Starting a Beginning(ALTAIR)

[shan]

Darren Shan was standing in front of his house with a smile. It was the first day of summer and school was finally out to celebrate it. What was odd about today though was that it seemed to be cloudy even though it was summer. It was unusually dark outside, but Darren wasn't going to let the sun not showing bother him today on the break away from school. He took a deep breath breathing in the welcoming summer air. "Time to start some fun"He said quietly talking to himself. He was wondering what to do first.

Should he just walk around a bit or go see if Steve is up to wanting to do something. A kid shouldn't be sitting at home bored doing nothing on a vacation away from school. Darren walked off his porch after quickly telling his mom that he was going for a walk. He would just wait and see if one of his friends will meet up with him while he is walking. As Darren walked he could see parts of the sun shining through onto the sidewalk. It was warm so of course he wore a t-shirt and a pair of shorts with his tennis shoes. He talked to some of the people he walked by and petted a dog that was with its owner. Darren Shan wanted to do something then just walk around like a bored kid.

[Altair Silvera]

Against his better judgment Altair was walking out around town. He could almost hear his mentor's voice from the grave scolding him for being so foolish. But Altair couldn't let this moment pass him this opportunity didn't come very often. It cloudy just enough for him to be able to walk out and about. It was a little pain in the neck. His skin felt on fire and like it was crawling. But even so after a while his mind numbed to the small pain. He'd been in worse as a human so hiss pride wouldn't let him flee just yet. He'd be able to resist the effects of the sun a little longer thanks to the cloud cover. Altair walked through the neighborhood looking over the normal lives he couldn't go back to now. Even as a half-vamp he enjoyed some sort of normalcy but he loved the vampire life more. The strength, the pride, the life style it all appealed to him even if h had to drink a little blood now and then.

Continuing his walk he guessed that school was out finally after seeing so many kids outside. That was the one thing he didn't miss he loved not having to go to school. He made up for it by training with his swords which were well concealed at the hotel he was staying at. He felt naked without them though there wouldn't be much a threat during the day. But he spotted some kids playing soccer on a field and he grinned. He looked about 17 and that would play to his advantage he would fit right in. He used to play soccer as a kid though football was more his sport that was a big no because he would have broken somebody bones. He walked out onto the field and watched as heads turned towards him. "Mind if I join you?" He watched as a rough looking kid walked up to him. "Sure you can be on my team we're waiting for one more guy." Altair nodded but he could hear some saying. "Are you sure that he's coming Steve what if he's not coming today?"

[shan]

Darren smiled as he walked and quickly found his friends on the soccer field. He should have guessed that there would be a soccer game. He had forgotten all about it due to himself lost in his thoughts. He quickly ran up to the group with a grin. "Sorry guys for being late. I was lost in my thoughts on the first day of summer... or more like night"He said jokingly to the dark clouds that raised above the kids. Darren finally noticed the new kid. He looked older than anyone that was within his group of friends. "Hello. I'm Darren Shan"the twelve year old said with a smile. Lifting his right hand out for the teen looking guy to share it.

Darren was naturally a nice guy who gave everyone a chance to be his friend. Him along with Steve always welcomed newcomers to the group soccer games its what made it fun. He was curious to see how much this teen was good at soccer. Darren studied their little group and turned around to pick the soccer ball off the ground. Just few days before they had played a soccer match against the high school and had one. Steve and him were unbeatable once they got going.

[Altair Silvera]

Altair could hear the footsteps approaching him with his developed senses but he had to look normal and wait until the boy was in normal range. He turned around slowly and watched as the boy ran toward them. Altair quickly looked at the boy and he instantly knew there was something different about him. He couldn't put his finger on it though maybe he was just being paranoid again so he shrugged it off. It was just a human boy no need to get on the defensive yet. When the boy approached him he smiled at the boy's mood. There wasn't a hint of skepticism or not any that he could tell. He reached out and shook the boy's hand with a smile still on his face. "Hey Darren I'm Altair Silvera. Glad to be on your team."

Altair wondered just how far he should take this he knew that these younger kids would be far weaker than an adult. He knew that there were certain moves he couldn't try or he'd risk injuring one of them. Still he planned on winning he didn't take losing lightly and it pushed him to play harder. In other words he needed to keep his temper in check and be a good sportsman. "Well then I thinks its time to show you kids a thing or two you haven't picked up on. I've gathered a few tricks over the years some you probably haven't seen yet." Altair looked over his team wondering if they could keep up he already had some advantages. Either way he'd support them he wouldn't want to take the spotlight from the local kids. He wouldn't be in the area for long wouldn't be right to take a title and leave without giving them a chance to gain it back.

