"While normally I would have you all sit here for an hour or two longer, since the storm is rolling over us now I think it's good to end it off here today, any complaints?"

The silence that permeated from everyone in the conference room was nearly deafening, though not perfect as the constant pitter-pattering of rain could be heard hitting the roof of the building.

"Woah slow down fellas, not all at once," Coach JJ joked, "Meet at the field same time tomorrow for practice! We still have that game against AOG on Monday, so I better not see any of you all slacking, got that?!"

"Yes, Coach!" The team echoed in unison.

"That's the spirit! You all are dismissed!" He boomed.

"Thank you, Coach!" We all responded in unison.

"Looks like "practice" is finally over. All we did was watch game films for about two hours, and for once it was actually pretty interesting as while it was not the latest global cup it was the one right before it. I think I can speak for everyone as I say I would prefer to see something from the 21st century compared to black and white pixels on a screen."

Since I was not notified of whether we were still having normal practice or not I still took the time to change into the practice fit I wear. While it was more convenient as I prefer this to the school uniform we are mandated to wear every day, I forgot that due to me wearing shorts and a thinner shirt, I would be much colder. Luckily I had my jacket on hand and was able to wear it over, but my thighs and legs were practically freezing throughout the film watching.

A not-so-looming presence walked over next to me as I was packing the few things I had out, "Looks like our wish came true Alex," George remarked.

"Guess so, as annoying as it was to pause every few seconds or so to analyze a play at least we could recognize the players," I joked as I finished packing and zipped up my backpack.

"You got that right," George nodded in agreement, "I still wish we would have been able to see my G.O.A.T. Pessi-"

"G.O.A.T.? What G.O.A.T? Surely you are talking about my glorious king Kaymar," an arrogant voice interjected.

As I got up and slung my backpack over my should before turning to see Joel walking over with a smug look.

"Looks like these two are going to but heads like always. School or Outside, Practice or Game, they always seem to have something to contest each other about. It's usually never gets serious enough to warrant any intervention, but it still gets rather annoying to hear them belittle each other."

"Who you calling G.O.A.T.? Paymar is not even in the discussion for it, third place is already a stretch to begin with," George sneered.

"You take that back!" Joel angrily spat as he got closer to George, "The only reason Pessi has so many goals is due to him being carried by his teammates!"

"Now-" George began

A thunderous thunderclap emanated from outside and reverberated throughout the room. Everyone in response froze up as if anticipating something.

The storm outside seems to be revving up, I should really head home soonish.

"Like I was about to say, you can't be saying that! Last time I checked Kaymar is not even in a top 10 contract," George belittled.

"Yeah, it's another one of these days. I would try to intervene normally but considering how I can hear the thunderstorm outside get worse, I'll just take my leave."

As I was about to promptly turn around and leave however I only slightly moved my gaze to my side to see another figure draw close.

"Alright that's enough of that," Bryan beseeched, "We should head home now as if you could not tell, the storm practically over us. I'm pretty sure most of us don't wish to drive in the middle of a thunderstorm," he pointed out.

"Fair…"

"Right…"

They both respectively grumbled.

"That's surprising, usually not even Captain Bryan is able to calm those two down, but I can't really blame them as the storm is coming over. Good job Br-"

"Regardless of the storm, everybody here knows that the real G.O.A.T. is Kenalodo," He smugly goaded, "And nobody can prove me otherwise."

"Nevermind."

"What did you say!" Joel snarked loudly, "There is no way you are bringing up Kenaldo now!"

"For once I agree with Joel," George grumbled angrily, "Kenaldo is a fraud, he only got that big contract with Ka-Fassier because of his old rep, not his current skill!"

"Current rep, smorent rep, this just proves he was and still is the undisputed G.O.A.T.!" Bryan bragged as if those were his own accomplishments.

"This is getting out of hand, I need to leave."

I tried to sidestep away from the three guys but it seems as if they are getting more enthralled in their argument as I was pushed back in by Bryan walking forward. There was not much I could do as Bryan has both a stronger body but also a larger one.

"You need a Global Cup to be considered in the G.O.A.T. debate, Bryan!" George provoked, "Last time I checked Kenaldo has a grand total of…. Zero!"

"Yeah! Didn't he get humiliated at the last Global Cup against Egypt!" Joel joined in.

I took the reinitiation of their argument to quickly maneuver myself away from the epicenter of their predicted collision.

"You can't be talking either Joel! At least Kenaldo made it far in the last Global Cup, Kaymar has not made it farther than the first elimination rounds," George ridiculed.

I don't exactly like how George did a whole 180 on Joel, but I guess when it comes to G.O.A.T.'s, nowhere, or in this case, no one is safe. As much as I like soccer I can't find myself getting that worked up over accomplishments of rich millionaire players. Of course, I can't deny their skill, I just feel like glazing people, in general, is weird.

