William Arthurson:Leading the Wolverines[Complete]

[Courier]

Will mechanically took another spoon full of breakfast cereal. He checked the faces around him and noticed more than one of them checking him out too. Most of them were fellow football players and most of them were somber. Everyone knew this was THE DAY of THE GAME. They also remembered they’d LOST last year, for the first time in more than a decade. He personally hadn’t played but losing had sucked. The Ohio vs. Michigan rivalry went back more than 100 years, and they’d let history down last year. Ohio was supposed to be pretty good this year. Of course so were the Wolverines.

Losing would be worse this year, Coach might let Doug spell him but Will would be lead Quarter Back. Will thought while winning was a team effort, losing would be on him... not that he was going to let that happen. Will decided while somber beat hung-over the guys were a little more apprehensive than he’d like. He could fire them up a bit… talk about the other side picking grass stains off their teeth… but fire up the troops too soon and they’d burn out before game.

Will forced an expression of easy confidence on his face and buttered a bagel. No problems, no pressure, no difficulty. They were just going to roll over Ohio in a few hours. And if he believed it clearly enough, so would everyone else.

[Stargaizer]

If this were any other day of the week, Will would have classes that he’d have to attend. If this were any other Saturday, the team would have a full blown workout before the game or the bus ride (either of which they would have already started). Of course, if this were any other day or any other week, they wouldn’t be facing their all time rival. But, today was today, and today was the biggest day in Michigan football probably since the rivalry started.

No pressure...

Since Coach wanted them to be at their absolute peak today, first he’d let them sleep in a little, and then, so they wouldn’t be fatigued when the game started, instead of a full workout, they were only going to be doing warm-ups and starting routines. But everybody knew that the physical wasn’t going to be the problem...

... it was the waiting that would kill them.

Nobody seemed to pay much attention to Will’s forced expression, and by the time everyone had assembled at the field, there was a dark cloud over the entire team. Coach hoped that by starting the warm-up and getting everybody’s mind focused on what they were doing, instead of what they were waiting for, but instead, everything that they did, reminded them that they were doing it because Ohio was coming later today. And, to top it off, the worse the mood got, the more time seemed to drag. The very last thing that this team needed was to wait any longer, but it seemed that that was exactly what was going to happen.

With only a little time left in warm-up, and just a little more before the other side showed up, the Wolverines needed something and they needed it bad. If this kept up, nobody’s heart would be in the game, and that would be a surefire recipe for disaster.

[Courier]

Bill decided it was time. He raised his voice and said, ”Everyone come here. I want to read something to you.”

It was a tradition older than time to read inspirational quotes to inspire the men. Some people quoted from famous uplifting books or people, the Bible was a popular source, Bill was going to use something less famous and more recent. He reached in his clothes and brought out a few pages from what looked like an amateur newspaper, parts of it were highlighted.

”After we roll over the Wolverines on Saturday we’ll be welcoming our victorious Buckeyes on Main street.”

”We expect we’ll be taking the contest with us… we don’t expect that the Wolverines will be a challenge this year… unlike other schools which have REAL TEAMS… this year’s victory is CERTAIN.”

Bill held up the newspaper and continued, shouting now, “This is the Buckeyes student newspaper. This is what they’re saying. They think they’re going to come in and we’re just going to lay down and let them piss on us.”

“Well F*CK THEM! I say that by the end of the game THEY’RE GOING TO BE PICKING GRASSTAINS OFF THEIR TEETH!!”

[OOC: Bill drops a willpower point on whatever roll this is]

[Stargaizer]

The entire team, as well as all the coaches gathered around William when he called. They all listened intently at his speech, and for several moments after they were completely silent. Then, slowly, one player started to nod, then another, and another, and then one voiced his agreement, and from there the fire of enthusiasm spread like crazy.

The enthusiasm continued to run high through what was left of practice, as well as the down time until the game.

In the locker room just before they made their big entrance, the coach gave a rousing speech. It wasn’t as good as William’s, and actually consisted mainly of William’s, but it was still a good speech that raised everybody’s intensity to a level higher than it had been all week.

Click to reveal..

