Step Up To The Plate (Yuri)

He let out a laugh. Whether it was due to her unfortunate ball injury, accusation of terrorism, or some other reason is a secret. "I'm no Psyche Terrorist. I just mean to state if someone were to lead the human race, I'd be the best option. Perhaps politics is my future, then." Another thought did cross his mind for a moment. 'Though, taking control with force, for the greater good... Sometimes violence is necessary.' He thought people who denied that fact are weak-minded. Snapping himself back to the conversation, "In all seriousness, I'm a normal person, just joking around." I suppose a change of subject would be nice, given it's a smooth transition. "Your ball, it's the third one." He stood up, taking a jovial pose. "Don't let the machine end your game!"

The ball! Right! Tamsin turned, brought her bat up and Swung just in time to hit the ball just right. That was close. He'd given her more money, so paying for the next game wouldn't be terrible. But now it was a matter of pride. She had to keep this up as long as she could, to earn that money. It was almost like this suspicious non-terrorist was her spectator and this her sport. Strange feeling, that was.

"To answer your question..." Tamsin breathed out a heavy breath to steady herself. "I plan to be a Cadet one day. Hopefully soon. I'll help take this city back from the forces that want to destroy it." She grunted as she swung the bat and hit the next ball. "By any means necessary."

She breathed out again, calming down. Glancing back over her shoulder at him she rose an eyebrow. "What makes you say that? If you really think you're cut out to lead the world, why are you stacking rulers for a living?" She asked honestly, getting ready for the next ball. The challenge of talking and swinging was paying off.

'For her to get right back into position and hit the ball on the machine in such a short notice, how skilled she is. So she plans to be a Cadet like her brother?' "That's an admirable goal. I trust you will do good in the future." As for his occupation? "I need money. That's all." He thought to himself for a moment. "Perhaps I should quit that and start making my name be known right now. Hmm, yeah. Money is useful, but to have allies and influence is better. I truly want to be a leader, for the good of others, as I'm the most capable. I won't be King Nothing." 'I'm not old enough to work in high in the government, and even if I was, I couldn't reach the top by climbing from the inside. Money won't fix that, power will. What I just thought a moment ago, I should have told myself: Those who prepare early on succeed. I need to make myself be know, I need to have influence! Calm down. That all starts with making a friend. I'm losing focus on the girl, what were we talking about?' He tried to remember, yet couldn't. "Baseball... You should-" he paused. "Get back to your game. I'll see you at school." Feeling on edge, he gathered his things, stood up, and started walking away, taking a couple deep breaths.

[EXIT]

She didn't see a need to respond verbally to the commendation, only nodding. Then, he started talking about his plan, that he should start getting money and influence if he really was going to be king. Was this guy serious? He seemed so self-assured. Yet nice? Everything about this guy someone intrigued her and put her off at the same time. How could someone with such high self-worth also be so seemingly humble? It was baffling. Then, after a long moment and another hit of the ball, he quickly stood, told her to get back to her game, and left without another word.

Tamsin turned to watch him leave, baffled by the immediacy of his exit and intensely curious.

Clank! The last ball clattered against the fence when she wasn't looking.

The guy was gone, and she was standing in silence again. But somehow, she didn't feel like playing anymore. Looks like this game was over.

[End]