"Oh so we are bringing that up now-"

"I honestly don't know how we are functional team at times," a new gruff but familiar voice perked up behind me.

The signature gruff voice could only belong to one person so I was not super surprised when I saw Coach JJ looming behind me.

"I can see what he means, we bicker and fight over pretty trivial stuff for no apparent reason a good chunk of our time. Though I guess we make it up by locking in for the actual games."

"Howdy Coach, yeah I agree, though we make it work out which is all that matters… right?" I affirmed.

He scratched his beard before responding, "I guess so, at this level at least one's inherit natural talents are enough to make up for any pitfalls in the team dynamic," his face then stiffened for a moment, "But in a professional or even semi-professional setting this would not do."

Thats kind of a given to be honest considering how this is still high school sports and nowhere near professional. I guess he can be saying something as he played semi-pro beforehand but that was before he had his back injury which ended his career.

I could only shrug in response, "Well no duh, what do you think we are Real Barcelona or Madrid?"

"I can understand him looking out for us but I think we will be fi-"

I felt the feeling of something clamping on my shoulder suddenly only to realize that Coach was grasping me somewhat roughly.

"Is that sass I hear from you boy?" He monotoned as he gave me a stern look.

"Uh oh."

"Ummm," I hesitantly chuckled, "No sir…?"

The argument I could faintly hear in the background between the three guys seemed to calm down as Coach spoke up. The conference was not large by any means, only barely having room for a small podium, a set of foldable chairs, and a projector. Luckily by now most of the team had already upped and left but the 5 or so still looming around for some reason had something new to turn their attention to, me.

"I need to apologize, as friendly as I am with the coaches they are still my superiors and I can't speak to him in that tone."

I tried my best to manifest an apologetic look before saying, "Coach JJ, sorry I didn't-"

Suddenly the grasping on my shoulder loosened greatly and Coach burst into a hearty laugh. I only stood there dumbfounded for a few moments as I just looked in confusion at the scene before me.

"You know maybe our last game where we got scored on the last minute which cost us the game finally pushed him over the edge-"

"Heh, sorry for scaring you Alex," Coach chuckled as he was catching his breath, "But the look you gave me was priceless! You really thought I was going to be mad with you!"

Right, compared to actual teachers Coach JJ is much more chill when it comes to us. Not saying he can't be stern but seeing how he can flip on a dime I was genuinely worried I was going to get a lecture then and there. He is one of the few people who I can't really gauge or read their expression, mostly due to his bushy beard and facial hair but still.

"Right… funny joke coach," I mumbled as I now felt pretty dumb.

"I can't say I was mad, I never would be with Coach, though I'm definitely annoyed as he kind of gave me the spook back there. In front of everyone one on top of that!"

"What? Was it not to your taste Alex?" Coach snickered as he held his chest, "The others clearly liked it better then you did!"

I could only vaguely hear some mummers from George and the others who were still here but as I turned to them only to see how they were all just suppressing their laughter.

"Those cheeky bastards-"

Once they noticed I had my gaze on them they almost all simultaneously burst out laughing. I don't know what to feel… anger? Emberssament? This is why I don't go out with people. I could feel my face begin to heat up slightly.

"I'm getting out of here."

I shuffled to the side and walked past Coach JJ intending to beeline it to the door. But I was abruptly stopped by someone practically yanking my right arm. If it was not for my momentum I probably would have immediately stopped, but I was not in the mood to deal with this whole ordeal so I attempted to just keep moving.

"Hey Alex you alright," The presumed origin of what was restricting my movement asked.

I already knew who it was, after all, Hollis had a pretty recognizable voice as he was arguably the best player on the team. But I'm not going to humor him today.

"Leave me alone Hollis," I grumbled as I attempted to pull away my arm.

However, my attempts were futile as my only slightly above-average upper body was no match for Hollis' bodybuilder build.

"Why is everyone just being so… annoying today?"

"Listen we're sorry if that Joke came out wrong-"

I interrupted, "I don't care, just let me leave, I'm tired."

"They are not sorry about joking, they are sorry I got mad about it, that's not an apology muscles for brains."

George then spoke up from the end of the room, "We had no intention to-"

"Can I just go home, the storm is getting worse," I huffed.

There was a silence that layered over the entire room and its few occupants. The trembling of the storm and the sound of rain colliding with the thin roof were the only sounds constantly echoing in everyone's ears.

"So are thet just sitting here expecting me to say sorry? It's bad enough this day has been as it is, I don't need more bullshit on top of it."

"Can you let go now?" I fumed as I finally turned my gaze to Hollis.

