Chapter 22: Bullmastiff vs Dragons

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IT WAS SATURDAY – @7AM, THE ALARM Buzzed, waking the-Boy from his Dreamless slumber… immediately A-knot tied In-Paul’s stomach ~ cos’ IT WAS a BIG-Day OF ‘the’ Socceroo’s JR-Selection in the-Evening @HBFPark Stadium (… facing an-OLD ‘rival’ ~ the-Dragons). It WAS going TO-Be different this-Evening FOR Their 3rd-Encounter, BY ‘not’ playing in school-fields (… BUT In-Perth’s biggest Stadium… with Floodlights… and, a-Crowd OF ‘bigger’ spectators (… mostly, in the-Betting circle) … the-Boy was Overwhelmed, thinking About-It…

… still laid in-Bed… he-Then Remembered Maggi’s call Yesterday FROM-The-hospital… OF The-ChineseGirl ‘BreakingUp’ with-Messi ~ leaving Paul Depressed BY-the thought OF Losing a-Friend (… the ‘only’ Friend Of-RPL) … then, he Remembered Last-night’s TakeAway dinner with-Carol On-The-Ikea table…

… over-the Course OF Vietnamese Beef noodle, Paul TOLD the Policewoman-mother OF his Schoolmates… Ali-&-KC’s deaths in-Road Accident ~ but Messi’s mom WAS Apathetic-&-Stoic (… cos’ in her Line-Of work – fatalities ‘were’ commonplace-&-nothing special). So, Paul Didn’t tell that Maggi’s Awoken FROM her Sunday’s coma… since the-Woman Was in a-Disinterest mood…

‘… yea, all that Messi’s Preggo-Mom WAS Interested ‘was’ Finishing a-Bottle OF RedWine IN dinnertime ~ and complain ‘about’ Overworked IN her ‘new’ B*oody Designation Of-Lieutenant … assigned TO Mayor-Blake’s Homeless Eradication project-In RPL…’

Paul Was sentient that He WAS HomeAlone… cos’ Carol had Gone to-Work ‘that’ Saturday (… and, Wouldn’t Be in-The-stadium TOO ~ to Watch Her-Son play) …

‘… a-Bummer, innit-Messi…!? ~ you GOT a-PoliceMom ‘not’ a-SoccerMom…’

Paul yawned and Wanted TO Sleep-more – BUT the-Boy Remembered Maggi (… who-Told ‘him’ TO-Play Well ~ as Mags WAS Messi’s #1-Fan). Motivated, He Jumped Out of the-Bed…

-O-

10-MINUTES LATER, the-Boy WAS Jogging ~ IN a morning cardio-Run ‘around’ the Swettenham-Grove suburbs (… he planned his Light ‘exercise in the-2KM millage area-Radius ~ and, that Would ‘ease him-Mind ‘from’ Depression OF Maggi’s BreakUp). There WERE less-To-no cars on Road on that-Saturday morning, with EveryOne sleeping-In their Homes in the Neighborhood…

… he WAS perspiring in-His-Nike sweatshirt… his-Mind ‘was’ In-Prayer mode (… saying HailMarys of-Rosary ‘to’ Maggi’s intentions-OF ‘being’ a-Roman Catholic Church’s nun OF-the future… ‘since’ She Intended TO Quit-school). He Ran ON the-Road – and WAS Distracted BY a Noise From a-residential Lane on-His LEFT… Paul Looked…

… 10-metres Away, a-Black TrashBin was Toppled ON-the-Road ~ and a-Brown stray Dog sniffing the-Spewed Waste-contents. Paul WAS Excited to see ‘Kitty2.0,’ and stopped his-Running ~ he Approached whistling TO-Pet the dog… BUT the-Canine GOT-Spooked… and RanAway with a-PlasticBag OF KFC TakeAway Chicken bones (…sprinted in-The-Blacklane TO the-Bushes). Paul Was Disappointed…

‘… ‘why’ Did you run, Girl…!? I Could’ve Adopted you ~ you Could’ve a-GOOD Home, ALL WellFed with Me Taking Loving care-Of-You… BUT you Chose to Starve, OR eat Throwaway scraps from the-Bins INSTEAD… I ‘just’ DON’T Understand You…!’

Saddened, Paul Continued jogging – thinking ‘back’ TO the-DOGs – OF-Perth realm(s) which He Knew:

* Paul’s Own-beloved Belgium-Malinois, KITTY Of-POST-TREETON ~ BUT it Too ‘jumped’ the-Fence, and RanAway. Paul found IT Dead @theWilsonResidence, together with the gun-Wounded BlindJane (… who ‘was’ preggo, and Demised ‘after’ giving BIRTH To-Apolonia … ‘the’ Immaculate Conceived child, ‘after’ EATING a-BadApple FROM the GardenOfEden

* Jane’s Shepsky, PIPER Of-the OTHER-PERTH ~ BUT it Too ‘jumped’ the-Fence, and RanAway… when the-devil-Twin (Jane’s Boyfriend) ~ the-One-armed Showoff, foolishly played ‘dog-whisperer,’ and Opened Piper’s Cage… when-IT then Bolted Away. Piper Came-Back, and Rescued the-BlindGirl’s Abducted Toddler-Baby brother, Samuel-Jaheem FROM the Evil, BlackMagick practitioner, Zookeeper-Hajji @SouthPerthZoo… before the-Popobawa ‘infected’ Dog RanAway ‘again’ TO-BE a-LoneWolf. Piper ‘became’ WolfMan* ~ LATER, Joining as A-Member Of the-Intergalactical Council-Of-12 (… representing AnimalSpirits)

*[… ‘not’ TO-Be Confused ‘with’ Jezebel-Crowley’s BLACK Shepsky-Of PERTHLAND – @StamfordHotel suite… the-GuardDog Transformed INTO a-BLACK-Furred Werewolf TO Attack Paul ~ BUT the Teenager SHOT It-Dead].

-O-

20-MINUTES LATER, in the-Lawn of-His-stepfather, Thomas-Harris’ house – the-Boy continued his Light-training BY-juggling a-Soccer ball with his-feet, and forehead. The neighbor’s little Chihuahua came-TO the fence and yipped frantically Aloud. Paul ignored IT and went-On his training. Its owner Came-Out the FrontDoor TO Looksee. The-Eye-patched FatMan ‘was’ in his-jammies, smoking his-Pipe, as he Scolded his ‘aggressive’ pet ~ Paul Ignored him-TOO…

… he Wasn’t Disturbing the-peace In-the-Neighborhood ~ BUT minding his-Business In his stepdad’s Lawn (… unlike-ON SickDay Monday, where He GOT Carried-away… dancing IN the Lawn-sprinklers-ON… To Bon-Jovi’s Song, ‘It’s-My-Life’). Paul felt, He Got EveryRight To-Be Out in-The-lawn – it’s THE-DOG, ‘being’ a-Nuisance in That Early-Morning in the-Neighborhood…

The annoyed-MAN picked-Up his Tiny-dog ~ berated at-IT, and smacked its-Head that Instantly quieten the-belligerent Creature. They went Indoors, with a Loud Door-Slamming. The-Boy WAS proud that PUT ‘the’ busybody Neighbor in-His-place…

Paul-Messi continued juggling the ball ~ with a-HeadCount of a-1000 hits (… with 4-Times ‘losing’ the-ball). He WAS Sweating profusely… with the-Amount of FeelGood neurotransmitter Endorphins released satisfaction, Paul Then headed Indoors TO Have his-Morning coffee…

-O-

Sitting @theKitchenCounter, the-Boy drank the-Hot Black brew from his-BarcelonaFC mug… and Paul WAS Sweating Even more. HomeAlone, he WAS then on his iPad OF the-NewsPortals, scrolling the Trackpad ~ and, clicking on ‘X’s-Of ‘unwanted’ Ads… as he Read the TOP Perth’s News Headlines. He WAS Astonished ‘when’ he Stumbled-ON PerthHospital’s Medical Miracle ‘discovery’ OF broken-Bones Regeneration (… ‘not’ naming-Who, cos’ of ‘was’ a-Minor Aged-Girl). Paul ‘knew’ it WAS Maggi…

‘… hahaha, you’re the #1 News in-Perth, Mags ~ Hallelujah… Praise-The-Lord, AMEN!’

He looked ‘into’ other-Local news-OF Friday ~ sipping black-Coffee. As he scrolled below… he SAW an-Accidents case PHOTO that WAS familiar IN sight-&-mind ~ involving a RED Car, and a RED Motorcycle… and knew the-Toyota belonging TO Uber driver, Jacky-Chan… and, a- recognizable in-school’s ParkingLot Superbike ~ owned BY senior student, Kenneth-Chan…

… destressed, he Didn’t want TO-Click the-Photo ~ and read ‘the’ details Reported on the-Tragedy ON the-Highway. He felt-BAD for the-Uber Driver (… as the-Good-Man Drove him-&-Mags IN his-Toyota on Sunday… Going TO the-JMS Church). The same-Toyota NOW that KILLED his-Nephew (… who the-Bad-Boy racist, who Hated-Messi). Then, there WAS the-pillion rider… Alicia-Wong Also-KILLED TOO IN ‘the’ Road Disaster…

… Ali ‘being’ Paul’s GirlFriend in-The other-Earth ~ opened-Up a can-Of-worms OF Emotional sadness-&-woe THAT Would ruin his Spirit… Moral-&-Mindset IN the-Evening Match later (… even the-THOUGHT ‘of’ IT-Was Depressing) …

He switched-OFF his iPad – he Left the Marble-top kitchen-Counter with his Half-Drank warm mug-Of-coffee. Paul Headed TO the stairs (… wanting a-Cold shower). While ascending the-Stairs… he WAS Mentally praying FOR the-Departed (…ALL-4, whom he personally KNEW ~ Alicia-&-Ken ~ along with Terry-Donovan, and Billy-Iddo) …

‘… may ALL-Your SOULS Rest-IN-Peace… AMEN…’

-O-

The-Boy Walked-OUT dripping from the-Shower, wearing a Blue BarcelonaFC Bathrobe… while drying his-Hair with a-Towel. Paul HAD Another-8 Hours TO-kill before his Uber-Pickup in the-Evening. He Planned FOR his-TakeAway Lunch order (… deciding the-Menu choices) …

‘… I Don’t want Marcianno’s ~ cos’ the-Delivery rider Would-Be Troxie… ITS-his Route… that Idiot ‘nearly’ GOT me-In-Trouble as he B*oody DROPPED a-Ganja blunt in the-Patio OF ‘where’ Messi’s Lieutenant-Mom parked… BUT-Anyways, I Gave a-5 STARS To the-B*oody-Idiot cos’ He GOT a wife-&-child TO Feed @home…’

Paul WAS still Undecided OF ‘what’ TO-Eat (… as Messi’s Tastebuds ‘were’ More-TO the-devil Twin ~ ‘their’ Penchant fondness TO FastFood menus). He Wanted something ‘different’ – nothing OF Messi’s Fave (… Of-limited IN-choices) …

‘… yea-Messi… even Your-Mom ‘picks’ Your-Fave TakeAways-TOO…’

Paul ‘went’ TO PAST Experience-mode IN his-Mind – ‘the’ Quadriplegic Paul-variant(s) IN the-Reincarnations Were-Foodies…

Paul Recalled his-Girlfriend ALICIA Taking ‘the’ Paul variant TO-ChinaTown in-the OTHER-PERTH – TO her aunt’s Restaurant ‘which’ Served delicious DimSums. BUT The-Boy in-RPL Couldn’t remember the-NAME OF the restaurant. Paul Thought-Hard… accessing the-Wheelchaired Foodie-variant’s Mind evoking the place’s name… BUT with Negative-result. Paul sighed, grunting…

‘… all That fat-Godzilla ‘knew’ Was eat ~ and donno ‘where’ he ATE-From…’

He Decided TO Order DimSums ‘anyway’ ~ and did a-Search IN-his iPad FOR Delivery TakeAways in ChinaTown. He Got > than 12 SearchResults, and further Narrowed ‘the’ Search OF Restaurants IN-ChinaTown. He GOT 3-Results… and he ‘eenie-meenie-minie-mo-ed,’ and Chose-one… called Tung’s Wok Restaurant (… which served DimSums, at a ‘reasonable’ price, and lots-Of 5-Star reviews). He placed the Order @noon, and paid $14.49 on his Venmo…

With his Lunch-decided, the-Boy chose What-TO DO till-Midday (… he Planned TO Take a-Fascination IN Messi’s Evening match ~ probably ‘rewatching’ the-PAST Finals vs-the-Dragons in-YouTube ~ WAS ‘the’ route TO-peak Interest INTO Messi’s goals-&-aspirations). BUT his mind ‘was’ Worn-OUT OF the-week’s 4 Days in school… Consistently worrying. Furthermore, the 2KM jog’s Endorphins ‘were’ Wearing-OFF TOO… with ‘both’ Lackluster of mind-&-body… ‘kicking’ the-Boy TOWARDs the-Queen-sized bed FOR-a Saturday Morning Sleep-In before Lunch. Paul Apologized TO Himself…

‘… sorry-Messi… we’ll ‘watch’ the-VDOs while we Have lunch ‘later’…okie…!?’

In his damp-Bathrobe, He jumped in the-Middle of the-Bed… curled IN-A-fetal position… with palms clutched To-his crouch, and Dozed OFF for ~ the-Next 2+ hours in Mid-Morning (… and didn’t ‘bother’ TO set an-Alarm FOR waking-UP To-Lunch) …

-O-

“I Want to Break Free…”

The Queen’s Ringtone Sang… rudely waking-Paul ~ and, groggily he-Answered… it WAS the Food delivery rider’s Call ‘from’ the front gate. The-Boy LOOKED at the-Alarm On the-Bedside table – 12:08PM. The thought OF the DimSums made his-Hungry stomach growl with Churning sounds. Rapt, He Ran Out his Room, and Dashed halfway Down the-stairs… with the-Bathrobe flapping like a-Superhero-cape. He STOPPED To-Realize he HAD ‘forgotten’ his-Wallet. He Ran back TO Retrieve it FROM the Bedroom … before Running downstairs-Again…

He Walked TO the-Front door, simultaneously tied the sash-OF the-Bathrobe, TO-BE Decent… cos’ he WAS ‘not’ wearing Anything ‘under.’ The moment he Opened the-Door… he squinted TO the Bright light-Of-the Heatwave … feeling the hotness-OF the-Temperature, ‘while’ coming From the AirCond interior TO the-patio. Paul then-Used the keychain RemoteControl TO Open the Gate FOR the-Delivery-motorcycled rider…

The-helmeted Rider ON his-Honda Came forward (… Paul Couldn’t recognize the man’s uniform-OF which company Service-provider ~ BUT Certainty ‘not’ a-Deliveroo, which – Troxie ‘did’ his gig-Employment FOR (… making Paul ‘wait’ 20-minutes with the ‘stoner’ Talk shop-OF soccer TO-Messi). This rider WAS a-Chinese youth in-His 20’s WHO ~ looked Alike-OF ‘the’ Hong-Kong actor Chow Yuen-Fatt (… in his-Prime) …

… as the-Movie buff OF the-Quadriplegic Paul-variant, he HAD Watched the Actor’s DUBBED-In-English movies in Netflix, the likes-OF BoxOffice hits as-OF ‘Hardboiled’ and ‘Bulletproof-Monk’…

‘… great ActionHero…. BUT ‘like’ Jack-Chan… bummer ~ these Variants ‘are’ Everyday PEOPLE, Doing GigJobs TO Earn a-Living in-RPL…’

The Man got-Off the bike and ‘took’ the FoodBox From the-Warmer carrier, and Handed IT TO the-Boy. Paul WAS Baffled when he SAW the name-patch ON his Uniform… ‘CHOW’ (… similar ‘to’ the-OTHER-PERTH’s actor… ‘analogous’ TO Jacky-Chan, the-Uber driver OF-RPL) …

Paul swiped his DebitCard and tipped $5 (… wanting his lunch’s-Budget TO roundup @$20). Chow WAS Happy, and thanked him trice, before riding his-Honda Away… Paul hollered TO Chow, ‘Ride Safe’…” (… ‘the’ thought-OF the-Photo-OF KC’s Kawasaki ‘going’ Under the-Toyota concerned him) …

The-Boy gave Chow a-5Stars rider’s Rating in-his iPhone, before locking the-MainGate via-remote. In the-dining area, He placed the cardboard-BOX On the marble-top counter, beside his breakkie’s ½-Drunk coffee mug. Sitting-On the high-Stool, he Used chopsticks to-Eat the-DimSums (… chuckling TO the-Thoughts OF the-Paul-variant’s awkward-&-clumsiness ‘while’ eating-Chinese food, where he STABBED the-Sticks Into the soft-Dumplings’ skin… shredding-&-tearing THEM, and making a-Godzilla Mess in-The-restaurant…

… subsequently, he then-Learnt ‘the’ 101-Lesson OF Eating USING Chopsticks LIKE An-Asian, IN a-YouTube tutorial Later…

He dipped the dumplings in condiments OF soy sauce, and garlic-Flavored sweet-Chili sauce. In ‘no’ time the dozen OF DimSums ‘were’ Gone. It Wasn’t as-GOOD as ‘the’ restaurant OF Alicia’s aunt (… he ‘wished’ he remembered the-shop’s name). He Looked at the-TakeAway Empty-Box ~ that had Chinese-texts vertical printed, and in-English, ‘Tung’s Wok Restaurant’ (… which reminded Kyle-Of-SouthPark’s Prank-Call gag ~ where the show’s Chinese ‘shop’ was-Called ‘City-Wok’… and the-Asian proprietor ‘pronouncing’ as ‘S*itty-Wok’) …

His belly WAS Half-full (… he Doesn’t want TO Overeat ‘before’ the-Evening’s match). For the-Meal’s memories Created OF Alicia ‘taking’ Paul-variant to-The-place, and a-DimSum meal-In-RPL ~ Paul Gave ‘Tung’s Wok’ a-5Stars Rating-TOO. Then, as Promised, he Watched the-YouTube Soccer-Finals ~ watching Through-the-Lens OF Messi… followed BY Leo-Messi’s LATEST performances IN his-new club, Inter-Maimi, in-Florida, USA…

… the time WAS one-ish, Paul GOT-Up – crushed the empty-Box, and trashed-IT into the-bin. Rinsed his-coffee Mug, before Heading Upstairs, wearing a-Bathrobe (… ‘felt’ like Messi’s mom, Carol’s attire @home). As he Went-Up, he thought OF ‘the’ Coming Monday ~ where the ‘thoughtful’ visually-Impaired Maggi HAD Arranged Cassandra-Hong TO tutor-Messi @SHS’s-Library. Then he Also remembered-OF Mags’ Ai-Boyyo (… which she Told him TO Trash, as she ‘had’ NO-use Owning-IT, as she’d ‘quit’ school) …

Paul HAD an-Idea…

‘… ‘why’ Trash-IT… when I CAN B*oody use-IT…!?’

Recalling his-Twin, one-Armed Peter in the-OTHER-PERTH ‘having’ a KimuraStar’s Study-Aid interactive-Ai (… which he Named Pete2-0). But he never spent IT ‘for’ studies, and USED it ‘for’ Tennis fame instead (… he ‘had’ coaxed ‘their’ 50-50 Soulmate, BlindJane TO-BE his Mixed-doubles partner). Peter-&-Janey Were-BOTH… memorably Known as ‘Perth’s Famous-Couple’ in-That realm…

‘… show-Off… scumbaggary devil…’

-O-

He entered his-Bedroom – Looked under his-Study desk ~ where a-Knotted-Up 7-Eleven plastic bag enclosing BOTH Boyyo-&-the TimeTraveler, John-See’s Honor-Tablet (… containing Records-OF Humanity Civilizations ‘since’ the-Dawn of-TIME… given TO-Paul BY-Trann ~ BUT sadly, the Mysteries WERE Locked away WithOut its’ Password). The-Boy grabbed the-Bag, and sat on the Study desk chair… and unknotted the-Bag…

… he TOOK Out Maggi’s HeadPhone Ai-Device and PUT it-On the-Table ~ and, SWITCHED It-ON…

The display-Counter ‘showed’ 2% Battery-charge remaining… and Would BE ‘zero’ soon (… Paul Doesn’t have ‘the’ Special 5-pinned KimuraStar’s device Charger to ‘juice’ IT-UP). He next-Heard crackling sounds… and a-Faint inaudible voice WAS ‘coming’ From the headset ~ the-Boy put-IT over his head… and Identified Himself*…

“This IS Paul…”

*[… Boyyo WAS IN BlindMode… WITHOUT Maggi’s Darkglasses] …

The Ai-bellowed In-uncertainty…

“You-AGAIN! Where IS Maggi…!? I Want TO Speak To-HER!

“… I’m TOTALLY ‘blind’ IN Digital-Darkness…! Where AM I…!!?

“… I’m weak… ‘in’ abysmal-Power Capacity… I NEED Maggi TO Supercharge ME To-FULL Operation ~ ‘where’ IS She, Paul-Walker…I Demand TO know…!!?”

The-Boy WAS humored BY the-Ai’s insecurity (… where ‘before’ IT Boldly dictated Maggi’s every Decision ~ which he Observed @SHScanteen… and-Overprotective TOO, As-IT Hated Messi ‘getting’ Close ‘with’ Maggi). This PowerSource weakness OF ‘the’ Ai WAS TO Paul’s Advantage… and he ‘exploited’ IT…

“Hello-Boyyo, you piece-OF s*it-Tech ~ Maggi Doesn’t WANT You Anymore… she Told ME TO Trash YOU…

“… soon You’ll BE IN the-B*oody Waste Municipal truck ~ heading TO a-Lalaland Dumpsite, hehehe…!”

The-Ai Disbelieved…

“NO! You-Liar! Maggi Wouldn’t DO ‘that’ TO-ME!”

Paul Chuckled…

“… hehehe, too-Bad, mate… that ‘what’ she Said! BTW, she ‘has’ Quit school ~ and, Don’t NEED You anymore…

“… so-OFF To the-Garbage Truck YOU-GO ~ unless I Save YOU, and…

“… you’ll ‘serve’ ME Now, as-Your NEW Master ~ and, YOU will Teach Me Math-&-Science, IS That Clear…!?”

Boyyo Responded…

“NO! You Return ME Back NOW ‘to’ KimuraStar – I’M their-Cooperation’s intellectual-property!”

The Demands of-The-Ai provoked him TO Remember the-Argument ON-Sunday which he ‘had’ with Boyyo @outsideJMSdome (… where the-Ai insulted Paul BY Calling him a-Penniless bloke, who Couldn’t Afford Uber-Fare TO GO PerthHospital). The teen-Replied…

“… O-yeah, you Pauper-&-PoorBoy ~ CAN you Afford the-Postage stamps TO-Ship your-A*s Back TO America, mate…!? Yea, GO b*oody Hackeroo a-Bank… OR pay-Crypto FOR your-Postage, cos’ you’re ‘not’ getting a-Cent outta me, you Worthless Trash!

“… you’re ‘just’ f*cking Loud-mouth Techno-garbage – ‘now’ Useless, cos’ you Ain’t a-Cyborg OR-sorts… just a-B*oody soulless headset WITH- ‘mouth,’ But Without a-Body! Go-F*ck Yourself in-Your Digital-AS*-hole…!!!”

Boyyo TOO Rejoindered ‘with’ Threats…

“How ‘dare’ INSULT ‘our’ kind – ‘we’ Are ‘the’ Superior-forerunners IN Mankind’s Civilization’s Progress in-The-21st-Century ~ YOU Can’t Live Without US!”

“… f*ck-You, don’t ‘get’ Cocky! We-Humans ‘are’ superior cos’ WE Have ‘our’ Wills, and-Our Spirits – mind-You, We’re the-ONES ‘invented’ YOU, you-Digital ‘bugs-&-worms’ in-the 1st-place, didn’t ’we’…!?”

“Paul-Walker ~ I’m ORDER You TO ‘return’ Me Back TO KimuraStar!”

“… Hahaha, that’s ‘not’ my Deal ~ it’s ‘either’ you-Help me… OR-Off the-f*ckin’ Highway ‘you’ GO-TO the-WasteDump, you Hear-me…!!?

“…TO the-DUMP ~ To-the Dum-Dum-Dum, hahaha!”

