Chapter 13 - Next Level & Sisterly Love = Day 2 & Prelims Over

Upon reaching the front-door and opening; Richard looked inside where it was abnormally quiet. His parents weren't in the living room relaxing yet the youth could hear some noises of the T.V. from their bedroom. Wisely choosing not to bother his parents with his presence but opted to text a message to his parent's respective phones that his own room.

Taking off his sports cloths and putting them in the dirt laundry before switching to his night-wear. His new sneakers founded themselves whipped off from dirt and rocks where a spare-brush whipped off the grim from the upper and mid-sole; putting some paper-towel on the bottoms before they were placed back into their Orange N' White box. His black Adidas found themselves on his floor-mat as well which Richard sighed happily, new better shoes and his other shoes weren't destroyed! Exiting and heading to the kitchen with a smile where he flicked the lights on and noticed something that made drool dripple from the side of his mouth.

A full platter of food. Sliced ham with some grilled pineapples, sticks of broccoli and asparagus which smelled like butter and seasoning whilst a hefty servicing of mash-potatoes covered in gravy. To this lovely meal - a stickie-note was suck to the countertop followed with it being picked up by the Big-Game whose eyes narrowed and read the information in the decent lightning.

'Hey, Ricky. Your mother wasn't feeling so well at the moment so she's resting. I'm gonna be out for a couple hours to pick up some groceries and medicine for her. Dinner is there - Just heat it up for 2.30 Minutes in the Microwave and you'll be set.

Dad.

P.S. - We love you, son.'

Humbled by the love and meal; a watery-eyed Richard brushed his eyes and begun to heat-up his food. Getting a glass of water and heading to his room only to exit with his eyes glued to his tablet; looking over some more of the IBA's preseason experiences.

Detroit's new Guard was perking up with an impressive game of 15 Points - 7 Assist - 2 Rebounds & 1 Steal on 50% shooting from the field. A long whistle escaped Richard at the game from a rookie - Considered that he was only 6ft (1.82 m) and 'unathletic' where some of the highlights made it seem that this rookie was ripping it away from Bigs' to secure it.

Some more news happened to be Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed some signs of his MVP self with a Triple Double of 21 Points - 15 Rebounds & 11 Blocks with 4 Assist but a low 33% shooting from the field & 1-5 from 3-point range. A frown as Richard knew that the 30 year was trying his best but he wasn't matching up.

The Spurs faced off against the Pelicans in an abnormally intense game between Kawhi Leonard & Zion Williamson - Both playing at the 4. Duel with Kawhi coming away with the victory and a better game with 23 Points - 14 Rebounds with 4 being offensive - 6 Assist & a Steal and Block a piece on 45% and 2-3 from 3 whilst Zion had a 18 Points - 13 Rebound - 2 Assist & 3 Steal and 4 Block game with a 60% shooting knocking down 3 freethrows as well.

A quiet Richard found himself focusing on these two at the moment - Both players happened to one of the modern-day players which the young Big focused on. All of their movements was something that he focused on and even how they adjusted.

Richard also found it somewhat funny that Kawhi was in 'Afro-Mode' for this game as he did 3 buzz-beaters back-to-back for the last three possessions of the game - even crossing Zion for an and-one floater with his signature "AND-ONE!" scream. Smiling to himself where Richard had it cemented into his brain itself; that Kawhi seemed to be the Best Basketball Player in the World.

...

.....

.....

Also - his sneakers were getting better every year! Richard didn't focus so much on shoes but the Classic Muscle Car aesthetic which found itself in almost all of his sneakers made them cool - Even the Jordan/Nike Crossover with the New Balance to make the 'Terminator' was absolutely astounding creation! Knowing that if he got that shoe - It would make him God-Like that Richard was hoping that he could get a pair in the future.

Zion's most recent shoe was a big-downgrade; a majority of folks were making fun of the boy! Despite being new to the love of shoes - Richard admitted without a shadow of a doubt... They're bad sneakers. The only good part seemed to be his thunder-bolt logo but even then... It wasn't as eye-catch as it should be considering it's freakin' Zion!

Checking out some others things where the youth had been wondering how much his new-shoes costed considered the fact of Malcom's sadness and passive-aggressive anger to the Big-Man who accepted his gift... 'Wait... Why did Liz seem so... nice to me?'

