Stone and Sea (22 May 2013)
It's taken nearly a week, but one of the top contenders for this year's Cup finally arrived today. Fans gathered outside the Colosseum eagerly held their breath in anticipation when a bus rolled into view early this afternoon, and once it was confirmed to be the team they'd waited for so long, the entire crowd burst out into cheers and rythmic stomping. The applause started as the bus slowly ground to a halt, and intensified with each new player that disembarked, until the frenzy grew to such an intense level that a few fans had to be revived after fainting with exitement. Team Tyrannia, in gratitude of such an outpouring of emotion, spent a considerable time walking around the crowd, taking care to chat with each adoring fan and even signing the numerous pictures that got thrust their way. Once the furor finally died down, the team made their way into the Colosseum's media room for the traditional pre-season press conference, where they mostly covered standard fare until the coach was asked about longtime goalkeeper Harlis Neyhbol. "I know there's been a lot of rumors going around about Harlis during the off-season," he said, "But since the rosters won't be finalized for a few more days yet, I can't really comment on them one way or another. However," he continued, "I would like to say that he has been a great asset to this team, and no matter what his future holds, we will all be forever greatful for everything he has done for Tyrannia."
In what could be called an ominous sign, (For the other teams, at least) TY apparently brought a tempest along with them, as the skies over Altador swiftly went from a brilliant blue to overcast, then to an ominous black shortly after the team finished their press conference. Within minutes, the heavens opened and the crowd outside scattered in all directions, while the Colosseum's grounds team frantically rushed to cover the grass of the stadium's main Yooyuball field. It was in this scene of chaos that Team Maraqua made their first appearance. "It's a little surreal for us, seeing everyone try to avoid getting wet," center Oten Runeu laughed while watching one reporter attempt to wring the water out of her fur. While most teams were forced to turn in for the day, Maraqua was encouraged rather than dissuaded by the inclement weather, and the entire team took to the empty greens outside of the Colosseum to conduct their first official practice of ACVIII. After running some speed and agility drills, goalie Tonie Plessix rounded up the few remaining fans which had chosen to ride out the storm, and the small group used the last bit of daylight to conduct a mock scrimmage, with plenty of sliding and full-on faceplants to keep the match from getting too serious.
Only two locker rooms still remain empty, and it is all but certain that the entire roster of teams is soon to be completed. Even though the Colosseum won't officially open to the public until the start of June, the main atrium is scheduled to open to the public in two short days' time, where fans will get to browse displays of past Yooyuball tournaments, sign up for Fantasy Yooyuball leagues, and purchase tickets to every one of this season's exciting matchups.