Chapter 35

It took three more serves, for Dan to learn what one of Jason’s skills was that he couldn’t see. Jason, apparently, had been working on a different type of serve. A serve Dan had seen, but hadn’t practiced yet. A serve that he hadn’t been prepared for, and that minor skill assist didn’t’ actually help all that much in. After all, what good did knowing where it was initially going to land help, if the ball jumped suddenly to Dan’s right after it landed.

That serve, was the first one to Ace him. Luckily, it didn’t end the first game, but it did put Jason up, forty-thirty. It also frustrated Dan to no end, but also increased, to a little degree, his respect for Jason. The player wasn’t crazy good, that was certain. But he had widened his skill set, and was working on things. Additionally, Dan could tell off that first slice serve, that Jason was actually more comfortable with it than his flat serve. However, there was just something…satisfying, about landing a strong flat serve, that made it hard not to try it every time.

“Forty-Thirty.” Jason called out, taking up his serving stance once again. Dan watched closely, trying to remember everything Peter had told him, everything Peter had drilled into him over the past few weeks. And as Jason tossed the ball up, even as the skill assist showed where it was going to land, Dan’s eyes widened. He recognized the toss. It was different than the flat one. It went out more to Jason’s side. He was going to do another slice server.

Wiff. A snarky voice said as Dan stood, there, watching the serve come towards him, land in the service box, and jump again. He’d been right, it had been a slice serve. And yet, he’d been so focused, so proud of himself for noticing the difference in the toss…he’d forgotten to move. He’d let himself get Aced twice in a row, off the same serve.

“So nice of you to join me.” Dan mumbled as he ignored the snickering coming from the seniors who had gathered around the court. Getting aced once was embarrassing. Getting aced twice in a row was even worse. Especially given the current situation. He’d known where it was going to be, and what type of serve it was going to be. He should have returned that with no problem.

I mean. It’s not exactly the most exciting thing. After all, you’re not out there killing demon lords, or taming dragons, or I don’t know, finding a secret dungeon only you can enter. But, eh, it’s been a slow day for me, so I guess you’re B rate tennis is worth it.

“Gee, when you put it that way.” Dan’s humiliation turned quickly into frustration, and annoyance. Additionally, a part of him wondered what his life would have been like if he’d actually been transported to another world. Some of the scenarios Syn mentioned sounded rather interesting. But then again, he couldn’t imagine leaving his father all alone in the world.

Well, it’s not my fault you’re boring. Step it up a notch, and I’ll be impressed. Hell, do something entertaining, and I might actually answer some more of your questions. Or not. Who knows? The chuckling Dan heard in the background told him Syn was surrounded by his buddies again. They were all watching his tennis match. Whoever they were.

“Well if you’re not going to be helpful, just shut up and watch.” Dan was not in the position to deal with a snarky Syn. Not now. He needed to focus. He needed to get his head back in the game, and turn this match around. Here and now, on his serve, he was going to take back the momentum of the match. Here and now, he was going to shut Ben up.

“Zero-One, Love All.” Dan said as he took up his service stance. He’d pocketed the other two tennis balls, and held the third in his hand. He took a deep breath, and made his decision. He was going to open up with a Basic Serve. As much as he wanted to do a flat serve, it was only at an 8, and he didn’t need to Ace anyone right now. Besides, as long as he got it over the net, he was certain he had the upper hand in terms of simply returning the ball back and forth.

Dan tossed the ball up, and in his minds eye he saw the motion drawn out for his serve. He mimicked it, and the serve flew true over the net. It wasn’t as soft as Jason’s pancake serve, but obviously nowhere near as powerful as a flat serve. Still, it did its job, landing near the service line in the service box, bouncing up nicely. Jason blinked, seemingly surprised that the first serve had come over, but reacted in time to return it.

“Watch this.” Dan mumbled to Syn as he rushed forward. Jason’s return was weak, and without top spin, the ball didn’t have any surprise force to it, drop, or kick when it hit the ground. Dan positioned himself properly, pulled back, and executed the motion accordingly. He connected with the ball, and it flew over the net in a slight arc. The top spin on the ball caused it to drop faster as it flew towards Jason and the baseline, dropping down near the line, and bouncing up with more force than Jason’s ball had. However, in that same moment, even as the Jason missed the ball and it flew past him, a tennis ball fell from Dan’s pocket. He looked down, dumbfounded, at the ball that had just appeared.

“Jason’s point.” Ben called out to Dan. “Tough luck Dan.” The senior snickered, and Jason held up an apologetic hand.

“Seriously?” He wasn’t sure if they were messing with him, or that was an actual rule. He didn’t remember Peter mentioning anything like that too him.

Nah, he’s telling the truth. Syn answered the question. Sure, that kid definitely dislikes you. But that’s an actual rule. Can’t go dropping your balls all over the court whenever you want, accident or not.

Dan cursed silently, picked up the ball that had betrayed him, and looked at Jason. The sophomore had picked up the ball that had flown past him, and was preparing to toss it to him. Dan shook his head, and Jason pocketed it.

“Love-fifteen.” Dan said, gritting his teeth as he spoke. He’d won that point…fair and square, and yet bad luck had stolen it from him. Given how the first game had gone, this wasn’t how Dan wanted the second to start. Still, he knew he couldn’t let it get to him. If he did, if he lost his head, he would lose this match. As Peter had told him, as Peter had pointed out with Ashley, the moment you lose your cool, you’re done for in tennis.

Dan took a deep breath, preparing himself, and calming his nerves. It was a fluke. It was bad luck, but it was fine. It just meant he needed to make sure he won this next point. He prepared himself, and tossed the ball up, relying fully on the skill assist to help him get the motion down. His eyes were laser focused, and he went through the motion he’d practiced time and time again, matching the motion and timing of the skill assist perfectly. The racquet connected with the ball, and he saw the line of travel clearly. The ball rocketed over the net, barely avoiding grazing it, and hit the line of the service box, skidding off it and flying past Jason.

Silence fille the tennis court for a moment, as Dan heard Syn let out a whistle, along with some distant clapping. A moment later, a few of the other players watching the match began clapping and cheering, with the occasional ‘nice serve’ thrown in.

“Nice serve.” Jason said as he tossed the ball back towards Dan. He’d done it, he’d actually done it. He’d gotten his first ever Ace.

A new feeling flooded through him as he took up his service position once more. He was no longer nervous. He wasn’t mad, he wasn’t upset, he wasn’t sad or frustrated. He was exhilarated. He felt alive. Adrenaline pumped through him, and he couldn’t help but get lost in the excitement of the moment. It was a feeling he could quickly find himself becoming intoxicated with, and Dan knew he would continue to chase that feeling for the rest of his time. The exhilaration of unleashing a perfect serve, the rush of launching a winning shot. Dan knew he’d had his first taste, and he wanted more.

“Fifteen-all.” He said as he tossed the ball up. He wasn’t going to be safe on his first serve ever again. No. From now on, he was going to go all for it on that first serve, to chase that feeling evermore. From that moment forward, Dan knew he was going to forever long to hear the word ‘Aced’ for each of his serves. From that moment on, something new awakened in him.

Ambition +3 (67) Self Esteem +1 (54)