Cooper looked at the bulletin board. A paper tacked to the board, said the team was looking for some new teammates for lacrosse practice.

Kwan walked up beside his friend and smiled, patting his shoulder. "Does Cooper want to try out for lacrosse? I heard one of their teammates moved or is either recovering from an injury. Some kid was asking another kid about him I think while I was coming from the bathroom, which I think some boys were trying to summon cthulhu from the bathroom sink." He said, putting his hands into his pockets.

"Summoning cthulhu?" Cooper turned to his friend and shook his head. "What is lacrosse? Is it similar to rugby? I have played that before as a kid, though it is a bit brutal." He asked, wanting to know a little bit more before he made any decisions like trying out for the team.

"More or so. Unlike rugby, you use a stick to carry the ball towards the goal and throw it into the goal. It's your classic 100% American sport,  since it was first played by the Native Americans." Kwan explained, flashing his friend a smile.

Cooper thought about what he had said about the sport as he turned towards the board. "I will try it out, it sounds fun, but um, Kwan, I don't have the right attire for tryouts." He asked, turning to his friend.

Kwan grinned, patting his friend's shoulder. "Come on, I may or may not have already thought ahead. I will get it while you go to the sports field. Hurry though, tryouts start in ten minutes." He said darting off, briefly tapping his watch.

Cooper stood there for a moment then called to his friend. "Where are the sports fields?" He called but his friend had already left the building. "And there he goes." He took a deep breath and began to walk down the hall, looking for someone to ask.

Sabrina happened to be fixing her makeup at her locker. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Cooper standing at the bulletin board. "Oh, Cooper! You seem like a little lost puppy." She pointed out turning around and capping her lipstick.

Cooper didn't know how to react to her suddenly wanting to speak to him. "Oh, um, Sabrina. I'm not lost, I am just trying to find the sports field. I would have asked Kwan but he had left to get something I suppose, not entirely sure." He rubbed the back of his neck.

Sabrina put her lipstick back into her locker and smiled closing the door. "Well, it is a good thing I know where the field is. You can follow me since I'm on my way to cheer practice." She tried to sound excited.

Cooper was finding this whole new world because things were never ceasing to amaze him. "How many people normally watch tryouts? Aren't there other things kids do during this time rather than watch practices?" He randomly asked, hoping to gain more information.

"A few, mostly girls but some boys do watch as well. Even practicing you need a little support. The coach is nice until he starts coaching them and then starts yelling and teasing, not the good teasing." Sabrina laughed softly, reaching her hands up and fixing the bow in her hair.

Cooper slowly nodded his head at what she was saying. "Kwan always says certain sports and occupations, the leaders or coaches often yell at the kids with mean words. Why do they do such things? You catch more flies with vinegar rather than honey or whatever the phrase is."

Sabrina began to walk with him leading him to the fields. "That is because they simply want to toughen you up and build you up how they want you to be. I was never into those sports, I did enjoy ice skating and ballet when I was younger. I mostly do cheer now, and it looks good for colleges too." She explained. "Did you do any other sports or activities besides equestrian riding?"

Cooper sucked in a deep breath and realized she was going to pry if he didn't give her something. "Fencing and chess. My father wasn't one to let us have fun, I can't remember the last time I had fun, it was always duty before enjoyment." He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sabrina was a bit surprised, her eyes growing wide. "You poor thing, and on top you were homeschooled and have had no fun, that's so pitiful. Sorry not sorry." She asked about getting back on track.

Cooper scrunched his face at her tone, it seemed she was being condescending to him. "Huh," He hummed, stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets. "I suppose so,"

Sabrina just smiled as she stopped at the beginning of the field. "Your friend is waiting for you." She pointed to Kwan, giving him a polite wave. "I will be practicing cheer with my squad, so see you around." She said giving a wink and meeting up with her friends.

Cooper just stood there for a moment. 'I can't tell whether she's genuinely nice or not. I can't get a read on her,' He sighed as he rushed over to Kwan wondering what he was holding. "Hey Danny," He took a glance at the bleachers and saw Daniel there, who waved at him.

