(March 16th, 2015.)

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

The unmistakable beeping of a key card being slid through a hotel card reader activates and the door opens revealing-

Christian: Aw, hell yeah! It's just something about this particular hotel! Continental Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, and a basketball court?

Christian and his teammate and roommate for the duration of Men's Basketball Tournament in fellow freshman Tyler Ulis brought all of their bags into their room and *whistle* it was immaculate. The massive building, a Hyatt Regency and in turn their hotel room was situated right in the middle of Downtown Louisville where the business district and a majority of the city's attractions were placed. It wasn't even all that long of a bus ride for the SEC Champions and prohibited favorite to win their second National Championship in four years. About an easy hour drive, the team arrived at their destination for the next week as they had their opponents set. Fresh off of winning their single elimination First Four matchup, their first opponent would be the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions Hampton Pirates who despite their lackluster 17-17 seasonal record, they earned their opportunity. Unlucky for them, like any other 16-seed, they drew the short end of the stick as they would potentially find themselves walking the plank against the consistent apex predator of college basketball.... Christian's Wildcats.

Tyler: Did you see the view from our patio.... get a look at this Chris!

Christian drops his practice bag, backpack and suitcase for the duration of March Madness as they in take the mild, and at times piercing cool air of Derby City..... in their immediate viewing they could see the KFC Yum! Center, several restaurants starting to hitting their apex of the lunch hour and way, way in the distance you could make out the faint image of the iconic Churchill Downs despite being only a ten minute drive from where the team was at.

Christian: One of these days, I will make the trip to Churchill Downs when I'm insanely rich. Always wanted to drip only insanely weird yet drippy duds while I mingle with the upper crust of society!

Tyler: You feelin' all right, man?

Chirstian: Of course I am, why wouldn't I be? We're three days away from hitting the ground running and winning a National Championship Tyler! I'm as juiced yet focused as a person can be. Plus a lot of us, you and I included are trying to boost our draft stocks every which way. One good game could land you in the top five yet one bad game for a top ten pick could send them tumbling out of the lottery all together. Which is why, I can't be self-

His phone begins ringing and he finds his father Prince fresh off a long nap on a flight from Orlando to Miami and on FaceTime.

Christian: Hey, Dad!

Tyler: What's good, Sir?

Prince: Hey, kiddo! And please Tyler you don't have to be so formal with me. I just wanted to check in on you, son. I never got to properly congratulate because I've been moving like a bat out of hell.

Christian: It's all good, please if anything, I haven't been in contact with what tournament prep, the upcoming games and studying for final exams, it's been just as hectic. Believe me when I say, you don't owe me any excuse, OG.

Prince: I'm glad to see you're in high spirits. Not surprising, March Madness was always one of my favorite times of the year as not just a player but a fan of the game overall. The nerves are natural too, but it all will wash over you once that first game's in the books.

Christian: No doubt, no doubt. So you think you'll be able to catch us for a game? I know you are guys are under the microscope, playing with LeBron and all that?

Prince: I would kid, I really would, nothing more but the games are piling up like crazy and it couldn't had come at a worse time. It's literally like the second the tournament comes to Cleveland, we're on the road. If we clinch a playoff berth, I'll see what I can do, I don't have that type of stroke like some teammates I've played with have. You know if I could drop 'em, I would.

Christian: I get it dad, go handle that lightwork get a fourth title. I'm gonna explore Louisville for what it's worth then get ready for practice. Hope you'll watch from afar.

Prince: As if there were any doubt... gotta go, we got our own practice to worry about.... one of your potential teams isn't going to beat themselves! Talk to you later, Cubby.

Cringing at the nickname, he laughs it off before bidding farewell to his dad over the phones, and once that's over he leans over the railing with his teammate, thinking of the what-ifs and maybes with the approaching storm ahead before looking up to the sky, one person left on his head and mindspace.

Christian: I've got you pops... I know you and the OG never got to hold a National Championship, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to win it for you. Watch over us.

(March 17th, 2015. Practice, 2 Days before Round of 64 vs. Hampton.)

Christian: BREAK OUT, BREAK OUT! I GOT BOARD!

The Wildcats were hard at practice, encapsulated with your standard cardio prep, shoot-around and live scrimmages which itself was just an excuse to fine tune the coaches' gameplan for the upcoming game with the Pirates and right now Christian acting as the break starter, working on their high-tempo style of offense otherwise known as the seven seconds mixed with Coach Cal's iconic Dribble Drive offense from his days as the coach of the Memphis Tigers. After giving it off to one of the Harrison twins and methodically working their teammates on the defensive end who were simulating their upcoming opponents towards that end of the ball, the ball coming off a Willie Cauley-Stein screen, Christian would get the ball, crossing over some defenders for the easy layup.

