Timeless Legacy

Did I mention?

The cheerleaders, led by Audrey, performed with all their energy as the teams clashed on the field. The commentator's voice boomed through the stadium, "The teams get into their huddles and take up positions along the kill zone. Akiho! The Dragoneers have been laying down a withering hail of fire."

The coach's eyes landed on Jay. "You're up."

Jay stood, glancing at Carlos, who shook his head nervously. "Coach, how about my buddy here?" Jay suggested.

The coach hesitated. "Oh, no. Not so sure about that."

"Coach, he's been practicing," Jay argued.

Carlos, clearly anxious, tried to interject, "Jay..." but Jay was determined. "And you said yourself a team is made up of a bunch of parts."

"Jay, I'm not that good," Carlos insisted, but Jay wouldn't hear it.

"Well, he's kind of like my brain," Jay quipped with a grin.

The coach sighed, resigning to the idea. "Come here! You heard him. Get out there!"

"Don't worry, bro. I got your back," Jay said, patting Carlos on the back.

Carlos, still nervous, muttered, "How about my front?"

"Pfft. Get out there," Jay laughed, giving Carlos a playful shove onto the field.

Announcer: "He's bringing that hothead Jay in from the Isle of the Lost, and that little guy Carlos can barely hold a shield. As they break from their huddles, this is going to be a big moment here. And the tipoff is ready. Here we go. Long pass goes to Jay. Jay dishes off to Prince Ben. Nice little block by Carlos. He does a little dancing jig in his opponent's face. And now Jay gets the ball back. Here comes Jay! Jay, hurdling maneuver at midfield."

The game intensified, every move electrifying the crowd.

"Jay makes a nice pass to Prince Ben through the kill zone. Big block by Chad! Prince Ben moves over wide, gives it back to Jay. He's in the clear! Shot! Oh, what a save by Philip, the Falcons' goalkeeper!" The crowd held its breath.

"23 seconds left. You could cut the tension with a sword. The long ball is played into Jay. Jay, great jump, great leap. And a great move by Jay. Big block from Chad. Jay dishes off to Prince Ben. And then Carlos with a big block, goes down. Jay through the kill zone, picks up Carlos. Oh, he's being hammered by dragon fire. Still, going on. Jay, hurdling maneuver at midfield. He's in the clear. The ball goes back to Jay." The commentator's voice was thick with excitement.

"He passes to Prince Ben. He scores! Prince Ben has won it! What an unselfish play by Jay! What a team! Incredible! And it's the new guys, Jay and Carlos, who set up the prince for the win here. What a victory! An absolutely wonderful end to one of the best games ever. Here they come, folks, the winners of the first tourn..." The crowd erupted, everyone cheering, hugging, and celebrating the victory. Even Mal, Evie, and Elina, who had been watching from the stands, screamed out in joy.

Ben took the microphone from the commentator, catching everyone's attention. "Excuse me. Excuse me. Can I have your attention, please?" The crowd fell silent, eyes fixed on Ben.

"There's something I'd like to say. Give me an 'M'!" Ben called out.

The cheerleaders and football players responded, "M!"

Ben continued, "Give me an 'A'!"

They echoed, "A!"

"Give me an 'L'!" Ben shouted into the mic.

Mal's eyes widened as she realized what was happening. Ben's smile grew wider. "What does that spell?"

"Mal!" The crowd screamed, turning their eyes to her. Audrey stood in shock.