A Sunset Within The Darkness

by Joshua the Dragonslayer

Rating: everyone
Tags: Alternate Universe, Human, Romance, Rarity (EqG), Thriller, Original Character, Equestria Girls, Flash Sentry, Sunset Shimmer, Bulk Biceps, Slice of Life
Length: 47010

A Sunset x Y/N story

After leaving his old school due to personal reasons, Y/N has come to Canterlot High School for a fresh new start. Here he'll make the friends he's dreamed of having, good classmates, meet a cute girl and falls hard for her, and... somehow finds himself being the Quarterback for the Canterlot High School football team? Will Y/N be able to handle the new school atmosphere and classes and also be able to juggle leading his team to the top? Or will Y/N's dark past haunt him as he falls under all the pressure?

A basic High School romance story... or is it all that basic?

Published 2023-02-25 22:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-12-09 18:43:33 UTC

1. A New Beginning! Canterlot High School!

From having to leave one school for another is always a big change. For Y/N he was forced to move, not out of his choice but because he had been forced to leave Crystal Prep Academy. Long story short Y/N had gotten into it with the wrong people and after months of constant bullying, he had to leave for his safety. So now here he was, riding in the back of his parent's car heading to his cousin's house. With no other choice, Y/N's parents decided it would be best for Y/N to go to Canterlot High School with his cousin. However it came with a cost, Y/N would have no choice but to live away from his parents and live with his cousin.

Y/N's mom looked at him through the side view mirror. "We're coming up to your cousins' house, make sure when you get out you have everything with you." Y/N sighed as he looked out the window. "I'm sorry honey, I know this isn't what you wanted but it was our only option. Plus you love your cousin, living with them for a little bit won't be all that bad."

'Love wouldn't be the word I would use to describe my relationship with my cousin but close enough Mom.' Picking up his things Y/N started to get prepared to get out of the car. "Yeah, it's just going to suck being away from you guys. I'm going to miss you two a lot."

"We're going to miss you too Champ." Y/N's dad said as he pulled into Y/N's cousin's driveway. "But it's for the best, and on the plus side you can call me or your mother whenever you're feeling homesick."

Opening the door to his side Y/N got out of the car with his luggage. "Yeah, I'll be sure to call daily." As he closed the door to the car and started making his way to the front door of the house he stopped and turned around. "Mom, Dad, I love you, I'll miss you guys."

"Love you too son." Both of Y/N's parents said. And just like that Y/N's father backed up from the driveway and back to their home but not before driving by and waving goodbye to him one last time as Y/N waved back with a smile on his face.

Turning back to the house Y/N sighed. "Well, I'm on my own from this point on." Walking to the door, Y/N rang the doorbell and waited for someone to get answer the door. Just then Y/N heard the sound of walking toward the door, the lock of the door could be heard being undone as the door then opened showing Y/N's cousin.

"Y/N, darling!" As soon as Y/N's cousin, Rarity, saw him she hugged him tightly. "It's been so long since we last saw each other, you've gotten so tall and quite charming."

Y/N smiled and hugged her back. "It's nice to see you too Rarity. We've got some catching up to do." Y/N said as the two made their way inside the house.

After the two cousins got reacquainted and after Rarity had made some lunch for the two of them she then had a bright idea. "Well, Y/N since you don't start school until tomorrow why don't I take you over to Canterlot High and show you around to get you familiar with your new surroundings?"

Y/N thought about it, it would be good to have a clue about the school and where some classes were. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."

Rarity smiled and nodded her head. "Very well then, let's go." Y/N nodded as the two cousins then got up and left Rarity's house and headed off to Canterlot High. Thankful for them, Rarity's house wasn't that far from Canterlot so it was a quick walk away.

When the two made their way to Canterlot, Y/N was surprised to see how amazing Canterlot looked. "Impressive, right? Canterlot High is the best, you're going to love it here. Oh! Tomorrow I could introduce you to my friends and you can have lunch with us, I'm sure they won't mind an extra person."

"That sounds like fun, I'd love to meet your friends." Looking at the school one more time Y/N couldn't help but feel excited for his next school life to begin. "Well, how about we begin that tour I was told I would be given."

Smiling, Rarity and Y/N made their way into the school. "I'll show you all the important parts of the school and where your classes will be so you won't be lost on your first day."

"Sounds good to me, now lead the way tour guide." Rarity let out a small laugh as she then started showing you around the school.

To say Y/N was impressed would be an understatement. Unlike Crystal Prep, Canterlot High seemed so much more... colorful. At Crystal Prep it was to be the best and do the best, no one was kind and everyone only cared about themselves, and then how could Y/N forget about the bullying... but that was all in the past now. Canterlot seemed much livelier than Crystal Prep would ever be, and since Y/N would be going to school with his cousin and her friends. Maybe, just maybe, Y/N would actually be able to have friends and enjoy his time at school.

Thanks to the help of Rarity she showed Y/N around the school, along with where all of his classes would be and where the two of them would meet up at lunchtime or during breaks. "And that Y/N is all of Canterlot High for you, I do hope you'll like it here."

"Trust me, if what you've told me about how things are over here. I might not ever want to leave, this place seems ten times better than Crystal Prep. But... I do hope the people who go here are just as nice as you and your friends." Y/N looked down at the ground thinking about his past at Crystal Prep.

Life at Crystal Prep could only be described as hell. Principal Cinch only wanted the best from her students, nothing less than perfection. The kids were rude and only wanted what was best for them, they were snobby, fakes, and all in all, total narcissists. There was no such thing as school spirit or friendship, friendship was something that Y/N had never felt. Y/N never even talked to his schoolmates unless he absolutely had to, other than that Y/N was on his own when at school.

And to make matters worse there was the biggest bully in all of Crystal Prep. Everyone was scared of him, he was known as the "King of Crystal Prep" and was also the Quarterback of the Shadowbolts football team. No one dared stand in front of him or get on his bad side or they would be in a load of misery. His name was Sundrop, a tall male figure with orange and red hair. He stood above everyone and was on top of the school for not only his grades but also his athletic ability. But most importantly he was Principal Cinch's star pupil, out of everyone he was treated with the most respect out of everyone. He also got away with a lot as well, which meant that he got away with bullying anyone he deemed worth torturing.

Y/N was his biggest target, however, every day at least once or twice Sundrop would do something to Y/N. Thinking back to everything Sundrop did to him made Y/N mad, mad at himself that he wasn't strong enough to stand up for himself or for everyone else at Crystal Prep that was also being bullied by Sundrop. The bullying became so intense that... the incident happened and Y/N was forced to leave there and come to Canterlot.

'It was all his fault...' Y/N tightened his fist. 'I never want to go through that pain ever again!'

"Y/N, darling?" Y/N snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Rarity who was staring at Y/N with a concerned expression. "You've been standing there for quite a while, I've been trying to talk to you."

"Sorry, I was just... thinking about some old memories." Y/N then looked at Rarity and smiled. "So what was it that you were trying to tell me?"

Rarity looked back at Y/N and smiled, as she put a hand on his shoulder. "I was telling you that I can promise that the people who go here are way nicer, and if anyone were to give you any trouble then you could go to Principal Celestia, she's the best when it comes to dealing with conflicts like that."

Y/N looked at his cousin and then smiled. "Trust me no one can be worse than Principal Cinch. I'm just glad to be far away from there. Plus, I have a good feeling that things are going to be just fine here. Man, I can't wait for school tomorrow!"

Rarity smiled at Y/N. "Well, I'm glad to hear that Y/N, now if you excuse me I need to use the ladies' room. You can wait at the front of the school and I'll catch up."

Rolling his eyes Y/N started to make his way toward the front of the school. "You got it, just don't take too long."

Upon arriving outside Y/N began his who knows how long wait for his cousin. As time went by Y/N got bored and started to mess around with his phone to kill some time. While he was waiting however Y/N heard some sounds from nearby, being curious he followed where the sounds were coming from. On a football field, a bunch of boys were doing some practice, running around the track, blocking one another, and running some routes. Y/N watched as a white-skinned bulky kid who was ginormous in size stood waiting to throw the football at a pale-skinned blue-haired boy.

Y/N watched waiting to see how things would turn out, however when it came to throwing the ball... the ball was completely overthrown. The ball shot in the air like a rocket and landed right next to Y/N. 'He has the arm but he doesn't know how to control it.'

"Hey, kid you mind tossing that over to us!" Y/N looked over to see what he guessed was the coach with his hand in the air as everyone else wanted Y/N to throw the ball. Not wanting to waste their time Y/N cranked his arm back and threw the football, the ball flew high into the into with a perfect spiral as it then accurately landed in the hands of the coach. The coach, along with the other kids looked at the ball with amazement and then back at Y/N. "Hey, kid! Come over here for a sec!" Y/N was confused for a second and then went over to where the others were.

Once when Y/N arrived in front of them he spoke. "Yes? Can I help you with something?"

"I'm the coach for the Wondercolts football team, the name's Iron Will, and you might just be the person I've been looking for." Iron Will then gave the football back to Y/N and turned him around to face the rest of the football team. "This here is the team for Canterlot High School. Now although our team is very good we've been in a situation when it comes to Quarterback, but with your arm, you could be the guy for the job! What's your name, kid?"

Y/N looked at the coach flabbergasted. "My name's Y/N, but... do you seriously want me to be the Quarterback for your team? I've never played football before. I don't know the first thing about it. All I know is what I've watched on TV."

Iron Will rolled his eyes. "As long as you do what I tell you to do you should be fine. Now I want you to throw a ball to our star Wide Receiver, Flash Sentry." The pale-skinned blue-haired boy walked forward. "Flash you will run a quick route and Y/N will pass it to you, got it?"

"No problem, Coach." Flash looked over at Y/N for a second and nodded his head with respect. He then got into place near the front of the fifteen-yard line and waited for Y/N's call. "Whenever you're ready."

Y/N nodded and got ready. "Hike!" As soon as making the call Flash took off doing his route he raced to the twenty-yard line and then quickly turned to his right. Seeing this Y/N quickly threw the ball that perfectly landed in Flash's hands. Y/N smiled and turned at the coach hoping he did well.

"A bit slow on reaction time but that can be worked out with practice, nonetheless a good job with the ball placement." Iron Will then picked up another ball and this time pointed at a person over at the fifty-yard line. "Now I want you to throw that ball over to where Bulk is. Think you can throw that far?"

"Hopefully." Cranking his arm back Y/N then threw the ball as hard as he could. The ball flew high into the air and came down exactly where Bulk was standing. "Wow, guess I could do it. I never knew I was able to do that." Y/N then turned to Coach Iron Will who had a big smile on his face.

"You young man have just passed my test." Iron Will stepped forward and put a hand on Y/N's shoulder. "Y/N, will you do be the honor and join the football team as our Quarterback? The football season starts in a week and we need a Quarterback quickly, what do you say?"

Y/N looked around at the team and then back at Coach Iron Will with a smile on his face. "Alright then, I'll join your team." The team cheered in joy as some even went up to Y/N to shake his hand and introduce themselves to them. As Y/N was talking with his new teammates his phone started to ring. When he checked to see who it was he realized it was Rarity, along with twelve missed texts. "Hey, sorry to run but I've got to go. But I'll see you all again tomorrow!" Y/N then started to make his way back to the front of the school to meet up with Rarity.

"Don't be late now, Y/N! Practice is after school at five sharp, don't be late now or I might have to reconsider you being on the team!" Coach Iron Will yelled out to Y/N.

Y/N nodded his head and waved goodbye. "Don't worry I won't!"

Y/N quickly made his way back to the front of the school where Rarity was waiting. "Y/N darling where were you? I told you to wait for me."

"Sorry, Rarity, I had a run-in with the football team. You won't believe what happened!" Rarity raised her eyebrow showing Y/N that she was interested and to keep going. "They want me to join their squad as their star Quarterback!"

Rarity smiled and clapped her hands in delight. "Oh how lovely, Y/N! That sounds like it'll be quite an enjoyment. You're already making friends and you haven't even started going here."

"Yeah." Y/N looked at Canterlot High one last time and smiled. "I think I'm going to like it here, a lot."

Rarity smiled. "Marvelous, now what do you say we go grab some dinner?"