John Calipari: GOOD! GOOD! RUN IT FASTER!

This same exact play is ran exactly four times over until coach finds no fault in his players' effort level before calling them over.

John Calipari: All right, all right, everyone. I'm liking what I see so far, especially with two days left until the tournament drapes over all of us. I want each of you take every single game seriously, for most of you, this'll be your only opportunity be it you're graduating or you're going straight for the Draft.

He casts a proud look towards some of his freshmen before continuing to talk.

John Calipari: But at the same time, all of these potential opponents we can find ourselves tangling with. Any and everyone can find themselves being upset any point within the forty minutes. So when that ball's thrown in the air, ignore all distractions. You fight for every loose ball, wage mental warfare in the opponent's head even if you gotta talk about someone's momma or their jagged teeth. You have to give EVERYTHING if you want to be in Indianapolis once again like we were earlier in the year. Get complacent and you can go on right back to Lexington and middle around for finals or all that other boring shit. If you plan on giving blood, sweat, tears and all of your potential oxygen intake, then get ready for war! Wildcats on three! One, Two, Three-

Wildcats: WILDCATS!

John Calipari: All right, kick your asses into high gear. Get changed, go get some Gatorade in you, and if you want a quick shower! Mandatory film study on Hampton in forty minutes, let's move now!

Christian moved onto the locker room and after getting a quick shower in, he rustled through his bookbag finding his phone having notifications in the thirties with seven messages and twenty-three missed calls.

Christian: Aww, someone missed me. Call Madelyn for me.

Siri: Calling Madelyn.

The ringer comes to life for a good twenty to thirty seconds before the silky smooth voice of his best friend comes through the other line.

Madelyn: Hello, Madelyn Cline speaking.

Christian: So we just blowing up other peoples' lines, yeah lil girl?

Madelyn: Who are you calling, "Lil Girl", you giant beanstalk bastard?

Christian: The pipsqueak whose a good foot shorter than me when she's not wearing high heels. How was your bus ride to Columbus?

Madelyn: Torture? Agonizing? Painful. The only thing remotely positive about it was that I had the window seat above all.

Christian: Shit.... can't say I relate. But hey at least, I'll be seeing you come the Sweet Sixteen. Just gotta hope your squad survives to see us, but then again, we're undefeated for a reason... but your school stands in the way of our immortality. I'll see if I can make it merciful.

Madelyn: Ahh.... there's my best friend, extra cocky to no end. Let's forget about the tournament and talk about the draft coming up. Has anyone been talking to you as of late?

Christian: If I tell you, you need to keep it off the record, you can't tell anyone, it would damage my stock if leaks around my status got out.

Madelyn: You can trust me. I would never do anything to jepoardize your career actively before you got there.

Christian looks around to make sure no one is listening in on his phone call before getting back to his fellow college student and childhood friend.

Christian: From what I heard from my dad's agent who's been keeping a close look on my prospects... Sacramento, Charlotte, Cleveland, Orlando, New Orleans, the Lakers are all taking active interest in me. So there's about a thirty-three percent chance I could go or be near home when all is said and done.

Madelyn: Well are there any preferences when it comes to you?

Christian: Honestly, so long as I know I get drafted into a good situation. I don't mind a rebuild Maddy, but I ultimately wanna compete for championships and MVP's. And like any player, I'm gonna eventually know my worth and push for either more talent or go to a contender. I'll just leave it up to the draft lottery, my performance in the tournament and upcoming combine to see where I land.

Madelyn: About that.... what would you think about someone if they said college wasn't for them?

Christian: Hang on.... are you saying.... Maddy, are you thinking about dropping out?

Madelyn: I wouldn't say actively. But it's been waning more and more on my head with my freshmen year coming to an end. And you're going to be a household name soon, so any advice?

Christian: I mean it's a huge risk, huge reward. You should probably talk to your parents about that, they're more than likely going to be upset-

Madelyn: You're not exactly convincing me here-

Christian: At least let me finish. I was going to say something along the line like yeah they're gonna be upset and maybe a tinge angry as any parent would. But if you can convince them that's what you're truly wanting, maybe then they won't be as outraged. I actually get a baked-in excuse since I'm almost seven-foot.

A terse silence hangs between the lines before Madelyn coughs and tries to tell the prospective NBA player something that had.

Madelyn: Christian, there's something I've been meaning to tell you.

Christian: I'm still here, Maddy. What's on your mind now, best friend?

Oh how she hated having that label attached to her name and what was worse, Christian for better or worse either was just oblivious or didn't know how heavy her heart was weighing at this moment.

Madelyn: Well it's just that I-.....