Kwan rushed over to his friend and held out a bag. "Cooper, what took so long? Nevermind. Just put on the cleats, shorts, shirt, and helmet. The locker room is through that door. Now hurry." He said, shoving them in his hands and walking over to the bleachers.

Daniel pulled out his phone and pulled up the camera. "I'm going to tape this first practice to show Mum and Dad." He explained, tapping his foot on the floor.

Kwan walked up the bleachers and sat down beside Daniel. "This isn't so different from being a king. Both come with risks and a possibility of getting hurt. It's a learning experience for Cooper and perfect for team building and strategy." He smiled, looking towards the locker room.

Cooper did as his friend had said and then walked out onto the field, lining up with everyone else who wanted the last spots of the season.

Damien blew his whistle, letting it fall from his mouth and in front of his chest putting his cap over his black buzzed hair. "All right you skinny wannabe athletes, this is a tryout to fill some open spots, especially the one that Greenburg had left open since he tore his ACL. I know it may be late into the season, but we can win the last game of the season without that spot taken up."

"You are probably wondering why no one is on the bench." He pointed to the edge of the bench. "They all quit last month when we were slaughtered by the White Knights. They figured there is no hope for the team, but they are wrong. That is why after you try out I will tell you which place you will be playing. Unlike them, I know we will have the last game if you sissies man up and put your heart and soul into the game." He yelled at them, his brown eyes focusing on each kid.

"We are going to win and you will make it happen. We will work overtime to make sure we show everyone we have what it takes. If anyone lets me down or this team down it will be going into the yearbook and you will not have a pretty nickname that will be remembered throughout these halls and certainly proud of during a high-school reunion." He stopped at Cooper and eyed the boy up and down. "I haven't seen you here before. Do you even go to this school?"

Cooper blinked a few moments at what the coach had said to him. "Yes, sir. Cooper Cunningham. This is the first day of school. I'm the exchange student here from Europe." He replied looking up at the coach.

Damien paused for a moment before nodding his head. "I didn't need a whole life story, Cunningham. If there is one thing you need to learn to be on this team is to shut up and listen to everything I say. I only tolerate short, precise answers." He said, jabbing a finger at the young prince.

Cooper nodded his head, sideways glancing at Kwan with a glaring look, who in return just smiled and flashed a thumbs up. "Yes, coach." He said figuring that is how you answer someone in authority like back home.

Damien then picked up his whistle and gave the boys one last look before zoning in on the first boy in the line. "Carver you're up first." He yelled, blowing it and motioning for him to go to the opposite side of the field. "Give me two laps zig-zagging around the cones."

Bentley Carver took a deep breath, his ocean blue eyes hesitated on Damien before looking in front of him as he jogged to the opposite end. Once there he turned around and touched his black hair, making sure it wasn't messed up.

He sucked in a deep breath and darted once the whistle was blown. He ran down the field, weaving between the bright orange cones Damien had set up. He focused on making the sharp turns going as fast as he could.

He was halfway down the field when he lost his balance and fell onto the ground, skidding an inch or two. "Ow," He groaned, rubbing his side as he got to his feet, not hurt physically, just his pride.

Damien shook his head, giving a heavy sigh and then blowing his whistle. "Do it again from the beginning. No wimping out because your mommy didn't raise a wimpy noodle for a son!" He demanded, to which Bentley compiled and ran the course again. 'A little work and he'll be a good asset.' He thought, rubbing his chin.

He looked over at the next boy and saw that Bentley was halfway done. "Bowersox get on that field and do exactly what Carver is doing, go, go, go. Stop looking around like you're a pretty little butterfly looking for a flower to nap on!" He demanded, clapping his hands rapidly to get the boy's attention.

Nolan Bowersox pulled his hazel eyes from Caver and nodded, blowing his blonde hair from his face and jogging over. 'You can do this. You've got great coordination.' He thought to himself as he followed the course, zig-zagging between the cones.

Damien was impressed, Bentley was doing better even after falling down a few more times, and Nolan had even jumped over him and was able to stay on course. 'Good thing I made this course down the whole field.' He thought to himself. "Roosevelt get on that field and run the course,"

Rodney Roosevelt hesitantly swallowed harshly, his green eyes glanced between the other boys waiting to try out and the two already on the field. "Y-yes coach," He nodded, his brown hair tousled by the wind as he ran over to the course and immediately began to run it.