Wondering to himself that his face twisted into a look of confusion and concern where that he saw his exact same sneakers but in bold print.

'Get the Alpha Raptor's own footprint! 25% off on all Air Ryder's sneakers!' Tapping the link where he looked around and found his sneakers where he took a drink and waited for it to load the new page; a flash of light made him turn away to see what it was. It's price was reduced but in grey; his eyes widen!

'410.99$'

*Spluttter!* Water burst from his pressed lips that he coughed loudly which he thought to himself. '4-4-4-4-410 Dollars?! How shit!' He understood why but still!

'Fuck... I'm gonna put my due-respects to Malcom and his sis... Shit.' *Beep! Beep! Beep!* Eyes were turned over to the microwave where he grabbed a cloth and proceeded to clean up after the mess that his stupid self caused.

Taking out his hot-plate of rewarmed food and heading over to the table to enjoy it with a knife and fork. A glass of juice had been grabbed as well to enjoy with the meal where he ate it all fast; the games over the day draining him of his usually stamina considered how much effort he put in at the end. After finish and cleaning his plate; Richard only head to his room yet he did take a peak into his parent's room.

His mother was underneath the covers with a grumpy look; a wet-cloth on her forehead and her usually well-kept hair in a mess. The most foul-scowl attached to that normally picture perfect and beautiful face where she had been watch some T.V. inside of their room yet it didn't make her laugh or smile where she was miserable.

...

...

'Love you, Mom... But I'm not gettin' put in a coffin by you.' Backing away that those thoughts were all inside of his head. Wisely heading right back and traveling inside of his room where he was busy looking at more headlights.

"Dayum, Aaron! Put that dude on a Poster!" Shooting aloud where the All-Star Power-Forward for the Magic threw down a violent jam off a fast-break - A rookie tried to strip him only to sent back when he cuffed it and throw down an off-balance windmill slam! Hopping on his toes at the exciting, highlights followed by similar reactions to watching more and more highlights and game breakdown that Richard watched on til it was late at night.

'Oh? It's time for bed... Darn it.' Plugging the tablet for an over-night charge as the developed youth head to brush his teeth, wash his face, drink some water, handle some washroom business and to throw his heavy-ass self into his bed to rest up for the next day.

[A night's rest later]

*Yaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwn.* A sheepish Richard awoken - Sprawling his large and long limbs out warily to not put a hole through the wall or headboard of the bed. Having accidently cracking it making his mom tell him off as striking sounded more like a gunshot than a hand smacking wood - Shifting around that he turned on his tablet to look at the time.

{07:13 AM} Whipping away at his eyes where he heard the sounds of music from outside of his room. It was sort of muffled meaning it was from afar but this made the Big-man get up to pop a head out of his room to look out - His mom was currently dancing around and listing to some Reggae considering the familar tones.

'Shit. Mom's in tradition mode.' Knowing that if he got into an argument or speaking toward her usually end up with him getting screamed at or 'disciplined' by his mother. So... The best solution? Do not engage with the opponent; be smart and take your shots carefully like shooting in a basketball game. Pick and choose your best moments, don't force your move. Mentally preparing for the verbal hula-hoops that he would engage in where he instead opted to get changed beforehand.

Showering off the morning stink and getting clothed in some athletic wear. A non-branded red muscle-shirt along with a red basketball shorts which sagged right past his knees slightly allow for more comfort finishing with those huge, bulky white-sports socks from the 80s/90s; a long sigh came from the child and the bathroom door had been opened.

"Mom?!" In front of him, his mother was looking up at her child with a face that read naught but fear. A small yet strong, boney hand reached up and snagged an ear making Richard yelp as his head was dragged down to his mother's level who looked at her son and ask. "When did you get home?" That question made Richard's blood-cold where he replied. "U-U-Um... 5 O'cloak~?" Stating the time in confusion leading his ear being yanked earning some oohs' and oows' from the boy where his mother looked at him once more in concern and asked.

