Galaxy Ball
CHP 8: Primetime battle PT2
On the opener of the team competition many squads received victories but just as many fell to a loss. It was just fifteen minutes away before both teams took the field for the conclusive game of the opening weekend. Sitting in a corner alone was Link fiddling with a brass triforce connected to a chain. This would be the opener for the home crowd of Hyrule. There was no way he would allow his team to lose, hopefully all of their hard work through camp would pay off. Picking up his helmet rubbed a finger over the logo of the gold triforce displayed on both sides. He stood walking over and joining the rest of his teammates.
"So do you think you're ready to lead us to a win," The center of the team inquired, "We'll have to be on our A game we know nothing about this team we're about to encounter. I promise you the guys upfront including me will give you all the time in the world."
The words of the goron brought tremendous confidence to Link. All the waiting around was killer. It was felt between numerous players in the room, and hoped their nerves would calm once on the field. The coach went over a few basics making sure everyone was prepared. It was hard for some to concentrate hearing the already deafening crowd awaiting their exit through the tunnel. Soon names of players were announced from the visiting team. Not long after the Legends took to the field, the spectators only added to their confidence. There was nothing like playing in front of a home crowd.
"You seem a bit nervous. You should settle down a bit," Fox Mccloud walked over standing next to Luigi, "I'm sure once we get out there and begin your nerves will die down a bit."
"Sure hope you're right, my brother Mario is a lot better at handling these sorts of situations."
The leading member of the Star Fox team patted him on the back assuring him it would be that way. Moments later both went out for the coin toss, but was the Legends who won electing to receive. Both sides exited off the field as the special team's units came out. The ball was kicked off and the returner brought it out and tackled immediately at the three yard line. Looking to the side Link located his helmet lifting it over his head putting it on tightening the neck strap.
"Well this is it." Link whispered tense.
On the sideline was princess Zelda in the stands accompanied by several guards. In some ways wondered why she agreed to any of the event, it was another obstacle that took away from her duties watching over the kingdom. If anything did relieve stress and was also something the community as a whole could look forward to.
"Man look at the way those girls are shaking it, man this might be the best part of the night!" The wide receiver Relik said, especially eyeing Hena.
"Stay focused, keep your mind on the task at hand. Try not to pay attention to what goes on off the field or their sideline." Daisy informed.
Relik nodded looking away from her and onto the field where Link stood behind the center. The Hylia took a deep breath perceiving the loud crowd. Taking the snap handed off to Crunch who was wrapped up by his ankle losing two yards. That put them at their own 1 yard line. Link stepped into shotgun giving himself a little room to work with. Taking the snap rolled to his right running away from the defenders who closed in out of the back of the end zone for a safety!
"Wow you just can't do that, the rookie from Ordon village is gonna have to learn sometimes it is necessary to just throw the ball away. He was out of the tackle box so the option was there." A commentator said.
The Mushroom Dashers led by 2 and their offence had yet to set foot on the field. The ball was kicked to the Dashers calling for a fair catch at the 49 of the Legends.
"Hey don't worry about it," Crunch patted Link over the shoulder, "We'll put up some points our next drive. These fellas have no idea what we're all about!" The bandicoot cracked his knuckles.
By the looks of it his words didn't help much. That was not how any of them pictured the game beginning. They believed themselves to have the most explosive offence of all teams in the 16 squad league. It sure didn't look that way to start. Out on the field was an excited Luigi ready to lead his team into the end zone with excellent field position.
"Hopefully our D will hold them to just three." Link uttered.
Banjo shook his head hoping that would be the result.
Lined up across from Daisy was none other than Princess Peach and though opponents couldn't help but run over and embrace each other in a hug. She tried desperately to locate her before the game but was unable to do so.
"It's so great to see you Peach, how've you been holding up? I mean being away from your kingdom and surrounded by so many unfamiliar individuals?"
"I've been great, thanks for asking. The people here in Hyrule have been very generous and made friends with lots of them. But it's great you're teammates with Luigi, but tonight I'm gonna have to kick your butts."