He immediately averted his eyes as I put my gaze upon him. His imposing figure did not help him as he seemed to get more nervous the longer I stared. It's probably due the scowl I was sure was formed on my face in that moment. I wouldn't lie if I said in these moments I wanted to just hit him until he let up.

He finally faced my gaze once more with a more amicable look, "Listen, dude, let's just take a moment to-"

What he unintentionally did as he tried to reconcile with me is that his iron grip loosened up. In that moment I immediately yanked away as quick as I could from the open section in his grasp. While normally I would not be able to do so even with a weaker grip from Hollis, I think my anger and the suddenness of it was enough to do so.

"Maybe that will teach you to not push me whenever I'm having an already shitty day."

"Just leave me the hell alone, I've had bad enough of a day as is," I growled as I turned tail and pushed open the door.

"We're sorry!" I heard someone call out before I slammed the door shut.

"Like hell, you are. You're only sorry because I got mad. Honestly you guys just… never mind."

The already loud rain seemed to increase in its thunderous downpour as I stepped outside. Luckily there was a rain cover right outside the door so I was free of also feeling the rain also hitting me… for now at least.

"You know for once I actually regret parking near the trash dropoff. Normally it would be a good spot as it leaves lots of space for me to leave through the dump truck exit and avoid school-ending traffic. However, that's only since it is on the far side of the school, and in this case, it's working against me. Why does it have to fucking rain today of all days…"

I kicked the concrete wall in frustration, and while it did slightly help relieve my anger it did replace it with a worse pain of hitting a concrete wall.

"Ok, I'm stupid, I'm stupid, I'm stupid."

I could only slightly wince in pain and move my foot a little to hopefully alleviate it.

"Okay next time, don't do stupid shit. Well, I doubt there is going to be a next time since Coach JJ is probably going to crucify me for getting mad. But it's not like I was in the wrong! … right?"

A flash of lighting could be seen illuminating the sky for a brief moment.

"Wherever there is lighting follows-"

The sound of thunder tremoring erupted in the sky. If I had not seen the lighting I would have jumped back in surprise.

Whatever, let me just get home now before I get electrocuted or something, mom is probably worried sick. Actually speaking of that-

I pulled out my phone from my backpack and powered it on. While normally I would have it on my right pocket for easy accessibility, Coach said that for practice it needs to stay off and out of sight. As he wants us to focus on the practice then any girls or how much time is left. Some bullshit like "The time does not dismiss you I do." Jackass.

The grumbling of my stomach interrupted me amidst my thoughts, another reason to head home quickly.

"As much as I want to head straight for my car the run is going to probably take me a minute or two at full speed. That's also not accounting for me possibly slipping from the puddles and cracks in the concrete. If so then I'll almost certainly get drizzled in water, there is only so much my hoodie can protect me from, especially in this torrent. Plus that's not even considering my school stuff I have in my backpack!"

As I felt the familiar vibration on my right hand, I knew my phone finally powered on. I turned on the screen to see the same lock screen I always have of a group photo with the whole entire soccer team from last year. Back then I was not as well renowned for my defending skills but I was still one of the starters or first-pick substitutions for defenders anyway.

"We had a great season that year… sadly lots of the star players graduated which kind of left us who stayed to pick up the pieces and make it work. Not that we haven't, in our last 5 games we have won 4 and tied once. However we are not only scored on wins and losses but goals scored, therefore due to that we are tied for second with another school. And since only the top three move on to the actual tournament, messing up one too many games is a death sentence."

I was suddenly thrown back into reality as another thunderous tremor erupted in the air, this time much closer to me then before.

"Is this storm just getting worse?"

I quickly unlocked my phone and looked for the weather app. While I was definitely curious about the various messages I seemed to have gotten I could always check at a better time. As I opened the app it took slightly longer than normal most likely due to the storm messing up data signals. Once the app fully opened I went to the hourly weather section to see… that it was predicted to keep storming the next few hours.

"Can't wait it out then…," I grumbled to myself in an annoyed tone.

"Guess the next best thing would be… to run from cover to cover. The school has more rain covers and some sections where the entrance goes into the building itself slightly. Since the school has multiple exits and entrances, it shouldn't be dumb to not assume that there are enough on the way to my car so that I can avoid a lot of unnecessary wetness."

I raised my head out of thought and adjusted my backpack. I tightened the straps to make sure it did not fly off after doing a sudden turn. It would be fairly easy if not this being built almost like a star fortress of whatever it was called, and because the builders decided to only have one floor, its just a really wide school. Not exactly optimal for me now having to go to the other side of the school practically…

"Alright enough idling" I spat out abruptly.

