Chapter 33: A Star Is Born
The distant sun was clouded by a dark heap of clouds pregnant with moisture, as it casts its shadow over the crowd. They paid no heed, erupting in cheers as the teams re-enter the court. Grodin stood center court and announces another change in positions on Team Superstar. The swaps are depicted on billboards erected on top of the bleachers all around. The pro battleball players took up their spots as they watched the Superstars do the same.
Dyriblarr
About time.
Supreme Baller
Almost the positions I would have picked for them. Except the Earthling would not be Baller.
Jormicha
Be on alert, everyone. The Ja'ir got his game legs on.
Gravel
Try not to get injured, old man. I want no excuses when I beat you for the championship.
Jormicha
Talk is cheap, rock head.
Omesja
Focus. The ball's dropped.
Gravel
Don't need you to tell us.
Like the previous two quarters, the fog-glass limbs conjured by Gravel allow the pros to get first position. The Pian prince took the ball over onto the Superstars side of the court, backed by Dyriblarr; Kane and Ramza moving to intercept.
Narrator
Prince Omesja Philmon is the eldest son of the King of the Poles and more widely known as the Battleball Prince then the prince of a kingdom. His charming good looks, easy personality, and natural skill make him an all time favorite with fans of the sport. He uses the ancient knowledge of natural magics, poaceae creation and control, to be precise. Instead of utilizing his magic grass for the benefit of the kingdom of his birth, he chose to use it in sport to control the court.
Yellow grass seven feet tall spring to life around the prince, obscuring him from view. Kane, now an Attacker, mows down the grass with his blade. Four meters behind him, another patch of the tall grass sprouted, from which Omesja emerged. He jumps and releases the ball in the direction of the Superstars' goal. Eamon, feeding on Omesja's joy, moved faster then he could at the peak of his Quickening, to bite onto the ball a foot from the prince's hands.
The Ja'ir spits it above his head and slaps it with his paw towards Ramza. Gravel nearly got newly formed hands on it, but a sudden fog, localized entirely on his head, obscured his vision. Claude's interference allowed the ball to reach Ramza, who sped it home in a dunk that shook the court and cracked the goal piller. The crowd went ballistic as the Superstars finally get on the scoreboard.
Ramza retrieved the ball and heard the rapid footfalls of Kane Quickening up behind him. A no look, behind the back pass to his leaping teammate for a second slam dunk is thwarted by an also leaping Jormicha. Kane didn't see him until the ball was in his hand and a familiar foot in his face. One sticky tongue later and Jormicha is now in control. He had Ramza at his back but his friend and rival, Dyriblarr, was there to screen for him. Ramza moved for the ball; a slight touch to his leg by the bird man caused the Deity to rocket off the court to crash into one of the billboards. The spectators beneath are grateful he and the billboard topple over behind instead of on top of them.
Narrator
Known as the Great Feathered Hope to his people, the Tilris, Dyriblarr was drafted to a struggling team, the Flocking Feathers and brought them their first championship in franchise history. His only magic is a curse, hyperburn, which speeds up objects and people. After a successful sixty year career, he recently announced that this would be his last game before retirement.
Dyriblarr had received the ball from the Dagon, but redistributed it to the Supreme Baller when Eamon posed to interfere. The Human makes it cross court but a Ksush that dwarfs him in size and mass block his advance.
Gorjon
Whatcha gonna do, Baller? I'm an expert Guard.
Supreme Baller
You talk too much.
Gorjon tried grasping at the wispy strings that suddenly stitched his lips together, but gave up to chase Baller, who sprinted past.
Narrator
The Supreme Baller grew up on Supreme Isle on Braloor and only ever had a love for battleball. Not even the opportunity to wield the Traveller's Locket as a Superstar in Coalition Carnage could persuade him to give up the game for a season. He uses magically infused strings to manipulate the ball in ways that awe and amaze.
