Chapter 31: Slugball

It's the Slugball Championship. Grendel and his engineers have entered the semifinals after Blakk destroyed the Beast Forge. They were up against the miners from Deadweed Cavern. Grendel and his engineers were up 3-1.

"Welcome back to a special Slugnet presentation of the Slugball Championship. Brought to you by our new sponsor, Blakk Industries. Blakk Industries, brining you tomorrow's yesterday today." 2 men hosted the championship from the host box. "I'm Bob Johnson, as always with me, my co-host, Blast Vanderhuge. Blast?" Bob said. "It's been quite a week for Slugball, Bob. Taking us all the way to the semifinals and just one game away from the Slugball Cup." Blast said, kinda mental-like. "If you're just joining us, the Beast Forge Shock 'n' Rollers just scored against the Deadweed Miners, giving them a 3-1 lead." Bob said.

[Replay]

Shock 'n' Roller player 60 passes the ball to Grendel. Grendel caught the ball, dodging the traps and miners, going in for the goal and earning the Beast Forge Shock 'n' Rollers a 3-1 lead. "Team Captain Grendel out in front with a perfect play. There wasn't a miner in sight. That is how you do it, Bob. That is how you do it." Blast said.

[Replay End]

"Time out on the field, and it looks like Grendel's using it to- to visit with the fans." Bob said.

Turns out Grendel was actually visiting with the Shane Gang. Grendel managed to get them special seats in the Championship. Mario brought Katy. "Ha-ha! You made it!" Grendel greeted. "Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss this for the world." Kord said. "I doubt even I could get seats this good." Vance said. "Kord even brought his glove, hoping to catch a loose ball." Trixie said. Kord held up his glove-covered arm. "Get out of town! You play?" Grendel asked. "Well, you know, just for fun. Mostly when I was a kid." Kord said. "Kord's being modest. We've seen him play." Eli said. "Yeah. He could totally go pro if he wanted to." Harley said. "Aw shucks. Thanks." Kord said.

"Joining us here in the booth, the commissioner of Slugball himself, Primo Presto." Bob said, introducing a molenoid. "The pleasure's all mine." Primo said. "How about those Rollers? They get their whole cavern blown up during the Beast Forge accident, and turn to Slugball to find meaning in their broken, empty lives. Kinda makes you tear up, don't it?" Blast asked. "Yeah, yeah. Inspiring." Primo said. "And now they're this close to the finals, where they'll face off against defending champions, the Blade City Brutes." Blast said. "A team recently purchased by Dr. Blakk no less. How do you respond to the rumors that Blakk was involved with the destruction of the Beast Forge?" Bob asked. "I'm not one to comment about rumors. Especially when Dr. Blakk is involved." Primo said, trying to keep a straight face.

Just then, the horn blared. "They're playing my song, kiddies." Grendel said, hovering back into the game. "Thanks for the seats!" Eli called. "And we're back into it. First period, 3-1 Rollers." Bob announced. Both teams took position. Grendel and the Miner captain glared at each other. "You can really feel the tension between these 2 rival captains, can't you?" Blast asked. The horn blared and the ball entered the arena. The captains hover up. Grendel catches the ball and shoves the rival captain aside. "Here we go. The Shock 'n' Rollers take possession." Grendel passes the ball to number 15 as 2 of the Miners sling in a Hop Rock and a Rammstone. "32 passes to 15. Miners firing heavy hitters." 15 dodges the Hop Rock and passes the ball to number 63 before he got rammed by the Rammstone. "15 dodges one, can't avoid the other, but is able to get the ball to rider 63." 63's jackal mecha passed over a red line, triggering the arena traps. "Trap deployment!" Blast called. 63 made his way through the traps. "63 definitely makes his way through, so the Miners start slinging!" Bob said. Miner 17 slung a Frostcrawler, putting 63 in a Deepfreeze. "Ooh! A Frostcralwer to the midsection! That'll cool his jets, Bob." Blast said.