Both princess laughed aloud, but the moment was short lived getting into their positions. Taking the snap Luigi threw a screen to Wario who received vast blocking picking up nine before being taken down. On 2nd and 1 ran Wario up the middle picking up 4. Stepping back with the snap Luigi threw a ten yard strike to Fox who crossed through the middle spinning off two defenders picking up six extra yards. The completion put them down at the 20 yard line.
"Right now the Mushroom Dashers seem to be moving easily, the crowds within the stands are definitely quite; a touchdown here and the Dashers could put themselves up by ten if they choose to go for two given the safety." Another commentator said.
Taking the snap Luigi took the ball tossing back to Wario who only got back to the line of scrimmage. On 2nd down Luigi took the snap dropping back and throwing to Lorph the tight end picking up seven. Taking the snap again Luigi looked into the end zone throwing for the corner where Fox waited. But the ball was tipped up by the linebacker and intercepted by Peach! The Hyrule natives within the stands went wild pleased with the great defensive play. But everyone held their breath as there was a flag thrown just before the play.
"False start offence number 84, ten yard penalty repeat 2nd down."
The audiences showed their disapproval and disgust, the penalty gave the ball back to the Dashers at the 23. The penalty was called on Relik the 3rd receiver for being two yards off the line of scrimmage. Replaying 2nd down Luigi handed off to Wario who picked up four. Taking the snap Luigi felt the pressure throwing a quick strike in the chest of Koopa who only picked up seven. The play resulted in 4th down, which brought on the field goal unit.
"Well guess that wasn't a horrible start, I felt as though I was about to break for a big one." Wario said.
He stood at the side of the offensive coordinator watching as the ball was kicked straight down the middle giving them a 5 point lead. The ball again was kicked to the Legends, the returner taken down at the six yard line.
"Wow it's obvious their punter has probably been putting in more time outside of practice." The left tackle for the Legends mumbled.
Leading his offensive squad onto the field Link felt a bit more relaxed. It's not like he could screw things up more than the first drive.
"Let's at least pick up a yard hahaha." A member of the O-line joked.
A few others laughed trying to make some humor of the deficit. With the first play the ball handed off to Crunch breaking a tackle picking up three. Taking the snap Link stepped up throwing into double coverage having the ball knocked down. On 3rd down the Hylia stepped into shotgun. Receiving the snap rolled out to the left buying time. He threw across his body hitting Banjo in stride who traveled up the sideline. The bear was pushed out after a gain of 27!
"Now those are the type of explosive plays we want to see from this team."
The commentators within the booth kept viewers watching in any dimension updated. The Legends relocated to the spot of the ball which sat at the 35 yard line. On 1st came in with a five receiver set with an empty backfield. Running back was Link looking up field throwing and hitting Petiz the tight end on a simple slant. The team gained another 13 yds. Making their way up to the spot the ball was faked to Crunch who was gang tackled almost immediately. Link ran back grabbed by the shoulder pad shrugging off the linebacker stepping up and launching one deep. Up the sideline was Banjo running out with the CB/ Cornerback. Catching the ball over his right shoulder the honey bear ran into the end zone for a touchdown!
"How about that, what a throw by Link he put that ball on the shoulder opposite of the defender perfectly! That play between both the quarterback and receiver looked very professional. The two of them look as if they've been playing for years."
"I'll have to agree with you Leonard, they made it look easy. That is the second deep ball caught by Banjo, he's obviously the team's number one Wide out."
Running down field the Hylia wrapped his arms around Banjo giving him a giant hug for the spectacular completion. All parties except the field goal units took to the field. The extra point was put through easily upping the score 7 to 5. The ball was kicked off to the Mushroom Dashers. Down at the one catching it is Gim. Using his speed and quickness took it up to the twenty five before brought down.
"Mamma Mia, they kinda scored fast. It looks as though we might have ourselves a shootout here." Luigi said nervously.
