Chapter Four

"Glad you made it on time."

The purple horizon was fighting off the sunlight in vain. Not getting used to waking up so early, my muscles were extra tight. I made sure to do an extra set of stretches. While grabbing the right leg, my eyes darted around. It was clear we weren't fielding a full team. I counted fifteen, not including myself. If we played in a more traditional flag football league with the standard of seven-on-seven, we would be just fine. But not nearly enough for eleven-on-eleven. Some of us would be forced to play both offense and defense. I pondered if I was capable to play on both sides of the ball. Those thoughts were put on pause when a dark silhouette approached.

"Hey Chrom. I'm glad to be here," I brushed my hair back while pulling on my arms. "I still can't get over the fact I'm on the team." The joy quickly gave way to a state of perplexity. "But I can't help but notice: only sixteen of us? I hope Coach knows what he is doing. Doesn't seem enough to me."

The star player laughed, "Ha. Don't act so surprised. I've played with this bunch for a while now, some longer than others. We've already had our ups and downs when we were the Shepherds. I'd go to war with them. And I have to trust Coach Frederick."

Chrom was right; we have to give Coach a chance. And he was the one that gave me an opportunity to walk-on. The least I could do is run through a brick wall for him.

"I saw you running and catching yesterday," Chrom continued. "In fact, I think everyone did. Or…at least heard about it. You sure made Lon'qu look bad."

That wasn't an exaggeration. The few students and professors along the way to the practice field all greeted with waving hands or shouts of congratulations. They knew. I would be lying if I didn't feel any embarrassment; I never was the center of attention. But Chrom has a way of calming me down…

"You got potential. Let's go unlock it."

…And building my confidence.

"Let's get to work!" I eagerly exclaimed.

"Poor form! Run it again!"

The cleats dug into the turf while slowing down to a complete stop. What was wrong? I ran right pass everyone as I hit the open hole through the training dummies. And yet, Coach Stoneberger was furious.

"Coach, what's up?" I asked with anticipation of a scolding.

With a slam of his clipboard, he stomped over the huddle and pulled me out.

"Phil…" Frederick took a deep breath, "Listen. Just because you got speed doesn't make you a great player. You can only be truly great by using skill along with your speed. I am frustrated because you have the ability to be a special player. You aren't there yet…"

The words pierced. I just assumed all I needed was to be faster than the next guy. Clearly not. But I listened attentively as the coach explained foot and body positioning.

"Do you understand fully now, Phil?"

I nodded, "Yes, Coach."

"Good. Now go back in there and run it again. Do what I tell you to do."

I jogged back to the huddle with a new direction. The eyes of offense on me, I told Chrom to give me the ball. He didn't even acknowledge me but repeated the same play from before. After Vaike moved from left to right, Chrom got the ball from the center and pitched me the football. I found the clearing again and ran through it. But this time, I wiggled my hips and found an extra gear.

"Excellent! Nicely done, Phil!" Coach Frederick clapped. "Run it again!"

After several more plays, the motions felt natural. Sure, my legs and hips were burning but the pain would become non-existent with more practices and exercise. Everything just became flashes and blurs to me on the field. I became conflicted with the clashing feelings of self-pride and self-doubt. One moment, I was unstoppable and in another, the coach would make tiny corrections in my strides. When the whistle blew several times, signaling a water break, I walked up to Coach Stoneberger.

"Coach, got a minute?"

"Sure," grunted the man.

"Why are you on me every play? I listen to your every command and I am wrestling with confidence and doubt. I know I'm faster than anyone here. Isn't that enough for you?"

He rubbed his cleanly-shaved chin and patted on the bench as he took a seat. "Sit down and I'll explain," I obeyed and sat next to him. "It's really easy. I'm testing you. I need to make sure you are teachable. I know you're faster than anyone. But like I said earlier, being quick isn't everything. You will be facing opponents who are near your league in terms of speed. You think you can bust out a 90-yard run for a score? Think again. I have scouts in all four corners of this country and you know what they tell me? We are too slow to match up to Regna Ferox. Too slow against Silverdale. Too slow against…well, you get the picture. And I have to hear this nonsense day after day. Phil, if those schools negate your speed, what do you have to counter them? Size? Intelligence? Skill?"

