Super Nova Genesis - Evolution of the Phoenix

Today was another Baseball practice; Phoenix and Jordan were given more focus to improve their skills. Tomorrow will be their first match; all the other girls were left on their own under the guidance of the older members, Camille and Pamela.

“All righty then ladies, so if you want to be included in the team I suppose the first thing we need to work on is co-ordination, perhaps,” said Mrs Portman.

Phoenix couldn’t tell what Jordan was expressing from her eyes being covered by her fringe. All she got from her was an O-shaped mouth. She never spoke, at all.

“Sorry to single you two out, but that’s how it is.”

They begin. They spent the whole day either catching a hundred hits or diving along the ground.

“You may take a break; I’ll go see how the others are doing.”

Mrs. Portman left the two them alone.

“So, what are your powers?” asked Phoenix.

Jordan pointed at her fringe where her eyes are without saying anything.

“Uhh…”

Phoenix assumes it’s something to do with her eyes. Maybe lasers, heat vision, hawk-eye, or x-ray? Whatever it is, she ain’t getting the answer.

“Hmm, if I ask yes or no questions would you respond with a nod, shake or shrug.”

Jordan nodded.

“I guess that works, okay, is your enigma able to inflict physical damage?”

Jordan shook her head.

“Good start. Can you see things people normally can't?”

She shook again.

“Hmm, can you emit a form of energy from them?”

Jordan nodded.

“Okay. Is it harmful.”

Jordan nodded.

“All right, so not physical damage, emotional damage?”

Jordan rocked her hand parallel to the ground as if to mean “So…so.”

“Right, does it have mental implications?”

Jordan nodded.

“If you look at someone, will you cause them to feel something?”

Jordan nodded.

“And the reason your eyes are covered are because your abilities are unstable?”

Jordan nodded.

“And you couldn’t, I don’t know, gone Cyclopes and wore tinted glasses?”

Jordan shook her head, this might indicate she tried but it still did not work and the only way go keep her abilities under control would be do obscure her vision.

“How bad is it?”

She pointed two fingers where her eyes are, then at Phoenix, then she wrung her neck with an invisible noose.

“H-h-has it actually happened!?”

Jordan nodded, Phoenix grabbed her heart, she breathed heavily.

“A-a-are the effects of your ability permanent?”

Jordan shook her head.

“So it can wear off, after how many minutes?”

She held up three fingers.

“S-s-such a thing happened in just three minutes, how many times?”

She held up one finger.

“S-so it was just bad fortune, but you’re still not over it?”

Jordan nodded.

“Was it someone close?”

Jordan rocked her hand again, so not a friend nor a relative, most likely an acquaintance.

“How have your parents or siblings, if you have, not been affected?”

She placed her arms across as an “X”

“So, I presume you’re trying to indicate they’re immune.”

She waved her hand horizontally again.

“No, more like, they’ve built a resistance.”

Jordan nodded.

“Back to the mechanics, do people see things when you use your ability?”

Jordan shook her head.

“Umm, oh, do they feel pain that’s not there?”

Jordan pointed at Phoenix which means she finally got it. She smiled, while she wasn’t eager at first, the game of charades was kind of fun. But she does wonder why Jordan doesn’t just say anything, is she mute?

“Why…did you decide to become a hero?”

Before she could respond, they were interrupted.

“I’m back!” announced Mrs. Portman. “Let's resume.”

$$$

That Sunday morning, Phoenix, Eden, Vivy, Andy and Logan were ready for their first game at camp. They are playing as the home side while hosting the girls from Maverick Academy.

The field was ready, the opposing team had arrived. Camille was appointed captain. She's actually been going to camp for three years now so she's the most experienced along with Pamela who will be Vice-captain.

"Great to see you again," Camille shook hands with a Maverick player.

"So you're captain now?"

"Yeah, the last one is no longer a camper."

"I see, so, there seems to be a lot of newcomers, even your old catcher isn't here anymore."

"There's only four of us left now."

Besides Camille and Pamela, Jordan and Sloane have also been going to this camp already. There were only 10 members a year ago with the other 6 having completed their hero training.

"I was afraid losing our best players in one go would cripple us, but it seems we've gained some favourable new memebers."

"So, let's meet the players."

"Right this way."

Camille led her and the rest of the Maverick girls to meet her team. They head towards the dug out.

"Evryone!" announced Camille. "This is Zoey Day, the captain of Maverick. Say hello!"

"Good morning, nice to meet you!" everyone greeted.

