Agility Monsters Locker Room (IX): A last Match

After a short warmup training session before the fundraiser game, the Monsters gather in the locker room. It's crowded, as not only the whole team, but also the whole staff is present - barring Head Coach Rabe. The front door stands open, as interception specialist Inter Vene simply doesn't fit in and is now bending down in front of it, peeking inside as good as possible. The air is crackling with tension.

Alion: Alright, everyone. Silence now. We have a special match ahead of us. For the first time, the Monsters will raise money for a good cause through playing...

Frorin: <bantering> Eh, the more we earn, the better the ingredients of our cuisine - if that isn't playing for a good cause, what is?!

Laughter.

Alion: <stoical> Several coaches have offered money for every touchdown we score, every completion we make and every casualty we cause. Basically anything you achieve in this match will earn money for FUMBBL, the global provider for the Blood Bowl infrastructure we use...

Dalandis: You better give your best and show us some real dwelfball magic!

Harad: Hear, hear!

Rila: Once more with verve!

Sudden silence.

Alion: Yes... it's a special game for another reason. <nods to Rhoda and steps back>

Rhoda: <steps forward> Yeah... well... <clears her throat> As most of you know, there has been a lot of serious talk within the team. And after long discussion, the players have unanimously decided, that it's time for a new era.

Even deeper silence. Serious faces. Some nodding.

Rhoda: Most of us... will resign after this game.

Ultimate silence.

Baruk: <stands up and positions himself next to Rhoda>

Kurt: Wait... what?

Baruk: Yes, Kurt. Too many of us have suffered too many injuries. We only have three players left who are not carrying some lasting damage. And the record of our latest games... four ties, twenty losses, no win.

Moaning, shuffling of feet.

Rhoda: We all decided to face reality. I myself only accepted it lately, with help from... <pauses> Anyway. My collar bone is smashed, with no chance for recovery. I had hopes to set a few more records and earn badges, before my active days on the pitch are over. But, well... <she smiles> ...it's over now. Going after these personal goals would be a burden for the team. I know Rabe and many fans would approve, but I can't.

More silence, someone sobs.

Rhoda: <raising her voice> I want to see the Monsters shine again.

Smiles in the audience. Nodding.

Rhoda: I want to see their opponents stunned and in awe again, as our team leaves the field victorious!

Harad: Hear, hear!

Groin: Yes!

Rhoda: <shouts> I want to see the Monsters in tournament finals! We are competitive! We will show the world the power of dwarven elfball!!

Cheers, stomping, a few dwarves jump up while applauding. Rhoda smiles and waits until the noise has calmed down.

Rhoda: That's my vision. And hopefully one that past, present and future players can share, as well as our staff and our fans.

Everyone is nodding, Inter Vene, the treeman, gives the thumps up from outside.

Rhoda: <earnest> I will retire.

Rila: <stands up> And so will I.

Harad: <succeeds at his 4+ stand up roll> Me too.

Torl: <stands up> Me too. I've been a burden right from the start. I apologize.

Rhoda: <smiles> You were an Agility Monster no less. And you still are.

Groin: <rises from his wheelchair (the one without rollers and spikes)> Ha! It's been a fun over 180 games for the Monsters! Some good memories! And I'll keep mowing and flattening the turf for another 180 home matches at least! But I'll stay off the pitch while the young guys play... <winks>

Laughter.

Eck: <stands up> Back to the class room for me! Nothing is better than a teacher with actual life experience. Aww, I'll have some good stories for the youngsters... Will surely find the Monsters some nice new talents!

Xovor: <rises, walks towards Rhoda and puts a hand on her shoulder> Girl, the fire is back. Embers are glowing again with the heat of the dwarven furnaces. Time to put some new wood onto the fire! <smiles> Sorry for me being grumpy lately. No more! I'll get back into the stands and show the crowds what a real fanatic Monsters fan looks like!! <turns around and starts singing> "I've heard there was a dwarven team... That Rabe played, and he lived the dream... But you don't really care for fluff now, do you?"

Eck: <joins in> "It goes like this: The fourth, the fifth... The leapers fall, the majors drift... The baffled coaches wonder Hallelujah..."

One by one, dwarves, elves, a human and a treeman join in, singing the team anthem. The standing dwarves form a row, shoulder by shoulder. The back door opens and Head Coach Rabe sneaks in. He stands still, hidden behind the much taller folks and tears fill his eyes. As the echos fade, silence floats the room again.

Baruk: <steps forward, looks at the remaining three dwarves in front of the rest of the team: Nogli, Brumbas and Orin> You are the future of the team...

Brumbas: <laughes> I'm also the past, I'd say...

Baruk: <smiles> Indeed, old friend. You have seen it all. I hope you'll stick around for another... how many? 250 games?

Brumbas: <putting Baruk off> Not yet! Not yet.

Baruk: <raises his voice a little more> I will not retire - yet. I'll continue playing with you for a while. You all... <gestures to the players in his front and in his back> ...have picked me as your future team captain. Or better: transitory team captain. Someone else will take over eventually... but for now, you are stuck with me.

Laughter.

Xovor: <enthusiastically> For Baruk, our first team captain!

Many voices repeat the shout.

Brumbas: <mumbles> A team captain... after 262 games. Times are changing. I like it.

Baruk: And now, let's go out there! Let's show them the old Monsters one last time! And let's earn some money for the good cause!

Brumbas: <grumbling and raising a brow> ...although I think we could do with a little less pathos.

Intere Vene steps aside as players and staff pour out of the locker room's front door. Coach Rabe stays hidden in the back until all have left, then slowly follows.
As the gnome steps into the sun - shaken, yet determined - another figure disengages from the deepest shadows of the room's remotest corner. While the black-cloaked dwarf leaves the room through the back door, heading towards the grand stand, a hoarse voice from beneath the hood mumbles: "That pathos won't last long..."