Y/N looked at Rarity as his stomach then growled. "You read my mind!"

The two cousins laughed as they made their way back home. As they walked home Y/N was bouncing with excitement, ready for school tomorrow. 'I can't wait for tomorrow! Tomorrow is going to be the best!'

2. A Fresh New Start! Stepping Into The Future!

Waking up that morning Y/N woke up with a smile on his face and immediately started doing his morning routine. From doing his hair, brushing his teeth, and getting his stuff for school, Y/N was ready for his first day at his new school. Looking in the mirror, Y/N was making sure he looked his best. First impressions were important and he wanted to have a good lasting first impression on everyone at Canterlot High. 'I gotta make a good first impression... I don't want things happening like back at Crystal Prep.'

"Y/N, darling?" Y/N snapped out of his thoughts hearing his cousin's voice. "It's time to get going, we don't want to be late on your first day. It's especially unladylike for a woman to be late and I refuse to be late on your behalf!" Y/N laughed to himself after hearing his cousin. Even after all the time he had been away from her, Rarity was still the same old cousin Y/N remembered when they were little.

Looking at his reflection one last time to make sure he looked his best, Y/N nodded his head and walked out. "Coming Rarity!" Walking downstairs, Y/N noticed Rarity fixing her clothes, and Y/N rolled his eyes. "I'm here now."

Rarity turned around and smiled seeing her cousin. "Well hello there, Y/N. I do hope you're ready for your first day of school."

Y/N nodded his head and gave a small smile. "Yeah, let's get a move on." Rarity smiled and nodded as she walked over to grab her backpack. Y/N unlocked the door and held the door open for Rarity. "After you, m'lady."

Rarity laughed. "How couth of you, Y/N." Rarity walked out the door and Y/N closed and locked the door from behind. Closing the door from behind, the two cousins started making their way to Canterlot High.

Upon arriving at the school, Y/N couldn't help but look at the school again. It was just huge and bursting with life as it was the first time he saw it. Y/N looked around and looked at all the students around the front of the school either happily conversing with one another laughing or playing games with one another.

Walking up the stairs to get to the front door to the school Y/N noticed all the looks he was getting. Being that he was new, people probably realized that he was a new face in the school. 'Okay, Y/N. Just smile and look your best.' Surprisingly everyone was beating him to the chase and Y/N was getting waves and smiles from everyone he passed. Y/N was surprised, no one at Crystal Prep was like this, but the people here were so nice. Y/N happily smiled at everyone and gave a small wave to them. Everyone was so kind, and actually had expressions and weren't motionless zombies like at Crystal Prep. 'Yeah, I can get used to this.'

Rarity and Y/N walked up to a door and Rarity knocked on the door. "Principal Celestia? I brought the new student." Not having to wait long, the door opened, and out came a tall woman with rainbow-like hair. Y/N guessed that she was Principal Celestia, and unlike Principal Cinch, she looked like a very nice and kind woman. "This is Y/N, my dear cousin. He transferred from Crystal Prep, my parents should have sent you an email?"

Principal Celestia smiled and looked at Y/N. "Yes, Y/N. I know everything about you and the circumstances that occurred. I'm so sorry that happened to you, no one should have to go through that." Principal Celestia put her hand on Y/N's shoulder and smiled at him. "But I can promise you that I think you'll find our school setting more pleasant than the environment that you have to go through."

Y/N looked at Principal Celestia and smiled. "Yeah, thanks. I'm sure anywhere is better than that place." Celestia and Y/N looked at each other and smiled while Rarity smiled at them. However, her smile was anything but real. As she looked at Celestia and Y/N talking her mind started to wonder what exactly happened to her cousin.

'Y/N, what did happen to you in Crystal Prep, darling?' Rarity knew that Crystal Prep wasn't near as lively as Canterlot, but she wondered what had gone down that Y/N now had to live with her and be transferred over to Canterlot. Y/N hadn't mentioned anything and Rarity didn't want to ask anything that might make Y/N feel uncomfortable. However, Rarity was known for talking about all sorts of juicy drama that went down at school, love, and all the amount of tea. But even she knew when was the right time not to be noisy, especially since it was her cousin who had just moved in with her and was getting used to the new environment. 'Whatever happened to you darling I do hope that you know that you can talk to me about anything.'

"Rarity?" Rarity snapped out of her thoughts and looked to see Y/N and Celestia looking at her. "Principal Celestia gave me my schedule and told me everything that I need to know." Y/N gave Rarity his schedule and Rarity started to look at it. Luckily for the two cousins, they shared a bit of class with one another. "I'm going to get going to my first-period class, but I'll catch up with you later in third period."

Rarity smiled and waved. "Goodbye, Y/N. Have a fabulous first period!" Y/N smiled and waved goodbye as he started to make his way to his first period, History.

Upon arriving at his first class, Y/N found an open seat in the back and sat down. As Y/N put his backpack down and started taking out his supplies for class, someone took a seat next to him making Y/N look up. Looking at who sat next to him, Y/N was surprised to see that it was the kid from yesterday who caught his toss. Thinking back, if Y/N was correct, his name was Flash and he was a Wide Receiver for the football team.

Wanting to make a good impression, and get close with possibly one of his teammates, Y/N decided to greet him. "Hey, you're Flash, right?" Flash looked over at Y/N. "My name is Y/N, the guy from yesterday, the one who threw you the ball."

Flash looked at Y/N and smiled. "Yeah, I remember you, you're the one who might become our Quarterback." Flash put out his hand and Y/N shook it. "My name is Flash Sentry, the school's supposed star Wide Receiver. But with our lack of an actual capable Quarterback with the right qualities of being one, I haven't gotten to truly show my skills and talent at being a Wide Receiver. I mean, if we actually had a good Quarterback, I might finally have a good above two hundred yards at max."

Y/N nodded his head. "I heard. Seems like you guys have had trouble finding the right guy for the job. But surely last year you guys weren't as bad as you make it seem." Y/N watched as Flash took out his phone and pulled up an article and showed Y/N his phone.

Looking at the phone, Y/N started to read the article in his mind. 'Canterlot High miss the playoffs once again for the fifteenth year in a row after finishing their season 3-7. Their team's offense could get nothing started all season with their defense being the only thing that kept them in their games. Canterlot is one of those teams that have a key missing factor. They have young and speedy Wide Receivers, a good run game, a steady offensive, and defensive line, and one of the best defenses in the country. However, the weakest point in their team is the Quarterback position. Canterlot played three Quarterbacks for the season a first in their teams history. Flash Sentry, Bulk Biceps, and Spike Drake, all stepped up and played the role of team leader and unfortunately were only able to bring their team three wins. If Canterlot wants to ever go back to the playoffs and win a championship they will have to find a Quarterback who is capable of throwing the ball and shows great leadership.'

Y/N gave Flash back his phone and looked at him in surprise. "Wow, I had no idea."

Flash shrugged his shoulders. "We're kinda used to it." Flash looked over to his left where Bulk Biceps was sitting next to him. "Me, Bulk, and the others, along with the school are used to losing, as sad as it is. As much as we would like a winning record, we also want to win. The article is completely right, and it annoys us to death. We have a top-five defense in the country, and good offensive weapons, but with no good Quarterback, we can't explode like how Coach knows we can." Y/N looks at Flash and Bulk who look sad but look up at the front of the room to pay attention to class which was about to begin.

"You know, the football season is about to begin." Y/N turned his head and looked to see two girls talking with one another. One of the girls had blue skin and rainbow hair, Y/N didn't want to make any assumptions but with how she was leaning on her chair without a care in the world with a soccer ball by her side, she looked like a tomboy. The other girl had red and yellow hair and light amber skin, and wore a black leather jacket with two orange stripes on the sleeves, a teal dress with a yellow shirt, blue jeans, and black heeled boots that matched her jacket. Y/N blushed, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. "Do you think our football team will do any good this year?" The rainbow-haired girl asked the red and yellow-haired girl.

The red and yellow-haired girl looked at the rainbow-haired girl and rolled her eyes as she rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Rainbow everyone knows that our football team sucks!"

The rainbow-haired girl, who was now known as Rainbow just smiled. "I don't know, Sunset. Our team has amazing players and I heard from one of them that they might have just found a solid Quarterback for this season."

The girl who was now known as Sunset rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Yeah sure, whatever they say. Whoever their Quarterback is, he'll never be as great as my boyfriend Sundrop."

Y/N froze hearing that name and his eyes widened as he looked at Sunset in surprise. "Oh yeah, Sundrop." Y/N watched as Rainbow stared at Sunset. "How is he doing in Crystal Prep anyways? Being the Quarterback for a school like that has got to be an honor. Not only is he the Quarterback but he's also the smartest kid in Crystal Prep, you've got yourself a good one, Sunset."

Sunset smiled. "Yeah, he's the best boyfriend ever."

Y/N looked at Sunset, still in shock. 'How does she know Sundrop? Does she know what kind of person he is over at Crystal Prep? Maybe Rarity will know info on her, and then I can ask how the two of them meet and how she got with... him.'

"Good morning class, it's time we begin." Everyone turned their heads and faced the teacher. She was a middle-aged woman that looked like she was in her thirties. She had dark pink hair and wore a green dress. Y/N looked away from Sunset, not wanting to get caught by her, and looked up front to pay attention to the teacher. As he paid attention, Y/N wondered what his first day at Canterlot would be like.

Y/N entered the cafeteria and grabbed his lunch. He decided to go with a slice of pizza and an apple along with some water he had in his water bottle. Looking around, Y/N found his cousin in line getting her food. Still wanting to get answers from earlier, Y/N made his way over to Rarity.

Rarity who was in line noticed Y/N walking over to her and smiled. "Why hello there, Y/N. I hope that your day has been going good. Classes going well?"

"Hey, Rarity. My day's been pretty good, thanks. Classes have been going pretty easy actually, everything we've gone over has been reviewed for me so far." Y/N wasn't lying, Crystal Prep's lessons were far more intense. So intense that Y/N was sure that Crystal Prep was teaching a few college classes. Coming to Canterlot was a bit of a break from all the hard studies he was used to having. "Hey so, I've got to talk to you about something. You mind if we find a spot and talk to each other... privately?"

Rarity looked at Y/N confused but nodded her head. "Of course, darling." Y/N nodded and made his way over to an isolated table. He ate his food as he waited for Rarity to get her food and make her way over to him. Thankfully, it didn't take too long for her to get her food and find her way over to the table Y/N was sitting and eating his food. "So, what is it that you wanted to talk about Y/N?"

Y/N looked at his cousin, trying to find the right words to say. He noticed her eating a salad which made him smile. "Look, Rarity. Before I tell you, I would appreciate it you this stayed between us."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Y/N, whatever is the matter?"

Y/N looked around, making sure no one was around to hear their conversation. Seeing that no one was nearby, Y/N leaned in. "You wouldn't by any chance know anything about Sunset, would you?"

Looking at her cousin, Rarity smirked. "Y/N, darling. You don't by any chance... have a crush on her, do you?"

Y/N blushed and rolled his eyes. "Mind your business and answer the question."

Rarity let out a giggle and started to think. "Well, Sunset is one of the nicest girls at the school, that's for sure. She's one of the most brilliant minds here and she's well-liked by everyone. Boys love her for her stunning looks and her intelligent mind, but unfortunately, she's off the market if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I heard, I have her in my first period. But what I want to know is how did she get with Sundrop." Y/N started to think back to everything that Sundrop had done to him at Crystal Prep. If Sunset didn't know what Sundrop was like, he wanted to make sure she knew what she was in for.

"Sunset and Sundrop meet at the park and hit it off from there. They talked and then exchanged numbers at the park to keep in contact. With a lot of convincing from me and the rest of the girls, Sunset decided to ask Sundrop on a... hangout, if you will. They went to a cafe and really hit it off and their relationship went from there. It didn't take long until the two of them fell for one another and started dating. They've been together for a few months now and they're by far the cutest couple I've ever seen." Rarity started to giggle which made Y/N roll his eyes. His cousin still was the same girl who loved all about love.

'So they meet at a park, interesting. And I'm guessing since Rarity is all happy, she probably doesn't know about Sundrop's other side. This isn't what I was hoping to figure out. But I guess this wasn't a complete and utter failure.' Smiling, Y/N took a sip of his water. "Thanks, Rarity."

