The Royal Court Academy players walked into the arena with a renewed fire. Their last victory had given them momentum, but the Broad National Tournament didn't wait for anyone—every game was tougher, every opponent stronger.
King adjusted his headband, looking at the roaring crowd. This is where we prove we belong at the top.
On the other side of the court stood Pent Villa Court Academy, led by the sharp-eyed Usato and the graceful but deadly Leng Gale. This wasn't just another game—it was a battle for pride, survival, and ranking.
The Opening Tip
The whistle blew.AJ leapt higher than ever before, his awakened power coursing through him—shadows trailing his arms as he slapped the ball back to King.
"Let's show them what Royal Court's about!" King shouted, charging down.
Mia sprinted into position, her footwork dazzling, breaking ankles left and right before dishing the ball to Treasure, who drained a three-pointer with a confident grin.
The crowd roared.
But Pent Villa answered quickly. Usato sliced through the defense like a blade, his aura sharp and cutting, before tossing a no-look pass to Leng Gale. She rose with elegance, her shot smooth as silk—swish.
3–3. Game on.
AJ & Kiisi's First Spark
Halfway through the first quarter, AJ found himself matched against Kiisi, the quiet but fierce Pent Villa guard. She was quick, her movements calculated, her power shimmering like glass—fragile-looking, but impossible to break.
AJ dribbled, his shadow energy swirling around him. "You're fast," he muttered.
Kiisi smirked, stealing the ball from his left hand in a blink. "You're too loud." She dashed down the court, finishing with a reverse layup.
The bench erupted. AJ clenched his fists but couldn't help the small grin tugging at his lips. For the first time, someone read him like a book.
When he stole the ball back moments later—darkness wrapping around his hands—he whispered as he passed her, "Not bad."
Her reply was soft, but enough to rattle him: "You'll have to do better than that if you want to impress me."
AJ froze for a second. Wait… did she just—? His chest tightened, and he shook his head. Focus, man. It's just basketball… right?
The Rising Heat
The game grew more intense.
Cadel, trying to bury his feelings after Jasmine, played reckless, driving into defenders, drawing fouls left and right.
Treasure's shots lit up the scoreboard, every basket a statement.
Mia and King connected beautifully, their chemistry on and off the court undeniable—every alley-oop a reflection of trust.
But Pent Villa wasn't backing down. Usato's leadership kept them sharp. Leng Gale's deadly efficiency forced Royal Court to adjust their defense. And Kiisi? She kept AJ on his toes every single possession.
A Moment of Silence
Late in the third quarter, AJ and Kiisi collided mid-drive. Both tumbled to the floor. For a second, the whole arena gasped.
AJ offered her his hand. Kiisi hesitated… then took it. Their eyes met—hers determined, his burning with something new.
"Don't hold back," she whispered before jogging back to her side.
AJ stood frozen, the words echoing in his mind. She wants me at my best… fine. She'll get it.
The Fourth Quarter
Royal Court stormed into the last stretch. King powered through defenders, slamming down a dunk that shook the backboard. Treasure nailed back-to-back deep threes. Mia and Jasmine locked down on defense, forcing turnovers.
But the highlight came when AJ, ignited by Kiisi's challenge, pulled off an insane coast-to-coast drive. His shadows spread like wings as he soared—slam dunk!
Even Kiisi, catching her breath on the other side, smirked. Maybe he's worth watching after all.
Final Buzzer
Royal Court 92 – Pent Villa 88.
The game ended, but the sparks had only just begun. As the teams lined up to shake hands, AJ brushed past Kiisi.
"Next time," she said with a sly grin.
"Yeah," AJ replied, heart pounding. "Next time, I'll win… and not just on the scoreboard."
The rivalry. The tension. The chemistry. Something had started between AJ and Kiisi—something bigger than just basketball.
i need a voting between king and cadel who do you think is a better captain or would be a better captain i want answer in the comment section by this evening voting will end by 6:30pm sharp