NOVPUB[Outside Hampden]
The bus slowed as it neared the stadium, a wave of noise washing over the team as they entered Hampden’s perimeter. Fans pounded the sides of the bus, chanting and waving flags, some yelling out Rakim’s name, and that of the other players, trying to get their attention. The energy was electric. Rakim could feel the vibration of the chants echo through his bones as he looked out at the sea of green and white. The supporters were here for them, but the noise from the maroon side of the stadium was just as relentless. Hearts’ fans were giving their all, ready to see their side make history.
Rakim leaned forward slightly, peering through the window. His heart racing now, matching the pace of the pulse outside. This was the moment he had been waiting for since he first kicked a football as a kid. The time and place where different but the moment was just as special as it had been in his dreams no matter how far-fetched they were.
After all it’s not like he can force aliens to invade earth and force them to play a football match against them on the grandest stage of them all, The Moon. Making the Galactic XI might be far-fetched to be a reality but playing in a real cup final is a close second to that dream. He could see the stadium’s towering structure now, with banners fluttering in the cold Scottish wind. The fans, the colours, the sheer magnitude of the event—it was surreal.
"Game faces, lads," Scott Brown exclaimed as he straightening his suit, breaking the temporary silence in the bus. His voice was calm, but there was a sharp focus to his eyes. Brown had been here before, multiple finals, but he still relished this moment every time it presented itself before him. The calm before the storm when the bus rolls to a stop and his teammates shove any fears and worries down as they realise that its game time.
Hearing the familiar sound of the bus rolling to a stop just outside the team entrance just outside Hampden Park. The low hum of the engine cutting out as the doors hissed open and the following noise from the fans outside surging in, hitting the players with a wall of sound. It was game time. Rakim took a deep breath standing up from his seat as pulled back his black and red Titan Hood to show his full face.
Despite being dressed in a smart black suit the hood didn’t take much away from his look and in fact made him look more the part of an athlete rather than a businessman. Slinging his duffel over his shoulder he followed the rest of teammates as they filed out one by one, some adjusting their suits, others fixing their focus ahead, ready to get the job done.
As they stepped off the bus, the cold air bit at his face. A gust of wind carried the chants and cheers from the stands, blending into a roaring symphony that made his skin tingle. Fans on both sides clamoured for a glimpse, some waving banners, others capturing the moment with their phones. A few screamed Rakim’s name louder than the rest, urging him to deliver something spectacular.
Signing a few shirts and cards from some of the fans he passed he made sure to interact with the few who wore Titan-Fit apparel. He felt like it was the least he could do since they had spent their hard earned money to support him and his brand. Thus, the least he could do was stake a few pictures with them and show them the love they show him, but he made sure to keep things professional.
Making sure to only interacting with guys who seemed like gym lads, and some females who didn’t have the crazy eyes. He still made sure to limit physical contact with the girls not wanting weird rumours about him popping up on the net. Even if they would most likely portray him as the victim given his age. It just wasn’t something he was ready to deal with especially since he hasn’t dated anyone in both his lives, which is sad if you think about it.
~~~
The team had just finished the last of their warm ups after getting changed out of their match day suits. They had done most of their warmups on their own training grounds given the convenience of the commute. So, when they reached the stadium, they only spent about 20 minute to get a feel for the park and stretched out those last niggles in their body that were bothering them.
Coach Lennon stood near the whiteboard, his eyes scanning the room, assessing the players’ mental readiness. He didn’t have to say much. The team had been drilled for the entire week just to get them ready for this match. "Alright, boys. No speeches today. You all know what this means. Let’s get out there and leave everything on that pitch," Lennon said, his voice low but firm. He paused, locking eyes with each player, making sure the message was clear. "This is our game."
The players roared in response slapping each other on the back before they changed out of their warmup tops and started to gear up. The atmosphere quickly grew tense with no one talking as they simply got ready to get the job done. The final adjustments were made. Shin guards strapped. Boots tied. The Celtic badge was pressed against their chests they rose to their feet.
The room fell silent as Scott Brown stood at the door, ready to lead them out. "Let’s bring this cup home," Brown said, voice booming. The door opened, and the tunnel loomed before them. The din from the crowd returned, louder than before, shaking the very foundation of the stadium. Rakim didn’t stick around with them join the rest of the subs as they made their way onto the bench before the pre match proceedings.
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[Ding: it is detected that the host has made the roster for his first professional cup final corresponding mission being issued.]
[Ding: Help your team win the Scottish Cup
Rewards:
+1000 Singularity Points Shop Update
(Note; a player aiming to be remembered in the sport needs the corresponding silverware to prove their worth.)
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’Let’s just hope I get to actually contribute in this match,’ Rakim thought to himself as he pulled up the system mission that had popped up the moment he was announced as part of the squad. Although not part of the starting XI he would still be a part of the action if given the chance by the coach.
{Just relax and take in the moment, they dint come around every day in players career,} Eva suggested wanting to get her host to calm down as he was getting too caught up in his thoughts. He had been fine the whole day as he went through his pre match program but the moment he rested his mind began to wonder.
’Your right,’ Rakim nodded before getting up from his seat to stand with the rest of the subs for the pre match ceremony. The tension before the final was electric as Rakim stood with his teammates, the roar of the fans reverberating through Hampden Park. The stands were a sea of green and white on one side, maroon and white on the other, creating a kaleidoscope of passion that seemed to fuel every breath he took.
The Scottish national anthem boomed through the stadium speakers, sending a down the spine of everyone. He scanned the pitch, watching as the starting eleven lined up for the pre-match ceremony. Standing Infront of his bench with the rest of the substitutes, Rakim could feel the weight of expectations placed on them. Even though he wasn’t starting, this was still his moment.
The commentators’ voices echoed faintly, around the stadium as Callum McDonald and Roy Townsley began their analysis of the upcoming game. "Celtic going with their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation today, with M. Johnston stepping in on the left wing in place of Rakim Rex, whom we had expected to start. Callum announced, his voice sharp with excitement. "Meanwhile, Hearts are sticking to their 4-3-3, hoping to hit on the counter. It’s going to be interesting to see how both teams adapt to the intensity of this final." As the pre-match formalities wrapped up, the crowd settled for the kick-off.
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To be Continued...