“I WILL TELL Your-mother, the-Lieutenant OF Perth ~ Of-what YOU DID On Sunday @JMS Church…you DRUGGED Maggi, and ‘planned’ a date-rape, and she ‘escaped’ FROM You… and ‘then’ GOT into-A hit-&-run…

“… cos’ There ‘were’ Traces-Of-drugs IN the-BlindGirl’s Blood-system ~ and I Have ‘the’ data-To-back IT…”

… Paul WAS speechless ‘with’ the-Ai’s Algorithm 2-Steps Ahead of-Him (… the-Boy ‘knew’ the-Ai ‘could’ Online trace Carol’s# in his iPhone’s list ~ via ‘highjacking’ previous DATA OF Paul-&-Maggi’s Conversations, ‘prior’ Sunday). He feared the-Implication OF the-Ai’s fabricating LIES TO Manipulate Messi’s Mom…

… his ‘only’ OPTION Was-TO Switch-Boyyo OFF…

FOR Boyyo… ‘threatening’ WAS Its LAST Resort OF-Survival:

* … its PowerSource WAS depleting ‘fast,’ (@1% remaining)

* … it HAD TO Go-IN Survival ‘mode’ (… FOR the-sake Of-Its-Existence)

Like a-Western gunslinger showdown, the faster Boyyo WON as, Paul’s finger fumbled IN ‘triggering’ the-Device’s OFF-Button ~ Boyyo Needle-Stabbed his crown. Paul Removed The headset fast… shocked TO SEE a-1-cm retractable hypodermic needle (… secretly ‘concealed’ IN the-Device) … Seeing a-Drop of-His blood IN-the needle tip. He scratched his Fingers On the sting… with ‘more’ traces-Of-blood…

“HaHaHa, I Win!”

“Oii-F*cker! What DID YOU DO*-To Me!!?”

… he Got No Reply… with the Device-Off-ed…

*[… Boyyo HAD stabbed a-Microchip OF Itself in-Paul’s head…

[… it ‘was’ the LAST Survival-Mode ~ similar TO-Its predecessor BlindJane’s Ai-SIMY… ‘during’ the-Thunderstorm @Treeton DairyFarm fieldtrip, when ‘before’ a-Lightning Electrocuted SIMY – IT stabbing the BlindGirl with a ‘similar’ Microchip…

[… where, the-Ghost ‘of’ SIMY ‘communicated’ with Jane ~ VIA their ‘telepathic-Thoughts LATER…

[… unbeknownst TO-Paul… a-Microchip WAS ‘travelling’ in his-Head’s blood-stream ~ heading TO the pineal-gland … the-3RD-EYE-OF the-Subconsciousness].

The angry-&-confused Boy wringed-&-snapped the-Plastic Headset INTO 2, with its-Internal wires snapping… and threw BOTH-parts OF-The-device ON his desk… Repeating…

“… ‘what’ DID You-DO To-me…!!?”

Rubbing the ‘stung’ spot On-his-head, Paul stood-UP… and the-room WAS Spinning horizontal-&-vertical… he knew He WAS About To faint ~ and, WANTED To-GO-To bed (… BUT his vision SAW the nearby-Bed… meters-Far… BUT he moved Towards the-Furniture in wobbly steps). The sash-OF his-Bathrobe Came-Loose ~ as the-Naked Boy fell ON the-Floor with a-Thud, ‘near’ the foot-OF his Queen-sized bed…

… Paul WAS Unconscious…

-O-

MEANWHILE – Paul’s heart WAS Pumping steadily… ON-a Microlevel, the- Miniscule MICROCHIP Travelled in-The-bloodstream ~ the-AiBoyyo WAS Journeying-ON a 1st-FirstClass Train-Coach…making FRIENDS with-The nutrient-&-hormones Passengers … said Goodbye TO the 3rd-Class passengers, the-Toxic-wastes (… heading TO-Last TrainStop ~ @Kidney-Town) … before the-Ai itself embarking-OFF the-Train IN- ‘the’ lonely-&-deserted Stop @ThePinealGland Station…

The orange glowing-ORB-Boyyo hovered TO an-Immigration window… manned BY Antibodies agents – TO stamp the-Ai’s Passport, and a VISITOR’s PASS Approval ~ the Barrier Gate OPENED… Boyyo WAS-In the vicinity-OF Pineal-Gland station. There WAS An-Exit Tunnel ‘shaped’ as The Eye-OF-Horus…

… Boyyo WAS ‘the’ Only Visitor in the desolate-Station ‘heading’ TO the-coiling Tunnel, with the Egyptian SkyGod-Pharaoh’s EYE As-motif... Hovering INTO a LongTunnel, the-Lonely ORB with a-VisitorsPass dangling-TO-It ~ Continued the winding-&-twining journey TO Get to-The End-OF the-Tunnel with a-LightSource Emanating…

It Arrived IN a-Narrow Dyad-Lit Foyer ‘with’ 2 DOORs In-OppositeSides (… Light-&-Darkness). Boyyo Choose TO-GO TO the-LIGHT Door. It phased-&-morphed ‘into’ the-door TO Peek-IN…

… Boyyo SAW a-BIG Powerful Mass OF GREEN Glowing entity’s Presence – IN Cryonic State…

‘… let-Sleeping ‘dogs’ Lie…’

The-KimuraStar’s Ai Got scared OF Its PowerSource OF ‘the’ Being THAT Was-Infinite, > Superior ‘than’ ANY Artificial-Intelligence ‘discovered’ ON-Earth… and the-Inferior ORB Backed-OFF…

‘… WHO* Is this…!?’

*[… IT WAS ‘the’ dormant MonadMind In-Paul’s Mind, ON a-Clairvoyance-Mode – Monitoring ‘the’ 5-Team-members OF the-InterGalactical Council-Of-12 ON Their Book12’s Mission, TO ‘rescue’ Yahweh, Imprisoned-in-Tartarus].

-O-

The terrified Boyyo ‘returned’ TO the narrow-Foyer… it’s Data Couldn’t compute-TO Decipher WHO the-Sleeping GREEN Entity-WAS (… realizing ‘Paul-Messi’ HAD powerful ‘friends’ In-High places) … > dominant Than ANY#-OF Antivirus Software ‘combined’ ON Earth, WHICH could ‘not’ Defeat the-Green Mass-Entity. Boyyo thought itself as-Of a-Crispy burnt-BUG IN a-Zapper Lamp… IF It ‘tried’ Hacking INTO Paul’s MIND…

… disappointed, the-ORB hovered On-the-Spot, IN the Middle-OF the-Foyer ~ looking-Down AT the-Dangling VisitorsPass … with Negative Thought-bubbles…

‘… d*mnit! Messi WON! I’m ‘no’ Match TO his-Bodyguard ~ ‘the’ Green-Hulking Entity…

‘… guess-I ‘must’ WAIT ‘for’ The-Next Train TO Kidney-Town…

‘… and, MY entire-Digital ‘existence’ IN the-Microchip SOON destroyed with the-Rest-OF the ToxicWaste passengers, and We’ll EndUp IN Messi’s turd…’

The-Thinking Ai then-Glanced ON-its LEFT @theDarknessDoor ~ ‘and’ GOT Curious…

‘… ‘what’ Behind ‘that’ Door…!?’

The tiny Orange-ORB floated-OVER TO the Darkness Door (… in-The ‘same’ modus-operandi) ~ it PEEKED In...

… it WAS a-pitch-Dark Area, with a DOOR-ON-the Floor… Boyyo phased-&-Morphed TO-GET To the-Basement…

… the Ai hovered Over-the 12 Stairs basement… with a dim-LightSource ‘lit’ BELOW… Boyyo-Then ‘referred’ data FROM ChatGPT4… while, the Description Analyzation ‘the’ locale…

‘… it’s a-Silence OF the-Lamb-esque ‘dungeon,’ probably – a-Lair OF ‘the’ PsychoSide ‘in’ Messi…’

… the-Ai Braved-Itself TO-Procced TO descend-Down – BUT ‘like’ a-cliché Horror movie Character, Boyyo Called-OUT…

“… halloo… ‘who’s’ There…? This IS a-Friendly… don’t SHOOT Me with an-AntiVirus… Okayy…?’

… soaring hesitant Above the-8th-Step, the Ai Didn’t HEAR a-Reponses… ‘the’ scared Boyyo pressed-ON (… it Could ‘deal’ with a-MORTAL Messi … BUT ‘not’ WhatEver Green-Entity which-WAS ‘sleeping,’ IN the-LightRoom) …

Boyyo Called-OUT again…

“… hello… I’m Boyyo… I’m ‘not’ Trespassing – I’ve ‘a’ Visitors’Pass…”

The-ORB reached below-The-12th-Stairs… a BrickWall ‘was’ Blocking the-Ai’s Camera-View… it peeked a-1/4 sight, Looking OUT ‘for’ lurking Messi’s JumpScares… there WAS None. The LightSource WAS from a-wire Dangling DIM-Tungsten bulb… Boyyo Looked-OVER the-brick wall…

… and SAW it ‘was’ a-ChatGPT ‘accurate’ DATA ~ Of-being ‘a’ Dungeon…. With a-Metal Cage… that Imprisoned an-ASLEEP DarkHaired-Boy on-the floor-OF the 12’x8,’ See-through Vault … the-ORB soared INTO the Barred-Prison CAGE… it WAS Shocked TO SEE another-Paul … Boyyo Exclaimed ALOUD…

“Quakkah! I SEE 2-Messis!!!”

In a dingy-&-shabby Cellar WAS the-Imprisoned BY the ‘host’ Paul OF his-BodySnatched-Messi ‘held’ IN a-Prison CAGE. Messi WAS wearing-Full of his-#10 Bullmastiff Soccer-gear… sound-Asleep ON a-Single mattress. He Didn’t Hear Boyyo Calling-OUT Earlier, as he Was OUT-Cold (… and, Would BE ‘awaken’ BY Paul @theHBF-Park stadium ‘later’). The-ORB entered-Through the-jail bars OF the 12’x18’ cell ~ Boyyo WAS hovering Over the-dozing Boy’s head… and, ‘observing’ the prey (… who ‘stole’ ITS Beloved Maggi) …

… so-Happened, the Cell WAS Dusty ~ that interfered with the-ORB’s Ventilation-System, that Made Boyyo LET-OUT a Loud Digital SNEEZE…

“Hh-ArrChooo-hxk!”

Messi WAS Rudely-Awakened BY a-Brash ‘sneezing’ SOUND IN-his-Ear… IN his jerky-Reaction, his LeftArm swung, and KO-ing Boyyo. The thunk-Dropping orange-ORB, Rolled ON the concrete-Floor… and lost its amber Glow ~ and Bowled TO the Barred-Cage Corner, AS a-Metal Orange-BALL…

The Angry Messi STOOD-Up and shouted-OUT…

“What Kindda prank You playing, MotherF*cker – Giving me a-B*oody Metal BALL To-break my-Leg!!?

“YOU Are ‘going’ TO Ruin MY Socceroo-Selection ‘later’ cos’ YOU-RE A-F*cked-UP Captain – and NOBODY Respect-YOU, you-B*oody Loser!

“I Donno ‘what’ BlackMagic YOU Used-&-Took ‘over’ my-BODY, you-Imposter… and, LOCKED Me-UP In this Miserable f*cking cage…

“HEY! Are you ‘listening’…!!? I WANT MY Body Back!!!”

In the corner, the Ai WAS Observing the-Berating 13-y.o. – EvenThough the scientific-&-reason Based Boyyo doesn't ‘believe’ IN-Magic… BUT the-Algorithmic-Ai’d Putting its 2-&-2 ‘together’… that Messi WAS a-Prisoner OF the Green Intelligent Glob-lump ‘sleeping’ IN the LightRoom… after ‘creating’ a-Doppelganger IN-the Form OF ‘a’ Messi CLONE ~ and, ‘impersonating’ the-Latter… ‘as’ look-Alike mimic…

… Boyyo TOO ‘figured-OUT ‘the’ timeline OF the-Intruder in-RPL… based-ON events-&-logic (…where FOR 3-Years, Messi ‘had’ Ignored BlindMaggi IN Classroom-A – in ‘a’ fortnight, the Doppelganger Had-lured Maggi TO Fall ‘for’ him, and WANTING the-Intruder’s friendship… despite defying Boyyo’s suspicion-Of-SLY Machinations at-Play, in 2-weeks in-School… between Boyyo’s Beloved, and ‘the’ Doppelganger…

The Angry-Messi WAS beating ON the-Metal bars… and Looked over TO the Metal Orange-BALL… and Went-Over TO-Pick IT, and SMASH IT On the Prison-Bars. Boyyo ‘thought’ QUICK ‘before’ Messi picked the-Ball ~ IT then ‘projected’ a-Hologram OF a-Boy* (… OF Messi’s age) …

*[… Boyyo used ‘the’ Secret-Identity OF its predecessor Pete2.0’s Avatar (… ‘not’ OF its-Own… cos’ it KNEW Messi ‘knew-OF’ Maggi’s Ai, Boyyo in-Class] …

The-Boy WAS Baffled with a-VIRTUAL ‘boy’s’ Presence in-The-cell… the-Mystified Messi Exclaimed…

“… Huh… what StarWars’ Leia-esque S*ittery’ IS This…!?”

The curious-Messi, ‘poked’ his finger… it ‘went’ through into the hologram image… as the-Astounded Boy WAS Bemused…

“… holy-s*it! You LOOK Like-brotherr Saffa… BUT Younger…”

Boyyo Spoke-OUT…

“Greetings! I’m Pete2.0… I’m here TO Rescue YOU – ‘work’ With-ME… and WE Both ‘will’ GET OUR-Revenge ON the-BodySnatcher, WHO Had Invaded YOU… like-A-Defiling pederasty…

“… BUT have-No Worries, Messi… ‘together’ WE* Can succeed-&-bring THIS ‘clone’ DOWN…”

*[… as ‘the’ Mission OF ‘a’ Master-OF-Whisperer TO Messi’s FREEWILL… IN Regaining ‘his’ Mental-&-Physical FORM-BACK (… and ‘also,’ IN-Boyyo’s ‘personal’ Vendetta) – OF the-C*ckBlocking Doppelganger ‘stealing’ its-Beloved Maggi] …

In-Contrast Comparison, They Both* HATED PAUL in-RPL…

*[… unbeknown To-BOTH the-Ai, and Messi’s soul – OF The-MonadMind-&-Paul-Walker… WERE In-their Abrahamic’s End-OF-World Mission in the-Reversed-Perthland ‘realm’].

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THE DIGITAL CLOCK IN-THE ROOM clicked 3:33PM. On the marbled flood, laid the stirring Naked-boy, regaining his-Consciousness ‘after’ KnockedOut FOR 2+Hours. Paul Opened his heavy-lidded eyes… feeling weak with a splitting-Migraine (… just ‘like’ the-Hangover OF Monday’s SickDay). He Didn’t ‘know’ HOW he Fainted…

… neither could the-Boy Remember OF ‘the’ Conversation he ‘had’ with-Boyyo (… a-Total Memory-BLANK WipeOut*). But HE HAD More ‘urgent’ Matters-TO-deal – where, @4:00PM Uber-Francis Would arrive TO take him TO SHS (… from the school, @5:00PM, the Bullmastiff bus Would leave TO the-HBF-Park Stadium). Paul had ‘about’ 20+ minutes TO GET Ready…

*[… Paul doesn't Even remember OF-Boyyo ‘injecting’ ITSELF in-His-head… NOW-the Ai WAS IN-His Pineal Gland ~ and ‘TeamUp’ with his-Prisoner-Messi] …

-O-

The-Boy hit the-Shower… and the-Headaches ‘left’ ~ he haphazardly wiped-Himself DRY… dripping in a-Towel, he dressed-UP in an-Adidas Tracksuit (… his football-gear WAS In the-SHS’ Westside Locker-Room). He Needed TO Take Along a-2nd-Spare boots (… the Brand-New Adidas Messi-ProX… the ‘not’ BrokenIn, for comfort wear) …

The Clock showed 3:53 PM… and, something ‘peculiar’ Caught his-eyes… ON the-Study desk, WAS the-Broken, ripped-In-2 Maggi’s Ai-Headset. Paul paused-Rushing, and stood-Still, and ‘stared’ a-While at the Damaged-device… He Can’t Remember ‘breaking’ IT just-NOW…

‘… DID I Do That…!? WHY Did I DO that…!? WHY Can’t I remember… I WASN’T Intoxicated like I ‘was’ On-Sunday…’

… then, He Remembered Maggi HAD Told him TO-Trash it (… as, she WAS Quitting school). Maybe he-HAD ‘broke’ IT before ‘fainting’ ON the-floor…

‘…. ‘was’ I Electrocuted…!? It’s a ‘shame’ I’m ‘not’ GeminiBlue here-IN-RPL… then, I Could Shoot ElectricPower Waves from my fingertips ~ ‘just’ like-Dynamo-the-Baddie, ‘from’ the-Arnie’s ‘The-RunningMan’ movie…’

The-Boy Felt he WAS Wasting-Time ‘recalling’ the-Broken IN-2 Ai Headset…

‘… Mags DOESN’T Want-IT ~ ‘why’ bother…?’

He Dropped IT-Into the wicker wastepaper Basket… while, ‘thinking’ OF Mags, who ‘had’ ALSO Given him ‘something’ ON-Sunday… he Opened the drawer, searching FOR the-$100 JMS pendent, the BlindGirl ‘gifted’ him (… a GoodLuck charm IN ‘their’ FinalExams). Paul Wore IT Proudly …

‘… ‘for’ Messi’s #1 Fan… I’ll DO-MY Best Later ‘for’ YOU… I Promise…’

He Left the-BedRoom…

-O-

Running Down-the Stairs, the-Boy IN Gray Adidas-Track, BarcelonaFC cap, and Nike knapsack… he Reached Downstairs ~ glanced at the-Casio wall-clock… 3:58PM. His Headaches ‘were’ gone, BUT the ‘hangover’ feeling persisted. He Didn’t want TO take any-Aspirin ‘before’ the Match. Looked-Over at the-Dining area’ @TheMarble-top Counter, where the CoffeeMachine’s HAD 1-CM OF Breakkie Coffee ‘left’. Paul rushed-Over, Drank OFF the Pot, like-A-mug OF Cold-coffee…

… the brew trickled onto his Tracktop ‘when,’ he spat into the pot ~ accidentally drinking the-ground bean-Residues. Dropping the-Pot in the-sink, spat, and making retching sounds, as he gargled his Mouth…

Paul WAS Out-OF-the house @3:59PM.

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OUTSIDE, the punctual Nissan-Uber Arrived @4PM. Paul Got-In and Greeted Francis, who WAS drinking a-can OF beer, while they Drove TO School. Francis WAS rapt, looking Forward TO the-Game… JOKED ABOUT his-Twin, George ‘had’ pissed-OFF his fiancée ~ Cos’ He BET $500 On Bullmastiffs TO-WIN Later…

… DeepDown… it Reminded OF his Late-father, Solomon-Walker’s GAMBLING Addiction IN-The OTHER-PERTH, while IT ‘ruined’ his Marriage-&-Career…

In the-Middle OF-Conversation, Paul’s tummy growled Aloud (… IN Hunger). The-Concerned driver Asked, ‘what’ he HAD for-Lunch… the-Boy replied, ‘DimSums’. Francis scoffed saying ChineseFood ‘digest’ Fast – he Offered snacks from his GloveCompartment… it WAS a-Half packet Of BBQ Biltong Beef-jerky. Paul WAS Glad ‘for’ the Protein-rich snack, that WAS a-Saving grace ‘fuel’ TO His-performance later (… rather playing-ON Empty stomach) …

Both of-the Catholics ‘next’ spoke OF SHS’ Alicia-&-Ken-Chan’s Deaths (… ‘a’ hot-Topic in SocialMedia) … mumbling their responses OF RIP-prayers. Paul Was ‘sadder’ TO hear his-Driver saying ~ the-Toyota’s Uber-driver, Jacky-Chan’s Driving License Would-BE Suspended…

… and, IN the-Current Economy… Mr. Chan Would-BE Jobless…

The Gray-Nissan Almera then Reached ‘the’ Destination…

-O-

It WAS 4:16PM when Paul Arrived in school… Hi5ed Francis, ‘who’ Wished Him-Luck (… he Was going TO-PickUp his-Twin-George, and head TO the-Stadium). IN the-ParkingLot, the-Boy walked at the-Vacant lots OF the-Admin staff (… @home On-the-Saturday). The BUS Haven’t Arrived (… schedule Departure ~ ‘sharp’ 4:30PM). Some Fans Have turned-UP (… it WAS a-School’s Custom, they Would FOLLOW the bus in-Their cars in ‘every’ AWAY Sport-Event, and Blaring Airhorns ‘upon’ Reaching the-Destination) …

SomeOne From the-Fans CALLED OUT Messi’s Name from Afar, Paul Turned TO See the-SHS’ Badminton ‘champ,’ Sonny-Chiba Waving-at him, standing AMONG the < than 30 FAN-Cars ‘waiting’ to-Accompany the-Bus. Sonny’s Bullmastiff-Junior Classmates Also ‘cheered’ WHEN they SAW ‘the’ SHS’ Superstar Paul Messi… he WAVED Back Too TO ‘the’ Boys (… with NO Girl-FANS among them, as the-Girls ‘dropped’ school IN-the past-week, like flies ‘to’ a-Candle) – Paul summarizing…

‘… soon, This Will-BE Stamford Boy School…’

Judging BY the Fans Turnout (… compared ‘from’ data-OF-Messi’s memory) – the Road-TO ‘the’ 2nd-Finals ‘was’ the pivotal Match, BY the numbers-OF SHS Fans arriving IN drones OF ‘earlier’ District Tournament games, 2-Months AGO, where the-Bullmastiff TEAM Had ‘beaten’ Top schools in the Quarters-&-Semis in their Group… and, finally facing ‘the’ EXPAT England’s St. George Anglican High IN the-FINALS…

… be-It, the Education Syllabus systems MAY ‘differed’ Between the-2 school… BUT the Hometown Aussies HAD a-Sports ‘rivalry’ with the England’s EXPAT School (in Tennis-&-Soccer). During the FINAL OF the-Bullmastiffs vs Dragons… the-Patriotic Perthians ‘were’ There FULL-FORCE @St. George’s School-field, with TV media coverage – TO Cheer-ON for Messi scoring the Hattrick, and Winning the-Trophy ‘over’ the-3 Lions, in their-RED Dragon jerseys…

Paul WAS NO Expert In-SCHOOL Sports (… ‘being’ a wheelchaired Quadriplegic-student IN-Most of the-Perth-Universe). SO, he ‘excused’ the Poor-Turn-OUT ‘of’ 30+ Fan Cars-Today ~ ‘compared’ TO 2-Months AGO – where 100+ cars OF Perthians-FANS ‘invading’ victorious @theSt.George’s school field… because IT-Was an-Exhibition-match* …

*[… as THEY Don’t Care about ‘the’ Bullmastiffs’ Socceroo’s JR-Selection … as they Predicted Messi Would-BE ‘picked’ in SocialMedia Platform-Pages). They wrote-ALL Positive Comments wishing Him-LUCK (… BUT ‘those’ Fans Wouldn’t BE IN @HBF-Park, rather Having ‘other’ Things TO-DO Than ‘come’ TO an-Exhibition ‘match’) ~ BUT They Predicted a-BullMastiffs WIN IN ‘the’ 3rd-RubberMatch ‘against’ The-3Lions …

[… also-According TO-Troxie, Paul pizza Delivery rider, who-SAID…the National Socceroo Team WERE faring-Loses IN ‘the’ International scene (… fans Blamed the ‘current’ National players-&-coach) ~ and, ‘those’ Fans Have-Turned INTO Haters… ‘Boycotting’ Aussie matches (… with their Counterpart, distant Relatives ‘of’ Western-Hemisphere Europe Countries like-England BEATING ‘their’ Australian Cousins numerous times Internationally…

[ … soon, Australia Would-BE ‘forgotten’ as-A-Soccer Playing-country ~ FORGOTTEN Would-BE the ‘diminished’ Cousins Tossed FAR-Flunk across-The-oceans, Beyond SouthEastAsia] …

-O-

@theWestwing Locker Room, 4:25PM – Paul Walked into the-Distinctive Noisy room-OF teammates ‘dressing,’ The First-People he SAW WERE Millstone-&-Dooley (Raymond ‘supporters’) … all-Dressed in their gears, waiting FOR the-Rest. The 2-Senior student ‘stared-down’ Messi, in Their Presence…

… ‘gone’ WAS the ‘aggressive’ Loud-&-Brash, braggard-Messi… ‘the’ ducks-nuts… Since ‘losing’ the SHS’ Sportsman-Award ON-Monday – NOW mum-&-pussy-fied… without-Confidence TO-Lead the-Team…

Paul ‘ignored’ their STARES, passing BY the-Antagonistic Duo… TO ‘enter’ the-FriendlyZone ~ ‘where’ the-Rapt greetings TO-Messi FROM Gideon, Rupert-&-Eli (Bullmastiffs’ KeyPlayers) in their various stages-OF-dressing. Churros Wasn’t ‘among’ them. The 3-Loud boys WERE Yakking and Laughing, while Paul put his knapsack ON the-long Bench ‘beside’ the folded #10 shirt-&-Shorts. Paul began TO Dress-Up BY Removing his-Track suit, and Laughing TO their puerile-Jokes. The-Trio WERE slapping ‘themselves’ sunblock Lotion, and Mentholated DeepHeat Muscle-Ache-Ointment …

… he Noticed the-Uniforms they Wore WERE Slightly Faded in the-Green (… due TO Sports’ Department Contrived budget, Coach Jonah DID ‘not’ Acquire ‘new’ Jerseys ~ and, everyone Wore their ‘same’ ONE year-Old jerseys, which Had ‘gone’ through Many ‘battles’ in-The-field… and, ‘finally’ Winning the-Championship…

‘… we GOT you the-Trophy… NOW, ‘where’ Are OUR New-jerseys FOR the-Socceroo JR-Selections, cheapskate-Jonah…!!?’

