55.) A Galaxy-Ball Extravaganza!! Kitiro VS. Demetri!!!

Galaxy Ball! A sport created for the enjoyment of Gods, Celestials, Non-Mortals, and Mortals alike. The sport has been around for more than 5,000 years now. The game itself does indeed include using a galaxy as the ball. Players are required to astral project gigantic figures of themselves and use essence to solidify the projection. That is used as their avatar just big enough to make a galaxy look like that of a soccer ball in comparison. They're then set in a dimension created by the officials. The field is more than 500 galaxies long. With a width of 250 galaxies. There are false black holes set on both ends with a "push and pull" sequence set on it. Sucking in the galaxy, then spitting it right back out. The galaxy itself is protected by a clear sphere, also made by the officials. Five players take the field with ten players taking the bench. It takes quite the toll on the players to keep a projection that large up while exerting essence and stamina in rough play.

There are three rounds to the game, so first to win two walks away, the victor. Each round lasts for fifteen minutes with pauses after each goal, foul, out of bounds play, and of course… time outs. So games can last pretty long. The goal is to get five points and win the round. Players do that by using every part of their body, including essence, elements, and birthrights. Unless the set rules agreed upon restricting it, all forces can be used besides studies. Those are always restricted. Players may not grab the ball whatsoever, and the ball IS allowed to hit the floor for passing and time to strategize. There are no measurement lines for how close one may be to the goal or set markers for greater point value. You pass it from one end to the other as quickly and tricky as possible to avoid turnovers and whatnot. If knocked out, the ball goes to the ones who DID NOT touch it last. It's placed back at the center with the team in possession being on top of the ball. And - OH! The final round is about to start! You guys will see the rest as we go. Enjoy! 

Announcer: "IIIIIIIIT'S Tiiiime… FOR THE FINAL ROUUUNND!!!"

Crowd: "RAAAUUUUAGHHH!!!"

Amiyahss: "Now this is what I'm talking about. Let's take a stand, you guys!" 

Amiyama: "Indeed, mother." *skoot* 

Kimichi: *stretch* "Aah! This is great!" 

Sonya: "No doubt…" Just look at this all!" *Gleam*

Her eyes sparkle as she stares out at the gigantic arena where the dome and dimension for the final round were to be set up. The arena was set up like a Greek Colosseum. There were pillars holding up the stands, decorated in fire and the royal gold and purple decor. There were about six and a half stands, each holding more than six hundred rows. The arena floor was a huge dirt patch that expanded for more than twenty-five hundred meters in diameter. There were two entrances on opposite ends of one another. The teams were preparing for their final marches into the arena. But before that…

Announcer: "I know you guys gotta be doin' good todaaaay!! So let me brighten your days even further… Please give me a hand in welcoming our Queen to the arena. It's HER DAMN BIRTHDAAAAY!!!" 

Crowd: "RAAAAAAUUUUGHHH!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, QUEEN AMIYAHSS!!!"

Amiyahss: *Blush* "Oh my… you're all too kind. Much too kind. I want to wish both teams the best of luck in the grand final round. And… from what I can sense, they're making their way out now. So, without further ado… *Snap* *she signals the announcer to sync with her* 

Amiyahss & Announcer: "Let the final round, BEGIN!!!"

Crowd: "GALAXY BALL! GALAXY BALL! GALAXY BALL! GALAXY BALL!

Both teams begin to enter the arena. They were toting the official galaxy ball uniforms, a skin-tight, full body suit with techno gleaves and gauntlets. As well as a chestplate that resembled football pads… or, or, or… frieza force gear for the torso. Each armor piece had an orb at its center whose color usually matched the central color of the team's color scheme. They include essence that are linked to the ball itself. They help to attract the ball and make for easier play making, which is also why there is no grabbing, nor holding it in place. There is simply no need. Kitiro and his team enter as he leads their march to the center of the arena. Demetri finally joins his team's ranks and also leads them to the arena's center. 

Announcer: "The two teams finally enter the arena!!! The Phyro-Phoenophian team enters from the south wing! It's the ETERNAL ASHES!!!