Rarity looked at her cousin and smiled. "You're welcome, darling. Anytime I can help." Y/N smiled and the two cousins continued to their lunch together.

In the blink of an eye, school had finally ended for the day. Y/N exited his final period and started to make his way to the football field like where Iron Will had told him to meet him. Walking down the halls of the school, Y/N took a pitstop and stopped at his locker and put some books away.

"Yo! Y/N!" Y/N closed his locker and turned around to see Flash and Bulk walking toward him. "You coming to practice today?"

Smiling, Y/N made his way over to them. "Of course I was! I was making my way over there right now. We don't want to be late so do you guys want to walk with me?"

Flash and Bulk looked at one another and nodded their heads. "Yeah!" Smiling, Y/N and the other boys made their way out of the school and to the football field.

"Now Y/N. There's something you need to know. Since you're new, Coach is probably going to help you with the fundamentals such as getting you your practice jersey, your football locker, your gear, and since you're new to football probably help you in teaching you what to do." Y/N nodded his head to what Flash was telling him.

Arriving at the football field, Y/N looked around and saw all the other football players on the field stretching and doing some before exercises. "Wow, so this is what football practice is like. This looks so awesome, I can't wait to get started practicing!"

"Y/N!" Y/N turned around and saw Iron Will walking over to him. "It's so great to see you on our field ready for practice!" Y/N nodded and opened his mouth to talk but Iron Will cut him off. "Listen I already got your practice equipment and locker for you, all I need you to do is pick out a number you want for your jersey when we play in games. Follow me, we've got a lot to work on today and we can't waste time." Y/N nodded and followed Iron Will into the room with the jerseys in them. "All right, listen. You can pick any number you want, and if someone has the number you want I'll make it so that you get it. Since you're the Quarterback, I'll like it if the leader of our team played on the field with a number he wants."

Y/N looked at Iron Will and nodded his head. Looking around, Y/N looked at all the numbers that were still in the room. He was looking for a certain number that he just needed to play in. Searching the room for a bit longer, Y/N found it, a jersey with the number 13 on it. Y/N smiled and walked over to Iron Will. "I found my jersey, Coach."

Iron Will looked at Y/N and accepted it. "All right, now let's get going." Y/N nodded as quickly changed into his practice jersey that had the Wondercolts colors on them.

"Looking good Y/N!" Y/N looked over at Flash who had finished stretching and went over to Y/N.

Y/N smiled and nodded his head. "Thanks!"

Stepping out on the field, Iron Will blew his whistle getting the attention of all the players on the field. "All right, listen up everyone. This is F/N L/N, and he is our new Quarterback. I want this to be a good session for Y/N to hone in on his skills before our first game in a week. This is a team and here we work as a team to make us better! Let's give it our all this practice and all the other practices! And if you ever for even a second feel like giving up think about last year, and all the years before! Think about everything everyone has said about us! Everyone has given up on us, but I haven't! We can do this! This year will be the year that we win it all! After all these years of not making the playoffs and not making the championships ends this year! Let's give it everything we got!"

"Yes, Coach!" Iron Will blew his whistle and everyone went off to do their exercises.

"Y/N! You're with me for the day!" Y/N nodded and walked over to where Iron Will was standing. A few yards away were seven targets most likely for Y/N to hit. "The other day I saw the arm you have but now I want to see what your accuracy is like. I want you to hit those targets over there, simple, right? You don't have to get a bullseye but as look as you hit the target then that'll be good enough for me. That'll be your plan for today, and if your accuracy is enough then we'll go back to running some routes with the rest of the team."

"Sure thing, Coach." Y/N nodded his head as he was given a stack of footballs and got into position as he picked up one of the balls. Y/N looked at the targets from across and took a deep breath, if he could even hit four that would be a victory to him.

So looking at the first target, Y/N cranked his arm back and threw the football at the target. The ball flew in the air, toward the target, and hit its mark. Bouncing off the target and falling to the ground, Y/N smiled. He had hit a target! Grabbing another ball, Y/N cranked his arm back and once again the ball collided with the target. Y/N did this five more times hitting the rest of the targets with perfect ease without even breaking a sweat. Y/N turned to his Coach who was smiling at the events he had seen.

"Now that was some incredible accuracy! A perfect score, not bad at all. For a record like that for a rookie who's never played the game before, that's pretty good. That takes some talent and good eye coordination to have that level of accuracy. For a Quarterback to be good, they don't have to just have a strong arm, but they also need to have to be accurate." Y/N nodded his head at his Coach's words. "Let me ask you this, Y/N. You're in the NFL and you're in the Super Bowl and you're down by three and you have a chance to get a final drive down the field in time to win but you have two Quarterbacks to choose from. Now, would you rather choose the Quarterback who's thrown fifteen interceptions in the season or the Quarterback who's thrown three interceptions?"

Y/N thought about it, but the choice wasn't that difficult. "I guess I would play things safe and choose the Quarterback who only threw three interceptions."

Iron Will nodded his head. "Absolutely! Now I don't care how strong your arm is, but your accuracy is something I will be on to you about. Accuracy over strength, remember that." Y/N nodded his head. "All right. Now that it seems that you've done pretty well with the accuracy test, it's time we get to do some seven-on-seven with the rest of the team." Y/N nodded his head and followed his Coach who walked him over to the rest of the team who was practicing their own things. "Attention!" Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked to their Coach. "It's time we start doing some seven-on-sevens. Offense and Defense, get onto the field." Everyone nodded and some players got into position with Y/N standing behind the Offensive Line looking at his teammates. Coach walked over to Y/N and showed him a piece of paper. "For this test Y/N I want to see how well you can lead your team. Your team will start at the twenty-yard line and then move up the field and try to get to a touchdown in the end zone on the other side of the field." Y/N nodded as he read the call, a simple slant route for the Receivers and a Comeback for the Tight End.

The team surrounded Y/N who stood in the middle. It was his first team doing this "All right everyone listen up! We've gotta get down to the end zone and we're going to do this as a team. We got trips right ninety-one eight six seven!" Everyone nodded their heads. "Break!" The whole team clapped their hands and everyone gets into their places. "All right here we go!" Y/N looked around, first looking at his Receivers and then at the Defense. "Hike!" The center throws the ball back and Y/N steps back looking around for someone who was open. He listened as the Offensive Line and Defensive Line battled, one side to get to Y/N and the other to defend him from being sacked.

Y/N turns and sees Flash ahead of his defender and with a smile on his face, Y/N launches the ball. The ball flies in the air and with ease, Flash catches the ball and takes off! Running up the field as far as he could but he was taken down by one of the defensive players. Y/N ran up the field impressed with Flash's agility. In just one play the offense was already on the twenty-five-yard line and was close to the end zone.

Walking to his team, Y/N made another call. "All right, this is going to be a screen pass to Bulk. On one, on one!" Everyone nodded and Y/N clapped his hands. "Break!" The team once again clapped and got into their places. Y/N looked around and seeing that everyone looked good to go, he made the call. "Hike!" The center once again threw the ball back to Y/N and upon getting the ball in his hands, Y/N threw the ball over to Bulk.

Bulk caught the ball and used the Receivers in front of him to block, Bulk ran his fastest, and using his big size he bulldozed anyone who stood in his way. And with ease, Bulk bulldozed his way into the endzone without a problem. Y/N smiled and ran over to Bulk and slapped his helmet. The rest of the offense ran over and cheered for Bulk for his touchdown. Just then the team heard a whistle and turned. It was Iron Will, and he looked happy.

"That was a good job from everyone! Flash, you've gotten only faster, that's good. And Bulk, I can see your strength has improved from last year, keep it up. Defense, you've got to improve on man-to-man coverage, you can't let your opponents get the edge on you like that." Everyone nodded their heads and Iron Will looked at Y/N which made him nervous. "Y/N... that was excellent leadership! You've shown that you've got what it takes to lead this team. In all my years I've never seen the Offense function that smoothly." Iron Will walked up to Y/N and put his hand on his shoulder. "Y/N, will you do us the great honor and play Quarterback for us this season?"

Y/N looked at Iron Will and then at everyone else on the field and smiled. "Of course! I want to help his team the best I can to bring this team back to the championship game, and win!" Everyone cheered and Iron Will smiled.

"All right! We've still got a lot of practice left to do before our first game! We're going to work our hearts out if we want to do our best and win the championship this year!" Everyone nodded their heads and Iron Will looked over to you with a smile. "Y/N, you bring this squad in!"

Y/N smiled and nodded as he stepped forward with his arm in the air. Everyone else put their arms in the air, waiting for Y/N's call. "Listen up everyone! We're all playing for the same thing, to win this year! Well so do I! We've got a lot of work to do if we want to be that team! We've got something that no other team has, and that's spirit! Let that spirit burn inside of you and push you to do your best! Offense! Defense! Let's do this thing!" Everyone nodded as Y/N smiled at his team who smiled back at him. "Let's go, Wondercolts!"

"Let's go, Wondercolts!" Everyone cheered as they threw their arms into the air.

Y/N watched as his team went their own ways and went back to practice before the start of the season. Y/N smiled as he went back to throwing the football at the practice targets. If he wanted to lead his team to the promised land he was going to have to train harder than anyone. The whole Wondercolts team was determined to do their best and if they wanted to be the best, they had to train the best that they could.

3. Kick Off! The Start Of The Football Season!

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Canterlot High School as Y/N walked with his new friends and teammates, Flash Sentry and Bulk Biceps, to their first-period class. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as everyone could feel the energy of the upcoming football season. As the first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Canterlot High buzzed with excitement. It was the start of the football season, a time when the entire school rallied behind their team, ready to cheer them on to victory.

It was surprising to Y/N from all the gossip he heard Canterlot hadn't been a good team for a long time but yet everyone seemed to still have hope and would cheer for them despite the team being unsuccessful for a few years now. 'Even though this team hasn't won anything for a long time everyone still believes in us. Regardless of all the negative they still look past that and only think about the positive. I've got to do my best for everyone who's cheering for us. If they're going to cheer for us and poor their hearts out we've got to at least make it a good show.' That only made Y/N happy to know that despite everything, their school still had their back and would support them.

Y/N adjusted his backpack and glanced over at Flash and Bulk, both clad in their football jerseys. "Why do we have to wear our jerseys today?" Y/N asked, adjusting the fabric of his football jersey.

Flash grinned, "It's game day tradition, dude! On the day of a football game, we proudly wear our jerseys to show our support and unity as a team."

"Yeah!" Bulk yelled which made Y/N smile while nodding his head in understanding, it made sense after all.

"Though a question nagged at the back of my mind." Y/N and Bulk looked over at Flash. "Out of all of the remaining numbers available to you, why did you choose number thirteen? I mean, I don't have anything against it, it's your choice but isn't it supposed to be an unlucky number or something?"

Y/N chuckled. "Yeah, some people think that, but I don't buy into all that superstition stuff. Besides, I make number thirteen look good!" Y/N did a goofy pose that made Flash and Bulk laugh at him which made Y/N laugh along with them.

Flash rolled his eyes and shrugged, accepting the explanation. "Fair enough, Y/N. Fair enough."

As they entered their first-period class taught by Mrs. Cheerilee, the teacher's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Well, well, well, if it isn't our star athletes! Flash, Bulk, oh, and Y/N too! Good morning! I heard there's quite the excitement surrounding tonight's game."

Flash and Bulk looked over at Y/N and Y/N immediately understood what Mrs. Cheerilee was referring to. All the talk was about who the new starting Quarterback was going to be for the team. Everyone was dying to know who was going to lead their team to victory, or at least they hoped so. Flash nudged Y/N letting him know to let out the tea. Y/N nodded his head, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, Mrs. Cheerilee. I'm actually the new Quarterback for the team."

Mrs. Cheerilee's eyebrows shot up in surprise, followed by murmurs of astonishment from the rest of the class. Y/N watched as the class stared at him in shock which made him a bit nervous but he kept his cool. "My goodness, that's fantastic news! Congratulations, Y/N! I wish you all the best of luck in tonight's game. Make Canterlot proud."

