Endurance, Attack, Breakthrough
So what's next on the list to learn Star Blitzball Player?
Ok, since you learned the basics, we can move on to the more advance stuff, said Tidus while twirling the blitzball expertly on his index finger. We'll move on to Encounter now. Here, I'll tell you about it now and then we can try it in the pool. He moved Rikku a few feet away from him and said, Stand here. I'll demonstrate how this goes.
When you have more people playing the pool, and they get in your way, we call this an Encounter. You can either breakthrough the players or don't break through depending on your choice and their stats. He held the ball in front of him and walked up to the theif. Let's say I have the ball and you're blocking me from taking an action, I can either pass or shoot the ball if my PA or SH is higher than your BL but it does not always work out perfectly.
What do you mean by that?
I mean, it can either be off or over by a few points...now that relies on your luck. If you choose not to do anything, you can let them come on to you and if you have a high enough defense, you will be able to withstand their attacks. Let's give it a shot.
Tidus threw the ball expecting the thief to catch it but instead, it struck her head and bounced off.
Rikku! I'm so sorry. He rushed over to the corner and retrieved the ball and then ran to the girl. Are you alright?
Hey! How about a warning next time huh!? I'm a beginner remember? I don't know your secret blitzball signals you know! She moaned and rubbed her head.
Tidus laughed. Secret blitzball signals? Where did you get that from? There aren't any. I just thought you were gonna be prepared to catch it. You sure you're OK?
Yeah yeah I'm fine. How about we come up with our own blitzball signal? THEN, maybe I'll think about forgive you!
Hahaha. Sure sure. Have anything in mind then?
She thought for awhile and then the perfect motion hit her. How about this? She arranged her arms in a way so that the palms faced each other. Then she flipped her hand over and bowed her head. "How's this?
Tidus waited until she was finished. Hey...that looks awfully familiar. Isn't that what those Yevonites do?
No it isn't. You see, I reversed the order because they resent Al-Bheds.
So this is like your little secret way of getting back at them then?
The Al-Bhed nodded. It'll be our own little secret. How about that? You're not gonna squeal on me are you now?
Tidus jumped back. Hey! Of course not! You got yourself a deal you little rebel. He bent his head until it was leveled with her ears. Then he whispered, Just don't do it in front of Wakka, he's a little hotheaded about these things.
Ok I wont. I'll be our little secret! Now shall we resume this tutorial? Just how does someone break through the opponent's defense?
Well you need to use skills and techniques. They are a number of different moves you can perform but you may have to learn them before you can use it.
How do you learn them?
Well you can learn them when the players in the sphere pool performs them and then you copy it. That's call tech copy.
Do YOU know any fancy moves?
Are you kidding? I know tons! Wanna see some?
Rikku threw the ball over in which the Guardian caught immediately. OK then! Let's see what you got!
Setting the ball on the floor, he moved back a few feet and adjusted himself until he was right in front of the ball. This is the Jecht Shot. The move that won the huge trophy at Luca. He brought one leg back and then dashed forward accumulating enough strength to send the ball soaring in the air. Jolting up, he did a flip until he was soaring in the air. With extremely hasty reflexes, he kicked the ball with full concentration. The ball went flying across the room and then spiraled back to the player. Tidus caught it before it bounced off again. Pretty impressive huh?
marveled Rikku. How did you do that!? she squealed. That was so cool!!
It took years of practice and tolerance with my father but I could teach you it later on.
Rikku smiled and bowed. I would be honored.
We've spent enough time here. How about we get out there and try out our new moves huh? You can also create your own moves. Whatever you'll comfortable with is fine. He opened the door to the sphere pool. Rikku grinned and then quickly dived in. Tidus smiled and followed in after her. It was alot of fun being with her and he was so glad they were reunited again.
Wakka and the others still occupied the other half of the pool. They seemed to be practicing really hard. Tidus was surprised himself that with all those time spent practicing, they had never won the tournament. Tossing the ball to Rikku, he watched her pull some rather impressive moves.
She flexed her legs and did a backflip kicking the ball. It traveled smoothly through the water and went straight into the goal. She twirled in joy and waved for the ball again. Swimming to the goal, the Guardian threw the ball back to her and then swam directly in front of the Al-Bhed.
Rikku understood what he was trying to do. He was trying to block her from scoring and he seemed to be very focused as well. She shifted back a little and then kicked off at full speed. Flipping over, she sent her two legs straight into Tidus. He immediately fell back and Rikku seized this opportunity to swim over him. With an extra boost from kicking off his shoulders, she brought her arms all the way back and threw the ball. Pleased that she had scored again, she shook her companion's shoulders and pointed to what she had done.