3cha + 1Leadership = 4d10

Diff 6 – 1(Leadership merit) = 5

4d10 [9,2,6,8] = 3sux +1wp = 4(astonishing)sux

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1880472/

[Courier]

Will saw the fire of anger turn to determination and enthusiasm and thought, *Lord I love student newspapers. There's always someone around who will put his foot in his mouth. Of course some of that was about the woman's team, but hey, it was still a great quote.*

After the Coach was done Will started yelling his determination, and he was towards the front as they ran through the wall of tissue paper that the Cheerleaders had created for them to knock down. Jane was there holding up the wall, of course so was Sondra( ), and the Buckeyes were already out in front of the fans.

Will put the Jane situation and the Sondra situation out of his mind for now and let the roar of the thousands of Michigan fans wash over him. He could barely hear the announcer say there were more than one hundred and eleven thousand in the stadium today. As usual the world had shown up for the Ohio game.

Will waved to the fans with the rest of the team then headed over to the bench with the rest of the players for any last minute instructions.

[Stargaizer]

The only special instructions that Coach had for the players was to kick some butt. William, however, had some personal instructions. “Arthurson, remember, this is the day that we’ve trained for. You’ve watched the tapes of Ohio games as many times as we have, and you even helped us come up with our special plays for this game. Just remember, don’t play everything right away, leave some aces us your sleeve, ok? Now, go out there and make them eat grass!”

The entire team, except Doug of course, was at Williams command, and the fire within them continued to burn as bright as ever.

Click to reveal..

1st quarter (diff7)

4d10 [5,8,1,6] 0sux

4d10 [10,8,1,10] 2sux

Score Roll

2d10 [4,4] = (8)

1st quarter score: Mich 0/Ohio 8

2nd quarter (diff7)

4d10 [2,4,[10,6],[10,3]] 2sux

4d10 [6,2,6,10] 1sux

Score Roll

2d10.extra(10) → [8,3] = (11)

1d10 [5] = (5)

2nd quarter score: Mich 11/Ohio 13

,,

(if you want to post all the way to the end of the game)

Click to reveal..

3rd quarter (diff7)

4d10 [[10, 1],5,7,7] 2sux

4d10 [5,9,7,10] 3sux

Score Roll

2d10.extra(10) [[10, 6],7] = (23)

3d10 [2,4,6] = (12)

3rd quarter score: Mich 34/Ohio 25

4th quarter (diff7)

4d10 [6,3,9,2] 1sux

4d10 [8,10,9,6] 3sux

Score Roll

1d10.extra(10) [7] = (7)

3d10 [7,5,2] = (14)

Final score: Mich 41/Ohio 39

[Courier]

The two teams were evenly matched and the score leader changed 6 times. Later the Press would claim two fans had heart attacks from the excitement.

Ohio won the toss, elected to receive, and scored off the opening play... and then went for two extra points and got them. If the Wolverines had been despairing rather than angry they would have lost right there.

Instead Will threw a pass which got ran into a touch down and another drive resulted in a field goal putting them ahead... but the Buckeyes scored as well at the last moment so the Wolverines were down by 2 at the half.

The Coach gave them a pep talk and in the third quarter the team caught fire. They scored on the opening kick, got a field goal, and then sacked the Buckeyes' Quarterback on their own 20 yard line. Will threw a touchdown pass on the first play and with the extra point the Wolverines scored 14 points in the first 2 minutes of the second half.

Michigan got two more touch downs that quarter... one with Will scrambling over the line after seeing an opening but the Buckeyes countered with a touch down and two field goals.

The Wolverines lead into the 4th quarter but the Buckeyes sacked Will and scored off that, then they scored again. With 5 minutes to go the Wolverines were down by 5 and starting on their own 20 yard line they slowly and painfully made their way down the field with the Buckeyes making them pay for every inch. With 34 seconds left the Buckeyes screwed up, Will ran a passing play but somehow they forgot to cover him and for the second time that night he sprinted over the line himself. The Wolverine's kicker got the extra point and with four seconds left the Buckeyes couldn't score on their last play.

Final Score: Michigan 41, Ohio 39 (Honor Restored!!!)

Back in the locker room after the game the guys went wild.