Arriving back on the field on first down Luigi sent Daisy in motion, which Peach followed never taking her eyes off her. Taking the snap Luigi dumped off to Wario who ran up the middle picking up eight. The Dashers lost two yards on 2nd down. On 3rd down Luigi took the snap taking a few steps up as the pocket collapsed! He tried moving up but was brought down and sacked. Standing to his feet he pulled off his chin strap jogging off the field with the rest of the team. The ball was punted to the Legends who called for a fair catch at their own 37.
"Let's hope our D is better prepared for this series." Luigi hoped.
The last they were on the field only brought more self-reliance for the now poised offence. Link took the snap throwing a screen to Petiz picking up 11. Moving up with another first down Link handed to Crunch running through trucking a few defenders adding another 12. The Offence moved forward once again.
"Goodness Link looks great out there," Princess Peach smirked sitting on the sideline alongside the defensive unit, "He's so charming."
She giggled continuing to watch along with everyone else keeping focused. Link threw the ball away just as the pressure got to him. On 2nd stepped back into shotgun taking the snap looking to the hot read and throwing to Helst his 4th receiver who picked up five. On third down took the snap dropping back escaping the defensive back who came in unblocked. He stepped up throwing deep down the middle! Catching the ball at the five was Banjo who drove forward into the safety pushing them both into the end zone!
"Touchdown Legends!"
Viewers within the stands were at their loudest the entire night. With the extra point put through the Legends scored 14 unanswered.
"Oh dear, we had better do something soon or this might become a blowout." Luigi said.
The left tackle shook his head agreeing with the super Mario brother. The ball was kicked off with a fair catch made back at the 15. That's where the Mushroom Dashers began the drive. Between almost all players the life felt as if it had been drained from them. If anything needed momentum and fast. On 1st down Luigi stepped up throwing toward the left sideline hitting Relik who ran to the middle trying to shake off the corner. He picked up another fifteen before taken down. The play gained 39! The ball sat on the 46 of the Legends.
"That sure was a good individual effort by Relik; and looks determined to turn this game around."
With a new set of downs Luigi took the snap handing off to Wario only gaining two. On 2nd down Luigi stepped back noticing the D was playing zone. He stepped up launching the ball deep down the middle and caught by Fox Mccloud at the 6 yard line! Both the safety and corner smashed into him causing the ball to pop out! The ball came down into the hands of the corner taken down by Lorph at the 17. Sweat ran down the head of Luigi. What in the world was happening, was someone stopping them from scoring?! So much frustration built within him. The audiences cheered with much excitement, at the moment their Legends were handling the Dashers.
"Looks like it's time for us to get to work again." Link said happily placing his helmet over his head.
He led them out onto their own 17 to begin yet another drive hoping it was as successful as the first two.
"Man right now stomping all over this team is easier than taking candy from a baby. Let's dig their grave deeper so they have no way of coming back." Crunch said.
Once on the field the team ran up the middle with the fullback picking up nothing. Taking the snap on 2nd Link stepped back observing the field throwing to Helst who ran a fade route. It was a gain of 13. Getting up to the spot on 1st Link handed off to the fullback who picked up eight. On 2nd the ball was handed to Crunch picking up another 4. Luigi sat on the sideline shaking his head back and forth not happy with how they moved so easily. Picking up another 1st down Link handed off to Crunch who faked to the left taking back to the right. Ripping through the defensive line there was nothing but green grass in front of him! Taking off at full speed down the middle scampered into the end zone spiking the ball for a 58 yard touchdown!
"This has been a nightmare start for the Mushroom Dashers, this game might be over soon if we don't start seeing something out of their D."
All Luigi could do was look down at the turf, it wasn't time to roll over and quit but sure looked as if the defense had done just that.
Isle Delfino
Walking across the shoreline on Sirena beach in a green bathing suit Rosalina enjoyed sunset view over the ocean. The drenched sand beneath her feet was easing because all the routines and practices. It was the team's days off and intended to enjoy it. Looking up near the hotel sat Mario under a palm tree reading something. It was strange he'd be alone figuring he would have been watching the game. The Princess chose to see what he was doing walking that way. Feeling an extra presence the hero of the mushroom kingdom looked up from the laminated paper.
