Gridiron Genesis: Jamaica's Revolution

"What do you mean you are not attending T.B.C High?" Zalika questioned, walking around her brother's room with her arms crossed.

Kyren barely looked up at his duffel bag as he stuffed in clothes. "Sis, your school's football team is on its deathbed. It's not like it used to be. The only reason I even considered going was that T.B.C High puts a big stress on sports, Education and arts. But football? It's on the point of crumbling. So I'm going to C-Vails Academy instead."

Zalika's jaw tightened. "What? No! You can't do that!"

Kyren zipped his bag tightly, at last regarding her. "Yes, I can. I need the finest training if I'm to continue as the finest quarterback. I'm not joking around, Zalika. My goal is the national team, and T.B.C High ain't gonna get me there."

Zalika smiled. "Oh? What if I said, the program's changing?"

Kyren stared up, an arched eyebrow on his face. "What do you mean?"

"Zidane Kingsley's becoming head coach."

Kyren froze, his eyes snapping open. "Wait. What? Are you kidding me?"

Zalika denied it with a shake of the head, the satisfaction glinting in her eye. "Nope. And he specifically told us he wants you on his team."

Kyren swallowed hard. "He actually said that?"

"Yes," Zalika told him.

[Zidane Kingsley's House]

Zidane Kingsley sat in a sharp-cornered leather chair, examining the dossiers of students who auditioned for the football program. His face was a mask, a blank expression.

He let out a quick breath, spilling the stack of papers onto the table. "Trash. All of them."

His bright blue eyes landed on one name Kyren Locke. His lips curled into a smile. "At least there's one gem in this batch let's hope there's more in the long run."

Not waiting, he picked up his phone and dialed.

"Natalya, change of plans," Zidane said as soon as she answered. "I know it's early, but I want them in June before school even starts a summer training program."

Silence on the other line. "You want to start training ahead of semester?" Natalya asked.

"Yes. I need to break them down and rebuild them. It's crucial."

".Okay. I'll notify the board, then the students who are interested in football" Natalya said.

"Good," Zidane responded, dropping the phone.

 [The next day T.B.C High The School Yard]

Zidane walked through the schoolyard, looking around him. He wasn't searching for anything of specific interest yet, until he saw two children playing catch.

One had untidy black hair and very red eyes. The other, white blue haired and dramatic blue eyed.

The black haired boy threw the ball a little too high.

"Sorry, Elijah!" he cried.

Elijah leaped, catching the ball effortlessly before landing and flipping it back. 

Zidane scowled. He'd witnessed that kind of athletic ability before. It didn't occur frequently. It was crude. Unrefined. But it was dangerous. 

He walked straight up to them. 

"You," Zidane said, his finger extended.

The white blue-haired boy blinked. "Uh. me?"

"Do you even realize what you just did?" Zidane's voice was cold, analytical. "Do you know what happened just now?"

Elijah shrugged. "I jumped?"

Zidane's grin widened. "No. You launched off with ridiculous control. What's your exact vertical?"

Elijah inclined his head to the side. "I dunno. I can jump higher, though."

The black-haired boy gasped. "Wait a minute… You're Zidane Kingsley!"

Zidane didn't even glance at him. He aimed directly at Elijah. "I require you on the football team."

Elijah's response was quick. "Nah. I'm good."

Zidane's brow twitched. "Excuse me?"

"I told you no. Thanks for the offer, but I'm already in the arts program."

Zidane let out a low laugh. "Alright then." He turned and walked away.

As soon as he was gone, the black-haired boy turned to Elijah. "Dude. Do you even know who that is?"

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Not really."

[Principal's Office]

Zidane entered Natalya's office without knocking.

"You're early," she said.

"I have to start training before the semester," Zidane said, crossing his arms.

Natalya sighed. "I told you I'd handle it. Anything else?"

Zidane hesitated before he gave her that smirk. "There's this kid. I want him on the team."

"Who?"

"Elijah."

Natalya raised an eyebrow. "Elijah Vance? Sorry, Zidane, but he's going to get expelled. His grades are terrible, and he won't join extracurriculars."

Zidane's smile never wavering. "Then let's get that resolved. Send him off to football. I personally will ensure that he keeps his grades up. But first I want him at the summer training camp."

Natalya pressed her lips into a line before hitting the intercom. "Elijah Vance, report to my office immediately."

Two minutes passed before Elijah knocked on the door.

"Come in," Natalya said.

Elijah entered and was immediately struck when he saw Zidane. "You again?"

Zidane leaned back in his chair, his smirk spreading. "Yes. Me again."

Natalya clasped her hands together. "Elijah, meet Zidane Kingsley four-time Super Nova Champion T.B.C High's new football head coach."

Elijah stood with folded arms. "Cool. And?"

Zidane chuckled. "And I want you on the team."

"I already said no."

Zidane's smirk dropped. He leaned forward, his eyes burning. "You are in no position to refuse, Mr. Vance. In fact, you should be begging for this opportunity."

Elijah's jaw clenched. "What's that mean?"

Natalya sighed. "Elijah… if you don't shape up your grades and get involved in an extracurricular, the board will expel you."

Elijah's eyes widened. "Wait what? But my mom.!"

Zidane rose to his feet, towering over him. "I require you. We require your skill to win NFS." He offered his hand. "So what's it gonna be? Sit on the bench and watch your future vanish or have the opportunity to become something unbeatable?" 

Elijah glanced at Zidane, and then Natalya. He took a harsh breath. 

".Look, fine. Apparently, you do need me, and I need you."

He accepted Zidane's hand.

"Oh, you've got yourself a deal."

Zidane grinned. "Good. Now let's make you into a monster."