2 Minute Warning
Hello everyone, honestly if I knew I was going to be this comfortable with throwing out one shot I would have started doing it a long time ago. These reviews help out a lot and inspire me to keep going. Also I have continued writing for Rejected Alliance and hope to get the next chapter out within the next week. Sports are incredible to write about because they really teach the writers how to be specific. With that being said here is my next one shot, Enjoy!
Ash Ketchum walked down the bustling corridors of Pallet High School with a sense of nervous excitement. Having just moved from the small town of Little Root, this was his first day at a much larger school. He'd heard about the Pallet High football team the Pallet Crushers and their storied legacy, and as someone who had always admired the game from afar, Ash was eager to try out for the team.
"Hey, you look lost," came a friendly voice. Ash turned to see a tanned boy with spiky brown hair and a wide grin.
"Uh, yeah. First day," Ash replied, scratching the back of his head.
"No worries. I'm Brock, by the way," the boy said, extending a hand.
"Ash. Nice to meet you," Ash said, shaking his hand.
"You heading to the gym?" Brock asked, noting the athletic wear Ash was carrying.
"Yeah, thinking of trying out for the football team," Ash admitted.
Brock's eyes lit up. "That's awesome! I'm on the team. We could always use some fresh talent. Come on, I'll show you the way." As they walked, Brock filled Ash in on the team's recent history. The Pallet High Crushers had a reputation for being one of the top teams in the region, but they were in a rebuilding phase after several key players graduated.
When they reached the gym, Ash was greeted by the sight of a bustling practice session. The team moved with precision and energy, and the coach, a tall man with a booming voice, was shouting instructions.
"That's Coach Oak," Brock said. "He's tough but fair. If you've got the skills and the heart, he'll notice."
Ash nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. He spotted an equipment manager and asked where he could find the tryout forms. The manager pointed him towards a table at the side of the gym.
As Ash filled out his form, a girl with auburn hair tied in a ponytail and bright blue eyes approached the table. She was wearing a cheerleader's uniform and had an air of confidence about her.
"Hi there, new guy. Trying out for the team?" she asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I am. I'm Ash," he said, returning her smile.
"I'm May. Good luck out there. The team's tough, but if you've got what it takes, you'll fit right in," she said encouragingly.
"Thanks, May. I'll do my best," Ash said, feeling a little more at ease.
With his form submitted, Ash joined the line of hopefuls waiting for their turn to impress the coach. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the challenge ahead. This was his chance to prove himself and to start a new chapter in his life.
Tryouts began with a series of drills designed to test agility, speed, and coordination. Ash pushed himself hard, determined to stand out. He sprinted through cones, caught passes, and demonstrated his footwork. During his tryout he got the opportunity to test out his accuracy, the drill was to throw the football at three different targets to determine how accurate each player can be.
Ash knew that this was his moment to shine. He set his feet inside of the pocket and threw three consecutive bullet passes which hit every target right in the middle. Despite the grueling pace, he found himself enjoying the challenge.
Coach Oak watched closely, taking notes and occasionally barking out instructions. When it was Ash's turn to read a route and throw a pass, he focused intently. As the ball soared through the air, Gary sprinted forward, leaped, and caught it cleanly, landing with a flourish.
"Nice throw, Ketchum!" Coach Oak called out. Ash beamed with pride.
After a series of drills, the coach gathered everyone for scrimmage games. Ash was placed on a team with Brock and several other varsity players. The game was intense, with everyone eager to prove their worth.
Ash, who was subbed in playing as quarterback, quickly noticed how Brock was always open. With that information he got under center and yelled ¨HIKE¨. He threw a pass to Brock who was playing at the tight end position, he dodged an opposing player and sprinted down the field. With a burst of speed, Brock made it to the end zone, scoring a touchdown.
"What a read! Way to go, Ash!" Brock cheered.