Grendel grabbed the ball and hovered over to one his team mechas, revving it up. "What's this?" Bob asked. Grendel sped the mecha towards the Miners. "Boom! Look at that! He's side-sketching a dog back." Blast said. 2 Miners slung a couple of Hop Rocks. "If the Shock 'n' Rollers keep playing at this level, Bob, they're gonna make a real run for the cup." Grendel let his mecha go, crashing it into the Miners' mole mecha. "Ooh! That's what I like to see." Grendel hovered up and dodged the incoming traps with 2 Miners following him. "Grendel on the rim up the middle. He's avoiding the random obstacles like he knows what's coming! But he isn't alone as the Miners give chase." Miner 17 came crashing into a wall trap. "Ooh!" "Grendel on approach and-" Just then, a new trap sprung up. A bladed propellor spinning rapidly. "Welcome to Trap Deployment City. Look at all those traps, Bob!" Grendel tried to escape, but a series of wall traps closed him off. Another wall came up the middle and knocked him off his hoverboard as the propellor slowly pulled him towards the spinning blades. "Grendel!" Eli called as the gang got worried. Grendel struggled to get out of the propellor's suction.


(Intro)


As Grendel was being pulled towards the propellor trap, Eli pulled out his blaster to try and help. "Relax, Eli. It's all part of the game." Kord assured. Grendel pulled out his blaster and slung an Arachnet, using its web to help himself. "Intense situation, but team captain Grendel quickly gets off an Arachnet slug, and he's safe." Bob said. "No pedicure for the captain this time, Bob." Blast said. Everyone sighed in relief. But suddenly, the propellor trap started to malfunction, short circuiting with sparks flying. And then, it exploded. "Is that part of the game?" Eli asked. "Actually, no!" Kord said with worry.

Inside the Shock 'n' Rollers' locker room, Grendel was screaming in pain as his leg had been casted. "STAY AWAY! DON'T TOUCH IT!" He screamed. "Dude, no one's touching it." Trixie said. "Good! Keep not touching it!" Grendel said, groaning in pain. "You'd think a professional athlete would be able to take the pain better." Trixie said. "And yet, not so much. The universe is full of surprises." Pronto said. "You just realizing that now?" Lash asked. Eli, Harley and Kord entered the locker room. "We checked the circuit board from the arena trap that malfunctioned." Eli said, tossing a circuit board to Trixie. "The wires were frayed just enough to break during the game." "What are you saying, babe? This was sabotaged?" Trixie asked. "That's exactly what I'm saying." Eli said. "But sabotaged by who, boss?" Watts wondered. "It's gotta be Blakk's team. We all know he's not above cheating." Eli guessed. "Hang on. I know the Brutes. They're a little rough and tumble, sure. But they're Slugball players. Not cheaters." Grendel said. "There's a first time for everything." Harley said.

"Whoa, whoa! Everybody just slow down! I don't like where this is heading." Primo said, taking the circuit board from Trixie. "Sabotage? Cheaters? Grendel, baby, you know I respect you, but your little tykes just can't go throwing accusations around. You get proof, then we'll talk." Eli and the gang were a little ticked with Primo's attitude. "Alright, Primo. You want proof? You got it!" Eli said. "But Eli, this the finals. What about the game?" Kord asked. Primo chuckled. "I got bad news for you, kid. You see, your friend's team needs 4 players. With him out of the game, that means you're 1 short, which means you forfeit." He explained. "What about the reserve players?" Eli asked. "There are no reserve players. It took half our roster just to make it here to the semi-finals. We're all that's left." Grendel said. "Well, there's always next year." "Not so fast!" Trixie called. Everyone turned to her reading the official Slugball rulebook. "According to the official Slugball rulebook, any substitution can be made from a non-registered player at any time, provided it's approved by the captain. In case you hadn't noticed Grendel, that's you." Trixie explained. Grendel smiled, knowing where she was going. "Can I see that?" Primo asked. Trixie handed him the rulebook. "Well, whaddaya know!" He said in surprise. "Then we can still win this game! We just need someone who knows Slugball well enough to be half decent out there." Grendel said. Everyone turned their eyes to Kord. "What?" Kord asked.

"I'm being told there's a substitution on a part of the Rollers. That makes this as good a time as any to go over the official rules of Intercavern Slugball." Bob said. "On either side of the arena, there's a goal. Each of them is magnetized just like the players' gloves. Players can use any slug they want to stop another player or get them a goal. BOOM! BAM! Just like that!" Blast explained. "And as if all of that weren't enough, players also have to contend with one last obstacle. A series of automated arena traps randomly programed by the first-class technicians in Game Control." Bob said.

Inside Game Control, the technicians were operating the trap deployments. "Hey Dan, do you know how to get mustard stains out?" Technician 1 asked. "I just use sandpaper." Technician 2 said.