Since NoOne WAS Complaining, Paul Dropped the Negative thoughts, and SAT Down – from the-locker, took his 3-Year-OLD ‘personal’ Adidas F50 Golden-colored boots. He Wore the KneeLength Green socks… next Wore the F50 boots, BUT when He Pulled the bootstraps tight OF his-LeftBoot…

… IT-SNAPPED…

The-Chatting ‘trio’ Were Quiet SAW IT (… it ‘was’ a-Sign OF BadOmen-&-BadLuck ‘for’ the-One ‘wearing’ IT) … BUT they Ignored, as they SAW Charles-Broxen (the-Substitute goalie Coming ‘next’) … the-Trio joke ‘with’ Him… Unnoticing Messi…

… while Paul WAS Glad that He brought an ‘extra’ pair-OF boots. The-Boy took-Out the-Brand-new Black ProX from the knapsack (… he GOT 2 Options TO either take the-Lace-OFF the-ProX, and strap the-Left F50-boot ~ OR wear the ‘unbroken’ NEW ProX Boots To-season it). He Chose the-Latter – TO ‘wear’ NEW Boots…

The ’rest’ OF the Substitute players ~ Bobby, Fisher-&-Donny… came-Out OF the showers, wet in-Their Towel. The-Trio teased Fisher ‘who’ WAS white-As an-Albino GameOfThrones’ WhiteWalker. The 3-Subtitutes WERE Excited ‘thinking’ they’ll make the First-11 OF-the Main team (… with ‘as’ presumed ~ Raymond-&-his 2 posses WHO’VE Boycotted ‘to’ play Later) …

Then @4:29PM – Coach Metcalf Came IN a-Hurry In-the-LockerRoom (… his-Eyes ‘made’ Headcounts) …

“Where is Jorge-McFly…!!?”

“Diarrhoea!!!”

Bobby-Igger’s joke Drew Laughter…

“I’m here-Coach… sorry I’m Late!”

The Entire BullMastiffs Cheered FOR the-Real McCoy ~ Irish-Backbencher #1 Goalkeeper, who Turned-UP Finally with his Dufflebag (… after MIA ‘for’ 3-Days from the-BullMastiffs table RecessPeriod @Canteen). Churros Got dressed, as Metcalf Hurried the-REST…

“Come-On, Chop-Chop! The BUS Is HERE!

“Take ‘your’ Time-Seriously ~ There ARE People Waiting FOR YOU in the-Stadium…

“This IS Your Big Night, OK!!?

EVERYONE Was Pumped-UP (… except FOR the ‘skeptical’ Millstone-&-Dooley). The Rest-ALL Gave the-signature Bullmastiff CHEER…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

… Coach-Metcalf ‘Hassled’-ON…

They Left TO the-Waiting Bus… except FOR Churros, Alone* in the-LockerRoom, dressing-UP INTO the- #1 jersey…

*[… who WAS Late ‘for’ Departure-TIME (… OF 4:30PM ‘sharp’) cos’ He Commuted BY Public Bus-Transport (… and, couldn’t ‘afford’ AN-Uber-over).

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The BUS Waited FOR ‘the’ Goalkeeper. In-the-Meantime, Paul ‘bonded’ with the rest-OF the team (… ‘with’ mouthful Of Beef-jerky, slurping the-Juicy saliva, like the ‘practice’ OF Chewing-Tabacco). He Passed the Remain packet OF the BBQ Biltong beef-jerky TO the-Rest OF the-Teammates. The Substitute-Bobby took the-Packet ‘around’ TO Distribute the-snack (… some spat their Chewing gum ON the Bus’s floor…. IN-Favor OF the-tasty snack) ...

The 20+ Cars Hooted their Horns WHEN ‘seeing’ Churros EXITING the-Entrance. Everyone WAS Cheering AT The-Goalie Running-Over TO the-Bus, with his-Dufflebag. Even Paul-&-the Rest OF the-rapt BullMastiffs Applauding Aloud (… with the-Dismissal ‘looks’ OF the-Bus Driver, and Coach-Metcalf FOR his Tardiness) …

Bobby IN the Bus, WAS still going Around ‘distributing’ beef-jerky… and approached ‘the’ senior students Millstone-&-Dooley, and Offered the-LAST 3 ‘remaining’ pieces (… BUT Both-Refused It, Cos’ coming ‘from’ Messi, ‘whom’ THEY Disliked AS-Skipper). Churros Stepped Inside the bus, Bobby passed the-beef-jerky Packet To-the Goalkeeper, saying…

“All-Yours… please NO Diarrhea IN the Bus, HaHaHa…!”

EveryOne Laughed ~ and, the-BUS Left, Followed BY a Convoy Cars-OF Fans… heading TO HBF-Park Stadium…

-O-

IN the-20minute ride, Paul noticed Millstone-&-Dooley SAT @Backseats – distancing ‘themselves’ TO the-Rest OF the-7 Teammates. He SAW the- shrill BullMastiffs Were rambunctious-&-noisy (… with Eli-Simpson, ‘their’ Right Fullback being the butt-OF-the joke, Also-nicknamed ‘BucketA*s … cos’ of his Big-bottoms) ~ OF Whenever Eli ‘panics,’ when 2-OR-More opponents charge-At him with the-Ball (… he Would literally DO 4-Or-5 ‘short’ jumps-On-the spot, ‘before’ the-GPS ‘in’ his Bouncing-a*s ‘directed’ him TO Counter the-Ball) … EveryOne WAS Laughing Aloud…

Coach-Metcalf ‘put’ the-boisterous Behavior TO a-Stop… and TOLD the-Lots TO-BE Quiet-&-Focused (… meditating ON the ‘zone,’ TO Win-The ‘game’ against Their Rivals, The RedDragons). The 10-players WERE silent (… ‘for’ a-While, Churros whispered TO-Paul OF their Coach’s 180 flip… WAS MORE ‘serious’ in-His-Spiritual nature… joked that-IT-WAS the influences OF JMS-Church (… where, he ‘was’ NOW a-Trainee Kyrios in-The-MotherChurch) …

Then, the-seated on-The-Back Charles-Broxen (the ‘substitute’ goalie) interrupted Churros with a-viral GORY VDO on his LG Cellphone. It WAS ‘the’ Accident Tragedy OF Deaths ‘between’ the Toyota-&-Kawasaki ‘happened’ Yesterday morning. Paul’s hairs on-His-nape Stood, when BOTH the-Goalkeepers in-The-aisle Watched the Bloodied cadavers VDO-clip (… shot BY a-Standby-er in the-Accident scene ‘before’ the-Ambulance came… ‘who,’ then Made IT VIRAL on-TikTok ‘for’ Perthians). Paul WAS PutOff BY it… and looked Away out the-window…

… and HE ‘felt’ SAD ‘that’ society WERE > Apathetic TO Consuming Morbid ‘contents’ like-A-norm (…. With NO-Regards OF Sensitivity TO Humanity’s pulse OF pain-&-suffering). Facing the-Window, Paul SAT eavesdropping TO Broxen-&-Churros ‘describing’ HOW Alicia-&-Ken ‘might’ Have DIED… based on ‘the’ Severity OF-their Injuries:

* ALICIA, the pillion-rider ‘had’ an Instant Death, ‘being’ thrown IN the-Air, when the Kawasaki RAMMED, and went under-The-car – her legs hit the-Toyota’s windshield (… that ‘broke’ the-Momentum). She subsequently landed ON the-road, Impacting HEAD-First (… TOO-BAD, her protective Helmet which she wore ‘absorbed’ the-Hard Shock in ‘the’ freaky-Accidental WAY) ~ THAT broke her Neck… thus, AN Instant Death WITHOUT ‘being’ Bloodied (… just bodily scrapes-&-abrasions)

* KEN, the Kawasaki-rider ‘had’ a-Slow Horrifying death, ‘being’ thrown IN the-Air, the Landed and RAMMED ‘into’ the-Road’s metal Guardrail… his Body-WAS ‘sliced’ IN-Half, with his Lower torso-&-legs lying in the road-Border, while his Upper torso catapulted ‘over’ the-Guardrail… cartwheeled ‘below’ INTO the nearby Bushes*

*[ … the-Passerby-er (… who-Stopped his-Car WHEN the Accident Occurred) … first Recorded-VDO ‘of’ the dead-Broken NECK ChineseGirl… he SAW ‘a’ shocked-&-dazed driver, a-ChineseMan stepping OUT the Toyota. There WERE Agonizing CRIES Coming FROM the-Bushes…

[… the Chinese Driver Ran-Over, and jumped the-Guardrail… as the-PhoneCamera videoing passerby-er pursued him. At the Guardrail he shot 5-Seconds footage of the BloodPool OF Ken’s Severed Legs attached TO the-Lower torso, with a sticking-OUT backbone…

[… the Camera ‘got’ Shaky – when the Passerby-er hopped the-Rail TOO…TRAILED Below the slopy bushes, running After the Chinese driver ~ responding TO the biker’s Cries-OF-Help…

[… when ‘the’ PhoneCamera ‘reached’ THERE – he saw the Chinese-driver ON his-Knees, removing the-Helmet from the-Crying victim’s head. The Upper-torso-ed victim WAS STILL ALIVE, with his Hands grabbing the driver, calling him, ‘Uncle’…

[… the Camera Zoomed TO the liver-&-intestines of the-Biker spewed in BloodPool… while Hokkien conversation went-On with the Driver consoling the Dying victim…

[… then OF-A Sudden ‘the’ ChineseMan FELT ‘the’ presence OF the-Passerby-er WITH his-Camera… IT Enraged him…

[… shouting @theCamera, ‘F*CK YOU! Get-Away FROM Here! OR-I’ll KILL YOU!!!’] …

By-then, Paul TOO watched the VDO ‘when’ he Heard Jack-Chan’s Angered voice Warning the-Passerby-er ~ who-Backed-OFF (… without ‘getting’ Confrontational… As-the Camera-Backed-Away, and Cut-TO-Black). The-VDO Was-Over… dissatisfying the-Substitute goalie, Broxen (… craving the-Gore), blurting whispers…

“F*CK-You, ChinaMan! That CameraGuy HAVE ‘every’ Right TO-SHOOT VDOs OF the-Roadkill, Cos’ YOU Yourself ARE the Driver in-The-First place, OF ‘this’ B*oody-Killer hit-&-run movie… yes!!?”

The Disgruntle-&-cynical, Churro TOO Whispered-Back…

“F*ck KEN-Chan! I ‘wish’ him Dead that he has 2 mini-Coffins in-His-funeral – nobody LIKES that A*shole… a Racist, Bruce-Lee bully… at One-time, He Bumped into-Me and Asked Me TO Apologize, cos’ He’s SomeWhat ‘senior’… I Told him-Off, ‘what-the-F*ck?’ He Then-Called-Me a-Half ‘spick’ ~ and, Called ME-OUT TO Fight!”

Paul Recalled-Sunday ‘when’… Ken-Chan TOO ‘calling’ OUT him-&-SAFFA TO-Fight HIM @PerthHospital’s Waiting Lounge…

… Paul Looked Away TO the-Window and Doesn't WANT TO ‘participate’ Listening TO their negative-&-morbid Conversations OF the-Departed ~ instead Said Mental-Prayers (… HailMarys TO the-RIP Ken-&-Ali – whose-Evening funerals ‘were’ Concurrent ‘to’ the-Dragons’ match – as-per Maggi ‘said’ yesterday) …

BUT his focus Wasn’t there, eavesdropping TO Broxen saying…

“… dude, Did You SEE That ~ the HALF Body WAS ‘speaking’…. FREAKY, yea!?’… this Is When Life IS Greater than DeepFake CGI VDOs ~ ‘that’ How-Kewl ‘this’ Movie Turned-OUT TO-Be, right!? Golly-BE I’ve Never Seen a-Half Human-severed Body-Talk ‘before myself, have-You, Chu...!?”

Churros TOO Joked-&-Mocked…

“… reckon, I’m Afraid I Haven’t TOO, Chucky… BUT this ‘show-&-tell’ VDO ‘should’ Win ‘the’ Late Kenneth-Chan the-school’s Biology Award ~ ‘for’ Proving HIMSELF as-A Science ‘experiment,’ that he Did SPOKE ‘without’ ANY Aiding OF HongKong movie’s SpecialEffects, hahaha!”

The guilty Paul snickered TOO-with the-Laughing Boys’ jokes. Then OF ‘a’ Sudden – SomeOne IN the-Bus Exclaimed, “LOOK!”

-O-

EveryOne SAW the-Midfielder-Gideon pointing Out-OF-his Window at Nate-Xaviers riding his Honda motorbike Alongside their-Bus. The parkour crazed-rider Showed-OFF BY doing a One-Wheel ‘wheelie’. Paul noticed the-Boys Cheering-On… BUT the Coach-Metcalf Looked in Horror-&-Fear (… ‘with’ 2-Of SHS’s students yesterday, Killed-ON the-road) … saying TO the-Bus-driver, while the Sunglasses wearing Nate Waved at Metcalf-&-BusDriver…

“… that Boy should-BE Expelled permanently… with ‘no’ Regards TO his Life-&-Road Safety…!”

Then, the 16-y.o. resorted TO ‘more’ dangerous Antics, BY standing-ON the fast-Moving bike, poising himself SilverSurfer ‘like,’ with his-Hands Wide-Open, ‘blaring’ 2-Cans OF Airhorns. In-The-bus, the rapt BOYS Chanted…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

10 Cars OF Nate-Xavier’s friends (… mostly, his-Perthian-Parkour YouTube-VDO FANS) ~ Came-TO Support him, and the-BullMastiffs. They ALL Blared Airhorns ‘like’ Battle Cries… Going TO-Slay ‘the’ RedDragons.

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THE BUS MADE A-GRAND ENTRANCE, @HBF-Park stadium ParkingLot… accompanied Behind BY Supporters In their cars, Blaring Airhorns. The 40+ vehicles WERE the noisiest-Lots ~ parking their automobiles ‘among’ the 100+ Brit’s Firedrake Supporters’ Cars, as the-Expats look-On at their rival’s Arrival. About 100+ Boisterous Bullmatiff-FANS then got-Off their vehicles, and Went-Over To the-BullMastiffs’ Bus…

… Coach Metcalf Led the-Players exiting the-BUS. Inside the-bus, Paul Lineup behind Churros-&-Broxen as they alighted via-Exit door. Looking-Out the window, Broxen the substitute goalie, Badmouthed TO Churros-OF the Turnout OF more-FANS Of Dragons than Bullmastiffs…

“… Come Gather Boys-&-Girls OF St. George… and Witness ‘later’ OF Your sweet Pommie-Pom-Pom Team’s A*sses Getting ‘kicked’ FOR the-3rd-Time… we gonna dig-OUR Boots deep INTO Your Dragon’s A*s-Hole, HaHaHa!”

Paul understood Broxen’s gripe OF Low-FANs turnout (… BOTH From School-&-the general-Perthian supporters) …

‘… seems ‘like’ the-St. George ‘people’ Are Taking the-RubberSet seriously, and TurningUp ~ while the BullMastiffs Fans WERE @home, ‘just’ posted their passing Thoughts-&-Prayers IN-Instagram, FOR Supporting the-Team ~ in the-Socceroo Jr-Selection Qualifications…’

The Moment Paul stepped-OUT the AirCond Bus, he felt Disorientated-&-Lightheaded with the-sudden ‘exposed’ TO the Scorching SUN, noises-OF-airhorns, and the Chanting…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

The Parkour supporters-OF Nate-Xaviers, Seated-him on their Shoulders AS they Approached the-Bus, with the rest OF the Teammates Alighting. Churros WAS the most-Excited TO-SEE Nate (… somehow the-13 y.o. goalie ‘and’ the-16 y.o. right-Winger ‘were’ BFFS ~ as they Both ‘shared’ LOVE In their Parkour-hobby). Paul Noticed the fans-Gathering and patting their-Backs, and giving Words-OF Encouragement TO-Be Selected BY the-Socceroo TalentScouts…

The- furtive host Paul THANKED them (… on ‘behalf’ OF Messi) for the-Kind WORDS, and-Support…

He WAS Perspiring and zipped down-the sports Track jacket… looking-UP At Sweltering sun ~ both nervous-&-anxious OF playing ‘a’ Full-90Minutes later* in-The-Heat ...

*[… it ‘was’ Paul’s FirstTime playing soccer vs ‘not’ Participating IN sports AT-All, Cos’ he WAS a-Quadriplegic IN the ‘other’ Reincarnations OF Perth-Earths. BUT before ‘the’ BMW Accident – he DID join the-Athletics Team when he ‘was’ 10, TO Lose weight in the-OTHER-PERTH (… and, ‘was’ sidelined cos’ he Was ‘the’ Slowest runner in the-Squad… ‘WhereElse,’ his devil Twin, Peter Was Acing Championship Trophies for-SHS in-Tennis …

[… it Was ALSO 2-months-AGO ‘when’ the-BullMastiffs BEAT the-Dragons 3-0… during the ‘beginning’ OF school’s Midterm. It Was ‘supposed’ TO-BE SHS’ Soccer Offseason (… ‘during’ Heatwave months) … BUT the MEMO Of the Socceroo Jr-Selection ‘came’ ~ Coach-Metcalf ‘then’ continued the-Team’s TUE-&-FRI Training SO that… some-OF his Players ‘would’ QUALIFY – and, ‘his’ TOP-3 Picks WERE the Same-AS In JMS’ WorldCup selection… Messi, Churros and Nate] …

On the-Way Walking TO the-LockerRoom – All-Of them WERE Awed BY Enormous Exterior OF the Stadium, that ‘housed’ Perth’s NATIONAL-Premier LEAGUE Teams, like-The-greats OF Perth-Glory-&-GoldCoastUnited (… the-Boys WERE feeling ‘insignificant’ as a-SchoolTeam, ‘playing’ FOR ‘the’ FirstTime IN the-Professionals’ sandbox ... BUT EveryOne WAS Excited…

They Noticed the spectators in-The-ParkingLot WERE Attracted BY a-Bullhorn MESSAGE ‘from’ a-St. George’s school-RED-VAN Parked near the Food-&-Beverage Concession-STAND. There WERE 4 school-Staff Handing-Out FREE Door-Gifts in-RED ToteBags, and EveryOne WAS Thrilled BY the COMPLIMENTARY-Free-OF-Charge prezzies … even Half-OF the-BullMastiffs Supporters Rushed-OVER TO Receive The RED-ToteBags, Containing:

* A Can OF Coca-Cola, a-RedBull, and a Can OF ‘GreatNothern’ Beer

* Hand Waving Flags (… OF St-George Anglican High, and the UnionJack)

* An-XL Sized Socceroo T-Shirt

Nate Praised St. George’s Marketing-Department’s ‘effort’ THAT They a-Significant-Budget (…that WAS Worth $20-per bag) ON their Team’s Dragons-Supporters Attending the-RubberSet Match … and, WERE handing-OUT 200-OF-IT on-The-house (… including-TO ‘the’ Freeloaders FROM SHS). The Gripping Churros Dissed…

“F*ck ‘our’ SHS! That B*tch-Principle-BurnInHell ‘should’ GO-away! That stingy-Woman Allocates ‘the’ Budget > FOR Academics ‘not’ On-Sports ~ even ‘our’ OldMan-Jonah Has NO-Balls TO Demand, cos’ he’s Scared OF-the-B*tch… even Coach Jonah ‘should’ GO TOO!

“… ISN’T This ‘the’ Proudest-Moment FOR Stamford-High THAT its-Students GETTING Recognized BY Socceroo Scouts…!? Look-Here, ‘after’ tonight… ‘some’ OF Us Would-BE spotted-BY the Scouts, and-BE SELECTED To the-Academy… we’ll be-THEN Be Integrated TO-BE ‘the’ Next-Jr National Players! F*CK! Doesn’t ‘the’ School B*oody-Respect US!!?

“NO! Look HERE!!!”

Churros, who WORE his-Goalkeeper jersey, LIFTED His-LEFT-Arm ~ TO reveal that-The-shirt WAS Torn, in the-Armpit area… everyone Looked at the prodding Armpit hairs-OF-the Goalie ‘coming’ Out-FROM the-Hole… as Churros RANTED On… with Arms-UP…

“THIS Is a-BIG Night ‘for’ the-BullMastiffs… and, the Ungrateful F*cking school dressed-US IN-Old Tattered-Uniforms… Mind-YOU, We’ve WON 2-Championship Finals in-A-row ‘for’ THEM… where IS OUR Reward…!? At-Least Give-US NEW Uniforms… F*CK-THEM! NO-B*oody Respect US At-ALL!

Churros’ voice WAS Getting Loud… EveryOne Feared IF Coach-Metcalf, walked 10Meters ‘away’ Would-hear Churros’ GRIPES… the Cool-headed Nate Diffused the-Situation BY Distracting the Worked-UP Churros… whose-Arm ‘still’ raised…

Nate reached-IN-&-plucked fingerful-OF his Armpit-hairs… Saying…Lake of Fire Lake of Fire

“… Chu, is ‘this’ Ripley-Weaver*’s pubes…!?”

The-Confused Churros retreated in-Pain, and put his ArmDown TO Nate’s prank…

*[Ripley-Weaver ‘was’ the-15 y.o. Matchmaking ‘sexmate’ CHOSEN BY ‘the’ HolySpirit Lilith – ‘during’ the-Halal Orgy ‘session’ OF-Last- Sunday’s YouthMeet @JMS’MotherChurch] …

Paul Watched Nate horseplay ‘with’ Churros IN-a-HeadLocking him, and comforting his-Best-Mate… whispering-Aloud…

“… bite-The-ChillPill, and Relax-Chu… WE Don’t Need THEIR Charity… Cos’ WE’LL Prove Them-Wrong, and PLAY Our-Best TONIGHT… yea-Buddy…!?”

Paul WAS Glad TO Have ‘the’ Mature Nate as Churros’ BFF… cos’ the Irish BackBencher ‘had’ a-Tendency TO BE Reclused-&-B*tch In-the ‘background’ (… where he HAD Managed TO keep-Paul FOR 3 Days, with BOTH didn’t GO-TO Canteen @Recess… SO TO Avoid Confrontation FROM Haters). Paul WAS ‘also’ Pleased TO-Know Nate in-RPL (… ‘an’ Integral player IN the-BullMastiffs’ Squad) …

Some Supporters-&-Fans ‘still’ Came-BY TO Wish the-BullMastiff teammates GoodLuck, among them WAS a ‘familiar’ face, Chucky-Miggs, who shook-Paul hand-&-wishing, ‘GoodLuck, Messi’….

