(Part 7)

(Lahore Qalandars training base)

The dark velvety night sky studded with silver stars and a waxing moon. The cricket practicing ground was illuminated by fluorescent white floodlights placed within 3 feet's gap from one another. Amid the vast green ground, over the pitch's batting side a figure panted. Sweat beading his forehead, he immediately looked up through his helmet tapping his bat. Tracing the approaching ball he stepped forward smacking a cover drive straightaway taking a run.

"Grab it Runi!" the baller called.

Sliding before the boundary Runi grabbed the ball tossing it back.

The batsman back at the crease panted breathless.

"That's enough, Feyz." entered a voice.

A dark blue haired boy entered the ground. Feyz glanced up exhausted.

"You both stop too Beruni and Rio. Tomorrow is our match. If you keep exhausting yourself like this then it's no use." he warned.

"Tch, you explain that to him, Nour." Rio pointed at Feyz, "We have been at it for 3 hours now and he won't dare stop."

Nour exhaled turning to Feyz, "Are you out of your wits?"

Feyz smirked, "Yeah, I am. If you are tired then just leave me alone. The humiliation I faced since day before yesterday is enough ta' take in. I'll definitely return that humiliation back twice fold tomorrow."

"And what's that gonna do? You aren't the only one playing Feyz. You'll win if we'll win and we'll win if you do. That's cricket. You can't just punch someone and win." Beruni said.

Nour throwing a sports drink to each of them spoke, "Listen up Feyz, as the leader try to stay as cool-headed as possible. Right now only Karachi kings agitated you this much what are you going to do if the rest 5 teams do the exact same? Try to absorb in criticisms. You know you are best and we are also the best." "Look at those two if you don't care about yourself. Aren't they at it just because of you." he pointed at Beruni and Rio.

Feyz removing his helmet sat down. His expression sunken. "Senior Ashura and Kubrah…" he asked.

"They are more interested in the future matches rather than tomorrows. He wants us to win no matter the cost. Not a single highschooler is in the match's order, the least we can do is win is what they said. Now if you are happy hearing that get up, it's time to rest." Nour interrupted giving his hand.

"What…?" Rio asked speechless while Feyz gritted slamming his fist on the ground. "Damn it! I'll break their arrogance into pieces! All of them!" he growled.

Beruni clenching the ball tightly glared, "Just you all wait…" his whispered mad.

"Hehe…" suddenly a voice giggled. A middle aged figure waving at the four of them came over.

"Coach Haroon…" Beruni looked up beside the rest.

"Hehe…" Haroon still giggled. His grey side parted hairs were tied into a bun from behind with wavy locks hanging before his ears. His purple eyes emitted a warm look. Sitting beside Feyz he dabbed on the grass, gesturing the rest three to settle down as well. The three glancing at each other followed.

Haroon looking at the sky pointed up, "Look up all of you." he said, "You as well Feyz." he glanced from the corner of his eye.

Feyz still frustrated looked up.

"Wow~" Rio gasped awed, "So this is Islamabad's sky…?"

"Pretty right?" Haroon asked.

"Yeah, I haven't seen a sky like that in Lahore ever before. It's shimmering." Beruni replied.

"You are that sky." Haroon uttered.

"We?" Nour asked. 

Feyz squinted his gaze confused.

"Right, ain't cha all that sky?" Haroon asked.

The four of them blinked surprised.

"We?" Feyz repeated.

"Sigh~ if you are that sky then why're you fuming an' ruining your mood? After all, even you didn't appreciate its beauty before the moment you looked up and now ain't cha awed?" Haroon said.

"You mean?!" Nour immediately grasped themeaning behind his words.

"Of course, those who don't recognize your veracity an' your talent don't dare to look up and remain ignorant. What do ya' think will happen once they do?" Haroon asked.

Feyz looked at the ground stunned.

"They'd be simply awed. Be it your seniors or your opponents." Haroon continued, "So why not focus on doing that tomorrow and leave everything else aside?"

"Are you probably taking our side?" Beruni asked surprised.

Haroon grinned, "When did I not?" Standing up he called, "Feyz Saleh, get up. A captain only hangs his head down when he has no more hope and no more allies left. Until an' unless you have those things don't dare bow down."

Feyz clenching his fists nodded, "Yes coach."

"Come on, let's head inside." Haroon smiled.

Rio tugging Beruni's shoulder nodded while Nour patted Feyz's back.

