Chapter Two

Abigail's mind kept wandering. Gazing out the window at the sparkling waves just beyond the town. What exactly did Storm mean about the new teacher? When was her mother going to ask about what she wanted for her birthday? What was in those mashed potatoes at lunch?

The teacher noticed that she wasn't paying attention and got up from her seat. Kaze tried to get her attention, but quickly returned to his work when the teacher passed him.

"Miss Abigail!" The teacher shouted while slapping her ruler down on the girl's desk.

"Y-yes Mrs. Hinsworth?" Abigail asked with a start.

"I'm relieved, for a moment I thought you had been spirited away. Do try to keep your eyes on your work, there will be a quiz at the end of the week."

With that the teacher walked back to her desk, picked up her book and continued where she had left off.

The rest of the class went by uneventful, though it was still hard for Abigail to focus. When the bell rang for the next class Kaze walked over to her desk.

"Hey, you feeling okay?"

"Yeah," she replied with a half-smile, "I've just got a lot on my mind is all."

"Well, come on, Gail. Time to see what Storm was talking about." He headed out the door with Abigail following a few steps behind.

When they got out to the field, Abigail started feeling better. She was never a big fan of school, but gym was by far the best part. Except for rainy days the class was always held outside. The fresh air, the warm sun, the gentle breeze. It was heaven on earth to her.

She looked around the field for the new teacher, but he wasn't there. spotting Kaze she walked up to him. "So, where is he?"

"Alright class, line up!" Came a voice from behind them. Both teens looked on in surprise. The man leaning against the wall stood up and walked over to the group. Kaze had seen him, but he thought he was just another student. Abigail on the other hand was beginning to understand what Storm meant.

The man had spiky brown hair that came to his shoulders. A black jacket with a fur collar and the most unique feature was a scar that ran down the middle of his face.

The man waited until he had the class's full attention before he began. "Good afternoon, My name is Leon. I prefer you address me that way. I don't care too be addressed by mister. It makes me feel old."

This earned a few snickers from some of the students. Leon glared at them and pulled out his weapon. "Don't let my easy-going nature fool you, I'm tough as nails and don't take kindly to slackers. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir!" The class replied.

"Good," Leon said with a smirk. "Now, who here is good at volleyball?"

Abigail raised her hand as did Kaze and four others. Leon nodded and held up a ball. "Alright, looks like it's three on three. Take your places, I don't care who you choose for teammates."

It didn't take long for them to decide. Two jocks, a dark-haired teen named Antony and his younger brother, a blonde named Jax took the rear of the field. They were both famous for spiking the ball with more force than needed. The third was a timid boy named Dartin. He really wasn't good at volleyball, but he wanted to try.

Abigail and Kaze were on the same team with another girl who was normally very snotty, but out here on the field she became focused. Abigail had played with her before and knew that she could put her attitude aside and worked well in a team.

Leon waited before the teams were ready before tossing the ball over to Jax. "Start."

The word had barely left Leon's mouth before Jax spiked the ball. Kaze hit the dirt to avoid getting slugged in the face.

"Are you trying to kill me?!" He asked standing back up.

"Oops, Sorry carrot-top. I thought your head was on fire," Jax replied smirking.

Kaze glared at him. Knowing the brothers since first grade, the red-head was used to their insults, but the color of his hair was something he couldn't help.

"May I see the ball?" Abigail asked.

Kaze happily handed it over as she made her way to serve. She tossed the ball high before cupping her hands together in a closed fist. She came up and struck the ball. It soared past her team and came flying at Antony. The jock hit the ball back and the game was on.

It was a pretty even game. The score was three to two with the jocks ahead by one. The girl, Anna, had hit the ball over to Kaze who struck it over the net. Dartin was closest.

"Head's up, Dartin!' Abigail shouted towards him.

The boy looked up and was getting ready to hit it back when Antony pushed him aside and struck the ball back to Jax.

"All your's bro!"

Jax spiked it. Abigail dove to hit it, but missed. The ball flew back up from the ground and flew past Abigail's face, just missing her ear as it flew across the field before bouncing to a halt.

"Alright, that's enough," Leon called, ending the game. The last thing he needed was an injury on his first day.

As class ended, signalling the end of the day Abigail walked over to Dartin before he left the field.

"Good game today."

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "Heh, thanks, but I didn't really do much. I'm sorry I made you miss that last shot."

"Don't worry about that," Abigail replied, "you were pretty good out there, considering who your teammates were."

"Those two are fulla hot air." Kaze added as he approached. "We better get moving before they make us stay after school."

"Yeah, that's the last thing we need, right Dartin?" Abigail said with a cheerful smile.

Leon was walking up to the doors after retrieving the ball when he noticed her. The hair was similar as was that smile. Leon had a hunch he had accomplished the first part of his mission.

"Now, on to phase two."