The pain that was plaguing my foot was now subsiding which was my last excuse to not just bolt it out from the get go. Stretching my legs did bring some strain to my muscles as they were still rather tight from the game we had not too long ago, but not nearly bad enough to warrant waiting around any longer.

Sticking out my arm from the water cover, I felt my left hand immediately get pelted by a plethora of water droplets. Not that it hurt, but I would definitely feel them hitting my body, especially whenever I start running from cover to cover practically slamming into them. I quickly put on my hood and tighten it to hopefully block out as much water as they can.

"If only I wore my long pants instead of my shorts, thanks a lot George."

Looking around I could see a water cover a fair distance at the right from here. Since the conference room is technically it's own sperate building I would need to run across the crosswalk on the road before getting to the school proper and by relation the water covers.

"I still don't know who had the bright idea to make the conference room of all places separated from the building proper. If not then maybe we would have running water and a bigger room to begin with, for a private school we seemed to have gotten pretty shitty contractors or whatever they are that build these things."

I backpedaled as close as I could to the wall to prepare my sprint. I needed to get a running start so I would spend the minimum amount of time in the actual rain. The smell of… water? Filled my nostrils as I prepared myself. I'm not really sure if rain has a particular smell, maybe the humidity…?

Wait focus! Lets just get this over with come on Alex!

"3… 2… 1…"

I surge of energy filled my legs as I burst forth into the rain. I instantly felt the raindrops pelting my jacket and legs, however they were of no worry to me as I sprinted through the rain. That familiar feeling… the rush of adrenaline, it pushed me to not relent as I closed in on my destination. I quickly hopped down and up the driveway as I got back on the sidewalk.

I did keep in mind the giant puddles of water that were forming in the divots and holes of the concrete and dirt, I luckily avoided them without inadvertently splashing myself. Doing one final anticlimatic leap I avoided a giant puddle that was forming that was in between me and cover.

A perfect landing if I do say so myself. Anyways, now that I'm actually on the side with the actual main building I should only need to run along the side of the wall to eventually reach another cover. After all if I remember correctly they installed one per entrance and exit, well unless it was an intruding entrance, then there was no need.

I slightly shivered as my legs were now wet but I did my best to shake them to keep them warm, however effective that is at helping at least. I couldnt make out where the next cover was as there was a sharp turn to the left I needed to take.

"I'll just have to look out for it as I go, it's not often I have to take the roundabout way-"

"Alex!"

I froze for a moment at the sound of my name being yelled. I did not need to change my gaze to know it was George.

"Alex, we got off on the-"

"I'm not wasting my time here."

I rushed forward once more no longer just invigorated by not wanting to be wet, but to avoid Goerge and his annoying face. As I ran out fo the cover the feeling of being pelted resurfaced across my body.

"Hey wai-"

I turned the corner as fast as I could, using my momentum and my arm as a pendulum to swing myself smoothly and quickly. Some more voices erupted as soon as I turned the corner, but they were drowned out by the sound of the rain colliding with the ground. I quickly scanned my surroundings to see another cover not too far from my location, speeding up I was able to arrive under its protection not a few moments later.

"Why are they still bothering me? They mock me then they want to talk? Do they take me for an idiot-"

A sudden crash of thunder pulled me from my thoughts as I also unconsciously flinched.

"Okay no more distractions, if I stay at this rate I'll be home never."

I lifted my head from my thoughts and looked onward, the next cover was only a short distance away so there was not much need for planning. I again repeated the process and arrived at the nearest place of cover. I surprisingly was not breaking a sweat yet, even with the humidity and the running I've been doing. I probably would not be saying this if it was broad daylight, but whatever.

Following the wall with my gaze, I could make out a large divot of bricks missing further ahead. I could vaguely make out that it was the back exit for the school, I almost never use it so that's why I'm not exactly certain. Either way, the doors are pushed inward into the building which leaves a decent amount of space to be used as cover.

I sprang forward again and easily closed the distance between me and my shelter against the rain. I used the same technique of pendulum swinging with my momentum to swing myself inwards and into cover. My heart however immodestly sank as I saw the two signature bland and grey double doors almost slam into my face. It was only thanks to me not going particularly fast that I did not do so.

But I most likely would have still caught myself…. I think. Pushing the whole incident of my near faceplant aside, I caught my breath for a moment.

"Noted for future reference, do not try to go max speed as you will quite literally kiss the door."

I angeled myself against the wall to get a view of the path ahead without having to peek out. I could make out another similar doorway a ways away. But since this is an exit there is more parking here and due to that the walkway I have been using gets cuts off by parking spaces. I would not really mind if not for the large amount of puddles forming in the cracks and holes of the concrete.

