Title: One of Them

Author: Jenn

Summary: Adam Banks thought he was going to Eden Hall without his friends. But that changed when the Ducks got scholarships. What was Adam really going through during the first few weeks of school and on Varsity?

Rating: PG-13(T)

Spoilers: All three movies. But for D3 mostly.

Timeline: Before, during, and beyond D3.

Category: Angst. Non-slash.

Feedback: Always happy to hear what readers have to say.

Archive: Anywhere, but please ask me first.

Disclaimers: Disney and Steven Brill own the Ducks and everyone recognizable. Anyone else is mine. Not making one penny for this story. This fic is just for enjoyment.

General Note: This is how I think the time works for the movies - D1 the Ducks were in 6th grade –- 1993 – 1994; D2 they were in 7th grade, except during spring when they went to the Junior Goodwill Games - 1995; they all were in 8th grade & played hockey for fun, before D3 - 1995 - 1996. D3 it is 1996. Can't make Charlie's "We've been together for four years," work can I?

Author's Note: Also, note when I say this is angst, it is. If anyone is sick of Banksie angst, don't read this fic. But if angst is up your alley, read away! The rating is PG-13 because of swearing and tense situations.

Thoughts, flashbacks, and quotes from the movies are in italics.

Prologue

Brothers

There was nothing special about the arena; it looked just like any other in Minnesota. Maybe not as grand as some, but it did have something exceptional to it.

If one would stop to look at the glass case in the small hallway leading from the outer doors to the ice rink, they would be amazed at the wins this team had. They would be even more astonished if they knew the history behind them.

In the glass case sat a trophy, First Place: Peewee Hockey – 1994. There were several newspaper clippings about that game. One clipping in particular was near the trophy – Ducks Beat Hawks, Minnesota Miracle. Next to the trophy was a gold medal, First Place: Junior Goodwill Games – 1995. Just like the trophy, there were newspaper clippings as well - USA Beats Iceland; or Another Miracle, USA Ducks Win the Gold.

The arena was quiet, save for the two teenagers skating on the ice. They were intent in a serious one on one hockey game. The two boys could not have been more different, in looks and personality. One was outgoing, outspoken, with dark brown hair. The other was quiet, reserved, with dark blond hair. But they were the best of friends.

The puck sailed into the goal.

"Good one, Charlie." Adam Banks high fived his friend.

Charlie Conway grinned. "Thanks, but you're still ahead by a goal."

Adam raised an eyebrow, "You want to quit?"

"Quit? Never!"

"Sorry guys, but you're going to have to finish this game some other time."

Both boys turned to see Adam's older brother, Andrew Banks, standing behind the door that led onto the ice.

"It's time to go?" Adam was referring to the appointment he had with Dean Buckley at Eden Hall.

"Yes."

Knowing what the two brothers were talking about, Charlie said, "I'll talk to you later." He skated to the goal, retrieved the puck and started practicing some of his shooting.

Adam went by Drew to take his skates off at the bottom of the stands. Once he was in his sneakers he took a moment to watch Charlie practice.

Charlie had come a long way this year. He had asked Adam in the beginning of January if he could teach him how to play his game better. Charlie was good with puck handling and a triple deke, but his scoring ability needed work. And he had gotten better. Charlie had joked that he would beat Adam in a game one day, and later he had on a few occasions. Adam did not mind. In truth with helping Charlie out, he had gotten better too.

"Charlie has really improved." Drew said. Seeing his brother's nod, he continued, "Lets go, we're meeting Dad there."

As they were heading to Eden Hall, Adam still thought how different his friend had become these last five months. He had to admit while Charlie's scoring ability had gotten better, his temper got the best of him at times. Charlie was still Charlie, but he was different from the calm laid back boy he had been three and half years ago.

Now they had finished eighth grade, Charlie was still dealing with everything that had happened this year. Or in some cases, had not happened. His mother and stepfather had split up in February. Now his mom, Casey Conway, had to work longer hours at Mickey's Dining Car. Also to Charlie's disappointment, Coach Bombay and his mom had not gotten together.

Charlie was not the only one who had changed this year. Everyone had. Not completely, just in small ways. Connie Moreau and Guy Germaine were still together. That is, they were at the moment. The other Ducks never knew if they where ready to kiss each other one minute or kill each other the next. Fulton Reed and Lester Averman had gotten better with hockey, but they still had some rough edges to work on. And Greg Goldberg, well, whatever skill he had during the Goodwill Games, he had let it fall. Adam did not know if Goldberg did not care about being goalie or if he just assumed he would be in front of the net. If he was planning to play hockey at the public high school the Ducks were going to, he would have to start practicing.

