//------------------------------// // Ch. 27 - The Big Game // Story: Equestria World, Book 1: Surviving Canterlot High // by Gear Works //------------------------------// The big game was finally here, and I plan to send Crystal Prep a message that they will not forget. I knew that my soul powers will play a big role, but I will have to use them carefully. I don’t want Crystal Prep, or the rest of Canterlot High, to know what I carry inside me. After our usual locker room meeting, we made our way to the field to warm up. I walked out there with Shining Armor, Flash, and Thunderlane, making sure that we got Brick Wall’s attention. We found him talking to some of his teammates while warming up. Once one of the guys in the group pointed at us, he turned around and tried to hide his surprised look on his face. I just waved at him before we got to work on warming up. “So, you think he knows that his lady crew failed to take you out?” Flash asked me. “Maybe,” I said. “Oh, he knows. He just has a bad way of hiding it,” Shining Armor said. “So which one is Long Shot?” “See the gray guy with the black hair tossing the ball?” Thunderlane said, directing me towards him. “That’s him.” “Just out of curiosity, but is he a junior or senior?” I asked. “Junior,” Shining replied. “Last year’s starter that he replaced was a senior, so we know he graduated from Crystal Prep. It’s a surprise last year that a senior had to be replaced by a sophomore and help win the championship.” “Well, you did the same two years ago, and you finally got the school into the playoffs in the last 9 years,” Flash said to Shining. “But we still haven’t won a championship in over 10 years,” Thunderlane said. “Well, we might just have to change that, now will we?” I said. After going through our warm-ups, we were having our pep talk while students and their parents from both schools filled up the stands. This time, I knew my parents would be here for this game. All four of us made our way to the center of the field for the coin toss. And we already noticed that Brick Wall and Long Shot were co-captains. “Looks like someone got lucky tonight,” Brick Wall said to me. “Makes it easier for me to take you down.” “Brick, stay focused. We have a game to win,” Long Shot explained. “And I can guess this will be different from last year,” as he was staring at me. “Let’s see how different it will be,” Shining Armor said to Long Shot. The coin was flipped and Crystal Prep won the toss. They asked to receive the ball, and we chose to side going into the wind. As we were walking back to the sidelines, I took a quick glance at Crystal Prep’s side, and at the center top of the stands was four of the “Elite 5”, meaning that Sugarcoat was working with the team as told. Once we made it to the sidelines, Coach Spitfire handed us the ear coms that we would be using. Spitfire said, “Listen up. Twilight was able to place the transmitters into your helmets, so as long as you have them, your ear coms will work.” When I placed mine into my ear, I said, “Twilight, can you hear me?” “Loud and clear,” she replied. Everyone else tested theirs before I continue. “Twilight, take a look on the other side of the field, top center of the stands.” “See it. I’ll send a message to the team so they can steer clear of them. Sugarcoat is already with their coaching staff.” “I already explained to Luna who to look for,” Spitfire said. “Mrs. Harshwhinny is with her to help bring the kid in. The other three will be blending in with the crowd, looking for him as well. We hope to have him by halftime.” “Then we’ll put our focus on winning the game,” Shining Armor said. And so the game begins. We kicked the ball to Crystal Prep, which lead to the start of their drive. They were able to score a touchdown in around four minutes time. Now it was our turn. We made our move and scored a touchdown, which took nine plays to complete. It became a back and forth race throughout most of the first half until the final minute of the half. It was Crystal Prep, 28, and Canterlot High, 21. We had the ball, hoping to tie the game before halftime. After 5 plays, time was running out and we were forced to use our last timeout for the half. “Twilight, I hope you have a plan, because this looks like our last play of the half,” Shining Armor said. “Best time to use the Double Dash play. Jack, Flash, you think you can do your part?” I looked at Flash, and he gave me a nod. “Let’s do it.” We setup for the Double Dash play. Flash took the right side, and I took the left side. When the ball was snapped, Flash and me had two players on each of us as we were running towards the end zone. Shining Armor threw the ball towards Flash, in which he caught it and got rid of one of the players that were on him. But he still had another player on him and forced him to the center of the field. The two that were on me changed their direction towards Flash. I only know one option and made my way towards his direction, saying, “Flash, hot potato.” “Coming your way,” he replied, and was able to toss it back to me and strike the other players that were once on me. I was able to take the ball and make it to the end zone for the touchdown. Flash was able to get up and join me in the celebration. But it was short lived. “Jack, Flash, we got a problem.” It was from Thunderlane, who was back where the play started. We soon then noticed that Shining Armor was down. We made our way back to them as Coach Iron Will and Spitfire joined them. “What happened?” I asked. “Just after Shining threw the ball, he got hit by Brick Wall. Hit his throwing arm on the ground,” Thunderlane said. “Thunderlane, go get with Swift and prepare for the extra point,” Iron Will requested. “Shining, can you get up?” Spitfire asked. “I…think so.” he replied, and then started to get up. We made our way to the sidelines so Thunderlane and Swift can take care of the extra point to end the half while we checked up on Shining Armor. Rainbow Dash went to retrieve the school nurse, Nurse Redheart, to look over Shining Armor’s injury. Twilight and Moon Dancer joined us as well. “How bad is it?” Twilight asked. Spitfire was examining Shining Armor’s arm and shoulder, saying, “Well, I don’t feel anything broken,” then Shining felt pain when she checked his shoulder, “but he might have damaged his shoulder.’ Dash returned to us with Nurse Redheart. “What do we have?” Redheart asked. “Bad shoulder, maybe,” Spitfire replied. Nurse Redheart took a look at the injury and knew the answer. “Strained shoulder. It’ll need to be iced.” “I guess I’m done for the night,” Shining said. “It’s your show now, Jack.” “Leave it to me,” I said. Nurse Redheart took Shining Armor to have his shoulder taken care of. Now I had to take the role of QB. “Don’t worry, Jack. We’re with you 100 percent,” Flash said. “Then let’s get to work,” I said. “That’s what Iron Will want to hear. Listen up, Jack’s taking over for Shining. Follow his lead, and we can take Crystal Prep down. Now get out there and play.” Everyone started to make there way to the sidelines for the second half. The remaining few walked out with me. And that’s when we saw Miss Luna and Mrs. Harshwhinny with an officer and a Crystal Prep student. “Coach Spitfire, is that the guy we’ve been looking for?” I asked. “That’s the one,” she replied. “I guess it’s all going down soon.” “Then I think it’s time to give Brick Wall a double dose of failure from us,” I said. So the second half started with us receiving the ball. With my gift, Twilight’s tools, and my friends at my side, this was going to take everything that we got. Twilight walked me through each play, making progress as the game went on. We scored a touchdown, giving us the first lead of the game. But Crystal Prep would respond with scoring a touchdown of their own. It went back and forth throughout the second half with both sides scoring another touchdown. With the score being 42 all, we had the ball and scored another touchdown. But that’s when things changed. Crystal Prep was able to get a piece of the ball on the extra point, causing the ball to miss the uprights. With us leading, 48 to 42, and under six minutes left in the game, we knew that letting them get a touchdown and the extra point was not an option. But Crystal Prep was known to handle clock management, and they were able to milk up the clock. With less than two minutes left in the game, and them running the ball until time expired, I knew that we needed to take drastic measures. “Coach, I hate to say this, but we might have to execute a blitz play,” I said. “You said that blitzing was out of the question, and Iron Will had to use two of their timeouts.” “Coach, I think he’s on to something,” Twilight said. “If they plan to milk the clock, then we need to force them to make a touchdown fast.” “But…” “Just save that last timeout and have the defense blitz the quarterback. Force him to run to the end zone. It will be up to Jack to get the team in field goal range. That’s when we’ll use our final timeout.” Coach looked at me and said into his headset, “OK, we’ll go for it.” The team set up for a blitz play. I decided to focus my senses on Long Shot’s reaction to the blitz. When the play began, both our players were able to make their way to the quarterback. I started to sense Long Shot panic and react to the incoming players. He was able to dodge them and saw a hole in the defense, causing him to run towards the end zone, dodging players that were in his way, but not going out of bounds. While they scored, he felt the pressure that was coming to him, causing him to stop thinking and just act. After they scored the extra point, they had the lead, 49 to 48. “Twilight, I was able to sense Long Shot’s actions. It’s no doubt that he carries the gift that I have,” I said. “The way he moved on the field is just like what we saw on the video that we got. We’re going to have to take note on this later on.” Just then, I felt a strong breeze come through, the same breeze that I felt back on tryout week. “Moon Dancer…” “I saw the flags move as well. I was hoping that we would get a strong breeze later in the evening. Lyra and Sweetie Drops already came up here to help me out. They’re analyzing the wind right now.” “Flash, you might have to fair catch the ball on the kickoff,” Twilight said. “I’m hoping that the wind can give you better field position for Jack.” “On it,” Flash replied. And Flash did what Twilight asked for. He called for a fair catch, giving us a start near the 20-yard line. But we only had about a minute to get into field goal range. I got with the team and gave them my instructions. “Listen up. We need to get in field goal range. Focus your best on the left side, and try to get out of bounds. I know Swift Kicks can do a good job, but if it’s a long kick, I need it to be on that side for my best kick. Let’s make this happen.” When we lined up, I can see Brick Wall trying to taunt me, but that wasn’t going to happen. I made my first play by handing the ball