Ash grinned, his confidence soaring. He had always loved sports, but football was different. The teamwork, the strategy, and the sheer adrenaline rush of making a play were exhilarating.
As the tryouts wrapped up, Coach Oak called everyone over. "Good effort today, everyone. We'll post the results tomorrow. Be sure to check the board outside my office."
Ash felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He had given it his all, but he knew the competition was fierce. As he left the field, he spotted May talking with some of her fellow cheerleaders.
"Hey, Ash!" she called out, waving him over.
"Hey, May. How'd I do?" he asked, hoping for some reassurance.
"You were amazing out there! I'm sure you'll make the team," she said with a warm smile.
"Thanks, May. That means a lot," Ash said, feeling his spirits lift.
"Well, I'll see you around. And good luck!" she said, giving him a playful wink before heading off with her friends.
As Ash walked home, he couldn't help but think about May. There was something about her that made him feel at ease, and he hoped they'd get to know each other better.
The next day, Ash arrived at school early, eager to see the results. A crowd had already gathered around the bulletin board outside Coach Oak's office. Pushing his way through, Ash scanned the list of names.
There it was: "Ash Ketchum."
He had made the team! A surge of excitement rushed through him. This was the start of something big.
"Congrats, Ash!" Brock said, clapping him on the back.
"Thanks, Brock. I couldn't have done it without your support," Ash replied, grateful for his new friend.
"Now the real work begins," Brock said with a grin. "Practice after school today. Be ready."
As the school day went on, Ash found it hard to concentrate. His mind kept drifting to football and the new opportunities ahead. At lunch, he sat with Brock and some other teammates, quickly feeling like part of the group.
In the afternoon, he spotted May in the hallway. She waved and walked over.
"Congrats on making the team, Ash! I knew you could do it," she said, her eyes sparkling.
"Thanks, May. It feels great," he said, trying to play it cool.
"You should come to the victory dance this Friday. It's going to be a blast," she said.
"I'd love to," Ash said, feeling a flutter of excitement.
"Great! See you there," she said with a smile before heading to her next class.
As the final bell rang, Ash headed to the locker room to change for practice. The team gathered on the field, and Coach Oak began by outlining their training regimen.
"We've got a lot of potential here, but we need to work hard to bring it out. Gary aka my son here will be switching from Quarterback to Wide Receiver for this season. So there is a spot available for anyone who is interested. If you have any questions he will be available to help get the proper answers when needed! Okay, let's start with some basic drills to build our foundation," Coach Oak instructed.
After an intense workout that involved stadiums and a lot of pushups it was now time for Ash to prove that he has what it takes to be the starting QB.
Ash took a deep breath and stepped up to the line of scrimmage. His heart pounded in his chest as he surveyed the field, trying to remember everything he had learned about reading defenses and making the right play. But as soon as he took the snap, his nerves got the better of him, and his throw sailed the hands of Brock.
"Nice try, Ketchum, but you've got to be more accurate than that!" called out Gary Oak, the former star quarterback of the team, as he jogged over to Ash's side.
Ash felt a pang of embarrassment as Gary approached him. He had always looked up to Gary, admiring his skill and leadership on the field. Now, here he was, struggling to even complete a pass in front of him.
"Don't worry about it, kid," Gary said, clapping Ash on the shoulder. "Everyone's gotta start somewhere. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep improving."
"Here, let me show you something," Gary said, gesturing for Ash to follow him to the sideline.
As they walked, Gary began to explain the finer points of quarterbacking, from reading the defense to making quick decisions under pressure. He demonstrated proper throwing technique and footwork, offering Ash pointers on how to improve his accuracy and timing.
"Remember, it's not just about throwing the ball as hard as you can," Gary said, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder. "It's about making smart decisions and leading your team to victory. You've got the potential, kid, you just need to believe in yourself."
With Gary's guidance, Ash returned to the field with renewed confidence. He took the next snap, his mind clear and focused on the task at hand. This time, when he released the ball, it flew true, finding its mark in the hands of Brock.
