Axel's POV~

I woke up to the sound of the alarm clock.

After turning it off, I quickly got out of my bed and went on my daily jog. I left the building feeling strangely awake but a bit uneasy because of what might happen today.

Two days ago, the coach announced that we will be taking part in a match that can determine Japan’s Representatives in the FFI. I was one of the few chosen to take part of that match and so I decided to train and train as much as I can, so I could be ready to face the other players.

After jogging, I came home seeing Julia and Mrs. Heartwell in the kitchen eating breakfast. Mrs. Heartwell is our nanny and has been with us ever since I can remember. She was there for me and Julia when our mother died, and cared for us both so much. She may look a bit old, but one should never underestimate her. Even with her sweet and lovable appearance, she can be as strong and fearless as an ox when needed.

“Axel-sama, welcome home. Would you like some breakfast?” she asked.

I smiled at her and nodded. Julia noticed me and came running into me for a hug. “Onii-san, make sure you play your best today!!!”

I patted her head and said, “I sure will.” I then lifted her up to my arms and carried her to the table, “Wait for me here alright? I’ll just go wash up before eating.”

“Ok!”

After a quick shower, I put on my regular uniform and tracksuit and fixed my stuff. At the table, I sat down next to Julia and ate my breakfast which consisted of eggs and bacon, some toast and a glass of apple juice. After eating, I fixed myself up one last time and said my good byes before heading to the door. But before I could actually leave, Julia called me from behind.

“Onii-san, are you going to check if Onee-san would pass by the park again? If you are, please be careful not to get late!”

I was taken aback by Julia’s words. A warm feeling spread on my cheek as I turned to her and nodded, once the door was closed, it just struck me that I’ve been passing by the park so many times these past few days and sometimes, I would even spend my whole day there to train.

I won’t deny the fact that I was hoping to see that girl again, but by some unfortunate stroke of luck, I didn’t.

As I passed by the park once again, my gaze immediately turned to that spot where I caught her. Remembering that moment made my cheeks feel warm again. What was happening to me?

I sighed. I have to divert all my attention on the game and then worry about the girl later. Speaking of which, I thought I was running late so I just took a cab and headed for Raimon where the match will be held.

