Ex Ball

chapter 11-entering Ex ball league

Seven Months Later

The day was approaching, closer than ever before. Seven months of relentless training, of pushing themselves harder than they ever thought possible, and they were finally ready. The draft was just around the corner, and soon, OJ and Luca would find out where they would begin their journey in the Ex Ball League.

For OJ, the stakes had never been higher. This wasn't just a game anymore-it was a calling. He was ready to step into the league, not as a rookie with something to prove, but as a force to be reckoned with.

And as he and Luca suited up for one last scrimmage before draft day, he knew they were ready. Ready to face whatever the league could throw at them, and ready to rise to the challenge that would define their futures.

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End of Chapter 10

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Chapter 11: Echoes Past Dreams Tomorrow

The seven months passed in a blur, filled with the rhythms of his regular life-a life he hadn't known he would miss until he was back in it. OJ had returned to his day-to-day routine, balancing school, his job, and his evening training sessions. Ex Ball still felt like a dream, something almost too far-fetched to fit into his life here. But each morning, as he laced up his shoes and headed out the door, he felt that spark inside, the one that whispered: *You're in the league now*.

In between work and school, OJ made sure to keep up with his friend in the hospital. Each month, he sent a little money to help cover her bills, hoping it would be enough until the league started. The doctors were optimistic, saying she was slowly recovering, and OJ held onto that hope, believing that one day she'd be well enough to watch him play. Every time he trained, he did it with her in mind, each drop of sweat a promise that he wouldn't give up.

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Pickup Games and New Bonds

One evening, as OJ was hustling on the court for a quick pickup game, he spotted a familiar figure on the sidelines. Luca. Since tryouts had ended, they'd run into each other in the city more times than he could count, as if the bond they'd forged in competition was stronger than chance. OJ waved him over, and soon they were on the same team, slicing through opponents and swapping trash talk between plays, just like old times. They both understood that their rivalry wasn't over. Instead, it was just beginning.

Over the months, they kept track of each other's wins and losses in pickup games across the city. *Forty apiece*, Luca reminded him during one of their games, a playful grin on his face. They both knew their rivalry would pick up in the league-each one determined to break the tie.

Beyond Luca, OJ often ran into others from the trials. Elijahwon and Ram Artist, King's loyal "flunkies" with their brute-force style of play, were also preparing for the league. They had their own version of Ex Ball: bully ball, rough and relentless. Word around town was that they'd end up on the same team as King, forming a trio of bruising power and intimidation. OJ wasn't intimidated, though. He was ready for the challenge.

And then there were the two women who had also made it to the league-players he hadn't noticed much during the trials. They were quiet but skilled, the kind of players who didn't need to throw elbows or catch a brutal foul to make their mark. It struck OJ how graceful they were, moving through each game with a seamless precision, barely taking hits but always making their shots. He respected that elegance, the way they stood out not through flashy plays but through pure, effortless skill. It reminded him that there were different ways to excel in Ex Ball, each as valuable as the next.

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A League Announcement

One afternoon, OJ received the long-awaited call. He dialed into the Ex Ball League's broadcast, where they were announcing rookie placements for the upcoming season. The wait was over. After seven months of dreaming and training, he would finally learn his team.

The announcement began, and OJ held his breath as names were called, one by one.

"Luca Braver, assigned to the New York Blazers," the announcer said. OJ's heart leapt in recognition. The Blazers were the league's seventh-best team-solid competitors who'd managed to take down even the top teams on their best nights. Luca was going to have a strong foundation to build on, and OJ felt proud of him, knowing his friend and rival would be in good hands.

But it wasn't long before the announcer continued.

"Orion Jordan, assigned to the Phoenix Novas."

The Phoenix Novas. OJ's heart pounded. The Novas weren't the best team in the league, but they were fighters, a team known for their underdog spirit and resilience. They were always underestimated, but they had a way of surprising the competition. With around ten teams behind them in the standings, the Novas had potential, but they needed someone hungry, someone with something to prove. And OJ was ready to give them that edge.

He glanced at Luca, who was watching him with a knowing smile. "Looks like we'll get to see who really deserves that forty-first win."

OJ laughed. "You better be ready for it, man."

Luca just smirked. "Don't think I'll be going easy on you."

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Teammates and New Challenges

The broadcast continued, revealing the placements of the others. Just as OJ had guessed, King was drafted as the first pick by the LA Luminous. Elijahwon and Ram Artist had also joined the Luminous, making them a brutal, powerhouse trio, the team to beat. OJ felt a fire ignite in his chest. King and his crew might be among the league's elite now, but he was more determined than ever to prove himself against them.

Then, the announcement surprised him: one of the women from the trials, a skilled point guard with a quiet, fierce determination, would be joining the Novas as well. She had been one of those players who played smoothly, her movements fluid and precise, unbothered by the rougher, flashier styles around her. OJ felt a surge of respect and excitement-he'd have the chance to play alongside someone whose game he admired.

Her style, graceful and calculated, was a reminder of what Ex Ball could be beyond the bruises and grit. To survive the league was one thing, but to thrive in it without losing sight of skill and finesse was another. And OJ wanted both. He wanted to win not just through force, but through his love of the game, the elegance of a well-placed shot, the satisfaction of a flawless crossover.

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Looking Ahead

As the broadcast concluded, OJ stood on the court, the weight of his dreams settling on his shoulders. He had come far, but the journey was only beginning. His mind raced with possibilities: the teams he'd face, the battles ahead, the rivalry with Luca that would push him to his limits. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he thought of his friend in the hospital, waiting for the day she'd be well enough to see him play. He was doing this for both of them.

Luca approached, extending a fist. "Guess I'll see you out there, Nova."

OJ bumped his fist with a grin. "You better bring your A-game, Blazer."

They stood together, two rivals, two friends, knowing the season ahead would be the ultimate test. And as OJ walked off the court, he couldn't help but feel that he was finally where he belonged.

The league was calling, and he was ready.