"Yes, the pleasure is...well hello, heroes." Zoey's attention turned a certain group of girls. "I presume I see the members of the shopping center rescue."

"Thats's right!" said Vivy who hopped off the bench, took Zoey's hands and shook agressively. "Vivien O'Hara, but you can call me Vivy!"

"Ah yes, nice to meet you."

"Yo, I'm Andromeda Williams, though I go by Andy," Andy introduced. "The rest of the gang includes these three. This tomboy over here is Logan Mackenzie."

"Sup."

"The expressionless blonde kitten is Eden Green."

"Hello."

"And the big red fluffy machine is Phoenix Lilywhite."

"N-n-nice to meet you."

"Right, same and the rest of you?"

"Hikaru Mita, genki desu ka?"

"Bonita Torres, como estas?"

"Jessica Knight, how y'all doin'?"

That was the first time Phoenix heard Jessica speak, she had a southern accent.

"I guess that's everyone besides Pamela, Jordan and Sloane," said Zoey. "Now to my team."

Zoey introduced her teammates one by one and just like that everyone is aquainted. Vivy went from one player to another to tell them let's have a great game.

"All right everyone!" called Mrs Portman. "I'm done discussing with the other team's coach so let's pick who's batting or fielding first!"

Zoey and Camille did a coin toss. Camille wins and decides they'll field first. The captains shake hands and go their seperate ways. The nine players to start off will be Hikaru, Bonita, Andy, Vivy, Pamela, Sloane, Logan, Camille as Catcher and Jessica will pitch first. Eden, Jordan and Phoenix will sit out the first couple of innings.

"You all know you assigned fielding positons," said Mrs Portman as they gathered around her at the dug out. "Logan will be standing in Jessica's spot and the batting order will have Sloane fill in number three while Eden is off. That is all, so go out there and give it your all."

"Right!" they all chanted.

First At Bat for Maverick will be Rita Gonzalez who's from Cuba. The fieders are ready and in position, Jessica has the ball in hand.

"Play ball!" Called the Umpire.

Jessica wind ups, lifts her leg up high and throws. it's a fast ball, Rita let's it go. On the second pitch, Jessica throws another fast ball and Rita hits, the ball heads towards left field. Sloane slides across the ground, picks out the ball, tosses it up to Vivy who then throws to first base.

"Safe!"

Second At Bat is an African-American girl named Lisa Herbert. Jessica pitches a corker, Lisa hits to right field but it's straight to Logan. She throws the ball to Hikaru, Lisa is out.

"First one down," said Mrs Portman as she wrote on a scoresheet.

Jessica pitches a fast ball, the batter, Hannah Olsen, drives it through to center field. Vivy picks it and throws to third base, but Rita makes it in time.

Fourth At Bat will be a Japanese girl named Yuki Himuro. She has a serious look in her eyes. She scrutinizes the field for the best placement before taking her stance at the base. Jessica inhales, this girl means business.

"She's new," said Mrs Portman while holding her chin. "Camille doesn't know her, she can't think of a signal. Jessica will have to come up with a good one."

She winds up, does a ballerina leg lift, brings her foot down, thrust her arms and the pitch is in, it's a fast ball. Yuki, without as much as a flinch, swung her bat with much elegance and connected to the sweet spot. Jessica doesn't look because she knows.

"This is going to be one hell of a game," said Andy with a smirk.

***

Jessica comes back with a six straight strikes to the fifth and sixth batters. Maverick were already on the field. Jessica was At Bat; she took a moment to observe. Zoey will be the pitcher and as soon as everyone is ready, Jessica takes her postion.

"Miss Day has technique and endurance," said Mrs Portman. "She always pitches the whole game and comes up with some well skilled throwing."

"Play ball!"

Zoey pitches a fast ball first up Jessica swings but misses.

"Hey batter batter batter batter, swing!" cried Vivy.

"Who's side are you on, darn it?" Jessica roared.

On to the next pitch, Jessica wasn't going to let this one pass. Zoey throws it, Jessica connects, it's not too far but because she's running like a jet she made it to first base before short stop could even pick up the ball.

"Jessica, with high intense speed, reaches first with an infield hit."

Hikaru comes up. On the first pitch she misses but on the second she hits to center field which helped Jessica run two bases making it to third. Unfortunately, Sloane strikes out with three pitches.

"Now, it's the person everyone is looking forward to see," said Mrs Portman.

