Chapter 81

After a long conversation with Syn, all while Dan was working on changing into his tennis gear, to prepare for his match against Maddie, he finally had a better understanding on his new racquets, and what they were capable of.

He also, after a lot of back and forth with Syn, confirmed he didn’t have to audibly say the names of the special moves, in order to activate them. He did, unfortunately, have to think the names of them, when he was using them, which was annoying. Especially because, given the way Syn was chatting about it… they’d come up with the names of the special moves from a ‘group vote’, of people watching Dan. According to Syn, Dan’s real-world antics and his quest to tennis greatness, was a big hit at the ‘office.’ He had a lot more questions for the strange voice but knew it would lead to headaches which he really didn’t want to deal with.

Today, was for tennis. Now, was the time to show Maddie what it was he could really do. Now was the time to show Sophia, exactly what he was capable of now, and what he knew he could grow to be, in the time between now, and Nationals.

“All set for this buddy?” Peter asked. The senior was leaning against the door which lead into the locker room, and was twirling one of Dan’s racquets around in his hand. The other racquet, along with a few cans of new balls, extra strings for his racquets, and some other goodies, were all in the Yonex bag that Peter had apparently also thrown in with the purchase. Something about ‘bundle deal’.

“Damn straight.” Dan said, grabbing the racquet with expect fingers. The moment he did, a rush of electricity ran through his body, and he found himself immediately energized.

“That’s the spirit.” Peter laughed and clapped Dan on the back. “Go out there and show her why you’re my pride and joy.”

Dan glanced over his stats as Peter and he walked towards the court. This racquet was a game changer, it was only at Tier 1. His greatest increase was to his top spin. Originally, it had a 29 base, but now, it was sitting at a whopping 42. Most of his other stats, with the bonuses from his gear, where in the 30s, a few others nearing the 40s as well. He knew, had he not gotten himself injured and been banned from practicing, more of his stats would have climbed into the 40s with these buffs. However, the precious time he’d been forced to sit out of the sport, hurt.

Each time he leveled, it was harder to get the stats to grow, and he’d definitely noticed a slowing in the experience. Meaning, now that he was healed, he needed to hit the courts hard, once again, to keep his stats growing. His new racquet, and its buffs, at the very least, made up for missed time.

“Think she’ll still give you a discount, if I ace her?” Dan asked, laughing as they neared the courts. Peter slowed and stopped Dan, giving him a hard look.

“As much as I’d enjoy seeing that,” Peter started, glancing from Dan, back to the courts. Maddie was there, along with Sophia and Ashely “probably not the best thing to try”. Dan’s attention was partially on Peter, the other part, was split between the three women on the court. The girls were going to watch the match, before they went off with Peter for a lesson. And as such, they had gotten into their tennis clothes as well. The tight-fitting shirts, and low cut skorts, being things Dan was really loving about the sport.

“What do you mean?” Dan asked, pulling his mind from his hormones and back to the matter at hand. He just felt so alive right now. He was so excited. Holding this racquet, the power it contained, was intoxicating.

“I mean, I want you to play smart, and not hurt yourself.” Peter shook his head. “Seriously, I know what you’re capable of. But its obvious your body is still developing, and if you hurt yourself again, I’m going to be forced to make you sit out even longer. And,” Peter trailed off, nodding back towards Sophia and Ashley, “the longer you’re injured, the less you can practice, meaning…”

“Meaning the less chances, I have to earn a spot on the team, and get into mixed doubles for nationals.” Dan finished. He knew Peter was looking out for him, but still, he really wanted to unleash a serve like the one he had before. That ace had been everything. The euphoria had far outweighed the pain, at least, initially. It had been a drug, and Dan was hooked.

“Exactly.” Peter looked him over, smiling. “Look, you’ll have plenty of times to try. Just, don’t do overdo it today. Give yourself some time, perfect your technique, hone your body. Once you’re at that peak level, then,” Peter’s smile turned into a knowing smirk, “you can do what I do.”

“Oh, and what’s that?” Dan asked, Peter’s mood boosting Dan’s already euphoric feelings.

“Win, obviously.” Peter said nonchalantly. “For now, go out there, and don’t focus on getting an Ace on Maddie. Especially not from sheer power. Instead, just see how many points you can win off her, before she gets serious and kicks your ass.”

“Hey,” Dan started, but he trailed off. “Do you really think she’d kick my ass?”

“If she does, it’s only bad if she doesn’t have to work for it. If you make her actually get somewhat serious, in order to beat you, I’d count that as a win. If she kicks you around like a five year old… I’m disowning you, and putting you on a payment plan for your racquets.”

And like that, Dan’s somewhat intoxicated, power drunk state left. In its place, the reminder that while he did have magical powers, Maddie was a pro. Not only that, she had been Peter’s teacher. Dan needed to respect that, and understand, his skills were no where near hers. Even if he could temporarily boost them with his abilities, he had no doubt, his stamina would burn out long before hers. Meaning, he didn’t need to focus on winning. He needed to focus on survival.

“Right, well,” Dan cleared his throat, his mind level once again. “If that’s the case, I’ll make sure I don’t let you down.”

Peter laughed and shoved him towards the court. “That’s what I thought. Go get her Danny boy.”

As Dan walked onto the court, he returned Sophia’s smile, and nodded towards Ashely. Then, he stepped towards Maddie, hand outstretched.

“Shall we do this?” He said, trying his best to keep his confidence in his voice.

“Try not to lose too quickly,” Maddie said, shaking his hand. “I want you to at least get a good feel for your new racquet, before you leave my court.”

Dan’s grip tightened on hers, his nerves washing away. He smiled, resolve filling him. “I’ll make sure to do that.” He could feel the fire in his eyes.

+2 Ambition, +2 Self- Esteem.

“Gather round everyone,” Peter’s voice ruined the moment, even as Maddie flipped a coin, to decide who would serve, and which side everyone would start on. “Place your bets. See how Danny Boy does against Mad Maddie. It’s a 3 Set Match, can Danny survive? Come, watch the newest tennis prodigy, test his mettle! Come, watch my protégé, take the first step towards greatness.”

“Oh,” Maddie chuckled as the coin hit the ground. It was heads, Dan had called tails. “I’ll let Peter’s ‘protégé’, test his mettle. Give me a good showing with your serve, yeah? I’ve been waiting all week for this.”