Chapter 5 - First Game Back! = Desires Shown; Perks Gained

The trio of Richard, Link & Joe stood on one-side where Jackson, Ralph & Malcom to the other. The Asian Teen spoke up to the group where he said.

"Before we play; we can discuss game-plans or not. We'll have 2 minutes that will be timed. Afterwards - We'll shoot rules and position of ball first." Explaining this as Jackson spoke smoothly; the Mixed-Race youth noticed that the white-teen wanted to say something only for him to be drag off by Ralph.

Jackson gave a small nod with a grin formed on his face as he turned and head over to discuss with the team. Richard's eyes narrowed... That smile... It reminded him of those smirks that Good Players gave some times to competition. "Shit... Big Sun is a coo' dood." Link said where Richard looked to see Link looking wide-eyed; the largest out of them nodded... 'Big Sun? Huh.... We'll see how he is.' Finding interesting about his opponent's nick-name but also wondering how Link knew.

Reaching into his bag and pulling out his phone; he put on the timer and set it where he put down his backpack. Holding his basketball as he gave it one bounce to speak.

"So, Boys... What's the gameplan?" Asking where he tilted his head to side and awaited a response. Joe spoke up to them.

"Well... Because you're here, I can play Forward. I can shoot it when I'm open and I can dribble pretty-good." Speaking up where he nervously tapped the tips of his fingers against one another only to stop at a snort.

"Yep... His defense is crap, though. Has no speed or jump." Link spoke out making Joe push roughly where he replied.

"Shut it!" Laughing to himself as he gave his brother a small hug and replied to ease his angry bro. "Relax... Reeeelax~. I'm joking... But those aren't your strength, Joe." Link gave his brother hard facts making the rounder boy nod sadly. This made the team's Big-Man ask.

"So - Will you be close to the paint or the perimeter?" Wondering aloud made Joe thinking as he crossed his arms and thought to himself.

...

"I'll lean further away from the basket... Whhhhy~?" Pondering this odd question only Richard to wave him off as he admitted to be curious about it where Link simply spoke out.

"Since we're done talking about our 'Worse' Player; we can talk about the Beast A.K.A. Link himself!" Exclaiming proudly whilst mocking his brother making him sigh at the cockiness of his brother... Richard only assumed that this confidence and sibling banter.

"This dude in front of y'all can do everything. Shoot, Score Inside, Defend & Pass. I'm a revolutionary Point Guard, Baby." Nodding as he absorbed the information; Richard tapped his ball with his free hand. His fingers dancing with loud and swift taps that was similar to clapping making Link bowed to the Big-Man.

"R-Richard... Don't listen to him. He isn't good at scoring but his defense and passing is super good." Joe noted which made Link hop over and wrap his sibling into a headlock with the two arguing yet they stopped and looked at each-other.

...

They thought the same thing and said together; their voices melded perfectly as they spoke.

"What can you do, Ink/Richard?" It kind of caught him off guard at the two's connection which Richard looked between the two brothers as he chuckled only to say.

"Well... I've never play Basketball before." Speaking that forced the two's entire expression to transform where shock appeared on Link's where Joe had honest fear.

...

"We're Dead./Fucked!" They spoke once more but they finish the words differently that caused Richard to sigh...

Well; hoping that things would work out as haunting silence came afterwards.

....

*Beep.* *Beep.* *Beep*

Interrupting the boys; Richard's phone went off. The Big-Man twisted his head over and saw that their opponents coming over.

Speaking up first was Ralph whom said.

" 'ight; We gonna pick who shots for rules and shit. I'm shooting... Whose shooting on your side?" Telling them as they nodded which Link pushed Joe forward. Surprised with the round boy looking back at the others' whom just agree and stood up.

"We need a bal-" Ralph was interrupted when the Boys' Big-Man passed over his ball as it lightly bounced off the ground.

Smiling as Ralph snatched the ball. Bouncing a couple times as he was kind of happy with it's firmness but also the amount of air inside.

"Good. Good." Twisting around as he walked back past the three-point line. Reaching there; he got into his stance and leapt. Positioning his hands before he flicked the ball; his grin was present til his hands let go off the ball.

"Damn It!" Speaking as it clanked off the rim; little bit short of a swish. Smack his knuckles into an open palm where Malcom pat his friend on the back.

Jackson however had moved over to grab the ball where it floated down into his hands. "Don't worry; Ralpho! It happens to all of us." Finishing as he head over to the boys' whom he'd face off against.

Handing the ball to Joe whom exhaled and walked over to where Ralph had been. Inhaling and exhaling which made the boy calmed down considerably; Joe's body sank down before lifting off his feet.