[shan]

Darren had noticed that the older teen had a strong grip but just shrugged it off due to the fact that he was younger then Altair. "Altair... nice name. Are you a foreigner?"He asked curious only because the name seemed unusual. He didn't know if he was coming off being rude or not he just wanted to know if he was or not. That was one of his downsides was the fact that he opened his mouth without thinking. By watching the older kid closely he wanted to see if he hurt his feelings or made him mad.

Darren let the ball drop still smiling once it hit the grass. He did want to see if he could learn anything knew from the older kid. At school most the high school kids didn't like to go up against a bunch of middle school kids. Darren was always eager to learn new tricks about soccer. He nodded his head slightly" I'm ready to get the game started." He watched as a kid from the opposing team put the ball down in the middle of the field. Darren watched as the goalies went to their positions. Looking at Altair he asked"Are you ready?"

[Altair Silvera]

Altair smiled at the mention of his name it was pretty unusual for a kid in the US to have that name. He decided that he would let go of his old name now that he was a vampire and became Altair. He was more than happy to tell the origins of his name it was his pride. "No I'm from here but my grandfather wasn't he came from Europe. I took on his first name because I liked it and for his name to live on even after his death. I've been Altair so long I almost forgot I was born with another name. Altair means Star Child in a lot of different languages also. Seems pretty fitting for me don't ya think?" A powerful name for a powerful man or really vampire he wasn't just a mortal anymore but not quite immortal. Besides stars die out eventually and so would he.

Altair nodded at his enthusiasm he reminded Altair a lot like himself at that age. Altair decided to tease him a little a little friendly competition always made people play harder. "Try to keep up with me young one. We'll win this in a flash. Let's get this started I'm ready crush these guys." Altair took a stance out of habit which was slightly like his sword stance. Old habits die hard he was leaning forward slightly clenching and unclenching his fists. He was also analyzing the other teams stances he could tell just from looking who was an offensive player and who was more defensive. He'd use that to his advantage he turned to Darren and Steve. "Watch out for that one to the right I can see he's gonna give us some trouble."

[shan]

Darren listened interested in the origin of the guy's name. What sounded off was that it seemed like he changed his name sometime during his life. The strange thing was that the guy just looked a few years older then himself. Shaking off the feeling Darren got into his stance ready to get the game going. His eyes shown with pure excitement as everyone got into place. "I can keep up. Can you?"the brown haired boy stated accepting Altair's challenge.

Darren looked at the guy on the right on the opposite team. He just shook his head ran forward and kicked the ball. It was the start of the game and Darren was pumped up. Taking off after the ball he forgot about his teammates and took the ball from the opposing team. "Heads up Altair"He hollered kicking the ball to the older teen.

[Altair Silvera]

Altair watched as Darren got all pumped up for the game and watched as he dashed forward. It was funny how such a nice kid had an aggressive approach. Altair followed after him keeping up with him with ease even at Darren's dash. It was Darren's time to shine he could already see that he'd just be back up for now. Altair watched as Darren chased after the ball and stole it with expertise. Altair honestly had been a little surprised by the skill he was showing and Altair wasn't get left behind too far. Altair heard the words shouted at him and he was prepared he watched the ball get sent to him. He caught the ball and dribbled it down the field his feet making slight contact with the ball but keeping it going and had handle on it.

"Watch carefully lesson 1." He watched as the team began to gang up on him that was their first mistake. Putting everyone on him would leave the rest of his team open for the ball. The first opponent rushed him which he was predicting and counting on it was time for lesson one. He crossed them ball through his legs and he watched the kids eyes fall on the ball instead of him. Altair used that opening he moved to the left and then did a spin to the right with the goal so close they wouldn't need much more and now Darren had a large opening to score. Altair kicked the ball up and bounced it off his chest. This made the opposing stop wondering on how to approach. "Darren look alive boy go for the goal." He let the ball fall and jumped a little and kicked the ball flying towards Darren.