I frowned. I knew the implications of his lecture. I am nothing without my quick ability to get by the opposition. But Frederick must have seen my sullen state.

"Phil, cheer up. You may not be able to grow any taller, but you have the ability to use your aptitude and cunning. I believe in you. And know this: you won't be alone. You got some helpful teammates and coaches that will guide you in the right direction. I promise to you right now that I won't fail you. It is your job to put in the effort. The sky's the limit! Got it?"

My eyes widen, "Yes, Coach!"

"Good! Grab some water and prove not to me but to yourself that you're the best athlete on the team!"

I readjusted my belt walking to the water cooler. Immediately I was surrounded by majority of my teammates, all introducing themselves.

"Hey there Shorty, looking good out there!" Vaike spoke while giving a big slap on my back. It nearly caused me to choke on the water. He gestured some of the players over and made the introductions. "Anyways, the guys wanted to meet you. You've already seen the offense…Sully Howell, Gregor Lynch, Stahl Ferragamo, Gaius Bloom, and…where is that Kellam?"

"Right here, next to you all along! How did you not notice me?"

Vaike jumped out of his skin with a darken expression, "Kellam! Don't scare me like that!"

The short, muscular man shrugged. Still taller than me, I thought to myself.

Vaike rubbed his face and became calm. "So that is the offensive line, plus I see you already met our country bumpkin, Donnel McCoy, our best slot receiver."

"Sure have, sir! Boy, Phil, I reckon you as fast as a jackrabbit on the menu of a hungry wolf!"

I blushed, "I think you're exaggerating a little there, Donny." I turned to greet the linemen (and linewoman apparently) that will blocking for me in our upcoming games. "Nice to officially meet everyone."

I nodded. Gregor looked me up and down and laughed. I couldn't exactly tell his accent but I'm certain he called me a little man. Stahl took a bite of a protein bar and shared the rest with Gaius after he said 'hi'. Sully, on the other hand, remained in a stoic pose.

"This is supposed to be our star running back? Well, you may not look the part, but you pretty light on your feet, I'll give you that much."

"Um, thanks?" I said in a puzzled tone.

"Don't mind Sully, there," Vaike said, "She means well. And very tough. Strongest girl here…"

"You got that damn right!" Sully flexed her toned biceps. Her abs were clearly visible through her tight shirt. She put most of the men on the team to shame.

Vaike was not finished talking. He leaned over to my left ear and whispered, "But not the scariest one."

"Scary? What do you mean?" I exclaimed too loudly. Sully got startled.

"Whatcha mean I ain't the scariest? You think I'm scary or not, you punk! Don't make me kick you in-"

"Hold up, Sully! Vaike means well, I think." Stahl yelped while holding back the angry short haired woman. Vaike tried to look tough, but that's hard to do when you're coving your crotch with both hands. "Anyways, Vaike is scared of an angry Sully, we all are. But there's one woman here you mess with only if you have a death wish."

"Who?" I asked.

"Over there. On the defensive side at strong safety is Cherche Rossé. The pink hair girl over there." Stahl pointed to her on the other side of the field. She was talking to her teammates on the defensive side of the ball. She glanced over and noticed Stahl make the motion. She smiled and trotted over to us.

"Cherche, hm?" I said scratching my head, "Looks like a Valmese model to me. What makes her so menacing?"

Everyone froze and looked at the artificial grass below.

"Someone want to enlighten me?"

Gaius answered, "It's not necessary her, it's Minerva we are terrified of."

Cherche arrived and lit up like a rose in the spring, "Oh! I didn't realize we were talking about my lovely Minervykins! She is such a darling!" The tall, pink-haired woman stretched out a hand, "Oh? A new player! Nice to meet you, I'm Cherche!"