[Stargaizer]

The crowd was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire game, and none of the cheerleaders cheered William on as much as Sondra and Jane did. In fact, William actually caught Sondra blowing him a few kisses throughout the game.

After the final clock ran down, the offensive line drenched Coach with what was left in the Gatorade cooler and William was carried off into the locker room on the shoulders of the defensive line. Doug lagged noticeably behind the rest of the guys, and was the only one not cheering.

Once in the locker room, Coach congratulated the guys, and then made himself scarce so that the players could celebrate in their own way (and he wouldn’t be responsible for anything that happened).

After Coach left, while all the guys were in the shower, John jumped up on one of the benches, and in a voice loud enough to be heard over considerable din of the locker room, addressed the team. “Hey guys! Guys! Over here! Ok, we just worked our tails off, and we beat the snot out of those Ohio guys and restored the title to the Wolverines!” He had to wait for a little bit as the team let out another roar of enthusiasm. “Now, to celebrate, PARTY AT THE DELTA XI HOUSE!!! All the booze and women you could want! They’ve already started the festivities and they’re just waiting for us to make our grand entrance! So, once you pigs get cleaned up for the ladies, get together and we can all carpool over there.”

William knew that the Delta Xi house had the best parties, and that John meant what he said about the booze and the women. Plus, as the star player, he’d be expected to at least make an appearance.

[Courier]

Originally Posted By: Stargaizer

The crowd was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire game, and none of the cheerleaders cheered William on as much as Sondra and Jane did. In fact, William actually caught Sondra blowing him a few kisses throughout the game.

On the field Will tried very hard to ignore everything but the game. On the bench... Will still hadn't figured out how he was supposed to respond to Sondra and the heavens didn't open up and bless him with knowledge during the game. Pretty face. Great body. Abstractly he felt he should be looking at her with that 'I'm a guy and interested look' he got with most other chicks... but somehow the lizard part of his brain claimed this was a *bad* *idea*. Lacking a way to deal with it he nodded to both of them several times and focused on winning the game.

Quote:

After the final clock ran down, the offensive line drenched Coach with what was left in the Gatorade cooler and William was carried off into the locker room on the shoulders of the defensive line. Doug lagged noticeably behind the rest of the guys, and was the only one not cheering.

Doug on the other hand Will understood completely... he was putting his needs and wants above those of the team. Mentally Will briefly wondered if he could set up Doug with Sondra and then dismissed both of them and enjoyed the after WIN glow.

Quote:

Once in the locker room, Coach congratulated the guys, and then made himself scarce so that the players could celebrate in their own way (and he wouldn’t be responsible for anything that happened).

(Smart man the Coach)

Quote:

After Coach left, while all the guys were in the shower, John jumped up on one of the benches, and in a voice loud enough to be heard over considerable din of the locker room, addressed the team. “Hey guys! Guys! Over here! Ok, we just worked our tails off, and we beat the snot out of those Ohio guys and restored the title to the Wolverines!” He had to wait for a little bit as the team let out another roar of enthusiasm. “Now, to celebrate, PARTY AT THE DELTA XI HOUSE!!! All the booze and women you could want! They’ve already started the festivities and they’re just waiting for us to make our grand entrance! So, once you pigs get cleaned up for the ladies, get together and we can all carpool over there.”

William knew that the Delta Xi house had the best parties, and that John meant what he said about the booze and the women. Plus, as the star player, he’d be expected to at least make an appearance.

Even if it hadn't been expected of him Will *still* would have followed John to the party. John was 21 years old (and thus Legal!) and the semi-official party creator and liquor supplier. Will strongly suspected he had "connections" to some "supporters" (probably Allum) but he didn't want to know.

Much more importantly Will figured he was 100% correct about the women of Delta Xi (who were also legal... although in Mich that was "16") and as lead scorer Will figured his chances of scoring were somewhat akin to "shooting fish in a barrel".

Will bellowed, "Party!!!" and then took a quick shower and joined the crew headed over to Delta Xi.

