DISCLAIMER: Squaresoft owns the characters and everything else related to Final Fantasy VIII. While I don't use the actual name in the story, the Super Bowl is a registered trademark of the National Football League.
From the depths of my wild and rather twisted imagination, inspired by a random fit of silliness, is a new story titled, "The Eden Bowl".
This is actually my first attempt at Fanfiction (the rest of my work is all original, and can be found under the same screen name on Fictionpress.net). And unlike my other stories, which feature lots of depth and extensive planning, I'm pretty much going to write this one as I go. So all comments and suggestions are welcome, and feel free to ask for some things to happen later on in the story.
As promised, here is the extended summary of the story, in two parts.
EXTENDED SUMMARY - The Game
The story begins six months after Ultimecia's fall. In order to calm the potential chaos from the fallout of Galbadia's attempt to take over the world, the Global Congress is formed, with representatives from all over the world, including the newly recolonized Centra continent.
In his research, Esthar's Doctor Odine uncovers records of an ancient game that was played long before the Sorceress War against Adel. Presenting his findings to the Congress, they decide that it will be a fantastic diversion (a la Final Fantasy X) from the recent troubles with sorceresses and wars. The Congress tweaks the rules, and announces that the new sport of "football" will be played professionally, starting next year.
After Balamb and Galbadia Gardens object to the fact that the new sport gives potential recruits an alternative to military service, the Congress monetarily compensates the institutions, and mandates that no more than eight "teams" will be created. Stadium construction in Balamb, Trabia, Galbadia, Dollet, Timber, Winhill, Centra, and Esthar begins immediately.
The eight teams will compete in the "Great Hyne Football League" (GHFL). The best four teams qualify for the playoffs after a 14-game season, and two of those teams will advance to the "Eden Bowl", the championship game that the Congress plans to turn into a worldwide spectacle. The "Eden Bowl" will be played each year at the special mammoth 80,000-seat stadium built adjacent to Fisherman's Horizon. Security at the event will be provided by both Balamb and Galbadia Gardens.
EXTENDED SUMMARY - The Story
Trust me, there is actually a plot to this.
The six "heroes" who defeated Ultimecia are asked by the Congress to be the lead "attractions" for the new league, the world's new "superstars".
While girls are not forbidden from participating, Quistis Trepe, Selphie Tilmitt, and Rinoa Heartilly decline the Congress' request to play. Irvine Kinneas and Zell Dincht immediately jump at the opportunity, but Balamb Garden's Commander, Squall Leonhart, remains unconvinced.
Squall has chosen to focus on his dual roles of Commander and Sorceress' Knight. Having lived with him since the Ultimecia battle, Rinoa has managed to crack the surface of his "shell", but he is still mostly the same Squall Leonhart.
However, when Rinoa becomes the owner of the Timber team and hires an old rival to play for her, Squall is unable to resist the challenge.
With the "distraction" that the new sport has provided, a secret Estharian cult of "purists" has gone relatively unnoticed. They are after the elimination of the "abomination" that is the Global Congress...and the elimination of Sorceress Rinoa.
While the game of football and lots of wild humor provide the backdrop, this is a story of love, fame, and realizing one's highest priorities. Will the world's "heroes" immerse themselves too far into a simple game? Can they keep their on-the-field lives separate from their off-the-field lives? Will the Estharian cult be able to rip apart the fragile world peace?
It is another voyage of self-discovery, especially for Squall Leonhart, who must learn to further open his heart and see beyond the rigid world of duty and responsbility, not only for Rinoa's sake...but also for his own.
I've rated the story PG-13 for violence (Not just on the football field) and language.
Romance pairings include lots of Squall and Rinoa and the phasing in of Selphie and Irvine. Not sure if you'll see Quistis and Seifer get together...but anything's possible.
The Eight Teams of the GHFL
Balamb Cadets
Home Stadium: Balamb
GardenField
Capacity: 27,500
Galbadia Wendigos
Home Stadium: The Vinzer Deling
Metrodome
Capacity: 45,800
Trabia Snow Lions
Home Stadium: Trabia Memorial
Stadium
Capacity: 26,250
Esthar Hexadragons
Home Stadium: Esthar Stadium at Tears
Point
Capacity: 51,540
Timber Forest Owls
Home Stadium: Timber Maniacs Field
(Special Fan Section called "The Owls' Nest" behind the south
endzone)
Capacity: 38,750
Centra Cactuars
Home Stadium: The Cactuar
Dome
Capacity: 33,000
Winhill Chicobos
Home Stadium: Raine Loire Memorial
Park
Capacity: 19,800
Dollet Anacondaurs
Home Stadium: Dollet
Colisseum
Capacity: 32,600
The playoff champion wins "The Eden Bowl Trophy", a football on a pedestal with Eden's image engraved into the center of the ball.
The regular season champion wins "The Laguna Loire Trophy", a circle engraved with the logos of Timber Maniacs and the nation of Esthar on top of a small pedestal.
Expect the madness to begin in the next few days. There will be serious parts at certain points, but this is a comedy. You will laugh. A lot. I promise.