"What are you looking at there?" Rosalina asked with somewhat red cheeks.
He noticed this becoming a bit confused, was there something she wanted to tell him. Why was she blushing?
"It's nothing really, just a few plays I'm 'a going over," Taking a closer look at her his jaw dropped! Her overall shape was staggering and had to be a result from the months of conditioning, she was so gorgeous, "What can I 'a help you with?"
His reply along with facial expression made her giggle. It couldn't be more obvious what she wore caught his attention. Mario gulped when she didn't reply; intensity building around them. Feeling butterflies in his stomach looked away from her and back to the set of plays. It was almost like Princess Toadstool was in his presence. Rosalina bent down resting her knees in the sand pushing the paper off to the side putting a finger to his chin raising his head.
"On a scale of one to ten, how pretty do you think I am?" She asked seductively.
Why did she ask such a question, only children did things in such manner? It didn't help feeling her breath over his lips. He wondered what she tasted like, not even Peach came onto him like that ever? Wait what! Why was he even thinking that way, it was beyond unprofessional. If she was trying to turn him on did a marvelous job! Princess Peach was his only interest and had to end things before something happened.
"Hey Mario why aren't you inside watching the gam..."
Yoshi stopped in mid-sentence seeing Rosalina leaning over almost in the lap of Mario!
"I'm not interrupting something am I?" Yoshi asked wanting to laugh.
Rosalina stood giving Mario some breathing room.
"You're fine Yoshi we're finished here. See you later Mario." Rosalina said making her way down to the beach where a few cheerleaders swam.
Both Yoshi and Mario glanced at one another for a few moments.
"What was that all about?" Yoshi asked.
"Quite honestly your guess is good as mine." Mario replied.
"You coming in to watch the game?"
Mario stood following Yoshi into the hotel to see how his brother's Dashers faired.
Lava Refineries
Some time passed and the game in the 4th quarter with the Legends leading 38 to 5. Sitting back on the sofa was the Lombax Ratchet. Nearby was Paratroopa standing to the side watching as well.
"Sucks to be the Mushroom Dashers right about now, or any of the teams who lost in the opener. After this game we had better get some shut eye, because we have to be at the practice facility at 6: A.M. In the morning tomorrow for review." Ratchet informed.
Paratroopa shook his head agreeing, it was no doubt 1-0 felt pretty good. The turtle truly believed the Reindeers could go the whole way, with all their dedication and hard work why not?
"Would either of you like a soda?"
Both looked over at the kitchen entrance spotting Toad leaning against the left side of the wall. Both agreed to his offer. He returned into the kitchen afterward. Looking onto the T.V. Screen Ratchet watched Fox catch a 35 yard touchdown pass from Luigi.
"About time, it's a bit too late now; there's only a minute twenty four left."
Hyrule
The Mushroom Dashers failed on the two point conversion. With close to just a minute left in the game and down 11 to 38 decided not to kick an onside but squib kick instead. Link did not come back into the game; taking his place was the backup QB. The Legends milked the rest of the clock with two runs and a QB knee. At that time players from both teams came out onto the field greeting one another.
"You have one heck of an arm, you're my new idol." Luigi said jokingly to Link who shook hands with him.
"I won't say your team is bad, just have a lot to work on as do we." Link replied.
After saying a few words both headed their separate ways. Luigi found Peach over on the Legends sideline embracing her in a hug.
"It's good to see you Princess, how've you been? You played one heck of a game, do you miss the Mushroom kingdom any?" Luigi asked.
She broke the hug brushing dust off her pads.
"In some ways yes, but overall I'm really enjoying myself. Zelda has been very kind and has made me feel at home, so I'll be just fine."
Exchanging a few more words gave her a final hug returning to the locker room where he and his team prepared to leave on the team space ship returning to Cool cool mountain.
To Be Continue