[shan]

Darren smiled when Altair caught the ball. Soon the smile fell when he saw the opposing team gang around him. He didn't know how the teen was going to get out of this situation. When he heard Altair say something about lesson one Darren stopped near the goal and watched. He saw the moves that the older kid was doing and he was amazed. He could tell that the opposing team was stunned. Darren faintly heard the next words as he saw the ball come flying at him. Snapping quickly out of his trance Darren jumped up and flipped kicked the ball into the goal right by the goalie.

"SCORE!"Darren shouted loudly with a smile as he saw the other team realize what just happened. He couldn't believe what he saw by the older teen. Darren could truly learn from this man and he would take the opportunity to do so. Running up to Altair he went to give the teen a high five. "That was awesome man"He exclaimed with excitement. Darren was truly amazed by it all and couldn't help to show it. "I thought they were going to get you and I had no idea how you were gonna escape it. It was so crazy how you did"the younger male said his eyes shinning with admiration. "You so have to teach me that sometime"Darren said as the other team started to discuss among themselves.

[Altair Silvera]

Altair watched the ball fly to Darren with inhuman speed and he wondered briefly if he would hurt the kid if he didn't get the ball in time. But his worroes were put to rest when Darren went airborne and kicked the ball with expert skill challenging even some pros. Altair had to give Darren his respect for that such a young kid had such natural talents. Altair felt like he was seeing a younger him. Altair watched Darren celebrate his victory and watched the other team stare in awe. He chuckled to himself and jogged over to Darren. He high fived him and smiled at the admiration. He ruffled his hair laughing. "You definitely have the skill for it I'll make sure to show it to you before I leave."

Altair thought about that he was planned to leave in two days he would be able to get some lessons in before he left. But he was beginning to grow attached to the kid quickly he always wanted a little brother and Darren was like the little brother he never had. Altair watched as the other team began forming a plan. "Looks like they're forming a strategy I think we should put you and Steve as an aggressive forward and I'll play support from behind you. This is your field I don't wanna try to take over. How good are you at defense kid?"

[shan]

Darren couldn't help but smile when Altair said he would teach him a new skill. He loved to be praised and it made him feel better about himself. He wondered just how long Altair was going to be here. Looking back at the opposing team he nodded. "I'm good with defense if it is needed. I don't mind you showing off its good to watch"He said watching to see what the other team plan was gonna be. He knew that since the other team saw just how good the players are they would be cautious. Darren himself was analyzing the field to be on the safe side.

"What's the plan"He asked the older teen. For some reason Darren barely knew the newcomer yet he felt close to him already. Maybe it was the fact that he looked up at him like a older brother he never had. All he had was his little sister
Annie. It nice to hang out with an older kid that is willing to teach him some knew soccer moves.

[Altair Silvera]

Altair looked back at the opposing team one more time before turning back around. "Alright I'm guessing they're going to try to come at us defensively. They're going to try and come at us like an animal trapped in a corner. When we press them they're going to keep switching the ball and for a while we won't notice the pattern. For now keep hard defense I'll remain closer to the goal for support like earlier. More than likely my skill and age is going to make them make cautious moves. We'll be counting on this if they hang back and try to find away around me. This is why you and Steve will play forward."

Altair took a second to check the team once again. "If I'm analyzing their men correctly they'll have three guys pressing to get past. If you have a chance to steal the ball move forward without hesitation. The three aggressive players at this point will be behind you me and Steve or me and Darren will protect. Move to the goal quickly and score but there is an alternative. If they happen to press past you I'll play defensive and try and steal the ball. Again this is where Steve and Darren take the aggression and will come from behind them and add pressure. In the end one of us three will have the ball." Altair turned to the other players wanting them to shine as well. "I have not forgotten you. You all will play support with me until they can catch our strategy and then us three will play defense and let you power yourselves to the goal. It's this sort of unselfishness and team work that we must depend on so we all can take the glory."

[shan]

Darren listened taking in everything the older kid had to say. By the looks on the other team faces he could tell that this was going to be a serious match. No one liked to lose especially in a match like this. He surveyed the field at the points that Altair mentioned. He saw the three main aggressive ones and had a feeling that they weren't just going to keep a wary eye on Altair. The goal Darren made with a kick flip also made the others on guard. He moved into place along with the rest of his team. When Altair went quiet he watched the other team begin their formation. Taking a deep breath Darren watched the ball being set on the middle of the field.

