Claire fumbled with her bike lock, her jumble of keys slipping as she glanced desperately at her watch. She was late, and her captain was going to kill her. Again.

Running through the rows of lockers, she quickly changed into her black and red team shirt and slipped her sweatpants over her shorts. Then, shoes untied and hair flying she dashed outside.

The team was already assembled around their stone-faced captain, June, who was giving announcements. When Claire stumbled in, a little out of breath from her reckless run, heads turned and an uncomfortable silence permeated the atmosphere.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," she said in a rush, bowing slightly to June, "Should I go run laps?"

June gave her a glare that sent shivers down her back.

"You are interrupting practice. Sit down and we will discuss this later." In other words, Claire knew, she was absolutely screwed.

But despite the sick feeling in her stomach, Claire tried to relax, and sat down next to Jessica, her best friend, who gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Now, as I was saying before, their skills are highly regarded in the high-school circuit. Last month they won the championships in Japan, and in a few weeks they will be coming to the US to play some showcase games. We should be honored to meet them."

Claire could already feel herself zoning out. Another big-shot team was coming. Yay. Why did June always insist on going to see these matches? Tennis was tennis, and she was perfectly happy to be playing it here with her friends. Anyways, it wasn't as if anyone could even beat June or Claire, or anyone on the team for that matter. They were simply on a different level.

She was just about to drop back to sleep when June dropped the bombshell.

"In fact, I was so excited by this opportunity that I decided to invite them to stay here with us as exchange students. Of course, that also means that they will be attending our practices." There was a moment of shocked silence before the team erupted into a flurry of whispers. Claire couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"At Avalon?" she asked incredulously.

"No," June said with a sarcastic roll of her eyes, "They're going to be sleeping in the streets right outside of our school." Obviously, she was still annoyed with Claire's late entrance.

But Claire was too shocked at the moment to even notice.

"Wait, but what about our situation? You know…"

Jessica interrupted Claire, "June, don't you think it would be a bit dangerous for them to be here?" Her tone was unusually serious and seemed to be laced with an unspoken threat. Even her normally light gray eyes were clouded over with concern, anger, or sadness? Claire couldn't tell. But for her normally calm friend to get so worked up, the situation looked ominous.

The whispers died down all of a sudden as the whole team watched their captain and vice-captain face off in a silent staring contest.

Claire didn't want to wait and find out what would happen if she left the two of them at. From the glare June was giving her friend, Claire wouldn't be surprised if daggers came flying out at any moment.

"Well," she said, breaking the awkward silence, "If you wouldn't mind coming up for air June, I'd like to know exactly what is going on. You can't just go bring a bunch guys in to Avalon. Isn't there some sort of rule against that?

"Actually, there isn't," said Jessica, finally turning away from June, "I think the officials thought it would be pretty much common sense. Especially if the visitors valued their sanity."

"We'll be careful. And if we have to, we'll use our Equalizers," June said firmly. There was a collective groan at the hated object. "That's the end of announcements. Everyone, back to practice. Twenty laps."

For Claire, the fact that no one was complaining proved that everyone was still in shock. If she hadn't known better, Claire would have sworn that June was playing a prank on them.

But if you think you can get rid of me that easily, you're mistaken. Claire thought grimly, staring at June, who was already walking away from the group. I am not going to let a couple of arrogant guys, who think they're so great, mess with my team. In her experience, all guys were able to do was pathetically flirt with even more pathetic girls. No, she was going to clear up some things with her captain, even if she lost her life doing it. Glancing at Jessica, Claire could see that she was thinking the same way, as she was already headed toward the captain.

"Really June, what is going on? Are you crazy?" Jessica practically shouted, "Have you talked to any of the teachers or officials about this yet? Surely they won't agree to it."
June regarded Jessica coolly, "You know, as vice-captain, you're not setting a very good example. Of course I've gotten all the necessary permission. Don't worry, everything has already been prepared. Now you should get a start on those laps, I'll be joining you guys soon."

Jessica seemed like she was about to slap June right across the face, something only Jessica would dare do. But suddenly her body stiffened, and Claire saw the mask of composure slide effortlessly across her face. Did June? No, her captain would never do a thing like that. Claire knew at least that much

"Very well then," Jessica replied and turned back, not even noticing Claire, who hadn't said a word the entire time.

But seeing her best friend calm down reassured Claire, and gave her second thoughts about this whole exchange thing. She had never really liked guys but, as long as it didn't interfere with her tennis, Claire didn't mind so much. Besides, she had begun to feel exceedingly curious about this visiting tennis team.

"Claire," June acknowledged her presence with a nod.

"Captain, about the tennis team coming…"

"Claire, that's enough about that issue," interrupted June, raising her voice to a dangerous level.

"No, I just wanted to say that I actually don't mind it so much now. In fact, I'm kind of looking forward to it. But do you really have it under control…it's still going to be risky you know."

"You heard what I told Jessica, everything's ready. There are a few technicalities that decided, but I'll figure them out soon. Everyone might as well accept it; they're coming no matter what."

"All right, all right. I guess we'll have to trust you." Claire said, "And uh…about my tardiness…"

"Really Claire! This is the third time you've been late this week! I warned you yesterday, if you were late one more time…" Suddenly, her eyes gleamed in a way that made Claire fidget nervously.

"You'll have to thank me for my kindness. When our visiting tennis team arrives, you will be designated as their official tour guide. Of course, since you seem so interested anyways, I'm sure you won't mind."

Claire's face was a mixture of shock and horror. "WHAT?"