Logan stands at the ready without any delays. Zoey takes a moment to evaluate her body posture, she seems she understands her. She readies a fast ball, throws and Logan, without any issues, smashes it over all of their heads for a home run.

***

The game has reached the top of the fourth innings and it's going to be the first pitcher replacement. Logan takes to the mound, the player At Bat for Maverick now will be back to Rita. The score is currently 9-12 with Maverick behind.

The batting teams will be cautious on facing a different pitcher. Logan stood in her position and Rita gets ready. Logan winds up, raises her left leg, goes for the pitch and it was the screw ball first up, it catches Rita off guard and she misses the hit. Logan goes for the next pitch, Rita connects but it’s off course.

“Foul Ball!”

On Logan’s third it’s a fast ball, Rita couldn’t get a read on it, she misses and strikes out. Before anyone continued ther eyes were stuck on the screen becuase that last ball was clocked in at 82.34 miles an hour.

"She's just built differently," said Mrs Portman while smiling and her arms folded.

They put their hands on their heads, that's insane to think about. In no time Logan strikes out all three top batters with only nine pitches, the girls are in to bat.

In to bat will be Camille. Zoey readies herself. She pitches two srikes and on the third, Camille, with all her powers, drives her hit to left letting her run a triple. Jessica is in to bat, Zoey pitches four incredible balls, and Jessica only gets a 2 strikes and two fouls.

In comes Hikaru, she misses the first two pitches. Realizing that Zoey is really on fire right now she does something unexpected, changes to left handed.

“Oh wow, I didn’t know she was switch hitter!” said Andy.

Zoey had to adjust her pitching accuracy and be wary if the batter switches again at the last second. Hikaru’s choice to switch to left handed worked because Zoey pitched 4 consecutive balls, Hikaru walks.

Sloane is in, but her time is cut short as she's caught out on the first pitch. Logan is back. Zoey takes a moment to analyse. Soon, she’s ready and Pitches, Logans gets a hit immediately, she runs a double and Camille reaches home. Andy gets ready, hits to left field and reaches first base which is followed up by Bonita leading Logan to home base. Vivy goes for a wild hit and gets caught by the third baseman.

The next two innings go by quickly without much runs put on the board and it’s now the top of the 7th, the score is tight at 13-15. Logan pitches, Hannah at bat hits to left field to run to first. Yuki secures a double after hitting to right field off Logan’s screw ball on the second pitch.

In to bat now will be Amanda King. Logan pitches a fast ball but gets a hit on the first and reaches first base which led Hannah home. Next batter is an African-American girl named Diedra Long. She is struck out by Logan’s fast balls with four pitches. The seventh Maverick batter is Nina Liebert. Logan pitches two strikes first up and while Nina hit the third she doesn’t make it to first base, but her efforts did lead Yuki home.

The innings ended with eighth batter, the Puerto Rican player named Rosanne de la Cruz, got caught by Vivy at center field on the third pitch.

Pamela is in at bat. Zoey, who still has plenty of steam, strikes her out. Camille comes in next but she too falls victim to Zoey’s ferocious throws. The line-up returns to first batter, Jessica hits a fast ball to reach first and Hikaru does the same.

“Changing batter!” announced Mrs. Portman.

With that confirmation, Eden joins in on the game with Sloane being subbed off. Both batter and pitcher take a moment, they were ready. Zoey does not hold back with the fastball, Eden swings but misses, it’s a strike first up. Zoey decided to change things up and next pitched a curve ball. However, this did not waver Eden as she gets a clean hit to reach first safely.

“Bases are loaded again, Mackenzie at bat, will she achieve a grand slam?”

Zoey needed to think up what she should pitch next. After some time thinking, she had no choice but the dishonourable method. In no time she pitched 4 consecutive balls to walk Logan, thus only one runner reaches base.

Andy, Bonita and Vivy all reached first, the bases are still load. Pamela was given the opportunity to hit the grand slam but unfortunately since she’s one of the weaker batters she was struck out without even the slightest chance.

“It’s the top of the eighth; the scores are 15-19.”

Zoey is at bat. She simply has to make sure she doesn’t get out. Logan pitches a fast ball, it’s a strike. She pitches another fast ball, second strike. Logan goes for the third with another fastball, Zoey, getting used to the speed, connects but it’s a foul. Logan goes for a fourth fast ball, Zoey swings; it connects cleanly to sail towards left field. Eden doesn’t make it for a catch, Zoey reaches second base.

Rita gets ready; the captain has set things up well. Logan pitches a screwball, Rita hits to right field to make first base. Lisa and Hannah follow up with the same, Zoey reaches home. Now to bat will be Yuki.