Devin Booker: There you are, C-Murda! C'mon slap some clothing on, we got film study in ten minutes!

Christian: Oh for sure, for sure, I haven't forgotten! I just need to throw a shirt on and I'll be there. Sorry Maddy-

Madelyn: Duty calls, I get it. Biggest games of your life until you're in the league. I'm just now settling into my hotel room. I'll see you whenever, Chris.

Christian: Right on Madelyn, I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other, once the team sheds off the unnecessary dead weight of this tournament. Like I said, just hope and pray your team does what needs to be done.

Madelyn: Sure, sure... Good luck. Though knowing you, you won't be needing it.

She doesn't hear anything on the other line, indicative of Christian having hung up yet again and with another wasted opportunity of confessing how she really about her long time best friend, the tears started to well up in her face just as her friend comes in.

Christy: And I finally have seen him off... Jaylen's officially locked in- Madelyn.... oh my God! What happened?!

Madelyn: I'm fine Christy.... just trying to figure out these stupid fucking feelings I have. Every time I've come close, the goal seemingly grows more impossible. What am I doing wrong?

The tears finally break through full force as the soon to be sophomore Chanticleer student threw her head into a pillow.

Christy: Poor girl... whoever is doing this to Madelyn... please realize just what the hell type of a woman you've got on your hands.

(KFC YUM! Center.... March 19th, 2015. Hampton vs Kentucky, Round of 64.)

Bill Raftery: We want to welcome all and hope you had a phenomenal St. Patricks Day, how about you kick back and enjoy. It's the final game for tonight's Round of 64 before Sunday's slate and for one side they're looking to spring the biggest upset in the tournament history. It features the 16-seed Hampton Pirates sitting with ineviable task of looking to topple the one above all... the number one seed, vaunted and undefeated Kentucky Wildcats at a sterling 34 wins and no losses. Winner will advance en route to take on the Bearcats of Cincinnati in the Third Round also known as the Round of 32 and you saw those other two games in the wings. 5-seed West Virginia takes on 12-seed Coastal Carolina with the 4-seed Maryland Terrapins taking on the 13-seed Valparaiso Beacons. And here come the SEC Champion of Basketball, Kentucky Wildcats!

Christian: GIVE EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT BOYS! KEEP FIGHTING UNTIL YOU SEE NOTHING BUT ZEROES ON THAT CLOCK! NOW LET'S GO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP!

The cheerleaders and Wildcat mascot come from just outside the tunnel, giving the squad enough space and distance to come through with thunderous cheers and roars for the heavy favorite raining down.

Bill Raftery: For Kentucky, the mission statement is clear. Decimate any who stand in the way and claim a second national champion in 4 years and even more significant the chance to become the eighth undefeated squad all time on the men's side with the last being the 1976 Hooisers. Bill Raftery allong with Brian Anderson and Steve Smith.....

John Calipari: Like I said from the very moment we got off of those buses in preparation for the tournament, the only people that can stop you being immaculate are YOURSELVES! TREAT EVERY GAME LIKE IT'S YOUR LAST, MEN!

Bill Raftery: Starting Lineups for the Hampton Pirates.... who in the words of their coach will be looking for some sort of cosmic and divine intervention, but anything is possible even in the tournament... Quinton Chievous followed by Brian Darden, Deron Powers, Reginald Johnson and Jervon Pressley, the last of the five who will be asked to the near impossible and that's containing the three-headed hydra in the frontcourt as John Calipari with freshmen Karl-Anthony Towns and Christian Travis running the four and three respectively and Willie Cauley-Stein patrolling the paint and the Harrison twins, Andrew and Aaron holding it in the backcourt. For the Wildcats this year they have been averaging just a shade under 74.5 points per game while holding their opponents this year to roughly slightly above 54 a game. Hampton could pull off the biggest in tournament history as far as recently goes..... to Hampton- NO STOLEN BY TOWNS WHO GIVES IT OFF TO CHRISTIAN TRAVIS-

Bill Raftery: AND CHRISTIAN COCKS IT BACK AND JAMS IT IN, PRESSLEY MAKES A BUSINESS DECISION! KENTUCKY GOES UP 2-0 ON A VICIOUS RIM-RATTLER!

The crowd jam-packed into the Louisville Cardinals' arena came to life and it hadn't even been four minutes post-National Anthem and the player intros for the South Carolina-born and California-raised native. He mean mugged the center in front of him, giving him the world-famous "You Can't See Me" gesture as a way of taunting.

Christian: Strap in, little boy.... I'm on that typa of timing. I'm taking this bitch over whether you and your squad care to admit it or not.

Jervon: You ain't getting another one of those.

Christian: OOOOHHHHH A BETTING MAN! SAY MUTHAFUCKING LESS!