"Thank you, Mrs. Cheerilee." The three of them chorused in unison, grateful for her well-wishes. Even though it didn't look like it, and all the practice they did, they still couldn't help but be a little nervous, especially Y/N. The three of them, along with the rest of the team wanted to make Canterlot proud just as Mrs. Cheerilee had said.

While walking over to take their seats, Y/N couldn't help but feel eyes following him as he walked to the back of the class. Taking his seat Y/N was startled to see everyone looking at him with a few taking a few peeks and then talking to one another, most likely about him. Not paying too much mind to them, Y/N took out his supplies and focused on the class before him. Coach Iron Will had made it very clear to everyone, especially Y/N since he was new that although being on the team was an honor and a privilege to them, that still didn't mean it was their main focus. Coach Iron Will, despite seeming like a mean and uncaring guy actually was a very kind and understanding man to his team. He wanted them to be a good football team, yes. But he also wanted them to be good students as well. Coach Iron Will made it clear that anyone who couldn't maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, at the minimum would miss out on playing. They also had to be on their best behavior, if they got into a fight or detention or anything like that they would also miss out on playing, and depending on what they did the punishment could be increased to being cut from the team entirely. Coach Iron Will had also made it clear that he would be doing regular check-ins with their teacher to see how they are behaving in class and checking in on their grades. And being the Quarterback, but also wanting to make Canterlot proud, Y/N was determined to be not only on his best behavior but also maintain good grades, which he never normally never had a problem with.

During class, Y/N couldn't help but still feel the eyes linger on him. Looking up to gather some notes that Mrs. Cheerilee was writing down, Y/N made eye contact with a girl who was looking at him with her chin on her hand, and a smile on her face. She waved at Y/N, winked, and giggled before turning around to not miss out on anything that Mrs. Cheerilee was writing down on the board.

Y/N felt a nudge on his shoulder once again and looked over to see Flash with a smirk on his face. "Looks like you've become popular in the blink of an eye." Y/N rolled his eyes and went back to looking at the board before getting distracted again. "I'm serious here man. You're going to be the talk of the school for the rest of the day once news gets out about you being the new Quarterback. Plus." Flash tilts his head over and Y/N looks over in the direction to see a few girls looking over at the group of them smiling and waving at them seductively. "When you're on the football team, you're bound to get a lot of attention from the girls."

Y/N let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

Mrs. Cheerilee handed out some worksheets for everyone to work on. Y/N with the help of Flash and Bulk had gotten it done in no time and had some time to kill. Flash and Bulk were talking about the Super Bowl that had gone down a week before Y/N had come to Canterlot. Super Bowl 58 was a matchup between the 49ers and the Cheifs and although many people called the game rigged saying Taylor Swift paid for the Chiefs to win, Y/N didn't want to get involved with their conversation just to be safe so no arguments accidentally took place. Looking around the room, Y/N's eye caught Sunset and Rainbow a few seats away working on the worksheet together.

'So that's Sundrop's girlfriend?' Taking a good look at Sunset, Y/N could understand why he got with her. She was very beautiful, and she seemed to be pretty smart with how she helped Rainbow answer the questions on the worksheet. Her smile seemed to be pretty innocent and equally as cute as her. 'No surprise he probably saw the same thing that I see, and probably a bunch of other boys here. But... with her being here at Canterlot and with him still being over at Crystal Prep, I doubt she knows what type of person he's like over there. She probably has no clue all the bad things that he does to people over there, enjoying the pain of others that he bullies.' Y/N tightened his fist. 'Someone like her shouldn't be with someone like him. She should be with someone who isn't such a complete son of a-'

"Uh, Y/N?" Y/N snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at Flash who was looking at him confused. "Did you hear what I just said?"

Y/N scratched the back of his neck nervously hoping that Flash didn't see him staring at Sunset. "Sorry, I just... thinking about tonight's game is all. What did you say?" Y/N silently hoped that Flash would buy that bad lie of his.

Flash smiled and nodded his head. "Yeah, I get that. I do that often, especially during the start of the football season." Bulk nodded his head while he put away his stuff in his backpack. "I said that after school all of us have to head to the football field to get in some last-minute practice and then we'll go into the locker room and get everything ready before the big game."

"Oh, okay. Thanks, I'll remember that." Y/N looked over to Sunset once again and unexpectedly his eyes met his. The two of them looked each other in the eye until Sunset gave a small smile and a wave which Y/N returned. Sunset went back to paying attention to her worksheet while Y/N turned his head to not look like a creep, now finding solace in looking at the board. Looking into those eyes, Sunset looked so innocent and kind, the complete opposite of Sundrop. 'She should know the truth about him so that he doesn't hurt her like he has to so many others. But.. there's no way she would believe someone she doesn't even know. Besides, the truth always comes out, I'm sure she'll find out exactly the type of person Sundrop is sooner or later.' Closing his eyes, Y/N waited for class to be over.

Throughout the day, whispers followed Y/N and his teammates as news of his new position spread like wildfire. Some offered words of encouragement, while others voiced their doubts. He even got a few girls staring at him either winking at him or waving at him, while some giggled and messed with their hair as he walked by. Did this happen to every guy that was on the football team? Nevertheless, Y/N remained focused, determined to prove himself on the field. He wasn't going to let anyone's negativity cloud his mind before the game even happened. But even Y/N himself had some doubts. Yes, he did so well in practice, would that same skill he presented to all his teammates show up during the big game, he sure hoped so.

When school ended he along with the rest of his team went down to the field to get in some last-minute practice. Y/N did some practice with his receivers and his tight ends while the offensive and defensive linemen did a little practice on one another trying to get past or block the other. As Y/N launched a ball downfield for Flash to catch he looked to see the running backs doing some practice of their own and even the kicker was getting in some kicks. During his attention back he smiled when he noticed Flash had caught the ball and was returning over to him.

"Nice throw, Y/N. Keep throwing how you are and we might seriously have a chance this year." Flash tossed the ball over to Y/N who took and threw a short pass to Bulk.

"Thanks, I wanna do my best for the team." Y/N watched as Bulk caught the ball and ran upfield a bit before turning around and passing the ball back to him.

"ATTENTION!" Hearing that booming voice, Y/N knew who it was already. Turning around it was Coach Iron Will walking over to them. Everyone walked over to their Coach, took a knee, and looked at him to show him they had their attention. "Thank you. Now as you all know, the first game of the season is tonight, and it's taking place on our own homefield. If we want to start off the year right we've got to start off strong and vicious. This year will be different, we've got the team to win. Offense." Everyone on the offensive side perked up. "Play fast, play strong. Everyone knows why our offense was so pitiful last year. It was because we didn't have a Quarterback, but now it seems we might have found the guy for the job. Trust in him and he'll trust you." Iron Will then looked at Y/N. "Trust them too. If you don't trust in your offense they won't trust you. Trust goes both ways." Y/N nodded his head. "I hope you all got in some good practice because it's time to head into the locker room and get your equipment on." Everyone stood up and put one of their arms into the area making a fist with their hand. "Wondercolts on three! Wondercolts on three! One! Two! Three!"

"Wondercolts!" Everyone yelled in unison as they made their way to the locker room. Y/N followed his teammates, ready for what later would bring for him and his team.

As evening descended and the sun dipped below the horizon, the stadium lights illuminated the field, casting a warm glow over the crowd. It was time for the first game of the season, and Canterlot High's home field was alive with energy and anticipation. Y/N had needed to use the bathroom and while he was heading back to the locker room he noticed just how packed the student section was. A good decent amount of the students are the school were there, if not all of them. Were they here to show their support for the team and show team spirit? Or were there here to see him? Y/N knew the news about him being the new Quarterback spread throughout the school but there's no way they were actually there just to watch him, right?

Y/N walked back into the locker room and put on his football equipment. He was going to put his helmet on but seeing everyone else holding their helmets to their side, he decided to keep his helmet by his side as well. Using his phone to look at himself he looked at his jersey, his pants, and his cleats that he had been given from Coach Iron Will. Along with all the pads they had been given for some extra protection. He noticed that Flash and Bulk had some gloves on their hands. From what he had been told gloves acted as a way to help someone grip onto the ball better so they didn't accidentally drop it.

"All right, everyone!" Everyone stood up as they noticed Coach Iron Will had walked into the locker room along with some of the other coaches. Y/N noticed some of them as the offensive and the Quarterback coach, two of whom he had really worked hard with ever since he joined the team. They had helped in understand the type of offense the team ran and helped him become a better Quarterback teaching him all kinds of techniques and strategies to become the best Quarterback he could be. "It's game time, get your helmets, and let's go out there and show everyone how us Wondercolts throw down!"

"Yes, Coach!" Everyone picked up their helmets and put them on as they started to make their way out of the locker room and toward their stadium. Exiting the locker room, they stood with their coaches as they waited to be introduced.

They heard the announcer introduce the opposing team which only resulted in the sound of boos from the crowd. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, as he started to introduce team Wondercolt. Excitement rippled through the crowd, seeing their team run down the field.

"Our star Wide Receiver, number ten, Flash Sentry!" Y/N watched as Flash ran out and onto the field with the Wondercolt flag in his hand as he waved it while running to the field with his team. All that was left was Y/N who originally was going to run onto the field with his teammates was stopped by Coach Iron Will because of a reason that he didn't tell him. So here was Y/N waiting for his call while all his teammates and coaches were already out there. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, you've waited long enough, introducing our new Quarterback, number thirteen, Y/N L/N!" Hearing his name be called, Y/N finally smiled and ran off the field.

A thunderous roar erupted from the stands, cheers and applause echoing throughout the stadium. Y/N felt a surge of adrenaline course through him as he stepped onto the field, the weight of his jersey and the expectations of the crowd spurring him on. Y/N wasn't sure what to do so he just waved to the crowd as he ran onto the field slapping his teammate's hands as ran through them as they made a line for him with them on both sides of him.

Running over to the sideline Y/N looked around taking in the feeling. The whole student section was filled on both ends with kids already cheering despite the game not even starting yet. Y/N noticed the cheer team doing some cheers and flips to energize the crowd. He looked at the field to see the referee's walking around probably making sure everything was good to go. Y/N then looked over to his teammates, some sitting down while others were standing up either walking around or jumping up and down in excitement for the game to begin.

Y/N felt a hand slap the back pretty hard. Turning around to see who it was, he noticed Flash with a huge smile on his face. "You ready for this, Y/N?"

Smiling, Y/N nodded his head as he looked over to see a referee talking to Coach Iron Will which confused him. "You bet I am! Why is the referee talking to Coach Iron Will?"

"Coach is probably telling the referee what we want to do. We're the home team after all so the visiting team gets the coin toss. Depending on how the coin toss goes depends on whether we start off on offense or defense. The referee was most likely just telling Coach how the toss went." Y/N nodded to show he understood. "However, whoever gets the ball at the beginning of the game, the opposite team gets the ball after halftime which isn't a bad thing at times."

"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who starts with the ball or who gets it at halftime. All that matters is who wins when the game is over. But... I would be lying if I said if I wasn't itching to get onto the field." Y/N and Flash smiled until they heard the sound of the referee blowing his whistle.

Looking at the field both teams had gotten into their positions with the ball set up ready for the game-starting kickoff. "Looks like they get to start the game off with the ball first. Sorry Y/N, it looks like we'll have to wait for our chance to have the ball."

Y/N looked over to see the defense talking to one another on the sideline. Spike Drake, a lineman for the team and one of the best linemen in the country who also happened to be the leader on the defensive side was giving his teammates a talking-to. Smiling, Y/N looked over at Flash without a worry in the world. "Don't worry, Flash. I'm sure the defense is going to give us the ball sooner than you think. Remember, we have one of the best defenses in the country, and looking at them..." Y/N pointed over to them and Flash looked over to see the defense cheering bouncing up and down. "They look ready for action."

Flash nodded. "They know how to stop the run, and get to the Quarterback to sack him, and they know how to get the ball for us. Our defense did lead in turnovers. Interceptions, forced fumbles, the defense knows how to stop offenses." Flash then looked down. "It was the offense that couldn't get points on the board and all the great plays the defense did was overlooked because of the poorly ran offense." Flash then looked up with a smile. "But we have you here, and everyone feels like things are going to be different. We're all actually looking forward to the start of the season, something that I've never seen since coming to this school. But don't feel like you're alone, we're all here for you. You don't have to be perfect, so don't try to overthink things."

