Pieces
Hello *waves* I've finished year one of uni so, no more essays for now! It's set several months after season 2 and it will have one-sided slash in later chapters.
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Galactik Football *sobs*
Netherball.
Rocket sighed, wondering why he was still watching the match. Maybe it was because he had to guide Aarch and Artegor back to the streets of Genesis once it was over. Or maybe because he wanted to ask himself why he had abandoned the Snow Kids. Or maybe it was because of the tall, black haired striker glaring at his opponent.
Sinedd.
Rocket didn't know how the Sphere was still working, let alone why Sinedd was in there. His head swam as he was filled with memories of the Sphere. At the time, the Sphere seemed exciting; the rush of adrenaline running through his body, the satisfaction of a goal being scored or seeing his opponent on the floor with the pride stuffed out of them. Rocket felt light headed and started to sway until a firm arm wrapped around him.
"Rocket, do you know how this got working again?" said Aarch, his deep voice calming Rocket down.
"No. I'm sorry I can't help more." said Rocket, glancing at Artegor who was watching Sinedd with a mix of curiosity and slight anger.
"Artegor said that Sinedd was losing himself and playing more selfishly than usual. It reminded me of when you came back from Netherball…" Aarch's voice trailed off as he realised that Rocket wasn't paying attention. Another wave of memories hit Rocket and he leaned closer to Aarch.
"You can leave if you want." Aarch whispered.
"No… no. I'm fine. Besides I know what the Sphere can do."
A continuous ring announced the end of the match and Sinedd as the victor.
...
"We're worried about you." said Artegor, leaning back in his chair.
Artegor grabbed Sinedd's elbow when he was away from the fans of the Sphere. They had all walked the long way back to Artegor's office in complete and uncomfortable silence.
"You?" Sinedd could barely believe that Rocket and Aarch of all people were looking at him in concern. "My ex-coach? And the guy who broke my ankle!" Sinedd snarled.
Rocket couldn't be bothered to protest, he just wanted to get to bed. Going to bed past midnight was bad for him, he had a training session in the morning.
"The Sphere is bad for you; look at what you've been doing in practice!" Artegor proceeded to play a video. Sinedd tore through the field, not passing to anyone and practically destroying the meaning of teamwork. Rocket shook his head. It was like watching himself a few months ago.
"Rocket, say something to him!" Artegor said, gesturing to the said boy.
Rocket turned towards Sinedd and said, "As much as I hate to admit it, Artegor is right. Don't you remember what it did to me?"
"What do you care?" Sinedd snarled abruptly cutting Rocket off and stomping out of Artegor's office.
Artegor was frustrated, tapping his fingers on his desk, Aarch was pacing and Rocket was trying to think whilst yawning.
"The only way to get Sinedd out of the Sphere... is if you go in there and beat him." said Rocket.
"Really, are you sure?" Artegor asked, looking at Rocket in curiosity.
"Yes. If someone goes in there and gets Sinedd out, I'm sure he won't go back. I've already beaten him; I'll get him out and –"
"No." Aarch cut in. "I'm not letting you go down to the Sphere again." He turned to Artegor and said "Can one of the Shadows play Netherball?"
"Yes… I'll call a meeting and ask who wants to do it."
Aarch nodded, while Rocket yawned.
"Um, I think I'd better get you back to the hotel, Rocket. I'll see you later Artegor."
Aarch and Rocket walked out of the office, down the hall and out the building.
"Rocket, you look really tired, are you okay?" Aarch asked, concerned about his nephew.
"I'm alright. Being down there just brought back some bad memories. I'm okay, really!" Rocket said in a rush.
Aarch smiled, placed his hand on Rocket's shoulder and said "I'm just glad you're with us for good."
Rocket smiled to himself, leaned in closer and then fell asleep.
Rocket stared up at the ceiling in his bed, deliberating with himself and the young lady sitting next to him.
"Tia, what should I do?" Rocket asked.
Tia looked at him before sighing.
"What's with the sigh?" Rocket raised his eyebrows at her. "I seriously don't know what to do."
"Leave it to the Shadows, Rocket. I couldn't bear it if you went into the Sphere again. What if I lost you for good?" Tia said gently.
"I wouldn't but… if I did, would you hate me for it?"
Tia smiled and played with a strand of Rocket's hair "No. I wouldn't hate you. You are far too kind for your own good Rocket."
Rocket reached over to Tia and scooped her into a hug. Breathing in the smell of her hair he whispered, "I'm not going to leave you."
...
"Who's playing Sinedd in the Sphere?" Rocket said in a rush, as soon as he stepped inside Aarch's office.
"Good evening to you too Rocket." Aarch said startled. "Artegor called me saying Fulmugus would play him."
"Oh."
"Was that all?"
"Um. Well, I was wondering…" Rocket paused.
"Yes, what?"
"Can I go down with you?"
"Out of the question and you know it."
"Why?" Rocket yelled.
"Something could happen to you, did you see how you were last night?"
Rocket mumbled, "I wish you would stop treating me like a kid."
"I'm trying to look after you, like I should have done 19 years ago." Aarch murmured softly as he walked over to him.
"Look Uncle Aarch, the past is the past and…"
"That's not the point. You're family. I haven't been looking after you the way I should have and that needs to stop." Aarch finished with a faint smile.
"I... thank you, Uncle Aarch." Rocket smiled. "You'll tell me how the match went?"
"Yes, of course, I've got to get going, Artegor must be getting impatient. Remember to pack your bags, we leave in the morning."
"Don't worry, I won't forget."
They both walked out of the office, Aarch walking towards the reception while Rocket walked towards his room.
...
The atmosphere was tense as usual, with people shouting for Sinedd's support while the striker warmed up in the Sphere.
Fulmugus walked forward and said to the robot, "I'll be playing Sinedd tonight."
"Sorry. Someone else has already taken that position." The robot replied.
"What!" Artegor roared "Who?"
"Me."
Rocket stepped out of darkness in his uniform.
Bad Rocket, disobeying Aarch *tuts in disapproval* Please read and review and tell me what you think :)
GFSista xx