The Supreme Baller stops suddenly, Gorjon tripping over strings he set up a second ago. He shakes his head in contempt, pulling up for a long range shot. The ball left his hands, then disappeared a split second before he is violently knocked back by some invisible force. He skips across the fog-glass, just missing the worm on the dais and came to a bone shattering halt against the barrier of stone separating the spectators from the court. He was alive, but unconscious, so he didn't see that invisible force was Eamon. Fully visible, ball held with two paws, Eamon hurls it to Claude, who increases their score.
Gravel
That Ja'ir is doing crap I've never seen a Ja'ir do! Get with it, wing nut! Check his ass!
Jormicha
Show a little respect, Gravel.
Gravel
Make me.
Omesja
Look, you fools!
The ball was going in the hoop over and over again, as if by invisible hands, the Superstars score steady rising.
Gravel
It's the damn Ja'ir!
Gravel gestures to Eamon and fists of fog-glass pummel the bear from all sides. Most of the strikes were aimed at the metal spider legs holding him aloft. Eamon roars and aims his metallic chest at the eight foot stone man, the open mouth of the killbeast spitting a red, glowing missile. It was thanks to his Aura Cloak that Gravel wasn't blown to pebbles. He toed the center line, yelling a curse at the bear, before increasing the number of fists in his attack.
Narrator
Caviel Gravel rose to be counted among the greatest Towers of all time the year following his rookie season with the Yuni Fireballs five years ago. During that year, he garnered the most points and rebounds of any Tower in one season. He is feared by opponents and teammates alike with his desire to win at all cost using his Soul Style Earth control. He earned the loyalty of new fans for his play this season and was taking this celebrity game seriously to show that their faith in him is warranted.
Opting to personally battle Eamon rather then using proxy fog-glass, Gravel crossed the line and gripped one of the metal spider legs. He gave a mighty yank and the limb came off with a crackling of sparks. Eamon closed his teeth around Gravel's head at the same time and tossed him away. Webs lashed out, pinning Gravel down as the ref calls foul. He turns to see Jormicha now had control of the ball, meaning he was penalized for being across half court as the Tower.
Gravel
You did that intentionally!
This being the third foul against them, Gravel would be webbed for the next three minutes. With the Supreme Baller still out, the pros were down two men. Jormicha's handling of the ball helped keep it out the reach of Kane and Ramza. A timely sonic boom from a speedy Dyriblarr and a sudden grass teleport from Omesja and the Dagon was in Superstar territory, with only Eamon in the way.
Narrator
Jormicha is proclaimed by many to have renewed the public interest in the sport of battleball. He used Communion to make a covenant with an Anura spirit, utilizing its power to excel in every position. His short stature was a rarity among his people and made him an outcast; on the court, it made him a difficult target. His situational awareness on the court made for incredible, last second plays that captured the attention of a populace that was growing weary of the sport.
Eamon growls as the Dagon approached, remaining three spider legs keeping his paws off the court, blocking sight of the goal. Fearlessly, Jormicha avoids the spider leg that tried to stomp him, tossing the ball high overhead. Eamon's eyes follow its trajectory briefly before he felt Jormicha plant both feet hard into his neck. The ball arches smoothly into the goal, surprising even Jormicha. He turns toward where the Supreme Baller was pushing himself to his feet and salutes him for the string assist.
The quarter went by in a flurry of excitement; streams of flames, fog-glass body parts, sonic booms, and a sword of silver light created a kaleidoscope of action that could barely be followed by untrained eyes. The Superstars were able to increase their score while keeping the pros from extending their already substantial lead to an insurmountable one. The blare from the long nose of a hippohant signaled the end of the third quarter, to massive applause for the participants. Inside the pros locker room, the adulation of the crowd could not cut the tension between the tall Yuni and short Dagon, standing a foot from each other's personal space.
Gravel
You purposely took possession while I was over the line. You humiliated me.
Jormicha
You were too focused on fighting the Ja'ir to keep your eyes on the ball. They could have kept scoring, waiting for you to notice.
Gravel
I was taking out their most powerful weapon.
Jormicha
And managed to take yourself out instead.
Omesja
Enough. The last quarter is about to start and the Superstars are more in sync now. It's time we got serious.
Supreme Baller
I don't like getting knocked out by amateurs in front of my fans. Damn straight I'm going out there serious.
