Living Legacy

Chapter 1: My Story Begins

"Alright, alright, take it easy." I laughed, repeating the process yet again. I'd like to say I was annoyed at having to do things like this, but come on. Who doesn't love adoring fans and kids idolizing you? When this was my life, I loved it.

"Thanks for the autograph!"

"Get lots of goals, okay?" The kids cheered as I tried to make my way a little further down the dock, when these two girls cornered me. Ah, the girls. The best part about this whole shtick.

"Can I have your autograph?" The brunette girl asked, holding out her arm.

"Of course." I sighed the back of her hand, somewhere subconsciously laughing at what society had come to. "I'll never wash this hand again!" She gushed, looking at the black ink that was still drying on her skin.

"Oh don't do that! Just come by and see me again sometime." I winked at her, causing her cheeks to go ablaze. I was good at this whole PR thing. I barely recognize who I used to be now. It was all an act, of course, but I can't imagine ever going back to that life, sad as it might be to say.

Her redheaded friend handed me another blitzball to sign, and wished me good luck as I signed it.

"Nothing to worry about." I replied, spinning the ball on one finger before handing it back to her. They were both staring at me so intensely, I thought I'd play with them a little more, "Oh, and if I score a goal, I'll do this," I held up my hands with just my pointers and thumbs out, making a kind of triangle, "And that will mean it was for you." They both literally squealed. "What seats are you?"

"East block, in the front row!" The redhead exclaimed.

"Fifth from the right!" The brunette added.

"Got it. I'll be watching for you." I smiled back at them both, then caught a look at the clock. "Well, I gotta go. Cheer for me!" I said to everyone who had gathered around. I was about to run off when some kids who couldn't have been more than 10 ran up.

The one in the middle began a countdown, like this was something they had rehearsed, "Two, three..." Then they all chimed in together, "Teach us how to blitz!"

"I'd love to buddy, but I've got a game to get to." I tried to not sound agitated or stress, since I knew if I didn't leave right now, I might be late for warm ups.

"Then...after the game?" The little girl asked.

"Oh...well, maybe...tonight?" I scratched my cheek.

"You can't tonight." A little boy wearing a hood over his face said from the far corner.

"I mean tomorrow." I quickly corrected myself, though I wasn't sure why. I really didn't have any plans...unless I had already promised this other kid the same thing and forgot about it.

"Promise?"

"Promise!" The three of them put down their blitzballs, and did the hand signal and bow that was the sing for victory in blitzball. They parted the way, and let me through. I had defiantly missed the shuttle back into the city, so it looked like I was going to have to run the whole way to the stadium, but that was okay I guess. Gave me a start to the warm ups, and let me see a few more fans. The only downside was all the pictures and billboards of my old man everywhere.

Jecht...my father, was one of the best blitzball players in recent history. He was practically a hero to these people. The game tonight was going to be the final round of the Jecht Memorial Cup. Why a memorial? Because, the bastard went out to sea one day to train some ten years ago, and just never came back. Personally, I bet he's dead...but mom hasn't given up hope. I really couldn't have cared less, honestly. That maybe sounds harsh, but you didn't know him like I did.