Galaxy Ball
Chp2: The draft
Someone approached Fortred whispering into his ear. Whatever it was seemed important, resulting in the nod of his head multiple times. He cleared his throat putting the microphone up to his lips.
"All individuals within this dome that aren't interested in on field positions can ignore what I am about to say. You can apply for cheerleading or other organizational positions to a specific team when drafted. As far as those that are, the position that you currently stand in will not positively be the position you will play. You will be evaluated in each position before and during training camp, after you have been selected to a team." Fortred said.
Everyone listened quietly as he continued.
"Before the draft begins would like to look you all over and let the owners determine which individuals they'd like to draft and at which position. This will also give our team owners a better understanding of each and everyone's physical endurance. That way they will have a less difficult time selecting. Our residence here is massive with more than enough rooms which each and every one of you will be assigned for the next two days."
Those not interested in on field positions remained in the large space, as Fortred directed everyone else outside onto six different fields. They started everyone up with running laps from the 10 yard line to the 30 and back a couple times over.
2 days later
Fortred had the participants spread out on both sides of the field. Outside the premises some were escorted onto an enormous meadow. Once the groups were put into different lines, a football was placed on the ground in front of each individual that stood at the front of each line.
"I want you all to listen closely. The first exercise we will be revisiting is how far each of you can throw a football. We will also be looking at your posture and style, so please do put forth effort. I don't want any of you throwing a ball until your name is called, we will begin shortly."
It wasn't much longer that the event began. A large machine was set on the field, its function to record how far the ball traveled through the air after touching down on the turf. Getting through the first Thirty Eight participants the furthest thrown ball was for just twenty five yards. Fortred's sport staffers were dissatisfied.
"We better start seeing something better than this!" One staffer shouted.
He looked down at his sheet calling up the next contestant.
"Up next is Link, from Ordon village."
The Hylian stepped forward stretching his arms before bending down and picking up the ball. He focused in, practicing his throwing motion. Link took a few steps back releasing the football! It was a moment of silence as the ball gliding through the air with a perfect spiral. Link's heart rate increased watching the ball zip down its path. It finally touched down far up field! The sport staff members all looked to the score board immediately, along with the many standing in line. Link's eyes widen to see his score flashing on the board. He threw for Sixty Seven yards!
One of the staff member's slammed his clipboard to the ground.
"Now that's what I'm talking about! I want you all to give it up for Link!"
Most everyone applauded the Hylian who just grinned scratching at the side of his head. The individual recovered his materials from the ground as they continued on.
"Next up we have Vector the Croc."
Vector threw for just Twenty seven yards. The day progressed on as many showed off their throwing skills. Link's throwing distance was eventually surpassed, as Donkey Kong threw for 78 yards! Many others showed good potential at the position of quarterback. After some time, the sport staff members began moving people into different groups. Using their stats and information from the exercise, they kept only sixteen participants out of the large group that showed the best potential. The sixteen of them stayed within the quarterback practice session. A group was created for every offensive and defensive position. If someone didn't do well in a group, they were sent to another.
"Well, you must be the lucky sixteen!" A representative said laughing, "But Hey after being drafted to a team your position could still change."
He glimpsed over the papers on his clip board, looking at the group of participant's information.
"I'd say by the looks of it, all sixteen of you have secured your spot at the quarterbacking position. Each of you threw for at least forty yards or more, with good balance and technique. You guys did much better than most everyone else. And as I said before, remember that your spot can still change in training camp, but if you all are consistent and perform like you did today, you will be just fine."
The group was given time to introduce themselves amongst each other. Some did not require doing so already knowing one another.
Mario walked over shaking hands with Sonic, remembering him from the couple Olympic Games both took part in. The two were approached by Ratchet, who introduced himself. Luigi joined his brother's side. The environment was pleasant and looked forward to what the future had in stored for them.
"This should be extremely interesting Mario, I had no idea we would end up on separate teams. Regardless of that, it will be enjoyable if I have the fortune of playing against you bro." Luigi said.
Sonic placed a hand on the back of Luigi.
"Don't worry pal, I'm sure this entire event will turn out to be a grand experience," Sonic replied looking to Mario, "And competing against you again will be a joy if that happens."
Both the hedgehog and Mario felt the same. Captain Falcon started a conversation with Jak and Link. It wasn't much longer the group was given more drills to go through. Throughout the elongated pasture, the different groups continued to work intensely. As time went by an hour turned to hours! All groups were eventually summoned back to the dome. That time each individual was directed to which area they would sit. Fortred reentered shortly after everyone was settled into their position.
