Today’s game was brutal. But it made sense, this was one of the most important games in their whole career. The battle mech championship. Their opponent was fierce too - The Jewels were one of the best battle mech teams in the entire league. Whenever Mythos was scheduled to play them, Coach Wyvern became stricter in training, allowing no room for error.

"Boy, you should know by now that in a zero gravity game, you can get attacked from any angle! Were you *trying* to get yourself killed out there?!" Coach Wyvern barked with a scowl from the sidelines as the team gathered for a final debrief before dismissal.

Teddy hung his head in shame, knowing the训斥 was directed at him. His focus hadn't been fully in the game, leading to repeated eliminations and costing his team valuable points. If only he'd concentrated more, Mythos might be celebrating on the podium instead of lamenting another loss.

"I don't know where your head was today, but I hope you don't make it again, or else you'll be training so hard you'll feel it in your bones before your alarm tomorrow even goes off," Coach continued, his voice softening slightly at Teddy's obvious distress.

"Yes, coach, I am sorry... I'll do better next time," Teddy whispered, unable to meet anyone's gaze. He could feel the pity emanating from his teammates as hands patted his back in comfort, only intensifying his guilt.

After the debrief, the team retreated to the locker rooms. Teddy avoided eye contact as he shrugged off his BM suit with a heavy sigh. One by one, his teammates departed - Melec and Kalim to interact with fans, Sol attempting to catch the attention of The Jewels' healer, Briggs meeting his daughter and nanny, and Eric leaving with his best friend.

Teddy couldn't help but envy them all having someone to go home to. His girlfriend was millions of miles away, forced to watch his performances through a screen. The long distance had grown especially difficult with increased training leaving less free time for calls, each conversation only intensifying his longing.

Sitting down after dressing, Teddy contemplated his phone. Normally he'd rush to text his girlfriend after games, but he couldn't face her after such a disastrous performance. Still, he opened their message thread and smiled faintly at the good luck wish she'd sent before the game. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, typing and deleting responses before considering requesting a video call later.

Suddenly, he heard someone enter the locker room.

"I'll be out in a second," Teddy called, assuming it was a teammate, coach, or janitor. His eyes widened in shock as he looked up, nearly dropping his phone. He blinked repeatedly, wondering if he was imagining things as he whispered her name.

Without hesitation, he sprang up and engulfed her in a desperate hug, his heart pounding and butterflies swarming his stomach. Lifting her off her feet, tears of happiness streamed down his cheeks as a wide grin spread across his face.

"My love!! My angel!! It's you!! It's really you!! You're here!!" He buried his face in her hair, unable to believe she was actually there.

"How is this possible?" Teddy asked, pressing his forehead against hers. Prisma, their home colony, was a full day's travel from Empyrea. He didn't care how she'd managed the secret visit - it was the best surprise he could have imagined.

"You don't know how much your presence has made my day... I'm sorry you had to witness such a travesty, though," he whispered, each word infused with his overwhelming love for her.