Chapter 20

It was pretty obvious as they arrived what their destination was. After all…given Peter was taking him to something tennis related…the massive tree lined area filled with countless tennis courts and at least a hundred or so individuals of varying ages milling about or playing tennis, was kind of a dead giveaway.

“Welcome to your first ever unsanctioned Tennis event Danny.” Peter pulled through the parking lot, which was packed full of cars, and made his way slowly towards the very front. “We hold one every other month during the school year.” He continued, waving lazily towards a couple of individuals that were walking through the parking lot. It was packed, and Dan had no idea why Peter was looking for a spot up close. They were obviously some of the last ones to arrive.

“Who are all these people?” Dan was taking in the throngs and throngs of people. It seemed everyone was there to play tennis. The youngest he could see was likely around his age, or maybe just a year or two younger. The oldest he would have to say was a senior, or maybe early college. It was hard to tell, because while everyone was wearing various athletic wear, no one, and he meant no one, had any identifying school regalia. Which come to think of it, he’d realized for the first time, ever, Peter wasn’t wearing his school uniform or workout clothes.

“The best of the best, and those who have extreme promise in the area. All of the top players from the various schools around here know to scout out for them. The rules though, limit you to middle school aged kids or higher. The oldest groups around are on their way to college. We’ve got a cap at the age 20 though, because honestly, if you aren’t on the Pro Circuit full time by then, you don’t belong here anymore.”

That seemed more than a little harsh. "Isn’t it…hard to get on the pro circuit?” Dan looked at everyone. Over a hundred players, all of different age groups. How far away did they come from? If they were the best, the best of what area? And while Dan didn’t understand that much about tennis yet, he figured becoming a pro was really rare.

“Eh, a couple thousand Pro’s exist in the world. But that’s still small league for most of the people here. Everyone here is hopeful of making their way into a Grand Slam Tournament…but those are harder for players to get into. After all, the big tournaments only take 128 players.” Just as Peter finished speaking they reached the very front of the parking lot. There, a single spot was reserved, with a makeshift sign that simply had a crown on it. Peter grinned and pulled into the spot without hesitation.

“You have your own spot?” Dan asked as they parked and got out to grab their gear.

“Oh yeah,” The senior responded, “One of the perks of being the king.”

Dan shook his head, surprised more so at himself that he was still letting himself be surprised by Peter. Instead, he switched the conversation back to the main topic at hand.

“So, of everyone here, how many will make it to the Pro Circuit?” A couple thousand players from across the world wasn’t many. He could only imagine how cutthroat that could be.

“Eh, maybe five? And of them, well…” Peter paused for a second, actually taking a moment to think. “Let’s see…this has been a tradition for over a decade now…and I think we’ve had 2 players, other than myself, make it into a Grand Slam base tournament.”

And there it was again…Peter taking Dan completely by surprise. “You’ve played in a Grand Slam?”

“Grand Slam refers to the accomplishment of winning all four major tennis championships. That is, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Each of these tournaments is played over a two-week time, and they can get quite intense.” Peter kept talking calmly as they began making their way through the courts. While Dan was focusing on Peter’s every word, he could tell a lot of people around them were casting glances at Peter.

“I played in the US Open last year, for funsies. Made it pretty far as well,” he chuckled, “tournament money is good if you’re good.”

“But you didn’t win?” Dan responded. Sure, Peter had money from his family. That was obvious, his father ran an extremely prestigious private school. But Dan was starting to wonder if Peter had been earning his own money for however long he’d been able to compete in tennis. And if so…why was he still in school?

“Nah, I feigned and injury after I won the 4th round. I only needed the extra million of prize money so I could pay for my car in cash. And I didn’t want to give the top dogs a chance to really get to play against me. I’m planning on taking the world by storm when I turn 18. I’m going to win the Grand Slam when I do, and hold onto that title for as long as I can hold a racquet.”

Had Peter literally just said he’d made almost a million dollars by only winning the fourth round? If so, what would the winner get? Dan’s mind was already racing. Sure, he’d gotten into the sport to impress a girl…but could this be a viable career path for him? And…given his newfound powers…would he be able to climb to the top and best someone like Peter?

+2 Ambition (63)

“I like that look buddy.” Peter said, pulling Dan from his thoughts of fame and glory. They’d reached what Dan guessed was the center of the field full of courts, where a massive gazebo sat, and the density of players was the greatest.

“Well you sure took your sweet time.” A familiar scathing voice said. Ashley and Sophia made their way towards Peter and Dan. It seemed like the two had been waiting casually underneath a large tree, for Peter to arrive. “Ugh,” Ashley said looking past Peter to Dan, “and you brought along your little pet.”

Dan did his best to hold down his anger as he looked from Ashley to Sophia. His poor performance yesterday still haunted him.

“Hello to you too Ashley.” Dan said, offering her his most sincere smile. “Peter just kind of dragged me along.” He said as he looked towards Sophia, shrugging his shoulders.

“He tends to do stuff like that.” Sophia said with a laugh and a smile, before she turned her focus to Peter. Dan took a small amount of amusement from the glare in Ashley’s eyes…though he also realized he was probably playing with fire.

“It’s called confidence.” Peter said…confidently. “I know what I know, and I act accordingly. You really should stop doubting my instincts about Danny here Ash…otherwise you’re going to lose to him even quicker than you think.” Peter chuckled and put a hand on Dan’s shoulder. “I figured today would be a great time to introduce him to some folks, and get him some extra practice. Besides…I doubt anyone’s going to be coming to my court today.” The way Peter said the last part, it sounded like he was actually saddened by that fact.

“That’s what you get for being too good at something.” Ashley said, no sympathy in her voice. “Everyone knows they can’t take you in singles.”

“And you two know you can’t take me two on one.” Peter said with a chuckle. “These skills are a curse at times, I swear.” He ruffled Dan’s hair. “Which is why I brought Danny along. He at least will keep me company.”

“Before all of that,” Sophia cut in, motioning behinds Peter to the Gazebo. “Maybe you should do your role as King and get the day going.”

“Oh right…” Peter laughed, and Dan continued to stand there very confused about everything that was going on. “Being the king is so much work.” The senior grumbled. “Stay here Danny. I’ve got to go do boring stuff.” And with that, Peter left Dan standing with Ashley and Sophia, as the senior made his way towards the center of the Gazebo, where a microphone had been set up.

“Uh…” Dan looked between the two. “I really did just get dragged here…so…what is going on?”

“You’re such a pet, you don’t-“

Sophia cut Ashley off even as the girl started in on her insults. “The top player for our event earns the title King. The tournament can’t start until the King arrives and gives his okay for the tournament. Once someone becomes King, they hold that title until another player defeats them, or they leave our group for the Circuit.” Sophia watched as Peter grabbed the microphone, sending a momentary dull boom of sound through the crowd. Everyone immediately got quiet.

“Peter earned the title King his first year here…and after his second year, when he was 14, people stopped challenging him. Meaning every tournament, he sits alone on his court, waiting for the day someone, anyone, can actually give him an equal match.” Sophia finished with a whisper.

And there it was. That explained why Peter’s Happiness seemed so much lower than his other stats. The senior was at the top of the world…and at the top, he had no one around to keep him company. Peter…was lonely.