SPRITES: Legacy of the Black Phoenix

Chapter 5 : Lana's Illumination Game

The following day Vidaj sat and waited for the English class to begin when he felt two small fingers tapping against his shoulder. Corralling a softball, his classmate Janice reached over and plopped it in his hands. Perplexed, he began to analyze the names on it. Looking back up at Janice, her finger pointed toward the right. Turning in that direction was Lana waving her hands while mouthing the words hurry up as Mr. Mathis walked through the door.

Vidaj tossed the ball to Lana.

He whispered "what's this?"

"The game ball," lowering both her voice and head to avoid Mr. Mathis's view as he started calling for attendance.

"From our final game last year," Lana whispered.

She slid the ball into a protective covering in her messenger bag before lifting it back up toward Vidaj before Mr. Mathis could see. Covering his mouth to hide his smirk he pondered as to why Lana didn't use her powers. He then remembered that Lana also loved the thrill of trying to get a fast one past people without her powers. He gripped his face tighter at the thought of her thinking that she was anywhere near as sneaky without her powers. "From last year's championship game to be exact. Don't you remember?"

Nodding as though there was a spring in her head she came to a realization. "Ooh, that's right. You weren't there because you went fishing with Pax that day. You're going to make up for that this year by coming to all our games."

Vidaj looked up as Mr. Mathis stood in front of Lana. Shocked that she had been caught she jilted up like a flamingo ruffling its own feathers and apologized.

After class Lana jumped up and pulled Vidaj down by the collar in the hallway. "You!" Vidaj stuck his tongue out as Lana tired out, loosening her grip. Still angry she wagged her index finger at him. "Why didn't you warn me that he was coming. You're just soooo... ugh! Just you wait! I'm so going to get my revenge on you for this."

Slapping her hand away, Vidaj brushed his shirt while biting down on his lips to keep himself from laughing. "You mean wrinkling my shirt isn't good enough? You should be saving your energy for your game this afternoon. Not messing around with me."

Lana raised her finger again this time wagging it in affirmation. "You're right. I'll take my anger out on the other team later. Thanks for the motivation!"

Vidaj's grin faded as Lana continued wagging her finger. He realized he had incurred her wrath, and even though he was safe, someone else would have to pay the price.

***

After school, Vidaj walked over to the softball field looking for a good spot. To his surprise there was already a crowd gathered. Vidaj scowled in envy, staring at the parade like a group. Somehow while scanning through the crowd his brother Pax stood out right away. Vidaj started to make his way toward him, but stopped short when he saw his arms around a tall girl with freckles and short, wavy black hair.

Pax, who was scanning the area himself, held his eyes wide toward Vidaj. He proceeded to perform a series of moves ranging from nodding slightly, shaking his head and finally wagging his finger. Vidaj knew that this meant to back off.

Recalling the time, he interrupted Pax and ruined his ridiculous story about the hardships of his life. He didn't want to deal with another crazy ex-girlfriend.

Vidaj maintained a safe distance away from Pax. Safe enough to eavesdrop on the conversation between him and his date. "See? Right there? That girl's my sister. Lana might be small and skinny, but she's a fantastic player!"

Lana left her teammates, who were warming up, and hugged Pax. "I'm so happy you made it to my game. It's such a beautiful day too. I hope I can use everything you taught me to help the Phoenixes win."