[Stargaizer]

William, John and a couple other players drove, each fitting as many people as physically possible, whether recommended or not, into their vehicle of choice. It was a fairly short drive from the stadium to the frat house, but there was plenty of joking, remembering plays and general jocularity. The Delta Xi house was a two story, white, Victorian-style manner that was about as lit up as the people inside would probably be. As they pulled up, people were milling in the front yard and cars were parked in almost every available spot. However, they found that the last few parking spaces had been saved for them.

Apparently John had called ahead, because the entire cheerleading squad, in full uniform, were waiting in two lines to usher them to the door. As William looked them over, he saw that yes both Sondra and Jane were there, and that his sister was wearing just as skimpy a uniform as everyone else.

Even before they opened their doors, they could hear the roar of the assembled revelers. From the looks of things, it appeared as if half of campus had turned out for this party.

William couldn’t wait to get in and get started.

[Courier]

Will grabbed a brew and started to make rounds.

"Ron, you were a WALL out there!" (Offensive Lineman)

"Sticky hands Dave!" (Receiver)

"Hmmm..." (Eye contact with the I'm interested look) (Blond)

"Steve! Points! 6 of them!" (Defensive Lineman who'd scored on a turnover)

"Really.." (Eye contact with the I'm interested look) (Red Head)

"Doug!" (Wasted Effort)

Will talked to people, kept an eye on his sister, congratulated each and every player for their contribution before they got too drunk to talk (harder to do with the bench riders (like Doug) who hadn't gotten any game time), kept an eye on his sister, tried to avoid Sondra, looked for a Delta Xi who wanted to "score with the QB", and kept an eye on his sister.

[Stargaizer]

William made his rounds, saw several possibilities for ‘entertainment’, and ended up having a few too many. That wouldn’t have been so bad, but like brother like sister, and the more Jane had, the more guys surrounded her. Most of the team knew she was his sister and to stay away, but that still left all the Delta Xi guys and all the general campus guys who showed up on the promise of beer and ‘fun’. Compounding that fact, was that the cheerleaders were obviously the most sought after target, and Jane was the only one who didn’t have at least two football players around her... so instead she was a magnet for everyone else.

On top of that, apparently William had shown up a couple of minutes too late. Both the blond and the red head that he had been interested in, as well as the other hotties had all apparently hooked up. And, while they apparently weren’t concerned with having a one night stand, their standards were high enough to not have more than one in a single night. But, if he was desperate, there was always Sondra...

Then, Heather showed up. As she walked into the room where he was, the ambient den of conversation softened, the room seemed to light up, and the crowd parted for her. Every guy turned to her, and many drunken guys offered her drinks, but she just walked by; she had a specific destination in mind. As she walked, it soon became apparent that her course would land her directly in front of William, where she stopped, batted her gorgeous green eyes, flipped her long blond hair, and spoke with her soft, sweet voice out of ruby red, pouty lips. “Would you mind getting me a drink, superstar?”

[Courier]

Originally Posted By: Stargaizer

William made his rounds, saw several possibilities for ‘entertainment’, and ended up having a few too many. That wouldn’t have been so bad, but like brother like sister, and the more Jane had, the more guys surrounded her. Most of the team knew she was his sister and to stay away, but that still left all the Delta Xi guys and all the general campus guys who showed up on the promise of beer and ‘fun’. Compounding that fact, was that the cheerleaders were obviously the most sought after target, and Jane was the only one who didn’t have at least two football players around her... so instead she was a magnet for everyone else.

*Grrrr...*

Quote:

On top of that, apparently William had shown up a couple of minutes too late. Both the blond and the red head that he had been interested in, as well as the other hotties had all apparently hooked up. And, while they apparently weren’t concerned with having a one night stand, their standards were high enough to not have more than one in a single night. But, if he was desperate, there was always Sondra...

Bill reflected that he was *never* that desperate and was debating tactics on 'separating' someone... when...

Quote:

Then, Heather showed up. As she walked into the room where he was, the ambient den of conversation softened, the room seemed to light up, and the crowd parted for her. Every guy turned to her, and many drunken guys offered her drinks, but she just walked by; she had a specific destination in mind. As she walked, it soon became apparent that her course would land her directly in front of William, where she stopped, batted her gorgeous green eyes, flipped her long blond hair, and spoke with her soft, sweet voice out of ruby red, pouty lips. “Would you mind getting me a drink, superstar?”

