Substitution on court

On Saturday morning as they disembarked from the bus, the entire Montreal team was the center of attention among visitors. Not only because they were there to compete for the final, but also because of the long line of students wearing the personalized shirt with the school emblem, carrying instruments into the gym.

Montreal definitely passed a completely different aura from two weeks ago.

Guiding their team into the gym, the boys maintained their seriousness and posture without room for play. Those who followed them with attentive and curious eyes to know about them, would not imagine how nervous they were inside.

The feeling of competing in a final was completely different from competing in the first stages, even though it was only the qualifiers. It was too great, it weighed on their young shoulders and filled them with adrenaline at the same time.

― You may begin to warm up as I pass to the judges our holders. ― Warn the teacher when leaving the locker room.

Taking off the coat, Milles looked at Gabriel's eyes that seemed radiant. Not being anything new, since the first heat with the omega already made clear the bond created between them. Yet Gabriel made it very clear that he was happy to have a good night.

― I didn't see Theodore in the lobby, he was already in the gym?

— Um... actually he said he'd be late. Today who took care of the preparations was the class of the first year he has represented in the contest.

― Must be something serious for him to miss.

― He would have asked for help. As long as he shows up to see us win, I'm happy.

Milles laughed low messing up Gabriel's dark hair.

― A real pain in the ass.

Taking advantage of the distraction of his team-mates, Milles arranged the bandage on his right shoulder hiding the bite. He still kept a low profile about his relationship with the short omega, dodging questions about the bandage he wore for consecutive weeks.

And then it was time to go to the court to warm up. Forming a line, Milles led the team to the side of the court where they started the heating. The whole team seemed dazzled by the large number of people who came to watch their match. In addition, the organized fans of Montreal occupied much of the stands and corridors, being something beautiful to be seen.

The cheer filled the gym. The whole team turned to watch that show being the first time they reached such greatness. His legs tingled, his heart pounded and anxiety was growing. Happiness turned into euphoria, bringing out a unique energy to play.

— We will begin the final process of the regional playoffs with the teams of the Montreal secondary school and the Santo Ângelo school. ― They advertised to the speakers.

Milles went off to the judges meeting with Maicon, captain of the opposing team. The gaping snobbery on his face had subtly irritated the blonde, but he had not given gaps to make that clear.

― Wow, where's Howard? I was looking forward to playing him.

― Got into a fight and got suspended ― Said Milles in a masked smile ― You'll have to settle for me, Maicon.

― Troublemaker as usual. Well, if you can handle it...

The draw had been made, Team Montreal wins by choosing the reception rather than the serve. Returning to his team, Milles heard the last instructions from his coach before the match started. And the moment he stood on the court, Milles had finally felt the nervousness embrace him.

His eyes swept the stands looking for a special presence without finding it. He wanted to see those dark eyes and the sly smile being directed at him to irritate enough to motivate him during the game. Nothing better than showing that little omega how unnecessary he would be for that game.

The whistle sounded and the crowd increased when the ball was raised. The serve of the opposing team had been well received by the Montreal libero, starting a calm rally. As if they were watching the adversary act to find a loophole.

Milles had let his alpha presence dominate the court, and the euphoric screams of his particular crowd denounced the quick effect. His movements on the court were precise and centered, and he could communicate visually with his team-mates who responded promptly.

Unfortunately Nicolas would not be on the court, reducing the chances of a quick attack. Yet Gabriel raised the ball to Milles, who had used his height to his advantage to score the first point of the set. Made the first point the team's self-esteem had risen, especially for the eager captain.

The second rally had begun and Milles had already felt the difference. Being on the net he could see Maicon's intense gaze on him. As had been warned by Theodore, his opponents were excellent observers. From what he could understand, they delivered the first point in order to identify the strong point of the team.

That strong point was Milles.

Even becoming the target of the opposing team's markings, Milles did not give in to the pressure. In addition, he was tall and strong enough to pierce the block by scoring the points of his team or else to touch the ball during his block facilitating the defense of the libero.

When the opposing team's points were scored, Milles noticed Maicon talking to his team-mates. Another rally begins, marking Milles intensified with Maicon himself following.