"Welcome back! It's the start of the second period and the Rollers still lead 3-1." Bob announced. The players took their position in the arena, but Kord was having trouble balancing himself on Grendel's hoverboard. "I don't know how long this lead's gonna last, Bob. Look at that rookie." Blast said. Just as Kord got his balance, the alarm blared and the ball shot up into the arena and into Kord's arms. "And we're on!" But then, Kord got bashed by Miner 44 and the ball landed in the arms of Miner 57. The gang cringed at the sight. Kord struggled to get back on the board. "Best! Day! EVER!" He said in a daze before falling off the board.

Miner 57 hovered past the defender Roller and threw the ball through the goal, making their score 3-2. "Miner number 57 slips past Roller Defense and GOAL!" Bob announced. "Miners climbing back up the charts, Bob." Blast said.

Kord managed to get the ball and hovered into a tunnel that's well known as the Gauntlet with Miner 44 following close behind. "Rollers rookie, Kord Zane, has possession." Bob said. "But he's taken the ball into the Gauntlet, Bob! This newbie has a lot to learn about Slugball." Kord hopped over an incoming trap with Miner 44 smacking dab into it. "He clears a piston trap, but the Miner isn't so lucky." Bob announced. Just then, a fire trap activated. Kord passed right through while panicking. "Oh! Close call through the fryers." Kord then swept around a rotary trap and exited the Gauntlet. "Digs the braves and he's out." But suddenly, he got bashed into the wall by Miner 17. The gang cringed from the sight. "That's right, Bob. Out like a light." "You okay, Kord? You don't have to do this!" Eli called. "Are you kidding?! Getting clobbered in the Slugball Championship is a lifelong dream!" Kord called. "How many times did he get hit?" Eliza asked. "I'll let you know in a minute." Harley said.

Miner 64 passed the ball to Miner 98, hopping off his mole mecha and scoring another goal, tying the score 3-3. "64 with a long pass to 98, and it's another goal, tying it up 3-3. What a game." Bob announced.

Miner 17 passed it to his advancing teammates. Roller 15 rode out in front to block them, but they hopped right over him, tossing the ball towards the goal. "Miners again with possession. 57 has a clear shot." "Here goes nothing!" Kord said, leaping to catch the ball. "But wait!" "Rookie Roller number 28 out of nowhere!" The gang, slugs and audience all got worried hopeful looks as they waited. When Kord landed back on his board, everyone started cheering. "BAM! Just like that!" Blast shouted. "Unbelievable!" Bob said. Kord looked at his hands. He was holding the ball! "I caught it?" He asked himself. The gang, slugs and audience cheered. "I caught it! I caught the ball!" Kord cheered, feeling proud of himself. "There might be hope for this Kord kid yet, Bob." Blast said.

"Well done, rookie. Now how bout you PASS IT!" Roller 15 called. "Oh! Yeah. Right." Kord said, ducking to dodge an incoming Miner. The captain and the other rider slung a couple of Hop Rocks. Kord dodged them, threw his hoverboard under the captain's mecha, leapt over him and passed the ball to 15. "Rookie 28, in an incredible move, passes the ball and the Rollers are moving forward." Bob announced. 15 passed the ball to 63 as he passed over the trap line. An entire barrage of wall and rotary traps completely blocked off the Rollers from reaching the goal. "Traps activated and the Roller's stopped dead in his tracks." Bob announced. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! That's not right!" Blast said. Kord got a shocked look.

"We got a massive deployment in Quadrant 3! Looks like every obstacle is firing!" Technician 2 said. "That's not right! Manual override! Dial it back!" Technician 1 said. Technician 2 tried to regain control, but nothing was working. "None of the control switches are responding!" He panicked.

63 passed the ball to Kord and he swerved around each of the traps. "I tell ya, Bob. That kid's making it look easy." Blast said. "Hey, I'm doing it! I'm really doing it!" Kord said excitedly. "Right. Can the celebration and stay with me. Stick close and watch for ramps." 63 said, riding up beside Kord. "Yeah. Ramps." Kord said. Just then, a ramp trap was deployed right under Kord! "Ramps deployed." Bob announced. "I love this part!" Blast said. "I hate this part." Kord muttered. He then soared through the air and hit his head right into a rotary trap. Everyone gasped at the sight. "Unpaid electric bill for number 28! It's lights out, baby!" Blast called. Kord managed to roll himself over before he lost consciousness.