"Nice throw, Ketchum!" called out coach Oak, a hint of approval in his voice.
Ash grinned, feeling a swell of pride in his chest. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but with Gary's advice and encouragement, he was ready to take on the challenge. As he lined up for the next play, he knew that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, he would always remember the lessons he had learned on this field, and the mentor who had helped him become the quarterback he was meant to be.
After practice, Ash felt exhausted but exhilarated. As he packed up his gear, Brock walked over.
"You did great today, Ash. Keep it up, and you'll be a key player in no time," Brock said.
"Thanks, Brock. I'm just glad to be part of the team," Ash replied.
As Ash walked home, he thought about the victory dance on Friday and the possibilities ahead. He was determined to make the most of this new chapter in his life, both on and off the field.
The week flew by in a blur of classes and football practice. Ash quickly settled into a routine, balancing his schoolwork with the demands of the team. Each day, he felt himself growing stronger and more confident.
Friday finally arrived, and with it, the much-anticipated victory dance. Ash stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his tie and trying to tame his unruly hair. He felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This was his first big social event at Pallet High, and he wanted to make a good impression.
"Looking sharp, Ash," his mom said from the doorway, smiling proudly.
"Thanks, Mom," Ash said, giving her a quick hug before heading out the door.
The gym had been transformed into a vibrant dance floor, complete with colorful lights and a DJ playing upbeat music. As Ash entered, he scanned the room for familiar faces. He spotted Brock, Gary, and some of his teammates near the refreshments table and made his way over.
"Hey, Ash! Glad you could make it," Brock said, handing him a cup of punch.
"Wouldn't miss it," Ash replied, taking a sip.
"How's that arm feeling, you sore yet? Gary asked lightly, punching Ash in the arm to show he was playing around.
¨No, no soreness yet, as long as I keep exercising it I won't have to worry about the pain.¨ Ash chuckled awkwardly.
As they chatted, Ash couldn't help but glance around the room, searching for May. Finally, he saw her, looking stunning in a blue dress that matched her eyes. She was talking with some friends, but when she noticed Ash, she smiled and waved.
"Excuse me for a moment," Ash said to the guys, making his way over to May.
"Hey, May. You look amazing," he said, feeling a little tongue-tied.
"Thanks, Ash. You clean up pretty well yourself," she said with a playful wink.
"Would you like to dance?" Ash asked, mustering his courage.
"I'd love to," she replied, taking his hand.
As they moved to the dance floor, Ash felt his nerves melt away. The music was lively, and May's energy was infectious. They laughed and danced, enjoying the moment. Ash couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun.
During the song Baby Blue by George Strait, they moved closer, and Ash felt a sense of connection with May that he hadn't experienced before.
"I'm really glad you came tonight," May said softly.
"Me too," Ash replied, looking into her eyes.
As the night went on, Ash and May found a quiet corner to sit and talk. They shared stories about their lives, their dreams, and their passions. Ash learned that May was an aspiring photographer with a love for adventure, while May discovered Ash's deep love for football and his determination to succeed.
By the end of the night, Ash felt like he had made a real friend, and maybe something more. As they said their goodbyes, May gave him a quick hug.
"See you at school, Ash. And good luck with the game tomorrow," she said.
"Thanks, May. See you soon," Ash replied, his heart feeling light.
Saturday night arrived, and with it, the first game of the season. The team gathered in the locker room, the air thick with anticipation and nerves. Coach Oak stood before them, his expression serious.
"Today's the day we show everyone what we're made of. You've all worked hard, and now it's time to bring that effort to the field. Ketchum, you're starting today so that means everybody has to play with heart, play with passion, and most importantly, play as a team," Coach Oak said, his voice steady and confident.
Ash felt a surge of determination. He looked around at his teammates, feeling a strong sense of camaraderie. They were in this together, and he was ready to give it his all.