One misstep and I'll get a one-way ticket to the Oceanglobe splash zone. I don't exactly want to experience getting practically drowned by a "splash" of water from an orca. I have not forgiven my brother for laughing at me till this day, and never plan to.

I let out a sigh.

"I can roughly estimate I'm only a halfway to where I parked my car, I really need to speed this up before the storm picks up anymore," I grumbled to myself.

"Judging from the previous sounds of thunder the storm is practically on top of me, and I rather be inside a car than out in the open if I get struck down by Zeus. Actually now thinking about it, won't being in a giant metal can make it worse-"

Another sudden crash of thunder erupted in the sky above me, followed by an illuminating flash of lighting.

"Car it is."

Pushing aside all my previous hesitation, I sped forward onto the parking lot, doing my best to avoid the aforementioned pools of water forming. Luckily soccer skills can have practical applications too, using my heel and a pivot I was able to maneuver much better then normally, it did cost me some of my speed, but the alternative was not better.

After carefully maneuvering myself to the other side of the parking spaces, I arrived at the next divot of cover near an exit. I only lingered long enough to catch my breath before continuing on down the walkway, going from cover to cover like some kind of criminal. It wasn't helping that I had a nearly jet-black jacket on, not that I would be suspected of being one even with it on… I think.

Ignoring my previous statements, I maneuvered myself towards the next piece of cover without a hitch, along with the next. The area was starting to become more familiar. Even if only vaguely, made it so I did not need to analyze my surroundings before moving from place to place. Though I could start to see a heavy fog start to form as my surroundings became more hazy, humidity sure is a bitch.

As I turned another corner, I finally saw it in the far distance, my truck. While it was tempting to just run straight towards it, I would just bring a whole lot of water inside, I don't exactly want damp car seats as I cleaned it not too long ago. Luckily I was parked on the walkway's side so just a fair bit more and I should be there.

"Only four more cover areas until I'm there, I'll just speed through as it's practically a straight line down the walkway."

I let out a few quiet coughs in order to release some of the moisture building up at the back of my throat, before bracing myself for a sprint. There were a few puddles of water, particularly a large one near the second to last one which worried me, but I should have ample time to prepare for it once I get to it.

I sped forward like I normally did, throwing some caution out the window as I prioritized speed over maneuverability. Not that I would need to maneuver much when going in practically a straight line. The one slosh of water that was in my path was just a small hurdle as I easily leapt above it before reaching the first piece of cover.

With the area between me and my sanctuary closing, I did not relent as I dashed through the rain once more, no puddles impeding my path so I had no need to brace myself as I easily got under the next piece of cover.

"Nice pace Alex, pat yourself on the back now."

I mentally patted myself as I took a moment to catch my breath. Though I was struggling due to the humidity building up in the air and getting in my lungs. I cleared my throat as best as I could so I could taste the air without a large buildup of moisture in my lungs.

"Drowning on air practically, yeesh."

As I finally finished in mostly clearing my airways, I stepped back as far as I could inside cover before I could feel the rain. The second to last piece of water protection was a fair distance away in a divot compared to the last two, along with that, I needed to have enough speed to be able to jump above the giant pool of water and to latch onto the side of the corner.

I'm practically doing a move straight out of a movie, or an anime sort of. If I don't get enough momentum i'll end up splashing the water, and if I go too fast I won't be able to latch onto the side and enter the divot. I just need to fine a middle ground…

I braced myself, gauging the distance, mentally preparing an adequate speed, keeping my eyes on the prize.

"Once I get to this one, the final piece of cover is practically right next to it, then after that, its home sweet home… practically at least."

I did a small stretch on my calves and leg as the pain from before while mostly subsided was still pestering me.

"Alright, Alex… Go!"

Blitzing forward with maximum speed, I planned on slowing down only whenever I was approaching my target. I had to do small hops from side to side to avoid some small puddles but they did little to impede my advance.

"Wait shit that puddle is larger then I thought-"

I faltered for a moment, only to immediately increase my speed once more. Slowing down would be fatal, and while I could walk around, the whole section of walkway was already filled with water and I would muddy my shoes.

"Here goes nothing-"

With a double-footed jump I went over the puddle while I extended my arm as far as I could to latch onto the corner of the divot.

"Wait did I overshoot-"

The feeling of wet concrete scratched my arm as I quickly grasped as fast I could. I could feel my momentum try to yank my away for a moment but it quickly diverted to a swing as I felt myself turning.

"Perfect jo-"

A flash of yellow, was all I could see before my vision became blurred. A voice…? A yelp…? I instantly lost my grip on the corner before trying to flail around and grab it once more. Before I knew it I felt gravity drag me down… falling… followed by a thud and a splash of water hit my face.

"What the hell?!"