"Time out on the field. Number 28, Kord Zane has taken a big hit and seemed to be out cold." Bob said. "I know how that feels, Bob." Blast said. The Rollers and the gang all ran over to check on Kord. "Kord? Kord, can you hear me?" Eli asked, smacking Kord's face, trying to wake him up. "Pronto, give him your special Stinky Wake Up Call." Harley said. Pronto held out Stinky and waved him across Kord's nose. The smell caused Kord to jolt awake. But Kord fell back down again, still feeling dazed. "Eli? Is that you?" He asked, seeing doubles of Eli. "Yeah, it's me. Are you alright, dude?" Eli asked, helping Kord up. "Have we lost yet?" Kord asked. "Nope." Eli said. The crowd cheered, seeing that Kord was okay. "THEN LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD! YEAH!" Kord shouted, getting his second wind. "Okay, now I know that last hit knocked a few screws loose." Eliza said.

"That was lucky." Trixie said. Eli however was suspicious. "That trap targeted Kord. I know Blakk and the Brutes are behind this. We gotta get some proof." He said. "Where are we gonna find any?" Trixie asked. "I think I know where to start." Harley said.

Inside the locker rooms, the Brutes were preparing for the finals. Eli, Harley and Trixie crawled quietly and carefully towards the lockers. "If you ask me, this whole thing seems fishy." Trixie whispered. "How do you mean?" Harley asked. "Blakk's been into some heavy stuff lately. Blowing stuff up, taking over caverns. The big leagues. Now he's rigging a sports game? I'd hate to say it, but it almost beneath him. You know what I mean?" Trixie asked. "Yeah, I get it. But we won't know for sure until we find out for ourselves." Harley said. "Maybe. What do you think, Eli?" Trixie asked. Suddenly, Eli grunted. "Eli?"

Harley and Trixie peaked around, cringing at a bad sight. The Brutes' captain, Thrasher, had captured Eli. "Well, well. Look what we have here. A rat. You like digging through other people's possessions, rat? I couldn't quite hear that." Thrasher said. The other Brutes laughed as Eli struggled in Thrasher's grip. Then Burpy came out and blew his fire on Thrasher's hand, making him drop Eli. "Then maybe I should SPEAK UP!" Eli yelled. "Why you little!" Thrasher said, preparing to punch Eli. But then, Trixie and Harley zipped up, blasters at the ready. "Hey! Cool it! We don't want any trouble." Trixie said. "You and your friend are the ones with the blasters, missy. And cool or not, your boyfriend was the one going through Thrasher's stuff!" Thrasher said, referring himself in the third person. "Cool it! I wouldn't be going through your stuff if the Blade City Brutes weren't cheating!" Eli accused. "I don't have to take that from a pipsqueak like you!" Thrasher said. "Well, how about you take it from me?!" Harley shouted. "Listen, Mr.- Thrasher, was it? There's clearly been a misunderstanding. So, I'm just gonna take my fiancé and my future brother-in-law, and go, okay?" Trixie said, leading the Shane brothers out of the locker room. Thrasher growled.

"Well, you were right. That was a huge waste of time." Eli said. "Nah." Trixie said. "How do you figure?" Eli asked. "Yeah, what's gotten you all positive?" Harley asked. "Shanes. Always miss the subtle solution. While you were scrapping with Thumper, I pulled this from his locker." Trixie said, pulling out a little tool. The brothers were surprised. Even Harley didn't see that while he was focused on Eli and Thrasher. "Oh, I love you!" Eli said, pulling Trixie into a kiss. Trixie immediately gave in and kissed back, dropping the tool into Harley's hand. "Well, that'll keep them busy for a while. But what is this?" Harley asked, examining the tool.

Back in the arena, Miner 44 scored another goal, giving the Miners the lead, 5-3. "Miners score again, giving them a 5-3 lead." Bob announced. The Rollers were about ready to accept defeat. "Down by 2. Final timeout. What this team needs is one of Pronto's famous pep talks." Pronto said. He then pulled out an old fedora, dusted it a bit, and put it on. "This oughta be good." Lash muttered. "Let me tell it to you as cleanly as I can. This is a team they say is good." Pronto started. But the Rollers got pumped up rather too quickly. They cheered and rushed out to the field, trampling Pronto in the process. "You okay there, Pronto?" Mario asked as he and the others giggled. "Works every time." Pronto said in pain.

Eli, Harley and Trixie brought the tool to Primo. "It's a sauntering tool." Eli said. "As in the kind used to sabotage the circuit board on the arena trap." Trixie said. "If that isn't proof enough, I don't know what is." Harley said. Primo just chuckled. "This doesn't prove nothing. You know Thrasher likes to work on mecha beasts, right?" He asked. Eli, Harley and Trixie put that to mind. "Look kid, it's your friend. I sympathize." Primo said, taking the tool. "But Slugball is a dangerous game. Doesn't anything more than that. My suggestion to you is to go back out there and enjoy the rest of the game." The 3 just shrugged at each other.