As he had suspected, he had improved his strength by cutting the ball explosively. Somewhat similar to what Nicolas did. Would that be a copy of Omega's abilities? Seeing firsthand had haunted Milles. This could only mean that the adversary had gathered powerful information about Montreal and would use it against them shamelessly.

No shame until the first set was even.

The whistle announced the tenth point of the opponent, and Milles was already angry with the marking of Maicon. Wiping the sweat with his shirt, the alpha pulls Gabriel and Thunder's arm into a corner.

― We need a triple lock when he makes the cut.

Given the quick instruction, they prepared for the other team's serve. Managing to defend their area and throw the ball to the other side, the three alphas joined the net in front of Maicon, raising their arms creating a high block. The ball hit the arm of Gabriel fulfilling the defense and securing the point of Montreal.

The triple defense had remained giving a big headache to the opponent. Montreal led the way with a point of difference still in the first set, keeping the esteem high. However, Milles remained centered on his rival.

Something was strange.

Continuously Maicon fell into the triple block, although his team managed to save the ball and keep the rally. However, out at a time when the player dared to change the course of the ball to the left side of Milles. There was a small gap, tiny since they were on the sides of the court. Yet Maicon risked using that tiny space to cut, managing to score a point and draw.

After that, the triple block was easily overcome by turning the score in favour of the opponent.

― Is that all your team can do, Mckenzie?

Gabriel had been quick to pull Milles by the shoulder to take their positions before the alpha said anything. Growling in response, the blond groomed his hair back clapping for his team.

― Come on guys, we're doing well!

With the motivation of his captain the team had not been shaken. Even with the end of the first set being victory for the opponent. As they switched sides on the court, the boys were encouraged to hold their heads high, as they were just beginning.

If there were any doubts about the strength of the opposing team, it disappeared with the second set. Milles' fear had come when the swift attacks were made by Maicon leaving the Montreal defense stunned by not reacting in time. Somewhat clumsy since Maicon was tall but agile and strong.

As if the replica of the quick attack was not enough, the opponent had made his first substitution bringing a burly boy to the net. Even with Milles and Gabriel on the caster protecting the line of attack, the libero had to be fast behind, because the blockade was always pierced.

One of the points was saved when the libero played on the court stretching the foot preventing the ball from scoring point. Gabriel crossed the court raising the ball enough for Milles to cut from the bottom line. Their point was only scored by Thunder being bold to cut at the first touch, taking the defense by surprise.

Even with all the work to score the points, there was a difference of three. Montreal was already panting and Milles began to get annoyed by Maicon's provocations. The atmosphere on the court had been scorching with the alpha's stirring emotions, and the team's pressure had intensified without even saying a word.

It was his fury that he used as a force to boost his loot and score points with them. Milles would be feared in the looting by his opponents leaving them tense and anxious. Only in that did they find the perfect chance to turn the tables since they tied the score.

It was Milles' turn to smile sarcastically at Maicon and press him a little. The rally that would ensure the victory of one of the teams had begun intense, all eyes focused on the ball moving on the court to prevent it from falling into its territory.

Having Maicon in front to receive the ball, Milles had joined Gabriel and Thunder in the triple block noticing the look of the boy to the point where he wanted to attack. The alpha had extended his arm to the side managing to block the attack completely.

The game had become frantic in the blink of an eye. Both teams wishing to score. The second set, unfortunately, out of the opponent who won by fatigue.

— Gabriel, try to get up as high as you can. ― Recommend the coach during a break. ― Especially when you feel the game accelerate. Use that time from the ball up high to take a deep breath and calm down. Don't fall into their trap.

― Yes sir!

― You're doing great, but I need you to focus. That's two sets for them. It's now or never.

The break was over and the players repositioned themselves on the court. Milles felt the weight on his shoulders. It was not easy to lead his team when he himself fell into the trap of the rival. He needed to stay focused, calm...

Looking at every player on the court, what surprised him most was Gabriel. He breathed low with wide eyes focused on the ball. The concentration was crisp and clear pulling laughs from the blonde. He should take it as seriously as Gabriel did.

Turning to the ball, Milles prepared for another set.

As requested by the coach, when he realized the rally was getting accelerated Gabriel raised the ball as high as he could. And as he was at the bottom of the court, Milles took the short time to take a deep breath and run across the court. Stepping firmly took the biggest push his muscles allowed and jumped as high as he could. At the high point of his jump, he had hit the ball hard enough to make a quick attack scoring point.

