Bloodstock Island

Chapter 10

Max gave out a powerful punch after another. He can sense his adrenaline increasing with each strike, making his hits heavier than before.

He got all fired up from all the s**t that’s been happening around him, not to mention the whole situation the school was in.

“You seem in the mood, kid. Anything happened?”

Coach Vavenski laughs, receiving the grunt and weight of his attacks with his gloves.

After getting out of the makeshift clinic, he headed straight for the field and was thankful he had caught up with his trainer.

They pause for a moment, taking the time to breathe. The elder walks towards the bleachers where he had his water jug, drawing quick sips from it.

That also got him thirsty, so he followed. Coach throws him an extra bottle, which he chugged in a go. It removed the dryness in his mouth, replenishing him in an instant.

While the old man took his time, he shifted his sights to the vehicles park in the school’s main building. More people in hazmats arrived, and they were escorting some students into it.

“What’s up with all the sterilizing and soldiers? Did something happen?”

He utters when he saw the elderly was staring at the place.

Max got this sudden nervousness, seeing the grim look on his coach’s face, along with those blank eyes.

“Damn, and things were looking good around here.”

The old man curse, lips twitching afterwards.

“You all right, coach?”

Max’s brows furrowed because of what the guy said. But his concern now was on the elder entirely, noticing the tight grip the trainer had on the towel on his neck. Profusely sweating just from standing there. It was like he was in some sort of pain, face creasing with each inhale.

“Mister Yuri Vavenski.”

Someone calls out from behind them, making both men turn at the same time. It was Darius, together with four guards and five others in hazmats. They all walk in such unison and fashion it was too hard not to take notice.

“Ah darn it. I knew they’d come after me next.”

The man’s face twisted in such a way it caused all his wrinkles to increase, gritting his teeth as he gargled the last remaining bits of water in his bottle.

“Is everything good? Coach?”

Max’s protective instincts kicked in, suddenly weary, concern crawling into him as the group started getting closer to them.

He calms down when he feels the guys tight hold on his shoulder, the minute he was about to stand.

“Yeah, no need to worry. I’ve known these guys since they were about your age.”

Vavenski utters, tapping him to get to his seat.

And, as the elderly said, all the individuals gave a quick bow with their hands on their chest, not one of them missing a beat when they walked.

It was Darius who move upfront, letting out a warm smile towards them.

“How you’ve been doing, sir?”

The guy turned sheepish, seeing the disgruntled face of the elder.

“I’m holding up, as you can see. Strong as a bull.”

Coach was thumping his chest, inhaling to make it look bigger in front of them. He then threw a quick wink at Max, which made them chuckle.

“I am glad you are well.”

The others laugh along, the sense of familiarity between them made the atmosphere lighter. Though there was still the weight of the entire scene and situation.

“Don’t you think the hazmats are over the top? You’re scaring the kids here.”

Vavenski pointed at the individuals, making all of them turn red. As even the soldiers wore gas masks. Except for Darius, having only put on a face mask.

“Sorry, sir. We had to take certain precautions.”

The fellow gave an apologetic bow, grinning as he scratched the back of his head in such shame it showed how much they respected the elderly guy.

“I see. We’ll, let’s get this over with. Hope you brought those thin needles this time. I really hate those damn large ones.”

The coach grumbled, picking up his stuff. The soldiers were quick to move, helping with carrying the trainer’s bags, along with all the other equipment they had lying there.

“I set aside some for you, sir.”

Darius gave a tap on the guy’s back, which made the elderly put a hand around the man’s shoulder.

Max got somewhat surprised, seeing how they were all chummy with each other. Also, the old guy seems to tell the truth. As every person there showed a high regard for him.

Each of them was thoughtful about their actions, especially with the elder. Careful with handling with their stuff.

“Will you be okay here, champ?”

Vavenski turned to him as they were about to move.

As he stayed staring at them, remaining seated on the bench. He did not need to do so, considering they had finished checking in on him.

“Yeah, I think I’ll lift some weights at the gym. Get all this all out.”

He replied.

There were still traces of all the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Continually feeling all the energy coursing through him. It made his hand twitch, shaky, needing to release more of the anxiety he had.

He’d wanted to remove all that pent up vigor before he goes home. Not wanting to get another sleepless night.

“All right. Don’t overdo it.”

Vavenski chuckles, waving a goodbye.

They then straddle away, chattering as they walk about. Like an old friend catching up. It was only then Max noticed how his coach move, each step moving in unison and the same manner.

He stayed there, peacefully watching as the group returned to the school.

Once alone, the memories he’d been trying to keep at bay crawled from his leg up, slithering through his body while giving out those prickling sensations on his skin.

Clench jaw, he grabs his bags and dashes straight out of there. It was beginning all over again; the sense sending all those odd and confusing sensitivity within him.

Over the fence, he ran the full distance from the field into the building nearby, slamming the door open as he charges into the gym.

He was still breathing heavily, having the rush of blood streaming all over his body. Heat flowing through every part of him.

The entire experience troubled him, irritated that he couldn’t erase the sensation from his mind. It was like his entirety was craving for it, needing to have those hands on him again. It enrage him since they seem to have put him in the predicament and he didn’t know what to do at that point.

His thoughts were still wandering as he made his way for the bench press, when suddenly a shadow appears behind him.

Time slowed down as his intuition slap him awake, making his fists move on its own. But his action was far too slow, as a hand graze the side of his head, sending a sting in his ear.

No choice, along with his body reacting to it, he send out a quick round house kick in reply. Causing him and his unknown assailant to fall on their backs. Both got caught by surprise by the exchange.