Roller 15 scored another goal, tying the score, 5-5. "Goal! Rollers tied up in the third period. This is it, ladies and gentleman. 5-5. Just seconds on the clock. It all comes down to this. Whoever scores is going up against the Brutes in the finals." Bob announced.

Kord passed the ball to Roller 15, but Miner 44 bashed him into the wall, stealing the ball. "Miners on the approach." The Miner captain bashed Roller 60 off his mecha. 44 passed the ball to 17, who then passed it to 57. "Great pass to 17 clearly outside there." Roller 63 slung a slug at the Miners, but got bashed off his mecha. "Rollers moving in, but it's no good as the Miners continue moving forward." Bob said. 57 passed the ball back to 17. "This is a championship level play, Bob." Blast said. Kord slung Flycatcher, throwing a big web to block the Miners. "Rookie Kord Zane blasts an Arachnet slug!" Bob said. "It's an effective play, Bob, but a dime a dozen defensive move." Blast said. "But what is this?!" Bob asked. The Miners got caught in the web. Kord hovered around and took the ball from 17's outstretched hands. "Thank you." He then took 17's hand, just as the web slingshot them. "Oopsie doodle! The rookie's got the cookie, Bob!" The miners tumbled to the ground as Kord flew in towards the goal. But just then, Miner 57 fired a Rammstone, knocking Kord off balance. "What a play. But 57 defenseman gets off a shot. And it's-" Kord managed to toss the ball at the goal. The ball bounced a couple times, but managed to get through the goal, scoring the Rollers the winning goal. 6-5 "Goal!" Bob cheered. "GOAL!" Blast shouted. Kord cheered as the gang ran up to him. "Against all odds, the Shock 'n' Rollers are in the finals!" Bob said. "I tell ya, Bob, I haven't been this excited since the mustard stain came out of my favorite trousers!" Blast shouted with excitement. That made Bob uncomfortable.

"We did it, guys!" Kord cheered. "Uh, Kord?" Trixie said, pointing to the Rollers. All 3 of them were badly injured. "None of them are in any shape to play!" Kord said. "Which means the Brutes will win the cup." Eli said.


Inside the Rollers' locker room, the gang was dressing up in the Rollers' uniforms. "Eli, this is ridiculous. Asking Kord to play was one thing. But this is just crazy!" Trixie said. "Well, what do you want to do? Just let Blakk's cheat their way to the cup?" Eli asked. "Not exactly an option." Harley said. "You did say you told Primo how they cheated. Maybe he'll do something about it." Kord said. "You honestly think Primo will do something about it?" Eli asked. "Yeah, Primo's more selfish than Pronto." Harley said. Pronto felt insulted, but he knew Harley was right. "If the Shock 'n' Rollers forfeit, the Brutes get the cup. It might seem intimidating, but deep down, this game is about slug shooting. That's what we do every day." Eli said. The gang looked at each other and nodded at each other, knowing Eli was right. "Eli's right. This is exactly like normal. Just televised. And hovering. With 40,000 screaming fans." Harley added, feeling uncomfortable. "Oh man!" Kord said. "Good talk, Harley. Really inspiring." Trixie said. Pronto cleared his throat. "Allow me." He said, putting on his fedora. "This is a team they say is good. Well, I think we're better than that!" But then he noticed that the others had already left. "Wait! You need to be inspired!" He called, running after them.

"And we're back with the Innercavern Slugball Championship, where in a surprise substitution, Eli Shane and his gang will be going head-to-head with Dr. Blakk's Blade City Brutes for the Slugball Cup." Bob said as the Gang and the Brutes took position in the arena. Grendel and his Rollers were sitting in the gang's seats. "Blast, as an ex-player in Slugball, this has got to make you happy." Bob said. "Seeing outclassed newbies crushed on the field always makes me happy, Bob." Blast said. Bob felt uncomfortable again.

"Any last words, rat?" Thrasher asked intimidatingly. "I make it a rule not to talk to cheaters!" Eli said. "I didn't cheat! But I'll tell you what. You believe what you want. It'll lessen the sting when we bring home the cup." Thrasher said.

"L Blocker, PMs are looking a little high." Technician 2 said. "Might wanna turn the-" "All of you. Out. Now." Primo said, entering Game Control. "Sir, it's the championship. The players are in the arena." Technician said. "And you know what they got that you don't? JOBS! Now go, go! Move it! Let's see some hustle, people!" Primo barked, sending the technicians running out of the box. Primo then took a seat, cracked his fingers and prepared to activate the traps.

