Burlok's Day With the Cup - Printable Version +- Simulation Hockey League (https://simulationhockey.com) +-- Forum: League Media (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=610) +--- Forum: SMJHL Media (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=48) +---- Forum: Graded Articles (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=403) +---- Thread: Burlok's Day With the Cup (/showthread.php?tid=106931)

Burlok's Day With the Cup - leviadan - 05-25-2020 676 Words - Ready for Grading After a hard fought seventeen game playoff run, a WJC tournament, and an IIHF appearance, Burlok finally has time to rest on Sulfurgold farm. As is the custom for all Sulfurgolds upon return to the farm from foreign soil, he must spend at least 24 hours in the dirt. Until such time has passed, his family may not recognize his scent, and attempt to devour him on sight. So he must strip down, lay on his back, and bury himself so that only his nostrils are exposed. As he lay there, the stresses and pains of a full season of hockey begin to melt away into the soil. The pressure of the dirt on his closed eyes creates kaleidoscopic patterns that dance and spin in the darkness. Often they're incomprehensible lines and colours, but as the hours wear on they form highlights from the hockey season, visions of his family, and bestial representations of childhood trauma. It is at this point that Burlok must defeat the nine shadows known only as Nathesec, Shirgime, Ruelash, Gazralle, Malciu, Yafal, Sarussux, Shil'teran, and The Laughing Beast in order to escape his mind prison.  Once that's done he can enter his childhood home! He's welcomed with warm smiles by his parents and eight brothers. It's been months since they've seen each other, and it's good to be home. He unpacks the trophies so carefully shipped to him by the SMJHL and shows them off to everyone. He even takes them out to the potato fields for a photo op:  A few neighbours come by to shake hands and catch up with "Big City Burlok." That's what they all call him now. Not much gets to Burlok these days, but that one stings and is sure to add a tenth shadow guard to his mind prison. But that's a worry for next off season! He shaves tiny slivers of metal off of each trophy and gifts them to a few of his most beloved neighbours to be used in their birthing ceremonies. Only the finest, most coveted silver will do. After seeing how many potatoes fit in the 4 Star Cup (32), and eating as many french fries as he can out of it (212), he bids the awards a sad goodbye. The commissioner picks up the trophies and begins the journey to the next player in line. And with that, Burlok can enjoy a few weeks of getting back to his roots. He helps on the farm, bakes potatoes for dinner, and roughhouses with his brothers just like he used to. As Season 54 looms and the glow of Season 53 fades ever dimmer, the family knows they are soon to part ways again. As is customary for any Sulfurgold leaving for foreign soils, Burlok must wear the Heretics Fork for the three days prior to his departure as a reminder to keep his chin up. No matter how hard things get, your family will always be here for you. Don't forget it, or you'll get a nasty poke in the neck. With some final tears and handshakes, Burlok hops in a cab with his manager and spiritual advisor Zeke to begin his journey to the Munich airport. Zeke informs him that his contract money just came in, and that he'll be taking his 70% cut. Burlok is thrilled to hear the news and checks his bank account to find that he's being paid one million less than last year. Zeke informs him that the SHL works in mysterious ways and that he ought to shut the fuck up if he knows what's good for him. Burlok smiles and gives Zeke a big hug, "Thanks for looking out for me in all of this. I don't know how I'd get through it without you." The two laugh in German as the cab crests a hill, and the airport comes into view. See you soon, Detroit. We have a title to defend.