His form was proper and tight compared to the more wild and large form of Ralph. Launching the ball as he kept his hands still and down; as if he was dipping his fingers into a cookie-jar... or a pickle jar depending on his mood.

It sank down and swished; the jingle of chain-linked metal had been pleasant to hear.

"ALRIGHT! HALFCOURT BALL; WE GO TO 21 - STRAIGHT UP! CALL YOUR OWN FOULS AND WE GO WITH 1'S AND 2'S! NO SHOT CLOCK!" Shouting aloud which made everyone nod.

...

"Yo, Joe! Shoot for Ball, Bro." Nodding to his brother's commands; shooting once more only to pout before he landed as the ball bricked hard. It banged right into the hands of Richard whom had also walked over to grab it. Ripping it into his grasp, he then passed it to Jackson whom had his hands openly.

Slowly walking over to the three-point line where as soon as he reached - His body lifted into the air and hands positioned tight. A compact and sudden launch happened which Link said.

"Fuck is he shootin' that? It's not gunna go i-" Speaking as the ball's arch was way too high and it looked rocky from a distance however both of his teammates spoke up, Joe's eyes were locked onto the ball where Richard's eyes followed it only to look at Jackson whom had landing. His eyes saw as Malcom sprinted over with an enraged face.

"That's going in/Go In." Link blinked to look only for everyone to see as the ball came down to rip through the basket. A clean swish.

"Oh. It's our ball, then?" A small smile on his face which Malcom practically tackled him as the youth leaped at him. Giving him a huge hug where Ralph bumped knuckles with the laugh teen.

...

'Hmmmm. That wasn't some fooling around. That guy knew what he was doing despite the circus-like shot... A smirk formed onto Richard's face only to stop.

The others would assume that he was nervous by his somewhat shocked/surprised expression on his face.

What did he see?

Simple.

...

The System had been reawakened!

[New Life System Update: 1.02 = 181.46]

'A big-update?! What's happening!' Color disappeared from everything where Richard looked around.

....

His eyes traveled around as he couldn't move what-so ever.

...

Only to see it had been... God?!

Seated at the table which the two first meet each-other.

"Aaah - This update is just mean to correct some things that wasn't done properly. It ... Enjoy yourself... It seems that Life may be more chaotic than you'd expect." The bearded being tilted his head and gestured as if he had a hat.

Raising an arm; Richard attempted to speak.

...

His eyes blinked once.

...

"Yo? You okay, Ink?" Speaking up to catch him off-guard, Link's voice interrupted the stunned boy whom only weakly nodded.

...

'What was all of that?' Thinking only to look down at his hands... They seemed... Different than beforehand. Like... They were more detailed... or something.

...

His eyes twisted to his teammates. His eyes widened slightly as he looked at the two - for some reason... Richard wasn't able to see them clearly... Til now.

Link was dressed in what appeared to be a tight-fitting track-suit of a neon green with a pair of dark-green Adidas Sneakers. His somewhat gangly arms hung down towards his hips as his nails had grown out whilst Richard looked up to noticed his face. A small scar underneath one of his eyes didn't remove the boyish look from his face which still held some childish innocence yet it was growing out as he was developing into an adult, a small bit of facial grew out on his chin as he had set of tight-braids on his head. Some of his side-burns had grown-in and his hair was a bit frizzy at the moment.

"R-Richard? Are you sure?" Joe's voice was heard making Richard nod as he turned to the bigger' brother. Wearing a loose grey shirt and shorts with the image of the 'Jumpman' symbolized on them as he was wearing a pair of old-school classic Nike Air Jordans in a black, white & red colorway. His face was much softer yet similar to Link's as his hair had grown out into a flat-top of sorts with the very-top being twisted strands. Lastly; his hands seemed to be rather small yet thick with his nails being trimmed down completely.

Their skin tones' and eyes matched Ralph's own as they looked to him.

...

Look off into the distance as the others. Ralph and Malcom didn't look much different aside from their features appeared to pop even more... Til his eyes traveled to Jackson... Whom appeared slightly different than before!

Two things; His eyes and his hair were jet-black but rather... A stormy-grey where he appeared alittle bit more muscular.

...

What?

"Alright! Let's have some fun!" Link exclaimed with Joe shouting back "Yeah!" Walking onto the court as they went to the defensive side with Richard following.

His attention differed as his mind was suddenly hit by a sledgehammer and the system responded.

[New Life System Update Successful = 181.46. Registered User's system has been patched and upgraded to levels.

