Chapter 11 — Rebuilding the Team
The next day at practice, the field felt… off.
Not empty. Not quiet.
But heavier.
Like the air itself carried yesterday's shouting inside it.
Zach walked beside Priscilla, holding his glove against his chest. He wasn't scared—but he was worried. For the team. For Blake. For everything that felt fragile.
Priscilla squeezed his shoulder. "You'll do great today. Just be yourself."
"I will," Zach said softly. "I'll try."
Blake Isn't There
As soon as they reached the field, Tyler ran up.
"Okay, okay—big news," Tyler said dramatically. "Blake's not coming today."
Zach blinked. "Why?"
"His dad said he needed a 'mental reset.'" Tyler made air quotes. "That's parent talk for 'he's grounded for being a brat.'"
Zach didn't laugh. He just looked toward the dugout, empty in the spot Blake normally claimed.
The system softly chimed.
Ping.
"Rival Absent: Temporary Team Stability Boost."
Zach sighed with relief…
but also with a tiny pang of sadness.
Even though Blake scared him sometimes…
Zach didn't hate him.
He didn't want him gone.
Coach Calls a Meeting
Coach Ramirez blew his whistle sharply.
"Team! Gather up!"
Kids hurried over. Some looked relieved that Blake wasn't there. Others looked unsure.
Coach crossed his arms, his expression serious.
"We need to talk," he said. "Teamwork isn't about being perfect. It's about supporting each other—even when things get tense."
The kids shuffled awkwardly.
"This team has talent," Ramirez continued. "A lot of it. But talent means nothing if there's jealousy or anger or fear. We can't win unless we trust each other."
He looked at Zach.
Not as a warning—but as a reassurance.
"And no one here is responsible for someone else's feelings. Not Zach. Not Tyler. Not anyone."
Zach lowered his head. Hearing his name made his stomach twist. But Coach's tone was gentle.
Tyler nudged him. "See? Coach gets it."
Ramirez clapped his hands. "Today we focus on unity. Partner drills, rotating teams, communication work."
Tyler groaned. "Communication? Like, talking? Ew."
"We'll survive," Zach whispered.
Team Insight Activates
As the team split into groups, Zach's system activated on its own.
Ping.
"Team Insight Suggestion: Observe emotional states to improve team harmony."
Bubbles appeared faintly above teammates:
Tyler: Determined • Slightly anxious • Loyal
Micah (outfielder): Curious
Jaden (first baseman): Jealous
Emma (second base): Focused
Noah (shortstop): Annoyed
Sam (pitcher): Nervous
Zach blinked.
Jealous? Of me? Why?
He approached Jaden carefully. "Do you want to warm up together?"
Jaden shrugged. "Why? You're gonna be pitcher someday, right?"
"I don't know," Zach said honestly. "Coach says Blake is still pitcher too. And maybe you will pitch also! Or play infield!"
Jaden blinked. "Me?"
"Yeah! You're super good at scooping grounders."
Jaden stared at him for a long second…
then smiled shyly. "Oh. Uh. Thanks."
Ping.
"Team Insight Progress: Bond Strengthened (Jaden)."
Zach beamed.
This is working…
Tyler's Moment
During partner throws, Tyler caught every single ball Zach threw at him.
Every. Single. One.
Coach Ramirez raised an eyebrow. "Tyler… you've improved."
Tyler puffed his chest out. "I've been practicing!"
Zach nodded proudly. "He's been catching my throws! Soft ones and medium ones."
"Not hard ones," Tyler added quickly. "Those are illegal."
Ramirez chuckled. "Keep it up. Both of you."
Tyler whispered, "This is AWESOME."
Above him hovered:
"Proud • Motivated • Happy"
Zach's heart warmed.
Scrimmage Without Blake
Coach divided the team for a mini-scrimmage.
"No pitchers today," he announced. "This is about fielding and teamwork."
The game started simple:
Grounders.
Pop flies.
Short throws.
Double-play practice.
Zach, playing shortstop, worked closely with Emma at second base.
Tyler covered home plate, cheering every successful play.
Something strange began to happen:
The team felt… lighter.
Smoother.
More connected.
Kids talked more.
Laughed more.
Communicated more.
Without the tension, everyone seemed freer.
Even Coach seemed more relaxed, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin.
Zach saw emotional bubbles shift positively all around him:
Excited
Focused
Happy
Confident
The fracture was healing—slowly.
But Something Still Lurked
At the end of practice, Coach gathered everyone again.
"Good job today," he said. "Blake will rejoin us next time, and when he does, I expect all of you to treat him with respect. Same goes for him."
Kids nodded uncertainly.
Zach swallowed, unsure.
He didn't want Blake to feel lonely…
but he didn't want to get hurt again either.
Tyler whispered, "We'll deal with him together."
Zach nodded.
As they walked toward their parents, the system chimed with a deeper tone.
Ping…
"Team Fracture: Stage 1 Resolved."
Next Event: Rival Return (High Probability)."
New Task: Prepare emotionally."
Bonus Unlocked: Communication Skill (Basic).
Effect: Slightly improves your ability to calm teammates."
Zach blinked.
Communication… like what Mom said.
He looked back at the field, thinking of Blake's angry face, then the pain behind it.
"I'll talk to him," Zach whispered.
Tyler choked. "What?! Why?!"
"Because he's hurting."
Tyler scratched his head. "Buddy, you're five. You talk like a wise monk."
Zach shrugged. "Maybe."
Tyler sighed in defeat. "Fine… but I'm standing behind you when you do it."
"Okay!"
Zach hugged his glove close.
"Tomorrow," he said softly, "I'll try."