to Thunderlane, who ran to the left side and was able to get out of bounds, just short of the first down. We decided to go with the same play, but this time I faked it to Thunderlane and handed it off to Flash. This time we were able to get a first down. We thought about doing it again, but I requested for a backup plan, which would involve me to run it down the center. When we begin to setup, I started to make my call, but that’s when I sensed something off. I changed the call to our backup plan. The ball was snapped, and I did a double fake and held on to the ball. Checking to see if there would be someone open, I gave Bulk the signal, allowing Brick Wall to go through him and towards me. Was he in for a surprise? He ran towards me, ready to tackle. But I was able to dodge him, allowing him to go past me and fall down. I saw my opening and ran towards the first down line before sliding down. We got the first down, but the clock was still ticking. I called everyone to the line so I can spike the ball, stopping the clock. This only left us with 25 seconds left, and we were still a good ways to go for a field goal. We knew that they were on to our plan, so I requested for Twilight to give us some new options. She had one idea, a modified Double Dash play. Thunderlane would have to take my spot, and I might have to throw it to the right side, so I requested Flash to take the left side, allowing Thunderlane to take the right. If I were right, they would focus on Flash, not realizing that I would be throwing to Thunderlane so he can get out of bounds. And it worked. Thunderlane got the ball and was able to go out of bounds, but was short the first down marker. That left us with 14 seconds on the clock. We only had enough time for maybe two plays, so I had to plan this right. We decided to execute a pass play, hoping to get out of bounds. Once the ball was snapped, I looked at my left and right. Both sides were covered. I had one option, and it was a risky one. I called for Bulk to give me my hole in the center. In doing so, I was able to dodge Brick Wall again and slide for the first down when I saw players from both sides coming towards me. Coach Iron Will was forced to use his last timeout, leaving us with three seconds left on the clock. And to make matters worse, it was placed on the right hash mark, and I was looking at a 45-yard field goal. I was close to making a field goal during tryouts around this spot. I knew I could make it before on the left hash mark, but that wasn’t the case. I waved Swift Kicks off, saying that I would make the kick. He hasn’t made a kick of this length before, and now wasn’t the time to test his skills for this. All I needed was the right wind direction to make it happen. Thunderlane was setting up as the placeholder for the kick. I was trying to time the wind gust so I could make this kick count. But my senses went off again. I looked at where it was and saw the head coach ready to use their last timeout. I told Thunderlane what I felt, and he recommended making the snap now so the coach can call the timeout. Thunderlane made the call, and the coach called his last timeout just as the ball was snapped, trying to ice the kicker. This gave me enough time to get a read on the wind. Moon Dancer was able to fill me in on what they discovered on the wind gust. It was going to be random, so I’ll have to rely on my instincts for this. We went back to setup for the field goal. I quickly discussed with Thunderlane how we were going to make it work, with or without the wind. With a possible plan in place, he got to his place to catch the ball. I got myself in place and took a few deep breaths. I felt a few quick breezes before I gave the signal. The ball was snapped, and Thunderlane had the ball in place. I kicked the ball into the air. As it was at the top of its arc, a strong wind gust came through, pushing the ball father ahead. As the ball came down, we all stared in hopes it would make it across the crossbar. The ball finally landed on the other side of the goal post, just crossing over the crossbar near the right goal post. The game ended with us winning, 51 to 49. For the first time in over ten years, Crystal Prep was handed their first loss, and it gave us the home field advantage in the two round playoffs. Everyone came running towards us on the field to celebrate the victory, while I was able to exchange a brohoof with Thunderlane. While everyone from Canterlot High was celebrating, the students from Crystal Prep were just standing there with confused looks on their faces. Twilight and Moon Dancer made their way down to meet all of us on our side of the field to join in on the celebration. “WE DID IT!!!” Twilight said in excitement. “Looks like the wind just saved us at the right time,” Moon Dancer said. “We got lucky this time,” I said. “It doesn’t matter if it was luck or not, a win’s a win.” We saw Shining Armor returned with an ice bag strapped to his shoulder and his arm in a sling. “How’s the shoulder?” Twilight asked. “It still hurts, but the ice is trying to numb the pain. Nurse Redheart said that it should be fine in a week. But we plan to run by the hospital to make sure. She’s already made her way to inform them of my arrival. I wanted to make sure I saw the rest of the game.” “Well, you might as well make your way on over there,” I said to him. “Don’t worry, I’ll take him over there for his parents,” Cadence said. “But for now, it’s your turn to shine for the fans.” I rolled my eyes