Claude raised an eyebrow, running a hand through his hair, "Then what exactly are we doing?"
Poseidon exhaled, "Someone from the Cricket Society might be deliberately provoking him. I want to find out who."
Helios narrowed his eyes, "You're saying someone from our side started this?"
"Yeah. I met him before, and the things he said hinted at something bigger. Just, think about it. Why would a freshman, someone completely new to the academy, suddenly pick a fight with the Cricket Society? It doesn't add up. He doesn't even know us nor, do we," Poseidon said.
Claude gave a flat response, "Could be a revenge story."
Poseidon shot him a glare, "Quit it. He's just a kid."
"Congratulations, so are we," Claude deadpanned, earning another glare.
"So, you think he's doing all this for a reason?" Helios asked.
"Exactly. And I intend to figure out what it is," Poseidon replied determined.
Claude sighed, "He's an illusionist, remember? What if he's tricking you, too? Are you seriously taking his words at face value?"
Helios looked at Poseidon clearly taking his words into consideration.
Poseidon's lips curled into a smirk, something almost dangerous, "Oh? If that turns out to be the case… he won't have a good time either."
Helios chuckled, amused, while Claude shuddered.
"There's nothing funny about this," Claude muttered.
Ignoring him, Helios seemed fully on board with their tracking mission now.
"Alright, now that we're all clear, shall we move on?" Poseidon asked, almost resigned.
With a heavy sigh, Claude followed along as Helios took the lead. The hours passed, and it felt like they had wandered around the entire city, aimlessly tailing Ezekiel.
Eventually, Claude slumped onto the pavement near a pond, panting. "Damn it…" he muttered, watching as Ezekiel, of all things, stood by the water, quietly feeding ducks.
"I swear I'll drown that brat right here and now," Helios grumbled, his brow twitching.
Poseidon, though visibly exhausted himself, reached out and grabbed his arm, "Stop."
Helios turned to him in mild surprise before suddenly slinging his bag off his shoulder. "Sit down for a bit," he ordered, his tone oddly firm.
Without a word, Poseidon obeyed. Sitting there, Poseidon kept his eyes on Ezekiel, following his gaze. Even though they had found no direct clues, he had noticed something peculiar throughout their chase. Every time they passed a cricket match. Whether in the streets or on a ground.
Just like now, Ezekiel's eyes would drift toward it. His stare would linger, his hands clenching into fists, his expression darkening with something close to anger… but something even closer like yearning. And each time, as though realizing his own thoughts, he would pull his hoodie lower, block out the sight, and leave as if trying to escape it. But a kid like him…
"Doesn't he have a home to go to?! Why is he wandering around like a stray cat?!" Claude suddenly blurted, his frustration echoing Poseidon's own thoughts.
"My sentiments exactly," Helios muttered.
Poseidon exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Whatever the case…" He stood up with a small, knowing smile, "I think I've got my answer."
Helios turned to him in surprise, "You did?"
"Yeah. Some things are still unclear, but I feel like I've gotten a glimpse into that kid's mind. Just a little," Poseidon replied.
"Finally," Claude groaned, dramatically resting his forehead against a nearby wall.
"Come on, let's head back," Poseidon said, turning to leave.
As they walked, Poseidon gave Claude a pat on the back, "You worked hard today, Claude."
"Damn right I did," Claude grumbled.
"So… let me buy you an ice cream as a reward," Poseidon chuckled.
"You better. I deserve it," Claude replied, still slouching with exhaustion.
Meanwhile, Helios glanced over his shoulder, watching as Ezekiel took the opposite route, disappearing from sight.
(The Next Day)
"Ezekiel Vincente..." Poseidon murmured, his gaze fixed on the player file in his hands. Around him, the cricket society members were engaged in intense matches, the rhythmic sound of bat meeting ball filling the air.
Helios, fresh from practice, walked over, towel draped around his neck. Without looking up, Poseidon wordlessly handed him a water bottle. An act so natural it seemed like routine.
Helios took it, wiping his damp hair before setting his bat aside. "Thanks," he said, taking a seat to catch his breath.
Poseidon, still absorbed in the file, suddenly lifted it up, "I want him on our team, Heli."
Helios glanced at the sheet, reading the name, "Ezekiel Vincente...? On our team?" His brows knitted together, "What makes you think he even plays cricket? Let alone the fact that he clearly hates it."
"I just know," Poseidon replied with certainty, "There's something different about him. He seems... distant, you know?"