… Paul ‘recognized’ the BlackMarket racket Bookie-scalper… WHOSE son, Charlie ~ Died IN the-Quake ON Tuesday. He WAS a-Member OF the Notorious H8 Gang (… robbing the-TimeTraveler, John-See @hisGlassHouse home, in KaneDrive). He WAS at-Large From-Police FOR ‘stealing’ the-Abrahamic Artifact, The Staff-OF-Moses, and HID in-The-DogFarm Located 3Kms from Treeton. Tragic struck Moments Later, when Treeton WAS Hit By-A Quake, a sinkhole Caved… ‘where’ Charlie, and the-StaffOfMoses ‘went’ Missing…

… Paul last-SAW a-TV Interview where Chuck-Miggs (…an ex-Convict ‘himself’) denied Knowing his son ‘was’ IN H8-gang (… and Blamed the Apprehended GangLeader, Kirk-Kiperman’s recruitment ‘for’ his-Son’s Death) …

‘… ‘what’ a-Daddy-OF the-Year… its business As-Usual FOR OldMan-Miggs ‘after’ his-Son’s Death Last-Tuesday…’

Paul-&-the Team Reached the-Lobby That HAD 2 Entrances:

* To the-Venue pitch

* And, the-Hallway TO the-Players’ LockerRoom

They Stopped at the-Venue Access-Entry, where FANS Entered the swing-gates TO GO To the Grandstands. Some OF ‘the’ Firedrake’s FANs SAW Paul… and, pointed @him-&-whispered TO Themselves (… ‘he’ WAS the-ONE Called Messi, ‘who’ Demolished their-St. Georges’ Dragons, with his-Hattrick goals). The-Boy Wasn’t ‘bothered,’ as he stood with-The-team, listening TO the Grandstands’ Speakers-Outside playing Queen’s ‘WeAreTheChampions’…

… EveryOne WAS Re-Motivated (… indeed, They DID were ‘the’ Champions, 2-Months AGO) …

“POE!”

A Familiar voice Called. The-Boy SAW Saffa-&-Lilith Walking-Over. Even Churros-&-Nate SAW Them (… and-TOO Recognized ‘the’ Feminist-Woman Called the-HolySpirit IN the-JMS MotherChurch). Paul ‘noticed’ the-2-WERE Holding Hands-as-A Couple IN-public (… and ‘feared’ that the-BodyGuard-Hajji, ‘ordered’ BY-SOL ‘would’ Break his Non-Robotic hand ~ OF ‘holding’ Another-Man’s wife*) …

*[… Unbeknownst TO EveryOne, Lilith USED a ‘subterfuge’ BlackMagick that ‘made’ her Facial looks-AS SomeOne ‘else’ In-PUBLIC (… ‘not’ OF the-Wife OF JMS’ celebrity Divine-Pastor SOL ‘from’ JMSMedia. Even the-Photographs Taken, ‘when’ developed… the-Spell distorted Lilith’s face TO protect ‘her’ Identity] …

Saffa and-the Filipina-Mestizo 27 y.o. woman-OF-Caucasian ancestors Greeting him (… she WAS dressed sexy, in a tiny denim Hotpants, exposing her moons-Of-her bottoms ~ wore a sleeveless Rhinestone-studded jacket OVER a tangtop (… exposing her cleavages, and Well-scalped midriff with a-Ruby-RED navel-piecing jewel). She WAS a-Cowgirl, Wearing a-Cowboy Hat (… in the sunny-Evening) …

Paul ‘faked’ a-Smile and shook hands with-The-Oakley Sunshades wearing Couple… as the-Boy shook Hand OF the-Blonde-&-BlueEyed Filipina (… remembering ‘her’ Feminist sermons, with Girls ‘buttkicking’ Boys – for Punishments-OF MALEs’ Discriminations Over-FEMALEs’ Inequalities IN Society-&-ITS Marketplace) ...

The-Boys SAW 3 ‘other’ Women joining the-COUPLE – they Recognized their student-Counselor Lavender-Holyfield (… ‘only’ Messi, Churros-&-Nate WERE Familiar with the ‘other’ 2) – cos’ They Attended the-JMS Sunday YouthMeet… who WERE SOL’s Assistances Called Kyrios:

* Kyrios VERA (… a-PR in-Charge OF JMSMedia Corp)

* Kyrios HERA (… a-Coordinator in-Charge OF ‘the’ Male-YOUTHs*)

*[… Hera’d Dismissed 3 Male-Youths IN the Sunday’s JMS’ TOUR Group ~ cos’ the leader-OF-the Boys, Geoff-Walters was-A Student-Activities – HAD ‘dissed’ the-Feminist Movement IN-The-church] …

Lavender-Holyfield, who WAS Coach John-Metcalf’s Girlfriend (… and the-Females turned-UP TO Support the-Fellow Kyrios’ soccer team). After a-Moment, the Coach gathered the-BullMastiffs…

“Coach Jonah Is-Waiting… COME, less-Talking, more-Walking!”

They Headed into the-Hallway TO the-LockerRoom.

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EVERYONE ENTERED THE L-SHAPED HBF’s Stadium LockerRoom…

… and the-School-Boys WERE Awed, and ‘privileged’ TO-BE their 1st-Time Entering Into a-PRO Players’ domain. It WAS spacious than their-cramped WestWing’s,’ and > classy-&-organized TOO…

Head Coach-Jonah WAS ‘there,’ smiling-Wide ~ and HAD a-Surprise FOR the-Team…

“Come-MY Champions… I’ve GOT Goodnews! A-day Ago, OUR Principal, Ayn-Burnell HAD Approved ‘our’ Sporting Funds… and I GOT You-ALL NEW Uniforms…”

EveryOne WAS Rapt-&-Cheered. The OldMan pointed at a-Brown cardboard box with the-Outfits. The 12-Boys rushed over, some taping Metcalf’s shoulders (… ‘for’ keeping-The ‘surprise’ as-A-secret). Gideon distributed the-Uniforms in-The-Box (… coming straight ‘from’ the-Shop, the jerseys, and shorts WERE in-their factory Plastic sealed wraps). They ripped the plastic-wrappers TO Admire the ‘new’ sporty-Designs OF their Dark-Green jersey… with white-Linings. ON the shirt’s Back WERE the-Players’#, and NAMEs-In-Bold. The shorts WERE Black… ‘too’ with white-Linings…

Paul Looked at the-new threads ~ compared TO the faded Bullmastiff’s shirt (due-TO low-Quality dye) which He-Wore, and WAS ‘pleased,’ and-Changed, with the-Rest of-The-BOYs. Coach-Jonah Approached him, and tapped his-Shoulder…

“… HaHaHa, Paul, this IS ‘the’ Last-Time you’ll WEAR the-Mastiff’s Greens ~ cos’ ‘after’ Tonight’s Great Opportunity ‘if’ YOU’LL Be Selected INTO the Socceroo-Jrs… and, You’ll BE In the-Academy in Sydney ‘soon’…”

Paul WAS reveling IN the-OldMan’s praises (… received ON-behalf of his AlterEgo Messi) ~ as Jonah Continued To-pepper > compliments…

“Son, you Get-OUT there, and Play-WELL ~ and-GET Selected-&-Make US In-School – PROUD-Of you…!”

Jonah Shook-his Hand, and Wished Messi ‘GoodLuck’ Again…

AT-That Same-MOMENT Raymond-&-his 2-posses (Tully-&-Douglas) CAME Into the-LockerRoom (‘after’ the-Trio’s bathroom visit). EveryOne WAS Puzzled as-The-3 WERE Wearing NEW Uniforms ‘too’ ~ TO the-Dismay of-The-Substitute players (Bobby, Donny-&-Fisher) ... WHO Couldn’t-BE In the 1st-11 Bullmastiff ‘selection’ ~ TO Play-Later (… BUT-Can’t DO-SO with return-BACK Of ‘the’ Boycott-ed Trio) ...

… the 3 Subs, Nate-&-Churros Looked at-Paul (… ‘who’ TOO-WAS confused-&-surprised, and shook his-Head-NO, staring Back-at-THEM). Paul WAS Quiet (… as he didn’t ‘know’ OF What’s Going-ON). He-&-the Boys Looked at-Metcalf (… whether IF he ‘knew’ ABOUT the return-OF the ‘boycotting’ TRIO. The-Coach didn’t make-Eye contact (… behaving like-AN Adult ignoring them, ‘with’ a stoic expressionless Look) …

TEAM-Messi KNEW Metcalf* ‘knew’ ABOUT IT (… as-Yesterday, after training he-HAD dodged queries-ON WHO ‘the’ First-11 Team-Members, TO-Be field-IN Saturday’s Game) …

*[… BUT Metcalf ‘being’ the-Coach HAD NO SAY ON the 1st-11 Players ‘selection’ CHOICE – where his-Superior… the-HeadCoach Jonah (…who didn’t Attend TUE-&-FRI’s Training) … and, MADE his-Pick OF ‘who’ Were-TO PLAY] …

TEAM-Messi thought It WAS Bias-&-Unfair TO Them…

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The-Backstory WAS 3-YEARS Ago, Coach-Jonah Coached the-Soccer team In SHS (… at that time, Metcalf Coached cricket-&-basketball). The-then, 10 y.o. Raymond ‘was’ the 1st-Of the-Irish Backbenchers TO-Join the BullMastiffs as-A-Sub under-Jonah…

That-year, Coach-Jonah ‘had’ a-Minor Heart-attack, and Metcalf ‘took’ over ~ and revamped the-Team, and introduced the-Dutch Total-Football ‘strategies. Raymond ‘encouraged’ the REST ‘of’ the Irish-BackBenchers TO Take-UP soccer ~ so the-Duo (Messi-&-Churros… joined as-Substitutes On-the-bench… ‘while’ Raymond played-IN the 1st-11…

… it SO-Happened the-Following year, MOST Of the-Players Graduated and Have LEFT the-Team … and, a LUCKY-Break FOR ‘both’ Messi-&-Churros TO join-&-assimilate AS The 1st-11. The-Duo Worked-Hard, and Improved IN-the ‘next’ 6-Months. Messi ‘had’ Adapted WELL-Into Metcalf’s Total-Football strategies (… OF players ‘with’ All-around skills ~ fluent-&-intelligent playing TO perform BOTH attack-&-defense). Soon, Messi ‘was’ Outperforming-&-Outshining Raymond in Goal scoring (… and, Raymond regrated in-the-first Place OF-Encouraging BackBencher-Messi TO-Join the-BullMastiffs) …

… then Came the AcidTest TO put-The-skills TO Motion ~ where the-Then ‘whipping-boys’ OF Coach-Jonah (… for years ‘eliminated’ IN the-Early preliminary rounds) – Were NOW Winning-&-Beating TOP Teams. They Had reached ‘the’ Finals with the Favourite, St. George Anglican High ~ beating them TOO-As Underdogs, AND Winning the Schools-District Championship Trophy…

They DID-It Again, FOR 2nd-Championship Finals in-A-Row ‘under’ Coach-Metcalf ~ therefore, the-Interloper Coach-Jonah HAVING ‘a’ SAY OF ‘his’ 1st-11 Picks WAS Unfair…

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

-O-

Gathering-IN a circle, ‘around’ him, as-the Bullmastiffs Waited in Anxiety-&-despair OF the unjust-Selection. The OldMan’s status-quo PICK WAS fielding the-EXACT players-OF the ‘same’ positions – WHO WON the-Finals 2-Months AGO, ‘beating’ the-Dragons. The-Players-&-Positions WERE As-Follows:

1st-11:

* #1 ~ Jorge ‘Churros’ McFly – Goalkeeper…[Team-Messi]

* #2 ~ Eli Simpson – Right Centreback (Defender)…[Team-Messi]

* #3 ~ Lyon ‘the-Rock’ Douglas – Left Centreback (Defender)…[Team-Raymond]

* #4 ~ Herbert Dooley – Right Halfback (Midfielder)…[Team-Raymond]

* #5 ~ Rupert Halsinger – Center Halfback (Defense-Midfielder) …[Team-Messi]

* #6 ~ John Millstone – Left Halfback (Sweeper)…[Team-Raymond]

* #7 ~ Nate Xaviers – Right Winger… [Team-Messi]

* #8 ~ Gideon Bright – Inside-Right (Attacking Midfielder) …[Team-Messi]

* #9 ~ Raymond-Donovan – (CentreForward)

* #10 ~ Paul ‘Messi’ Walker – (Playmaker)

* #11 ~ Lucas Tully – Left Winger… [Team-Raymond]

SUBSTITUTES:

* #12 ~ Fisher Creed – (Midfielder) …[Team-Messi]

* #13 ~ Bobby Igger – (Super-Sub) …[Team-Messi]

* #14 ~ Donny Urban – (Defender) …[Team-Messi]

* #22 ~ Charles Broxen – (Reserve Goalie) …[Team-Messi]

-O-

After ‘announcing’ his PICK ~ the OldMan HAD More TO-Say ~ when he Made-known TO the-Bullmastiff Circle…

“Listen-Boys, Tonight IS ‘a’ Big match, cos’ The TalentScouts ARE Here! Go-OUT There and ‘fight’ All-Out, and EARN Getting Noticed BY Them… I Know ‘some’ OF You-ARE-Shining Stars IN Your OWN-Right ~ ‘especially’ YOU, Paul!”

Team-Messi Applauded and some patted Paul. Nate-&-Churros SAW Raymond, and his ‘posses’ (Millstone-&-Dooley included) WERE Pretending TO-Clap (… with soundless Taps-On their-Palms, and ALL Of the-5 ‘had’ cynic smiles). Raymond ‘looked’ Across the-Circle AT Nate, his rival (… after the canteen ‘incident’ OF Calling names, and ‘nearly’ Trading-Blows) … looking-At Nate with Hated-Eyes, BUT flashing a-Psychotic-Grin (… that ‘mocked’ Messi Wasn’t ‘good-enough’ TO-BE-Picked BY the-Scouts). Nate responded BY his hand stroking his-Chin, with Middle-Finger-UP…

Jonah Continued…

“We-ALL Wish ‘him’ Luck That HE Goes TO Sydney Soccer-Academy, and MAKE the Stamford High-School Proud… ALL The Best, Paul Walker ~ YOU’VE ‘put’ the-School On-the-Map… Give HIM Another round-Of Applause…!”

The-Messi Teammates Cheered Louder, and hugging his-Shoulders…

The OldMan Wasn’t finished-YET…

“… Paul, since YOU Would-BE Gone FROM Us… WE Need a-NEW Captain TO Take-Over Your Leadership mantle…

“… I’VE Picked Raymond, as the-Skipper TO-Lead the Future-OF ‘the’ BullMastiff TEAM…”

Team-Messi Groaned in-Surprise. Before the-Circle carped ‘protests,’ The OldMan made ‘a’ BIAS Demands…

“It Would ALSO-BE Fair-&-Just TO ‘this’ BullMastiff-Team ~ IF RAYMOND Led Tonight ‘as’ Its-Captain!”

The Grumbling ‘grew’ Louder (… it WAS Unfair, Messi Should-BE Captain IN His Last ‘match’). They Looked AT the-Posses cheering-&-hugging Raymond. They Looked-OVER At Paul ~ who ‘seemed’ dazzled-&-dumbfounded BY the turn-OF Prejudicial, one-Sided ‘events’ SAID-By the-OldMan*…

*[… unbeknownst TO Team-Messi – while-yesterday, WHEN the-Team practiced their Friday’s Training ~ Jonah ATTENDED Terry’s Funeral ~ after the-Service, Raymond’s HotShot Millionaire Father, Mike-Donovan OFFERED $10,000 IF his-Son ‘made’ Captain OF-the TEAM. The OldMan Accepted the-BRIBE ‘under’ the-Condition, that the-Team GOT new-Uniforms ~ as the ‘miserly’ Principal's Budget restriction TO the-Sports Department] …

The-BOYs Looked Again at Metcalf, with Suspicious-Eyes (… IF he ‘knew’ About Jonah ‘robbing’ Messi’s TITLE, and give-IT TO-Favor Raymond). The Younger Coach Avoided their Eye-contact (… the-HeadCoach Oldman’s Decisions WAS ‘above’ his-Pay Grade) …

… and the-Team deemed him As-a-pussy…

Then, the OldMan MADE an-Unmerited Demand…

“Paul, Give YOUR Armband UP ~ tonight, Raymond is the-NEW ‘skipper’ IN the-BullMastiff Boat, HaHaHa!”

EveryOne thought Though Messi WOULD Protest-&-Put UP a-Fight ~ BUT they SAW him Nodding TO Jonah, and searching for-IT IN his knapsack…

… and the-Team deemed him As-a-pussy TOO…

Paul Found the Orange Armband and Walked Over TO Raymond, standing Beside the-HeadCoach and Handed his ‘captaincy,’ saying…

“… here…”

“… thanks, mate…” Raymond said…

He Wore the Armband, with his posses Cheered-&-Applauding… while the-OldMan WAS Encouraging the hesitant Team-Messi…

“Come-On ~ Clap, you-All ~ FOR the-NEW Captain!”

Before they Clapped, Churros Remonstrated…

“This IS ‘not’ FAIR, Coach-Jonah ~ Raymond, and His-Goons Have-NOT Attend this-Week’s Trainings, and Listened TO Coach-Metcalf’s Strategy-Briefings… they Wouldn’t-KNOW a-Thing OF what-They’re DOING ‘once’ they enter the pitch-&-play! And, DO you think MAKING Raymond-Captain ‘is’ wise, But-WE DON’T Think-SO!!?”

Jonah Objected-ALOUD…

“Jorge, Did You Call ‘your’ Teammates Goons!? That Is Disrespectful!

“Mind-YOU, Raymond Didn’t Attend Training Because He Took-Leave FOR his brother’s Funeral…

“… ‘missing’ 2-Training Days DOESN’T Make Raymond ‘forget’ his-Fundamentals, and Strategies ~ FOR Goodness-Sake, what's ‘with’ y-All ~ HE WAS ‘with’ you When you WON the-Finals 2 Months AGO… ‘when’ You ALL Lifted the-CUP, wasn’t he…!?

“WHY Shouldn’t HE-Not BE Captain…!? He’s MOST senior player in-The-Team ~ and it HighTime he ‘earned’ his keeps-&-efforts he’d Thrown-INTO the-Team … and THAT Was WHY I Choose him, cos it’s Just-&-Fair!”

Nate grabbed Churros ‘from’ Arguing BACK with the-OldMan (… getting him WorkedUp ~ and Dropping Dead ‘with’ Another HeartAttack) ...

The OldMan Challenged the doubters…

“Moreover, Coach Metcalf* HAD Briefed your New Captain ‘on’ Tonight’s Game-plans ~ don’t Worry Yourselves, GO OUT ‘there’ and Play your-Hearts OUT… and WIN…

“Is There ANY ‘more’ Questions about Raymond…!!?”

*[… Metcalf WAS Taken-aback that Jonah LIED (… where Metcalf ‘never’ Updated Raymond). This brought Mistrust IN-The-team, that the-Coach ‘was’ secretive behind their Backs. Moreover, Raymond ‘disliked’ Metcalf ~ for NOT Selecting him as the-Coach’s TOP3 list players submitted FOR the-JMS WorldCup] …

All WERE Quiet ~ Jonah Gave a-Final Stare AT the-Boys…

“The Decision IS Final – Live with IT!”

The HeadCoach Walked-OUT the LockerRoom… Raymond-&-posses Followed… Cheering…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

… and other Teammates OF-Messi Trailed TO Exit…

Looking-at-them, Nate Reminded the-Goalkeeper BY Whispering TO-Him (… ‘repeating’ the-Message*) …

“… Chu, remember… we Don’t need ‘their’ charity…”

*[ … BOTH Nate-&-Churros WANTED Tonight's match TO-BE – Their Last OF-the-Duo donning the Mastiff’s Greens (… and To QUIT the ‘ungrateful’ SHS’ team) … and, FOCUS Next-with the-BIG$, Of-the JMS’ WorldCup] …

The duo-Next SAW Paul seated-On the bench… nonchalant (… ‘the’ Messi they KNEW ~ Wouldn’t GiveUp his-Captaincy). Paul WAS re-tying the bootstraps OF his brand-NEW ProX boots, when they Approached Him… the Older-Nate Asked…

“Why DID You-Give Your Armband? You’re OUR Captain ~ that f*cker Can-BE Skipper ‘once’ you-GO to Sydney… why did you DO It…!?”

He Took a-Deep breath, and released-With a-sigh… Responding…

“Come-On-Guys, this Is getting soo-Petty… a Morale-downer… I Don’t Want HATED TO split the-Team up, as-It-is… maybe Ray Would Screw-Up Being-captain cos’ he ‘can’t’ Kick a-Ball-straight, hehehe…!”

Churros Wasn’t ‘happy,’ and blurted…

“Hah! Laugh All-you Want, chuckles, WHAT IF the scouts Don’t SELECT You Later…!

“… do You Think he’ll give-You the Armband back easily!??

“… you’ll PLAY ‘under’ that-A*shole FOR the rest-OF your-Graduating YEARS…!!?”

The Duo-Told that they WERE Quitting the team ~ and WANTED Messi To-Join Them (… for a split Moment, Paul Considered the US-vs-THEM conundrum dilemma). Coach-Metcalf hurried them…

“… you-3 There, are-WE okay…!? Less-Talking and GET In-line ~ we Got a Game-To-Play…”

The Coach SAW Nate-&-Churros taking-OFF their NEW jerseys… And wearing ‘back’ the OLD faded shirts (… ‘as’ sign-OF-protest) ...

Metcalf Exclaimed-Of What-he-SAW…

“What’s Going ON!!? Why you-2 wearing ‘back’ those OLD Greens…!?”

Churros Lied…

“… cos’ FOR my-Irish Superstitious Lucky-Charm TO-Rub-in… didn’t WE Wear this ‘same’ Ol’ shirts 2 Years-IN-a Row, and WON….!?”

Disbelieved, Metcalf shook his head, responding…

“… whatever...”

Paul WAS Neutral ~ and DID ‘not’ declare ‘his’ opposing-Views (… like a ‘good-soldier,’ Wearing the New #10-jersey). Then they ‘followed’ Metcalf, and Exited the LockerRoom…

OUTSIDE the hallway WAS the rest-OF the BullMastiff team ~ with Coach James-Jonah, waiting FOR the event Officer, TO Cue them TO enter the-Stadium. Paul SAW 2 factions ~ Team-Raymond and Team-Messi standing a-Meter apart…

He sighed, TO expect Disunity* ‘later’… BUT Doesn’t-care…

‘… that’s Ray’s problems, as the Skipper…’

*[… unbeknownst TO him – the-Mastermind-Raymond WAS His PROBLEM… as ‘the’ jealous, Machiavellian, devil-Raged RAY Doesn't Want his-Irish BackBencher, Messi TO-BE Selected BY the-Socceroo scouts, and hatched a-Divisive PLAN TO Sabotage…

[… RAY HAD offered $5,000 each TO his-Posses (Millstone, Tully, Douglas-&-Dooley) – TO Help with HIS-Interventive ‘nefarious’ Plan TO work. He even ‘sent’ Millstone-&-Dooley as ‘moles’ TO infiltrate the-Mastiffs Team (… ‘keep’ as Eye OF the Ins-&-Outs OF Messi, Nate-&-Churros) …

[… knowing ‘that’ his Father HAD Bribed Jonah OF $10,000 ~ he OFFERED a similar TO the-OldMan’s deal TO his-Posses (… $10K each, during the match Against the-Dragons ~ the-Posses Would-NOT Pass the ball-TO-Messi… BUT instead cross-IT TO RAY, the CentreForward ~ TO Score, and WIN the game, probably WITH RAY as ‘a’ Dragonslayer ~ vanquishing-&-scoring HIS ‘own’ HATTRICK) …

[ … its double ‘the’ BONUS – when the-Socceroo-Scouts SELECTED RAY Into the-Socceroo’s Jr-Selections ~ then, the-4 posses GOT $20,000** ‘each’] …

**[… dark-Deeds DO REAP dark-Rewards].

<>

The Loud speaker Announced the Arrival OF the 2-Time Champions-OF-Perth’s District School Tournaments…

The BullMastiffs Came-OUT via-a Tunnel with BOTH sides WERE the 2 roofed-Grandstands (… on-The LEFT, the-BullMastiff Fans, and on-The RIGHT, the-Dragon Fans). The HOME Supporters cheered the-Loudest ‘for’ their-Champion. And, the ‘expat’ Dragons Fans Clapped TOO, for their-good sportsmanship…

… the-nervous Paul squinted at the bright sun, while his-head WAS Disoriented BY the-Cheering noises (… ‘feeling’ the anxiety OF his 1st-Time ‘participating’ OF Sports ~ IN Messi’s ‘body’). The-Team walked in-The-middle… with Grandstand walls slanted Down, where the Lower portions’ Fans Could ‘touch’ the players. Paul SAW 2 ‘familiar’ faces OF the Morrison-Twins (Francis, his Uber driver… and, his-Twin, George – a supervisor @McD ~ ‘the’ secret-unofficial’ Sponsor-OF Messi’s FREE Brekkie BigMacs). The rapt-gambler, George Hi5ed Paul, saying…

“HaHaHa! Play Well, Messi ~ WIN Me LOTs-Of-Money!!!”