The alarm blared and the ball shot into the arena. Thrasher caught it. Eli tried to intercept, but Thrasher spun him away. "Here we go! Brutes' captain gets possession." Bob said. "The Shane kid's in over his head, Bob." Blast said. Primo activated a trap, opening the floor and revealing spikes. "I've never seen a trap like this before." Bob said. Eli nearly fell in, but Kord caught him. "You alright, buddy?" Kord asked. Eli nodded. "We should be careful. Something tells me that trap isn't exactly regulation." Kord said, looking at the spike trap.

Thrasher hovered over to the goal, avoiding Trixie, dodging her slug and bashing Pronto. "Brute's captain easily makes his way forwards." Bob announced. "Such dexterity. Such soul." Blast said. Thrasher leapt up and scored the first goal of the match. "He lines up his shot and goal! The Brutes get the first goal of the finals." Bob said.

Pronto got the ball while getting chased by 2 Brutes. "Roller substitute number 13, 'Pranto Germymo.' Doesn't look good." Bob said, mispronouncing Pronto's name. Primo activated more traps. Pronto did his best to avoid them. "He shouldn't even have the ball, Bob. He should be passing it." Blast said. Brute 70 slung a Tazerling, shorting out Pronto's mecha with Tazerbolt and sending Pronto tumbling to the ground. "A Tazerling to the backside, Bob." Blast said. Thrasher grabbed the ball back. "Loose ball recovered by Thrasher." But then, Trixie snatched it. "Oh, Thrasher! You dropped your ball, buddy!" Trixie said, mockingly. But then, a trap wall came up and Trixie slammed right into it. "I hope she has a good dentist." Blast said.

2 of the Brutes got the ball and rode right for the goal. But then Eli hovered in front of them and slung Chiller, freezing the ground and causing Brute 25's mecha to slide around and knock 62 off his hoverboard. 25 then smashed into a trio of trap walls. "Eli Shane fires a defensive Frostcrawler which takes out a couple of Brutes." Bob announced.

"Am I imagining or are these traps getting worse?" Eli asked as a whole barrage of traps was popping up. Primo cackled from inside Game Central. Just then, sawblade trap was heading right for Eli. "Look out!" Thrasher yelled, pushing Eli out of the way. Eli was confused. "You saved me! But then- you didn't- I mean-" Eli tried to say. "I told you. We weren't cheating." Thrasher said. "But the sauntering tool. We found it in your locker!" Eli said. "I found that under the arena. I was gonna confront the league about it before you took it." Thrasher said. "But if it wasn't you, then who-?" Eli asked, looking up at Game Central. Primo saw that he had been exposed and took off. "Primo!" Eli said. "Where do you think you're going?" Thrasher asked. "To catch a rat!" Eli said. "Hey! You get back here! We got a game to finish!" Thrasher called.

The others saw Eli leaving. "Where's Eli going?" Eliza asked. "He must've figured out who the rat is." Mario guessed. "I'm gonna go help him!" Harley said, heading out to help Eli.

Eli and Harley chased after Primo. "Primo! Wait! We have to talk to you!" Eli called. "Can't talk now! I'm late for a…dentist appointment! Try later, kids!" Primo called. Eli slung Stunts, ricocheting off the walls and into the back of Primo's head, knocking him down. "Nice shot." Harley said. "Maybe now we can talk?" Eli asked. "You'll never take me alive, kids." Primo growled, pulling out a blaster and firing a Hop Rock. The brothers dodged the slug as Primo turned a corner. "I'm really starting to not like this guy." Eli growled. "I didn't like him the minute we met him." Harley said.

Eli and Harley aimed their blasters down the hall. "What did Blakk give you to fix the games, Primo? Was it money?" Eli asked. Primo just chuckled. "Money?! You're both cutups, kids! No. I did it probono. Real smart-like." He said. "You mean you helped Blakk cheat for free?!" Eli asked in shock. "That doesn't sound like Blakk." Harley said. "Why?" Eli asked. "Because Blakk's star is on the rise! You think he's gonna stop with Slugball? Thaddeus Blakk is gonna own this world! Maybe more! Having him owe me a favor? That's just good business. Nice knowing you, kids!" Primo said, making a run for it. Eli and Harley were about to give chase. But suddenly, Primo was blasted into the wall and trapped in a web. "That guy gives our sport a bad name." Thrasher said. "Thrasher! Wait. Why aren't you in the arena?" Eli asked. "You left. Figured I keep the numbers even. I'm not the kind of guy who likes to win by technicality." Thrasher said. Eli and Harley nodded, seeing that they misjudged Thrasher like they misjudged André.

