Not what I usually upload but out of my passion for football (soccer for y’all) I wanted to create a story based around it, this’ll be multiple parts and follow Hato our impala protagonist as he joins a new academy, with mostly carnivores around him, the world it’s set in Is based loosely off beastars (peak) with the relationships between carnivores and herbivores being eh. There won’t be as much focus on description as I want it to be more character and relationship based told through sport, expect some drama and maybe a little romantic twist if you stick around :)
As usual any feedback would be super appreciated or even just to know if you like the story or thought there was anywhere that could be improved, I’m also open to constructive criticism.
Many thanks
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Hato grabbed his stuff as his coach finally arrived at the academy, the young impala lugging it along towards the main building. Coming from an all herbivore school, it was definitely a shock being greeted by a frighteningly sharp set of teeth.
“Hi! Hato right?” A smartly dressed wolf welcomed. Hato could tell they wanted to be polite by crouching down slightly, to try and look smaller. It didn’t work. “I’m Fauve but everyone just calls me Faz. Nice to meet you!”
“Uh, nice to meet you too, Faz,” he replied, still somewhat intimidated.
“Anyways, I’m just here to show you around. Half of the facilities here won’t apply to you but that’s just the rules, so follow me!” The cheery wolf stood back to his full height, Hato’s head just above his elbow.
The two walked for a while, Faz going through the boring debrief of the academy. “Finally the place that actually matters” he waved his hand to the pitch ahead of them. “This is where you’ll spend most of your time.”
Hato grinned, this was definitely an upgrade from where he played before. “Oh great! So where’s everyone else?”
“Hm? Oh they’ll be out soon, training normally starts at ten. You’ve got an hour to go and get ready bud, I’ll take you to your dorm.” Faz quickly whisked away, taking Hato to the accommodation block. They walked through the halls for what felt like ages before reaching the right door. ‘Room 256.’ Faz took the key and opened the door. “You’ll be sharing with me. There's your bed, closet and drawers.” He pointed to the not-as-impressive facilities in the room, the beds taking up most of the floorspace.
“Oh uhhh… it’s nice…” Hato remarked, rather unimpressed.
“I know it isn’t the best, but you won’t be here most of the time anyways. And if I’m that bad you have a curtain. Heads up, I snore,” Faz joked, sitting on his bed and staring at the ceiling.
Without a response, Hato started unpacking his stuff.The wardrobe and drawers were quickly filled with his clothes and other items he had brought.
“So uhhh, what position are you?” Faz asked, trying to lift the dull mood a bit.
“Midfielder, centre mid to be precise. I’ve been in the season of my life recently.” The impala smiled.
“Is that so? Well tell me then, how have you been doing this season?”
“At my old school I had 28 assists and 7 goals in 35 games, pretty good, eh?” Hato smirked, hoping to impress his canine roommate.
“That’s good,” Faz nodded. “I heard you came from an all herbivore school though, you’ll be in for a surprise here-“
“Oh do you guys do mixed groups…” Hato asked, a little disappointed. Well, if it’s mixed, at least he still wouldn’t be the only herbivore.
Faz thought about his words for a moment. “Well, officially, yes… But you’ll get the honour of being our first. Must be exciting, eh?” Of course, he guessed not. But he still made an attempt at lessening the impala’s intimidation. “Anyways, it’s a bit different here. I see you already have your horns shaved so that’s good. All the carnivores have to wear muzzles when we play, and gloves. It can get pretty rough.”
“That’s, reassuring to say the least-“ Hato gulped.
“Ehhh you’ll be fine ami. Can’t say anyone is gonna be easy on you though. Come on, training is starting soon.”
They headed out of the room and down to the training centre. The group was already mostly there, either chatting or already practicing.
Faz cleared his throat. “Ahem, I’d like to introduce our newest member of the team, Hato.” He pushed the impala slightly forward. “I hope you will all make an effort to make him feel welcomed and appreciated, he’s come a long way to get to our academy.”
Hato awkwardly waved, a few murmurs being heard from the crowd of boys. “Oh don’t worry captain, we'll give him a warm welcome,” one of the burlier players remarked with a sly grin.
Before anyone could comment, the coach finally arrived. Hato nervously stared at him, the tall lion towering over his in comparison short figure. “Good morning team, I hope we are all ready for today’s training, and the match tomorrow,” his rumbling deep voice echoed through the pitch.
“Yes coach,” most of the players chimed.
“Good, now on to today. Shooting drills, and a practice session to make sure you’re all match fit. Divide yourself into teams of 5 and start warming up. And 2 laps, quickly.”
With that they were off, the group of 20 or so quickly speeding off along the perimeter of the pitch. Thankfully for Hato, he was already naturally fast, managing to keep a steady pace towards the front of the pack. Someone started matching his pace, soon running just beside him. He looked to his right, an incredibly athletic looking jaguar pacing along. “Hey buddy, when we’re out there I hope you can keep up, us carnivores don’t play about,” the jaguar teased, casually flying past Hato.