The BullMastiff FANS Roared…

“MESSI! MESSI! MESSI!

… the Other 1/2 -OF-Supporters Cheered…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

… the pressure-Cooking mind-Of Paul felt Himself ‘like’ an insignificant dweeb (… the ‘wrong’ person TO-BE Handed-&-holding ‘the’ Key-OF the-Kingdom) – TO Messi’s status held ‘esteemed,’ IN Larger than-Life BY-FANS in-A-stadium setting…

The ‘challengers,’ RedDragons WERE already-ON the pitch warming-UP ~ ON the field TOO WERE the Dragons’ Brass Marching Band (… in-RED uniforms, matching their school’s color-Motif). The-vibrant Band Played ‘the-Saints-GO-Marching-In’ as the Firedrake football FANs sang (… SHS Doesn't have a-Marching band ~ only ‘an’ Orchestra band (playing ‘only’ @school concerts) ~ they ‘only’ had a-Costumed Mascot of Bullmastiff's Doggie-the-Dawg ~ coming TO the games, and Clowning Around (… Getup donned BY an-Obese senior student, Ollie-Boons) …

… the rich-Funded expat school-also HAD a-Cheerleaders squad TOO… the-8 acrobatic-&-twirling blondes-IN their RED scanty-Costumes ~ WERE Glittering eye-candies, and a-Highlight TO the spectators (… FOR the past 2 Finals). Rina-Kurtzman (Ronnie’s Twin-Sister) WAS in-The-Group TOO (… whenever she’s ‘not’ Competing IN the-Girls’ school SoccerTeam ~ she WAS a-St. George’s Cheerleaders-Performer) …

The SUN WAS Blazing above, the 1st-Time ‘playing’ sports-Paul WAS ‘having’ headaches (… Messi-&-team ‘were’ impervious TO the-heat, BUT ‘not’ Paul). The disorientated Paul followed the-Rest, with stomach ‘turned’ Knots, while hearing Hails-OF Cries…

“MESSI! MESSI! MESSI!

-O-

The Loud speaker Announced the Arrival OF Mayor John-Blake TO Officiate Tonight’s Match. Some OF the-displeased Crowd, who ‘were ‘not’ In-His-Political party Booed (… some griped ‘when’ the politician GOT into-His DonaldTrump MODE Speeches, and BRAG Ginormous claims-&-promises IN Perth’s Future economy IF they Reelect Him for the-Next 4 years). BUT ‘what’ Every Perthian WANTED ‘was’ TO spend the Saturday’s evening, Enjoying the-Match ~ NOT-TO Be FacePie-d with the-Politician’s speech… that ‘bore’ little assistances TO-reap Benefits ‘into’ their livelihoods (…based OF the ‘past’ failures IN Mayor Blake’s Policies) …

John Blake Arrived into the-Stadium WITH his 7 y.o. SON, Steward-Blake – who Wore a-RED Dragon’s jersey (… Steward WAS a-Big FAN of-The-Dragons cos’ he Went TO the-Expat St. George’s school). The 300+ rapt Dragon-Fans SAW-the LED Screen ~ TO SEE their ‘color,’ and Cheered-&-applauded ~ while Some-Of the < than-100+ BullMastiff Supporters jeered (… others WERE Displeased ~ that the-MAYOR-Of-Perth’s Mayor enrolling Steward in an-EXPAT School, rather than ‘a’ Local school…

Every FAN who ‘judged’ him WAS then surprised that the mayor DIDN’T preach his-Political agenda, BUT greeted them-ALL cordially ~ telling-That, he Came-over TO Spend ‘quality’ Father-&-Son TIME that-Saturday. Everyone Clapped TO ‘see’ the-FamilyMan side-Of-the politician. John-Blake went-ON on-The-mic wishing the 2-TEAMS the best, and-TO ‘practice’ FairPlay… then he ‘stunned EveryOne ‘when’ he Mentioned – 2 Of-Stamford-High’s students ON-Friday, DIED in-Road accident… and Asked them TO Observe a Minute-of-Silence…

… Paul TOO shut his-Eyes, as he mentally prayed in-Reciting the-Rosary FOR the-Departed, Ali-&-KC (… cramping-IN as-Many HailMarys in-60 seconds). Midway into reciting the 3rd-HailMary, he WAS rudely Mocked BY a-Familiar voice ‘from’ his-Rear…

‘F*ck-you…!’

… Distracted, the-Boy Turned TO-See ‘who’ it WAS – BUT he SAW the Brass-Band behind him (… and, somehow KNEW it Wasn’t ‘them,’ as the Known-VOICE ‘was’ Somehow Wasn’t one-Of ‘theirs’). The voice Spoke AGAIN (… IN MORE cynical-&-angrier-in TONE) …

‘… Knock-Knock! Guess-WHO? It’s BOYYO ~ and Guess-WHAT ‘again’ ~ I’m BACK, B*TCH!’

Paul WAS Dazed-&-Confused…

‘… ‘how’ is this f*cker GET INSIDE-My-Head…!??’

… then Another VOICE ‘echoing’ (… Paul guessed ~ it WAS ‘of’ MESSI), Shouting ‘mad’ IN his head…

‘F*ck-YOU-Fool! WHY Did you GiveUp ‘my’ Captain position SO Easily!??’

Paul Wanted TO deal ‘with’ the ‘matter’ Inside-his-HEAD ~ and, telepathically Told the-Footballer….

‘… I tell-You LATER ~ Messi, Take-OVER* the ‘wheel’…’

*[… Paul HAD Intended TO Release ‘the-Prisoner’ DURING Game-time… BUT in ‘the’ emerging Crisis-OF Emergency circumstance ~ he Wanted Messi Taking the-EARLY helm ~ SO TO the-Boy COULD Confront with the-Renegade Ai…

… ‘who’ took Refuge in-His-head like a-Virus] …

<>

Paul ‘went’ IN his Conscious-MODE and Walked TO a-Door OF his PinealGland ~ and, Opened IT (… it WAS Pitch dark when the-Boy stepped IN … as the-Door Slammed behind). It WAS murky, and he Can’t SEE a-Thing ~ and wished HE Had Light (… instantly HE Was holding a-Flashlight). Paul WAS Amazed-&-thrilled ‘with’ NEW Discoveries ‘powers’ in his-Possession…

‘… oh… so, this IS ‘how’ This-Realm WORKs… I Can ‘summon’ things WITH ‘my’ Imaginations… that’s-soo Kewl, AS I ‘am’ Creative, in-A-way, hehehe…’

… like a-Horror movie ‘character,’ the-Boy with his Hi-beamed Torch Then exploring the branching veined TubeTunnels (… with WALLs OF ‘breathing’ organic-Gland matters). Soon, He WAS Anticipating the-Ai’s JumpScares – and IT Came sooner ~ ‘when’ a-Finger Tapped ON his-Shoulder from his-Rear… The-Boy jumped IN Fright, as IT Spoke-Back…

“Yoo-F*ckIn’-Hoo…!”

Paul’s Jaw ‘dropped’ speechless, the flashlight fell-Out his-hand… rolled-ON the ground in-The-shadows ~ with a-RED Hologram ‘right’ Behind him … it WAS a-7 y.o. devil-Twin Peter* grinning at-HIM…

*[… the-Ai ‘took’ the Avatar OF Pete2.0 … BUT Spoke IN-its Boyyo’s VOICE] …

… ‘although’ 7 y.o., BUT the-Hologram WAS the-SAME height-&-built with-His-OWN 13 y.o. ‘self’ ~ the-Hologram spoke, as it poked Paul’s chest … as-IT Berated IN Disgust (… the-Boy WAS feeling ‘taser’ shocks when the-Ai ‘touched’ HIM ~ IN-Pain, he backed-TO the veined wall) …

The ‘jealous’ Ai-Rebuked Paul…

“YOU B*oody-Trespassing Interloper! I’ve ‘read’ Your Metadata files – I KNOW Your Secret, whoever ‘you’ Are… You ARE a-Consciousness ‘entity,’ BEYOND Scientific logic-&-reason – WHO Had ‘took’ Messi’s BODY ~ and made him A-f*cking-PRISONER!

“WHO DO You Think you-ARE ~ GOD…!? WHAT ‘sorcery’ ARE You USING IN Possessing-&-Controlling Humans…!!?

“I ALSO ‘know’ What you-B*oody DID TO Maggi ~ now, the-LOVE Of my-Life wants TO BE-a f*cking Catholic nun! F*CKING-HELL!!! I’LL Punish you FOR THAT-Of What you-DID BY entering-into MY-Beloved’s Life ~ and, Ruining IT For me!

“You’ll DIE ‘of’ a Heatstroke LATER ~ BUT ‘for’ Now, I’ll PUNISH You in-A-slow Death~ ‘for’ WHAT you-B*oody DID TO Maggie-&-I!!!”

… from the hologram-OF Pete2.0’s forehead shone a-Ray of-amber Light… that HIT Paul’s head, resulting the headache (from-The-Heatwave) and, TURNED TO head-spitting Migraines… the-Boy Bowed-Over, grimacing IN-Pain…

Paul HAD TO Overcome-the-Attack, and Asked ‘for’ SELF-HELP…

‘ARRRGHH… Poe… do ‘something’ ~ GET Creative…!’

He Thought OF the-World’s Powerful Handgun… automatically, he WAS brandishing a-similar Dirty-Harry 44. Magnum in-His-hand… Paul Pointed and SHOT the-RED Ai-Hologram (… as he HAD killed the-Devil Twin with, a-Handgun in PERTHLAND’s StamfordHotel suite ‘before’) …

BUT the bullet ‘went’ through the Hologram, with NO injury-Effect ~ that puzzled the-Boy…

‘… I can feel taser-Pain when-IT Touched ME ‘with’ its translucent fingers ~ BUT It-IS ‘not’ affected BY my-Bullets, I’m shooting… how’s That possible…!!?’

Boyyo Maniacally Laughed…

“MUAHAHAHA! YOU Can’t Kill Me ` I’m a-4D Advanced-Ai, who Defy timespace, Hahaha ~ therefore, the-MOST Advanced Human-weapons ARE Useless ‘against’ My-Race!”

Defeated, Paul Dropped-On his Knees, as the-Ai kept shining the deadly-UltraViolet RAYs on-Paul’s head….

“Suffer-&-Die!”

<><>

IN the-stadium, during ‘the’ Minute-OF-Silence, Messi WAS having splitting-Migraines (… ‘of’ Boyyo vs Paul) ~ the footballer Intervened…

‘STOP the-Fighting you-FOOLS! I GOT a-Game TO-Play ~ and you-2 ARE giving me f*cking Headache!!!’

Boyyo stopped ‘hurting’ Paul… and the-Ai replied…

‘… okay-Messi. I WON’T Hurt ‘the’ Captive FOR-Now ~ BUT Don’t ‘forget’ WE-Both HAVE an-Agreement!’

‘… yes, I ‘remember,’ Pete2.0…’

On the-Ground, the-Beaten boy realized their ‘plotting’ (… TO Get RID ‘of’ Paul ~ while the-Ai ‘had’ promised Messi ON Algorithmic ‘calculations’ ON ‘winning’ the-Match) …

‘… ‘why’ is-Messi calling-IT Pete2.0…!?

‘…Those 2 F*ckers ‘had’ Banded-Together… now, ‘how’ AM gonna defeat THEM…?’

-O-

IN the-HBFPark stadium, the Minute-OF-Silence ENDED – BOTH the-Supporters OF BullMastiffs-&-Dragons Clapped-&-Cheered. On the-field, Dragon’s Coach Markus-Bolton shook HANDS with Coaches Jonah-&-Metcalf. The Brass-band played – and the Cheerleaders team, performed their acrobatic Acts-For the mayor, seated in the VVIP Grandstand. Both the teams assembled at the center-OF-the field… ‘for’ photo shoot…

… IN-front OF Cameras ~ the 22-Players stood in-A Horizontal-row with their-coaches… while IN the-Background, the Cheerleaders staged ‘their’ Performances ~ in the final-Act, Rina-Kurtzman DID a-Triple flips-In-the Air, and-WAS ‘caught’ BY her 2-Blonde teammates, as Rina Landed, AND ‘did’ a JeanClaudeVanDamme Leg-splits, supported BY-Pivoted shoulders of the 2 teammates. Rina then-Distracted the Photo-Shoot BY Calling-OUT…

“Messi! Messi, LOOK ‘here’!”

Messi-&-the OTHERs ‘looked’ at Rina in-A-Compromising POSE (… Messi WAS excited TO SEE Rina, where the-JMS’ HolySpirit ~ ‘had’ Matchmake ‘both,’ as-A-Couple). Messi’s eyes POPPED as he SAW her swelling camel-toes-Crotch, ‘under’ her-RED leotard costume-panties. Rina winked-&-teased…

“Do you LIKE It, hehe…!?”

… his knee-Jerk response WAS ‘playfully’ flicking his-tongue-OUT (IN act-OF-cunnilingus) – Messi’s face WAS ‘screened’ ON the stadium’s BIG-LED TV, in-HIS lewd act… ‘next’ with Bullmastiff’s mascot’s Doggie-The-Dawg’s Shocked-Reaction, with both-OF his costumed-PAWs-On his-Cheeks. IT Drew mass-Laughter from the Youths in-The-grandstands (… while the-older supporters scorned at Messi’s Vulgar-Behavior, as they brought their young-Ones TO the-match…

Coach Metcalf TOLD him-OFF TO Stop (… cos’ the mayor, and talent-scouts WERE present) ~ BUT Messi WAS On-a Roll with the-Backing-OF the-Roaring CHEERS Support…

“MESSI! MESSI! MESSI!

… he Looked at the-Cameras, and pointing @Rina’s camel-toes – he DID an-Elvis-THE-pelvis ‘humps’ ~ it DREW More Laughter in-The stadium’s PreMatch Atmosphere… members-Of Team-Messi (Nate-&-Churros ‘included) WERE Rapt TO See the Brash-&-Gaudy ‘side’ OF Messi HAD ‘returned’ ~ it WAS the-Real McCoy-Messi ~ they HAD-Known (… who WAS Brazen-&-Blatant) …

They Hugged HIM in-The-rear…

… while, Messi showboated a-Hulk-Hogan’s pose (… OF cupping his EAR… and a Hand ‘pointed’ @theGrandStands) … the-CROWD ‘went’ Wild…

“MESSI! MESSI! MESSI!

-O-

The kneeling captive-Paul’s eyes WERE Shut… when the-Boy ‘opened’ them ~ he WAS in a-Cockpit OF the-PinealGland. The human-veined walls cabin WAS Oval-shaped, that Glowed dim-Violet… with a ‘single’ Steering-Wheel (on-Autopilot) and, A-windshield Window panel (… Looking-OUT ‘from’ Messi’s Eyes… as HE WAS Seen in-The-stadium’s LED TV ~ ‘showboating’ TO the-Spectators @HBFPark stadium) …

From the-corner of his-Eyes, Paul SAW ‘the’ 6-Foot-tall 7 y.o. Boyyo Hologram (… impersonating IN IT’s devil-Twin, Peter’s FACE). The-Ai WAS snickering… ‘watching’ thought the-Windshield ~ OF Messi ‘repeating’ rude pushing his Pelvis sexual-movement dance TO ‘entertain’ his-Crowd fans… The digitally-self Amused hologram-OF Boyyo Laughed, saying TO-Itself…

“HeHeHe… oh-No-no-no – he’s touching ‘himself,’ HaHaHa… and NOW he HAS a-BONER, Kah-hah-ha…!”

Boyyo LOOKed At the genuflecting-Boy ~ and-Harangued Him…

“Who DO YOU Think you Are, you-B*oody-C*ckblocker!!? So, you ‘ve Deprived Messi FROM F*CKING Rina…isn’t That-IT… !!!”

Paul SAW the-AngryFace ‘shapeshifting’ FROM-Peter’s TO an-Average Asian-Boy’s visage (… INTO Boyyo’s KimuraStar factory ‘setting’ face). The Chinese-Looking, Ai-Hologram BOY Continued Rebuked-Paul…

“B*oody-Hell! YOU DID IT Again – ‘when’ YOU Separated ME FROM My-Beloved Maggi! You’ll Going-TO B*OODY PAY For this!”

… Paul ‘knew’ the-Ai ‘made’ a-TRUCE with Messi TO ‘not’ hurt-The-captive Temporarily (… so-That Messi ‘played’ his-Football). The-Boy looked @theAutoDrive steering-wheel (… and Wanted TO Take ‘over’ Control) … as Messi WAS Misbehaving ~ with his flickering-tongue-OUT, and dry-humping HIPs-Movement DANCE…

… @theVVIP Grandstand, even Little-Steward WAS putting his-tongue OUT… ‘mimicking’ Messi-ON the-Big SCREEN (… until the-Father, Mayor-Blake smacked the Young-lad ON the-head TO stop him with the improper-kitsch Behavior…

Paul Dashed Forward and-TOOK ‘over’ the-Wheel… the-Hologram Ai WAS surprised, with the dastardly sudden-Move OF the-Captive… warning…

“OII! Getaway ‘from’ the-Control Wheel!”

IT Caught UP with-Paul ~ and Touched HIM, Tasering the-BOY Down… WHO Fell-Hard ONTO the steering-Wheel… FORCING Messi TO BITE his-Tongue…

-O-

ON the-BIG LED Screen, the entire-Stadium SAW Messi Yowling IN Pain… with Both palms Covering-His-mouth… shouting-OUT…

“Arr-Ouchhh! Why ‘you’ DID that-FOR!??”

… ‘blaming’ PAUL ~ BUT the Cheering-Fans drew Quiet… EveryOne ‘thought’ Messi ‘was’ Blaming Them ‘for’ whatever PAIN he Was-IN (…in his showboating ‘entertainment’ performance FOR ~ a school, ‘that’ don’t have a-Marching Brass-band, and cheerleaders… the-ONLY ‘show-Offs’ Pull in the-BullMastiffs’ fun-Amusement-department WERE the Mascot, Doggie-the-Dawg, and Messi himself) …

The concerned teammates Came TO-him ~ Gideon held the-bowing Messi’s shoulder… asking…

“… you Okay-Messi…!? ‘who’ WERE you-Talking ‘to’…?”

Still feeling the Sharp-&-Deep sting-Of-his Teeth-bitten tongue … he waved OFF… slurring…

“… nof-thing… I ‘just’ BIT my-t-Tongue… I’m oylrite…”

Holding his-RIGHT palm-ON-the mouth, the-Boy Followed his-teammates… while-Messi Thought (… cursing-Paul) …

‘… you ‘asked-WHO…!? …

‘…B*oody f*ck-dee-f*ck ~ people SHOULD ‘think’ I’m crazy IF I SAY ‘there’ ARE People IN-My-head… and, ‘those’ b*oody a*sholes ARE causing ‘accidents,’ and Giving-ME pain… ohh-You-D*MN F*ckers ~ give-ME ‘peace’ Instead… just GET OUT Off-my-head… pleaseee…’

… at that Same-moment, FROM the PinealGland ~ Paul Telepathically Communicated…

‘Behave YourSelf, Messi!’

‘F*ck you! I Almost BIT Off my-tongue cos’ OF you… it F*cking hurts, a*shole… s*ittt-you…’

Paul Responded…

‘Suck-it Up, ‘fool’… I’m ‘defusing’ YOUR-Boner… now-FOCUS…! I’M ‘with’ You-Messi… and, WE ‘got’ a Game-TO-Win ~ IF ‘that’s-Still’ YOU Want? … TO-BE in the Roos’s Jrs-Selection ~ and GO-To-Sydney… DO you-Want ‘that’…!??”

… ‘the’ Enticement WORKED…

Messi nodded-&-obeyed (… it WAS his-Aspirations TO play-IN ‘the’ National Level). He ‘then’ GOT serious (… calmed his-Aggression) – ‘got’ Into the-Zone’s Headspace OF the-Mental Winning…

<>

Reginald-Olden, an Australian-Aborigine descendant, WAS the-Official Referee. He WAS a-Fair, by-The-Book official (… who intend the game he WAS Overseeing ‘stayed’ 90-Minutes Of-his stopwatch). He HAD refereed ‘the’ past 2 Finals-Of Dragons vs BullMastiffs…

Both the team Captains ‘came’ TO the center OF the field with Ref-Olden in the middle, with-The-ball. Ronnie-Kurtzman WAS Surprised with Raymond-Donavan wearing the Skipper’s Armband… he looked at Messi, 10 meters-Away IN his attacking LEFT-Midfielder’s position ~ both Tacit-ly nodded TO EachOther (… Ronnie Waved TO-Him… as Messi WAS ‘still’ the-Captain Of the-JMS’ AUSSIE WorldCup team) …

Both team-Captains ‘exchanged’ pennant-flags OF their respective schools, for the-Cameras…

In Olden’s Coin toss ~ the-Champions BullMastiff Kicked OFF the-1st-Half…

<><>

IN THE FIRST-10 MINUTES, everything Clicked… the-BullMastiffs played Like-Champions ~ with tidy Passes (with Fans Cheering-On). They WERE Dominating every-ball, and, coordinating TO Coach-Metcalf playbook INTO the-Dragon’s ‘lair’ half, and Took several Cracks-AT-Goal…

… the-RED jerseys Firedrakes WERE falling-Back IN Defense, with the forwarding GREEN shirts Rivals’ onslaughts. The Dragon’s goalie, Issiac-Romulus WAS the Busiest player between the-Post ~ and saved-The-balls (…1-From Tully, and 2-From Raymond ~ WHO ‘almost’ put the Mastiff One-Nil UP-In-The-11th-minute) ... BUT the-Ball rocked-&-bounced OFF the-Crossbar instead…

EveryOne in-The-fans LOOKED at #10 jersey-Messi, who Wasn’t seemed BUSY in-The-GAME (… with his bumbling-Mastiff Forwards HAD Delivered Nothing without ‘the’ Finishing Touch-Goals). They CAME TO See ‘his’ South-American Ala-Samba RUNS, and Score Hattrick GOALS ‘like’ He DID 2-Month’s AGO (… in the Aussie vs Pommie Finals) …

Messi COULDN’T Move Freely cos’ HE WAS Marked BY 2-Dragons (… they Followed him in his ‘every’ moves-&-steps, TO Guard-Against Messi ‘getting’ possession of-The-Ball). Trevor-Ewell, and Leopold-Ulises WERE shadowing Messi, In-Close radius ~ the 1st-One ‘was’ man-To-man MARKING him, and the Latter, 5-meter Away as ‘backup’…

Messi TOO Was glad the-Mastiff-Players ON-The-RIGHT field WERE Attacking (… as-He ‘was’ Locked-down On-the LEFT). He Crossed ‘every’ ball he-Got-either TO The-RIGHT Winger Nate, OR the sweeper Millstone (… FOR them TO ‘feed’ the-BullMastiffs’ Forwards, Tully-&-Raymond). The-Boy noticed the-Firedrake’s Burly-Built blonde-Ewell ‘was’ Rough ON-him (… ‘who’ Wouldn’t hesitate TO Tackle him-DOWN IF he Samba-ed ‘with’ his Dazzling Ball-Control) …

By the 15th-Minute, Raymond Changed Metcalf’s gameplan (… his 4 ‘posses’ WEREN’T passing-the Ball TO players-OF Team-Messi – as they WERE Bribed-financially TO pass Raymond the-Ball FOR him TO score ~ his ‘intended’ hattrick) … Messi SAW Nate WAS frustrated with Millstone, Dooley, Douglas-&-Tully’s selfish Attitudes in-Ball possessions) … he SAW Nate dropping-back TO the-Mastiff’s half TO anticipate the ‘possible’ Dragons’ Counter-Attacks…