Adam's thoughts turned to his other best friend. Jesse Hall had moved to Colorado before the start of eighth grade. His parents had separated for a time during seventh, his mom taking Terry to Colorado and Jesse staying in Minnesota with his dad. But his parents had missed each other, so Mr. Hall packed up everything and moved Jesse and himself to Colorado with Mrs. Hall and Terry.

"Hey bro, we're here." Drew said parking in the student lot. Adam's thoughts were taken out of the past to the present. Something dawned on him than. This would be the last time Drew would be parking at Eden Hall.

"Do you want to see the arena?" Drew asked his brother. They had just finished looking around the school.

"Sure."

Adam had already talked to Dean Buckley. In Adam's opinion the Dean was a nice enough person, but he was a little eccentric. He had to wonder if the Dean would be better teaching kindergarten with his enthusiasm.

As they walked into the arena, Adam looked around. His face was expressionless, so Drew could not read what he was thinking.

Looking up at all the state championships, Adam commented, "Reminds me of the Hawks arena."

"Anything else?"

"It's big."

Drew shook his head. His brother did not seem impressed.

"Who's Dad talking to?" Adam asked Drew. Philip Banks had stayed to talk to the Dean and fill out paperwork. Now he was talking to someone; Adam guessed it was one of the coaches.

"Coach Wilson, he's the Varsity coach." Someone answered from behind them. The brothers looked as two boys came up to them.

"Rick, Cole." Drew greeted them politely but in a coldly civil tone.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your famed brother? After all, he was the one who scored the one goal in the first USA/Iceland game, weren't you?" The teen turned his attention on to Adam. He was not sure if it was Rick or Cole who had been talking to them.

"Yes, he did. Adam, this is Rick Riley and Cole Sutherland." Drew answered. Adam now knew it had been Rick talking.

"Drew, I think Adam can speak for himself." Rick looked back at Adam in a way that seemed to be challenging him.

"The Ducks ended up winning the gold in the final game," he stated staring right back.

Cole had been listening to all this. Finally he said, "Yes you did, didn't you?" It was as if it never crossed his mind.

Dwayne has got to be smarter then Cole, Adam thought keeping his expression blank.

Rick shot his friend a look. But he turned and glared at Drew who was trying not to smile.

Turning his attention back to Adam again, Rick said, "Even though you were in the Goodwill Games, I'm looking forward to seeing how good you really are." Than he smiled. "We'll just have to wait till the Freshman/Varsity game."

"You won't even think of winning that game." Cole sneered at Adam.

Drew looked like he was going to say something to stick up for Adam, but Rick cut in. "Cole, that wasn't nice."

"But it's true."

Rick shrugged. "Yes it is, but he doesn't know that. Come on, let's go."

The two soon to be seniors walked down to where Wilson was. Phil was coming up to his sons.

"How do you like the school and arena?" Phil asked of his youngest.

"It's not what I expected. But I guess it isn't too bad." Adam lied. Eden Hall was just like any another rich private school that he had went to. But his father was thrilled that he was going to be here. And now that he was not going to the same school as the Ducks, he was the newcomer here. He would not doubt most of the kids coming in the fall would have their friends with them.

"What were you talking to Wilson about?" Drew was not sure he should be asking this question, but it was too late now.

"He just wanted to know about Adam."

"Dad," Drew knew he was going to get his father mad, "you're not trying to get Adam on Varsity are you?"

Phil frowned at his oldest son. "Would that be a bad thing?"

Adam hated this. His father and brother were talking about him like he was not even there. Plus, did he not have a say in any of this? Did he even want to go on Varsity?

"Maybe, maybe not. But if Wilson wants him, then let Adam decide if he wants to do it, but it would be best if-"

"If I didn't interfere." Phil finished for Drew. "If you must know, I believe Wilson does want Adam on Varsity."

Adam thought for a moment. So the question was, did he want to play on Varsity? But he remembered that many of the Hawks would be going to Eden Hall. That would not be much fun if he had to be around some of his old ex-teammates again. Maybe if he did make Varsity, it would not be as terrible as being on JV.