a star is reborn
When the team going to the IAC was announced many officials and players alike in the Starsian nation voiced criticism, the newly formed Masters team would be sent instead of the current national team that is the current generation.
But what led to the formation of the Masters team in the first place? it is something that takes us back many years ago after the incident with Morris Valerian who collapsed on the field and was never returning.
National teams campus, The 14 Stars approximately 12 years ago
As Valerian walked on the campus he heard the familiar sound of training, without any hesitation he went to the training field and was greeted by the staff who knew him well and liked him as the key playmaker for the NT back in the day.
When he showed up at the field he saw the Internationals train, however he saw some new faces and he walked up to coach Landry to talk about his return and the new rookies on the team he'd have to familiarize with.
''Hey coach, long time no see how have you been doing?''
''Oh hey Morris, i didn't see you in a while either i've been doing quite fine how has your injury been going? is it any better?''
''I have been released from care, the adjustments they made should prevent it from happening again so im ready to train hard and get back to the level i was before the injury and i see some new people aswell.''
''Oh....they did not tell you? I already was kind of confused seeing you here.''
''What do you mean coach? what did they not tell me?''
''I did not want to be the one to tell it but, you are history Morris you are being replaced by a player who we can put out there without the danger of him or her collapsing in the middle of the match.
I'm sorry Morris i really like you but you also have to admit that you can't go on like this, every match you play you will only hurt yourself more and more and that is something that the Association and me do not want.
I thank you for all your efforts those years though you will be known as one of the best we had.''
Morris left the campus, all his work all his struggle to return to play that last world cup....it was in vain he was no longer needed.
This really hurt him, he had alot of potential despite being an older player and maybe one with a medical background, he could still play at the highest level but he knew he could not do this alone.
1 year after Valerians retirement
Horus heard a knock on his door, it was a rainy night as a thunderstorm crossed the city and electricity had gone out so with the light on his phone he walked to the door and opened it cautiously unsure who would knock on his door at midnight.
But there in the rain was Morris Valerian, he looked at Horus knowing him from older times as Horus had played in the National team before they even entered multiverse football and he was the best still living player.
''Morris what brings you here at this hour? why do you come to my house during a thunderstorm.'' Horus asked not really knowing why he was here but after being kicked out of his club aswell he had nothing left, all he had worked hard for was gone.
''I need your help Horus, everyone gave up on me even my own club and more of us are gonna face the same destiny.....i got the letter that they got rid of me today.....please help me to give our generation a last chance.
I never wanted to quit, i was in my prime but still they said i was history, replaced by some rookie, i do not want it to end like this for me and for anyone else that is being forced out right now, you are our only hope as Broskov is ill and he is the last pre-pioneer NTer besides you.''
Horus was shocked to hear this, Valerian had been known as the best playmaker and strategic mind of his era and everyone had thought he would lead his team to a qualification in his last world cup.
But he got apparently kicked out of the NT and Club before he could even reach that age, he made a decision that night.
''Mhm....I'll do it, for Adrian and all of my generation who never had the chance to play internationally at all and unlike us you guys still have that chance even though you are all older now.''
Little bit by little bit Valerian and Horus started to gather veteran players each with their own story, highs and lows and each with their own qualities that made them top players in their prime and Valerian being a motivator to them.
His story inspired many veterans to come on board with the plan, to kick those youngsters back to where they belonged, these days the NT was valued over the league which was why many older players were forced out and even in the league the younger the better it seemed.
After years of hard work preparation and effort finally the Starsian Masters team was formed with the youngest player being aged 37 and the oldest being as old as 56 years of age all being retired former top players.
They started their campaign by challenging the U18 national team, even though they were physically in better shape they lacked alot of experience and this dramatic match ended 5-0 for the Veteran team shocking everyone.
Then the U21 team challenged them, they accepted and a hard and fierce battle was displayed by both teams, they were evenly matched the entire 120 minutes and the Veterans managed to win on penalties also beating the U21 who should be the next generation NT players.
With both teams being a disgrace the Association in the press conference brought the following statement.
''In following of the recent campaign by the team known as the Masters team they have displayed courage, determination and experience in football matches against players physically superior to them at the moment.
This has led the Association to determine that currently the Association and all national teams are in need of re-organization and as such will the Starsian National Team lay its focus to the world cup instead of the IAC.
Meanwhile as we have already confirmed attendance to the IAC, the Association has determined that the Starsian Masters team shall represent our nation during this tournament.
It has also been decided lastly that after this tournament the Masters Team will be disbanded because the Association needs to approve all legal nationaally affiliated teams, the Masters team has obtained this status now for this tournament only.''
A roaring crowd cheered as they would see their heroes one more time, old times would be relived and old legends one more time would step on the field in their national colors.
Even if they would be disbanded after the team for now was known as THE National team of the 14 Stars and Valerian could not help but shed a tear as Horus nodded friendly to him with a big smile on his face hearing the news.
''We've reached it Valerian, the old guard will make one last appearance this time on equal ground with its competition and we are gonna show the multiverse aswell that old players can still win plenty.''
''Thats right! we're gonna enjoy this moment and for all of us who no longer have a chance to be selected for the national team this is a great win already im really looking forward.''
Starsian Campus 2035 the present
''Alright guys we are in a quite easy group i think, its Stevencousin, Safiniatin, Aphrilia and one heavyweight which is Saterun.
Guess who we play first guys, its ofcourse Saterun so you will be starting with the most tough opponent and if we can pull a good upset here i believe the other matches can be seen with more confidence.
No need to have a strategy, you guys know what to do you all know the drill.
Stay in shape but also take your time to relax and unwind because this is gonna be the best holiday we've ever had!'' Horus said laughing as he as coach now said the final words for the meeting.
Whatever their opponents would try, they'd eventually see it and adjust at their age there was no need to rush anymore.
Andrew Arrowsword
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