Damien looked over to the last two boys waiting to try out and hummed. Seeing the other three run to do good so far, he figured he'd make the other two also run it then consult the other members. "Cunningham, Darvill, get on that field and run the course. Continue until I say stop." He commanded walking over to the other players.

Mason Darvill played with his fingers and chewed on his lip as his blue eyes darted around. "Y-yes c-coach - b-but uh -" He sucked in a deep breath pulled his black dreadlocks into a ponytail and darted for the course.

Cooper watched Damien go over to the other teammates and glanced at Kwan, who was giving him a thumbs up. 'You can do this.' He encouraged himself as he followed Mason onto the field and over to the course.

Damien sat down beside the other players. "So, team, what do you think of these new wannabes?" He asked, knowing if the players didn't like any of them then it would be difficult to keep them on the team.

Ranger Kennedy pursed his lips, resting the tips of his fingers of his folded hands against his lips. His icy blue eyes followed the boys, studying their moves as the wind tousled his red curly hair. "We need a team to win the game! At this point, I'll take anyone!" He replied, looking at his teammates.

Charlie D'Amico twisted his black curly hair around his finger, a tick he did when he was stressed as his brown eyes watched the boys running the course. "They're not half bad. They seem to be enjoying themselves, so that's a plus." He flatly replied, tapping his foot on the floor.

Hunter Jones' blue eyes sparkled as he watched the boys run the course. He placed his hand on top of his spiky black hair and whistled. "They'll get better over time - ouch," He cut himself off seeing Mason run right into Rodney and both fell.

Alex Barker snorted, crossing his arms and leaning back. He blew his curly black hair from his brown eyes and shook his head. "We are seriously going to lose the game. We'll be an embarrassment to our school. We'll be forever known as the first looser team of the last season."

Josh Callahan pushed his black curly hair behind his ear and hummed, his icy blue eyes watching. "I think that Cunningham boy is pretty good. He's got good reflexes and he's fast on his feet. Roosevelt is pretty similar, although he needs major practice with cutting sharply and not tripping over his own two feet."

Charlie could see how those two had potential from studying the boys. "I think Bowersox has great potential, he might be a little slow but he's got great balance when it comes to turning sharp." He noted, rather impressed with this handful of boys.

Josh zoned in on Mason and sighed heavily. "What about Darvill? The boy looks terrified! He looks like a small chihuahua in a Doberman pen. Poor kid, he ain't gonna last long like that. And wait 'till he gets a load of who were facing off on the senior game."

Charlie could see what he meant. Mason was hesitant and often slowed down, speaking as he toppled over each turn. "He'll get better. We can't cut him, we have to have him on the team or else we can't play." He reminded his teammate.

"Did you have to bring that up?" Alex groaned as he weighed his teammate's words. "Maybe we won't be slaughtered like last time IF we can whip them into shape."

Charlie scoffed and wrapped an arm around Alex's neck, giving him a noogie. "Don't be such a Debbie Downer!" He told him, pulling away and flashed a smile. "I see potential and as long as we truly try our best, that should be all that matters."

Alex punched Charlie in the arm and shook his head. "Don't do that again. My hair is my pride and joy." He warned, waving his finger at him. "I hope you're right because we HAVE to win this game or else I won't get into college."

Hunter rolled his eyes and facepalmed. "We'll win. We've got three months of practice every day after school and on weekends, maybe. Stop worrying so much, goodness." He exclaimed exasperatedly, shaking his head.

Josh silently studied them, glancing at Damien who was also studying. "Coach, are you going to have them run another course? They're looking pretty tired." He pointed out, looking at the boys who were becoming sluggish.

Damien nodded, standing up and blowing his whistle. "That's good, come over." He called out as the boys jogged over to him. "Grab a stick and stand in a line, each one of you picks up a ball, runs from the red line to the white, and throws the ball into the goal." He instructed as the boys followed his command.

After each had picked up a lacrosse stick, they each picked up a ball, ran to the white line, and hurled it into the goal. With each ball tossed, they went to the back of the line and continued until there wasn't a single ball left.