Y/N nodded his head with a smile. "Thank, Flash. I'll do my best for everyone." The two were snapped out of their thoughts with the sound of a whistle. "Looks like the game is about to begin." Flash and Y/N walked over to the edge of the sideline as they watched both teams wait and with the sound of the whistle blowing once again, the kicker ran and kicked the ball into the air.

The game kicked off with a swift kick sending the ball soaring to the opposing team. As Y/N watched the ball soar through the air, Y/N's heart raced with anticipation. The season had officially begun, and Y/N felt a surge of adrenaline as he watched the defensive side of the team take their position on the field, ready to do their best to help their team to victory. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the stadium, and as the crowd roared with excitement, Y/N knew that this season held the promise of unforgettable moments and triumphs. This was it—the start of a new chapter, the beginning of his journey as Canterlot High's Quarterback.

4. Rising Stars! The Golden Duo Of Canterlot!

The day of Canterlot High's first football game arrived, and the entire school buzzed with excitement. The bleachers were packed with students, teachers, and families, all eager to see if their team could finally turn things around this season. The Canterlot Wondercolts hadn’t had a great track record in recent years, but there was an air of optimism in the crowd. Y/N stood on the sideline, warming up his arm and keeping his focus steady. This was his debut as the starting quarterback, and he was ready to give everything he had for this game.

Coach Iron Will, as always, radiated intensity. His booming voice rang out as he gave last-minute instructions to the defense on how to handle the opposing offense. Y/N listened intently, even though he wasn’t on the field yet. He watched and waited as the defense would be starting this game, and he hoped they could set a strong tone. He turned to Flash and Bulk, his friends and teammates, who were just as eager to get out there and start strong.

“Gotta make sure we stay alert and control the field,” Flash said, eyeing the field as Canterlot’s defense lined up against their opponent. He was doing some leg stretches to get warmed up with all the running he was going to have to do soon enough. He then looked up at the crowd and smiled. "Oh man, my Mom is here." Y/N watched as Flash waved to the crowd and saw a woman who he guessed was Flash's mom, waved back.

Y/N smiled but then looked down, he had told his parents during a call about him joining and becoming the Quarterback for the football team and they were happy for him, unfortunately, they couldn't make the game. But Y/N hoped that one day they would get to watch him play.

Bulk nodded, flexing his muscles a bit as he prepared himself. “Man, we’re going to make sure they can’t even sniff our end zone,” he said with a grin. He then got on the ground and started to do some pushups which impressed Y/N. Albeit already very muscular and after all the warmups they did during practice, Bulk was still working out.

Just then the whistle blew snapping Y/N's attention from Bulk to the field, and the game kicked off. The opposing team was quick on their feet, but Canterlot’s defense, under Iron Will’s guidance and the defensive coordinator, stayed solid, keeping them in check. There were a few good plays from the opposing side, but Canterlot’s defense was relentless making the opposing team work for each and every yard. Each tackle, block, and coverage brought them closer to disrupting the opposing offense’s rhythm.

Iron Will walked over to Y/N, Flash, and Bulk as they watched. “Look here, fellas,” he began, keeping his voice loud enough to be heard over the roar of the crowd but still focused, “the key to an offense that works is rhythm and timing. You can’t just go in there slinging passes around without knowing the defense’s flow. Once we get a sense of what they’re trying to pull, that’s when we’ll hit ‘em with what they’re not expecting.”

Y/N nodded, absorbing every word. He glanced over at the field, where the defense was still holding strong, pushing back every attempt the other team made to gain yardage.

Then, in a pivotal moment, one of Canterlot’s cornerbacks broke through the line, reading the quarterback’s eyes perfectly. Just as the ball left the opponent’s hand, the cornerback jumped up, intercepting it with incredible timing. The crowd erupted as he sprinted down the field before finally being taken down but not before setting Canterlot up with a fantastic field position. The rest of the defenders raced over and cheered him on, slapping his helmet and giving him pats on the back. Y/N and the others had gone over and given their praises before getting called over by their Coach.

“Good defense number twenty-five! Now’s our chance, boys!” Iron Will called. He looked at Y/N with a steely gaze. “We’re going to start this drive with a bang. I want you to go for a deep shot on the first play.”

Y/N looked at his Coach in shock but then smiled as he felt a rush of adrenaline. The entire team was ready, and determined to set the tone right away. The defense had given them a golden opportunity, and now it was up to the offense to capitalize on it.

As Y/N trotted out onto the field the sound from the crowd was loud yet amazing. It was like he was actually playing in the Super Bowl and everyone was watching him. He along with some of the other members on the offense, signaled for the crowd to be quiet so that they could hear the call. Y/N brought the team into a huddle and called the play. Bulk was to act as a decoy while Flash would go deep, testing the other team’s secondary right from the start. Bulk gave Y/N an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they broke the huddle, lining up with a determined look on his face.

Y/N took a deep breath as he looked at the defense. As he looked into the eyes of his opponents he picked up on the defensive strategy. He had watched film and he was picking up a blitz, something he had thought would happen He was new and the team had no film on him so they wanted to see what he would do under pressure, well they would get answers all right. "Check! Check! Watch for ninty-five!" Y/N glanced at Bulk and nodded his head. "Hike!" The center threw the ball to Y/N and once he caught it, he then dropped back as the ball was snapped. He quickly scanned the field, noticing Bulk was being guarded by two defenders and then spotting Flash already sprinting down the sideline. The defensive back tried to keep up, but Flash’s speed was too much. Y/N stepped up in the pocket, launching the ball downfield with a perfect spiral. The stadium held its breath as the ball arced through the air, a perfect pass aimed right at Flash.

Flash looked over his shoulder, tracking the ball as it sailed toward him. He reached out, the ball landing perfectly in his hands as he kept running, leaving the defense behind. In one swift motion, Flash crossed into the end zone, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Touchdown! In one play on the offense, Canterlot had scored a touchdown within seconds of getting the ball.

"There you go, Y/N!" One of the offensive linemen shouted as he and Y/N exchanged smiles with one another. Y/N couldn't help but look up at the crowd to see Rarity who had a big smile on her face.

Y/N couldn’t help but smile to himself as he jogged to the sidelines, high-fiving Flash and the rest of the team. Coach Iron Will was grinning ear-to-ear, clapping Y/N on the shoulder.

“That’s what I’m talking about, Y/N!” he roared. “Set the tone, make ‘em chase us!”

The rest of the game played out in Canterlot’s favor, and they never let up. Y/N’s connection with Flash was undeniable, and they combined for three more touchdown passes as the game progressed. Bulk, too, proved to be a powerhouse, pulling in two more touchdown receptions in the red zone. They had run a jet sweep with him and with his crazy speed and strength, he pushed his way through defenders and found his way to the touchdown. With every play, the Canterlot offense continued to steamroll the opposition.

Meanwhile, the defense was a brick wall. They forced two interceptions, including a pick-six that sent the crowd into a frenzy. They also recovered two fumbles, maintaining possession and keeping the other team from scoring a single point. Spike being the leader of the defense was putting on the pressure, getting sacks and causing ruckus and mayhem for the opposing offense. With every stop, Canterlot grew more confident, feeding off the crowd’s energy. By the start of the fourth quarter, Y/N had been benched, not because of his gameplay but because of how dominant Canterlot had been playing.

However, that didn't matter because, by the final whistle, the scoreboard read 42-0. The crowd rose to its feet, cheering wildly for their team. It had been years since they’d seen Canterlot dominate like this, and the atmosphere was electric. Y/N and his teammates gathered in a circle, celebrating their huge victory, already talking about the rest of the season with a newfound sense of confidence. Y/N was surprised, maybe it was because he was so involved in the game, but the game had ended so fast that Y/N was wishing for more.

“That was incredible!” Flash said, his voice full of excitement. “If we keep this up, we might actually have a shot at the championship!”

Bulk laughed, patting Y/N on the back. “With you throwing bombs like that, and the defense playing lights-out, I don’t see anyone stopping us!”

Y/N took it all in, grateful for the support of his teammates and proud of the work they had all put in. The team hadn’t just won; they had earned every yard, every tackle, and every touchdown. It was a win that showed the entire school that Canterlot’s football team was back and better than ever.

As Y/N left the field, he glanced up at the crowd, who were still buzzing with excitement and chanting the team’s name. He stopped to listen as people cheered and waved at him holding up handmade banners. It was the first time people ever cheered for him like this, was this what Sundrop felt like? Because this feeling was great and if he could he would want this to continue forever and ever. He couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the season held, and he knew his teammates felt the same way. He made his way back into the locker room where he switched out of his jersey and back into his regular clothes.

The next day at school, Y/N was surprised by the reaction he received from his classmates. From the moment he walked through the doors of Canterlot High, people greeted him with smiles, high-fives, cheers, and congratulations. Students he didn’t even know would come up to him and congratulate him on the game, and several teachers even stopped him in the hallways to comment on how impressive the team had looked with him taking charge.

“Way to go, Y/N!” someone called out as he passed.

“Nice throw to Flash! That was awesome!” another voice said.

"You're amazing! Please date me!" Someone yelled. Y/N let out a snort, he wasn't expecting someone to say something like- wait that was a guy that said that! Y/N rolled his eyes and made his way to class as he continued to hear more insane comments coming from both guys and girls.

Y/N felt a warmth in his chest as he made his way through the crowded hallways, flanked by his teammates. Flash, Bulk, and the rest of the football team were getting similar attention, with students celebrating their victory. Y/N felt a little dazed by all the praise, never having been one to stand in the spotlight. He’d been focused on football and school for the love of the game since he first joined the team and wanted to help lead Canterlot to the promised lands, but now, seeing how much the victory meant to everyone, he felt a swell of pride. He knew it was just one win and this was only just the beginning but Y/N had a good feeling about the season.

“Hey, superstar!” Flash said, grinning as he walked beside him. “Looks like you’ve become pretty popular overnight!”

Y/N laughed, shaking his head. “I’m just happy we got the win. If we keep this up, I think we’re going to have a season to remember. Besides, don't act like you weren't amazing too. I mean four touchdowns, that's insane. And you finally got a two-hundred-yard game like you said you wanted.”

"It's all thanks to you! Because of our performance last night, they're saying we're the golden duo of Canterlot! Isn't that amazing?" Flash and Y/N glanced at one another and smiled as he and Y/N fist-bumped.

“Agreed,” Bulk added, nodding. “We’ve gotta stay focused, though. That game was just the beginning. We need to keep practicing hard and pushing ourselves.”

Y/N knew Bulk was right. The victory had been exhilarating, but there was a long season ahead, and he wanted to make the most of it. He resolved to keep his head in the game, balancing the praise with his dedication to his studies and his commitment to making this season the best it could be for the entire team.

Later, as Y/N sat in his afternoon classes, he couldn’t help but feel a newfound motivation. He had never felt this appreciated before, and it gave him a fresh sense of purpose. With the support of his friends, teammates, and the entire school behind him, he was ready to lead Canterlot High to a season they would never forget.

5. Big Victory, Big Success! Party Of Winners!

The ball flew into the air and right into the hands of Flash. He had gotten a step on the opposing Cornerback and seeing this, Y/N threw the ball with perfect accuracy to Flash who ran it in for the touchdown! The crowd cheered as teammates raced over to Flash to congratulate him while opposing defenders sighed as they slowly walked over the field. The score was 28-0 and things were going perfectly for Canterlot.

The second game of the season was well underway, and once again, the Canterlot Wondercolts were dominating the field. Y/N led the team with confidence, his passes sharp and on target, each play executed with precision. The opposing team struggled to keep up with Canterlot’s high energy and swift plays, and by halftime, it was already clear that this game, like the first one, would end in a blowout.

Flash and Bulk, as always, were huge assets. Flash sprinted past defenders, catching long throws, while Bulk powered his way through the defense, breaking tackles and dragging defenders with him for extra yardage. The Wondercolts’ defense, too, was unrelenting, shutting down any attempt the other team made to gain momentum. Spike pushed through the offensive linemen multiple times that night and got countless amounts of pressure. He had gotten three sacks, in the first half alone and had even forced a fumble in which the defense recovered. By the end of the game, the scoreboard read 42-0, and the crowd erupted in cheers as the Wondercolts walked off the field victorious. Canterlot High was 2-0 for the first time in twelve years, and excitement pulsed through the air.