The pelting of water on my face quickly rushed energy back into my body. I did my best to wipe the water that was rapidly assaulting me off my face so I could open my eyes as I used a free hand to push myself up. But instead of solid ground I felt a creeping cold feeling rush up my pants, water.

"SHIT!"

I immediately opened my eyes and scrambled to get my bearings. I haphazardly tried to push myself up, grabbing on to my the corner and using it to pull myself up. I was struggling due to my now most likely drenched backpack dragging me down, but in a swift show of strength, I pushed myself forward and threw myself into the divot of cover.

"Ugh, now there goes my car seats. All my evading of the water for what? Jack shit, stupid…"

I don't know for how long I laid there, but it's not like there was a point in rushing to get up. Might as well squeeze out all the water out of my now wet belongings. A shame, really.

"Alex!" an unexpected voice cried out.

"What?"

I immediately perked up and finally did a concrete scan of my perimeter… only to see someone's boots… Looking up I saw a certain someone's signature emerald eyes staring at me.

"Avery?!" I dumbfoundedly spat out.

"Are you alright?! Are you hurt?!" She began to stammer out in a panic.

"Why is she here of all places?!"

"I swear, I didn't mean to run into you or anything! Promise!" She continued.

This day… I swear if there is a God or something then I'm half certain they are playing a prank on me…

"Here let me help you up!" Avery spoke up worriedly

"Huh?" I croaked out in confusion.

As I looked upwards I could see Avery's outstretched hand reaching down towards me. I awkwardly stared at it for a few moments, still trying to get my bearings. Her worried look got even more apparent as she shook her hand a little, most likely motioning me to grab it.

"Alex.. are you alright?" Avery hesitantly said, "I didn't headbutt you too hard, right…?"

"Right!"

"Yeah yeah I'm alright!" I blurted out as I quickly pushed myself up on my feet.

I made sure not to hit Avery as she was leaning over me, and once she noticed I would be getting up on my own she made some space for me to do so. As I finally got up straight, I began to get some shivers from the water dripping down my legs.

Ugh…

I lightly shuddered to myself as I shook my feet to hopefully get some water off of them.

"Oooh," Avery suddenly squirmed out.

"Hm?" I grunted in confusion as I turned to face her.

"I guess to be expected of Avery, she looked like she was about to burst in any moment. Not in tears, but of-"

"I'm so sorry! I had no intention on getting you and your stuff wet-" she began to blurt out.

"Once she starts, I can't exactly stop her now."

"-Wait I think I have some towels in my purse you can use," she continued as she pulled her purse from her side and began to rife through her belongings in a hurry.

"Avery, I'm alright, promise," raising my right hand in a motion to calm to her down.

"B-but your stuff!" she repeated as she pulled from her purse a handful of tissues.

"Not sure how much tissues are going to help with the wet mess that was made…"

"It's alright, I appreciate the gesture, truly," I replied as I tried to wave her off.

"That just won't do!" she huffed.

"And now here she goes, pestering me until I say yes."

I could only let out an exasperated sigh as I rubbed the back of my now-wet hood.

"Look it wasn't your fault, it was mine for blindly swinging in assuming there was nothing here," I shrugged as I attempted to wipe some more water off my legs.

"B-But," She spluttered, "If I wasn't here!" she paused for a moment for some reason, "Then you wouldn't have your stuff all drenched in water!"

"Great she was able to realize that, though I doubt her apologies will dry me off."

I sighed once more, "Don't remind me," I mumbled, before turning to face her directly and raising a brow," Actually on that note, why are you here?" I bluntly asked.

As I asked her this, her gaze immediately wavered to something else, along with that her will to give me the tissues. It's almost as if she was ignoring my question or something along those lines. I remained there, now putting my full focus on her as I crossed my arms expectantly. She slightly shifted in hesitation as I stared at her, normally something that a person enthralled by her looks would do, definitely something I would not do, but this is different.

The silence between us was only interrupted by the pittering of rain on the puddles and concrete only an arm's reach away. However the longer I stared the more uncomfortable she seemed to get, was it really that serious? She began to fiddle with her purse, putting the tissues she wadded up before back inside, a bit dejectedly surprisingly coming from her.

"Did I say something wrong again? God, I don't understand women these days, though that's kind of a given considering I'm the exact opposite of women wooer Branden."

"Sorry if that came out wrong-" I began only to then be interrupted by Avery now raising her free hand.

"No, it's not you. This was bound to come up at some point, it really isn't your fault that you are the first one," she nonchalantly stated.

"Okay, this is getting eerie, whats made her go from all jittery to down in the dumps?"

"I'm sorry but like, I don't understand," I hesitantly responded.