He had them run through a few more courses, running through tires and running opposite of each other. Dodging each other trying to scoop up a ball and toss it to someone else without making eye contact but only by voice.

As the hours passed, it soon came time to end the practice, and everyone was brutally exhausted.

"Not bad," Damien mused, putting his hands on his hips. "Come on boys, you're done for the day." He called and blew his whistle.  "Get hydrated because I don't need any dehydrated shrimps."

Nolan stopped, hunching over, and placed his hands on his knees as he took a few deep breaths. "I didn't - realize how tough - tryouts would be -" He panted between his words, trying to catch his breath. "I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight." He fell backward onto the ground.

Rodney turned to Cooper and placed his hand on his shoulder. "You're not too bad, Cunningham. Are you sure you haven't played lacrosse before? You seem like a natural!" He asked, skeptically looking at the exchange student.

Cooper rubbed the back of his neck, a little sheepish at the compliment. "I haven't, but I have fenced so maybe that helps with coordination and stamina. My younger brother, Brian, gets too into it and goes pirate on me." He admitted, giving a nervous laugh.

Mason chewed on his lip after swallowing harshly. "I-I didn't m-meant-to collide with y-you." He apologized, stammering and avoiding eye contact with Rodney.

Rodney could tell the boy was a nervous wreck. "It's no biggie. It didn't hurt and besides, when we play against another team, we have to worry about being body-slammed and breaking some bones."

Mason was shaking, physically shaking at Rodney's words. "B-body sl-slammed?" He stuttered, trying to picture what he meant. "B-breaking b-b-bones?" He shivered, he hadn't thought about that when he signed up.

Bentley placed his hands over Mason's ears. "Stop scaring him. You know that hardly ever happens." He stuck out his tongue and removed his hands. "Now shush, we'll see if we made the team." He elbowed Rodney in the side and looked at the coach.

Damien narrowed his eyes at the boys as they lined up. "Since you are the only ones who signed up, I can't afford to dismiss any one of you. So, welcome to the team newbies. Don't take this for granted."

Bentley couldn't believe it. He had to do a double-take. "Wait? We made the team?" He asked, hopefulness filled his voice and he widened and brightened. "We are actually on the team?"

Alex nodded, crossing his arms. "Yes, you heard right. Tomorrow you'll get a real jersey with your number and place on the team. As the captain it's my job to make sure I have your contact information, so give me your numbers before you leave and make sure your parents sign the paper I'll give you when you leave."

Charlie stood beside Alex, nodding with a smile. "Congratulations boys, hopefully, you'll help us win! We've got potential and in these coming months, you will practice for hours and even at home. As co-captain, I'll prepare some drills you can do at home when you're not on the field for practice. Good work." He threw them a thumbs up.

While the other boys were whooping for making the "I-I did it!" His eyes lit up brightly with a smile. "I made the team! Danny! Kwan! I make the team!"

Kwan jumped down the bleachers and shoved his phone in his pocket. "Cooper! You made the team! I'm so proud of you!" He cried and eloped his friend in a hug. "You made the lacrosse team!" He pulled away and placed his hands on Cooper's shoulders.

Daniel walked up beside his brother and nudged his shoulder. "You did well out there. Now, hurry and do what you need to. Mum wants us home in half an hour for dinner." He tapped his watch, emphasizing the time.

Cooper glanced down at his watch and it nearly said six. "Blimey! School ended three hours ago? It doesn't feel like it." He pivoted on his heels and gave Alex his contact information, taking the papers he needed for his parents to sign and the drills he needed to practice.

He turned around and looked up at the sun that was starting to set.

For once in his life, he was feeling happy, genuinely happy. The happiness he felt before he knew he was a prince.

He had high hopes for his time here and he knew his siblings did too.

〰️♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰

A/N:
I was on a roll with this chapter. I know I added a lot of new characters but when you're writing a sports chapter/story you introduce a lot of characters at once.

Chapter Talk:
Heh, can anyone guess the Greenberg reference? If you can, awesome. If you can't, that's okay, I can just tell you if you wanna know.

Thanks for reading!