"Really? Let him in."
Ricky told her.
"I was going to anyway. I wouldn't leave him out there all morning."
She replied. She opened the door and he walked in.
"There you are."
Vincent said to Ricky, who sat down on the couch.
"I'm sorry about not coming until now. I was furious about the whole thing and I didn't think you seeing me like that would be a good idea."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Blaze had me sleep here last night though, and that's why I'm here."
He commented.
"Right. Well, how is it?"
He asked.
"It's broken, but-"
"Broken?! Oh, I could snap that Embor's arm like a twig. Look at you. Cast and all. This is ridiculous!"
Vincent was clearly angry about it.
"Look, Vincent. I'll be back in the game in a few weeks. It's not a problem."
He told him.
"Well I won't be. I got a four game suspension."
That surprised Ricky.
"What? What for?"
Vincent frowned.
"Starting the fight afterward. Apparently it was my fault. The coach protested, but it didn't help. I'm still off the starting lineup."
Ricky was now frowning too.
"Wow. Just... wow. This sucks. Both of us are off the team for a month at least."
"And your reason is understandable. But I was just standing up for my best friend, you know?"
Ricky nodded.
"I guess I can't complain,"
Vincent continued.
"That Embor got a twelve game suspension for breaking your leg. At least he got what he deserved."
Hearing that shocked Ricky.
"Twelve games? That helps me feel better a little."
He replied.
"But why'd you come here?"
Vincent lightened up a bit after that question.
"To walk with you guys to college. Training is taking place today as usual, and the coach says we still have to go. I want to see who'll be playing for us."
He added.
"Oh, I didn't think about our substitutes. Let's go."
Ricky replied.
"Don't you think we should all eat first?"
Blaze advised.
"I already did, but you two go ahead."
Vincent told her.

The three walked together, talking and laughing along the way, and finished the day as normal. They then headed to the field.

Ricky's teammates all greeted him and asked him about his injury. They signed his cast, along with signatures from others that Ricky knew, including his four friends and Blaze. He then watched them train with Vincent, who was still to train to keep fit.
"Hey coach, who's playing for me until I get back out there?"
Ricky asked.
"We're having Jack play for you."
The coach replied, pointing to a Blazekin, which Ricky had to admit was rather impressive. His skill level was similar to his as shown by his ability to pass and confuse the team's defenders. Vincent jogged up to them.
"And me? Who's replacing me?"
"That would be Veran."
The coach then indicated the Scizor playing in midfield. He looked to be of a rather high skill level as well. The two watched their substitutes train, not too worried about the future of the team. Their replacements looked to know what they were doing.

After the session, Ricky caught up with Jack.
"Hey, Jack!"
Jack turned around and saw Ricky approaching him.
"Hey, Ricky. What's up?"
Ricky finally caught up, using his crutches for support.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'll be watching you when you're out there. You look like a skilled player. I hope you show the same amount of skill during future games then you did then."
Jack smiled at him.
"Count on it. I won't let you down. You can count on me to score on your behalf while you heal."
Jack assured him.
"Good to know. Best of luck out there."
He held his paw out to Jack, who shook it.
"Thank you. Get well soon."
Jack returned.

Vincent also talked to Veran after training.
"So, you're taking over for me. Well, you look like a good midfielder, so I'm not worried."
Vincent told him.
"You shouldn't be. I train a lot, but I've never gotten to show off my skill. Now, I'll get that chance. The midfielders won't suffer in your abscence. I'll keep up the standards you set."
Veran replied.
"Good. I'd hate for it to do so because of me."
Veran nodded.
"You saw me perform. I'm perfectly capable of holding the team up. And I'll show that on the field during a game."
"I'll be watching."
Vincent told him.

Both players were satisfied with their replacements, confident that the team was still going to preform well, but their confidence wasn't enough. Until they saw them in action, good performance was only an idea. Their true skill would be tested very soon.

Hey guys. I think this chapter was a little lacking if I'm completely honest. It was a little short, compared to my others. I'm sorry if it wasn't what you expected, but updates will be up in time. Hopefully they'll make up for this one. Until next time though, remember to vote and comment, and stay awesome.