Right as I finished saying this, Avery suddenly perked up as if she recalled something. Following this, her face turned a bright pink as she shook her head almost violently from side to side.

"Sorry! Sorry!" She piped in an embarrassed tone, "I didn't mean to say anything weird!"

"What…? If Avery is what all girls are or strive to be, then I might need to wait till after college with the way they can flip on a dime. Actually didn't Branden mention something about that earlier today…?"

"Uh-huh," I uneasily mumbled, "You're good…? Sorry, this is just so sudden, then with the headbutt and me getting wait and y'know, all of that," I shrugged in an exaggerated manner.

Avery held a pensive look on her face, seemingly unsure of what to make of my whole attempt to divert the conversation.

Now thinking about it, it probably wasn't good to put her on the spot like that, even if I wanted to know. Cause you know, for her to be out here, in the middle of a storm after school hours, she has to have some reason, good or bad, whatever they may be, not my business in the slightest.

"Forget about what I asked," I stated bluntly as I turned around looking back out onto the rain, "Sorry if I startled you or anything."

"As much as I would want to dry off there isn't much I could do, even if I accepted the tissues Avery wanted to hand to me. I'm running back out onto the rain for Pete's sake-"

"Wait," Avery mumbled almost silently behind my back.

I turned my head across my shoulder to look over at her.

"Hm?" I montoned.

"You deserve to know," she sighed, "After all you are the first one to ask and to know."

"What is she getting on about-"

"I was waiting for someone to pick me up, though… they didnt come," she mumbled.

As she was beginning to explain I turned back around, to better hear what she was saying.

"And by the time they told me almost everyone already left school, except the very few who have after-school extracurriculars."

"Oh so a missed ride, makes sense. I heard Avery doesn't have a car, I think the reason is because she is saving for college. Fair enough to her I suppose."

"I see, well since that person did not come, I assume you have someone else on the way to pick you up, right?" I formulated from the given context.

Avery gave me a sheepish look as she scratched her cheek, "Well that's what I would have done, but the storm rolled in and I don't think I feel good making them drive through a storm to pick me up."

"Also fair, wait what is her plan then?"

"Awfully considerate of you, but makes sense as it's y'know, you," I stated.

Avery's face was slightly flushed like from before as I said this.

"So… what is your plan then?" I asked curiously.

"Plan?" she responded with a surprised tone.

"Yeah, to like get home. I mean the only reason I stumbled into you at all was because my truck was parked over here, and also that we watched film and not gotten onto the field," I elaborated.

"Oh so that truck is yours," she uttered to no one in particular as she turned her gaze towards it.

"Yeah, most people never see it as I park at the back end of the school, where nobody usually is most of the time," I explained, "Hell some of my friends think I ride a bicycle or something as I always pop into school through the back entrance, and they think I do so to avoid embarrassment." I joshed before returning to a more neutral tone.

Yeah, at least that is harmless compared to you know, making fun of someone.

Seeing as I lowered my tone, Avery spoke up, "I mean I would assume the same if I were them," she teased.

"Heh, I think I would too actually."

I cracked a small grin, "I don't blame you."

We stood in silence for a few more moments, before Avery suddenly perked up once more.

"Oh right! You asked about my plan!" she remarked.

"Oh yeah, I did. What was it?" I questioned her.

"I had none!" she oddly said proudly.

"What?" I dumbfoundedly spat out.

"Yep," she cheerily confirmed.

"Yeah, nevermind I think dating might be off the table for the foreseeable future-"

"I'm sorry but," I paused for a moment as I pinched my nose, "I don't think I understand but did you just say you have no plan?"

She almost happily nodded in agreement with my statement.

"So, this might just be me but like is that not a bad thing?" I bluntly stated.

"Is she so much of an airhead that she does not realize how bad this is, especially now with the storm?"

"I never said it wasn't," she stated a bit less enthusiastically, "But it's not like there is any point lying to you," she shrugged.

"Why not?" I suddenly blurted out.

"Ok, I need to watch my damn mouth, what's up with me and saying stuff like this recently."

Avery was slightly taken aback by my sudden outburst, but she seemed to steel herself before answering me.

"Well…" she muttered, "It's not like there is point lying to you, you're usually pretty good at seeing through people," she shyly said.

Well, she's right in that, heh, I've become pretty adept at discerning people's emotions and thoughts, though Avery seems like an anomaly to me. She seems almost… too generic, and the switch-up she did earlier… she's an anomaly, or… almost as if she's… hiding something…?

"Yeah, there's some truth in that," I said with a hint a pride.

"Yep! Which is why I knew there was no need for me try!" she chirped.