He nodded groggily and rubbed his shoulder. Rikku shrugged and smiled sheepishly. She grabbed his arms until he was up straight again. She felt her face burning when he gave her a thumbs up on how well she did. It was a good thing that the cold water was repressing the heat on her face.
The Besaid Aurochs from the other side stared with their mouths wide opened. Wakka kept shifting his gaze between the goal and Rikku, still couldn't comprehend that she managed to score. He swam over with the rest of the team not far behind him. Tidus grinned as Wakka confronted him. He pointed at the door and signaled them to leave the pool so they can talk.
Tidus shrugged while Rikku smiled and rolled her eyes. She followed the older guardian until they were back in the locker room.
Whoa!! How did you do that!? Wakka exclaimed. That had gotta be one of the best shots I had seen ya!!
Tidus chuckled and threw an arm over the theif's shoulders. Well let's just say that that's what you get when you're being trained under a Star Player himself.
Rikku agreed. Did you see that shot Wakka!? I bet you cant even do that!! she mocked playfully.
Hey hey now. Watch who you're talking to ya! Don't get all cocky just cause you scored ya!
Hahaha, we'll see about that Wakka, Tidus joined in. Hey, let's play a little game shall we? After all, I think Rikku's beyond ready!
The Al-Bhed flushed again and nodded shyly. Yeah Wakka! How about it?
Wakka scratched his head. He looked back at the Besaid Aurochs and they shrugged. I guess it's fine but what are the teams?
Tidus pulled Rikku next to him. Well I've got Rikku and that's all that matters! How about us against you guys?
What!? You can't be serious! Rikku's eyes widened and objected. Us two? Against all of THEM? Are you serious!?
The Guardian placed a hand on her shoulders and shook his head. Relax. We'll be fine! Just remember everything I taught you! Besides, you have gotta be one of the best offense player I have ever seen and you only started! Who knows how you'll be playing years from now!
His words made her heart soar. Never had she received so many well compliments over such trivial issues. For a moment, she just stood there staring at the Guardian until he looked down at her.
Something on my face? He touched his cheeks.
Her eyes sparkled as she slowly shook her head. She was so glad that finally got a chance to spend some time together after they have been separated by a terrible ordeal. She had to admit after she helped from at the Bahj ruins up until when he was boarded on the Al-Bhed ship, she had found him somewhat attractive. She secretly promised herself that she would keep him close to her as possible but no one expected Sin to attack and for the inevitable to occur. Her heart pounded rapidly against her chest thinking that she had lost him for good out there or he was probably dead but she received the surprise of her life when they were reunited again near Guadosalam and found him traveling with her trusted cousin.
Ha! You got confidence ya, Wakka replied, breaking her thoughts. If you say so! Come on boys, let's head out back to the pool ya! The blitzer left along with his team following closely behind him.
With her hands still interlocked in his, she gently pulled them away and then without thinking, she threw them around his waist and leaned her head against his strong chest, pulling him into a light embrace. She closed her emerald eyes, savoring the moment. Tidus's arms hanged loosely by his side, unsure of what to do and somewhat confuse of the Al-Bhed's actions.
Hey, what's this...? he asked softly with concern.
Well...I was just thinking back to when we got separated back there. I really thought I had lost you...you know? And after we found each other again...well we didn't really get a chance to actually spend much time together and I didn't get to tell you that......
That you what...?
That I'm really grateful and I'm gonna take advantage of every moment we spend together!
Tidus smiled and wrapped his arms around Rikku. He placed his chin on to her head and closed his piercing blue orbs, inhaling her sweet scent. "I'm glad too Rikku but you don't have to worry. I won't be going anywhere...
You promise? Promise that you'll always stay with me?
Yeah I promise... he muttered and then released his grip on her.
Ok. I just wanted to make sure. I don't want you drifting anywhere ever again when Sin comes, she joked.
You won't have to worry, he reassured. Taking her hands, he asked, Feel better now?
Rikku sighed happily. Much better. Let's go get Wakka and the others now!!
Author's Notes: So sorry about such a delay at updating!! Thank you all for reading and special thanks to Destiny for reminding me to update. I have no idea when the next chapter will come out but hopefully soon when I have the time and when I get some more ideas. I was actually feeling sort of depressed when I was typing the last scene because as we all know, Tidus never stayed with Rikku OR Yuna but good thing he is back in FFX-2!!