It was the final timeout. The score was tied 1-1 with just 30 seconds left on the clock. The gang were all huddled up. "Okay. Tie score, 30 seconds on the clock. This has to be it. I don't think we can beat these guys in OT. Now the first thing we have to do is get the ball back, which I do have an idea on. Once we do that, it's straight down the middle." Kord explained. "That's awfully risky. But it's worth a shot." Harley said. "But we only have 1 working mecha beast." Trixie said. "I know. Which is why you'll be towing both of us. Eli's the one good with speeches, so I'll just say it. We can do it!" Kord said.

"30 seconds left in the finals. It's 1-1 and the Brutes have possession." Bob said. Brute 70 passed the ball to Thrasher. Eli, Trixie and Kord came in for the attack. "The Shane Gang are cruising for a bruising, Bob." Blast said. But he was wrong. Eli slung Burpy, trapping the Brutes with Flamespire. Trixie and Kord rode a ramp right over the trapped Brutes. "Eli Shane blasts off an Infurnus slug, keeping Brutes in check as Trixie and Kord move up and over the trapped Brutes." Bob announced. Kord then slung his newest slug, Silv. "What the heck is that thing?!" Blast asked. "I'm being told it's a Slicksilver slug. Transforms into a giant living ball of magnetized metal." Bob explained. "Just like my skull. If I had thought of that back when I was playing, I might not have had to retire in broken down shame." Blast said.

Silv started to perform one of her signature moves, Magnacoil, attracting the Brutes' helmets, mechas and the ball. When she was finished, she dropped everything and landed in the crash. Kord hovered over and started looking for the ball. "Come on! Where are you?" He asked. He then found the ball just as the Brutes recovered. "Kord's got the ball and here come the Brutes." Bob said. "Eli!" Kord called, tossing the ball to Eli. "Only seconds left." Eli gave a powerful kick, sending the ball into the goal and giving the Rollers the win. 2-1. Everyone started to cheer. "They did it! They did it! Do you believe in miracles?! The Shock 'n' Rollers have won the Slugball Championship Cup!" Bob shouted happily. "Kord, that was amazing!" Trixie said. "What can I say? What can I say? It's a game of great subtlety and fines." Kord said. Trixie just shook her head.

Afterwards, Thrasher presented the cup to the Shane Gang. "I gotta admit, I had my doubts about you, Eli. But you and your friends more than earned this." Thrasher said, giving the cup to Kord. "Thanks, but this doesn't belong to the Shane Gang." Kord said. "Yes, it does." Grendel said. The gang was surprised to hear this. "Sure, you guys substituted to help us win, but I don't think we could've played any better than you did today. So, by our decision, the cup rightfully belongs to you guys as a thanks." Grendel said. The Rollers nodded. "Wow! Thanks Grendel." Kord said. "Anytime, youngster. Anytime." Grendel said. The gang cheered, holding up the cup.

Meanwhile, Primo was tied up and hanging upside down inside an empty room in Blakk's citadel. "You can't do this to me! I got rights! I wanna talk to my lawyer! Hello? Is anyone there?" He shouted. "Relax, Mr. Presto. Don't strain yourself." Blakk said, entering the room. "Dr. Blakk! I don't understand! I tried to make it so your team won! I was just trying to help!" Primo cried. "By making people think I need to cheat to win! That is something I'd rather not advertise." Blakk said. "What's gonna happen to me?" Primo sobbed. "Oh, I'm sure I'll some use for you. Eventually." Blakk said, leaving the room. "Dr. Blakk! Don't leave me here! DR. BLAKK!" Primo cried.

Wow! The Shane Gang help Grendel and his engineers win the Slugball Championship, and uncover a rat molenoid who tried to cheat the winnings. What other surprises await the Shane Gang? Leave a review if you want.