As Y/N walked to the locker room with the rest of the Wondercolts he saw his cousin and her friends waving and cheering at them. "You were marvelous out there, Y/N dear!"

Pinkie Pie, a friend of Rarity's jumped up and down with a big sign that read 'Go Wondercolts!' in huge print, a big smile on her face. "I think it's time we celebrate this successful start to the season! Party in the gymnasium to celebrate being 2-0! The 2-0 party celebration!" Y/N smiled, a party sounded nice. The team had been working nonstop for the last week practicing for this game and after starting the season so well, they deserved a bit of relaxation and partying.

In the locker room, as Y/N took off his jersey, Flash and Bulk made their way over to them. "Hey, way to go, Y/N!" Flash patted Y/N on the back. The two had once again shown just how great their teamwork was with one another. They had connected for three touchdowns, and the defense seemingly had no answer for the duo of Y/N and Flash.

"Yeah! You did great out there, Y/N! You look like a real pro! If we didn't already know it we would think you've played football your whole life." Bulk smiled as he held his water bottle in hand. Y/N and Bulk was another deadly combination that was giving defenses trouble. With Bulk's huge build, he towered over a lot of the guys on the field and it made it harder for them to get him down. And thanks to that huge build of his, Bulk had gotten a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown.

"Thanks, you guys. I couldn't have done it without you." Y/N smiled as he and Flash did their handshake. Y/N turned to Bulk and did the same thing. The bond that the three of them had with one another had gotten stronger over time, with each week the three of them looked better.

The Coach came in and gave them some words before letting them go for the night. He was proud of them, anyone would be. Canterlot looked its best in years, and after starting 2-0, something they hadn't seen in a whole decade the excitement was everyone. Y/N had been benched mid-way through the fourth quarter, as the game was basically over, and as he looked around the stadium he was happy to see all the smiles and cheers from the crowd. Even Flash had said that the stadium hadn't been that loud in a long time.

Y/N and the others left the locker room and went home, happy with how things had started and excited for what was to come. But before the next game could arrive, Y/N and the others had a party to attend. And from what he had heard from Rarity, Pinkie was the best party planner ever so he was looking forward to this party. This would be his first party in a long time, years even. He never went to any of the parties that Crystal Prep held, mostly because he knew Sundrop would be there and more than likely find some way to humiliate him.

The next day, the school gymnasium was buzzing with energy. Pinkie Pie, ever the enthusiastic party planner, had arranged a celebration for the team. The entire school had been invited, and the gym was decorated with balloons and streamers in Canterlot’s colors, tables overflowing with snacks and drinks. Music filled the room, and students were dancing, talking, and enjoying the victorious atmosphere.

Y/N arrived with Flash, Bulk, and the rest of the team, instantly greeted by a wave of cheers and congratulations from their classmates. He couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride—he’d been focused on football for so long, but seeing how much the team’s success meant to everyone made it all the more worthwhile.

Pinkie bounced over to them, grinning widely. “Congratulations, guys! Two games in a row! You’re making history here!”

“Thanks, Pinkie!” Y/N laughed, feeling his excitement rise even higher.

Flash gave her a thumbs-up. “Yeah, thanks for putting this all together. I think the whole team could use some time to celebrate.”

As the night continued, Y/N and his teammates enjoyed the praise, exchanging stories from the field and laughing about the close calls and big plays that had made up the game. He couldn’t count the number of times he was pulled aside for a handshake or a slap on the back from classmates eager to congratulate him and the rest of the team.

At one point, he spotted his cousin Rarity mingling with her friends near the snack table. She waved at him, giving him an approving nod. Her support was always encouraging, and Y/N gave her a smile before turning back to his teammates, happily chatting about their upcoming games and dreams of a perfect season.

Hours passed, and the celebration showed no signs of slowing down. But Y/N, caught up in all the excitement, eventually realized he needed a quick break. The soda he’d downed earlier was catching up with him. Excusing himself from the crowd, he headed out of the gym to find the nearest restroom.

The hallway outside the gym was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling party inside. Y/N walked down the hall, his footsteps echoing in the silence. As he turned a corner, however, he stopped in his tracks, surprised by what he saw.

Just a few feet away, Sunset Shimmer stood by a row of lockers. She had another student pinned against one, her hand pressed firmly on the door beside his head. The kid looked nervous, clearly uncomfortable, and Y/N could hear Sunset’s low, taunting voice as she smirked down at him.

“Come on, can’t you even say sorry?” she said, her tone cold and mocking. “Or are you just that useless?”

The kid mumbled something, but Sunset only scoffed, pushing him slightly harder against the locker before turning away with a smirk.

Y/N blinked in shock. This was not the Sunset Shimmer he’d heard about. From what Rarity had told him, Sunset was one of the kindest, most popular students at Canterlot High. She was known for helping others and going out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. But this Sunset was anything but kind. She looked cold, almost cruel.

Sunset walked away, not noticing Y/N watching her from around the corner. She disappeared down the hall, leaving the other student to adjust his backpack, looking a little shaken before he quickly headed in the opposite direction.

Y/N was taken aback. He’d never spoken to Sunset directly, but he knew enough from Rarity to find this behavior completely out of character. Rarity often talked about Sunset’s warmth and generosity, how she’d helped her with school events, projects, and even some rough days. Seeing her like this was a shock—and it left him wondering if something more was going on.

Y/N’s thoughts quickly turned to Sundrop, Sunset’s boyfriend and one of Y/N’s biggest bullies from Crystal Prep. Sundrop had a reputation for being mean-spirited and intimidating. Y/N had been on the receiving end of Sundrop’s teasing and cruel jokes more times than he could count, and he knew exactly how it felt to be pushed around by him. Could Sundrop’s influence be rubbing off on Sunset? Was she acting this way because of him?

He shook his head, unsettled. He hadn’t expected to see this side of Sunset, and it made him uneasy. He knew he should talk to Rarity about it later, see if she’d noticed anything strange with Sunset lately. Maybe there was something more going on that he didn’t know about.

Y/N glanced back down the hall, then remembered he still needed to get to the restroom. He quickly continued his way, but the unsettling image of Sunset’s actions lingered in his mind. After finishing up in the restroom, he returned to the gym, trying to shake off the encounter and focus on the party, but his thoughts kept drifting back to what he’d seen.

The celebration continued, with more dancing, laughter, and endless stories from their latest victory. But Y/N couldn’t help but feel a nagging concern. Sunset’s behavior didn’t sit right with him, and he knew he’d have to figure out what was going on—both for his own peace of mind and for the sake of the friend his cousin trusted so much.

The party may have been a celebration of the team’s success, but Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that there were still challenges to face off the field.

As he left the gym and walked home, he couldn’t help but feel both a sense of accomplishment and a lingering worry. The season had started off stronger than he could have hoped, and the school was rallying behind the team in a way he’d never experienced before. But now, there was something else to worry about—something he felt compelled to help fix if he could.

6. Signs Of Losing! Arrogance Or Confidence!

The morning sun peeked through the curtains of Rarity’s guest room, casting soft rays across the room where Y/N was getting ready for school. Staying over at Rarity’s house had been not so bad as he first thought. Since he had transferred to Canterlot High, she and her family had shown him nothing but kindness and hospitality. They were his family after all, and after what had happened at the party last night, he was glad to have someone like Rarity to talk to.

As he laced up his shoes, his mind wandered back to the moment he saw Sunset in the hallway, the cold expression on her face as she taunted that other student. He hadn’t been able to shake it all night, and the image of her pushing that kid into a locker kept replaying in his head. It was so different from the Sunset he’d heard about through Rarity and her friends—kind, supportive, and always there for others. But last night, she had seemed like someone else entirely.

But throughout the whole night, he questioned himself as to why he cared so much. Was it because Sunset was a friend of his cousin and she was acting off as to how Rarity explained her to be... or was it because he actually liked Sunset? Y/N had yet to even have a conversation with her, and despite hearing what she was like, he didn't know anything about her. And with her recent behavior, Y/N was now no longer sure what she was truly like. But, she was very smart. She showed her intelligence multiple times in class by answering questions with picture-perfect accuracy and she impressed Y/N time and time again. She was also beyond beautiful. From her hair to her eyes, her smile... Y/N shook his head. 'What am I doing? I don't even know her, I've never even talked to her but somehow I fell for her. But... even though I do like her, she has Sundrop and I have the team to worry about. I can't let these feelings get to me, stay focused Y/N.'

As he headed downstairs to the kitchen, he saw Rarity was already there, preparing some tea and toast for breakfast. She glanced up when he walked in and greeted him with a bright smile.

“Good morning, darling!” she chirped, sliding a plate toward him. “I trust you slept well?”

“Yeah, thanks,” Y/N replied, sitting down across from her. He picked up a piece of toast, but before taking a bite, he glanced over at her, hesitating. He had to tell her about what he saw last night or he would go insane. If his friend was acting off he would want to know about it. Rarity had to know about Sunset and what she did. “Actually, Rarity… can we talk for a second?”

Her smile faded slightly as she sensed his serious tone, and she nodded, setting her tea down. “Of course, Y/N. What’s on your mind?”

Y/N took a breath, gathering his thoughts. “It’s about last night. When I left the gym to go to the bathroom, I saw something... weird.” Rarity looked at him expectantly, her eyes encouraging him to go on. “I was heading to the bathroom but on my way, I saw Sunset in the hallway. She was pushing some kid against a locker, teasing him, taunting him... I don’t know, it just didn’t look like her, at least by the way you told me she acted. And I know I don’t know her that well, but from what you and everyone else have told me, she’s supposed to be this really nice, friendly person. It just didn’t match up.”

Rarity’s brows knitted together, her expression turning thoughtful. “That does sound strange... Are you sure it was Sunset?”

Y/N nodded. “Absolutely. I mean, I may not know her but I know what she looks like. She wasn’t doing anything major, but it was enough to seem... mean. And it got me wondering if maybe her boyfriend, Sundrop, has something to do with it.”

At the mention of Sundrop, Rarity’s expression shifted to one of curiosity. “Sundrop? Why do you think he’d have anything to do with her behavior?”

“Well,” Y/N began, feeling a familiar bitterness creeping in. He hadn't told Rarity about his past at Crystal Prep nor about all the pain and suffering Sundrop had put him through. But if there was a time for her to know, it was now. “I knew him back at Crystal Prep. He was... well, he was the golden boy. Smartest kid in the class, quarterback for the football team, basically Mr. Perfect. But he was also a huge bully. He’d target anyone who didn’t fit into his idea of cool. He made my life there a nightmare.”

Rarity listened intently, her face sympathetic as she took in his words. 'Is this what Principal Celestia was talking to him about on his first day?'

“He’d push me around, mock me, humiliate me whenever he got the chance,” Y/N continued. “But it got worse when he started spreading rumors about me that eventually made people hate me." Y/N thought back to those times. "He accused me of sexually assaulting one of his friends and with him being the golden boy everyone believed him. No one believed me, after all, I was the failure of Crystal Prep. It became so bad that dying probably would've been better than what I was going through on a daily basis. So, one day I was fed up with it and snapped. I did something no one had done before and stood up to Sundrop. We eventually got into a fight but it was quickly broken up by fellow classmates and teachers. After my parents found out, they immediately pulled me out of Crystal Prep and looked for another school for me to go to. That's when they called your parents asking if I could stay here so I could go to Canterlot with you. And now you know the story between me and Sundrop and why I think he's a bad influence on Sunset and why she might be acting weird.”

Rarity’s expression softened, and she reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “Y/N, I had no idea. I’m so sorry you went through that.”

He nodded, managing a small smile at her support. “Thanks. I don’t know if he’s changed since then, I doubt it. But after seeing Sunset act that way last night... it reminded me of how he used to act and how he would treat me.”

Rarity’s eyes darkened slightly. “I’m beginning to wonder if there’s more to his behavior than Sunset realizes. She’s been dating him for a few months now, and honestly, it made me uneasy when I first heard he went to Crystal Prep, you know, with how most of the kids are. I never thought she’d go for someone like him.”