I have to be ready, because whatever happens today will affect the reason why I should wake up early tomorrow morning.

~~~~

Turns out I wasn’t late, but was actually on time. I quickly changed into the uniform they’ve asked us to wear which was a white shirt with blue stripes on the shoulders, a red patch just below the collar and a lightning insignia on the left side with a pair of blue shorts with white lines on the side. According to Celia, the other team’s uniform looks quite like ours but the difference was, they have blue shirts and white pants while we have white shirts and blue pants.

The coach then called us and said the game was about to start. We were all so tensed and a bit worried since a lot was riding on this game. Not to mention some of my teammates were a bit hard to approach and I wasn’t actually sure I could count on them during this game. But I was sure that none of that will matter, because once I step on the field, everyone-even my own teammates- are my rivals.

****

It was a great day for a match as hundreds of spectators crowded to see the game that determines who will be Japan’s National Representatives. One could actually feel the intensity of the game just by looking at the players from both Team A and B as they move in to their places. In Team A, their captain Marc Evans positioned himself as the goal-keeper while Jude Sharp took his place as one of the midfielders on their side of the field.

Everyone settled down to their seats as an intense moment of silence hung in the air. Team A got ready for the kick-off at the center of the field waiting…waiting…

And then the whistle blew.

“The game starts off with Xavier moving up the enemy lines with the ball in his possession.” Jeered Chester Horse Jr. the commentator, “Austin and Shadow now tries to pincer him but looks like their plan failed as Xavier passes the ball to Kevin Dragonfly.”

The match was heating up as the players from Team B tried to steal the ball. All attempts were worth it as Axel managed to receive the ball and steered it up to the opposing team’s side.

“Axel Blaze breaks cleanly through the defense! He’s now head to head with the Team A’s captain Marc Evans!”

With a smirk, Axel kicked the ball in the air and readied as he jumped up gaining momentum as a flare of fire skidded below his feet in an infernal tango, “Fire Tornado Kai!!!”

The ball was quickly set ablaze and was headed straight for Marc until he lifted up his fist and said, “Shin God Hand!!!”  the ball then stopped dead on its course as Marc captured it with a single hand.

Austin stood there smiling nervously as he marveled at the strength and power of that shot. He still couldn’t believe he was playing alongside such amazing players!

In the midst of the crowd though, a brunette wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses and an unfamiliar uniform smiled to herself and flipped her shoulder length hair to her shoulders, “I’m going to enjoy watching this match.”

The game went on for a few moments with both teams at zero point. Fortunately, Xavier managed to score a point for Team A with his “Meteor Blade”.

“I’m a forward too! Why do I have to get stuck as a midfielder? This totally sucks!!!” Adonis said a bit too loud. Hearing this, Caleb smiled to himself and ordered Todd and Nathan to go up a little. They hesitated but followed nonetheless, leaving a huge opening just before the goal.

Adonis saw this opening and ran up, “Pass me the ball!” he shouted to Max. Caleb was blocking Adonis but seemed to let him go after he received the ball.

“Back Torna-“ Adonis was cut off as the whistle blew.

“Interesting,” the brunette said as the game went on, “to actually set an ‘Off-side trap’ requires intricate timing and practical positioning. That No. 18 sure has those qualities in the bag no doubt about that. Good job.”

The crowd cheered on as Team B scores a point with Axel’s “Fireball Storm”, unfortunately though, Team A garnered another score with Kevin’s “Wayvern Crash V2”.

Even with the score 2-1, the game was still in motion, “The flow of the match changes with Kyle Glass’ interception who now passes the ball to Knight!” Chester proclaimed, “With unbelievable speed and agility, Austin Knight leads his team for the attack.”

A certain brunette in the crowd smiled upon hearing the news and watched the game more intently than before.

“You’re not getting pass me kiddo!” Thor Stoutburg said he tried to block Austin’s way. Instead of turning around or passing the ball though, Austin kicked it with such force that ball actually spun around to one side of his opponent while he ran pass the other. And as quickly as it started, Austin caught the ball again and started to head up the goal as if nothing happened.

“Go Austin, make the goal!” Axel said as he was being cornered by Jack and Max. Seeing as how he had no one to pass it to, Austin made a back pass to Shadow instead, just in time for the whistle to blow.

****

During their half-time, Axel decided to talk to Austin about his plays and why he didn’t just go for the goal that time. “You were open Austin, you could’ve made the shot. So why didn’t you?”

“Since you and the other seniors were there, I thought it’d be a better chance if you shot the goal.” He answered and then excused himself.

Axel still wasn’t convinced, he knew there was something more than that but he had to worry about that later. For now, he had a game to play.

****

The game went on ferociously; as each player tried to give everything they’ve got to win. The ball was dribbled all over the field, trudging down from one side to the other.

Even so, Team B manages to tie the score 2-2 with the help of Jordan’s “Astro Break.”

“Riding on the momentum of their score, Team B moves up for the attack with Jude on the lead!” Chester boomed over at the stand.

Max tried to block and steal the ball from Jude, but failed as when Jude used his move, “Illusion Ball”. He then passed the ball to his subordinate Shadow, who quickly draws in for his shot “Shadow Tornado”, which was ultimately stopped by Marc with a little help from Archer who miraculously lessened the actual speed of the ball.

Up until the very end, both teams gave it their all. And just until they thought the match will end up in a draw, Team A’s Shawn Froste scored a point leading them to victory with his “Wolf Legend” just before the final whistle blew. The final score: 3-2.

The crowd cheered their hearts out for the victors, who were either panting on the ground or were struggling to stand up because of the energy the game took from them. There was no doubt that they all gave it their best and played with no regrets.

The certain brunette from before stood up and smiled to herself amiably  as she crossed her arms and walked off without saying another word.

“Alright! Line up!” Coach Hillman said from the benches, everyone speedily obeyed him despite their exhaustion. “That was a god game you put on today. You gave it your best shot and you’ve shown us the best of your abilities.” He sighed, “I know you’re just itching to know who made it in, so before announcing the 16 players who will compete in the FFI as Japan’s representatives, I would first like to introduce to you your new coach.”

It took a moment for them to process what he said because they were really tired. But when it finally sunk in they all went ballistic and said, ''N-new coach?w-why?''

****

Sorry for the very long update. But as you all know, I had a lot to do this past few months so… yeah… but anyway, I know this chapter seemed incomplete, short ,messed up, and all-in-all just plain hard to understand, I apologize for everything!!! Like I told you before, I suck at action plays… and you had no idea what I’ve been through and…*sniffs* I just really sorry…

For those who messaged me and begged me to continue this story (or any of them for that matter), I’m really sorry if I couldn’t. not much people are actually reading them you see and…it makes me sad to think that I’m like a hopeless writer here…

Still, I hope you enjoyed this one. Please try to support, share, like, vote, comment and spread the INAZUMA LOVE!!! :3