and said, “Thanks a lot.” Shining Armor went with Cadence out of the playing field. As the rest of us were celebrating, we saw the Crystal Prep team walking out, giving us evil stares because of their loss. The students went to follow the team, and I was able to make eye contact with Indigo, who kept her stare, but gave a small nod and grin. Now I was certain that she remembered me and would be on my side. As everyone else were leaving the field, some of us stayed behind to iron out a few remaining details. We saw Fleur with Rarity, Coco, and Sunset, who stayed out of view, and walked towards them. “Did you get things worked out with a ride?” I asked Fleur. “We did. Coco was able to talk with Mr. Rich about taking me home, since we live close. I noticed that Diamond Tiara didn’t like me at first.” “She’s just felt out of place with the rich society and everyone else,” Rarity said. “Maybe she and her friend, Silver Spoon, will get to know you better on the ride home.” “Well, I better be leaving. I hope we get to meet again,” Fleur said and started to make her way out. “Well, we might as well do the same. We have a dance to host tomorrow,” Chrysalis said. “I’ll see you back at the house, Jack. “Same here,” I replied. “Sunset, can I talk to you for a moment.” I noticed that everyone was staring at Sunset and me. “In private.” “Oh, um sure,” Sunset replied and walk with me to the far side of the field. “So, what is it you wanted to talk about?” “I wanted to talk about us,” I said. “Look, we talked about this before. I don’t want you to throw away everything that you earned from this school just for me. I’m just a demon to this school. Not everyone’s ready to believe that I have changed.” “Sunset, I could care less about being popular here. There’s more things in life than being famous.” “But everyone still thinks I’m a…” I came up to her and planted my lips on hers, cutting her off with a kiss. When I finished our kiss, I kept my face close to hers and stared into her eyes. “You’re not a demon. You’re just as human as everyone else. Everyone makes mistakes in life. We just learn from our mistakes and move forward. And right now, I made a promise to be by your side, and I plan to keep that promise in one way possible.” I took a deep breath before I continued. “I’m asking you to be my date to the homecoming dance tomorrow night.” Sunset just stared at me with tears starting up in her eyes before she can give her answer. “You mean…” I gave a nod to her. “Then…yes, yes. I’ll go with you tomorrow night.” We can hear a squeal from the other side of the field. I looked to see what it was, but couldn’t see anyone. I can only take one guess. “They’re watching us from the other side of the stands,” Sunset said. “I think so. You have your cell with you?” I asked. She pulled it out and handed it to me. “I do have Twilight’s and AJ’s numbers with me,” she said. “I’ll use Twilight’s number and send her a message,” I said, and started to type a message. “If you don’t leave now, we will come over there and kill you.” “Oh, this is going to be fun,” she said as I sent the text. “They should be reading and reacting to it in 3…2…1.” Pinkie yelled, “THEY’RE GOING TO KILL US! RRRUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!” We looked over and saw the girls running away from the other side of the field and out of view. “Well, that was worth a laugh,” Sunset said. “I just remembered. We still need costumes for the dance.” “We can go to the costume store that Pinkie mention before. She told me where to find it.” She asked, “Tomorrow morning?” “Sure. Then we can grab a bite to eat and chat,” I said. “Are you asking me out on a date?” “I’m asking you to be my girlfriend, Sunset.” “But, I’ve never had an actual relationship before…well except for Flash, but that was a different reason.” “Well, neither did I. So it will be a first for the both of us,” I said. “And I’m hoping that it will be our best.” “I’ll hold you to it,” she replied. “I need to head home. My mother’s taking me home and is wondering where I am. You know where I live, right?” I nodded. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” As I saw her walk off, I thought to myself, “Thank god this week’s over. Earning a big win against CPA and getting a girlfriend might be the best reward I’ve ever got in my life.” I went to the locker room to get changed and made my way to my truck. Everyone else has left the school, expect for one, Miss Luna’s. “Are you glad that’s over with?” Luna asked. “For now. How did things go with our guest student?” I asked. “Fleetfoot was right. He was able to give us some names that took part in the break-in, including the trio that you have faced before. We plan to submit to Mr. Discord to look into them. It will be in his hands from there on.” “Well, that’s another issue off of our hands,” I said. “Good luck on your trip to Master Blades’ place.” “Thanks. I hope we can get some more answers before we face Crystal Prep again,” Luna said. “And good luck on your date with Sunset.” “How did you know that?” “I guess seeing that she was the last student to leave with a smile on her face was proof enough. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” And Luna got into her car and drove home. I walked up to my truck and saw a note on the windshield. I picked it up and saw that it was from Indigo, requesting to talk with me sometime this weekend, with her cell number. Now I knew that she was on my side. I hope that she has some answers for me as well.