[@Spectral] [@Stylobilly] 

[color=f26522][i]Too slow on the dodge...
Not enough power in the swing...
Gotta commit to thrusts...[/i]

"Aaah oof!."[/color]

Zack landed, sprawled out on the stone street as he tripped over his own hasty footwork. Quick to react to the fall, he had managed to set his arms down to keep his face from planting; now his arms and hands stung with a scraping pain. Frustrated, he pushed himself back onto his feet, and inspected the damage. [color=f26522]"Mhmmm."[/color] Light, shallow scars had been left where his arms had slid out against the ground on collision. [color=f26522]"Tch. That's no good."[/color] He backed up to a nearby wall and seated himself against it to regroup and compose himself. He stared intently at his Struggle Bat laying on the ground in front of him; it almost seemed to share in his disappointment. 

Grunting, he looked away, towards a set of steps that led from the alleyway down into the Sandlot where the Struggle Tournament was held. It was also there that Seifer and his gang liked to spend most of their time when they weren't harassing people around town under their self-ascribed authority. Zack's stomach churned. He had had is share of run-ins with Seifer over past few years. He had often been easy picking, as he was frequently on his own, which Seifer's crew gravitated to; they were like wolves stalking straggling does on their hunt. Over the last year it had only gotten worse, as Seifer had been the one who ousted Zack from the previous Struggle Tournament, keeping him from reaching the Finals Tournament. He'd have be all the better this year if he wanted to get them off of his back, and defeating Seifer on a Championship run would be more than enough for that. 

Zack sprang back to his feet and picked up his bat again. He shifted into a fighting stance. His stomach churned a second time, this time giving a sharp crescendo into a growl, and finally opening into a full on roar. Zack rubbed his hand against his stomach; if there was one thing he never tried to train through, it was hunger. Breathing out as though let down, he shouldered his weapon, and began walking back into town. After a short trip, he found himself at the home of the Banks family. Jacob and Julia, as well as their other sister, were schoolmates of his, and their family lived relatively comfortably. Though somewhat privileged, they were also reasonably generous to those in rough times. 

Having spent the four years prior without a proper home to go to, Zack had been couch surfing for some time before being offered a space with the Banks family; they had an extra room, nothing grand by any means, but it was just enough for Zack and his few possessions. He had lived with them for a little over a year, and they had steadily become the closest thing he had felt to a real family. Hoping he didn't appear too worn out, he approached the door. Figuring it was locked, he gave three knocks, and awaited a response.