...

Main Task: Main Task: Exceed Expectations! =

...

Successful!

Reward: Badge Awarded Based Upon Build.

...]

Richard felt the world slow down where his eyes was filled up with a series of buffing icons as it appeared to be loading before a dull-brown glow formed and an icon appeared.

It looked like a stick-figure in a jersey whom leaped and grabbed a basketball first out of a couple others.

Looking intently where Richard's eyes narrowed.

[Badge Approved And Applied.

Glass Chaser (Bronze): A Player whom excels at fighting for rebounds whilst in the air and securing it. Enables Player to see how the Ball may react during Shooting/Rebound Situations - It increases the amount of successful, more secure holds before landing.]

'A Rebounding Skill? Is that why I could see Jackson's shoot good?' Thinking to himself only to straighten up.

It was time but he noticed something.

[Side Task - First Game Back! - You're playing your first game of Basketball after your coma - It's a one of the kind experience that will truly shape you. Win and prove that You can play.

Optional Task: Outperform Your Charge: Jackson 'The Big Sun.'

Optional Task: Perform A Highlight Play.

Optional Task: Don't Call Any Fouls.

Success Results: Improve/Gain Badges based on Play. Additional features gained if Optional Task Is Completed.

Failure Results: Negative Personality Badge.

...

Matched up - Everyone had their tasks.

The thin and vigorous Link takes on the buff and outspoken Ralph as they were the Guards. They were already talking trash to one and another where their heads were bumping against one and another.

Rotund and quiet where Joe stood opposite to the wiry and wild Malcom at the Forward. Pacing back and forth which Malcom was giggling to himself where he had long-since thrown away his tank top as he was beyond excited whilst Joe bounced on his toes to be ready.

...

Lastly.

The new and inexperienced Richard stood tall and looked up at the taller, mysterious Jackson who smile and happily. They both lowed similar as their muscular builds bumped against one and another for space as they had entered into the low-post; their eyes focused as they were both mentally ready.

...

All of the Guards and their Forwards tilted their heads to the two Bigs. Ralph chuckled and said.

"... Check..." Bouncing the ball to Link hard whom caught easily... Looking to Joe whom nodded in a relaxed manner... Then to Richard... A confident and bold look was placed on his face as he passed back.

...

"Game... Start." Bouncing the ball backwards where Ralph's one hand reached over and gently touched it... Smacking it downwards as he began to dribble!

Bouncing the ball with an anger focus as his face turned into a frown. Link's smirk faded away as he pressed up against Ralph whom shifted and reset as he dribbled out; stretching to his full height only to pounce!

A flurry of small cross-overs and in-between the legs had been done. Size-Up to see what was available. Link's stance lowered and a pressure formed as the two began what would be numerous 'matches' over the course of the game. A hard-bounce with his dominant hand as it came up; his head twisted to his side towards Malcom whom easily shrugged off Joe who was pressed up against him, dashing towards the basket!

Pushing the ball forward to his cutting teammate... If Link didn't step up! Twisting his body around as he looked right at ball where his legs fired off which he managed to get a hand on it!

Malcom saw this but he wasn't scared; he turned his cut only to dash to Link whose eyes had went to the basket only for him to pass out to Joe whom was in the corner

Set still as he caught the ball as he prepared to shoot; the form of Malcom appeared in front of him. His face filled with focus to close out and swat away the shot which Joe presented the ball upward but he brought it down and shot his a jumper in rhythm yet he was distracted by the form of Ralph leaping at his side.

Shooting it had caused the Big-Men to go into Action. Because of Richard had defensive position; he had the advantage as he lowered his base and extended his arms out. Blocking out Jackson from having a path to get a rebound but he didn't use his strength but speed.

Shifting to one-side which Richard moved only to dash to the weaken guard stunning the 'New' Basketball Player. Lowering his hips and his weight as Jackson rested every bit of his body right down on Richard whom pushed back only to think 'Damn. This guy's base is solid; I can barely move!' Unable to budge Jackson where they watched the Ball.

Their eyes read it's position before it clanged off the side of rim which happened to be the far-side given their position. Legs which were coiled to exploded did so as they went after the rebound; Jackson lowered and jumped into the air with a hand outstretched.

"Raaaaaaaaaugh!" His focus was ripped away as he noticed a blanking shadow overhead which Richard's hand grabbed and cuffed the ball; Jackson's mouth naturally twisted into an O' shape where he thought. 'I thought he was locked down from my box-out before we scrambled out; he should've be this close... No... I did my job but his vertical is too much! He doesn't have the legs of a High-School Level Player.'