“Who was that…”

The two laps were finally over and they quickly transitioned into the next drill. Most of the boys found their groups of five, with Hato stranded on his own. Faz came over and tapped him on the shoulder. “Here, come train with us.”
He quickly followed Faz, only to be met by a group of the most intimidating carnivores he could imagine: a bear, some large lizard guy and an eagle. “Great…” he said to himself.
“Who’s this runt?” The eagle probed, pointing at him.
“Oh back off already Gideon, it’s the new kid, at least give him a chance.” Faz replied.
Hato tried not to let their heckling get to him, quickly picking up the ball.
“Right, just a simple shooting drill first,” Faz clapped his large hands to get their attention. “I’ll be in goal, you then each take turns taking shots. Whoever’s in front of you will set you up, then we’ll do stationary shots.” Hato nodded to the captain’s directions as he continued. “Gideon can go first to show you how it’s done if he’s so confident.” With a toothy grin, Faz quickly positioned himself between the posts.
“Oh stick to your field of expertise, you overgrown mutt.” Gideon snapped, quickly setting up the ball. The bear stood beside him, tapping it to the eagle who smashed it into the back of the goal. “Suck on that, wolfie!”
“Lucky shot, we’ll see if you can do that when it comes to tomorrow,” Faz probed.
“Come on then Hato show us what you’re made of” Gideon teased, intentionally rolling the ball to him far too quickly. He ended up having to use his weaker foot, causing the ball to swerve wide of the goal. “Ahhh bummer, better luck next time pal.”
“Asshole,” Hato muttered under his breath, heading to the side and playing a perfect ball to his lizard teammate who scored with ease.
The group continued for a while longer before switching to stationary shooting. Thankfully, this was Hato’s chance to prove himself. He took a deep breath before striking, burying the ball in the bottom right corner.
“Wow, good shot bro,” the lizard remarked, getting a less than impressed look from Gideon.
“Thanks!”
The coach walked over and pulled Hato aside for a second. “So, kiddo, I was told you’re a ‘passing genius’. How do you do with corners and free kicks?”
“I wouldn’t say a genius- it’s a lot tougher with carnivores around too,” Hato admitted, doing what he could to hide his intimidation, although having a lion loom over him wasn’t making things any easier. “I’m pretty good I think, well at least I was when there wasn’t going to be 7 foot tall players in the wall…”
“Ah you’ll get used to it pal, it’s part of the game, I want to see good things in this little practice match.” He patted Hato on his back, nearly making him fall over.
After their quick chat the coach blew his whistle and gathered everyone together.
“Okay, two teams of 7, captains can be Gideon and Taichi. Take your picks.”
The incredibly cocky eagle stood up and headed to one side whilst the jaguar headed to the other. “Well I’m definitely not taking small fry over there,” Gideon scoffed, pointing at Hato and getting a few giggles.
Taichi rolled his eyes. “Faz, you’re mine.”
The two captains went back and forth picking players until it was only Hato and some barn owl guy. Hato noticed Faz whispering into Taichi's ear and all of a sudden he was picked. “I guess I’ll take the new guy,” the jaguar groaned. The impala got up and walked over, getting a smile from Faz while the others only glared. They had 5 minutes to come up with a plan and lineup before the match would start.
“Ok, obviously I’m up top, Faz you’re in goal.” Taichi went through everyone until he got to Hato. “Kid, where do you play?”
Hato blinked before realising he was finally being talked to. “I’m a center mid, I prefer to be on the more attacking side though.”
“Hmmm, you’re going right back, sorry bud.” Taichi simply brushed him off.
“Oh ok..”
“Anyways that’s everyone sorted, let’s get out there and play!”

Everyone took their positions. Faz tried to give Hato a reassuring glance, which he still appreciated despite being rather ineffective. The coach blew his whistle and they were off. Hato naturally pushed forward, almost immediately receiving a pass. But before he could even think about where to put it, he was instantly shrugged off the ball. “Wake up herbie,” the tiger who stole the ball teased. Hato tried to catch up, tussling with the feline, only to receive a nasty elbow to the face sending him to the floor. The coach blew his whistle: “Foul!”
Hato rubbed his nose and got back up, putting his hand on the ball before passing it backwards towards Gino, another defender. A terrible move by him, as the honey badger was pressured by the two strikers from the other team, losing the ball and giving them an easy goal.
Hato received a good scolding from the guy he passed to. “Dammit,” he cursed under his breath, trying to clear his head as the game kicked off again.
Running up the right side he called for the ball. He was perfectly open but the midfield were having none of it, leaving him standing there like a fool out of position. “Guys! I’m open!” He yelled. Nothing.