I probably had a flabbergasted look on my face as I stared deep into her eyes for any sense of reaction to justify her attitude towards this whole situation, but… there was none. Even as I prolonged my stare into her emerald eyes which while not sparkling under a light still were vibrant in color even with the damp atmosphere, she reamined eerily steadfast.

"Is she just weird like this…? No, if she was like this I would have noticed it with the plenty of other interactions I've had with her… she's definitely… unique… yeah…"

"I don't know if I'm just not pic-"

A familiar but abrupt boom echoed throughout the sky, making me and Avery both jump slightly, this time being loud enough it to sort of echo inside my ears.

"That surprised her, so she isn't brain-dead. But still, this storm is picking up, and it does not look like ending here, and Avery is here, all alone. With no supposed ride…"

"What were you saying Alex?" Avery blurted out in a more urgent tone.

"Oh- uh, I was going to say what exactly warrants having this… cheery attitude? Of yours, not saying its bad to have one in bad situations, but like… you seem to be way too calm, almost oblivious," I continued, before quickly correcting myself in a small panic, "No offense of course!"

Avery seemed surprised for a moment before sheepishly waving me off, "It's alright, I don't blame you for thinking that… I mean it's not like I've been direct with you so it's to be expected," she explained bluntly.

"I see…" I blankly said in response.

"At least she has enough of a gauge on me to know that I know something else up. Normally one would not notice it but considering how she "borrows" me for every other class or school project of hers then is not exactly a surprise."

"Well I can't exactly put this into words well but… I would rather be hopeless and happy then sad," she elaborated as her gaze wandered, "Why be down in the dumps if the situation is out of your hands?" she shrugged.

"Huh, actually sounds logical, sort of…"

"But this isn't out of your hands?" I said confused, "There is plenty of things you could do to make it home."

Her expression turned to one of bewilderment as she looked back at me.

"Like what?" She suddenly spat out, "I can't deny you're smart Alex but I think both me and you know that I can't realistically run out in the open for a few miles…," she paused, "during a storm," putting more emphasis on storm.

"Well, I never said that!" I countered defensively, "You can… can…" I began to stumble on my words.

"Can… what…?" she expectantly said, almost in a teasing way.

"Well, maybe you can't" I restated abruptly, "But like, I can take you home!"

"Wait what the fuck did I say-"

Her face turning to one of confusion. "Really?" she asked hesitantly.

"Alex you idiot"

"... Sure," I sighed.

She did not seem reassured, as she pressed further, "Are you sure? I really don't need to intrude if you have more urgent stuff to do and-"

"Yes, I'm sure. I don't have anything urgent to do and…"

My speech began to slow to a mumble.

"I would feel bad if I knew you were out here while I was at home, you know, chivalry and all of that fun stuff," I continued in an attempt to turn it comedic.

"No way to dig yourself any deeper, might as well try to twist this in a way."

"Chilvary you say~," Avery cooed in a teasing manner, "Never knew you were an adamant follower of that line of thinking Alex."

"Oh is that so?" I said as I raised a brow, "And why's that."

Avery seemed lost in thought for a moment as she put her finger up to her cheek.

"Well the way you were able to convince the head of the club department to not give preferential treatment to girl-exclusive clubs for funding is one thing that comes to mind," she explained.

"Oh right, I was upset our mixed clubs were getting less funding due to some dumb rule put by a long-gone administrator in the 1970's."

"Oh…" I mumbled sheepishly, "Sorry…?"

Avery gave a short giggle in response, one of her many "cute" quirks I guess. I mean I can guess the appeal… sorta…

She covered her mouth to hide her grin, "It's alright, I found that rule dumb too. It's not like it effect me and my girls too too much in volleyball."

"Heh… Well anyways, we can talk more inside my truck as I don't think talking here will be much safer, especially considering this-"

I motioned towards the storm behind me and coincidently a flash of lightning was seen illuminating the sky a distance away.

"-Yeah that." I reaffirmed.

"Yes we definitely should," she smiled sheepishly, "Mind leading the way?"

"Sure," I stated half dejectedly.

"What the hell did I get myself into…"

End of Prologue Part II

Authors Notes:
Hello everyone! I hope you all are enjoying Alex's story so far before he got summoned. As I stated beforehand the main goal of this rewrite is to bring more life to characters, and Alex, being the MC is the main one that I plan on fleshing out further. This can be shown with his interactions and thoughts displayed more clearly and to a greater extent pre-summoning. Do note there is some small Retcons planned but nothing too too major to change the story up till CHP 24. This is the second Prologue part, a little long but still worth it, the last and third part will be posted two weeks from now. Then two weeks after that, chapter 25 in the new style. Well, that's all I have to say, so see you all next time!

MWP Server: Dis co rd. gg / Bu ha 9 Qa Kz W