"Why did you tell me that you got home, safely?" Wondering aloud as Richard was working out the gymnastic in his mind to not get himself burred. "I checked in and you se-" Attempting to speak on the manner lead to Richard's ear being yanked hard making him shut up where the woman said. "If you checked in with me... You would've spoken to me, right? Listen - even if I don't seem okay or for whatever reason, not right... You. Tell. Me. When. You. Get. Home!" Speaking with a motherly that made Richard's face drop in shame only to perk up in pain as the last part of her speech was punctuated by hard yanks on his still grasped ear that had started to turn red from the pressure.

"Yes! Yes! I-I-I'll do it, Mama! Just please let go?!" Begging his mother where this animal of a human being had been controlled by this similar innocent-looking woman where she only sighed and let go. A sigh of relief as the boy comically begun to rub his ear making his Mother shake her head only to cup his cheeks and turn his head towards her. "I was worried sick... If anything; I'd been wander these streets if your father didn't cheek your room." Speaking with a serenity and genuine care which made Richard simply nod.

...

The two hugged each-other as Richard spoke up. "Sorry, Mom." She only replied by saying. "Just don't do it, again... Please, Ricky." Tightening his hug around that the Caribbean woman smiled and spoke once more to her 'little boy.' "Well? Come and eat breakfast. I wanna hear all about your games." Cheerful smiling where a passionate Richard unload information and details over fish with peppers and spice, rice with peas and some juice in a glass.

She could only laugh at his attics when he made sound effects or explode into fits of intense technical details related to basketball that she knew that she was lost despite his explanations. As food was finished up and the time was check; Richard spoke up and informed his mother that he'd be heading out leading to their front door opening and a pair of 'ballers' were standing there.

His mother noticed a pair of similar looking boys aside for their hair, builds and demeanor. "All-right, Momma. I'm gonna be heading out; I'll see you when I get." Speaking up as Richard was out with his backpack, his shoes on, basketball in one-hand and... an box? Before she could ask; the door was closed that the woman could only shake her head and smile to herself. "Just like your father."

Outside of the door; the brothers' were dressed similar to Richard yet Link opted for a neon-green whilst Joe was wearing a royal purple/violet. Heading on their way; the older brother gave his bro a grin and spoke up as the squad was heading down the hallway to take the stairs. " 'Momma?' What're you? 5, dawg? Hahahaahah!" Chuckling at his joke where Joe had been prepared to reprimand his bro yet he found himself not needing where Richard without shifting a step or batting an eye said. "Quiet, Link. You're a Grandma's Boy with your ol' punishment braids; Loosen up those booty-short tight plantation rows in your scalp before you lose even more brain-cells." Stunned by the insult as Link froze up with Joe looking wide-eyed only to burst into a fit of laughter. "AHAHAHAAHAHHAHAAHH! P-P-P-USHIMENT BRAIDS! YOOOOOOOO!" Link who was flushed couldn't do anything against Richard physically or verbally consider both lead to him being thrash to the next best option but threw himself at Joe before putting his bro in a headlock and dragging him despite the heavier boy's attempts to stop him.

Similar to the day previous - The group having found themselves taking the same route... However - They all instead meet up with Malcom and Liz! The three were at the station as Malcom merely nodded at Link and Joe who came up with Liz perked up instantly to find the last member of the squad. Both wore their casual wear - the boy was wearing a Chicago Bulls Sweater with navy-jeans to match his runners whilst Liz wore some jogging pants and a sweater with some modern edition Nike Air Jordans.

Seeing Richard - She pounced at the Big-Man. Practically throwing herself at the boy and shouting. "INK! WE'RE HERE!" It however caught him off-guard to a point with Richard not able to brace himself lead to the pair tumbling down the stairs with pained grunts and groans from the biracial boy and Liz exclaiming her pain with squeaks and shouts.

Reaching the bottom, the squad merely looked down. "Should we help th-" A worried Joe looked at Malcom and Link who turned around and said in unison. "Fuck No." Shocking by the lack of the care for the two, Joe stumbled his words where he replied. "G-Guys! C-Come On!"

...

"WE'RE OKAY!" A shouting Liz could be heard from the bottom of the stairs that only made Joe sigh in grief at the amount of non-sense that everyone had produced. "Why can we be normal?" Asking aloud to someone... Anyone! "Cause People are different, Joe." His head snapping to Richard who was at the top of the stairs with Liz hugging his chest with a smile on her face and her eyes closed that made Richard frown and groan.