Thoughts went about on how to shake her hand. Do I go for firm or be gentle? I decided to be normal and gave a medium-sized grip.

"Nice to meet you too, I'm Phil, the new guy…I suppose. Coach Frederick was very generous to give me a try-out and I'm just happy to be a part of the team. I hope to do well!"

I can be so awkward, but Cherche didn't seem to notice or mind. "Indeed, you are fortunate to be given a chance to walk-on! Sure, many of the students came out, but you were one of very few to actually made the team, so the coach must see something good in you."

"Thanks," I rubbed the back of my head with redden cheeks. I wasn't sure if it was the heat, the mystery of this Minerva, or the beautiful lady having a conversation with me, but I was getting flustered. Gaius, Gregor and Vaike took note and made revolting gestures. I shook my head. I wanted to keep the talks moving, so I had to ask…

"Who is Minerva, anyways?" I asked Cherche. Of the corner of my eyes, everyone made different hand motions. I guessed I shouldn't have asked, but it's not my fault that I was curious!

Cherche must have saw them in a reflection in my eyes or had some sort of super awareness; she tilted her head and looked behind her, seeing the others playing with their feet or look to the sky or whistle a tune. She scowled what I would come to understand as her "death glare" to the group and they were on the verge of pissing themselves. I just stood in amusement.

"Ignore them, Phil," Cherche flipped a lock of hair back. "As for Minervykins, she is my world! She is my pet Komodo dragon. I wish she were here so I could introduce her to you, but she is back at home, probably gorging on a deer leg…you do like giant lizards, right?"

Was this another test or something? If so, this one was easy.

"Actually," I cleared my throat, "I do. I am very fond of all wildlife. Especially reptiles. When I was child, I always wanted a pet snake but my parents wouldn't allow me to have one. But lizards are cool too, and Komodo dragons not frighten me. While I am very surprised you have one as a pet, I trust you take good care of her."

This surprised everyone with lowered jaw expressions.

"Oh my!" The dragon tamer gasped, "I didn't realize you were a fan! It warms my heart knowing some people in Ylisse actually wouldn't run away at the first sight of my dear Minerva. I'll be sure to tell her you'd like to meet her and aren't afraid." She smiled.

"Ok that sounds neat…hey what, so you actually talk to her and she listens? And you like…tame her?"

A whistle blew in the distance, signaling the end of the break.

She winked, "That's for you to find out another time, sweetie." Before we go went our ways, Vaike pulled me aside.

"Nice job, Shorty! Cherche is quite the looker. You may have what it takes to score with the one most of us wouldn't dare to ask out. Go for it!"

Actually, the idea of courtship for a teammate was reserved for only one woman. And she was over on the defensive side of a huddle. I silently thanked God she made the team. Still wearing her Alpha Pi wings in her hair, they shimmered in beautiful contrast in her crimson hair. Wildly thoughts unrelated to football entered my mind. I just have to get her name first!

"Phil! Phil! Get back to the huddle!" Chrom yelled.

"Coming!"

The rest of the practice was several more drills with the practice dummies then we broke out in a seven-on-seven drill. Positions were swapped as Donnel, Gaius and Gregor moved to the defense and the Alpha Pi girls came to the offense. I felt on cloud nine in the huddle when I happened to be positioned next to the redhead. Being my awkward self, I mouthed out a 'hi' to her. The smile on her face nearly made me melt.

Unfortunately, now wasn't the time for any theatrics; I had to remain focused on the play. Chrom draw a line that broke off, telling me what route to run. None of us had a playbook to memorize yet, but since everyone here was a Shepherd, they had the experience to know what to do. Breaking the huddle, I lined next to Chrom. He made flick of a wrist and I went into the right slot position. I looked across from me and saw the menacing grin on Gregor. I wonder what tricks he was up to. To his left was Lon'qu; Donnel on the opposite cornerback position. A tall bluish-grey haired man was to the left of Donnel. Next to him was Gaius. A jolly man in white played in the middle. Behind him was Cherche. With both sides ready, Coach Frederick blew his whistle.