Feyz gazing at his hand clasped it tight thinking, "I- no… we'll definitely win tomorrow!" he vowed confident. 

(The next day 4 pm)

All flags raised, all gears ready, all jerseys glinting and youths entering the field buoyant. The new pitch welcomed the next day as well the second match of the adolescence PSL exhilarant. 'Karachi Kings VS Lahore Qalandars' it was a sight of rivals clashing against each other. The entire nation at that moment were more than fired up to watch.

'KARACHI KINGS! LAHORE QALANDARS! KARACHI KINGS! KARACHI KINGS! LAHORE QALANDARS!" was a normal chant emanating from the audiences' stand. The overall spectacle that the stadium of Islamabad held was striking, bustling and vigorous. From both different pavilions two teams; one draped with red, green and blue jerseys while the other lemon and light green ones stood beside each other.

"WOHOO!!" The crowd cheered.

Commentators getting ready and umpires set on the pitch. It was finally time for the game to commence. The twelve participating youths from Karachi's side; Adam, Seraph, Cassiel, Kenzo, Xavier, Ryan, Gabriel, Heber, Ezekiel, Helios and Poseidon nodded at each other. 

Coaches settled on a long desk beside one and another. The highschoolers and substitutes taking the pavilion seats behind smiled at the middleschoolers. "Best of luck all of you!" Feng and Azazel grabbed Xavier's and Kenzo's hand slightly nervous.

"Haha, why are you quivering instead of us?" Heber teased Azazel.

"No way, this crowd is seriously something. You better be careful." Feng warned.

"Hehe…" Poseidon chuckled, "We'll take a note of your advice but I thought you'd be telling us to stand on our guards before our opponents."

Feng realizing added, "Yeah and that too. Though I am practically sure we are going to win anyways."

Gabriel grinned over his assertive comment. Helios patted Ezekiel's back who looked pale from pressure. Aaron tracing his expression called out, "Ezekiel Vincente~"

Ezekiel looking up stuttered, "Y-es…?"

"Dance and sing on the field just the way you want and rock this game. No need to sweat because you can only do that after claiming a Century1." he winked.

Ezekiel blinked. "Best of luck." he encouraged showing a victory sign. Poseidon glanced at the two of them.

Suddenly Ezekiel smiled, "Hm."

Kazuna inhaling let out a light beam. 

"Thank you… Kazuna." Aaron thanked, "From now on, I'll keep an eye on that child as well."

"Alright." Helios called the 11 of them together. Making a circle, Helios smiled at each one of them, "We are finally here."

Adam and Ryan nodded.

"Under a dominant crowd as PSL contestants." Seraph added.

"Make sure to never ever lose your way. Believe in yourself and your teammates." Xavier said.

"And always advance forward. Because… this is only the start. Our real aim is the entire world!" Kenzo exclaimed.

"Yes!!" they replied. Putting their hands forward, they kept it a top of another.

"Alright, repeat after me." Isa interrupted coming in between the circle.

"What the hell?" Kenzo pushed him aside.

"For our country." Isa said. The middleschoolers feeling slightly awkward followed, "For our country…"

"For our future." Senri added. "For our future." they repeated.

"We aim only forward." Aigou said.

"Under this sky stands our promise." Nagi continued.

"Kings One team… one dream!" Alan added grinning proudly. Sitting on the highest stand he waved.

"Karachi Kings Zeal and Zest!" their vows formed and hands reaching the sky, the middle schoolers ready to go all out prepared. Xavier smiled waving back at Alan.

"Alright come here middleschoolers." Seles called.

The middleschoolers making their way stood before him. "The batting and balling order let me repeat them." Seles read.

"Batting order: Balling order: Overs

1. Adam Elamin - Opener  1. Seraph Awan (2nd, 4th, 17th, 20th)

2. Heber Bin Saad - Opener  2. Poseidon Agiel (7th, 11th, 15th, 18th)

3. Ezekiel Vincente 3. Ryan Ty Alexandro (6th, 8th 10th, 13th)

4. Kenzo ShahJahan 4. Gabriel Harut (5th, 9th, 12th, 14th)

5. Xavier Ibn Zain 5. Helios Zadeh (1st, 3rd, 16th, 19th)

6. Seraph Awan

7. Ryan Ty Alexandro * Wicket Keeper (WK): Cassiel La Roux "

8. Helios Zadeh

9. Cassiel La Roux

10. Gabriel Harut 

11. Poseidon Agiel

The boys who had already memorized their orders nodded.