Shock at that fact as the two were already up that Joe could only ask. "... How?" Demanding his answer yet he didn't seem at-all surprised. "Oh... I just braced where I just got up and walk up the stairs... Why, Is that hard?" A confused and smiling Big-Man asked where Liz gasped and pouted at Joe whom only said. "....With... Her... Stuck... To... Your... Chest." A nod in agreement at the statement as Liz hopped off the developed boy which Joe had a blank face.

....

"I give up."

[Later]

The group havin' arrive on time were cleared to perform in the prelims through recognition of their faces but the key part happened to Richard himself or rather; 'Ink.' A majority of folks noticed him right-away that made him only nervously rub his head in a shy-manner.

Joe didn't mind as a few people spoke with him and dabbed him out of respect for his 'surprisingly' smooth game where Link had alittle more than his brother with some asking him where he played and if he could dunk. Answering the questions with smiles and grins where he was proud of himself as he spoke to the small crowd he managed to gather because of his charisma.

Afterwards; the head honcho of the event spoke about a new-day and new games with the prelims being chosen.

It was a total of 5 games with 6 minute halves instead of the 3 meaning 12 minutes of play. A smile formed on Richard's face that he knew that it would allow for more intense play.

Their first game was against a severely undersized but offensively focused team. All of their members had stats of B- in their best offensive categories leading to both Link and Richard running a Zone-like Defense pressuring the interior and ball-handler with Joe target the off-ball Guard or Forward depending on possession, this resulted into many steals and blocks by the two with Joe being able to score off fastbreaks or half-court sets.

Overall dominance yet it wasn't enough as Richard didn't break a sweat. He wanted to play more... Play harder.

...

Merely sighing to himself, the Big wanted to feel it. The intensity from his first game - He was beginning to feel a sensation in himself. His passion for the game!

Afterwards; the Squad awaited their next game whilst they had been chattering with both Malcom and Liz about various things with Liz 'asking' for Richard to show-off where the boy wasn't as willing to do-so but he was attempting to figure somethings even more.

Malcom noticed that Richard's perception was growing - The two shared some similar animalistic traits yet it wasn't... Overwhelming... Yet.

Their second game was a better challenge and warm-up for Richard who liked it the most out of the squad. This team was defensive-based with taller-than-normal players who had C+s offensively but their defensives were in the B+s overall with a couple badges compared to other teams - This game.

....

Richard performed.

As a result - He was the focal point of the offense where he took everyone to school with not even a quarter of his offensive bag being unleashed but he did perform a staple. A poster-dunk on the team's Big with the same Jordan-esque flair.

Defensively - His presence wasn't just limited to the paint that he was able to snatch the ball from passing lanes and smash the ball from shots right out of bound with his impactful blocks. Not giving anyone chances to score from interior leading to alot of misses from the 3-point area... and alot of rebounds being devoured by the athletic Big.

Afterwards - It was an even greater showing from Richard with everyone buzzing about his play.

...

Even the other players!

Liz was extremely happy for Richard where she had given him a super-sized bottle of cooled, filtered water where Link complained and was asking if he was gonna get one... She handed him a mini-bottle of some average and warm water that made Link snap and the two got into an argument.

Malcom and Joe were speaking on the offensively routes that the chubby teen was running; giving him slight points that the two found themselves interrupted by the two L-letter teens cursing at each-other. Deciding to shut them up; Richard gave Link a waterfall and a head-rinse where he calmed down Liz by speak to her.

Both relaxed yet held daggers at one and another occasionally. Richard however was still obliviously to the glances from everyone.

The three game was next and Richard was overjoyed! This team was much more balanced with some good badges and Bs all-over where it mattered for each-player but the Big didn't care.

His play stepped up to match with them! Joe wasn't able to get off much offense given that he found himself doubled whilst Link's passing game was limit leading to Richard isolation the Big-Man.

...

Various dribble moves and mid-range attacks that the Big brought got screams and cheers given that he was still put up numbers but his bread-and-butter was his post-game. Triple-Teams didn't work!

Fouled nearly every time that he was inside for dozens of And-One plays making the opposing team fearful to even guard him but nearly all of their interior shots were blocked or snatched out of the air by the Big!

Excitement ran through him as he kept playing harder and harder - His shots were becoming more and more connective where his dunks were getting stronger and stronger.