The crowd goes extremely wild as their very own Galaxy Ball team takes the stage for this exciting game. Their team's armor was purple and laced with gold while their suits were camo patterned with a slick golden trim going down the side. Their orbs were all everchanging in color as their orbs represented flames. "GET 'EM DEMETRIII!!"a fan yells as they jump out their seats in bursts of joy for their favorite player. 

Announcer: "The home team is led by the almighty, young prince, DEMETRI!!!... And now, the away team enters from the north wing, it's the FLORAL KNIGHTS!!!

The opposing stands begin to erupt in an ecstatic manner, for their grand and most elite team were making their way to the field. They sported suits that had flower patterns of gold etched into their forest green bodysuits. Their armor was lime green with a darkened tint with pink orbs at the centers. They strutted to the center of the arena and met the Eternal Ashes head-on. 

Demetri: "Long time no see partner! Let's give them a great show today!" *he stretches out his arm for a handshake* 

Kitiro: "But of course, mahn! This is gonna be a great loss for you, and you can't do a ting about et!" *clap*

Demetri: "Oh, we'll see.' 

Announcer: "I believe our teams are ready for ACTIOOONNN!!! So say it with me, guys!!!" 

Crowd: "OPEN…

Announcer: "THE DIMENSIONAL FIELD!!!"

Amiyama: "It's time" *woosh*  

Aiyama: "Are we late?" 

Amiyama: "You're just in time!" 

Aiyama dashes in from behind the doors to the royal booth. Alongside him came Kaguro and Joseph, who had just come back from training. 

Kimichi: "Welcome back, brother."

Kaguro: "Hey there, sis." *sit* 

Sonya: "Our two comrades are about to duke it out, Joseph. Should be fun to watch." 

Joe: "No doubt, Sonya. Let's see what happens from this." 

A gigantic dome that takes up nearly the entire arena floor bursts forth. A monitor showing the inside of the dimension is shown with essence that is linked to the ocular senses. This allows everyone to see the same 3rd person POV image, no matter the angle. Fans scream and yell as the image becomes clear and shows the vast cosmos the two teams would play in. Both teams were led by veteran coaches, Thalia Crystalburst for the Eternal Ashes and Franklin Woodrow for the Floral Knights. Both have more than ten championships under their belts, and neither has given an inch. The starting line for both teams began taking the field. 

Announcer: "Playersss!!! Ready. Your… AVATARSSS!!!

Crowd: "ASTRAL…" 

Amiyahss and Co.: "PROJECTION TIME!!!"

The starting five for both teams bring forth an abundance of essence, as well as the officials. Huge transparent figures begin to form as they solidify into gigantic avatars of the players that made them. Each had gems at the top of their heads where the player themselves stood in control of the avatar. The galaxy had the orb thrown around it, and the field was set up for play. There were stars, planets, and solar systems alike set up so the players could use them as blockages or for assistance. Both Demetri and Kitiro were the captains of their teams, but Demetri was an 'ACE' all-round player, while Kitiro was the strategist with 'ACE' level skills. 

"I hope you're ready for this Kitiro!" Demetri says while appointing his team's striker to the center of the field. Kitiro's team does the same as the striker's sole job is to be the force of the team and deliver finishing blows for plays. Usually relied on for quick and precise goal scoring. Their power is why they are trusted to tip the scales and get the ball to their side. 

"You don't have much for meh ta be ready for, mahn!"Kitiro yells as he throws his avatar's arms up in a challenging manner. Both teams line up on their respective sides of the field, with both guards lining up behind the striker. On the left and right sides, the strategist stays back to gauge the outcome and plan the next attack. They can use Mental Zenchi to coordinate with the team better and make playmaking far easier. The blockers were to stay near their goals just in case a break-neck play comes out of the woodwork from the very start. Throughout the game, they block all attempts for scoring from the opposing team. 

The strikers line up, and the field fills with great tension. The crowd goes silent in anticipation for who gets the ball first, in this "aw" inspiring third and final round. Sweat drips from the face of Thalia, a pale skinned, sapphire hair colored beauty with big purple eyes and lush, full lips. She wore a similar uniform to her team, just without the chest armor. Her sweat hit the floor, and the horns sounded. The final round had begun!!! 

Both strikers gun for the ball and use very heavy and powerful kicks with their right foot, to try and get the ball to their team and start the game off right. The clash causes an unimaginable amount of force to break through and fill the dimension with relative ease. The ball is squished and morphed from the force, then is plopped high into the air, right above both the strikers as they look up in awe. 