After a bark, the blue-haired man got the snap and I was off. I noticed the defense got off the ball really fast and…more than two players on the defense rushed after Chrom. Four, in fact. Chrom must have anticipated more rushers than blockers. With my short route going across the field, I was wide open with the girls at receiver being preoccupied with Donnel and Lon'qu. The ball left the quarterback's hand in a flash and I caught it. Turning up the field, it was just me and Cherche. With a wiggle of the hips, my speed outclassed hers. Touchdown.

"Good move, Phil! Nicely done." Congratulated Chrom.

Lining up in same formation, we ran the same play over and over again, each time with success, even with adjustments on the other side of the ball. While Coach Frederick and Coach Phila seemed impressed, Coach Flava and Coach Basilio weren't. The latter two gave quite an earful to the defense. The final whistles blew for the day. The team gathered in a circle around the coaches.

"That was a good first practice. There is still a lot we need to work on…"

Coach Frederick's words faded out of consciousness. I was wiping my face with a blue towel. The training staff of three women were more than willing to provide us with the cloths and water. Heavy breaths left my mouth. I looked pass Frederick and noticed the cheerleading crew. I was happy to see Lissa make the squad. She was a natural with her enthusiastic demeanor. A welcoming breeze blew across my face. After a huff, Coach Frederick finished his speech.

"See you tomorrow. Dismissed."

After a Naga cheer that echoed the cheerleaders, I meet up with Vaike. "Good stuff out there, Teach."

"Hey Shorty! Not too shabby, yourself. Perhaps Teach can learn a thing from you."

I blushed, "Don't be so sure. It was just luck and first practice. Besides, I was only following what Coach told me to do."

Vaike waved me off. "Nonsense! You are a natural. You played like you've been a Shepherd for years. And don't think I'm saying that lightly. You worked hard over the months and it's paid off. You're on the team and I think you can be really good someday."

"Thanks, Vaike. That means a lot."

Vaike looked back and flicked his wrist to some of the guys.

"Phil, I don't think you've met some of the guys on defense. Here's Virion. He is also our back-up quarterback. This is Henry. Don't let his glee fool you. He is one crazy son of a gun. And the last one you haven't met is Ricken…"

"Actually, we met on the day of try-outs briefly. Nice to see you again, Ricken."

Ricken nodded in a shy manner. Virion twirled his hands and made a bowing gesture. Henry was in his little world mummering something about crows. I was nice to finally meet everyone officially. After a wave, we all went our separate ways.

The sun was high in sky amongst the clouds. There was still a full day to do anything. Classes were not for a while, so I decided to approach Chrom to invite myself in any of his plans.

"Hey Chrom, got any plans for this evening?"

"Hi Phil," he responded with his million-dollar smile. "Actually, I was meaning to ask you the same."

I was taken aback, "No, I don't. That is why I asked you."

"The team and I are having a party tonight. Gaius is hosting. You do know where he lives, right"

I did not, after only just meeting the guy.

"Nope."

Chrom rubbed his chin. "I see. Well, I am not good at giving directions, so why don't we meet at the Gladsen Gardens at 8? It's not far from there."

I knew where the Gardens were, so I nodded my head. Before I went back to my dorm, he grabbed my shoulder.

"Oh, Gaius told me to tell you to dress nice. It's a formal party, not a typical let's-get-smashed party. Very low-key. It'll be fun, I promise. Lots of laughter."

"Ok sounds good, I'll be there…but I have just one problem."

The blue-haired man frowned. "What's the issue?"

"I don't…have any fancy clothes."

Chrom sighed. "That's it? I was about to think you're too cool for us…just kidding. It is no problem. We can make an exception for the newbie. I'll see you at 8."