Christian accepted the full fledged responsibility for Jervon Pressely's defense, not taking his trash talk lightly off of the first basket of the night.

(Score: 32-15 Kentucky. Christian Travis Statline- 15 points, 4 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 2 Blocks and 1 Steal.)

Bill Raftery: Rebound by Cauley-Stein, he will give off to Andrew Harrison who has 8 points and 3 Assists. On the fast break come Calipari's Cats, Harrison gives it to Cauley-Stein who feeds to Christian, and the favorite for National Player of the Year defended well, but here comes a blazing Towns-

Christian: Y'all doing all this clamping on me-

He slices in between Darden, Pressley and Powers before finding Karl-Anthony for a slick feed and vicious jam.

Christian: But all of this pocket watching gonna get y'all in heavy trouble!

Kentucky-34, Hampton 15. (9:27 left in the First Half.)

And the storm was only JUST getting started for Hampton. They were already a massive underdog but one has to wonder what would've happened if Jervon didn't jaw back and forth with Christian to start the game.

Grant Hill- Travis with the steal of Darden, he races up court and he will... ABSOLUTELY BULLY THE PIRATE DEFENDER, FOUL, HOOP PLUS THE HARM!

Bill Raftery: This game is getting out of hand as you and Brian prefaced, Grant. What was once a seven point Kentucky lead has now swelled to a 27 point lead with under four minutes to go with Wildcats up 54-27 and it can grow to 28 with an and-one conversion.

Christian looked pitifully at the defender he moved little difficulty with his body for the dunk and foul before he once more got in the face Jervon Pressley before going to the foul line for his and-one gimme.

Christian: You can pay me on Cash App or PayPal. I'll be waiting for my money, good Sir.

And if you thought the whooping was just going to stop just because he would go on the bench with the remaining four minutes and change.... you'd be wrong.

Bill Raftery: Booker over to Alex Poythress and Poythress will feed into the post for Willie Cauley-Stein, spin move and he will take the harm.... in exchange for the hoop. He's up 12 in his own right....

Grant Hill: OH LOOK AT THE SPACE, BOOKER A THREE! AND YOU CAN BOOK THAT ONE, BOOKER HAS NINE!

Bill Raftery: Look at the score, Kentucky is up 81 to 43.... a massive 38-point lead.

*Buzzer Sounds*/HALFTIME..... But wait.... there's more!

Christian came out of the half, guns blazing as if to bring out Kentucky's claws to cleave the literal embodiment of the Hampton team, shredding any and everything that head coach Edward Joyner had put together for adjustments and unfortunately despite his team giving it everything they could, that call to Jesus Christ himself wouldn't being coming in nearly enough time as the well coordinated attack from the SEC Champion overwhelmed the MEAC Conference Champion and it wasn't just Christian ragdolling the poor buccaneers and leading them to the plank, though he made it a concerted effort to put the tournament watchers and those who made brackets of Kentucky being upset to sit in their forever shame. After a 29 point, 9 rebound, 7 assists, 2 block and one steal night, Christian found himself being subbed out one last time with not only 5 minutes remaining but a calvacade of cheers ensuing once he and the starters were pulled with the Wildcats approaching the one hundred point barrier.

John Calipari: You and the starters did well, kid. Way to make a statement even if it was just the second round.

Christian: Appreciate that coach... but this only the beginning. We've still got five games and five victims as far as I'm concerned. I won't be celebrating until we're holding a regional and National Championship.

They shake hands as he heads to the bench a Gatorade and towel awaiting him as he bathes in all of the thunderous cheering from the Kentucky fan section, but he only juices them up more telling them to get hyped up even more with the reserves who didn't see much time.

Final Score: Kentucky 98 Hampton 59

Christian: Phase One is complete.... just five more games to cement my status as not only the best in the family but a surefire Top-Five Pick. Look out world, Christian Travis just took basketball by the fucking throat and made it his bitch.

End of Chapter Six. Game One of the tournament is in the books for Kentucky and they're going dancing well into the night! People should really learn not to poke the Cat, fore you will always shall get the claws as punishment. I wanted to get this out yesterday but my Chromebook died before I could finish it. So... here you go! And hours before Money In The Bank so yippee! I'll also be taking the next two weeks off of here not because I don't enjoy this because I do but every guy needs a break and EA Sports College Football 25 is dropping next week and I wanted to get ahead of playing but don't you all worry, I'll be just as equally hard at work planning out new updates for Winning Time, Heart of a Champion, Love: The Ultimate Painkiller and Killer Ice, which after a vote I held, I have decided to adapt manga chapters from Black Clover into Killer Ice so be on the lookout once I'm done with the Spade Invasion Arc! Until then see you guys later!