The captain of the Kilika Beasts repeated their strategies over and over again like a tape recorder until Zephaniah could not stand it any longer. Zephaniah managed to slip through the locker room door and went outside to marvel at the size of Luca City.
Zephaniah started to explore the city but soon found himself lost in the never-ending streets and avenues. The more he tried to find his way back to the blitzball stadium, the further away he got. Zephaniah eventually gave up and found himself in a local café where he sat down and ordered a small glass of cola. He paid the required gil before taking small sips of the ice-cold cola.
The owner of the café switched on the television, allowing it to show what was currently happening at the blitzball stadium. The load roars of the enthusiastic fans could be heard rooting for their favourite blitzball team. The opening match commenced as Leon and the Kilika Beasts made their way into the stadium. Following that, the Besaid Aurochs made their way to the stadium as well. Zephaniah sighed as he saw the arrogant Leon enter the water-filled dome. Just as he shook his head in embarrassment, a finger gently tapped him on his right shoulder.
Zephaniah turned around to face an energetic but beautiful girl. "Do I know you?" he asked the girl. The girl gave an exaggerated sigh of dejectedness before asking, "You're a mean person! How could you forget me?"
Zephaniah closed his eyes before picturing faint memories of the girl standing in front of him. He opened his eyes before saying to the girl, "Lady Anastasia…"
"Anastasia Heartilly to be precise!" The girl said as she gave a warm smile to Zephaniah. "So how have you been these years?" she questioned the Black Mage.
"Honing my skills and magic by going on a weary and arduous journey since we went our separate ways. Unlike that useless, overconfident, blitzball addict." Zephaniah retorted as he closed his eyes to calm himself down.
"Aww…don't think of him like that. Although he's snobbish at times, he's still the son of Lord Almasy." Anastasia said as she nudged Zephaniah softly.
Zephaniah got up from his seat as he looked directly at the warm, hazel eyes of the alluring white mage. "Anne…rich or not, because of me, he nearly started a Machina war against Kilika. Resulting in you sacrificing yourself as his wife-to-be so that he would not start the war. I will never forgive that heartless person for that…"
"Well…that heartless person is leading the Luca Goers into the tournament this year. Why not show off a little of your blitzball skills? Why not play for our hometown? I know you can play real well, just that you never want to show off." Anastasia said to cheer Zephaniah up.
"If you can lead me back to the stadium, I might consider what you just said." Zephaniah said as he gave a slight smile to his childhood friend.
"That's the spirit! Leading you to the stadium is no problem since I know Luca so well. Make sure you do that stylish move you showed to me when I first met you. That will unquestionably make you an instant favourite of the entire crowd!" Anastasia said as she started to lead Zephaniah to the stadium.
Meanwhile, back at the stadium, Leon had managed to score two goals in the match against the Aurochs, allowing him to lead the team into the finals against the Luca Goers, who had also picked up several noteworthy and praiseworthy victories against the Guado Glories and Al Bhed Psyches.