“That’s the other thing that's been on my mind,” Y/N said, his brow furrowing. “Sundrop was dating someone else back at Crystal Prep. I don’t know if they broke up or anything, but if he started dating Sunset just a few months ago like you claim, it seems suspicious. He might even be cheating on her.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, and she looked away thoughtfully. “Oh dear... Sunset’s never mentioned anything about his past relationships or anything to do with his past. She trusts him so much, and she doesn’t seem to question his behavior.” She took a breath, her resolve strengthening. “I’ll talk to her later today. If there’s something wrong, I want to be there to help her see it before it’s too late.”

Y/N nodded, relieved to hear that Rarity would step in. “Thanks, Rarity. I didn’t want to keep this to myself, but I also didn’t know what to do.”

“You did the right thing, Y/N,” she assured him. “And don’t worry, I’ll handle this with care. Sunset deserves to know if something’s wrong. I can tell you care about her.” Rarity then smirked. "Do you perhaps like her?"

Y/N let out a small laugh. "Honestly, I'm not quite sure myself. I've never even spoken to her, and all I know about her is what you've told me. But, I will admit she is super smart and beyond beautiful." Y/N then got serious. "But, she's dating Sundrop right now, so it's not like I can make a move on her. Besides, I have school and the football season to worry about, they are my number one priority right now, and of course family and friends too. But I can't worry about a girl, I've never had a girlfriend anyway so I wouldn't know what to do.

They shared a look of mutual understanding before Rarity took a deep breath, changing the subject with a smile. She could tell Y/N had a lot on his mind, and she didn't like seeing her cousin down. “Talking about football, you've been playing amazing, dear. Everyone has been talking about the star Quarterback who came out of nowhere and is helping Canterlot. Your recent success on the football field is the talk of the school! You all looked amazing out there last night. And I've heard a few girls talking about you.” Rarity winked as Y/N blushed, he was still not used to the sudden attention as he was used to being a loner and not in the spotlight.

Y/N grinned, his earlier worries easing a bit. “Thanks! It’s been awesome. The team’s really come together, and I think we can keep this winning streak going.”

“I’m thrilled for you all, darling, but remember, confidence is good—as long as it doesn’t tip over into arrogance.” She gave him a gentle but knowing look. “Stay grounded. Too much pride has brought down many a champion, you know.”

Y/N chuckled, nodding. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my head in the game. I’m just happy to be doing well, and I’ll keep pushing myself to help the team as best as I can.”

“As you should! After all, you’re the quarterback, the leader out there on the field,” Rarity said with a proud smile. “Just remember, it’s a long season. Take each game as it comes, and don’t let a few wins make you reckless.”

Y/N nodded, absorbing her advice. She was right—the season was still early, and they had a long road ahead. He would stay focused, work hard, and keep pushing himself to improve.

Later that week, the Canterlot Wondercolts faced off against their next opponent. The stadium was packed with students and fans alike, all buzzing with anticipation. The energy was high, and Y/N felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as he stepped onto the field, taking in the cheers and encouragement from the crowd.

The game kicked off, and though they started strong, it quickly became clear that this opponent was tougher than the last two. They had a solid defense that kept Y/N and his team on their toes, forcing them to adapt and strategize on the fly. Mistakes began to creep in—passes were missed, routes were off, and the team didn’t look as cohesive as they had in the previous games. It was clear that the team wasn't as focused as they were in the last two games.

By halftime, they were still leading, but the gap wasn’t nearly as wide as they were used to. Coach gathered them together, his tone stern but encouraging.

“All right, team, listen up,” he said. “We’ve had a great start to the season, but this game is a reminder that we can’t get too comfortable. Do not get cocky, stay focused, and keep playing smart. You’ve got this.”

Y/N looked around at his teammates, seeing the determination in their eyes. They all knew they’d have to bring their A-game if they wanted to keep their streak alive. Taking a deep breath, he nodded to Flash and Bulk, signaling his readiness to lead them through the second half.

The game resumed, and Canterlot fought hard. There were still some hiccups—occasional fumbles, minor miscommunications—but they managed to rally together, using their setbacks as fuel to push even harder. They dug deep, remembering their training and trusting each other to make the plays that mattered.

In the end, they emerged victorious, though it wasn’t the blowout they’d come to expect as the last two. The score was 28-0, the least amount of points Canterlot had put up all season. Their win hadn’t come as easily, but they’d earned it through resilience and teamwork. As they walked off the field, exhausted but proud, Y/N felt a renewed sense of purpose. The close call had reminded him and his teammates that they couldn’t afford to let their early success go to their heads.

The rest of the week was a mix of training and classes, with everyone feeling a bit more grounded. They’d seen firsthand how quickly things could shift on the field, and it fueled their drive to work even harder in practice. Y/N and his teammates knew they had a good chance at a successful season, but they were determined not to get reckless or overconfident. They would continue improving, pushing themselves to stay sharp and disciplined.

By Friday, Y/N was looking forward to another weekend game, ready to see how their hard work would pay off. He hadn’t forgotten his conversation with Rarity earlier in the week, and though he hadn’t seen any other signs of strange behavior from Sunset, he hoped that Rarity’s talk with her had gone well. For now, though, he was focused on football, determined to keep his team’s momentum going while staying grounded and humble.

7. A Team In Shambles! Country Against City!

The anticipation was palpable as the Canterlot Wonderbolts prepared for their Week 4 matchup. The entire school buzzed with excitement about their team’s 3-0 record—the first time in over a decade that Canterlot High had started so strong. The momentum was undeniable, and everyone seemed to believe that this was their year. Things felt different, the offense was playing the best it looked in years and the defense was playing lights out. And that was all thanks to Y/N, the star quarterback who had been playing at an MVP caliber so far. Y/N, however, felt the weight of the expectations from his team and the school but embraced the challenge. After all, the team had proven themselves capable of handling any opponent so far.

That morning, Y/N sat at the breakfast table at Rarity’s house, finishing a bowl of cereal while Rarity flipped through a magazine. She looked up with a thoughtful expression.

"Darling, have you given much thought to tonight’s game?” she asked.

Y/N glanced up, raising an eyebrow. “Not really. I mean, I know the team over by Everfree is solid, but we’ve been on fire. We’ll handle it.” He went back to eating his cereal, he was thinking about the next game and how to further improve his gameplay.

Rarity frowned slightly, setting her magazine down. “Yes, well, I do think you should be aware of something. Their quarterback, Timber Spruce, is quite talented. He’s Twilight’s boyfriend, and while his team may not have our record, they’re formidable. He’s helped them to a 2-1 season so far.”

Y/N shrugged, confidence radiating from his posture. “That’s good for them, but we’re 3-0 for a reason. I’m not worried.” As soon as the words escaped his mouth, Y/N paused. 'When did I start talking like that? I know our team is good and I do feel confident, but that doesn't mean not to worry about them. Maybe I am starting to get arrogant.'

Rarity tilted her head, studying him. “Confidence is lovely, Y/N, but don’t let it blind you to the challenge ahead. Every game is a new opportunity, and no opponent should be underestimated.”

Y/N nodded, a smile on his face as he finished his cereal. “Got it, Rarity. Thanks for the reminder.” As he got up to put his bowl in the sink, Y/N looked down in thought. 'She's right, just because we're 3-0 doesn't mean to underestimate a team.'

She smiled but still seemed unconvinced. “Do stay focused, darling. The stakes are higher now, and the season only gets tougher from here.”

The stadium was alive with energy as the Canterlot Wonderbolts took the field. Fans waved banners and cheered loudly, their faith in the team unwavering. Y/N felt the adrenaline surge as he led his team onto the turf, scanning the opposing sideline where Timber Spruce stood surrounded by his players. The two quarterbacks made brief eye contact, and Timber offered a polite nod.

As the game began it was clear from the very beginning, that the Wonderbolts were coming in hot just like every other game throughout the season. The offensive line held strong, the defense forced key turnovers, and Y/N’s pinpoint passes allowed Canterlot to take an early lead. By halftime, the scoreboard read 21-0 in Canterlot’s favor.

But it wasn’t a flawless first half. The opposing team fought tooth and nail, forcing the Wonderbolts to work harder than they had in any game so far. Their defense was relentless, disrupting Canterlot’s rhythm on offense on occasion and making it clear they weren’t going down without a fight.

Coach Iron Will gathered the team during the break, his booming voice carrying over the noise of the crowd. “You’re doing great out there, but don’t let up! This team isn’t backing down, and if we give them an inch, they’ll take a mile! Stay sharp, stay focused, and keep playing like champions!” That speech encouraged the Wondercolts to fight harder, they would be starting with the ball to start the second half and they wanted to further the lead and put the pressure on Everfree.

The Wonderbolts started with possession, and Y/N took the field, determined to extend their lead and put the game out of reach. He stepped into the huddle, rallying his teammates with a calm but confident demeanor.

“Let’s start strong,” he said, his voice steady. “Stick to the game plan, and we’ll finish this.”

The first play was a pass. Y/N dropped back, scanning the field for an open receiver. He saw Flash making a break downfield and launched the ball with precision. Just as he released it, he felt a crushing impact from the blind side.

The hit sent him sprawling to the ground as his head slammed onto the turf, the wind knocked out of him. Pain radiated through his side as he lay there, struggling to breathe. It felt like he had been hit by a train, his vision was blurry, he felt dizzy, and his head was killing him. The stadium fell silent, the crowd holding its collective breath as the medical staff rushed onto the field. Rarity watched in fear as others ran to her cousin's side as he lay on the ground in pain.

"It'll be okay, Rarity." Twilight tried to offer Rarity a hand but Rarity was too scared for the health of her cousin.

Y/N tried to sit up but winced, the pain too much to bear. He waved off his teammates’ concern, but it was clear something was wrong.

“I’m fine,” he muttered, though his voice betrayed his discomfort.

Coach Iron Will knelt beside him, his expression serious. “You’re coming out, Y/N. No arguments.”

Reluctantly, Y/N allowed himself to be helped off the field, leaning on the trainers as they guided him toward the locker room. His teammates patted him on the back and wished him the best and for a fast recovery. The crowd applauded in support, but Y/N couldn’t shake the frustration and disappointment that churned in his gut. 'This sucks.'

The team doctor examined Y/N, frowning as he gently pressed along the quarterback’s ribs. “You’ve got a bad bruise, and it might be worse. Furthermore, you're on concussion protocol. I'm sorry Y/N but you’re done for tonight. And you could very well miss next week as well.”

Y/N clenched his fists, the news hitting harder than the tackle. “Are you sure? I can push through it.”

The doctor shook his head. “Absolutely not. It’s too risky. Rest, ice, and we’ll reevaluate tomorrow.”

Y/N exhaled sharply, leaning back against the bench. All he could do now was watch and hope his team could hold the lead. "Can I at least go and watch my team on the sidelines?" The doctor gave him a smile and nodded. Y/N got up and made his way to the locker room to change before going back to the field where he would watch instead of play.

When Y/N arrived back he was met with cheers from the crowd and his team, happy that he was okay. Rarity was finally able to breathe once again when she saw Y/N standing on the sidelines talking to his teammates.

Without Y/N at the helm, the Wonderbolts struggled. Their backup quarterback lacked what Y/N had, as he was unable to get anything going. Passes missed their marks, plays broke down, and the offensive line faltered under the pressure. With the offense not able to do anything, the defense was starting to get tired giving Everfree a chance.

Timber Spruce seized the opportunity to rally his team. He orchestrated a comeback with precision and confidence, exploiting gaps in Canterlot’s defense and finding his receivers with ease. By the fourth quarter, the once-dominant Wonderbolts found themselves on the verge of defeat. And the whole time Y/N could do nothing but watch, disappointed he couldn't get back on the field with his team and play.

The final moments were tense. The defense was on the field and they had to get a stop. With seconds left on the clock, Timber led his team into field goal range, and their kicker sealed the victory with a clean shot through the uprights.

The scoreboard read 24-21, and the Wonderbolts’ winning streak was over. The crowd groaned, upset they lost. The team and Y/N could only watch and sigh, they had lost their first game of the season. But even though they lost, they were still going to be good sports and congratulate their opponents.