As they ran out onto the field, the roar of the crowd filled Ash's ears. The bleachers were packed with students, parents, and fans, all cheering for the Crushers. Ash spotted May in the stands, her bright smile giving him an extra boost of confidence.
"Ash, you ready for this?" came a voice from behind. Ash turned to see Brock, his best friend and the team's star tight end, approaching.
"Yeah, Brock. I think I am," Ash replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
Gary suddenly walked up to Ash giving him one final pep talk before his first start. "Alright, Ash, this is it. Trust in your players, this is your first test to see if you have what it takes to lead this team, and remember what we've practiced. Ash, lead us to victory."
Ash nodded, feeling the weight of his responsibility. The coin toss was made, and Pallet Town won. They chose to receive. The kickoff soared through the air, and the game began.
The first few plays were tough. The Bulldogs' defense was relentless, and Ash struggled to find his rhythm. But with each down, he grew more confident. On a crucial third down, he saw an opening.
As they lined up at the line of scrimmage, Ash scanned the opposing team's defense. He saw an opening and called the play. "White 80! White 80! Hut, hut!"
The ball was snapped, and time seemed to slow. Ash dropped back, his eyes darting between his options. Brock broke free from the defensive end, sprinting across the field, his hands ready. At the same time, Gary dashed down the sideline, his speed unmatched.
Ash saw his chance. He faked a pass to Brock, causing the defense to shift slightly, then launched the ball towards Gary. The spiral cut through the air like a dart. Gary leapt, catching the ball with perfect form, and sprinted towards the end zone. The crowd erupted as Gary crossed the goal line for a touchdown.
As the team celebrated their victory, Ash looked in the cheer leading section and saw May cheering loudly. She caught his eye and yelled into the megaphone. Her face had the number 14 on it which resembled Ash´s jersey, he pointed at her signaling that his very first touchdown pass was dedicated to her.
Ash pumped his fist in the air, running to Gary and slapping him on the back. "Great catch, Gary!"
Gary smirked. "Nice pass, Ash. Keep it up."
The next few drives saw Ash and the crushers pushing their limits. Brock proved to be an indomitable force, catching every pass thrown his way and bulldozing through defenders. On a crucial third down, Ash found himself under pressure from the blitz. He rolled out to his right, evading a sack, and spotted Brock cutting across the middle. With a quick flick of his wrist, he sent the ball spiraling towards his tight end. Brock caught it in stride, powering his way through two defenders to pick up the first down.
By the end of the first half, the scoreboard read 21-21. A close game going into the second half. Ash had thrown for two touchdowns and run for one himself, showcasing his versatility and determination. As the team headed to the locker room, the crowd's cheers followed them, a testament to their electrifying performance
The second half had begun and Ash was ready to close out this game.
Ash's heart pounded. He had always dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here, the very first game of the season, the pressure felt immense. He glanced over at Brock, who gave him a thumbs-up. Gary, who has had an incredible game so far smirked confidently.
"You better not mess this up, Ketchum," Gary teased with a hint of humor in his voice.
Ash nodded, strapping on his helmet and jogging onto the field. The roar of the crowd grew louder, a mix of cheers and anxious worry.
The offense huddled up, and Ash took a deep breath. "Alright, guys. Let's start with a simple play. Brock, I want you to run a short curl route. Gary, go deep. Let's catch them off guard."
The team broke the huddle and lined up. Ash scanned the defense, trying to read their formation. The ball was snapped, and he dropped back, his eyes darting between Brock and Gary. The defenders seemed to swarm, but Ash spotted a gap and launched the ball toward Gary streaking down the sideline.
Gary leaped, making a spectacular catch and bringing the crowd to their feet. It was a huge gain, and the momentum began to shift.
"Nice throw, Ash!" Brock called as they lined up for the next play.
Ash grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. They moved down the field with a series of quick passes and runs, finally reaching the red zone. On third and goal, Ash called Brock's number.