Demetri: "Go for it, Miamori!!! Get that damn ball back!" *he points with his avatar's left hand, straight at the soaring ball* 

Miamori: "Toodles, whelp!" 

Kitiro: *Fwip* "Deamonte, look out, mahn!" *he attempts to help his teammate*

Kitiro dashes as fast as he could, but it was too late. Miamori had her right hand on Deamonte's head, pushing it down as she and her avatar jumped high into the sky! 

"Dammit!" Kitiro yelled as he stepped back and watched for the next play. His two guards got ready as they lay in, waiting for the ball to cross over from the Ashes' side. Miamori goes into a triple backflip while approaching the ball. She extends her right leg out and smashes it into the ball, knocking the ball over towards Demetri, who intercepts it with his head. Both his guards, Tak and Yolmi, charge ahead of him while Miamori dashes down to the field and runs next to Demetri. He dribbles the ball with his feet and passes it to Tak, right before dashing ahead. Tak quickly moves the ball off the ground with a heavy stomp and avoids the intercepting kick from a floral guard. He slides right under Tak as he misses, Tak lands back on the floor and accelerates. He kicks the ball upwards and passes the next guard while sending the ball towards Yolmi with a headbutt. They quickly approach the goal and… Kitiro. 

Kitiro: "You won't be getting pahst here mahn! Slow your… rollll!!" 

Tak: "What? I'm slowing down!?"

Yolmi: "So am I!" 

*Pat* *Pat* Miamori slaps both of them on the shoulder and continues pushing forward. "You guys fell for his Control of Life technique! Stay on your guard and pass the ball!"she yells as she runs forward and catches up with Demetri. 

Announcer: "Well, I'll be damned! Demetri rushed ahead of his crew and is taking on Kitiro in a one on one showdown!" 

Crowd: "RAAAAAUUUGHH!!! 

Demetri: "It won't be a showdown." 

Kitiro: "Tch! How'd you come ta dat dumbass conclusion, mahn?" 

Demetri: "Hmph!" *Grin* 

Tak: (The guards are coming back on our rear!) Hey Yolmi, pass the ball this way, girly!" 

Yolmi: "Huh?... Oh crap! Right!" *doink* 

She passes the ball to Tak, who is rapidly being gunned down by the two floral guards. He notices immediately and sets up a grand pass to Demetri as they approach the goal. Ah, come now, Montif and Monique! You won't catch me in time!"he says in an exciting manner then kicks the ball up to eye level. 

Montif: "Oh now yer just asking for et, Tak! HA!" *he leaps forward and attempts to knock the ball away from Tak* 

Tak smoothly moves the ball out the way by skating forward and putting his left hand underneath the ball. He spins around and has the ball follow a trail made on the outline of his arms and slide to the shoulder and then onto the traps. It rolls down his right arm, and he flicks it up with his fingertips. Then, immediately goes into a rapid spin to his right. Montif looks back in "awe" as he witnesses a perfect spin to kick transition. 

Montif: "Wow!" 

Monique: "Shit! I won't make it in time!" 

Tak: "Hey, yo! Heads up, brats!" *Fwip*... *Fwoosh* *POoOoWWH* 

The ball is kicked with incredible force from his left foot. It goes spiraling at great speeds. Just then, Miamori jumps up and hoists herself onto the ball. She flips in many extraneous ways as her and the ball lands, and she plops out in a forward stepping position. Right arm cocked back and all. Debris from the platform that represents the field flies up and floats around her person. Just then… 

Kitiro: *SHING* "Sorry, girl. But this mahn can't let you push forwahrd anty longer! So… Fall!" 

Demetri: "He's using command of all life again!? (Miamori, do something guick!)"

Miamori realizes the situation and flares an abundance of heat around her person and within her essence temple to rid herself of Kitiro's essence! *FWOOSH* a huge gust of wind breaks through as she thrusts her hand forward in frustration. 

"Goddammit!"yelled Kitiro, who was just getting back into position to hold Demetri still and keep him from getting open. Demetri continues to grin and just then… 

Demetri: "You don't know how my Birthright works, do you?" 