Possession quickly changed hands and he was now trying to track back. He sprinted towards the person with the ball, soon finding himself in a battle for the ball with Gideon. The eagle's strength definitely gave him the upper hand, but the impala’s agility didn’t turn out useless. This time it went a bit better, managing to kick the ball away from his feathered opponent and towards Taichi. Seeing this, Hato quickly followed, running ahead of him. “Taichi, over here! I’m open, play me through!” He looked back, the jaguar clearly having no intent to pass. “Out of my way, herbivore!” He yelled, almost barrelling into Hato as the impala slowed down. Faz watched from afar, only now just realising: it wasn’t Hato who was playing badly, the team just didn’t want to help him.
Taichi lost the ball, ending the first half. Still 1-0 down they huddled up again.
“It’s only one guy, we can get that back easily.” Faz remarked.
“It would be zero if that idiot didn’t play the worst pass I’ve ever seen,” Gino complained, glaring at Hato.
“Oh shush, you had plenty of time to do something with it,” he replied, trying to stick up for himself a bit. “Taichi, why didn’t you pass to me there? I was through.”
“Clearly you don’t know who I am,” the jaguar scoffed. “I’m our striker. I don't pass, you mugs pass to me. I’d rather us lose than have to pass to one of you bimbos, especially you, herbivore.” Hato’s nose twitched at his arrogance.
“Now now Tai, are we forgetting it’s a team sport, not a Taichi sport,” Faz tried to rationalise. “Also, guys, give Hato a chance at least. I haven’t seen one of you pass to him yet.”
“Uhm, actually I did, and he lost the ball almost straight away,” one of the midfielders complained
“And? Geez if I stopped passing to you guys every time one of you fucked up I’d be the only one with the ball, give the guy a break. Better second half guys, come on,” Faz said with a hint of annoyance, heading back to the goal.
“Blah blah blah, I score the goals here, not you wolfie,” Taichi commented, drawing a laugh from the group as they headed back to their positions.
The coach blew and the second half began. Hato found himself slowly merging more into the midfield as the half went on. It had only been a few minutes and he had finally gotten the ball, turning around in just enough time to see Gideon barrelling towards him. He quickly dropped his shoulder, faking out the eagle as he dived in.
“Ouch, he sent you Gideon,” one of the defenders commented.
“Yeah yeah whatever, wait until I snap that little shit’s ankles.”
Hato noticed Taichi making a run behind the defensive line, playing a perfect through ball to him. Unfortunately, the jaguar was offside. “Play that earlier you idiot!” Taichi snapped. “And get back to right back, why am I seeing you in the middle?!”
“Nice try Hato!” Faz shouted from all the way back, not wanting to see the herbivore’s confidence drop already.
Hato headed back to his position, playing the rest of the game out in a very boring 1-0 defeat, all because of him. The coach pulled them together again.
“Hmmm, not quite the attacking I had in mind. Maybe if some of the team wasn’t playing out of position, more opportunities would’ve been made, huh?” He glared at Taichi.
“Well sorry coach, but we already had too many midfielders-”
“Oh well, it was only a practice game, we’ll see how you guys do in the real deal tomorrow. Cool down and head back to your rooms.”
“Yes coach..” they groaned.

Hato stretched for a while before grabbing his things and heading back upstairs, almost getting lost without Faz’s guidance. “Uhhh room 254…255…256, here.” He slowly opened the door and walked in, Faz was already in bed by the time he got there.
“You got to bed early-“
“Eh, I’ll get in bed and still be awake 4 hours later. You did alright out there today, try not to let the others get to you too much. They’re just…like that. Guess they’re not used to having a herbivore for a teammate, we don’t really see them much in our games.” The wolf admitted. After all, Hato was the first herbivore in their team since ages ago.
“I’ll try and let my playing do the talking,” the herbivore replied confidently. Remembering something, Faz sat up and reached for something across his bedside table. He picked up a sheet of paper, handing it to Hato.
“Here, that’s the league table. We’re 8th with 7 matches to go, if we can win 4 of those we can get to the playoffs, win all 7 and we win the league.”
Hato took some time looking over the table. “Gee you guys are doing pretty good then, who’s the top scorer?” His question drew a slight chuckle out of his roommate.
“I’d say it’s pretty obvious- Taichi has 39 goals, the second highest is Gideon with 6.”
“Wow, that's a big difference…”
“I mean, I’d say he’s an arrogant asshole, but I can’t say he’s not good at his job.” Faz shrugged before laying down again.
“We’ll see who’s in that second spot soon, who’s got the most assists?” Hato asked with a grin.
“Uhhh, Skipp with 12, he’s that sorta short stocky fox who was in our team today.”
“Oh I can get that easily,” the impala boasted.
“I wouldn’t be so sure…but I like your confidence, so go for it bud.” Faz smiled at Hato’s attitude.
“Anyways, night Faz, see you tomorrow.”
“Night Hato.”




Thank you so much for reading! more to come soon :)
Ps. Hope you like the title pun