It was a rare, peaceful afternoon for the Thorns. No practices, no games, and thankfully, no coaches yelling at anyone. Jett Fillmore lounged across the couch in the team's common room, scrolling through her phone while Will Harris chatted with the others. Everything was relatively quiet until a familiar voice erupted from the television. "BREAKING NEWS! Magma has officially announced its newest roarball recruit, Guest, ahead of the upcoming season!" Will perked up. "Wait, Magma signed somebody new?" "Good for them," Jett muttered, barely looking up. That changed when the broadcast switched to a press conference featuring Magma's newest player sitting beside Mane Attraction. Jett groaned. "Oh, great. Him."

The interview started normally, with reporters asking Guest about joining Magma, their expectations, and their excitement for the upcoming season. Then came an interesting question. "Every athlete has someone who inspired them. Was there a particular player you looked up to?" "Well, actually, Jett Fillmore was—" Jett's ears perked up. Before another word could be spoken, Mane practically lunged toward the microphone.

"OH, PLEASE! Not that washed-up panther!"

Jett's head snapped toward the screen.

"EXCUSE ME?!"

"Seriously! Everybody acts like Jett Fillmore is some kind of roarball goddess! She's overrated, getting old, and frankly, Magma's newest recruit could probably run circles around her!"

Will slowly glanced toward Jett.

"Oh, boy."

Jett sat upright, her tail lashing against the cushions.

"RUN CIRCLES AROUND ME?!"

"We've got fresh talent now!" Mane continued, gesturing toward Guest. "Someone who'll actually give the Thorns something to worry about!"

One of Jett's teammates snickered.

"Your claws are out, Jett."

She glanced down. They were.

"Shut up."

But something bothered her more than Mane's insults.

The rookie had mentioned her name.

And they hadn't sounded particularly insulting before Mane interrupted. Will seemed to notice too.

"Hey, didn't they say you inspired them or something?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out!"

Thankfully, the reporter wasn't finished.

"Well, Mane certainly has some strong opinions! But we'd like to hear from Magma's newest recruit." The camera shifted toward Guest. "You mentioned Jett Fillmore earlier. What exactly were you going to say about her?"

The room fell quiet.

Jett leaned forward, golden eyes narrowing as she watched the television. Her irritation was slowly being replaced by curiosity.