Pasio University: Sophomore and Junior Years

Chapter 91- The Final Battle Part 1

Brendan POV

The day is upon us. Pasio vs Mauville. The rematch in the international tournament final. I've been dreading this day for a while now. They've got everything it takes and more to destroy us in front of a record crowd. I decided to head downstairs and get some hotel breakfast with May. It's been a tiring year. But it's all over today, regardless of the result. And I'm thankful for that. May and I grabbed our breakfast and sat down at a table to eat. She looked at me, "So who do you think is gonna go in today? Probably not me." I shook my head, "My current thinking is Selene-Rosa-Ethan, backed up by Me Elio and Dawn." May scratched her head, "Interesting. What makes you think that?" I replied, "I picked the people who would be most needy for a win today. People I know who will give everything that they have, and that'll only be the beginning because they can't bear to lose this match. Selene, obviously. Rosa because Paulo always went out of his way to make her doubt herself. Ethan because he's been wanting to prove himself on the big stage. And of course Me and Elio and Dawn just have great chemistry. We'll make it work." May nodded, "That'll be interesting... Say, you don't think there's any way all of us not playing could help is there?" I shook my head, "If I think of something I'll let you know." I stared forward and took a deep breath, "You ready to go to the stadium?" May smiled and stood up, "Yep. Let's do this."

We walked down the streets that were packed with fans of both teams hand in hand. The supporters of each side were chanting fight songs for either team. I passed a gang of Pasio fans and they all recognized May and I and cheered for us. May decided to stop and sign a couple autographs for them too. She's the sweetest. We eventually cut through the massive crowd and made it to the locker room.

It's hard for me to describe the feeling of this. Going in to a match you want to win with every fiber of your being, but knowing that victory is more than likely out of reach. I sat there and hung my head while May hummed a light tune next to me. She eventually spoke, "So. You really don't think we can win?" I shook my head, "Not really." May leaned forward and put her hands under her chin, "Y'know. I think you should put more faith in your team." I sighed, "I wish I could-" May shook her head, "It's not about that. It's about knowing they're gonna give every last ounce to win this game. And you have to set the standard. If they see a captain that believes in them, even in front of insurmountable odds. They'll feel inspired, and they'll fight to win." I raised my eyebrows, "You're right. You're absolutely right. I've been doing it wrong... Goodness I'm such a failure as a captain." May stood up and scolded me, "Don't ever say that! You've done the best anyone could ask for! And you have a chance to cement yourself in history. You've given this team life, when nobody thought there was any." I smiled, "Maybe. But from now on. It's about war. We're gonna make them earn every point. Every second they're on that field is gonna be a nightmare." I heard the door creak open and Elio and Selene walked through.

Elio chuckled, "Sounds like a plan to me. They're gonna have to walk through fire to beat us." Selene nodded, "I will not let them win. They're gonna have to dang near kill me to get me off that field." I nodded, "Good. Because you're in the first lineup." Selene smirked, "Figured as much."

Eventually the whole team filed in. They were all sitting there nervously. Lots of feet tapping, but silence besides that. I walked over to Kris and sat by her, "How you feeling Kris?" She shook her head, "You guys have done everything to prepare. I've helped in any way I can. But this is so scary. I'm probably not even playing." I shook my head, "I definitely thought about putting you in. You're really good. But if you wouldn't mind still playing a support role I'd appreciate it." Kris smiled, "I'll make sure to do the best I can." I smiled back, "Thank you." I walked over to Elio next who was sitting and mashing his fist in to his hand as he usually does before a big game. I looked at him, "Would you like to make the speech with me?" He looked up, "Would you mind?" I shook my head, "That's why I asked." Elio and I stood in front of the team and I clasped my hands.