It’s now or never. Logan pitches, it’s a fast ball, Yuki connects but it’s a foul. Logan pitches another even better than the last, it’s a strike. Just one more and they’ve got the clean-up hitter. Logan decides to change things up and will attempt the curve ball.

She readies herself, winds up, raises her foot high up, brings it down and thrusts her arms. The ball is swerving into the zone, but Yuki keeps calm and with great timing and judgement finds the sweet spot, it’s a Grand Slam. All runners on base make their way home, Maverick takes the lead.

Maverick are taking control. Despite how well Logan is pitching the rest of the batters put in all they can to get on base. Amanda made things annoying as she successfully stole bases.

Diedra and Nina make it safe to second and third respectively while Roseanne makes it to first. It’s now a full rotation and Zoey is back at bat. Unfortunately she is struck out by three destructive pitches.

"With the bases loaded will top batter gonzalez send everyone home."

She tries but was unsuccessful and only made it to first, Diedra reaches home.

Lisa comes in, she receives two quick strikes from Logan. Before the third pitch, Lisa requested hold on for a minute. She got down to tie her shoes, she seemed to spend quite a bit of time doing so. She stands back up, inhales and exhales then gets into batting stance. Logan does her usual dramatic pitching action before throwing a destructive fast ball.

Lisa, with all her concentration, timing and judement, she blasts the ball off the direct center of the bat.

"There it is folks, Lisa Herberts's signature kneel, knot, stand, Slam and Jam!" said the comentator. "That results in a second Grand Slam homerun of the innings, now Maverick have taken a great lead."

Despite all that, Logan kept a smile on her face, she seems more excited than before. Hannah comes in to bat. Camille gives a signal, Logan aknowledges. She pitches, it's a low curve ball, Hannah swings, the ball tickles the bat and it caught behind.

Now the showdown between Logan and Yuki will continue. Who will come out on top this time. Logan pitches a fastball but it's off course by a bit, the umpire calls a ball. The next pitch is strsight down the middle but with pace taken off it this time Yuki swings to early and misses.

Logan decides to pitch a curve ball again but this time a bit different. She pitches but the trajectory switches which catches Yuki by surprise, she clips the ball and it's a foul.

Two strikes, can she get her out? Logan pitches, it's a fastball, Yuki was ready for that one. However, the ball didpped low, she caught it at the last second but didn't produce a clean hit. The ball flies low and straight back to the pitcher. Logan sticks out her hand to the left and catches the ball ever so casually without ever taking her eyes off the pitcher all while smirking.

Starting the bottom of the 8th, Camille is caught out on the fly, but at least they’re back to the top order batter. Jessica, Hikaru and Eden load the bases. Logan has a chance witget a the game with a Grand Slam. Zoey takes a quick glance back beofre resuming her position on the mound. She pitches a straightball with medium speed and it’s a sweet spot hit by Logan, however, Yuki has not given up. She runs back at full speed and with a tremendous leap, she catches the ball just above the fence.

Logans gives her look straight in the eyes all while keeping her smile, they both got a taste of vengence.

Andy, Bonita and Vivy hit to first base. Hikaru and Eden make it home. With an unexpected twist, Jordan is switched in to bat for Pamela. Zoey juggles the ball while in thought. She's seen Jordan bat there's not been much special about her before.

She pitches, it's a ball. She pitches it's another ball. Zoey takes a moment to calm herself She pitches again and it's a third ball, one more and Jordan walks. Zoey doesn't understand why her accuracy suddenly dropped, but she needs to reach the zone.

She pitches a slow ball down the middle, a bit of Jordan's right eye crept throught her fringe. She punts the ball and makes a break for it. Amanda, at Short stop, was immediatley on the ball she picks it up and this should be an easy out but she's suddenly struck by doubt and delayed her throw. She evetually throws to first base but Jordan makes it back while Andy reaches home.

Amanda took a moment to wonder why she didn't throw to first base immediatley. Was it because Andy heading towards home disrtracted her which shouldn't have been an issue if they's taken the out which would have negated the run.

"It's okay, Amanda," said Zoey. "Anyone could have a lapse of judgement at any time."

Camille heads in again. She readies herself, Zoey pitches and with all her strength Camille slams the ball. I'ts high and far towards center field looking like it will land safely. Yuki is sprinting, she takes a long dive and by just glove tip she catches the ball.