Helios tilted his head, considering, "Is that so?"
Poseidon nodded, "Yeah. But I can tell, he loves cricket. And I'd bet my life he plays."
Helios exhaled, recalling recent events involving Ezekiel, "You might be right, but how do you think he and society members will react? And besides, we don't force anyone to join the society."
Poseidon nodded, "I know. He just seems wary and unapproachable. But if he chooses to join himself… that's different, right? So, let me give it a shot."
Helios shrugged, "Alright." Just as he stood to grab his bat, hushed murmurs reached them.
"Poseidon Ageil, right? Ugh, he's even more annoying than he looks. Vice-captain, just because he's related to Helios Zadeh? That's blatant favoritism."
"Yeah, and isn't he sick? How does the coach even let him stay, let alone make him vice-captain?"
"I haven't seen him play a single match since he joined. Thinks too highly of himself, doesn't he?"
"Annoying. Jerk."
Helios's hands curled into fists, his expression darkening. He stepped aside, tracking the voices, ready to confront them. But before he could move, Poseidon's hand shot out, gripping his wrist. "No, Heli," he whispered firmly. Even so, Poseidon could feel the tension in Helios's trembling fists. The whispers continued, dripping with disdain.
"Sigh... guess we have to deal with this anyway. But I hate it when he orders people around. Tch, just work first, then tell others what to do."
"I swear; I'm going to complain at least once."
Helios's expression turned stormy, "How can you just sit here and listen to this crap?"
Poseidon merely smiled, "Come on, Heli. It's no big deal. Some people like me, others don't. Everyone has their own opinions, their own way of judging things. If nothing else, this just gives me a chance to see where I can improve."
Helios exhaled sharply, forcing himself to rein in his anger, "I'm sorry you had to hear that. It's my fault."
Poseidon shook his head, patting Helios's arm, "No, it's not. Besides... they're not entirely wrong."
Helios stiffened, "What...?"
"I mean, think about it. I haven't played a single practice match since I joined. I've barely even stepped onto the nets. Of course, they'd be skeptical," Poseidon told.
"But—" Helios started, but Poseidon raised his finger and kept it on his lips, smirking, "So tell me, Helios Zadeh... what should I do?"
Helios blinked.
Poseidon's smirk widened into a confident grin, "Simple. I'll just prove myself."
Helios studied him for a moment, then his expression softened, "As expected of you."
"Thanks," Poseidon replied, "Now, get back to practice. I'll finish up the paperwork, and then we'll head home."
Helios gave a small smile and nodded, picking up his bat. "Alright."
As he walked towards the nets, his grip on the bat tightened. "Poseidon's endured too much. Not just his illness, but the burden of people's opinions as well. His patience is his strength, but even that has its limits. That's why… I won't let anyone hurt him. Ever. Next Week, huh? I'll make sure every single one of them shuts up for good." he thought poised.
(A Week Later)
The Cricket Society buzzed with energy. A whirlwind of movement and anticipation. Today marked a significant event: The Challenge.
It was the day when elite team members. Those who had played in the Inter-Academy Nationals or served as substitutes, would face challengers from every grade. Rookies and existing players alike had a chance to climb the ranks, potentially dethroning an elite member and securing a spot on the final team. It was a clash where challengers pushed their limits against the finest in the field.
The nets were set, the pitches prepped. Coaches sat in their designated seats, assessing with keen eyes, while the staff remained alert. The stands were packed with students, the entire academy gathered to witness the challenges unfold.
"Not bad. I like the hype," Mirza smirked, lounging in the pavilion alongside the other twelve elite players.
"I want a real challenge this time though. Last time, I won too easily," Haadi scoffed, lazily resting his feet on the back of another seat.
"Quit complaining. Just focus," Ebraham muttered, adjusting his glasses.
"Tch, focus on what? They don't even look like competition," another player sneered.
"Don't be so sure, Lucy~. Some of them might surprise you," Claude grinned.
"Tch, don't call me that," Lucifer grumbled, clearly irritated.
"Relax, no one's going to mistake you for a girl," another player teased.
"You—!" Lucifer snapped, turning around in frustration, "Just come here, Azazel! You, twerp!"
"Haha! Catch me if you can," Azazel laughed, dashing away.
Ignoring the commotion, Claude leaned forward. "Oh, by the way, where's Helios, Little Sea?" he asked, eyeing Poseidon, who was engrossed in reviewing player files.
"He's with the coach. Should be here any minute," Poseidon replied without looking up.