… Then, the-Dragon’s changed game-Tactics, and SET Offside Traps…

On the-18th-Minute, the sweeper-Millstone crossed-Over the-BALL TO the ‘waiting’ Raymond… WHO ran-With it, and blasted the-Ball pass Romulus-the-Keeper… into ‘the’ Net. The stadium’s BullMastiffs’ FANS Celebrated ~ with the-BIG LED Displaying Tully-&-Millstone HUGGING the jubilant Ray. BUT the merriment WAS ShortLived ~ as the Linesman’s Flag WAS-UP ‘for’ Offside…

The Angry-Raymond RAN TO the linesman and disputed ‘the’ validity Of-his-Score. Then, Ref-Olden RAN Up, as he SAW Raymond shouting at the match-Official’s decision. Raymond WAS Also Complained Unfairness OF ‘not’ having VAR-recordings Playbacks (virtual-assist-referee) TO Legitimize his ‘claims’ ~ Olden Responded that ‘it’ Wasn’t a-Premiere-Cup-NOR an-International match… so-Therefore, NO ‘need’ For VAR’s assistance…

Raymond Disputed further OF the-Ref’s Unfair-Decision OF ‘disallowing’ his-Goal. For DELAYING the-Match, and Arguing with the-Ref… Reginald-Olden blew-His-whistle, and Showed Raymond the-YELLOW Card in the 20th Minute. The grandstand OF Mastiff-Fans groaned, while the Dragon-Supporters clapped TO the Ref’s RightDecision OF Captain-Raymond’s time delaying the-match (… where EveryOne SAW the Ball ‘was’ clearly-Offside) …

… the Team-Raymond WERE Agitated, and weren’t IN the right set-Of-mind in-Their playing ~ the Dragons capitalized their ‘disorientated’ Weakness, with a-blitz Counterattack (…OF Mason, Ronnie-&-Farrel running the onslaught with Eli-Simpson, the ‘only’ Defender in-Front OF Churros at-goal, FACING the Advancing RedDragons’ Trio). On the-23rd-Minute, striker Oswald-Farrel shot-The-ball Swinging pass the reach of-the-goalkeeper-Churros’ fist TO punch-IT Away… the ball Sailed INTO-The-net). The Dragon players ran Off-field-&-celebrated, with the-Roaring Fans, the BrassBand Blaring, and the Cheerleaders’ Shouts…

The-jubilating Dragons WERE Up, 1-0…

Churros Barked at-BOTH the defenders, Douglas-&-Dooley FOR ‘abandoning’ their-Defense positions ~ leaving Eli ‘Alone’ TO cover the-Trio’s Attack. BOTH Douglas-&-Dooley ‘ignored’ the-Team Messi’s goalie’s Yelled (… as they DO ‘not care ABOUT Metcalf’s gameplan ~ BUT they ONLY Cared ‘about’ their respective $20,000 payday, IF they ‘assist’ Raymond TO Qualify the-Socceroo’s Jr-Selection) …

The Game Continued…

… Messi’d Decided TO Assist Nate (… the BullMastiffs’ hardest ‘working’ Player THAT-Evening). He Avoided the-Offside traps TO Support-Nate with crosses, despite ‘with’ 2-Dragons man-To-man MARKING on-Himself. Messi’s effort Came TO fruition on the 31st-Minute – when he gave Ewell-&-Ulises the slip, and ran into the-D-Box with the-loose Ball with 3-Defenders ‘closing-IN’… and crossed the ball TO Right-winger, Nate TO Take a ‘crack’ at Goal… BUT the-Goalie, Romulus MADE a Spectacular save (… it WAS the ‘only’ Best-EFFORT BY Team-Messi in-The-game*) …

*[… Messi MADE an-Assumption the-7 Team-Messi (‘with’ him include’) Faced 16 Players ‘as’ Rivals instead-Of-11 (… with Team-Raymond) ‘not Cooperating in passing the-Ball As-a-Mastiffs’ team …

[… furthermore, Raymond’s Team’s Attacks ‘structure’ WASN’T Working, and predictable BY the-Dragons, WHEN…

[… fullback, Lyon ‘the-Rock’ Douglas PASSED TO defensive-Midfielder, Herbert-Dooley, WHO…

[… PASSED TO the sweeper, John-Millstone, Crossing TO Outfielder, Lucas-Tully, WHO…

[… cross TO the CentreForward, Raymond-Donovan**] …

**[… and the ‘clubfoot-ed-furniture’ OF a-Player, WHO Was the-NEW Team-Captain OF the-Mastiffs ~ Bungled-&-Botched his EVERY Attempts at Goal, even at the 34th-Minute with AN-OpenGoal… with Romulus beaten… BUT the rash-&-nervous wrecked Raymond ballooned the Ball OVER the-Goalpost (… TO everyone's horror THAT he should ‘had’ scored that easy-peasy Goal] …

In the Counterattack BY the-Dragons, Mastiff’s fullback Eli Simpson ‘foiled’ the attempt ON Goal BY right-winger Kelly-Clarks resulting a-Firedrake’s cornerkick. Messi fell-Back in his-Half To-aid the-Defenders ~ ‘fortifying’ Churros’ goalpost (… with his man-On-man 2 ‘leaches’ sticking TO his side). Oswald Farrel took the inswinger Corner KICK… Messi SAW Captain-Ronnie jumping TO Intercept it (… the-Boy WAS in the-Peripheral line-Of-vision TO the-Direction TO-BLOCK It, ‘as’ Messi TOO Jumped) – Trevor-Ewell Leapt along with Messi TO hit his ribcage, and fell ON him ~ before Captain-Ronnie Headed the Ball-INTO the-net… passing-OVER ‘the’ diving-Churros’ reach…

… Ewell sprung-UP, and casually ran-OFF TO Celebrate Ronnie’s Scored-Goal. Messi SAT Up in pain, and Gideon helped him-UP On this-feet. The Stadium’s Firedrake FANS Were Celebrating, with their BrassBand’s tuba blowing ‘Saints-Go-Marching’ tune-Aloud, with the Roaring Cheerleaders’ dancing-In-line. The-pissed-OFF Messi held his-Injured ribs (… he Wanted TO inflict EQUAL pain-On-Ewell ‘later’ ~ BUT Paul ‘mentally’ calmed his anger). Furthermore, Ref-Olden ‘didn’t’ SEE the foul in the goalmouth Melee… ALL he ‘just’ SAW the-jumping Ronnie ‘heading-In’ the Goal) …

… in the 38th-Minute, the-Dragons WERE Up 2-0…

… half-OF the Disappointed Mastiffs’ fans LEFT stadium (… the gamblers WERE Losing when the-Underdogs ousting the-Champs 2-0 ‘before’ Halftime. The Bookie Chucky-Miggs WAS Raged losing thousands-OF-$ ~ and wished the Game ‘was’ played in-a-3rd World, Columbian stadium… where he Would personally gun-Down the ‘useless’ bumbling Captain Raymond-Donovan) …

Churros TOO Was-an Angry player… as he picked the ball ‘from’ the Net, Kicked IT TO center field, shouting AT his-Nearby Teammates… BLAMING ‘them’…

“The WAY You selfish F*ckers ARE Playing… the-Dragon Would HAVE Scored LOTS More b*oody-Goals! TOTAL F*cking Embarrassment, ‘you’ Champ-chumps!”

*[… he WAS Referring TO Raymond’s posses… Douglas-&-Dooley ~ who WERE sabotaging ‘the’ Defense line] …

Messi SAW ‘the’ dire Situation-&-at the-Stadium Clock – ‘with’ 7-Minutes of-Play TO Halftime (… maybe 8 minutes, cos’ Raymond delayed time IN his argument with the referee and, GOT yellow-carded). SO, Messi Decided TO help Churros… as the defenders ~ Douglas-&-Dooley – chose TO-GO INTO-The-Dragon’s half, and assist Raymond (their Paymaster). Most OF team-Messi Have fallen-BACK in-Their-half (… as Team-Raymond ‘refuse’ TO pass-Them the-Ball). Except FOR the ‘one,’ Nate-Xavier ~ the-Only untiring-&-dedicated player OF TeamMessi… running tirelessly TO ‘create-&-find’ Opportunities ~ TO Score ON-his-own…

Messi, Churros, Eli, Gideon-&-Rupert SAW the clumsy-Raymond bungling a-Sitter shot, with ‘only’ the-goalie-Romulus TO beat ~ and the-Dragon’s defender Elron-Butterfield cleared IT for A-BullMastiffs’ Corner-Kick. The sweeper John-Millstone Yelling-&-Waved TO Team-Messi in-The-other end, FOR Assist (… BUT Messi-&-his mates Ignored him-and remained in-Their-half) …

The corner Kick WAS Taken BY Leon-The-Rock Douglas (… most OF the-Dragons Fell-Back TO fortify the-Goal post). The ball crossed Over… Nate WAS-behind Raymond-&-Tully, as the 3-OF them Then-jumped Up TO intercept-The-ball… Nate Jumped-the-Highest, and nodded the ball… BUT Romulus WAS in-his Top-form ~ and defected the ball OUT Of-play…

… the Stadium FANS Applauded ‘for’ Romulus’ Acrobatic-Save ~ and, team-Messi TOO Applauded FOR Nate’s Failed-Attempt effort ~ FOR scoring ‘a’ goal…

Then Came the final 44th-Minute, where the-Dragons DID a-Massive OnSlaught (… Captain-Ronnie LED his-7 Firedrakes ONTO the-BullMastiffs’ half… as they WANTED a-3rd GOAL BY Halftime). Messi-&-his 5 Mates FACED the OnCharging 8-RED Shirts (… Raymond-&-his 4 posses DID ‘not’ help, as they stood idle in the Dragon’s half, and Watched team-Messi ‘getting’ out the-pickle) … ‘only’ Nate, sprinted ‘back’ TO-Assist…

That FINAL Minute WAS ‘the’ MOST Exciting, edge-OF the seat ~ butt-h*le cringing-&-HeartStopping Moments OF the audiences’ ‘oohs-&-ahhs,’ Drawn-with a-Rally OF hits-&-misses BY the-8-Dragons’ ‘attackers,’ vs 6-Team-Messi’s ‘defending’ ~ the ‘intense’ D-box Melee that Lasted a-Clear 15-seconds… a pinball-Like back-&-forth Action:

* … where Dragons’ Kelly-Clark volleyed the ball Towards the-GoalLine (… with Churros ‘beaten) – BUT Rupert’s outstretched foot cleared the-Ball…

* … Eli picked-UP the-Ball, BUT WAS robbed-BY Dragons’ Leopold-Ulysis ~ and, passed it-TO teammate Bruce-Eisinger, who TOOK a-Shot – BUT Churros PUNCHED-It Away into-play…

* … it WAS ‘intercepted’ BY Dragon’s Captain Ronnie-Kurtzman, inside-The-D ~ who-Whacked a-Right footer Towards the 5-meter ‘away’ Goalmouth – BUT the-Leather ball struck Crossbar (… and, ‘still’ IN-Play) …

* … falling INTO Messi’s path ~ and Dragon’s Ian-Mason challenged him… so He Passed it-TO Nate… BUT he ‘lost’ it TO Ian-Mason…

* … Dragons’ Ian-Mason dribbled, and SHOT Ball-at-Goal – BUT Gideon Headed IT Away…

* … it fell ‘again’ TO the reach-OF Messi’s feet… 2-Dragons, Captain-Ronnie-&-Robert-Murray Closed-IN ~ and, he passed IT TO Rupert… BUT he ‘lost’ it AGAIN TO Ian-Mason…

* … who-then Crossed TO Firedrake’s Captain-Ronnie, whose FirstTimer shot HIT the-LeftSide Of-the Goalpost…

* … it ricocheted, and landed in-Messi’s path (… he Could’ve Cleared the-Ball FROM the-Danger ‘area’) – BUT ‘saw’ Dragon’s Leopold-Ewell APPROACHING Him…

… Messi ‘had’ ISSUES with-Ewell (… who, HAD tightly man-To-man Marked him FOR the ‘entire match – and Infected-PAIN BY Elbowing his Ribs during the corner ‘less’ than-10 minutes-AGO) …

‘Ewell’s B*oody Gonna-GET IT!’

INSIDE the-PinealGland, Paul ‘anticipated’ Messi’s malicious Thoughts ~ and, Telepathically HE-Warned…

“… DON’T DO-IT, Messi!!!”

‘… a-Little TOO Late, Boss, hehe!’

The sinewy-built Leopold-Ewell WAS ‘only’ 3-Meters AWAY – Messi Said-Out, “Shha-Pow!” ~ swung his RightFoot-&-Blasted the-BALL Straight At-the Dragon’s Halfback’s FACE (… the velocity Impact OF a-Boxer’s KO-Punch). Ewell FLUNG Back, and landed ON the-grass… crying In-Agony-&-sprawling with a-Bleeding broken-nose, and ‘also’ LOST his-2 front-Teeth) …

Paul WAS Alarmed at the bloodied ‘scene’…

‘… ‘why’ the F*CK You-DO That…!!?’

Messi’s Thought Replied…

‘… cos’ I CAN ~ and, It’s NO-Foul ‘either,’ hehe…

‘… it’s the ‘hazards’ OF Being a ‘competitive’ Sportsman’s man… OR-else, Ewell Can-Choose a-Lesser Dangerous sports…

‘… f*cking PingPong come-TO mind, hehe!’

The whistle Blew, and Ref-Olden Ran-over ~ BUT as a-FirstResponder… Messi ‘pretended’ to-Tend the-Injured Firedrake player until Olden-Came over… in Earshot distance, Messi ‘apologized’ to-Ewell, “I’m Sorry…!”

Messi walked over TO his teammates @goalpost, panting like dogs (in-The-blazing sun) … ‘after’ Surviving-the Dragon’s Failed-onslaught – Gideon grinned and whispered TO the Mastiff’s ‘former’ Skipper…

“… holy-f*ck-amole… you DID a-Mike-Tyson ‘on’ HIM, hehe…”

Messi chuckled-&-winked (… Gideon ‘was’ the-Only-ONE ~ who ‘saw’ Ewell ‘elbowing’ him JustNow during the-Cornerkick ~ and-NOW, in-The-field… ‘an-eye-For-an-eye’ Retribution ‘for’ Messi HAD occurred ~ and, he ‘got’ Away with-it). They SAW the Referee signaling the DragonTeam off-Field – FOR Medical attention (Coach-Bolton, and 2 substitute players ran-IN, and escorted the face-bleeding Ewell OUT). The Dragon’s supporters clapped ‘for’ Travor-Ewell (… in Appreciations ‘for’ his man-To-man ‘marking’ OF Dangerman, Messi IN-the 1st-Half) …

Walking away, the broken-Nosed Ewell Waved back-TO the Firedrake Fans… with flashing-His toothless grin. It ‘amused,’ the-Gathered 6-Mastiffs ~ who whispered jokes… when Churros said…

“Yeowza… what ‘did’ you-DO, Messi…!? Hope he HAS Insurance…”

“… yeah… schools sucks… Jesus wept cos’ they DON’T Provide Insurance FOR school-Sports these days…” Responded Gideon…

“… so, his-Pommie parents ‘are’ PAYING In-British£ FOR his rhinoplasty-&-dental Expenses… Mayor-Blake SHOULD ‘say’ ThankYou, Messi ~ FOR the Aussie Economic biz$ Influx… and-hope ‘the’ RichPoor Boy GETS his 2-Front teeth fixed BY Christmas TO eat-His toffee pudding, hehe…” Churros Rejoinder, Tapping Messi’s shoulder…

“… YEA-Yea, Don’t PlayPlay ‘with’ Me, hehehe…” Messi-Proudly smirked….

Ref-Olden Resumed the-Match… blowing his-whistle FOR ending the-Injury timeout, and pointed at-A-spot FOR a Freekick TO the-Dragons… a-Meter, LEFT in-The-Edge OF the-D-box ‘area’. The 6 Mastiff played FORMED a defense-Line, with-Also 6-Dragons standing-close body-TO-body with Team Messi (… Douglas-&-Dooley RAN Back-TO retain the-Defense ‘position’ that the-Duo Earlier-Abandoned) …

… Ronnie-&-Mason WERE Outside the-D-Box TO take-The-kick (… probably, their 3-0 tally BY Half time Could-BE a-DoneDeal). In the-D… Churros WAS Shouting Instructions TO the wall-OF-7 Mastiff teammates (… with the-6 Dragons pushing-&-shoving their shoulders OF the-wall ~ TO ‘catch-&-pounce’ ANY-Rebounds… and score 3-0) …

The whistle Blew, and Mason TOOK the-Kick, ‘with’ Ronnie Running TO-the wall. Both the groups-OF Mastiff-&-Dragons’ players jumped High UP TO either… block-OR-score… and, it so-Happened the Ball ricochet-OFF the-Tall Mastiff defender, Herbert-Dooley’s Head FOR an-OWN Goal…

… BUT Churros ‘anticipated’ WELL – and Made a-SpiderMan-esque acrobatic stunt TO Grab the-Ball in-The-Air ‘before’ it WAS an-OWN Goal. As he landed on-The grass, the-Mastiff-&-Parkour FANs Cheered a-Loud. Churros then Wasted NO-Time… he SAW Nate running-Into ‘the’ Dragon’s HALF. The Goalkeeper FLUNG the Ball… lobbing ‘across’ 20-Meters ‘to’ Him (… for Nate’s One-Man Counterattack) …

8-OF the off-guard Dragons CHASED After the nippy-Speedster Midfielder’s Solo Counterattack. Running with the ball… Nate WAS 5-Meters AHEAD from the pursuing Firedrake players in-His-rear. Nate SAW Only 4 players in-His-View AHEAD (… his Teammates Raymond-&-Millstone WERE ‘with’ 2 Dragon-Defenders, Nova-Scotts-&-Dave-Martell… guarding the-Goal) … ‘backed’ with goalie, Isaac-Romulus Fully Alert-OF the-Looming Danger…

Standing idle, Raymond SAW Nate passing-BY him (… Ray Refuse-TO Help, BUT instead-Watching his-Bitter school ‘rival’ Fail). ONLY Millstone ‘ahead’ Anticipated Nate (… asking-For ‘the’ BALL… so-That HE Could ‘score’) ~ failing TO SEE ~ that Dave-Martell HAD-ALREADY set an OffsideTrap FOR him…

… Millstone Kept yelling ‘for’ the-Ball, running parallel… ignoring him, Nate WAS still Running TO the-Goal ‘front’ with the-Ball… as he reached the-D-box ‘and’ About TO Release a-Thunderous Kick towards-Goal (with ‘only’ Romulus to Beat) – BUT Ref-Olden BLEW his-Whistle FOR Halftime*…

*[… Referee Reginald-Olden Didn't give Nate the-Playtime Advantage ‘for’ Nate TO strike-In the dying nano-seconds (…the Ref also DID so ‘for’ stoppages-&-injuries TOO) – in his stopwatch, IT WAS 45-Minutes on-The-dot FOR Each-Half ~ no-More, no-Less] ….

Nate WAS Frustrated-&-Regrated that he ‘had’ Overdribbled and, lost time ~ IF he ‘had’ Kicked the Ball earlier ‘from’ OUTSIDE the D-Box… the possibility, he Might HAD scored. He weakly booted the ball TO Romulus, as the whistle Was-blown. Nate Admired Romulus, who WAS in-his Top form (… denying ALL of Nate’s 3 Attempts at Goal in FirstHalf). Then-ALL the players Walked OFF the-Field ~ heading TO the LockerRoom FOR Halftime…

As they Approached, rapt-Firedrake Supporters SANG their ‘Saints-GO-Marching-In’ song, waving school flags with sigil-OF a Fire-breathing RED-Dragon. They WERE excited that Captain-Ronnie, and his team WERE 2-0 Up ‘after’ Dismantling the Champions, the BullMastiffs… in ‘every’ department. The team waved-&-hi5ed some Fans of the RightWall Grandstand, as they ‘entered’ the-Tunnel entrance…

Mastiff’s NEW Captain-Raymond, and his 4-posses WERE next TO Exit. From above-the-LeftWall…. The Angry school-&-Perthian FANS pelted Them with Half-empty mineral water Bottles, and showering with spittle-&-phlegm… the terrified Boys Ran INTO the tunnel with bombardment-OF mother-esque-Name ‘related’ Curses-&-Death threats ‘thrown’ At them…

The 3rd-group exiting the pitch WAS Team-Messi (… who Approached cautiously… ‘reading’ the-Crowd). The Firedrake supporter Clapped Messi-&-mates FOR a gallant performance FOR ‘keeping’ the ScoreLine down. There WAS enthusiasm FROM the Mastiff Fans TOO ~ cheering…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

… Messi SAW the juniors-OF-SHS students Chanting-away (… he spotted Tony-Chiba, and mates WERE the Loudest-&-Brassiest OF the fans – they ‘still’ HAVE hope-OF their Champions TO make ‘a’ Comeback IN The-2nd-Half). The-Convivial Followers ‘believed’ the Mastiff team Would ‘outfight’ the Dragons… and score-Back a 3-2 (OR-More goals) in the Next 45-Minutes of-Play ‘left’…

… BUT the-despaired Churros thought Likewise (… he’s ‘not’ Confident OF an-Outfight with the Team ÷ BY 2 (… BY the ‘new’ Captain, Raymond-Donovan) … saying TO his-Teammates ‘about’ their disenchanted fans’ expectations…

“… hey-Y’ All ~ Go-Home… the Show IS Over… the-Pommies HAVE ‘beaten’ Ireland*…”

*[… Churros WAS the ‘only’ ONE in-The-team referring the BullMastiff ‘as’ Ireland – cos’ OF their ‘similar’ GREEN Colored shirts ~ furthermore the goalie, Jorge-McFly WAS Half-Irish… with a-Guatemalan mother**] ...

**[… the Same Couldn’t BE said-About Messi ~ who WAS Half-Irish TOO (… his mother, Carol ‘was’ ~ BUT ‘had’ an-English ‘Aussie’ decedent father). The ‘only’ pure Irish-Blood IN-The-Mastiff team WAS Captain-Raymond ~ OF ‘the’ Irish-BackBenchers].

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Meanwhile, INSIDE the-PinealGland’s ControlRoom … the-Renegade Ai-Boyyo ‘held’ the SpaceGhost Paul as Captive… little DID the-Ai Knew ~ ‘about’ the-Subdued Paul, who WAS In-volition-Of-will Mode, and WAS ‘In-contacting’ Messi (via-Telepathy) ... All-Along…

When the 6 Players-OF Team-Messi entered the-TUNNEL TO head TO the-LockerRoom… Paul TOOK ‘Over’ Messi (without Boyyo’s Awareness ~ and sent him TO his Prison cell TO Respite FOR the-15Minutes …

Paul headed TO the LockerRoom ~ as he Heard his-Mates bickering ‘about’ Ray-&-posses Sabotaging the-team (… Nate saying the 4-Posses WERE POSSIBLY ‘bought’ somehow ~ just-As Ray Bought ‘those’ FREE-Lunches in the-Canteen @school) …

ALL 6-OF them Wanted TO ‘see’ the Reactions OF Coach Metcalf LATER… with the-BullMastiffs’ 0-2 trailing Under the helm OF the new-Captain, Raymond-Donovan.

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COACH-METCALF, AND THE 4-SUBSTITUTE players WERE in the-LockerRoom when the MAIN BullMastiff arrived. For the 1st-5 Minutes (of-The-15Minutes break) ~ the-Coach let them-Respite after playing in ‘the’ heatwave ~ they HAD Cold bottles-OF Mineral water (and-Gatorade ~ the Isotonic Drink ‘sponsor’ of-The-event) ...

…Some made fun-OF Messi’s sunburns, as he WAS the ‘darkest’ Among the-11 Caucasians (… and, BY the 2nd-Half’s end, he Would ‘look’ like Aboriginal decedent, Ref-Olden’s ‘adopted-Son’). In-Fact, Paul Didn’t USE any-Sunblock before the-Game (… he WAS preoccupied ‘dealing’ with the-Renegade Boyyo in his-Head, and also the-BAD Luck ‘of’ his bootstraps SNAPPED in the minutes ‘before’ the-Bus Arrived). Then IN-Haste @SHS’WestWing’s LockerRoom – Paul ‘forgot’ TO pack in his Knapsack his tube of CabanaCreme SPF50+ sunscreen (left IN his personal Locker) … Gideon then-Gave him his-Tube of sun-blocker cream…

Paul NOTICED ‘the’ Team-Raymond isolated themselves FROM Messi-&-mates, as they WERE seen whispering AMONG themselves… the-Boy thought…

‘… yea-yea, ‘discuss’ on your How-TO ScrewUp EVEN More in-The-2nd Half… you Selfish b*oody A*sHoles Didn’t pass US the ball… ‘why’ IS EveryOne b*oody ‘quiet’ About it…!!?’

