegs, I don't want trou-"

"LARDLEGS?!" He squabbled. "Is that what you called me?!"

Oh dear... Archie was sure in for it now.

"Ohoho, if you didn't want trouble, you wouldn't have brought It upon yourself!" He continued, absolutely puffed up with anger. Tabitha's face was as red as a spicy Pokeblock at this point, and just as it seemed he was about to go on with his usual ramblings, a voice intervened.

"Stop..." He said, cooly, yet demandingly. It worked.

Like an obedient Poochyena, Tabitha moved aside to allow the redhead through.

"Maxie..." Archie seemed to growl.