When the game was finished - Richard havin' broke out into a light sweat with Link and Joe both tired as hell but the benefit that the tournament was put on pause for Lunch!

Before heading out; their Big had some extra money and spent it on some little meals for himself where Link and Joe too some heftier meals given that they were out of energy.

Sitting in the audience seats where they ate away - Malcom and Liz weren't back as they went out for some 'good-food' which Joe went with. Link didn't care and simply order a meal that was provided by the tournament's cooking staff whilst Richard was polished off a bit of breakfast snacks.

"Dang! You really are a beast." A tired Link ate away to refuel whilst Richard calmly ate away at his portion being something small as he had a little bowl of noodles with piece of meat stuck inside against the saucy bits of food .

Turning a head whilst Richard took a chomp out of the muffin that was covered in bits of apple and tasted like cinnamon. Swallowing the pastry and reply. "Am I? I'm just tryna play basketball." Speaking out where Link twisted his head slowly to look at the younger and bigger boy. "Dawg... You're playing like you're in college or some-shit = No one is just trying to 'play' basketball like you."

A concerned Richard took a swig of some water and looked over his shoulder to speak. "Oh... Is that good?" If Link was a robot; his smooth moves would purposely sounding like a rusty, old machine straining to move with the Guard proceeded to reply honestly. "Dude... When I first saw you Dunk... I thought that you was good.... But... It's been a week and you are much, much better than almost everyone. I think if you and Big Sun played all out... I dunno who'd win." That caught Richard's attention that he spoke up. "What do you mean if Jackson went 'all-out?' You mean that he wasn't play his best against us? ... Against me?"

Nodding in response made Richard's eyes widen and a smile formed on his face. "Ooooh. ... I hope that I can ask him, why." A low chuckle made Link look at his weird friend and continue to polish off Lunch.

Following afterwards - Joe, Malcom & Liz came back with lunches in hand. Going for slices of pizza as Liz go 'abit' to many where she offered to Richard whom eagerly accepted where he dug-in; happily snacking on the food with Liz smile at her actions.

"Why does she do that?" Joe whispered to Malcom as best as he could before taking a bite of his own slice of pizza that the fair-skinned teen simply shrugged with a pissed expression on his face. Speaking through his teeth that he said. "I. Do. Not. Care." Eating his slice with Link coming over and patting him on the back as the Squad ate their food.

Following this - The crew proceeded to relax for the time-period allow to properly handle the food that they were digesting and handling themselves both physically and mentally before beginning their next match.

When the next game was to begin; Richard's smile shifted from his plain face that he openly asked Link to switch with him. The reason being that the other teammate's guard had been the only good player, virtually having B+ and an A- in one Scoring skill yet he made up with it through his athleticism being an S-.

Guarding a Guard was hell of an experience with Richard's length and natural ability covering for his initially lack of knowledge and skill on perimeter defense that ruined the opposing teammate's offense completely leading to an easy victory for the Ink's Crew.

Numerous people were beginning to speak to Richard and his squad. Asking the group information about their schools, their socials and why they were seemingly so good. Link and Joe answered the question as they did but the two could only be silent when their teammate spoke in such a professional manner making it seem as he was a pro!

"So Weird/So Cool!" Link, Joe & Malcom all claimed vocally at Richard's odd side and mannerisms considering his age where the Big-Man seemed like he was a grown up or something. Liz on the other-hand found everything so... interesting - Richard was a genetic-freak; it was easy to tell given how much stamina and athletic ability he had yet it was being attach to defensive and offensive skills that was much more developed than his age-group would suggest.

Their last game?

...

A steamroll - Richard and his crew ran right through as it was completely dominance. The last and best part of the game was the last shot - Ball in hand of Richard whose team had a huge lead yet he was being triple-teamed but he opted to beat them!

Shifting his weight that he went for a spin-move only to fake it half-way. So fast and intense - All of the defenders felt their ankles get snatched!

The three looked up in shock to the equally-shocked Richard who only shouted when he shot a 3-pointer wide-open.

"KOBE!" Flicking his hands before it was traveling towards hoop that swished - Despite the lead. The play drew a crowd to swarm the Big who was shouting happily at the play but the respect to the Goat. (Debatably on all-accounts but still Goat)

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGH!"