Grunting which Richard and Jackson came down - Their heels slamming into the ground and they sank down into baby-squats to say. Link whom was running inside where Richard shifted and threw a one-hand pass backwards; It bounced slightly off-angle however Link altered himself and grabbed the ball.

Put down his feet to jump and lay the ball in!

Smacking against the back-board only to dip into the hoop as Jackson wasn't able to recover and Ralph couldn't make around the roadblock being to two Big-Men.

Landing toward as he yelled out.

"OH YEAH! WE GOT SOME BUCKETS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" Hurrying over to the Three-Point Line which Link clapped his hands. Joe sighed in relief as Richard adjusted and moved around the Court as he head further out to around the short corner on left-side.

A smile on his face as the other team didn't seem so pleased.

"I'm gonna kill him." Ralph muttered aloud as He walked past Jackson whom snorted as he head over to his assignment, Richard... 'Interesting.' Look back at Malcom whom was stuck as he looked at the hoop... Then the ball... Then Joe.

'This game might actually be interesting.' Jackson smiled as his team went over to their defensive assignments.

LG (Link Green) Team v JBS (Jackson 'The Big Sun.') Team = 1 - 0

Flicking the ball around where the track-suit teen cockily sneered at Ralph whom only crouched and got into a defensive stance. Bouncing the ball in order to check which Link's Rival pushed it back with his knuckles only to throw his body onto him; forcing him to pivot around on his right foot.

Putting the ball away as Ralph pressured with a similar dog-like defense but his physicality that he was using overwhelming Link whom was forced to begin dribbling earlier than he liked without any fakes or jab-steps because of the difference in frame.

'Link is gonna kept getting pushed if he doesn't pass out!' Joe thought as he shifted and ran around to come over; Malcom chased which the bald head teen explode past Joe which he forced a double-team given his speed.

Link's eyes widen as his dribble was picked up. Shifting around on his newly established pivot where a swarm of hands and arms blocked out his view only to have the ball violently knocked down to ground by Ralph's heavy hand swipes. Groaning where he was pushed backwards where he had been off-balance, Malcom snatched up the ball in momentum. Cutting before he charged right at the hoop!

Richard's eyes locked onto the approach Forward whose didn't go for a pull-up Jumper... He was going right at the Big-Man with a smirk on his face! 'I FEEL ALIVE! LET'S GO, MONSTEROUS-STRANGER!' Planting a right foot then another before he leapt in the air only to have his sight blocked out by the raised arms of Richard.

Yet; he contorted his body and shifted his body-weight mid-air! A double-clutch as he flicked the ball upward!

...

But an shadow came overhead causing his body to freeze up, his head flicked up where he had been practically facing away from the rim but his eyes watched as the ball wasn't swatted but snatched out of the air!

'My shot was nothing!' Malcom was thinking as his body was off-balance leading to him tumbling onto the ground. In mid-air; RIchard yelled out. "JOE!" Throwing the ball down towards the corner... His favorite spot on the court!

Catching the ball with a little-hop; Joe proceed to launch the ball into the air!

...

Yet.

...

A shadow formed overhead causing the boy's eyes to widen - It was Jackson! A soft smile on his face where his hand raised and absorbed the ball's impact. It was a snatch block that made Richard's eyes widen. 'Grab out of the air so easily... but.... I didn't know he was that fast!' Realizing that Jackson sprinted around himself all the way to the right corner from the left short-corner to prevent the score.

Landing infront of Joe who as blown back from the Big-Man's momentum which he twisted around and threw a strong chest-pass to a cutting Ralph whom did a floater. Flicking the ball hard and up high to avoid Richard whom swung over and squatted down whom realize that it was too late to defend.

It was a bucket for the opposing team as Ralph walked past Link and gave him a hard bump as the two stared hard at each-other. "Not so talkative, Legend Of Zelda." Whispering which Link followed afterwards as he replied. "If Big Sun wasn't here - You bitches would be shark-food."

LG (Link Green) Team v JBS (Jackson 'The Big Sun.') Team = 1 - 1

As Joe picked himself... He thought to himself. 'I can't keep up with Malcom... But... I could slow him down alittle.' Look at Malcom whom went over to positionally reset... only to pat Jackson on his defensive play whom sheepishly nodded whom came up to Richard. Nodding as the two Big-Man bumped against one and another. Adjusting his position slightly, Joe was blocking off a passing route for Malcom as they pushed against one and another.