"Brock, I need you to get open in the end zone. Gary, draw the coverage away."
The ball was snapped, and Ash rolled to his right, eyes locked on Brock. Brock shoved through his defender and found a pocket of space. Ash fired the ball near the sidelines, and Brock made an off balance catch making sure both feet were behind the line for the touchdown. The stadium erupted in cheers.
After getting a defensive stop that was needed. The crowd was electric as Ash Ketchum stepped back onto the field, the scoreboard glaring down at him with an unforgiving 35-34. Two minutes on the clock. The weight of Pallet Town High's first game of the season rested on his shoulders. He took a deep breath, clutching the football tightly understanding how important this moment truly was,
The game intensified as the minutes ticked by. The Crushers were down, and both teams fought fiercely for control. May started losing her voice due to her loud cheering, but she didn't let up. She knew how much this meant to Ash, and she was determined to give him every ounce of support she had.
Coach Oak's voice echoed in Ash's ears. "Keep calm, Ketchum. Use your head, play smart. You've got this."
Ash nodded, scanning the defense. Him and Gary had practiced this scenario countless times, but this was different. This was real.
"Blue 42, Blue 42, set, hut!"
The ball snapped into his hands. Ash dropped back, eyes darting across the field. The defense surged forward, but his offensive line held firm. Brock charged down the middle, muscles straining as he fought off defenders. Gary sprinted down the sideline, his speed and agility leaving the cornerback trailing behind.
Ash's eyes locked onto Gary. He saw the opening, a brief window of opportunity. He planted his feet and released the ball, a perfect spiral cutting through the air. Gary's eyes widened, arms outstretched as he leaped, fingers grazing the ball before pulling it in. He landed gracefully, quickly cutting inside to evade the safety.
The crowd roared, but there was no time to celebrate. The clock was ticking. 1:30 remaining.
"Hurry up, let's go!" Ash yelled, rallying his team to the line of scrimmage. He glanced at Brock, who gave a reassuring nod. They had one chance to make this work.
"Red 80, Red 80, set, hut!"
The snap was clean, and Ash immediately faked a handoff to their running back, hoping to freeze the linebackers for a split second. Brock powered through the middle, turning to look for the pass. Ash rolled out to his right, scanning the field. The defense was closing in, but he spotted Brock, wide open in the center.
Ash fired the ball, hitting Brock in stride. Brock bulldozed forward, breaking tackles with little effort. He pushed ahead, finally brought down at the 30-yard line. The clock showed 0:55.
They scrambled to line up again, no timeouts left.
"Let's go, let's go!" Ash urged, his heart pounding. He saw the determination in Brock's eyes, the fire in Gary's. They were ready.
"Green 19, Green 19, set, hut!"
Ash took the snap and dropped back. The pocket collapsed almost immediately, but he stayed calm, eyes focused downfield. He saw Gary streaking towards the end zone, a defender hot on his heels. Ash pumped once, then released a high, arcing throw.
Time seemed to slow as the ball soared through the air. Gary tracked it, his body twisting as he leaped, reaching up with one hand. He snagged the ball, pulling it to his chest as he crashed into the end zone.
¨Touchdown!¨ was echoed all over the stadium by the announcer.
As the final seconds ticked away, Ash looked at Brock and Gary, a grin spreading across his face. "We did it, guys. We really did it."
Brock clapped him on the back, his usual stoic expression softened by a proud smile. "You led us, Ash. You kept your cool and made the plays."
The stadium erupted in cheers. Ash's teammates swarmed him, celebrating the goal that had put them in the lead. May jumped up and down, her joy overwhelming. She led the cheerleaders in their most spirited routine yet, their voices ringing out in triumph.
"Ash Ketchum, he's the best! Better than all the rest!" they chanted.
