Story [Issue 82] The Game Plan I

[GrandExecutioner 1,403]

 

 

 

 

I could see his mouth moving up and down. He was definitely trying to explain something. No doubt droning on about the 'exciting' field of pharmacodynamics or something along those lines. To me, he might as well have been miming for all the difference it made.

 

Music blared through my headphones and exploded in my ears in an array of sounds. I could imagine how I looked to an outsider. Staring at the clock with a blank expression, absent-mindedly tapping my fingers on the notebook. But it didn't matter. No one would notice. That was the advantage of sitting at the back of the lecture theatre.

 

At long last, I saw a few students start to shuffle their belongings together and open up their bags. The lecture was over. Without a second glance, I swung my rucksack over my shoulder and slid out the doors of the lecture theatre just as the muttering that always comes at the end of a teaching session, began to rise in volume.

 

As I approached the exit to the building, I could hear a faint drumming on the roof getting louder. That meant only one thing. Rain. With a sigh, I pulled up my hood and stepped outside.  Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, I started walking away from campus. The breeze gently carried a few raindrops in the air, spraying it lightly on my face. Without a doubt, it felt refreshing especially after being confined in the stuffy lecture theatre for several hours.

 

I looked up at the sky and I could see grey clouds looming over me, threatening to unleash a torrent of rain if not taken seriously.  The rain continued pattering away on the concrete with a soothing, yet monotonous, rhythm. I stole a quick glance down at my watch.

 

16:05

Damn, I'm late! I am so dead.

 

With a sense of urgency, I quickened my pace. If the weather didn't enforce that I needed to be inside, the time certainly did.

 

At long last, I reached my door. Fumbling with the keys, I slid it into the keyhole and twisted it in one motion. The door swung open upon taking the force of my body weight as I tumbled through the doorway. Swinging my bag down on to the floor and almost throwing my coat off, I stumbled over to my desk. I was already hitting the power button on my gaming laptop by the time my shoes had come off.

 

The power button flashed its white light to tell me it had been turned on. There was an audible, yet quiet, whir as the machine booted up. It felt strangely satisfying. Quickly, I loaded up Discord and the Tanki client. Plugging in my headphones, I clicked on the 'Arctic Wolves' server and entered the call.

 

Instantly, I was hit with several people talking rapidly; trying to communicate bits of information to others. The match had already started.

 

"Watch out, watch out. He's coming up with DA. " I recognised the voice to be my leader- Claw.

"I've got him, boss. The right side is locked down. Move in for the cap." To my surprise, it was the voice of Blade which cut through the rest. I didn't realise he would be playing, but I guess someone had to replace me.

 

I waited for the round to end before piping up.

 

"Sorry, I'm late guys. Got held up at Uni. Can I jump in? "

 

The next few seconds could have been minutes or hours. Everyone seemed to go quiet at the same time. The awkward silence dragged out until finally, the leader broke it.

 

"Well, the thing is... Blade has started the match now. He's performing well. It's not worth the risk changing that up now. You'll be a reserve. " Claw sounded firm.

 

I feared what my leader would say and when I heard the actual words coming through my earpiece, I could almost feel my heart physically sinking. I knew what this meant. This may only be a training match, but this was a serious clan. And if you wanted to keep your place in the starting squad, you have to turn up for every match. By the sound of it, Blade was playing really well. And just like that, I knew my spot was taken. Not just this match but possibly all the future ones too.

 

The match ended with a win for the Arctic Wolves. All the members, went on parkour mode to celebrate. While, I tried my best to support the team and pretend I was really excited too, I didn't feel up to it so I closed down the client and was about to shut down the laptop. It was at that moment, I received a call from Claw.

 

Without hesitation, I answered.

 

"Hey. Sorry if I sounded harsh earlier. You just have to realise that you need to be here on time if you want to be in our squad. " Claw seemed to be struggling to let me down gently. I appreciated the effort though.

"It's okay, I get it. Congratulate Blade for me. " I answer solemnly. I didn't want to jeopardise my spot in the clan even further. Besides, as much as I hated to admit it, Blade performed well. Very well.

"Listen. We've been challenged to a friendly against Dark Knights. They're a tough team but nowhere near our level. Your spot hasn't been taken just yet. Show everyone what you're made of tomorrow."

"Really? Thanks, Claw! I appreciate it. Don't worry we are 100% going to come back with the W." And just like that, the hope of making the team which I thought had diminished, had resurfaced.

 

With renewed faith, I shut down my laptop. It had taken me a long time to gain acceptance into the clan and even longer to assert myself in the starting team. I wasn't going to give that up to anyone. 

 

Everyone is going to remember the game I play tomorrow.

 

 

 

[GrandExecutioner 1,403]

Credits: @Goges.Enze

 

Poor guy had to do my banner.

Edited December 9, 2018 by GrandExecutioner

[Double_Th3_Shots 164]

You forgot to close your front door back bro!

 

Edit:cool read!

Edited December 10, 2018 by Double_Th3_Shots

[GrandExecutioner 1,403]

You forgot to close your front door back bro!

 

Edit:cool read!

There's bigger things at stake  :ph34r:

[Double_Th3_Shots 164]

There's bigger things at stake  :ph34r:

Yep, can't have Blade taking your spot!  :lol:

Edited December 12, 2018 by Double_Th3_Shots