The Blitz Ball game started poorly. Noy was lagging quite heavily at the goal, and Zazi and Giera just didn't have their minds in the game. First half seemed like a disaster. The opposing team was the Ronso Fangs, they were the bulkiest team on the roster. In previous games, at the exhibitions, the Guado Glories never paid heed to their mass, they knew that they were fast enough to swim donuts around the Ronso.
Pah and Auda were working double time, trying to make up for the others' slacking. Nav acted as if he was oblivious to the whole failure of his team. He'd let them think that he didn't know. Even if they were aware, they all knew what hell they would witness in the privacy of the locker room.
Zazi's duty was to get the ball at the start of every round, but he was missing his opportunity most of the time. When he did get the ball, he passed it off to Giera who was way back in right field, the distance was great. Zazi took the pass anyway. Giera went to catch it, but the speed of the pass had depleted too much and he fumbled it, giving the Ronso the offense.
When the Glories received defense, Navara signaled for Flat-Line. This technique was more of a desperate attempt to keep the Ronso from scoring. To his weary eyes, the tech worked. The Glories got the offense back, and scored. The score-board now showed: Ronso Fangs: 3 and the Guado Glories: 1. Zazi scrambled up and managed to get the ball again, this time, he passed it to Pah in left field. Pah swam the ball to Navara, with half of the Ronso team behind him. The Glories had scurried about the sphere pool, to create another offense. Nav received the ball and quickly darted to the goal.
There were no Ronso in his way, all but the goal keeper. It was a stand off… Nav narrowed his eyes, he could hear his heart beat inside his head. The thick loud current of the oncoming regime of Ronso were not far behind him… he raised his arms—with ball in hand, and drew his right leg back. Navara took the shot. The announcer, Bobba, could be heard from his commentator box, yelling. "Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaal!"
Nav smiled, they weren't winning, like they should have been… but at least they had a chance in the second half. His smile faded as his golden eyes caught view of Zazi… he snarled and quickly got his team into formation to exit the pool.
Halftime was a scary moment for the Glories. Even of they were winning… Nav could still pin-point mistakes. Nav always showed his true self in the locker room during half time—a fire-breathing dragon.
"What in the blue fuck was that?! We looked like those stupid-ass percussionists from the Yevon band! It was a circus out there!" As stated before, Nav seemed like a dragon, the words spouting from his mouth like fire. "Pah, I need you to do some smoother passing, you're a little slow today too. Remember our practices!" he cleared his throat, "Auda, you're doing great, keep it up!" his face shifted from player to player, to address them accordingly.
"Noy, get the damn anvils off of your feet, I want to see some catching! The Fangs cannot score anymore! We're losing!" he paused before he craned his head toward the others, he remained silent as if taking a moment to ignite the torch in his throat. "Zazi and Giera!!!!" the fire was twice as violent, "I don't even want to know what you two have been smoking! You're both pathetic! Gi, you fumbled four passes… not all your fault…" he directed his fiery golden eyes toward Zazi, "If Zazi had been making acceptable passes!!!! You idiot! Since when do we pass to someone who is an entire sphere pool away?!" Zazi interrupted, trying to defend himself, "Well, I---!" Nav overpowered his meek little attempt, and shouted. "WE DON'T! Get your fuckin' acts together!" he glanced at the clock; one minute left. "Now let's get out there… and kick some Ronso ass!!" The whole team nodded, yes, even Zazi. The pep talk seemed to be very effective. The details of second half are as follows: "The Guado Glories have made a come back in the sphere pool during second half. Their speed and passing game went unmatched to the Ronso Fangs. I don't think I want to know what happened in that locker room, Jimma… Whatever it was, good job, and good luck to the Glories!" Nav's team won the first game in the league. There were only nine more until the grand tournament would ensue!
After the game, Navara thought it would be nice if he treated his team to a drink at the café. The victory had been well earned after all. The Luca docks were crowded with people from all over Spira. Most of them were fans of the Luca Goers. The Glories paid no heed, they didn't need fans, and they simply loved to win. They would receive no praise upon returning home to Guadosalam, most were still shaken by the past few months. It was understandable, of course, a lot had happened… and yet, some just needed to get over the personal losses and move on. Sin was gone, what could be more wonderful than that?
"Okay, it looks like you guys pulled your heads out of your asses just in time." Nav curled his lips into a winning grin, "Who's up for a drink at the Sports Café?" all but Zazi waved a hand. He had other plans. Nav shrugged as he noted that Zazi didn't want to join. Which was fine, more alcohol for himself. "Suit yourself. Catch ya later at the Inn." Donned in his Guado robes, he walked out of the locker room, the team not far behind… Giera was just about to follow the others out, when a hand belonging to Zazi snapped out around his wrist. "Hey?! Za---Oh!?" Giera squeaked, getting dragged back into the locker room. The door slammed shut, not another sound was heard.
"Giera?" asked Pah, turning to look back. "Odd…" he shrugged and then jogged to catch up with his team mates, who were in quite a rush to get to the café.
"Giera didn't want to come either?" Auda asked, walking beside Pah.
"I guess not, maybe he isn't feeling well… Nav did rip their heads off."
"Yeah… " Auda looked at the ground. "Hey… have you noticed that Zazi and Giera are always… well… together?"
"Now that you mention it… I have. I wonder what's going on?"
"Who knows… it's none of our business anyway." Pah concluded, Auda then nodded in agreement. Pah's mind drifted into the realms of possibility though. Zazi has never passed up an opportunity to go to the café, especially when some one else is paying. Perhaps Zazi is practicing in the pool… but, he couldn't be today, they shut it down early. What is Giera doing? He isn't one to pass up the café either… Is it just coincidence that they both happened to pass it up? Pah shook his head and continued to follow his captain through the Lucan walkways. The others just don't seem to care, or suspect anything for that matter. They know that once they arrive at the café, they can wash the worries of the day away, with a few drinks. Pah could already see what was going to happen. Nav and Noy would probably get smashed while bragging about the victory… Pah realized that maybe it was a good thing that Zazi wasn't coming today… he had started many bar room brawls in the past. He never did know when to keep his mouth shut.