On the go he watched the opposing team quickly take the ball just like Altair had predicted. Running forward he did as instructed by the older teen. Steve and him had broken off in either direction but also being careful themselves. Darren once got close to the ball but one of the other players shoved him to the ground. He didn't let it bug him as he quickly got back up. It started to get to him as the other team seemed to want to be mean. Darren ran quickly before sliding across the ground and took the ball. It was a tricky move and it was rare that either him or Steve could do it without being trampled. With quick movement he lashed out his foot kicking the ball to Steve who was running the other way.

"RUN"He hollered to his friend. Just as that happened one of the larger guys slammed hard into his side causing him to hit the ground. Darren's head snapped back and hit the ground. The boy tried to get back up but his vision seemed to blur. He was mad as he hated unfair players. Darren listened for a moment trying to hear if anyone made a goal.

[Altair Silvera]

Altair watched as his plan unfolded and he held his position knowing this would go as planned. In a matter of moments a sequence of events happened that seemed to have gone into slow motion. At first he watched Darren get knocked down. Now any other boy and he would have let it go quickly but Altair clenched his fist and was seething with anger. But Darren was shaking it off so he'd let it go there was no reason to the embarrass the boy getting overprotective over a little push. But Altair brimmed with happiness as Darren and Steve had some great team work going. As the ball was being pushed further up the field Altair followed behind them ready for anything. Or at least anything except what happened when Darren got to the ball. The ball was sent to Steve who was pushing forward again and getting closer to the goal with Altair following behind.

He continued to trail behind Steve until he passed Darren. His ears were crystal clear and the sounds were greatly heightened. He could hear the stress of bones and flesh against the impacts. When the guy slammed into Darren he heard bone being pushed together briefly. But as he hit the ground and his head snapped back he could hear the bones wailing to keep his head on his shoulders. They screamed loudly until he heard the sickening crack that he doubted even Darren heard. Altair stopped and ran to Darren side and dropped down next to him checking him over for anything serious. Nothing seemed to be broken and he was still breathing. "Darren sit tight don't try to move to quickly get up slowly I have to teach these guys a lesson in pain." Altair got up just in time to see the ball coming at him.

Steve had too many guys on him and had to send the ball back down the field to him. Altair at this point was grinning like a maniac and Steve had just put two and two together. The game just got a whole lot more deadly now. Altair rushed down the field angling for the three guys on purpose he was going to crush them. Altair tapped into his vampiric power and sped up beyond human capabilities. He wasn't near flit speed but he was past track star speed. He ran at the first guy and shoulder him while spinning off of him sending him flying 5 feet minimum. The next two got it worse though. Altair kicked the ball up and sent it flying into the chest of another guy sending him flying and skidding across the field and the last guy got a shove from behind by Steve and a hard shoulder from Altair making him flip twice. Altair pushed forward and just as he was 20 feet within the goal he sent it flying smacking the goalie in the dead center of his chest and into the goal. Altair and Steve turned to the rest of the players almost growling and sent the entire team running home saying they gave up.

[shan]

Darren had opened his eyes when he felt Altair by his side. The strange thing was that Altair was a comfort to have around. The boy didn't move just as the teen had suggested. What Darren saw next was unbelievable. Everything happened so fast that Darren could barely kept up. It was like watching a movie speed up right before the young man's eyes. Altair was moving and shoving the other players like they were nothing. It was like he had some incredible power that Darren couldn't put to words. He didn't know how many people had noticed, but he couldn't help but to smile when he saw the goal. Darren wasn't the type to turn a soccer match into a violent game like it had.

Slowly Darren sat up the world seemed to spin. That blow to the ground had hurt but as far as he could tell nothing was broken. He knew he was gonna be sore for the rest of the day and let out a sigh. People who have to be aggressive to win made Darren mad. Never had he really had to deal with bullies since he became friends with Steve. He knew by what Altair had done that they were friends already even though they barely knew each other. Shaking slightly Darren forced himself to his feet. He didn't want to seem weak in front of his teammates even though deep down he knew that they didn't think of him like that.

Standing there for a moment he let the world stop spinning then made a goofy grin and his friends. "Looks like we won"He said with a slight laugh. Darren quickly stopped at a sharp pain that went through his lungs. The guy that pretty much tackled him was no small kid. He must have been a Junior High Student or something. Something about the way Altair had moved though wouldn't leave the boy's head. He tried to shake it off but he couldn't. That's the thing with Darren is that when something's stuck on his mind it is stuck.