Chapter 13: Shooting Hoops

Loxus PoV

After preparing a simple stir-fry and setting it out on the table, Loxus gently picked up the sleeping kitten from the kitchen floor. Dusk mewed softly in his sleep, curling up against Loxus's chest. The sight brought a small smile to Loxus's face.

"Alright, Dusk, let's go get the others," he murmured to the kitten as he made his way to the rickety staircase that led to the upper floors of the house.

"Hey, you guys! Dinner's ready!" he called out, his voice echoing through the old house. Almost immediately, the sound of footsteps could be heard as his underlings made their way downstairs.

Rubber was the first to appear, followed closely by Sand and Concrete. Steel and Brick trailed behind, their heavy footsteps causing the old wooden floorboards to creak.

As they gathered around the table, their eyes widened at the sight of the food. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was a rare occasion when they had a home-cooked meal.

"Wow, boss, this looks great!" Sand exclaimed, eagerly taking a seat.

Loxus just grunted in response, carefully tucking Dusk back inside his hoodie. "Just eat."

With that, the room filled with the sounds of clattering cutlery and satisfied munching. As Loxus watched his crew eating and laughing together, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. They were an odd bunch, for sure, but they were his family away from home.

After everyone had their fill, Loxus stood up and stretched. He glanced down at Dusk, who had fallen back asleep in his hoodie, completely unfazed by the noise around him. He looked up to see Brick watching him, a soft smile on his face.

"Brick," Loxus said, getting the big man's attention. "Could you look after Dusk for a bit? I want to shoot some hoops outside."

Brick nodded, reaching out to carefully take the sleeping kitten. "Sure thing, boss."

With Dusk in safe hands, Loxus made his way outside. The afternoon sun was still high up in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard. He picked up the beat-up basketball that was lying on the ground and started dribbling it, the rhythmic bounce of the ball a familiar and comforting sound.

He took aim and shot, watching as the ball sailed through the air and landed perfectly in the makeshift hoop they had set up. The sound of the basketball hitting the backboard echoed in the otherwise quiet afternoon.

For the next hour or so, Loxus was lost in his own world, the tensions of the day melting away with each successful shot. Even though his life had taken an unexpected turn, he still found peace in the simple act of playing basketball. It reminded him of when he would play with his older brother.

Loxus sighed and glanced down at the ball as he picked it up. The ball used to belong to Laure.

The orange ball was worn and faded, the once vibrant color now dull from years of use. The texture was rough against his hands, countless games imprinted in its surface. It was just a ball, but to Loxus, it was a link to his past, a connection to his older brother, Laure.

Laure had been the one to introduce him to basketball. They would play together in the streets, their laughter echoing off the walls as they competed against each other. Laure was always the better player, but that never stopped Loxus from trying to beat him.

Then, Laure was gone. He had been accepted into Kallen University, the same school their ancestors had founded. He had a bright future ahead of him, a chance to play basketball on a bigger stage. But then, he was taken away from him, leaving Loxus alone with their shared dreams and the worn-out basketball.

Loxus let out a sigh, running his fingers over the worn surface of the ball. He missed Laure, missed the times they used to play together. But life had a way of moving forward, whether he was ready or not.

With a determined look on his face, Loxus bounced the ball a few times before taking aim and shooting. The ball soared through the air and landed in the hoop, the familiar sound of success echoing in the quiet afternoon.

"I hope you're watching, Laure," he murmured to himself, a small smile playing on his lips.

Laure had always dreamed of leading Kallen to the national finals, of holding the championship trophy high above his head while the crowd roared in approval.

He picked up the ball and continued to play, each shot reminding him of his late older brother and a promise to keep moving forward, no matter what. Now, with Laure gone, it was up to Loxus to fulfill his brother's dream.

He shot the ball again and again, each successful basket fueling his determination. The sounds of the city faded into the background, replaced by the rhythmic bounce of the basketball against the pavement and his own steady breathing.

"I'll do it, Laure," he said aloud, his voice echoing in the empty yard. "I'll take Kallen to the finals. I'll win it for you."

He let the silence hang in the air for a moment, before picking up the ball and returning to his game. He moved with a renewed sense of purpose, each shot a step closer to his goal.

As the afternoon sun began to set, casting long shadows across the yard, Loxus finally ended his game. His shirt was soaked in sweat and his muscles ached, but he felt a sense of accomplishment. 

With one last glance at the hoop, he turned and headed back inside.

After retrieving Dusk from a surprisingly doting Brick, Loxus made his way upstairs. The exertion from the basketball game had left him drenched in sweat, his muscles aching in a way that was both familiar and comforting. 

Without wasting any time, he headed for the bathroom. He stripped off his clothes, placing Dusk gently in his warm basket. The kitten stirred, blinking up at him with sleepy eyes before curling back up and drifting off to sleep.

Loxus turned on the shower, letting the water heat up before stepping under the spray. The cool water felt good against his muscles, washing away the grime and sweat of the day.

He closed his eyes, letting the water envelop him. Today was just another step closer to fulfilling his post-mortem promise to Laure. He would not let Laure's dream die. He would make it a reality, no matter what it took.