Dyriblarr
So, which of us is Sharpshooter, Jo?
Jormicha
I defer to you. This is your last game, after all.
Dyriblarr
I appreciate that, my friend. But in all honesty, there's no better Sharpshooter in the game than you.
Supreme Baller
I don't mind you taking Roamer, either. I want to Check. That cool with you, Dy?
Dyriblarr
Got a little payback in mind?
Supreme Baller
I'm going to tie up that animal and put a pretty bow on top its head.
Gravel
If you all are finished gushing over yesteryear's talent, let's get out there.
He bent low at the waist until his polished rock face was inches from the grey, craggy features of his rival.
Gravel
And I will show you what you are in store for when a true Attacker fills the role.
Jormicha
Do your best. I'll be watching.
Gravel almost sneered before walking out with stomps of stone on stone.
Omesja
I'm starting to understand the talk about that guy.
Supreme Baller
Yeah, who wants to be on a team with him all season.
Jormicha
He's good at the game and the fans like what they see. Let's go back him up.
A drizzle had started by the time the pros came out to the beating of drums and cheers. The Superstars were in a V formation, with Eamon basket center, Gorjon and Claude to his right, Kane and Ramza opposite. The Supreme Baller lined up with Kane, who had to shout to be heard over the den.
Kane
Finally taking us seriously.
Supreme Baller
The others, yeah. You're still a joke to me.
Kane
This joke will make this court your bed again.
Jormicha took the left side, lining with Claude, who smiles.
Claude
It has been a pleasure playing with one of the greats.
Jormicha
You guys aren't bad. In time, you would be a cohesive team.
Claude
This small time together will be beneficial.
The ball dropped, hit the court, and everybody moved. Gravel's movement was the most noticable; rising into the air within the firm grip of Eamon's telekinesis and hurled back into the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. Eamon roars at the sky and in response, the rain began falling in gracious amounts. Kane reached the ball first, having to shout over the downpour.
Kane
Let's do it! Claude!
Hurricane winds envelop the pros side of the court; the added rain helping in obscuring the vision of the pros. A tunnel which no rain or wind intruded allowed Kane unfiltered access to the opposing goal. He was preparing for a long distance shot, when Jormicha leapt from the turmoil, soaking wet. Will Blade on the left hand, ball dribbled with the right, Kane performed an impressive spin, maintaining control, for a backhand slash. Jormicha jumps to his right, spitting a high volume of water in Kane's face. He sputters, as the Dagon ran away with the ball.
Jormicha
Change!
As if on cue, Omesja, Dyriblarr, and the Supreme Baller emerge from the localized storm simultaneously with Jormicha.
Supreme Baller
Let me!
Jormicha passes, with Ramza nearly coming up with a steal. The ball was too slick to handle and it slipped from his grasp. The Supreme Baller was in full control of it as he angled in towards Eamon, who was charging to meet him. Suddenly, there were three of the bears coming for him with their spider pincers at the ready.
Supreme Baller
Full of surprises, are ya?
He avoids the grasping metal pincers, sliding on the rain slick fog-glass, like this was a common hazard of the game. He was sure these were illusions and not the Ja'ir cloning itself, but he avoided all strikes at him; he wanted the Ja'ir to think him fooled. He dribbled between real and fake spider legs, using his magic strings to yank and pull himself out of harm's way. He vaulted over the humped back of an illusion, under the snapping jaws of the real, all while trailing a string so thin, it was practically invisible. Once he was satisfied he held the real in his trap, he mentally tightened the string.
Eamon was slammed to the court, limbs of both flesh and artificial, askew at odd, painful looking angles. The Supreme Baller felt an immense sense of pride, jumping off of the polar bear's head to slam home another score. He reached for the ball and felt a cold burning over his entire form. His breath was cut off and he was horrified to discover he couldn't move. The direction he faced showed ice creep up the barrier and stone archway, forcing many in attendance to flee the instant freeze. He struggled for breath, but his lungs were frozen.