"Now that we have seen you all in depth with forms of exercise and football drills, the draft is ready to begin. We will start with first round picks." Fortred informed.
The majority of the mass applauded Fortred as he left the stage. The team owners looked over the information of all the participants. The dome was enormously soundless. A set order in which each owner would select had already been determined. Hec looked up from the papers, making a decision.
"For my first pick, select Knuckles the Echidna at the running back position."
Knuckles was beyond shocked to hear his name announced first! A good portion of the participants cheered for him, before going silent again. Wiley was the next to make a choice.
"For my first round pick, I select King Dedede at the Linebacker position."
The process continued for an extensive period of time, as each franchise owner continued selecting players to their teams. This left some of the participants displeased, given they were being separated from friends or family. It took another few hours before the entire process was complete. Something that was clear for some teams, was being short a few players. Fortred stepped back onto the podium.
"I'm sure you are all thankful that is over, now the fun itself will begin in another few days. I understand that a few teams are short players, but that will be fixed within training camp. To end this day, I would like all team captains to come up here on stage."
The individuals did as they were told, and were directed to their franchise owner where they came up with team names and location of each individual squad's stadium. Everyone else sat around waiting as the preparations were taken care of. The team names and locations were quickly selected. Fortred stepped forward informing the rest of the participants of the updated information.
"We will give you all time to say your good byes to family and friends, as you will be returning to the planet of where your team stadium will be constructed." Fortred told.
The participants took the time to do just that. Coco bandicoot spotted Crunch within the area of the running backs. She walked over getting his attention. Crunch turned at his name being called.
"I just came over to wish you a safe voyage, as you should already know Crash and I will be together." Coco informed.
"I'll be just fine. Still find it hard to believe Crash made it at the Quarterback position." Crunch replied with a laugh.
Coco thought about it for a few moments, before laughing as well. Mario walked through the crowds spotting and walking to Princess Peach who sat beside Daisy. He took a seat next to them both putting an arm around Peach.
"Too bad neither of you will be teammates of mine. Oh well, I'm willing to bet this whole thing will be fun."
Peach could hear the disappointment in his tone, turning to him with a grin. She leaned over kissing him on the cheek. The action caused him to blush, Peach noticing and giggled.
"Don't worry Mario it will be just for a little while. After all this is over things will go back to how they were. I originally figured I'd just join the cheerleading squad, but then I thought hey why not try out for another position and see what happens. Well for now at least I'll be playing Cornerback." Peach informed.
The plumber talked with the two for a little while longer before departing ways. It wasn't much longer all participants were gathered, and put on separate space shuttles that took them to the appropriate destination. The space ships blasted into deep space. Within a shuttle, Jet the hawk sat next to Captain Qwark.
"I understand that you are going to be the quarterback of this team, with that said you better be a darn proficient one. I only agreed to join this thing to help out these people, and to win. So when it comes game day, don't go out and throw the game away for us. And of course they said money would be involved, and the better the team the more green!" Captain Qwark said with excitement.
Jet's eyes opened as he looked over at the individual.
"I don't believe we've met, and already are trying to tell me what to do. I'm someone who is all about competition, so you don't have to worry about anything."
Jet turned away closing his eyes again.
Planet Ireigiel
The offensive coordinator of the Flame Wolves entered a room sitting down. He was awaited by a group of persons. Cosbo sat at the other end of the table.
"Congratulations on your win over the shreds, a few days ago. I would expect that Fortred's council will be sending payment soon. But that is not the reason I called you all here tonight. We have somewhat a problem." Cosbo spoke.
He directed his assistant Elisa to his desk. She returned throwing a few folders atop the table. Cosbo opened one of them and had his assistant pass out the papers inside. She did it fairly quickly.
"As you can all see, we're losing viewers to our sports station. But it should be an easy problem to fix. I'm sure this is because of the Slaughterer Crows, Flame Wolves, Ogres, Blizzards, and Clash Predators. They are the only teams as of late winning championships. Viewers are getting tired of it."
Cosbo discussed with his staff a way to resolve the problem. A great distance away, a ship landed within the enormous city of Corneria. After all the passengers exited, it took off into space. Falco Lombardi, being the only one accustomed with the city led everyone to the closes hotel. All checked in except one. Tiny Tiger didn't carry money, leaving only one choice. Falco decided to take the big cat home. It was a decision he wasn't fond of but had no other choice. Pulling a device out of his pocket, used it to call out an Arwing to his position. Falco turned to Tiny as the vehicle drifted to the ground in front of them.