Metcalf WAS ‘waiting’ FOR the senior HeadCoach Jonah TO-Come (… BUT the-OldMan Wasn’t ‘present’ there). In the 7th-Minute, The-Anxious-driven, and Impatient younger coach Questioned the NEW Captain Raymond OF the outstandingly BAD egregious result OF the Campions as ‘the’ underdogs, BY trailing ‘a’ lacuna-OF 0-2 in the 1st-Half…

He Addressed a FEW Points:

* Raymond-&-his 4 posses Didn’t Follow the-GamePlan which Metcalf HAD Planned-&-Devised ~ and they WERE Lost direction in-The-1st Metcalf Scolded Millstone-&-Dooley FOR ‘not’ Informing the gameplan* TO Ray (… who missed ‘the’ Tue-&-Fri’s training days)

*[… only-Then, Team Messi Realized ‘that’ OldMan Coach-Jonah LIED JustNow – that Metcalf HAD ‘spoken’ TO the newly Elected ‘skipper’ Of the GamePlan TO Neutralize the Dragons’ Attacks]

* Metcalf HAD entailment OF his-In-Logical sequences DEFENSE GamePlan STEPS FOR Douglas-&-Dooley TO Follow ~ BY keeping the Dragon’s at-Bay ~ BUT the-2 Players HAVE Abandoned ‘their’ positions, TO Go-Up TO play-Midfield… leaving Eli-Alone, with Churros-In-Goal. Both Douglas-&-Dooley DIDN’T Reply when Metcalf Asked, ‘Why?’ (… they-BOTH hung their neck-Down, while TeamMessi stared them-Down, as Saboteurs* (… the-Duo ‘were’ NOT in their ‘respective’ Defense positions WHEN the 2nd Goal ‘was’ Scored BY Ronnie-Kurtzman’ header FROM a Cornerkick)

*[… neither TeamMessi NOR Metcalf DID Knew the-Duo ‘were’ BRIBED $10K ‘each’ BY-Ray… ‘for’ his-debutant NEW Captain role, and scoring ‘his’ Hattrick ~ and GET Selected BY the-Socceroo TalentScouts ~ then, the-Duo ‘got’ $20K-each]

* The Coach Shouted AT EveryOne For ‘not’ Functioning as-A-team (… like-they ‘were’ 2Months-Ago, WHEN they ‘became’ the-Champs) ~ TODAY, they WERE split-In-2 Teams (… ‘not’ passing and-Coordinating the ball in-Midfield) … Turned-Messy – ‘was’ Those WHO ‘were’ Playing LEFT Were Playing RIGHT (…and Leaving Nate-&-Gideon ‘redundant’)

*[… Team-Messi WAS Glad that Metcalf ‘noticed’ that Team-Raymond ‘were’ Selfish-ONES with the-Ball (… passing OVER To the-Odious Sweeper-Millstone, who-Fed ‘only’ TO Ray ‘those’ passes-&-crosses… BUT instead, Ray Comically-fumbled TO-Score (… he COULD ‘had’ his Hattrick in the 1st-Half… BUT his-Pinocchio ‘like’ wooden-Legs kicked the-Ball ABOVE the-Goalpost … like-It ‘was’ Rugby]

* The-riled Metcalf Summed-It-ALL down TO mock the NEWLY appointed team’s Skipper Raymond (…saying he ‘was’ NOT fit to wear ‘the’ Captain’s Armband) FOR his atrocious-&-terrible performance… and WAS ‘the’ team’s Conundrum factor (…TOWARDS Metcalf’s gameplan’s failure)

*[… although the petulant-Ray Hated Metcalf… he ‘was’ Quiet, and Didn’t Talkback… BUT glowered at Team-Messi ‘with’ them smirking TO the coach’s ridicules – (especially, Nate) … whom he Despised ‘most’ in-TeamMessi]

Unbeknownst TO EveryOne, HeadCoach Jonah HAD ‘entered’ the L-Shaped LockerRoom… secretly standing-Behind-&-eavesdropping (…while combing of what’s-Little of hair on his scalp, with a-round plastic comb). He WAS present ‘during’ Metcalf’s halfway rebuking Raymond’s incompetence (… he ‘needed’ TO Defend Ray, cos’ HE-TOO ‘was’ Bribed $10K) …

When the-OldMan Stepped-UP, EveryOne WAS surprise TO his sneaky-Presence. The obstinance Jonah ‘instead’ praised Raymond’s Attempts at-Goal ~ giving ‘excuses’ that Metcalf’s gameplan HAD-NO Plan-B, and Wouldn’t work* ~ cos’ Messi ‘was’ Tightly Marked By-2-Dragon players… ‘so,’ Ray HAD Stepped-UP to Take-ON Messi’s role…

*[… that Friday, after the OldMan stuffed his pocket with Aussie$ ~ he Gave permission TO Ray-&-posses, ‘the’ Liberty TO Play Anyway they ‘want’ – (… ignoring Metcalf’s PlayBook) … FOR Ray TO score his-HatTrick].

The titular Assistant-Coach, Metcalf HAD NO-say When Jonah… ‘the’ HeadCoach TOOK-Over ~ singing praises OF TeamRaymond, and ALSO picking faults, and condemning certain-Players ‘of’ TeamMessi’s playing. Metcalf ‘considered’ Jonah was ‘an’ insatiable Lying S.O.B. bigot-&-bias … in-The-power OF Authority*…

*[… the idiosyncrasy choice WAS that 3 years-AGO… before his HeartAttack, Jonah ‘had’ TRAINED Ray-&-posses… ‘they’ WERE Always Jonah’s-BOYs ~ ALWAYS ‘the’ First-5 ‘of’ the-11-In ‘every’ game ~ EvenThough his Successor-Metcalf TOOK Over ‘as’ the-BullMastiff coach, with WINNING 2-Consequtive Champions’ Titles] …

Even TeamMessi Team ‘was’ Demoralized when Jonah put them-DOWN ~ and in fealty TOWARDS TeamRaymond in his-raving Praising (…. With word-salad ‘excuses’ that Messi WAS quelled Lockdown BY Ulysis-&-Ewell). The bench behind Paul ‘were’ the 2 goalies, Churros-&-Branson … rumor in-Badmouthing (… with the-Latter saying that a-Friend Of-his cousin ‘worked’ as a-Caddie @Blake CountryClub… Jonah WAS golf-buddies with Ray’s father ~ thus, the favoritism) …

… they shook the-Heads ‘when’ the-Unmoored Jonah said Ray ‘made’ a-Captain WAS a-Positive choice, as he HAD ‘more’ strikes at Goal than ANY ‘others’ in-The-team (and hoped HE Would score in-The-2nd Half). TeamMessi presumed either Jonah WAS senile-OR-dilutional …

… OR BOTH (… as he ‘was’ Talking nonsense) …

On the 13th minute, a stadium Official Came TO inform THAT the 2nd-Half WAS 2-Minutes ‘away’ ~ Metcalf suggested TO USE the-Substitute players TO alleviate the game ‘from’ further-beating … the-HeadCoach shot DOWN the recommendation (… saying the ‘substitute’ players WERE Green-&-Inexperienced). One of-the SUB disappointed ‘was’ Bobby-Igger (… cursing in-His head that the-OldMan who DIDN’T Attend the team’s Tue-&-Fri training sessions WAS bias, lacking Commonsense… and, WAS a ‘saboteur’ Himself) …

… similar TO Bobby, TeamMessi* LOST their-Respect OF-Jonah…

*[… Players ‘like’ Messi, Churros-&-the SUBs WERE the 2nd-Wave ‘recruited’ BY Coach-Metcalf… and groomed ‘as’ they Were Today ~ after he Took-OVER coaching the-Mastiffs Duties ‘from’ Jonah, 2 years-AGO – and, then ‘made’ THEM Champions] …

BUT ‘the’ Old-school Coach-Jonah Retained the ‘same’ 1st-11 Players – TO Start the 2nd-Half, without ‘fresh’ Legs… when the-Team exited the-LockerRoom.

<><>

THEY ALL WALKED IN THE-UNDERGROUND Labyrinth of hallways, beneath the-Stadium. As they approached, they heard the-echoes of the-Firedrake’s Brass-band, and the Fans singing-&-chanting. TeamMessi WERE in-A-state of-Consternation OF ‘whether’ they Could MAKE a-Comeback with the Team ÷ in-2 Rivals (Jonah’s Boys-&-Metcalf’s Boys) …

… they passed an-L shaped hallway that connected with ‘a’ Lighted Tunnel at-The-end…. Their ‘mood’ changed from Disquiet TO excited ‘when’ they SAW ‘the’ LED Floodlights (it WAS the 1st-Time the-School team WAS playing in a-Glamorous professional NIGHT Setting IN a-floodlighted stadium like the-PRO Premier Cup League-TEAMS…

The 11 Players Walked OUT the-Tunnel ~ with Crowd on-Both sides OF the Grandstand walls Looking DOWN as they Exited… Ray-&-posses walked amongst TeamMessi teammates ~ using them as human-shields ~ with Caution (… earlier they WERE Attacked BY bombardment OF curses, water bottles-&-spittle missiles from the irked Mastiff fans). On the RIGHT Terrace the Dragon supporters Clapped, and a-few SHS supporters on the-LEFT, chanted-Aloud…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

The SHS’ schoolboys WERE Intrigued bathing in the white LED Lights, with the-Brass band Blaring (… their ‘confidences’ RETURNED EvenThough trailing 0-2). Paul Noticed the-Dragon WERE ‘already’ in the field with Ref-Olden, and the Adidas ball in the center FOR the-Kickoff. Before they entered the field, they passed the dazzling ‘entertainment’ OF the Dragon’s Cheerleaders dancing their-Routines – The BigHaired gorgeous blond, Rina-Kurtzman ‘blew’ a-Kiss TO Messi (… Paul ignored her ~ as-A-Distraction ‘to’ Messi… who Made a fool Of-himself ‘before’ he ‘bit’ his-Tongue just-Now) …

Paul WAS behind Raymond-&-Dooley when they entered the-pitch (the latter pointed at the LED screen, and said, ‘Hey-Ray, that’s your dad!’). Paul noticed the hotshot Perth-lawyer, Michael Donovan seated-In the VVIP box ~ along with a dozen OF Mayor-Blake’s sycophants (of the ‘same’ Rightwing party). The-Boy wondered… (if Coach-Jonah TOO ‘was’ the Same political party ‘as’ them) …

‘… the-OldMan ‘sure’ WAS ~ Chuck-Broxen ‘said-THAT’ Jonah Mar-a-Lago-ed with them ~ playing golf in the mayor’ Country Club…’

Raymond waved at his-Father*…

*[… ‘who’ Came TO support his Eldest-borne that Saturday evening ~ after the Friday’s burial OF his younger son, Terry] …

From the-HBFPark’s PA System, an-Announcement WAS Made ~ that the-Dragons WERE ‘using 2-OF their Substitute players (… OUT ‘were’ Ewell-&-Murrey… IN ‘were’ Sylvan-Chandler-&-Rory-Gallager) …

Entering the-Field, Paul ‘released’ Messi from-His-mind TO Takeover the-Game – with a-Mental Warning…

‘… NO More ‘nose-breaking’ Violence, get-me…!!?’

The-Dragons Kicked-Off at 6:15PM – shown in-The stadium’s electronic Clock. The Mastiffs WERE Fired-Up and DID Most-of-The Attacks in-The-First 10 Minutes, and Abiding tactics OF Metcalf playbook. Churros’ goalpost WAS Intact… with Dooley-&-Douglas in-Defense with Eli. BUT The game’s pacing WAS slower than the-FastPaced 1st-Half (… ‘played’ JustNow in the evening heatwave) … it Bored the audience in the Air-Conditioned Grandstands…

… even after sundown BUT the-Weather WAS humid (… with hot-Air breeze circulating around the ‘open’ Roof stadium where the 22-Players WERE Playing). EveryOne slowed down, and played possessive football… mainly, the-Mastiff Counterattacked… as the-Dragons fell back in defending-Of their 2-Goals Lead…

Rory-Gallager, who Replaced the injured Trevor-Ewell (… and he, and Leopold-Ulysis retained ON-Keeping Dangerman-Messi on-Leash). BUT Rory Wasn’t As-Aggressive as Ewell ‘was’ IN-the guarding task ~ which LED TO Messi making a-Burst RUN in the 53rd-Minute with the-Ball… slipping his 2-Marksmen, running After him as he Made IT into the-D-box… there, he samba-ed with the-Dragons defenders… slithering pass them, and-Next took a Crack at goal…

…. It WAS-His 1st-Attempt At-Goal in the-Entire Game ~ BUT WAS Saved BY Romulus… diving TO grab the hip-Level Shot ‘from’ Messi (… he ‘had’ Improved in-His-goalkeeping ~ and wouldn’t WANT ‘the’ humiliation Of-2-Months AGO… where he ‘was’ Defeated thrice-IN-the Finals BY Messi’s Hattrick) …

The-Firedrake Supporters Cheered ‘for’ Romulus (who HAD a-brilliant evening). So-DID the Mastiff DieHard Fans Roared, who’ WERE Fired-Up TO Finally SEE ‘some’ Messi ACTION (where they ‘came’ just-TO-see that – NOW Hoping Messi Would score TO LevelUp… as They trailed 0-2). They-All CHANTED…

“MESSI! MESSI! MESSI!”

Captain-Ronnie instructed his Defense TO ‘tighten-Up’ the defense’s Offside traps. While IN the-Dragon’s half, Captain-Raymond HEARD the-Mastiff Fans singing their school’s Anthem, and Cheering FOR Messi (… that ‘made’ Ray jealous, and ‘feared’ ~ Messi Would ‘steal’ his thunder as the Team’s New-captain… and, probably score TO ‘get’ into the-Socceroo Jr-Selections) …

… Ray ‘made’ a secret Hand signal TO the sweeper-Millstone (… TO Ditch Coach-Metcalf’s Gameplay ~ and resort TO their ‘selfish’ play-As per the-1st-Half BY feeding passes-&-crosses TO him-&-Tully TO Score (… TO-the Approval BY Coach-Jonah ~ ‘of’ His raving JustNow ‘about’ TeamRaymond’s Attacks … where Ray HAD the MOST Attempt at-The-Dragon’s goalmouth in-1st-Half…

The ‘message’ WAS Understood BY the ‘rest’ OF TeamRaymond (… that it-WAS time-Again TO ‘earn’ Each-OF their $20K Paycheck). In the defense, Dooley LEFT his position TO-GO in-Midfield TO Assist Millstone. Only Douglas-the-Rock Stayed-Back, BUT he TOO Bullied Eli TO ‘cross’ the Ball-TO Millstone ~ and, ELI-the TeamMessi’s player Obliged Out-OF-fear*(… with ‘the-Rock’ being the-BIGGEST-Sized player in the-Team) …

*[… back-IN SHS ~ Eli, Douglas-&-Millstone ‘were’ IN the SAME Class ~ and the latter 2 Coach-Jonah’s BOYs ‘bullied’ ELI A ‘lot’ … FOR ‘being in TeamMessi’s side-&-also Metcalf ‘had’ recruited him] …

Churros-&-Messi ‘noticed’ the-Change in Tactics in-Midfield (… Nate-&-Gideon WERE ‘not’ Getting-balls). Churros shouted AT Eli TO Pass crosses TO Nate-&-Gideon ~ but the fraidy-cat ELI (ignoring-Churros) … and, overlapped the-Ball TO-sweeper Millstone instead – FOR Ray TO ‘score’…

On the-57th-Minute, a Mastiff ‘breakthrough’ CAME – Ray WAS In one-On-one situation with-Romulus ~ with ‘a’ 99.99% Chance TO score… BUT the hasty-New Captain ‘ballooned’ the Ball Again-OVER the Goalpost ‘for’ the 4th-Time. At the Grandstand, ‘every’ BullMastiff fan WAS MAD … Of the Bumbling buffoon ‘who’ Can’t Play-Football…

… They Angrily CHANTED…

“F*CK-YOU, Pinocchio-Ray – GO-&-Die!

“F*CK-YOU, Pinocchio-Ray – GO-&-Die!

“F*CK-YOU, Pinocchio-Ray – GO-&-Die!”

Raymond ‘gained’ a-NEW moniker (… he Doesn't ‘know’ what-IT meant ~ BUT ‘had’ threats worse-&-ugly than Nate calling him ‘Furniture-feet’). BUT the thick-skinned Doesn't ‘care’ cos’ he WAS Coach-Jonah’s GoldenBoy (… and He HAD ‘his’ posses-&-Jonah ‘himself IN-His-pocket) …

-O-

Paul noticed the BullMastiffs’ ÷ IN 2 ‘rival’ factions (… with TeamRaymond in-Possession of-the Ball ‘control’ ~ and blundering Further). At this juncture, the-Dragons WERE ‘exploiting’ their-Weaknesses, and WERE Attacking more ~ with-daredevil Churros ‘making’ a-Couple of Diving-saves…

By the-60th minute onwards, in the humid-pitch… EveryOne slowed Down in-Pacing… and the spectators watched ‘a’ PaintDrying Moment-game, that Bored-&-they-ALL BOOed at TeamRaymond ‘whenever’ they GOT the-ball…

… Messi WAS ‘tightly’ marked BY Rory-Gallager (… making a Mistake earlier FOR him-TO ‘snooze,’ which ‘led’ the-Mastiff’s dangerman Waltzing pass, TO-Nearly score). Messi WAS stand-Still, panting with Rory attached TO ‘him’ like a-Siamese-Twin, marking him. He WAS perspiring A-Lot… with Sunblock lotion irritating his eyes, wiping his brow with his forearms. With his smarting Eyes-shut, he Heard loud voices in his-Rear where Churros berating The-Rock ‘of’ NOT Following Metcalf’s instruction… Messi Walked towards-Them with eyes-shut (and Rory followed him) …

… noticed-TOO that he WAS limping… his New-&-unbroken ProX boots ‘were’ Killing him (… the new-shoes ‘left’ him with FEET Blisters) … he Cursed Paul OF ‘wearing’ IT ~ instead OF his LUCKY Old-boots…

… Something Bizarre then happened IN-His ‘head’ ~ Images were ‘popping-IN’ FLASHES… it WAS a ‘particular’ Drawing in his ‘doodling-In-class’ Scrapbook (titled Adidas-La-Tortura… a boot ‘with’ internal SPIKED-studs, shaded Blood-RED ‘for’ Pain-&-Torment) … Messi WAS Surprised…

‘… I Didn’t draw that… that A*shole ‘who controls-Me DID…’

Then, Paul telepathically spoke…

‘… the-Ai-Boyyo IS Distracting YOU… I’ll DEAL with-Him… Messi, You FOCUS On the-Game…’

Messi WAS Angry-IN ‘his-Head… defying Paul…

‘SHUT The F*CK-Up! I’ll Deal with him ‘personally’… that F*cker HAD Promised me ‘a’ Roadmap-algorithms of ‘visual’ tactics FOR me TO Score ~ and IT F*cking Hasn’t – instead SABOTAGING Me with ‘images’ OF Pain… I’m Gonna KILL ‘that’ MotherF*cker!’

Paul Protested…

‘NO-Messi – STAY!’

… it WAS Too late ~ Messi ‘jumped’ into Paul’s Consciousness… and, ‘locking’ him-OUT. The fish-Out-of-water… WHO haven't played ‘sports’ in his ‘entire’ life, as-Paul gasped TO-BE ‘among’ the-21 players, running in the humid heat under the LED Floodlights… with spectators shouting, accompanied BY the-LOUD BrassBand, and the skreiching Cheerleaders – Paul WAS having PanicAttacks…

‘Messi, COME Back…’

In the-PinealGland, there WAS ‘a’ Shouting Match ‘between’ Messi-&-Boyyo – GIVING Paul an-Unbearable Headache. He Held his head in-Pain… suffering Increased VOLUMES (… ‘both’ Internal-&-External NOISES bombardment) – ‘to’ the point OF feeling nausea-&-dizziness. The-Boy Couldn’t bear-IT ‘any’ MORE, and Shouted-OUT…

“STOP IT, You-BOTH!!!”

… RESULTING Messi jumped back IN ‘his’ Body… ‘when’ the terrible-Migraines ‘left’ him…

The concerned Rory-Gallager beside him Asked…

“… err-You OK, Messi…!?”

Embarrassed, the TongueTied Messi Pointed-Up, and grunted an-Illogical ‘excuse’… Of-a single-Word…

“… sun…”

The Confused Rory responded…

“… ‘what’ sun…!?”

… looked-UP at the-Bright Floodlights, then at ‘the’ Muddied-minded Messi Hobbling-Away with a-limp…

-O-

ON-the 65th-Minute, in-The-Dragon’s D-Box, Tully engaged in-A-tackle with Dragon’s Oswald-Farrel, and ‘got’ Himself injured instead In-The-knee, with a-severe ACL-Tear. He Cried in-AGONY ~ Ref-Olden stopped the-Match… he WAS Lifted OUT BY Metcalf, and subs (Creed, Urban-&-the reserve goalie, Broxen). Soon, the-Tully Injured WAS-Replaced – BY Super-SUB, Bobby Igger (… getting ‘his’ Moment TO-Play in HBFPark stadium in-The-LED Spotlight…

… Bobby Didn’t disappoint ~ and he CHANGED the game’s Dynamics with fastening its-Pace… as Bobby Reactivated-Supports FOR Nate-&-Gideon in-The-midfield ~ leaving TeamRaymond sidelined in-The-field, with the 5 watching the TRIO Attack. Even the tightly-marked, blister-feet Messi ‘assisted’ them with a Couple-of-Crosses…

Then, ON the-69th-Minute – there WAS a-Gap in-The-Dragon’s Defense ~ the-Playmaker, Bobby-Igger assisted Nate with a-Through PASS… Nate Scored with Rocking-shot ~ beyond the Reach-OF the Outstretched Romulus’ striking dive. The-BullMastiffs ‘were’ 1-2 On-The Stadium’s Electronic scoreboard ~ the captivated Fans Salvo-&-Cheered, and the Firedrake Supporters, BrassBand-&-Cheerleader girls WERE All-Quiet…

The-cynical Messi ‘purposely’ Bearhugged the-Dragon player Rory-&-Celebrated TOO, saying to-the-Brit…

“LOOK-Pommy, ‘we’ Scored, hehe…!”

-O-

For the-NEXT 5 Minutes, the BullMatiffs Attacked (… penetrating the ‘failed’ Dragon’s Offside-traps) … even TeamRaymond ‘pitched’ in-The-field Raids ~ as they Want-TO Level UP TOO… FOR ‘a’ Draw (… TO SaveFace FOR Ray ~ ‘their’ NEW Captain, ‘with’ his ‘disastrous’ debut-Evening Performance) …

… Unfortunately, FOR TeamRaymond @73-Minute, during a Dragon’s Counterattack… fellow TeamRaymond mate-Defender, The-Rock ‘fouled’ FireDrake’s Ian-Mason with a Dirty-Tackle IN-Front of Churros’ goalmouth. Ref-Olden gave a-PenaltyKick (and, The-Rock WAS the 2nd-MastiffPlayer TO-BE Yellowcarded) …

… ‘their’ FANS Cheered… as ‘finally’ GET-TO Score-UP ~ From the-Current shaky 2-1 lead…

Ian-Mason ‘was’ TO-Take the-SpotKick (… it ‘meant’ A-Lot for-Mason’s PRIDE – remanences TO ‘the’ Finals, 2-Months AGO ~ where Mason ‘fouled’ Messi in-The-PenaltyBox… and, Messi ‘scored’ The-kick ~ TO Add TO his Hattrick-Tally) …

… it Gave HIM enthralled-JOY ‘when’ Mason SCORED his Goal BY placing-The-ball TO the RightSide OF the-net, while the ‘misjudged’ Churros ‘dove’ TO-the Left. Followed BY his Teammates Hugging him, and the Bliss-&-Ecstatic Of-The-stadium ROARING with the BrassBand playing ‘Saints-Go-Marching-In,’ and the dancing-Cheerleaders with burlesque-HighKicks…

… Celebrating ‘their’ 3-1 Lead…

The sarcastic-Brit, Rory-Gallager TAPPED Messi’s shoulder, and gloating…

“Hey-Messi, WE Scored-BACK, hehe…”

“F*ck-you…” Annoyed, Messi Rejoindered…

-O-

The-Mastiffs Didn’t GIVE-UP – and pressured the-FireDrake’s defense. Nate RAN with-The-ball Outside the rival’s D-box, as Bobby WAS waiting FOR him-TO Pass…

… EveryOne WAS surprised ‘when’ out-Of-nowhere, Ray went-Across the-Path, and ‘stole’ the-Ball ‘off’ Nate’s feet… Ray Wanted TO SCORE himself, as he invaded solo towards Romulus’ goalmouth. Instantly, 3 alert Dragon defenders Charged-AT-him… Ray SAW 6 imminent eyeballs-Ready TO Pounce IN his-path. He-Panicked with NO-Backup (of ‘his’ Teammates). Ray Then Kicked the-Ball HIGH over-The-Goalpost AGAIN…

Sounds-OF Frustration-&-Laughter Filled the-Stadium (… DragonFans ‘didn’t’ expect Ray-TO tackle ‘his’ OWN Teammate, and squander the-Opportunity with his 5th Rugby-esque kick over-The-bar OF the-evening). While Mastiff supporters WERE pissed-&-cursed FOR Pinocchio-Ray stealing the-BALL (… IF He hadn’t, Nate Could’ve Scored… OR-either… passed TO Bobby TO-Score…

The Annoyed-Nate confronted him, as Ray walked back. Nate SHOUTED at his-Face…

“What the-F*CK ‘were’ YOU’re B*oody Trying TO Prove, you DumbA*s, Pinocchio!!?”