*Contact!*

Will said (he hoped suavely) "I'd love too." He reached over and got a cup of "punch" and gave it to her and asked,

"What's your name?" *I'm Interested.*

[Stargaizer]

When Heather spoke, so sweetly, to William, there was a collective sigh from all the other guys within earshot; they all wished that it had been them that she had approached. It was the shattering of the hope that she’d, for some reason, circle around and end up next to them. But it wasn’t to be, she had come here for William, and William only, and so they each went back to their cups and whoever it was that they snagged, none of whom ‘were as good as’ Heather.

William went and got her the drink that she’d requested, knowing that the ‘punch’ was probably over 100 proof by now. Almost everybody had spiked it with something, from vodka to whisky and probably some rum in there too. But, by the time he got back to where he’d left Heather, she wasn’t there anymore. She wasn’t hard to find though, because just like the crowd had parted to let her walk through, the one open spot in the room was the half-circle around a loveseat in the corner where she had sat down.

William went over and sat down, handing her her punch and asking his question, to which she giggled. A giggle which was like music to William’s ears. It was so soft and innocent, ending on a high pitched note that send cold chills down his spine and goose-bumps down his arms. Her smile spread ever so slightly as she replied. “Oh, how rude of me, my name is Heather.” And with that she held up her free hand, in such as was as he could shake it or kiss it.

After his proffered response, she settled back down, took a sip of ‘punch’, and asked, “So, what’s it like to be the leader of what might turn out to be the best college team this season?”

[Courier]

Will gave Heather her punch... and a dozen men, and a few women looked on in jealousy. Jane rolled her eyes.

Originally Posted By: Stargaizer

William went over and sat down, handing her her punch and asking his question, to which she giggled. A giggle which was like music to William’s ears. It was so soft and innocent, ending on a high pitched note that send cold chills down his spine and goose-bumps down his arms. Her smile spread ever so slightly as she replied. “Oh, how rude of me, my name is Heather.” And with that she held up her free hand, in such as was as he could shake it or kiss it.

Will kissed the back of Heather's hand like he was greeting a queen.

Quote:

After his proffered response, she settled back down, took a sip of ‘punch’, and asked, “So, what’s it like to be the leader of what might turn out to be the best college team this season?”

Although somewhat in awe of Heather's beauty Will still was able to evaluate the situation... and he liked where he thought it was heading.

Will realized, *..., ditto the crowd, ditto the girls in the crowd, ditto and more so the other guys...*

This wasn't the first time, or even the fifth, he'd been asked a variation on that question. He knew even a groupie doesn't really want to hear him bragging about what a stud he was, and it'd sour relations with the guys and gals in the crowd. With practiced ease he replied earnestly,

"It's thrilling, like I'm leading a force of nature. This session will be written up in this record books. It's an honor and pleasure." Will met her eyes on that last note to give extra meaning to 'pleasure' and added,

"This is the first time I've seen you..." *I'd like to see much more* "...where are you from?"

[Stargaizer]

Heather took another sip and smiled. Her voice was as pleasant as ever. “Oh, I’m from here and there, never really settled down. But,” and with that she turned a little in her seat to face William better. There was a mixture of excitement and seduction in her voice. “I have been here long enough to have found this beautiful overlook of the lake. You know, when I first saw it, I knew that it’d be perfect for a romantic getaway. And I can’t think of anybody I’d rather spend that time with...”

The opportunity that he’d been waiting for all night was here, but in a brief moment of clarity he remembered the mountain of paperwork due on Monday, realized that he’d had too many to be legal, and that the crowd around Jane had thinned to two guys; but these were the worst ones. William had heard the stories, and as much as he wanted to be in them, he didn’t want his sister anywhere near them; and worst of all, they weren’t afraid of big brothers, not even ones that were star QB’s.

So, the decision came down to these: go and have the night of his life with the woman that everybody in the room (including William’s body) wanted to be with, protect his sister from the two worst guys on campus, or go back and try and get a start on the paperwork so that he didn’t flunk his classes and get kicked off the team. Decisions, decisions.

[Courier]

Will eyed Heather's chest face and considered.