Slug Arsenal:

Eli Shane: Burpy (Infurnus), Joules (Tazerling), Noodle (Flopper), Banger (Armashelt), Bolo (Polero), Rammer (Rammstone), Rocky (Hop Rock), Chiller (Frostcrawler), Burner (Lavalynx), Suds (Bubbaleone), Goober (Jellyish), Sparky (Grenuke), Larry (Lariat), Gust (Tormato), Buzzsaw (Thresher), Digger (Crystalyd), Spinner (Arachnet), Mucky (Dirt Urchin), Tangles (Vinedrill), Spooker (Frightgeist), Charger (Fandango), Stunts (Speedstinger), Glimmer (Phosphoro), Mo (Enigmo), Dazer (Hypnogrif), Urchin (Sand Angler), Jinxer (Hexlet), Torch (Forgesmelter), Yang (Negashade), Beeker (AquaBeek), Mimkey (Mimikreas), Jaws (MakoBreaker), Gasser (Flatulorhinkus), Crystal (Geoshard), Foggy (Neotox), Jammer (Xmitter)

Harley Shane: Matchstick (Flaringo), Squirm (Flopper), Frostbite (Frostcrawler), Webs (Arachnet), Gels (Jellyish), Zipper (Hoverbug), Ivy (Vinedrill), Masher (Rammstone), Frights (Frightgeist), Shredder (Thresher), Smelly (Flatulorhinkus), Claws (Armashelt), Splatz (Lariat), Twister (Tormato), Lucky (Hexlet), Sizzle (Grenuke), Quill (Dirt Urchin), Ping (White Boon Doc), Bubbles (Bubbaleone), Polo (Polero), Skitter (Speedstinger)

Trixie Sting: Bluster (Tormato), Blizzard (Frostcrawler), Spider (Arachnet), Twirl (Polero), Balloon (Bubbaleone), Haunter (Frightgeist), Pounder (Rammstone), Slicer (Thresher), Rocks (Hop Rock), Jelly (Jellyish), Blossom (Vinedrill), Spotty (Flopper), Dunes (Sand Angler), Zaps (Tazerling), Roller (Armashelt), Scorcher (Lavalynx), Nighty (Slyren)

Kord Zane: Bludgeon (Rammstone), Sploder (Hop Rock), Jolt (Tazerling), Trip (Polero), Flycatcher (Arachnet), Floatie (Bubbaleone), Iceberg (Frostcrawler), Scorch (Flaringo), Jetstream (AquaBeek), Spitz (Lariat), Chuckles (Gazzer), Floppy (Flopper), Pincer (Armashelt), Glint (Phosphoro), Throttle (Thresher), Quicksand (Sand Angler), Silv (Slicksilver)

Pronto Geronimo: Stinky (Flatulorhinkus), Slimey (Jellyish), Soapy (Bubbaleone), Bruiser (Rammstone), Flame (Flaringo), Loogie (Lariat), Windy (Tormato), Squeaky (Flopper), Blocky (Hop Rock), Freezie (Frostcrawler), Doozie (Slyren), Zappy (Tazerling), Stripey (Polero), Planty (Vinedrill), Shelly (Armashelt)

Vance Volt: Blast (Hop Rock), Bloom (Vinedrill), Crust (Lavalynx), Legs (Arachnet), Swimy (AquaBeek), Hardcase (Armashelt), Squish (Jellyish), Blow (Tormato), Cheep (Flopper), Punch (Rammstone)

Mario Bravado: Ricochet (Speedstinger), Slide (Frostcrawler), Crawler (Arachnet), Echo (AquaBeek), Mess (Jellyish), Breeze (Tormato), Kate (Flopper), Porky (Dirt Urchin), Dunk (Rammstone), Crush (Armashelt)

Lash: Zing (Tazerling), Speedy (Speedstinger), Hopper (Hop Rock), Bubba (Bubbaleone), Stinx (Flatulorhinkus), String (Polero), Goat (Rammstone), Sleepy (Slyren), Webber (Arachnet), Ice (Frostcrawler), Spark (Flaringo), Winger (Tormato), Witch (Hexlet), Phlegm (Lariat), Peep (Flopper), Melt (Lavalynx), Clash (Armashelt)

Shimei: Mong (Hop Rock), Jin (Rammstone), Zeng (Vinedrill), Leng (Polero), Kaz (Grenuke), Hindo (Flaringo), Huang (Phosphoro), Hei-Hei (Hoverbug), Yung (Armashelt)

Eliza Shane: Ellie (Flaringo), Min (Jellyish), Tink (Phosphoro), Pimpy (Bubbaleone), Jimbo (Hop Rock), Jason (Frightgeist), Fitz (Tazerling), Flick (Grenuke), Griff (Hypnogrif)

Watts: Scourge (MakoBreaker), Polly (Hoverbug), Rush (Rammstone), Sinker (Hop Rock)

Dana Por: Webby (Arachnet), Willy (Frostcrawler), Tailwind (Tormato)

The Universal Slug