The final whistle blew, and the game was over. Ash's team had won their first game. The players hugged and high-fived, their faces beaming with happiness. Ash looked up at the cheerleaders and saw May running towards the field, her smile brighter than ever.
He met her halfway, and she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. "You did it, Ash! You were amazing!"
Ash grinned, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you, May. Your cheers kept me going."
May blushed, as she pulled Ash in for a congratulations kiss. "I'm so proud of you, Ash. You deserve this."
Their journey was just beginning, and the future was bright. Together, they were unstoppable, ready to take on the world and make their dreams come true.
5 Years Later
Ash Ketchum paced back and forth in his modest apartment, the weight of his impending decision pressing heavily on his shoulders. Just a few days ago, he had been a college quarterback dreaming of the NFL, and now, he had offers from multiple teams. It was everything he had ever wanted, but making the right choice felt overwhelming.
"May, what do you think?" Ash asked, turning to his close friend and confidante, May. She sat cross-legged on the couch, her bright eyes full of empathy and understanding.
"Well, Ash, it's not an easy decision, that's for sure," May replied, her voice calm and thoughtful. "But you have to think about what matters most to you. Is it the location, the team culture, the chance to start right away, or something else?"
Ash sighed, running a hand through his unruly hair. "I don't know. I mean, playing for the Pallet Town Chargers would be amazing. It's my hometown, and I know a lot of people there. But then, the Cerulean City Dolphins have an incredible coaching staff and a solid offensive line that could really help me develop."
May nodded, understanding his dilemma. "And don't forget about the Vermilion City Patriots. They've got a young, dynamic team that could be a great fit for your style of play."
Ash sat down beside her, his elbows resting on his knees. "I just want to make the right choice, you know? This is my career we're talking about. I don't want to mess it up."
May placed a comforting hand on his arm. "I get it, Ash. But remember, there's no perfect choice. Each team has its pros and cons. You just have to weigh them and figure out what feels right for you."
Ash looked into May's eyes, finding solace in her steady gaze. "How did you get so wise, May?"
She chuckled softly. "Years of watching you make tough decisions on the battlefield, I guess. You've always found a way to succeed, no matter what obstacles you face. I know you'll do the same here."
Ash smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, May. I guess I just need to trust myself, huh?"
"Exactly," she said, squeezing his arm gently. "And no matter what you choose, I'll be here to support you. Just like always."
Ash felt a surge of gratitude and affection for May. She had been by his side through so many adventures, and now, as he stood on the brink of a new journey, she was there once again, offering her unwavering support.
"Alright," Ash said, taking a deep breath. "Let's go through the options one more time. Together."
They spent the next few hours discussing each team's offer, weighing the pros and cons, and imagining what life might be like with each choice. With May's help, Ash began to see the decision more clearly, focusing on what truly mattered to him.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the apartment, Ash finally felt ready to make his choice. He looked at May, his heart full of gratitude and determination.
"May, I think I've made up my mind," he said, a confident smile spreading across his face.
May beamed back at him. "I knew you would, Ash. So, what's it going to be?"
Ash took a deep breath, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I'm going to sign with the Cerulean City Dolphins. Their coaching staff and offensive line will give me the best chance to grow as a quarterback. And I think it's the right fit for me."
May's smile widened, her eyes shining with pride. "I think that's a great choice, Ash. I know you're going to do amazing things there."
Ash stood up, pulling May into a tight hug. "Thanks, May. I couldn't have made this decision without you."
She hugged him back, feeling a sense of joy and excitement for her friend. "You're going to be an incredible NFL quarterback, Ash. I believe in you."
With his decision made and his best friend's support, Ash felt ready to take on the next chapter of his life. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew he could face them with confidence, knowing he had made the right choice.
This one shot was offically my longest one reaching at over 5,000 words. Hope you all enjoyed it, I am excited to continue pouring out ideas like these. Who knows maybe I will turn these one shots into longer versions. Thank you for reading/reviewing! Hope to see you all soon!