He was already drunk enough that he figured he wasn't going to get any studying done anyway... and besides, he only had one class and no doubt "accommodations" could be made. "Athletic academic services" was built for this.

Will examined Heather's "build" and decided it could use some more examination.

He glanced over to see how Jane was doing and frowned. If he took off with Heather, Jane would find herself with those two bozos. Jane was legal. There was nothing more futile than trying to police someone else's sex life. And it wasn't like she was going to be raped.

Will's frown grew deeper. Actually with those two he was pretty sure that it was exactly like she was going to be raped. 2 years from now, what did he want to remember from this night, that he got laid while Jane was being raped, or that nothing happened. *&*#@$*

Will eyed Heather again then said,

"Just a moment. I think my sister is out of her depth."

Will got up and walked over to the trio and wondered if Heather would wait. He doubted it. Reaching them he said flatly with a hard undercurrent to the two bozos,

"OK, that's it. Move along."

[Stargaizer]

Heather looked forlornly at William as he got up, giving him a pout as he walked away. The reception that he received at his destination wasn’t nearly as warm. ‘Bevis’ and ‘Butthead’ just looked at him blankly, while his sister, drunk as she was, shot him a ‘can’t you mind your own business’ glare.

After the initial shock of his intrusion, ‘Bevis’ apparently regained his mental footing and actually stood up to William. “Look mister, the lady apparently wants to be with us, not you, so why don’t you just scram. This isn’t any of your concern.”

[Courier]

Will stated flatly,

"She's my sister and I know what you do. Leave. Now."

[Stargaizer]

‘Bevis’ and ‘Butthead’ turned to each other and chuckled. Jane sighed and facepalmed. ‘Butthead’ watched Jane’s reaction and turned back to William. “Well, bro looks like your sister here thinks she’s old enough to make her own decisions; without your protection. So hows about you get a clue and take a hike?”

Jane had been with the two guys up until the last sentence. It was one thing to say that she could choose who she spent the night with, regardless of what her brother said, it was something else entirely to dis her brother. Usually that would’ve been enough for her to start beating up on someone, but apparently she was more inebriated than he’d seen her before, because she still stuck by their side... but at least now she didn’t look like she’d defend them, even if she still looked like she’d like her brother to beat it.

Back where William had been, Doug approached Heather and took William’s seat.

[Courier]

Originally Posted By: Stargaizer

Back where William had been, Doug approached Heather and took William’s seat.

Will sighed mentally. He'd be hearing about this one in the locker room.

Will's glanced at a pressure point about two inches below Bev's Adam's Apple. While he'd never hurt his sister he was tempted to take out his frustrations on someone. On the other hand maybe he was over reacting.

He glanced at them again. No he wasn't.

Will said to Jane,

"You're really going to have sex with both of them? How many drinks have you had?"

Will had a nasty thought. The Cheerleaders couldn't have been here that much longer than the football players and he hadn't noticed Jane drinking like a fish. Perhaps she 'hadn't' been drinking too much? Was it possible that she'd been slipped something a little 'extra'?

Will looked at Jane closely and tried to see if she's was on something other than alcohol.

[Stargaizer]

At William’s comment, Jane looked back and forth between the two guys as if she’d never thought through it that far before. She started to get a ‘deer in the headlights’ look. The two guys looked at each other, looked at Jane, looked at William and started to get a little antsy. They pulled their composures back together quickly though, and were about to start in on how they really weren’t going to treat his sister that bad, and probably lie about how they weren’t both planning on getting some, when Heather tapped on William’s shoulder.

Heather gave William a very quick ‘you owe me’ look before she walked up and grabbed both guys by the hand. Her seductive tone, look and manner was even stronger than when she’d been talking to William as she spoke to ‘Bevis’ and ‘Butthead’. “Hey you two, I’m more woman than this scrawny thing ever could be. Why don’t we head out, and the both of you can see if you can take me on? Whaddya say?” The two looked flabbergasted, but quickly regained their composure and led Heather off to only god knows what, god knows where.

The entire encounter over, William and Jane were left by themselves amid the mass of revelers. Jane visibly deflated, slumped, and her voice was just as hollow as she looked. “Will, can you take me home. I just want to go home.”