Air began to circulate seconds after and he felt his stiff body slacken in the grip of the Deity of Unluck, hands glowing brightly. The Braloorian shivered as Ramza lowered him to the ice that covered the entire court and the area around it. One referee and the web spinning worm sat in the only patch clear of ice, the other four refs were lying on the ice, wet and shaking just as the Supreme Baller was.
Ramza
Relax. Get warmed up.
Supreme Baller (teeth chattering)
Take m..me off t..the..i..ice, you id.. idiot.
Ramza was off, thawing a couple of fans.
Referee
Foul, number three!
The spared referee held up the number and the worm shot its webs at an Eamon that was a flowing form of melting and refreezing ice. It had less effect then the rain, which added more to the bulking iceberg roaring over the frozen wasteland. Every other player was able to react to Eamon's Ice Age in time; the ball was bouncing on the ice, awaiting the next player. Gravel rose on a piller of fog-glass, while around the court, hands composed of the stone of the barriers, broke free of the ice at his call. The archway behind Eamon took the shape of Gravel's egg shaped head, mouth agape and full of teeth like boulders.
Gravel
This is no longer a game! It's a war for dominance!
As the Yuni and Ja'ir clash just below the cam-bots capturing the action, Dyriblarr swoops in and grabs the ball. Before another move can be made, he is tackled by Gorjon, the two sliding on the rough ice.
Referee
Foul! Number one!
Webs tack the wrestler down, but he is able to bat the ball into the hands of a nearby Kane.
Gorjon
We can't let them score anymore! Go!
Kane looked up at the hourglass of flowing sand, the top less then half full. He saw Ramza deflect Dyriblarr, who had recovered enough for a quick steal, and sprinted forward, joined by Claude. Omesja tore his eyes away from the massive encounter above, giving up trying to get his hot headed teammate's attention. The ice and downpour was sure to make ball handling difficult, but Omesja was impressed with Kane's adequate ability to do so. Jormicha bounded around Claude anticipating a pass to the Screener; the prince moved in Kane's path.
A tornado sprung to life between them, growing in size. Omesja lost sight of his target within the swirling wind and water, but Dyriblarr saw the Human activate his silver half-blade and extend it into the deadly funnel. The energy blends throughout, the tornado now pulsing the same silver light. Lightning and thunder bombard the court, startling the birdman, who flew too close to the tornado. A chrome flash followed by a bolt of lightning and Dyriblarr went down, face first on the ice, clutching at his left arm, which was completely numb. The funnel dissipates quicker then it was formed, in time for everyone to see Kane dunk with a declaration of adulation.
As the time displayed by the hourglass trickled by, the storm continued its onslaught. The crowd was loving the action on display, the Pians among them unfazed by the weather. Visitors from worlds closer to the Papuru Star looked miserable. Gorjon had been freed from the webs by the spit of the same worm, and the Supreme Baller had recovered enough to help his team rally against the Superstars, who had went on a scoring spree. Eamon held Gravel's full attention until his ice form waned and he returned to normal. Gravel finally noticed the score and his face distorted in fury.
The Superstars were only down a couple of scores and currently held possession on the pros side. The rain had started to subside to that of a drizzle. Ramza took a spill, sliding into Dyriblarr, whose arm was still too numb to take flight. This caused a foul, taking out the Superstars most powerful and most unreliable player in the final minutes. Jormicha shook his head with a smile. He still found it hard to believe that the seemingly uncoordinated Deity helped make the game what it is today, over a hundred years ago.
Prince Omesja joined Jormicha in taking on Kane, the former leaping from a frozen patch of tall grass he conjured up earlier. The prince lost his footing on the slick surface in his ambush, sliding out of sight. The ice hindered Jormicha's jump not at all, but Kane could see the tiniest tension of muscle in the Dagon's legs, predicting the direction of his leap. Jormicha dared not use his sticky tongue with Kane's blade at the ready. He was just as surprised as Kane when a python slithered up to take the ball.
Gorjon
I got this.
He jumps and releases the ball from his now normal hands. The shot is pinpoint, never touching the rim. He flexes for the cheering crowd, Kane yelling at him in pursuit of the ball.
Kane
Don't do that again, assjack!
Gorjon
Why not? I just tied us up. I'm clutch in the fourth. Just gimme the rock!