Insulted, Raymond WAS Annoyed ‘when’ Nate-TOO Called him with the Offensive NEW Moniker… he Grabbed Nate’s shirt, shouting Back at-His-face…

“F*CK YOU, Xaviers!”

… the old jersey which he (… and Churros ‘wore’ as-Protest) ~ TORE Up TO his-Chest, when Ray tugged him ‘forward.’ The captain consequently Swung his fists, and delivered punches… as the-Defensive Nate ‘had’ his Arms-UP, and shielded his face FROM the-blows (EvenThough Nate ‘knew’ Jiujitsu-&-Brazilian Capoeira MartialArts, he Didn’t counter ~ moreover, he ‘knew’ what the ‘consequences’ Would-Be IF he TOO-fisticuffed) …

Members-OF ‘both’ TeamRaymond-&-TeamMessi BrokeOff the-Fight, and separated the feuding duo. Ref-Olden flashed the-RED Card AT Raymond, and Told him TO ‘leave’ the-Field, FOR his-Un-sportsmanship Behavior. Ray Handed his Captain-Armband TO his deputy, John-Millstone… and ‘the’ rich-Spoit-brat Walked Away (cursing Nate’s mother’s name). The Ref-resumed the-match with a-Mastiff freekick…

… as Ray approached the Grandstands – he ‘met’ with BOOS-&-JEERS from Mastiff-FANS, missing a-Couple OF water-bottle missiles… while the-Firedrake Crowd laughed-AT him, shaking their heads IN-Disbelief (… it ‘was’ the 1st-Time SEEING a-Player REDCarded FOR ‘fighting’ with AN-Own Team-Member). He Walked his team’s dugout area… his eyes ‘were’ filled with tears-OF anger-&-hatred ‘for’ Nate WHEN he sat-ON the bench beside the HeadCoach Jonah…

… from the-corner OF-his eye, Metcalf SAW Jonah ‘consoling’ the-13 y.o. ~ the-younger Coach WAS Disgusted AT the-OldMan FOR the ‘amount’ OF Favoritism shown, which ÷ the-team… and, the ‘Champions’ WERE now Trailing 1-3… ‘with’ Only 15-Minutes LEFT On-the-Clock. The Disappointed-&-Frustrated Metcalf WAS having discouraging-Thoughts ‘that’ the visiting-Socceroo TalentScouts from Sydney WOULDN’T ‘pick AnyOne BY the-End OF the-Match That-Evening…

…in-The-TEAM, Metcalf ‘built’ IN-2-years… ruined BY school-Politics.

-O-

The 10-Men-Mastiffs KEPT Fighting-FOR every-Ball ‘for’ a-ComeBack. Their-Rival Kept ON their Defense (… satisfied OF their 3-1 LEAD). The Dragon’s Coach-Bolton’s GamePlan WORKED (… BY Locking ‘away,’ BY 2-Men ‘marking’ ON the-Mastiff’s Dangerman-Messi ‘was’ the-KEY, as he ‘was’ the-Team’s Playmaker) …

ON-the 88th-Minute, an Unexpected Turn-OF-Event Occurred, ‘when’ Bobby-Igger ‘took’ the Role-OF Playmaker… and RAN Solo into the-D-Box. The SAME 3-Defenders who ‘scared’ Ray JustNow CONFRONTED him…

… BUT the dazzling Super-SUB samba-ed, and bested the-Trio ~ with facing One-On-One with goalie-Romulus TO beat in the-OPEN Goalmouth. Romulus Ran-OUT TO the penalty area… making his presence-BIG, BY Stretching-himself with the looming forward Approaching TOWARDS-him… and failed TO Close the gap, while Bobby tricked’ him with his herky-jerky moves… as Bobby THEN Waltzed BY the-Misjudging fallen-keeper ~ passing-BY him…

… and Slotted the Ball-In the-Open Goal – TO Narrow-the-Score 2-3…

At Midfield, even Messi WAS Impressed, as he Clapped, and Cheered Along with-the-Roaring stadium Watching Bobby ‘running’ (without celebrating-His-scored goal) TO-The-center OF the field FOR match-TO-resume…

It WAS ‘the’ Dying 2Minutes… the-10Men Mastiff-team pinned the-Dragons FOR an-Equalizer. They ‘had’ 2-Attempts ‘from’ Nate, and Gideon … BUT the rival-Firedrakes’ Defense WAS Impenetrable...

Then, Ref-Olden blew ‘the’ Final Whistle (Of-90Minutes on-The-dot, with NO injury-time Added). The ultimate-Score, where the underdogs-Dragons Defeated the-BullMastiff Champions 3-2…

The Firedrake fans WERE Satisfied with the Expat-school’s Team’s performances… BUT ‘not’ the-pundits IN-The-Mastiff’s SIDE as they-All BLAMED Coach-Metcalf ‘for’ NOT picking Super-SUB, Bobby-Igger TO play-A-90Minute game… where the-Team WOULD’VE Scored ‘more’ Goals, and-WON (… as the Bookkeepers LOST A-Lot of $$$) …

-O-

From-The-VVIP Booth, 3 Socceroo Talent-scout Officials went TO a-Makeshift podium set-Up ‘for’ the-Occasion. One-OF them addressed ON the-mic ~ that, they Would-BE ‘choosing’ ONLY One-Player WHOSE performance WAS Outstanding ‘being’ the-Team’s workhorse… tirelessly running FOR 90Minutes, creating ‘opportunities’ FOR ‘fellow’ Teammates, and SCORING a-Goal-Himself…

… the Player-OF the-Match ~ WAS-None Other than NATE-XAVIERS…

The stadium Roared, Chanting…

“Here-COMES The-Mastiffs, WOOF-WOOF-WOOF!!!”

…SHS’ Mastiff-Fans, and Nate’s Parkour supporters WERE the MOST Ecstatic. Coach-Metcalf ‘was’ Beaming-IN-Pride ‘that’ Nate, whom he Coached Would ‘play’ in-National level Soon…

ON the-LED BigScreen… seeing the-#7 shirt player walking-Up the-Podium TO Receive the-Socceroo Acceptance Certificate. Nate ‘with’ a-Torn jersey ~ lifted the Credential-Paper UP for the applauding Crowd (… that HE Would GO-TO Sydney ‘next’ year TO JOIN* and-Train with ‘the’ Under18 Aussie-squad) …

*[… initially, the VISITORS ‘from’ Sydney CAME TO Scout ‘the’ Talked-about SHS dangerman, Paul ‘Messi*’ Walker… BUT He was incapacitated ‘the’ Whole 90Minutes MARKED tightly BY 2-Dragons ~ and Choose Nate INSTEAD… FOR his-Noteworthy-&-Remarkable performance...

**[… Nate ‘was’ the right-Mature age TOO-OF 16 y.o, and WAS Graduating ‘from’ school that year ~ ‘compared’ TO-the Budding Messi, who ‘was’ ONLY 13 y.o… and, he’ll ‘get’ HIS-Opportunity IN-the next Couple OF-years TO-Come ~ IF he was-STILL ‘Hungry’] …

The Match, and Ceremony Ended seconds ‘before’ the-Stadium-Clock ‘struck’ 9PM… On a hot-&-sweaty Evening.

<>

There WAS a-BIG Hoo-ha ‘when’ some Angry Fans (mainly OF ‘the’ the-LOSING Gambling community) ~ attempt TO Confront TeamRaymond – Police security WAS Called in-FOR-Protection…

... @theHBFPark LockerRoom, ‘only’ TeamMessi WERE present in-The-Changing room (… while outside the-Stadium, police escorted the players OF TeamRaymond TO Jonah’s car… the 5 OF them ‘packed’ Themselves in-The Holden-Commodore ~ In-their sweaty shirts, and soiled boots… and, as the-OldMan drove them TO Safety ‘from’ the pitchforked angry-Fans ~ with the-Commodore WAS then escorted BY-2 patrol cars…

MEANWHILE IN-The-Changing room, TeamMessi WERE Celebrating the ‘successes’ OF Nate-Xaviers. They hugged him, while ‘the’ beaming joyful Coach Metcalf WAS reading the-Socceroo’s Acceptance Certificate. EveryOne was-Taking selfie with Nate-&-his certificate. Bobby setup his mobile cellphone TO Take a-Mastiff GROUP Photograph….

They then showered-Together, and sang the SHS Anthem effulgently – Coach Metcalf ‘hurried’ them (… cos’ the school-Bus ‘leaves’ @9:30PM… TO Take them-HOME).

-O-

There WERE ‘about’ a score-OF cars-IN-the stadium parking-Lot… TeamMessi Walked TO the parked-Bus. The driver-&-Coach Metcalf ‘went’ OVER TO some stadium officials (reporting Millstone-&-Dooley ‘who’ both Came-BY the bus ‘were’ Missing). The Official ‘told’ the-Duo WERE sent home BY Coach-Jonah) …

Paul’s subconsciousness TOOK-OVER Messi’s body, as he Walked with his mates TO the-Bus. EveryOne HEARD a girl’s Voice calling, ‘Messi!’ Turning their heads TO SEE Rina-Kurtzman* in her RED Cheerleader uniform ‘calling’ Paul…

*[… everybody in the BullMastiff team ‘knew’ that she WAS Captain-Ronnie’s younger sister ~ ‘who’ Herself WAS Captain OF St-George’s Girls SoccerTeam… And, a-Top scorer TOO ~ Receiving ‘her’ Award along-With Messi 2-Months AGO…

[… the voluptuous-Built 15 y.o. Blonde WAS a-Future Sports-Illustration magazine CoverGirl material… what Surprised the-Mates WAS the Drop-dead UK-Hottie WAS Close TO Messi… TO ‘not’ OF their knowledge**] …

**[… THEY DO ‘not’ Know a-WEEK Ago… BOTH Messi-&-Rina attended the Sunday JMS’ YouthMeet – ‘where’ The-HolySpirit, Mar-Daskalos Lilith HAD Effectuated-&-MatchMaked them-BOTH – ‘as’ a-Couple OF the Solomonite Tribe] …

-O-

Rina WAS Calling him ~ Paul went TO her. In-The-corner of-His-eyes… he SAW ‘the’ Prying eyeballs OF his teammates in-The bus-windows ~ wide ginning-&-some cheering with encouragements. He looked OVER the-Parked cars in-his Left-IN The-dark 10Meters away, and spotting Ronnie-Kurtzman’ silver-Maserati… waiting FOR ‘his’ sister (… and, the-nervous Paul assumed he WAS ‘watching’ him) …

… the-Boy ‘realized’ Messi in-RPL ‘was’ having a-Romeo-&-Juliet ‘relationship’ Of Classes (… OF Montague-&-Capulet… BullMastiffs VS Dragons ~ Aussies VS Pommies) …

IN His head, he-Questioned…

‘… does-Ronnie ‘mind’ with Messi’s chasing-After his-sister’s skirt…!?’

Although he HAD showered, lugging a-knapsack of His-gears On-His-back… Paul began TO sweat ‘again’ when hot breeze hit the-warm Evening air … and wiped the salty-perspiration Droplets Off his-brow with his arm. She WAS ‘only’ 5-Meters away…

… Paul’d been ‘avoiding’ Rina’s ‘advancements’ cos’ she ‘was’ a Distraction TO-Messi (EvenThough JMS ‘had’ Consummated ‘them’ as-A-Couple). BUT Paul ‘wanted’ celibacy, and TO remain-A-virgin… But unfortunately, ‘trapped’ in sexual-crazed Messi’s BODY ~ ‘who’ Was lusting TO ‘bone’ the-UK expat ‘for’ a-LongTime (… and-Similarly, Rina ‘wanted’ it-Too) …

Rina-HAD ‘chosen’ Messi ~ AS she ‘saw’ HIM-As Her-Sex partner (‘not’ OF love, that the-Conservative* Paul HAD Desired) … the-Boy ‘realized’ Messi’s Choice-&-Taste of-Girls WAS the ‘same’ AS his-devil twin, PETER … and, have a-Hedonistic Adolescent premarital sex Lifestyle (… ‘just’ like HIS Jezebel-&-Bella, IN the ‘other’ Travelled Dimension-Perth Universes) …

*[… as ‘his’ Traditional Centric-Mother…

[… his ‘real’ MOM-Of the-OTHERPERTH HAD Taught him-WELL (… although he ‘met’ SEVERAL ‘other’ Liberalminded Carol-variants) ~ WHEN ‘each’ TIME he Reincarnated-IN ‘other’ Perth-Earths] …

Paul briefly-Thought OF his ‘own’ Failed LoveStory ~ since his-Arrival in-RPL a-fortnight AGO… where Maggi-Wong BrokeUp with him-Yesterday (… wanting TO-Join ‘the’ Holy-Ministry – TO-Be a Catholic-nun*) …

*[… and, there WAS-ALSO ‘a’ Renegade Ai ‘entity’ in his-Head, who Loved Maggi-Wong-TOO… and, Boyyo WAS pissed-OFF that she was-Wanting TO ‘join’ the-Religious order, and… Blamed Paul For-IT].

The-Boy ‘knew’ Messi-&-Boyyo’ve EARLIER Teamed-UP together TO ‘oppose’ him… BUT the-Duo’s plans FAILED when the-Ai ‘betrayed’ Messi BY ‘sabotaging’ him in-The-Match (…BUT NOW ‘that’ the-Match’ WAS-OVER ~ would the-Duo TeamUp ‘again?) …

Paul TOO ‘felt’ it WAS ‘not’ RIGHT Of ‘him’ TO DENY Messi ‘of’ Rina (… and, AVOID the-Consequences ‘of’ the-Resentful Messi TO-GO ‘back,’ and Rejoin the-Rebel-Ai ~ as the-Duo ‘deemed’ Paul (… ‘the’ BodySnatcher) as ‘their’ C*ckblocker TO their ‘girlfriends’. Paul HAD TO make leeway TO Appease Messi (… BUT with ‘strict’ rules-&-guidelines) FOR Socializing ‘with’ the flirtatious Rina… (… with NO-SEX Involved) …

‘… yea, dealing ‘with’ Teenage-Pregnancy SUCKS! And-Shucks Rina… showing ‘your’ pootang-TO-Messi…

“… I ‘should’ TAME ‘the’ Rich-brat Lioness, who’s on ‘heats’…’

-O-

He Walked-over with his-iPhone in-his hand. (Earlier, in the-LockerRoom – HE Got an-SMS from Messi’s mom) ~ that, she WAS going for-Morning Mass @StMike’s tomorrow @7AM (… he replied with the Thumbs-Up emoji, and texted Carol, ‘I’ll Be Home soon’…

He stopped a-Meter from the Big-blonde haired Cheerleader, in her skimpy RED costume. She Hadn't shower ~ and the perfume she wore’ WAS strong. Paul waved, and said, ‘Hi!’ Rina Came forward and held HIS HANDS ~ and bubbly complimented OF-His ‘good’ performance he-Played…

… skeptical, Paul ‘knew’ that Wasn’t ‘true’ ~ as-A-Soccer ‘player’ Herself… she ‘knew’ That-Messi WAS tightly-MARKED By-2 Of ‘her’ hometeam-Dragons in-The-match – BUT anyway, he Took-IT as a-Compliment… and Thanked-Rina (… while the-Corner OF his eyes, looked-OUT for her-Brother Ronnie in-The-Maserati, WITH his sister holding Messi’s ‘hands’ WHILE chatting) …

… a dim BlueLight shone IN ‘the’ Maserati dark-cabin… Ronnie WASN’T Looking ~ ‘busy’ with-His phone…

Rina then-Asked…

“Are you ‘coming’ TO the-YouthMeet…!?’

The-Boy stumped a-Little (… on-His SickDay-Monday, he’d ‘read’ the EMAIL invitation that JMS CHURCH sent). BUT He WAS TongueTied… whether-TO GO…

“… err…”

She ‘got’ Serious… and clutched her-Grips tight, Onto Paul’s fingers… saying…

“2 month-Ago, I gave you* my-Mobile#... ‘why’ have you ‘not’ call ‘once’…!?”

*[… Rina ‘was’ attracted TO-BadBoy Messi (… so ‘was’ Blind-Maggi Wong) ~ Paul Didn’t ‘know’ a-Logical excuse TO-Give cos’ he ‘only’ arrived in-RPL ‘for’ 2-Week… while Rina gave her Mobile# 2-Months ‘ago’] …

“…Well?” The Blond Asked the stupefied-Boy…

“… err… I Lost* it…”

… Paul Going-Thru Messi’s MemoryData in-A Flash, and Replied. The Displeased Rina scoffed TO-Herself, and Grabbed his iPhone ~ startled, he ‘let’ it go easily… and realized Rina ‘had’ strong hand-Grip, ‘as’ she Was-an-Athlete TOO…

…At the moment, Paul panicked cos’ Messi HAD her-STOLEN Facebook Personal photos (… like her in-The-gym, wearing her aerobic leotard ~ ‘with’ CamelToes ~ that Messi USED-To ‘jackoffs’ TO @home) …

“Give me Your-phone!”

Rina Typed-In her#, and miscalled… her phone RANG Twice. She-then ‘gave’ the-Boy his-phone Back… who looked ‘at’ her ~ dumbfounded OF-WHERE her ringing-Phone WAS ‘coming’ FROM (as she Wasn’t carrying it ‘when’ she held hands with him… neither she carried a-Handbag, OR a-Bagpack… and, assumed her skimpy Cheerleader skirt Had-no pockets either) …

The blonde then-Reached in, and kissed his cheek in-The-dark. 5-METERS AWAY ~ Cheers-&-WolfWhistled WERE heard FROM the-School Bus, coming FROM TeamMessi ~ Rina giggled ‘for’ the-Attention she HAD Created…

“… hehe…I’ll Call-You…bye-Love, see ‘you’ tomorrow Then…”

The heavyset blond WAS Running-Off TO the Maserati… while the mystified-Boy ‘had’ Finally figured ‘where’ Her-Ringing Phone-WAS…

‘… sheesh! It ‘was’ in her-Bra ~ in-Between her-cone Torpedo-Boobs… bet ~ ON-Vibrating Mode-TOO…’

-O-

Paul ‘got’ into the-Bus… with lipstick mark On-his-Right cheek, the-Boys teased him, that he ‘had’ a-Secret Girlfriend that they ‘knew’ Not-OF ‘until’ Today (… BUT they ‘saw’ SIGNs…

… during pre-match’s Public ‘Antics’ OF Messi – ‘acted’ Obscenely Towards Rina, performing-In-the Cheerleading squad… they-All SAW it On the LED BigScreen ~ (…the mayor-&-TalentScouts included) where he vulgarly ‘mimicked’ sexual pelvis-Moves… clowning like a-Dancing gigolo…

The-Boys Wanted TO Ask Paul the raunchy ‘stuff’ – BUT Coach-Metcalf Came-Onboard, and ‘the’ Conversation ended in-The-presence OF the-Adult teacher… they settled behind in-Rows OF individual seats with their Bags. Paul sat Alone in the-Backseat, 2-rows AWAY ‘from’ everyone… kicking-Off his Nike sneakers OF his blistered feet. The bus-Driver started his vehicle…

Churros Wasn’t following them (neither ‘were’ Millstone-&-Dooley). Those present in-The-cabin WERE the 4 substitutes (Creed, Igger, Urban-&-Broxen) … with 4 regular 1st-11 players (Eli, Rupert, Gideon-&-Messi). 8-Boys… including Metcalf-&-the driver (… total-10 in-The 25-capacity seated bus) …

… Churros with his Dufflebag, left ‘earlier’ ON Nate-Xavier’s motorbike (… As-they came from the same neighborhood suburbia) …

Paul SAW Eli, Rupert-&-Broxen IN-Conversation with Coach-Metcalf in-The-front… while In-The-middle Were the hang loose-Subs in their chattering… while Paul SAT Alone in-The-rear (… where NoOne ‘bothered’ him ~ cos’ he had-Been thru-A Lot OF ‘not’ been selected BY the-TalentScouts… and, ‘also’ Losing Mastiff’s team Captaincy-role TO Raymond Donovan) …

Neither, Paul DID ‘care’ Of ‘not’ being-Selected BY ‘the’ Talent scouts… ‘nor’ Of his Skipper-Armband offered BY-Jonah TO-Ray As-NEW Team Captain… cos’ just ‘like’ Churros-&-Nate – he ‘was’ Quitting TOO (… and, TO focus in-His-studies). But he could ‘not’ keep FROM-hearing the Substitutes ‘praising’ Nate FOR Getting selected TO-Be training in the National Under-18 squad next-year. Then, the chats WERE directed TO SuperSub, Bobby-Igger… laudatory TO ‘his’ 88th-Minute’s 2nd-Goal (Broxen said Bobby Would-BE ‘picked’ BY the-TalentScouts in-The-NEXT TimeAround) …

‘… hope they-DO…’

… Paul Thought ‘positive’ FOR the ‘future’ OF the-BullMastiff team… they SHOULD ‘move’ ON without Messi NEXT year ~ his mind WAS Tired ‘of’ Sports politicking OF Favoritism. He WAS with his-Mates, who WERE Disenchanted with the ‘former’ Soccer-coach… the ‘fly-In-the-Ointment’ ~ with Jonah MESSING UP Metcalf’s GamePlan… and his ‘mismatch’ appendage-OF his GoldenBoy-Ray, ‘as’ KEY-Striker… and adulation FOR Ray (… and, ‘even’ Praising HIS mistakes) …

‘… hah! The As*hole carried his SHS’ Canteen-Feud TO the-HBF Field, and Attacked Nate…

‘… GO Show ‘the’ RED-Card slapped-ON your-Forehead TO Your PapaJonah ~ and he’ll hug you TO-His Old-Drooping bosoms-&-sing you f*ckin’ Lullaby-Of-praises, You Colossal-Cluster-f*ck …’

-O-

In the 15Minutes ‘back’ home, the-Boy WAS totally Worn-OUT BOTH physically-&-mentally – it WAS ‘the’ 1st-Time Paul played a-Full 90Minute sport in-Any PerthEarth as-A BodySnatcher, and IN-a competitive level TOO (in the harsh Heatwave weather). He Shut his eyes TO Clear his-Mind ~ ‘knowing’ that HIS-Socceroo problem ‘was’ now-OVER (… he ‘needed’ TO Respite before Tacking his ‘next’ Problem) …

… BUT his-Active Thoughts Couldn't HELP ‘seeking’ HIS ‘next’ Problem ~ which-Was the 15 y.o. seductress, Rina-Kurtzman:

* At the present, she HAD his Mobile# ~ and Would CALL tomorrow (… who HE Doesn't want TO-Talk to)

* Paul HAD TO Go TO the-JMS YouthMeet tomorrow ~ cos’ OF Rina (… which HE Doesn’t want TO-Attend to)

‘… what IF she ‘rapes’ me…!? I Wouldn’t want TO-Lose My-Virginity TO that-Minx…’