[Courier]

Will sent Heather back a 'Oh God Yes I do' look as she walked off... but he seriously doubted either of those two was getting laid tonight.

Quote:

The entire encounter over, William and Jane were left by themselves amid the mass of revelers. Jane visibly deflated, slumped, and her voice was just as hollow as she looked. “Will, can you take me home. I just want to go home.”

Will nodded and said,

"OK."

He'd take her home without criticism or comment and maybe he'd recover enough to do some studying after all... darn it.

No one he knew was sober enough to be trusted to drive, including himself. Jane seemed a little too rocky to walk so he called a cab. By the time it showed up Will had brighten up a little. While he might be hearing about Heather 'getting away' he wasn't the only one to strike out. She didn't go off with Doug, and she'd seemed interested enough in him that maybe he'd get another swing.

Will got both of them into the cab and gave her directions. Like all Freshmen Jane lived in a dorm, he didn't figure he'd have to give detailed directions so he sat back and closed his eyes for just a moment.

[Stargaizer]

That moment, as it turned out, changed everything. He felt Jane lean against his arm, almost like she was trying to get comfortable enough to go to sleep. It was only then that, through his closed eyelids, he noticed the world get brighter. He heard the beginning of a scream from Jane, and that was the last thing that made sense as his body was violently thrown around like a rag doll, he heard several gunshots close by, metal ground, and pieces of stuff hit him.

The confusion only lasted for a few seconds before it died down and he was finally able to open his eyes. When he did, everything finally made sense; they’d been t-bone’d. Something that looked like it had once been a sports car had hit them on his side, flipping the cab multiple times until it finally stopped against a tree, and ejecting William and Jane, who weren’t strapped in, in the process. As realization of what happened sank in, so did the physical realities. He was in pain, lots of it, and he noticed a wet sensation over much of his body. Most of his limbs wouldn’t respond, but he was able to get a quick glance at himself, and the rapidly increasing pool of blood underneath him explained the feeling of wetness.

After the realization that he might not make it his thoughts immediately turned to Jane. With considerable effort he was able to prop himself up on one arm that wasn’t as broken as the other and scan the scene for Jane. He found her in the middle of the road. From what he could see, she looked better than he did, but she was still in the middle of the road, and though there did seem to be some streetlights nearby, they were all out. He knew he had to get to her and make sure that she was ok and to get her out of the middle of the road.

William tried to get up, tried to get into a position where he could crawl, tried to roll, tried everything that he could to get over to her, but he always had to stop short of actually moving out of fear of passing out. Then, after he had expended all his energy, and by the size of the pool collecting around him most of his blood, his vision started to get blurry. It was only then that he noticed a dark figure, who seemed to absorb any light that hit him, standing in the shadows. He was about to call out for help when he noticed all the sets of red eyes surrounding him. Then, as he looked down the other end of the street, searching for anybody that could help, he saw him. This man seemed to be the exact opposite of the shadowy figure, as light seemed to emanate from his body. He had short cut beautiful blond hair, beautiful yet fair skin, and was wearing a white shirt and jeans. He slowly approached William, kneeling when he reached him. His gorgeous, piercing blue eyes locked with his, staring deep into his soul. His voice was deep and commanding, yet calming and soothing. While he was looking at her, his eyes never left hers, and he simply said “Fear not, you have been chosen.” The odd part was that, even though he didn’t say anything else before he turned his attention to the shadowy figure, he knew that the ‘you’ meant not only him but Jane as well.

The glowing man turned, and his focus settled on the shadowy figure. The shadowy figure’s voice was shallow and raspy, cold and left an oily feeling on William’s skin, even though it wasn’t him to whom it spoke, especially because he couldn’t understand the language it was speaking.

The glowing man replied, and while his voice was still deep and soothing, it had the ring of absolute authority to it this time. He spoke in the same language of the shadowy figure, and as he spoke, the creatures with the red eyes let out a hiss.

,,

Then, blackness finally started to overtake him. The last thing that he remembered seeing as he sank slowly into oblivion was the glowing man standing between Jane, himself and the shadowy figure as red and white ambulance lights flashed down the street.