The ball was live as it was checked where Link didn't play a physical defense but he rather played back. Ralph dribbling to left side as he changed the pace completely where he examined the defense in his head. 'Zelda's Defense is fire so he's gonna limit me... Fatty ain't gonna stop Malcom at all... It's just the Big-Man... Ink... He's trouble.' That athleticism overplayed Jackson's boxout and jump where he didn't bit on one of Malcom's drives and lay-ups.

...

It seemed that Ralph came up with the idea... Jump-shots. Putting his head down as his level-changed which Link pounced, attempting to drive further left but he made no approach to the rim as he was getting maneuvered to the corner on the far-side.

'Damn! Fuckin' Zelda!' Angrily thinking where he performed a behind-the-back which lead to Link's hand pecking at the ball which temporarily made Ralph lose his control on the ball as it scrambled out but he regained.

A small-bit of hesitation was enough for him to travel past the Link whom had outplayed leaving him opening for a Pull-Jumper from far! Jumping as he felt more comfortable in rhythm as the ball was tapped out of his hands; a flush of rage filled Ralph as he thought. 'THIS FUCKER DOESN'T GIVE UP!'

Link whom was the decline of his block smiled and thought to himself. 'NOT EASY BUCKETS', BUD!' Landing down which Jackson sprinted up with Richard following afterwards to keep pressure. Acquiring the loose-ball as an examine eye moved around... Malcom was running around the court with Joe a couple steps behind.

Passing out which Malcom stopped to receive the pass... Yet Joe didn't give up on the play like his brother! Tapping the ball knocked it's trajectory off as the Bald Forward and Asian Big-Men was surprised by this effort.

Snatching the ball where the tubby boy bounced it and slowed himself down before he sent himself out of bounds which Malcom played up only to notice a full-body relaxation in Joe. Unlike before; he looked smooth where the boy did a cross-over that the white-player defend easily where drove to the center; Ralph was playing as him and Link fought off-ball for Cuts whilst Richard pushed and banged down-low yet he didn't raise a hand for a pass.

...

Joe had to make his own shot... Shifting himself as he bumped Malcom with his rear to keep the ball protect from an animalistic lunge from the bald-teen. Turning around to his shoulder with the ball in hand; he froze for a second that threw off the instinct boy whom was stuck.

An in-between-the-legs dribble made his defender's legs freeze and his momentum carried to him to the ground after he tried to stop another drive. Sit down which Malcom's surprised face looked up in shock before he watch Joe step-back far and shoot the ball.

...

They weren't in the 3-Point Arc but they were behind it. He gave up 2 points and made himself look like a damn fool!

LG (Link Green) Team v JBS (Jackson 'The Big Sun.') Team = 3 - 1

"Motherfuckin' shit." Whispering before springing to his feet as he looked pissed-off at this. Link ran over and pat his bro before he slung an insult at Ralph who was walking over to Malcom as he responded with his own.

"Yo... You good?" Asking him which Ralph looked confused at Malcom's unusual rage. Perking up at this where the boy nodded to his friend which the two got into position.

With the Big-Man; the lack of rebounds made them slightly bored where they weren't getting alot of passes. Richard however still played as he bumped into his charge as it was time for another possession to begin which Jackson relaxed.

...

Another check was done which Richard raised a hand up as he lean into his defender that made Jackson's eyes widen. A post-up?

On.

Him?

'Oooooh.' His grin enlarged and his eyes widen. Link noticed this as he faked a cross-over and passed out to the man down-low; grasping the ball tight to his body which his body lowered.

Jackson put his body once Richard as he put some of his weight on him to reduce his effectiveness...

Just as he reached around which the opposing Big-Man leaned to left-side that was facing towards the basket - Putting his hand forward only to feel air!

Eyes went completely wide as he noticed that Richard had spun off him to his right-shoulder with a clear lane to the basket!

Planting his legs to hop up and lay the ball-in.

"HOLY CRAP! INK WITH THE SHAQ SPIN!/Great Job, Richard!" The brothers ran over which Richard smiled as he had scored with Jackson watching this. Link and Joe jumped on him as their actions caused him to chuckle aloud.

"Yo, We gonna to do something." Ralph spoke himself as Link's taunts were bothering him greatly. Lifting a hand up to his neck before he twisted and made it crack audibly.

Malcom looked on in a cold fury... He got his ankles-broken by the tubby... HIM! Clenching his hands as he prided himself on his defense only for it to be spat on.

Lastly; Jackson had the most neutral face. Not anger but his smile was gone.

"Hm." Thinking as he head out for the next possession.

LG (Link Green) Team v JBS (Jackson 'The Big Sun.') Team = 4 - 1