"Out twice in the same innings, now that a rare occurence if I've seen one."

Both teams take a short break to prepare for the final innings.

"All right girls," said Mrs Portman. "With our scores neck and neck we've got ourself a tight game on our hands."

Both teams get ready, Amanda is at-bat, Logan is ready to pitch. She starts off with a fastball, Amanda swung too late and misses. The second pitch was another strike and when Amanda got used to the pitch of the ball a bit she hit two fouls.

Logan pitches the fifth, Amanda connects and it's heads towards left field, she makes it home. Diedra and Nina also make it to first base leaving the bases loaded for Roseanne.

Logan pitches three strikes as easy as they come. Zoey heads in, she tries to come up with a plan to get many of her runners at home. After thinking it over she was ready. Logan pitches a fast ball, Zoey goes for the seeing and already gets a hit. The balls heads towards right field. Jessica was on it like cheetah, she picks it up and throws to first base, Zoey hasn't made it yet and just as the ball was close by she dives in.

"Safe!"

There were sighs of relief and Amanda made it home. The batting order is back to first. Rita and Lisa put Diedra and Nina at home base. Hannah is at-bat and with one out they felt comfortable that Yuki will produce another Grand Slam.

Camille calls Logan over for a time-out. The captain discussed something with her, she nods and returns to the mound. Camille did a few hand gestures to the fielders, Vivy and Jessica grinned.

Logan readies herself, pitches a curve ball swerving away from Hannah, she goes for the hit and it's on the fly towards left field. Jessica bolts it to where the ball will land and with a great dives takes the catch but doesn't stop there. While still airborne pops the ball to Vivy who also sped towards her from Center Field and threw at Second base where Lisa, who put in a diving effort, was tagged out.

"They close of the innings with a double play! It’s now time for the bottom of the ninth and they need 4 runs to win this game, how will things pan out?”

Jessica made her way to the base ready to bat. Zoey was taking a moment to oserve the field. Everyone looked about ready, Jessica got into her batting stance. Zoey starts off with a fast ball, Jessica misses. Zoey goes for another fast ball and Jessica hits a foul.

Realizing that she's slowly getting used to each pitch Zoey changes to a slider, it was low and swerving in but Jessica got a good hit sending the ball to the furthest part of the outfield. With all her speed she manages to run three bases.

"And Knight gets things going with a triple, now that's a fine way to kick-off the final innings."

Hikaru is ready and swtches to left-handed again. Zoey pitches and the batter connects, it's through to right field. Hikaru makes it to first and Jessica reaches home.

Eden came in to bat. The first ball was a strike but the second was hit to right field and giving the fielder out there a work-out. And just like that, Logan was back on plate. She steadies herself, Zoey pitches, and with a full throttle swing she smashes the ball over left field to bring up another home-run and putting three on the board.

Andy takes the third pitch to run to first base. Bonita follows up while Vivy gets ready to bat. She hasn't done much with the bat in hand other than make the bases so she hopes to finish off with a bang.

Zoey pitches and when everyone expects a wild swing from from Vivy as always she does something nobody expected, a tap and go. She was too quick and reached home before the catcher could even pick up the ball, it's another infield hit and run.

The bases are loaded and Jordan is in to bat. Zoey pitches and Jordan misses, Zoey pitches again, Jordan still missed it. The next pitch was a foul and Zoey decides to change to a slider on the fourth. She throws the low moving ball and Jordan did her best to reach for it but in the end she misses and is struck out.

To everyone's surprise, the person heading in to bat will be Phoenix as Mrs Portman announces a batting change. Phoenix was shaking, there may still be two outs left but she was afraid she could be the one who made the fielding team get a double play.

Zoey is ready, Phoenix takes her stance. The first pitch is a fast ball, the batter misses.

"Strike one!"

Zoey pitches a curve ball, Phoenix misses again.

"Strike two."

I think you should get ready to get back in there, Knight," said Camille to Jessica.

Zoey goes for the third pitch without a moment's hesitation, this should be an easy strike out. Phoenix just decided to swing with all her strength, all or nothing.

Ding!

The sweet sound of aluminium to hard cork and leather. Jessica dropped her bat and stared in shock, everyone else put their hands on their heads. Yuki just put her hands on her hips as she calmly watched it sail far above her head.

Phoenix on the other hand wasn't sure what happened, she could have sworn she felt a vibration on the bat. Logan came up to her she took her hand and led her around the diamond.

"A Walk off Grand Slam," Logan muttered. "And she didn't even realize it."