The scream of the Montreal crowd was music to the ears of their athletes. And he had stayed for the next set, externalizing the euphoria of finally getting the victory of the third set.

Getting that victory had turned the court into a battlefield. Maicon and his team seemed eager to prevent Montreal from getting the fourth set. Milles, on the other hand, was determined not to deliver even though he was tired.

Following the rotation, Gabriel and Milles remained in the network taking care of the blockade together. Due to fatigue, the dark alpha had been overloaded to be agile tensing his arms to be effective.

And he had been so good in his position that Maicon had begun to mark him also, not holding strength by cutting directly into him. His frustration was such that one of the cuts made hit Gabriel's fingers, falling off the court.

The whistle warned of the marked point, the Montreal team celebrated. Turning to embrace the alpha who had helped at that point, Milles noticed Gabriel embracing his hand as he bit his lips. He made a grimace despite the effort not to scream, being clear the trembling shoulders holding back.

The colour faded from his face and Milles turned to the technician signaling. The teacher had asked for time to leave and so everyone could go to Gabriel realizing the state of his hand. Marcos had touched Gabriel's fingers hearing him complain of pain, and for his seriousness it was definitely not a good sign.

― What happened? ― Milles asked worried.

— We'll have to replace it, it seems to have broken his finger ― Warned the coach holding Gabriel's shoulders pulling him off the court. ― Bruno enters in his place... Ah Moss arrived, I will ask to accompany him in the ward.

― Sorry, Milles. ― Said the alpha still holding his hand.

― Focus on your recovery. I'll get by here.

The coach had dragged the alpha off the court and the replacement had been announced. Bruno, the first-year lifter, trembled from head to toe as he went to Gabriel's place on the court.

Poor thing had been put in a moment like that. It would be their first official match, just in a final at a critical moment when they needed to win the set to draw and go to the last that would determine the victory. It would surprise if he wasn't clearly nervous. Milles went out to the boy holding him by his shoulders.

― You're white, you're not gonna be sick, right?

― N-No, sir, I...

― We train your withdrawals, everything will be fine.

― But I did not train enough, since I trained only with one striker.

― That's me ― Smile the captain slapping the boy on the back. ― Use and abuse me on the court, brat. The rest we turn around.

― R-Right.

Replacements made the set were resumed. It had taken a while for Bruno to focus on the game, but when he stood up to Milles and the point was marked, his focus was clear. It was as if one key had been turned on and another personality emerged.

Gabriel's absence had generated a major embezzlement in the team, but Milles had struggled to cover for the first-year player. Always receiving the ball from him, the alpha had to deal with a strong markup as his moves became too obvious.

They were able to dodge the markings when the libero took the position of the lifter and another player made the attack scoring point. Otherwise, if the lift came from Bruno, it was always directed to the alpha blonde. Certainly that had left him fatigued in the middle of the set tied.

He was too tired, sweating and with his legs strained. There was no other player as strong as him on the court, and the opponent knew this being the reason for the hard marking. Milles needed to think of quick exits, however frustration bordered on a nervous breakdown. It was simply annoying when his attacks were blocked frequently.

At that point of departure, Milles had once again been plundered.

The whistle sounded announcing replacements on the Montreal team. Thunder was called, and the whole team was surprised to see who would replace him.

Milles had felt the sweet smell of always pushing away physical fatigue. Turning his head slowly, he saw the silhouette of a certain shorty wearing the black and gold uniform with a devilish smile on his face.

Swapping places with Thunder and standing next to Milles, the short omega warmed his arms emanating his intense and competitive aura by staring at the captain of the opposing team on the other side of the net.

― They said you wasn't going to show up, Nicolas. I already imagined that you would have your tail between the legs ― Maicon said with his typical mocking smile.

Nicolas had not responded to the offense. Milles blinked opening a wide smile as he also turned to face the other team.

― I got a good time, so do something that pays badly.

Flexing his knees and opening the most devilish smile on his face, Nicolas was the embodiment of the competitive spirit.

― Finally, I can finish off your kind, playboy. Sit down, you bunch of trash.