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He first joined flight rising because he had more spare time. This was due to Gary and Becks repeatedly leaving him alone to """go play snooker""". Which was fine. He was fine about that.
Philip wasn't particularly interested in dragons, but it was a game, which meant he could win it. He had carefully built his team of dragons, making sure they all worked as a cohesive unit and complimented each other. It was tricky only getting red and white dragons but Philip wouldnt have any other colours. Recently he had managed to get his hands on a Barhid Menace familar which was the closest to a red devil that he could find. He had named it Fred and proudly befriended it to his male Pearlcatcher called "Fizzer". Part of the mascots job was to motivate everyone and so he felt they were a good pair, as he was also a motivator.
Despite his best attempts he was struggling to get his daily fairgrounds streak, as the season was getting busier. The allure of buying gems called to him but alas, he had to put his earnings into his pension fund.
He also didn't want to play it infront of his teammates as he was already low in the pecking order (on account of flopping at football and being a little brother).
One day he posted his team on the somewhat underpopulated sports fandragon thread. He lamented the fact he couldn't afford a Pearlcatcher accent that had the pearl as the 2001 champions league ball. The little stars called to him. Despite this Phil was proud of his dragons. Sadly he couldnt stay and refresh the thread as he had a match. Yet again, one of his teammates (Peter this time) pulled him aside and asked if he was ok, as he was playing even worse than normal and seemed distracted. This was said with a side glance to where Becks and Gary had re-entered the dressing rooms side by side, hair mussed and shirts rumpled. Gary looked like he was already completely focused on the game. Becks still looked beautiful. Another peice of Philip died inside. That man left a trail of broken hearts behind him and didnt even realise. Turning back to peter, he lied and said he was fine.
Later that night when he logged on to check the trading post, he noticed he had a new message and a friend request. It was from an account called "alfa10". Philip had never had a friend before. With joy in his heart he opened the message to reveal a 2001 champions league accent and a short but friendly message complimenting his dragons. This was the start of a beautiful friendship, one that would change Philip's life forever.
Over the next few months they shared messages and resources. Alfa10 had an impressive account and a charming personality. They sometimes discussed football but mostly, dragons. Alfa10 had an extensive collection of blue and red dragons, with a smattering of light blue and white ones. Phil was in awe. He felt touched that such an experienced user would take the time to guide him on this journey.
This continued until one day, close to the international friendly between England and Argentina when Phil woke up to a somewhat shy message asking if he was going. He replied eagerly saying that he was. Promptly alfa10 replied if he would like to meet up. Phil felt a thrill. This was against the rules and could get both their accounts banned. But that would be worth it, to meet his friend.
Phil wasn't stressed about the game, as he had been so focused on Flight Rising he'd been somewhat permanently benched. He was a little worried about not disclosing he was a player, and not just a fan, to alfa10. He justified this since he wasn't really a proper player (because he was dogshit). They had exchanged phone numbers beforehand since it was unlikely they'd have connection at the stadium. It was an Argentinian number, so Phil hoped the fan wouldn't be too mad about him being English. That part wouldn't be a surprise, as he was quite obvious.
They decided to meet after the game. In a stroke of excitement and bravery, Phil texted him to say he should come to the England dressing room and ask for Phil Neville. He could barely stay still with excitment. Phil didnt even know if they won the match or not.
A few minutes after the end of the game, a slightly confused member of the security team came up to him.
"Lionel Messi is here, asking for you."
Phil's brain blacked out in confusion. Why was Messi here? He followed the security man in a daze. Becks and Gary followed him to find out what was going on.
Phil opened the door. Messi was there. They locked eyes.
"It's me. I'm alfa10."
They kissed passionately. David Beckham saw and started crying of jealousy. Becks hadn't realised his true feelings and now it was too late. Gary saw this unfold and promptly threw himself infront of a lorry. Messi and Philip didn't witness any of this as they were so consumed by lust and the beautiful warriors bond present between Flight Rising players.