Kitiro: "Whet, mahn!? (Oh Crap… crap, CRAP!)"

Demetri: "Unlock the Space: SWITCH!!!" *FWIEtim* 

Kitiro was thrown aback as he was being repulsed from an appearing Miamori who was closing her fists together. She needed to cancel the heat wave and repulsion she had summoned up. In doing so, the excess force that was left over ended up hitting Kitiro as collateral. Knocking him off balance in the process.

Kitiro: (This was the damn plan all along! Knocking me back in order to keep me from defending!)

Miamori: "Heh! Do it now, DEMETRI!" 

Demetri: "Right! (I'll add the concept of force and repulsion to the ball then…)" *BOOF* 

Tak: "Get it in there, you cheeky brat!" 

Yolmi: "That's one goal down." 

Announcer: "A HUGE SHOT IS TRAVELING AND DARTINF STRAIGHT FOR THE FLORAL KNIGHTS GOAL!!!"

Amiyahss: "Zenchi has shown me the results."

Amiyama: "Yeah… This was an outstanding play." 

Aiyama: "My cousin definitely came up with this one. Thalia's a master strategist." 

Kaguro: "That boy Demetri is on fire already!" 

The ball flies past Miamori and Kitiro and heads for the blocker as he sets up to keep them from making a goal. "Put a stop to et, Regiie!" Kitiro yells as he looks back at a highly focused Regiie. He readies his palm and sets up his right arm for a counter strike. 

Regiie: "PALM TREE STRIKE!!!" 

A huge palm with the width and shape of a palm tree leaf surrounds Regiie's hands. He strikes the ball head on, but it is to no prevail. The ball broke straight through and knocked Regiie off balance.

Regiie: (The damn ball had repulsion waves and force around it, which broke my technique with ease. My bad, guys!)

Kitiro: "Damn." 

Demetri: "Heh! The first goal is ours!" 

Announcer: "And it's a… GOAAAAL!!!"

*BWEEEEEEHHH* The buzzer screams loud at the sound of a goal

Crowd: "YEAAAAAAAH!!! 

Announcer: "That's our first goal of the final round, and I have to say… it was quite exciting!"

Further back into the Phoenix Empire…

Slith: "So that's what Galaxy Ball is like, huh?" 

Jabreeze: "Yeah. Those guys who were at Shiishii's revival seem to be the leading players. Let's get to the capital… for a closer look, of course." 

Slith: "You're right. A monitor can only do so well. Let's keep heading down the bridge to the next universe. We still have 200 astronomical units to go." 

Jabreeze: "Let's go, then you scaly bastard." 

Slith: "Hehehe! All too funny… hm! *grrrrGR… grrrAWrrrr* Uh… we should grab a bite on the way there." 

Jabreeze: "Yeah, sure." 

The two continue down the bridge as they steadily close the gap between them and the capital. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and their disguises kept them well hidden. But it would seem some are just not convinced. On top go the odd essence signatures, both of them give off… they were just far too foreign to let slide. 

A high empire guard called out to them as he walked behind them, weighting them out and scaling their essence. He seems to be a few ranks below the royal guard class, which was great for them. "HEY, you there! State your business for coming to our all too great Empire!!"The guard sped up his steps as he noticed they had no intention of stopping. 

Empire Guard: "HEY. I SAID STOP!" 

Slith: "I'm going to make him slit his own throat…" Any objections?" 

Jabreeze: "No, get rid of 'em now. He's going to get us caught up." 

Slith: "Stop walking for a second then." 

Jabreeze: "Alright." 

Empire Guard: "Finally. Now I have to ask you… "Just who the hell are you people-" 

Slith turns around very slowly and gives the guard a look that screams of malice and killing intent. The guard was blown aback, and a feel of fear and desperation immediately came forth. He knew of his fate the second their eyes met. He knew death waited for him, and Shiishii was preparing to walk him to the other side. This… was Slith! 

Empire Guard: "H-H-He-..." 

Slith: "Your throat… Slit it!" *PewTOOH*

Slith's eyes turn red and burn bright with the feel of dominance and oppressive vibes. The guard was tranced by a single glance, and his body fell limp. Slith flickered his eyes once more, and the guard slowly lifted his left arm. He wrapped it in violent and sharp essence. He brought the essence blade to his throat and slashed it instantly. He began gasping for air of any kind that could help him live. But it was to no prevail as he only caused himself to lose balance and concentration. Leading to his great fall from the bridge and into deep space. 