"Let's just get one thing straight; when we get back to my place I don't want you touching anything. Hopefully we are clear on that or might have problems." Falco informed.
Tiny patted Falco over the shoulder smiling showing his prickly teeth.
"No need worry, Tiny not touch a thing."
Falco looked down at him with a frown, making it clear he was serious. Something about the big cat seemed off. Both hopped into the vehicle, as Falco took off into the night sky. They arrived at his place promptly. Getting out of the vehicle Tiny looked around, and was pleased with what appeared to be Falco's weapon's arsenal! There were missile launchers, blasters, many different types of grenades and weaponry! Falco opened a door, which led into the central section of his residence. Tiny was again enlightened by the way things were set up in this space.
"Wow who she, Tiny in love." Tiny Tiger asked, looking up at a picture drooling.
Falco looked over at the picture.
"Oh her…that's Katt. Guess you could say she is somewhat a friend of mine." Falco replied.
"Maybe you call her, see if she join our cheerleading squad! Please, that be real treat?!" Tiny begged.
Falco attempted to say something but stopped. Thinking about what Tiny said, came to a realization wouldn't be such a bad idea.
"I think we might do that, but for tonight should get some rest." Falco replied.
Tiny followed Falco into the living room, which had lots of furniture and a long black leather couch. Tiny leaped onto the couch sitting in front of a big screen T.V. Using the nearby remote but had lots of trouble turning it on.
"If you need anything Tiny just let me know, I'm going to be working on something upstairs." Falco informed.
He didn't like the idea of leaving the big cat alone but just shrugged the thought off. Tiny nodded as a form of response. Falco flipped on a light walking up the stairs. Significantly far away a ship touched down on the field of Hyrule, just outside Ordon village. The passengers exited as the shuttle returned to Quifeza. Link explained to everyone not familiar with his village how things worked. After doing so, most participants set up camp at the exterior of his village. The Hylian looked over at Princess Zelda, who stood next to Princess Peach.
"You should probably try and cover your features a little bit, if any of the villagers knew the princess of their kingdom was here in this village could become chaotic." Link implied.
Zelda grinned wrapping a scarf around her head, and over her hair. He was absolutely right, and didn't want to take the risk.
"Luckily this will be for only a night. I'm going to take Princess Peach back with me to the castle tomorrow. Did they say exactly where the stadium will be built? It's not really that important, it's just so I can inform the kingdom choice makers it was my decision." Zelda asked.
"I just told them somewhere on Hyrule field, about two miles from the main city." Link replied.
Everyone camped outside of Ordon village, except Link, Peach, and Zelda. Out of the whole group, Banjo and King Boo didn't mind. Not trying to alert any of the villagers, Link directly led both women up into his treehouse. Zelda looked around, only to see one bed. She gazed over at Link, placing both hands on her waist.
"Not to be rude or anything, but you only have one bed?! How is this going to work?" Zelda questioned.
Link looked over at what appeared to be a moody Zelda.
"Don't concern yourself. The two of you can sleep in the bed while I take the floor." Link replied.
Zelda took off the scarf, and Link perceived the relief in her expression.
"Thank goodness, I thought you were going to say something else." Zelda responded.
Peach giggled getting the attention of them both.
"What's so funny?" Zelda asked.
"It's nothing really," Peach chuckled somewhat, "Just listening to your back and forth could see you as a married couple." Peach said giggling some more.
Link smiled whilst Zelda frowned.
"That would never happen. I am a princess of royal blood. My bride to be will be of a royalty. He is nothing more than a mere peasant errand boy." Zelda said.
Link's heart slightly dropped at her words, not that he wanted to be with her or anything. Trying to escape the situation Link decided to go and get them all something to eat leaving the tree house. Peach turned to Zelda.
"I think you may have hurt his feelings, personally I think he's really cute." Peach said.
Zelda took a seat on the bed laying back.
"You shouldn't worry, I'm sure he's fine." Zelda replied.
Within subterranean space, Fortred's inhabitants continued to search for participants to fill the spots they were short. Some being starting positions and even backups. The group was very successful in their mission coming across many individuals. They came across Princess Rosalina giving her the opportunity to join a team as the leading cheerleader due to her gorgeousness or another position of her choice. She was updated on why the event was accruing, and given the option of joining. Looking down on the paper, recognized a familiar name and smirked! She decided to join the team of interest. How things would play out from that point would be a wait and see.
To Be Continue