Claude
No one was under the goal to retrieve it.
Kane
That's why!
Gravel had a fog-glass hand dribbling the ball over to the Superstars side of the court, his teammates around it, while he stood at the center line. The Superstars retreat to take up a defensive formation around their goal, waiting on the next move. Jormicha calls back over his shoulder.
Jormicha
We could run out the clock. Scoring in the final seconds.
Gravel
No fun that way.
Jormicha
Sure not.
Omesja
How bout this?
Yellow stalks as tall as the goal spring up, covering the Superstars obscuring them from view.
Supreme Baller
The next of us to score is the best player ever.
They agree in unison and with the fog-glass hands permanently attached to the court, Gravel leads the pros in. Ramza, still webbed on the pros side, forced his voice high enough to pierce the crowd noise.
Ramza
Gorjon! Go high! Claude! Check!
In moments, the Ksush was aloft on winds, gazing down, first at Gravel, then into the grass.
Gorjon
Ball on left side!
Kane rushed in that direction, cutting the grass in his path, only for it to grow back in less than a second. Claude emerged from the grass, forming his own pair of hands from fog-glass, right under Gravel. While the Yuni grappled with this new threat, Omesja, now in control, moves through the grass like an elusive snake. Any attempts to appear instantly within scoring range was met with Eamon, crashing through the tall grass, never minding who he trampled in transit.
Gorjon
I don't feel so good...
The Ksush dropped from the sky like a raindrop, crashing in the tall grass. Jormicha, who took his place with a massive leap toward the goal, shook his head at the foolish Ksush for blocking his skin from oxygen with paint. Eamon appeared after a jump of his own, jaws ready for Dagon flesh.
Jormicha
Pop fly!
Omesja was next to Dyriblarr the moment Jormicha left his feet, anticipating the Dagon's thought pattern. With his one good hand, the Tilris threw the ball with the added curse of hyperburn, angled in toward Eamon. His aim was precise, striking Eamon under his jaw, snapping it shut just inches from his prey. A tongue whip gave Jormicha possession as gravity took hold. He launches the ball for a long range score and was shocked when a killbeast missile streaked past him in a trail of scarlet.
The ball was enveloped in a fiery explosion before arching towards the crowd like a smoking meteor. Gravel and Claude were in a battle of wills involving hands of fog-glass, neither in a position to make a play for the ball. The Supreme Baller had his strings on it, redirecting it back over the court in a looping arc, but Kane's Will Blade severs the connection.
As the final seconds of sand run down and the smoking ball falls toward the grass, Jormicha hazard a second leap. This time, Kane was there to meet him, blade slashing out. Grass grew over the Human's face and he missed the Dagon, who obtained the ball and broke the tie in his last second shot. The blare of the hippohant signaled the end of the game and for the ecstatic fans to storm the court to celebrate the pros hard fought victory, slipping on ice in the process.
***
Jormicha sat on the front porch of his home on Unity. After he retired, he had found an uninhibited stretch of land alongside a frozen geyser and built his dream home. He was rocking on a chair, sipping from a steaming cup and watching the sun rise, when he finally saw the ship that called him earlier. It came for a landing twenty feet from his porch, so he put down his cup and leapt to meet the new arrival. The hatch in the side of the spacecraft lowered and Dyriblarr exits.
Jormicha
Welcome to my home.
Dyriblarr
Nice to see you again, Jo. How's retirement?
Jormicha
So sweet. What about you?
Dyriblarr
Not so sweet. That's why I'm here. The dark swallowed my place. Don't know why I chose to live on my homeworld.
Jormicha
I'm sorry to hear that. Got plenty room here.
Dyriblarr
Thanks, Jo. I appreciate that. Oh, by the way, did you hear? Eamon signed with the Round Earthers for next season.
Jormicha
I did. They needed the help.
Dyriblarr
True. I never got a chance to tell you; congrats on another championship ring. Sucks about what happened after, though.
Jormicha
Terrorists want people afraid. But blowing up innocents isn't the way to get their point across. I hope they find those Trust folks and lock them up for life.
End chapter