Slith: "Ah… what fun." 

Jabreeze: "Mhm… best we get going. Your essence can easily be recognized now that we're at this distance from the capital." 

Slith: "You're right. Making it quick was for the best, though I would've loved torturing the poor bastard." 

Jabreeze: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's just go. We've been here for nearly a week and still haven't touched the capital."

Slith: "Then let's hurry it up a bit. I'm ready to go as well, and the longer we take…" 

Jabreeze: "The closer Flametress gets to the Empire… And us." *he glared at the audience in a serious manner with a bit of tension*

And we're back to… GALAXY BALL!!!

Announcer: "The ball is being reset, and the teams are getting prepared to line back up! Let's hope for yet another series of exciting plays from our players!!!"

Thalia: "Ok guys. I want you to go out there and continue at this tempo." 

Eternal Ashes: "Yes ma'am!!" 

Thalia: "Alright, and then I actually want Demetri to focus more on playing, while Tak takes up the mantle of captain. When you return to the field… use formation Alpha. Let's go, team." 

Eternal Ashes: "LET'S GET FIRED UP!"

Franklin: "Alright guys… it seems they got us by surprise with that outstanding play. Demetri and Thalia knew we had no clue about those techniques. So lets strike back at them with that. It will ensure a point and put us back on even grounds." 

Kitiro: "Alright… sounds about as good as anything else. Let's give it a go wongwams!" 

Floral Knights: "RIGHT!!" 

Both teams take to the field once more. The Floral Knights were full of energy and ready to ball! Demetri and his team got into quite the formation, with Miamori being at the front, Yolmi was a bit further back and to the left. Same for Demetri, who was on the opposite side of where Yolmi was. Tak stood directly in the middle as it was the best place to be while aiming to destroy any strategies and plays that have ANY chance at working. This was Formation Alpha! 

Demetri: "What're you going to do this time around Kitiro?" 

Kitiro: "Oh no worries, dere ol' flaming boa! We've got someting for yah!" 

Eternal Ashes: "Hm…." 

*BUZZZER* 

Official Terry: "Alright!!! Game resume!" 

The clock starts up again, and the players are off yet again, but… Deamonte fails to go for the ball, even a little bit. Miamori picks it up and sends it back to her crew only for the Floral Knights to…

Kitiro: "Alright, dere et is and here we go, mahn…

Demetri: "What the hell are they - *gasp* EVERYONE!!!"

Miamori: "What?" 

Kitiro: "Too late Demetri, mahn…" 

Floral Knights: "United Life Command: Fall!!!"

Demetri: "Damn…" 

Tak: "None of us… were ready for… this!" 

Yolmi: "Holy crap! (They even got Y'Mere!?)" 

All five players were forced to fall to the floor as they watched Deamonte rush in and kick the ball perfectly into the goal. *BWEEEEEEEH* The buzzer rang, and the goal was officially marked down.

Announcer: "And the goddamn Knights answer back with a surprise of their own! This game is heating up, y'all!!!"

 Demetri: "Ngh… ermh! So… that's how it's gonna be, huh?" 

Thalia: "Pay them back with zero mercy team!" 

Miamori: "Waaaay ahead of ya coach Thal!" 

Tak: "That was more irritating than losing to Demetri." 

Yolmi: "Let's say we pay them back, aye Y'Mere!?" 

Y'Mere: "Yeah, bruh. I'll make sure no other goal is scored." 

All of their members rise from the ground with fire in their eyes. The true match was about to begin because to them… it was '0-0' yet again. 

Kitiro: "We have to stay on our toes from here on out! Don't let anty of their goals get through. I got it!" 

Floral Knights: "YEAH!" 

Kitiro: "You're going down, mahn!" 

Demetri: "Oh no… it'll be you taking the loss today, Kitiro!" 

Both teams score their goal, and the final round is fully under way. Who will win in this exciting game!? We can only figure that out in the next chapter! As Slith and Jabreeze… get closer to the capital!

 Next Chapter: Galaxy Ballin' Climax!