Chapter 12 - What never was
Blake sat on the couch, watching a late-night game between the Kahunas and Spectrums on the flat screen in the living room. The reindeer always tended to watch games involving one or two of his clients. Since his clientel were all on different teams, it left him with plenty of choices. Mr. Toivonen leaned back against the couch, huffing a little as he relaxed. He had been going through a lot the last few months, with Adityan Anggun recovering in the hospital and getting Julian Cross-Kiraly to come clean about his grudges while he recovered from injury too. It was a lot of tough work for Blake, but he made it work and was able to return to normal. For the most part.

Erik was sitting beside him, taking in the game as well. His studies have been going better since he got Lindsay as his tutor. His grades have been steadily improving and there was no complaining about his basketball career, as he managed to propell Bedrock University to a 19-14 record this year, which is a vast improvement over their 10-23 record the year before. Despite with what Erik could pull off for the team, it wasn't enough to get Bedrock to the FCAA tournament. One more win and they would have claimed a #16 seed, but the coach had many positives to draw out of this year, and the talent coming from the high school level would surely help the team grow.

The younger reindeer had scouts from other colleges looking at him with amazement. His athleticism with his height and structure was a sight to behold for them, but Erik had no desire to leave for other colleges. He preferred to stay with friends and his dad and try his best to make a run for the big tournament next year.

As the two reindeer watched the game come to an end, the cameraman made his way onto the court, catching Adi Anggun and Julian Cross-Kiraly padding themselves on the back as plesantries were exchanged between the two.

"(Julian is back to normal, huh?)" Erik said, watching the two clients of his father make peace with each other.

"(Yeah, and Adi. But who knows what's going to happen next.)" Blake said, staying put to watch the post-game show. Erik on the other hand stood up and stretched. "(I should go to bed, I have work to do tomorrow.)" he said as he made his way towards the stairs.

"(Ok, Erik. Good night.)" the father said, looking back to his son who waved back and then made his way up the stairs. Blake sprawled out on the couch, watching the analysis of the game. Minutes passed and his eyelids began to feel heavy. He usually would just get back up and ready for bed, but he was too lazy to move a muscle. His eyes shut and the world around him became quiet as he fell asleep.

Blake opened his eyes and looked around. He was in a locker room somewhere. The lockers were green with brown and white trims. He was in a practice outfit, about to hit the court for the Plymouth Taproots, to prove that he's worthy of being drafted by them. After a few years of success in the EFBL, he felt ready for a new challenge.

Blake stood up on his young legs and headed out through the tunnel onto the court, where the coaches were waiting for him. The arena seems like it's fairly old, yet it has character. There were several other players warming up on the court. The coach greeted him with a firm handshake and soon, the try-outs began.

First, warming up. The reindeer jogged with a variety of furs, dressed in green and white, some brown. Canines and felines surrounded him, but his height and frame was not matched by anyone. It felt great. Then they all gathered in the center to stretch. A grey wolf held his whistle and addressed the crowd around him. Blake listened with anticipation. The wolf only wanted the best of the best on the most historical franchise in the FBA. The reindeer grinned. He could make that happen. He was championship material. The whistle blew and work began.

Drills upon drills were done, pushing Blake's big and athletic body to the limit and beyond. He was young, powerful and a center in demand. He stretched, ran, jumped, turned and twisted all around, catching balls and throwing them with accuracy, and making slam dunks that echoed through the arena. He felt good, excited, unable to wait for his first game in the FBA.

Then a sharp pain. He falls, clutching his knee. The doctors rush to him, their faces blurred. He's taken care of, but the pain is so bad, he couldn't go on. Blake is lifted onto a stretcher, carried away from the court, his dream. Everything becomes brighter. He shouts after the voices in the arena, but no one hears him. Echoes of desperation. Pain. Disbelief.

Blackness.

GASP!

Blake shot up, his breath quick and panicy. He clutched his right knee, that very spot that failed him before the FBA Draft of 1993. Blake looked around himself, it was still dark outside, the clock reading 5:30. The reindeer leaned back against his pillow, sighing and trying to calm his breathing.

"Voi luoja..." Blake huffed, rubbing his head. It had been a long time since he dreamt about that dreadful day that kept him out of his life-long dream to be in the FBA. He wanted to forget about it as much as he could, but it was no use. It was forever imprinted in his mind.

The reindeer perked his ears as he heard footsteps. Erik walked down the stairs and saw his panting father on the couch.

"(Dad, are you okay?)" Erik asked, worried.

"(Not really.)" Blake answered honestly. "(I dreamt about that try-out again.)"

"(Oh. It's been a while since you went through that.)" Erik nodded, sighing and taking a seat nearby, a question on his mind.

"(Yeah... been a while.)" Blake stretched and sat up, feeling rather burned out at this point, but also unable to fall asleep.

The two sat in some silence, comtemplating. They've both been at this stage before, but it seemed different from what it usually was. Erik looked up to this father. "(Dad, can I ask you something?)"

"(Sure, Erik, what is it?)" Blake said. Erik took a deep and collective breath and asked his question. "(Do you want me to make the FBA because you couldn't?)"

Blake looked at his son, shocked. "(No, Erik, no. I would never pressure you into going into the FBA like that. I told you when you were young that you were free to do whatever you want with your life. And you chose to play basketball in my footsteps, remember? That was your choice, because you wanted to make me proud.)"

Erik nodded. "(Right... I remember now. It's just that. I guess I didn't want to feel pressured into sports, like other kids have been. I love basketball and it's all thanks to you, dad. I want to make this work.)"

"(I know you do, Erik. I know very much so.)" Blake nodded reassuringly. "(And you've done so much in the sport like I never would have imagined. I'm very proud of you, son. But do play for yourself and not me. This is your future after all. You have your own legacy to build. I may not have made it far in my career, but that doesn't mean you can't. You have a lot to look forward to, Erik. Just work hard and believe in yourself. And one day, your name will be called." the older reindeer smiled, pouring his heart out to his beloved son.

Erik smiled, combing his hair aside. His dad was right. He was doing this for himself and not to make his father proud. He already was.

"(I know what you're capable of, Erik.)" Blake continued. "(You play a lot like me when I was young, and that's a great thing. But I will ask you to remember one thing, and that's this: Basketball isn't everything in life. While it has become our livelihood, it is not everything we should strive for. Family, friends and colleagues are a lot more valuable than the sport itself, so don't get caught in the hype when you do make it to the big league. Remember where you came from, but look ahead and chase your dreams too, ok?)"

Erik nodded again. "(I will. Thanks, dad.)" the younger reindeer sat in silence, but not until his father stood up, kneeled to him and gave his son a big hug. The two embraced each other for some time before the hug was broken.

"(Now let's get ready. I know your class starts soon.)" Blake commented before making his way to the kitchen. "(I know, dad. Exams are pretty soon as well.)" Erik added on. This morning was an exception for the both of them, but it turned out to be something that the two needed. A cleansing of sorts.