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[15/07/2020 | Time: 08:00 AM | News Report - German Sports Network]

The morning news cycle sifted to a lighter story, shifted from serious coverage of the BLM riots to tabloid legal troubles. Anchor Maria Schneider's voice carried the gravity of the situation as she addressed viewers across Germany.

"In a developing story that has captured national football attention, Bayer Leverkusen wunderkind Rakim Rex and his legal team have filed comprehensive lawsuits against both photographer Henrik Vandenburg and the British tabloid publication The Son that employed him. The lawsuits, filed yesterday in a German civil court, seek damages exceeding two million euros and include charges of criminal trespass, invasion of privacy, and conspiracy to violate residential security laws."

The screen cut to footage of Rakim's personal attorney, Mike Spectre, a junior Partner at his uncle's law firm. The man handled all of his contracts, from ensuring there were no hidden clauses to ensuring his interests were legally protected. "My client has been subjected to systematic harassment that culminated in a criminal breach of his home security," Mr Spectre stated firmly to the assembled press. "This was not journalism - this was a coordinated attack on a private citizen's fundamental right to safety and privacy. The perpetrator planned this intrusion, disabled security systems, and invaded private property with the express purpose of capturing unauthorised photographs. We will pursue this matter to the fullest extent of German and International law."

The news report continued with analysis from legal experts and TV personalities. They had differing views, with the minor celebrities being of the opinion that it comes with the territory and was being blown out of proportion. The legal experts held differing opinions, arguing that, regardless of the grey areas in news gathering, knowingly breaking the law was inexcusable. The fact that Vandenburg had tampered with security equipment transformed what might have been a simple trespassing case into something far more serious.

~~~

[15/07/2020 | Time: 9:30 AM | Leverkusen Training Ground]

At the BayArena training facility, the lawsuit had become the talk of the locker room. Rakim arrived to find several teammates discussing the news coverage they had caught in the morning. "Bro, two million euros?" Diaby whistled low. "You're not playing around."

"Honestly, half of that is probably going to be lawyer fees and taxes; my team just doesn't want other eager reporters getting any bright ideas." He responded, dropping his training bag into his locker. "Anyway, we've got bigger fish to focus on right now, Champions League."

"Honestly, it feels weird to still be playing this late; my body is already in holiday mode," Bailey responded, bringing a hand to his mouth, doing his best to resist a yawn.

"I know, I had plans to take my family to America in the summer, but right now I'd rather we stay home. It's still crazy over there," Volland commented with a light sigh, bringing the mood down as all knew what he was mentioning. They had just somewhat recovered from the pandemic, but the world was as tense as ever.

(Clap clap clap) "C'camon lads, let's just focus on today. If you're ready, head out. The trainers are ready." Lars Bender exclaimed, breaking the tension and prompting some of the players who were lingering to get moving.

Training proceeded with increased intensity as the Champions League quarter finals loomed. Bosz had the squad working through tactical drills explicitly designed for the knockout format they'd face in Lisbon. The single-elimination structure meant there was no room for error, no second leg to correct mistakes.

Since they had a long prep time, the training was a mix of intense and light-hearted games. Players had more opportunities to work on individual drills in addition to the team ones. However, the mornings were spent on intense drills, as they tried to refine their strategy going into the match against RB.

Before they knew it, days rolled by. On one hand, Rakim's life at home was calmer than it had been since the chaos first broke. The National coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement gradually overshadowed the coverage of May's father in the United States. Newsrooms that had tried to divert attention from it were forced to go back to it as the issue continued to escalate.

For May, it was a breath of air she needed, which she was thankful for, as the spotlight was no longer directly on her. She spent more time in the garden with Zeus, reading or sketching, taking a break from social media. She had finished her last exams and was awaiting the results.

~~~

[07/08/2020 | Time: 12:00 PM | Location: BayArena, Leverkusen]

The calendar flipped to August, and the German press had finally shifted back to football. Reporters sent by the UEFA committee arrived at training, where they interviewed players and coaches. Questions at press conferences now revolved around tactics, on Leverkusen's path to the quarter finals.

Rakim outright refused to answer any tabloid questions, keeping things to football only. The German press was nonetheless excited, as three German teams had made it to the last eight. Although it would be a clash of compatriots in the quarter finals, the chance of bringing the trophy home was still fifty per cent.

Belief in Bayern Munich coming out victorious was the rule, even against Barcelona. Their opponents were underperforming compared to the standard they are used to, failing to win a single trophy this year. This was despite the fact that Ronaldo left the league at the end of last season, removing one of their major stumbling blocks.

~~~

[15/08/2020 | Time: 10:45 AM | Location: BayAren, Bus Terminal]

The hum of the bus engine was the only consistent sound in the air as players began to arrive in staggered waves. Security personnel kept the gate clear while Leverkusen staff loaded luggage into the undercarriage of the sleek, jet-black team coach wrapped in their club branding. It felt more real that the season was finally narrowing toward its dramatic conclusion.

The roar of Rakim's mint green i8 resounded as he pulled into the parking lot, quickly finding his spot. Moments later, he stepped out of the car, looking clean and wearing the compulsory black suit for the trip. His hair had grown quite full in the past few months and had been cut into a low taper with blond tips that had faded, dyed back to his natural colour, or snipped.

Earbuds, he stepped out of the car with a duffel bag in hand, containing his personal belongings that he would need on a day-to-day basis. The other stuff had already been packed and left for the club to sort for the trip to Lisbon. Greeting a few staff members, he alighted the bus, joining the rest of his teammates.

"You ready?" Wirtz asked him as he took the seat next to him, not even bothering with a hello. "My folks woke me up at six, telling me that no matter what, we couldn't lose to RB."

Rakim chuckled, settling into the seat and pulling out one earbud. "Your parents sound like mine. My mom called me last night, saying she'd already bought a Sky Sports membership to watch us play in the finals."

"Yeah, kinda weird how everyone seems to believe in us more after we defeated Bayern in the finals," Wirtz said with glee as he best knew the difference, having come up in the Leverkusen system since he was young. "RB are good, but we got all the momentum now, I don't see us giving that up."

Around them, the bus filled with familiar faces as players and staff continued to arrive, taking their seats. Some were still tired and used this chance to catch up on z's after customary greetings. It was the younger players, such as Bailey and Wendell, who were naturally energetic, that brought up the mood. Hradecky was the last to board, earning a round of applause from his teammates. The Finnish keeper had been receiving praise all year for only ever being late when they had to travel somewhere.

"I had to stop and help a grandma carry her groceries home and wait for a kindergarten class to cross the road..." He sheepishly explained, earning another bout of cheers and applause.

"Alright, just pay you a five-pound fine and listen up!" Peter Bosz stepped onto the bus at the front, patting him on the shoulder. The chatter died down immediately. "We've got a two-hour flight to Lisbon, then straight to the hotel. Training session tomorrow morning at the Estádio da Luz to get familiar with the pitch. I want everyone to be focused and professional. This is the Champions League quarter finals - we're eight teams away from being champions of Europe."

"Seven teams, boss," someone called out from the back. "We're one of the eight."

Bosz allowed himself a small smile. "Seven teams then. The point stands. This is our chance to show the world that Leverkusen isn't just a cup winner - we're a European force. Now let's move out."

With that, the bus rumbled to life, pulling away from the BayArena training complex. As they passed through Leverkusen's streets, a few early fans waved and held up scarves despite the lack of any formal announcement about their departure time. Word had spread through social media, as it always did.

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To Be Continued...