Coach Namir #2
It was late in the evening with the sun already down.
The rumblings of laughter and conversation filled the air.
I paused when I saw the poster plastered on the wall of the stadium that talked about a meeting tonight.
Join the Coven Council. Hosted by Xavier Martin.
The mocking image of Maggie Grey looking like a cartoon vampire lashing out almost made me snatch the paper down, but I kept walking.
Wherever she is, it’s much safer than here right now so I took comfort in knowing that much.
“That boy thinks he’s going to get far by doing this and turning half the Underground against him,” Moore said. “This whole thing about predators being violent nonsense is going to ruffle the wrong feathers.”
“He’ll be dealt with soon enough,” I said with a snarling tone.
One day soon, if I ever caught Xavier alone, especially above ground, I would kill him.
Without hesitation, without a thought behind it.
Even against Maggie’s wishes because I know she wouldn’t want that; I would still do it.
Just the sound of bones cracking made my fingers clinch into an anxious fist at my side. Soon enough…
The smell of must and cologne blended with sweat and food from the dining hall drifted into my nose.
The work was already starting with construction happening on the arena already in play.
Tickets would go on sale soon and traffic was about to be on a whole other level for one of the biggest sporting events in the Underground.
“That’s good to hear. We need your head in the game. I’ve heard through conversations that these schools are pretty much sleeping on Drew Collins. They think we’re soft.”
I cut my eyes at Moore as we shared a sarcastic chuckle before coming face to face with a crowd of students gathered on the field.
After a haircut, a quick shave, and just a clearer headspace, I put my clipboard down on the ground and smiled as I raised my hand in the air for complete silence.
There were students I didn’t even think would be here, still in their uniform while others were already dressed down.
“Let me just say this,” I started as everyone settled down.
Moore lowered his hand, motioning for everyone to take a seat on the field.
“I know the conversations and the talks around the Grounds right now surrounding a certain student.” A brief moment of Asha’s voice came to mind as I shook it off.
“I’m not oblivious to what’s going on and how it relates to me.
Nothing changes on my end. If you feel differently, show yourself off the field.
I won’t tolerate disrespect, and if you’re here because you want to be nosey, don’t waste my time or yours. See yourself out.”
A few girls got up with embarrassed expressions on their faces before humbly rushing off the field.
“If you’re here because you believe you can win the games this year, well then myself, Coach Moore, and a few other eyes in the sky,” motioning towards the bleachers where a few others on my staff were watching with a wave.
“Will determine that here tonight. We need a total of four students for…” I reached down to grab my clipboard.
“The Underground Games that they are calling, the Four Elements Summit this year. You will be dismissed from your school work as long as you’re partaking in the games.
I think Coach Moore can explain it a little better than I can. ”
I stepped back as I looked over the students still in uniform. Some I was familiar with, others I wasn’t but I didn’t see much potential outside of the ones I’m used to seeing during practice.
“Alright! Listen up! I’m gonna see if I can more of you to get the fuck off my field,” Moore said as he clapped his hands.
“This is the most dangerous thing you can ever do in your life. People have died during these games. You don’t know what you could be fighting, if not each other.
You don’t know what they’ll have you doing and once you get inside that dome,” he pointed.
“You cannot get out unless you win or lose. As I said before… It will test you mentally, spiritually, emotionally, as well as physically. We’ve only seen one man win this with no one coming in second or third place.
He partook in the most dangerous one we’ve had so far and came out not only a champion, but an icon and he’s standing right next to me. ”
I crossed my arms over my chest with a slow nod.
“I’ve never seen anyone more committed to the love of the field like this man so if you’re not up to his standards, I don’t want you wasting my damn time.
He’s more willing to work with you, I’m not.
He’s good cop, I’m bad cop. If you are chosen, once you sign your name on that paper which is essentially a blood contract, your life belongs to the arena, and anything can happen when inside.
The question is will you be prepared for it.
As I said, there is no backing out. There’s no getting sick.
The only way to complete this contract is to win or lose.
We won’t be giving out any hints, but we can do our best to prepare you. ”
I looked back after hearing the sound of the band practicing nearby before turning back around to focus on the students.
“This year is focused on four elements. Whether you think it’s earth wind and fire,” Moore added as a few chuckled at the musical joke.
“Or metal, stone, and wood. It can be whatever they deem it to be. Each game will be shaped around these elements. So for example, if we’re playing basketball, there may be a court placed in the middle of a rocky ocean.
If we’re doing tag, you could be in the middle of nowhere running for miles with no place to hide.
When I did it, my theme was called Time Lapse," Moore said.
“I came in third place representing Drew Collins back in 88. Namir participated twice and both times came out first and the only winner of both games. What were your themes?”
“Mine was War Games, and the second year was Hunter vs Prey,” I said as I could see eyes widened.
“It’s no joke out there. It’s the Hunger Games on steroids that incorporate basic sports such as football, soccer, running, and such while being in tune with our natural animalistic side.
If you are not prepared mentally, you will never come out the same, if you come out at all so again, if you don’t think you’re ready for something like this, leave.
There is no more practicing. There are no more drills, everything we do from this point on is for a win. ”
When nobody got up, Moore and I shared a glance as I stretched my arms out.
“Has there ever been a woman to win one of these games?”
I looked back at the woman standing with her arm in the air. Fairly attractive, slim athletic build with her eyes solely on me. Even Moore smirked as he nodded for me to answer.
“No. No woman makes it past the first round,” I said.
“I will,” she declared. “Jodie Smalls, third year. Intellectual student.”
I simply nodded. I knew the look all too well. Maybe in another lifetime I might take her up on the obvious invitation she was throwing my way with the look in her eyes, but my interest was only in winning.
“Has there been anyone to win it twice like you, coach?” Another asked.
“No. Although we don’t speak on my second win because many died during those games,” I said.
A few students suddenly got up with a shake of their head as they walked off.
“I cannot stress this enough, you can possibly die, lose a limb, your teeth, your mind…
you will not come out the same if you agree to do this, but what comes with it when you make it out, unforgettable moments, fame, and lots of press for what it's worth. So… anybody else wanna leave before signing away your life?” Everyone just stared back at me.
“Aight…it’s y'all funeral,” I muttered. “Let’s get started.
See if we can knock y'all down to 20 by the end of the night. You know how I do, straight conditioning drills.”
“This is going to be the best part.” Moore muttered with a wicked grin before reaching into his shirt to grab the whistle to blow. “Let’s gooooo!”