‘It’s just two more sets,’ Tobias thought to himself.
The ball was coming over the net now, and thankfully Nico picked up the ball cleanly, nothing less expected from one of the best liberos Tobias had ever encountered.
“Nice receive!” Daniel called out from the back row. The ball was going up toward Tobias now, almost in slow motion. Out of the corner of his eye, Seamus sprinted across the court and jumped with all his might. Feeling the back fall into his hands, Tobias quickly set the ball towards his teammate. As Seamus jumped, #5 was right there in front of him. It was almost as if he came out of nowhere on the other side of the net.
“One touch!” #5 yelled as the ball flung off his hands from his block.
Tobias watched the other team closely, following the ball with his eyes and predicting who the setter would give it to. It was going to be the Ace, he decided. So did Keiran apparently. He made eye contact with Tobias and led them to the right side of the court.
“Ready and,” Keiran paused, “now!” he yelled as #1 went up for the spike. The court flickered, and Tobias saw the edge of his vision darken.
‘Not now, dammit,’ he thought as he fought to stay alert. He felt his legs tense up and fought through the cramp. Jumping a bit late, Tobias felt himself sway to the side, unable to control his body as accurately as normal. Suddenly, the ball seemed to be coming closer to his face, but he couldn't seem to process it fast enough.
The ball collided with his face and Tobias felt himself falling to the ground, but his vision was cutting out. Everything went black as the back of his head hit the wooden floor beneath him.
***