Y/N returned to the middle of the field after the game, walking gingerly but determined to congratulate Timber and his team. The two quarterbacks met at midfield, surrounded by their teammates.

“Good game,” Y/N said, extending a hand.

Timber shook it firmly, a genuine smile on his face. “Thanks. You guys are tough. I’m sorry about the hit—it’s never fun seeing a player go down.”

Y/N shrugged, forcing a small smile. “It happens. I’ll be back, and next time, we’ll settle this properly.”

Timber chuckled, nodding. “Looking forward to it. Get better soon, Y/N.”

As the opposing team celebrated their hard-fought victory, Y/N turned to his own teammates, who stood dejected on the sidelines.

Coach Iron Will gathered them in a huddle, his voice steady but firm. “Hold your heads high, Wonderbolts. This is one game in a long season. Learn from it, grow from it, and come back stronger. Champions aren’t made from perfect records—they’re made from how they bounce back after a loss.”

Y/N looked up into the stands, where Rarity and her friends were watching. Rarity’s expression was one of concern and encouragement, and she gave him a small wave. He gave a wave back, his eyes looked over at Sunset as the two made eye contact. She offered a half-hearted wave as she looked down at her phone, probably texting Sundrop about Canterlot's recent loss.

The atmosphere was somber as the team filed into the locker room. For many of them, this was their first loss of the season, and the sting was evident. Y/N sat quietly, still blaming himself for not being able to finish the game. Although there was nothing that could've been done, as none of them could have expected Y/N to go down, the team knew they still had a chance at winning the game if they played things differently.

Rarity found him as he left the locker room, her face a mix of worry and reassurance. “Y/N, darling, are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” he replied, though his tone was far from convincing.

“You did everything you could,” she said gently. “This isn’t on you. The season isn’t over, and there’s still so much to fight for.”

Y/N nodded slowly, taking her words to heart. The loss hurt, but he knew she was right. There was still plenty of football left to play, and the Wonderbolts would bounce back stronger than ever.

8. Flipping The Script! An Offensive Defense!

The week following the Canterlot Wonderbolts’ first loss of the season was one of frustration and restlessness for Y/N. Concussion protocol had kept him off the field and out of practice for the whole week, a mandatory precaution after the brutal hit he’d taken during the game against Timber Spruce’s team. Not to mention the bruise on his ribs would ache at times making it hard for him to make certain movements. For someone as dedicated as Y/N, the downtime felt unbearable. While his teammates drilled and strategized, he was sidelined, forced to focus on recovery. But he didn't just sit and do nothing, he watched his teammates play and talked to the Coach going over plays. He watched film of the upcoming team they were to face, and whenever he noticed something he let one of the Coaches know.

Rarity, ever the concerned cousin, had been particularly vocal about ensuring he didn’t rush back too soon. “Darling, I know how much football means to you, but your health is more important,” she said during one of their conversations at her house. “What good are you to the team if you push yourself and make things worse?”

Y/N nodded but didn’t respond, his mind already made up. Sitting out was not an option in his eyes. He put a hand on his ribs as he grimaced in pain. He knew that his health mattered and he knew that he had to be careful to not get more injured to keep him out for even longer, but his stubbornness got the better of him. He had to play, the team was counting on him and he didn't want to let them down. He had let them down by getting injured last week, and although it wasn't his fault, he still partially blamed himself for them losing last week.

Iron Will and Y/N had talked about ways to keep him safe from injury. They both understood how important it was for Y/N to not get hit. The one thing Canterlot lacked was a backup Quarterback. Without Y/N the team would be nowhere near the same amount of intensity and flare like they had and last week showed that. The offensive line would only be able to do so much but there would be times when defenders would break free and get to him. The best thing would be for Y/N to get the baller out quicker, do pocket presence drills once he was back in shape, and maybe even start to run from time to time.

Another thing that Iron Will had started training Y/N for before he went down with an injury. Being a mobile Quarterback would open up the window for many opportunities. Y/N so far had been a pocket Quarterback, as he stayed in the pocket and threw the ball to his teammates or gave the ball to the running back. But if he could learn how to be a dual-threat and start using his legs it would make defenses stay on their feet when Canterlot was on offense.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as the Wonderbolts prepared for their Week 5 matchup. Their opponent, while not as strong as Timber’s team, was still formidable. Y/N knew this game was crucial for their season. At 3-1, the team was hungry to prove that the previous week’s loss was a fluke and that they were still contenders. If they were to drop another game, especially lose two in a row, people might start to think they were pretenders.

Y/N stepped onto the field, helmet in hand, ignoring the faint bruise that lingered from his earlier injury. His head too, hurt a bit from the loud cheering from the crowd, but Y/N fought through it. The murmurs of concern from his teammates didn’t go unnoticed, but he brushed them off with a confident smile.

“I’m fine,” he assured them. “Let’s get this win.”

Coach Iron Will wasn’t as easily convinced. “Y/N, are you sure about this?” the coach asked, his tone uncharacteristically soft. “You’ve been out all week. No practice, no drills. This isn’t just about you—it’s about the team.”

Y/N met his coach’s gaze, determination shining in his eyes. “Coach, I can do this. I need to do this.”

Iron Will sighed, finally nodding. “All right. But the second I see you struggling, I’m pulling you. No arguments.”

From the very first snap, it was clear that Y/N wasn’t at 100%. His timing was off, his passes lacked their usual precision, and his movements were sluggish. The opposing defense capitalized on his rustiness, sacking him twice and intercepting a poorly timed throw.

The Wonderbolts’ offense struggled to gain traction, and frustration began to seep into the team. The crowd, usually a sea of encouragement, grew quieter with each misstep. Y/N also started to lose it, he knew he was better than this, but his injury was getting to him.

Coach Iron Will paced the sideline, his jaw clenched as he watched the game unfold. After another failed drive, he finally made the call. “Bulk! Flash!” he barked, summoning the two players. “You’re going in on defense. Bulk, you’re at linebacker. Flash, cornerback. Let’s see what you two can do.”

Both players exchanged surprised looks but quickly nodded.

“Got it, Coach!” Bulk said, his usual enthusiasm shining through.

Flash smirked, adjusting his gloves. “Time to shake things up.”

Y/N watched in surprise as his friends went on the field. "Why are Flash and Bulk going on defense? They're a part of the offense."

"I've made all of my players do practice drills on both offense and defense. It keeps opposing offenses and defenses on their feet. Just watch and see it for yourself, Y/N." Y/N nodded and looked on the field as the defense took to the field.

Bulk and Flash took the field, bringing an unexpected energy to the Wonderbolts’ defense. Bulk’s size and strength made him a natural fit for linebacker, and his aggressive playstyle disrupted the opposing offense’s rhythm. Flash, with his speed and agility, quickly proved himself as a capable cornerback, sticking to receivers like glue and breaking up passes.

Midway through the second quarter, Bulk read the quarterback’s eyes perfectly, stepping into the passing lane and intercepting the ball. He barreled down the field, shrugging off would-be tacklers before finally being brought down near the red zone. The stadium erupted in cheers, the momentum shifting in Canterlot’s favor.

Not long after, Flash made a similar play, intercepting a deep pass and returning it for a touchdown. The sideline exploded with excitement, players mobbing Flash as he crossed the goal line. At halftime, the Wonderbolts led 14-0, thanks entirely to their defense.

In the locker room, Coach Iron Will addressed the team with his usual intensity. "Listen up! The offense isn’t clicking tonight, and that’s fine. Football’s a team sport, and right now, our defense is carrying us. Bulk, Flash—fantastic work out there. Keep it up.”

He turned to Y/N, his expression softening slightly. “Y/N, I know you want to do more, but this isn’t about one player. Trust your teammates. Let them carry the load tonight.” Y/N nodded, his disappointment evident but tempered by the realization that the team could still win without him being the focal point.

The defense continued to dominate, with Bulk making another interception and returning it for a touchdown. Flash followed up with a spectacular pass deflection that led to a teammate recovering the ball. The special teams unit added a safety when the opposing punter fumbled the snap, further padding the Wonderbolts’ lead.

On the sideline, Y/N watched with growing admiration as his teammates stepped up in ways he hadn’t anticipated. Bulk was a force of nature, delivering crushing hits and rallying the defense with his energy. Flash, usually the flashy playmaker on offense, showcased his versatility and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball.

By the end of the fourth quarter, the scoreboard read 41-0, a decisive victory for the Wonderbolts.

In the locker room, the mood was jubilant. Players cheered and high-fived, celebrating their dominant performance. Despite the win, Y/N couldn’t shake his frustration over his own performance.

He sat on the bench, staring at the ground until Bulk and Flash approached him.

“Hey, man,” Bulk said, clapping Y/N on the shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up. A win’s a win, and we couldn’t have done it without you out there leading us.”

Flash nodded. “Yeah, you set the tone, even if you weren’t at your best. And don’t forget—this is what teams do. We pick each other up.”

Y/N looked up at his teammates, a small smile forming on his face. “Thanks, guys. You were amazing out there. I’m proud to be on this team.”

As Y/N sat at home, icing his ribs and replaying the game in his mind, Rarity entered the room with a cup of tea.

“You were splendid tonight, Y/N,” she said, sitting beside him.

He raised an eyebrow. “Splendid? Rarity, I barely did anything.”

“Nonsense,” she replied, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You showed resilience and trust in your teammates. That’s what makes you a great leader.”

Y/N sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I guess I learned something tonight. It’s not just about one unit or one player—it’s about the team. If one part struggles, the others step up. That’s how we win.”

Rarity smiled warmly. “Exactly, darling. And with that mindset, I have no doubt you and your team will continue to achieve great things.”

Y/N nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The Wonderbolts were 4-1, already surpassing last season’s record, and the future looked brighter than ever.

9. Back In Business! Path To Being Crowned!

After the struggles of the previous week, Y/N felt a renewed sense of purpose as he stepped onto the practice field Monday morning. With a full week of drills and preparation ahead, his mind was clear, and his body felt 100% once more. The Canterlot Wonderbolts had regrouped, their confidence restored by their defense-led victory, but the entire team knew they couldn’t afford to rest on their laurels. They had been lucky last week, but they wouldn't always be able to rely on their defense, something they had learned against Timber and his team.

Y/N threw a pass to Flash who lateraled it to Bulk, it was a new move they were working on and planning on using in a game when given the chance. Iron Will’s booming voice carried over the field as he addressed the team. “Alright, Wonderbolts! Last week, our defense showed what it means to carry the team. This week, we’re coming back as a unit, stronger than ever. Offense, defense, special teams—every one of you needs to be at your best because our next opponent isn’t just anyone. They’re Everfree’s rivals, and they’re looking to knock us down.”

The team erupted into cheers, their energy palpable as they continued their warmups.

With Y/N leading the charge, the offense quickly found its rhythm again. Flash and Bulk seemed nearly unstoppable, running precise routes and breaking through defensive lines with ease. The offensive line, bolstered by renewed focus, gave Y/N ample time to make his reads and deliver pinpoint passes.

Defense remained sharp, capitalizing on the momentum from the previous game. Flash, who had proven his versatility as a cornerback, split time between offense and defense during practice, becoming an invaluable dual threat. Bulk continued to fine-tune his skills as a linebacker, solidifying his role as a defensive anchor. Iron Will knew that although Y/N said he was feeling better, he wanted to make sure Flash and Bulk were ready in case Y/N still struggled.

By Friday’s final practice, the team was firing on all cylinders. Iron Will gathered them for a final pep talk before the weekend. “Wonderbolts, you’ve worked your tails off this week. Tomorrow, we remind the league why Canterlot is back in business. We’re not just here to play—we’re here to dominate.”

The sun shone brightly over Canterlot’s stadium as the team prepared for their Week 6 matchup. The stands were packed, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. A sense of determination filled the air as the Wonderbolts took the field and this time, Y/N was ready to come back stronger than ever before.

From the very first snap, it was clear that Canterlot was back to full strength and Y/N was at 100%. Y/N orchestrated the offense with precision, leading them down the field with a mix of short passes, powerful runs, and the occasional deep bomb. Flash was unstoppable, hauling in three touchdown passes before halftime, while Bulk bulldozed through defenders for two more scores.

The defense was just as dominant, forcing turnovers and smothering the opposing offense at every turn. By the time the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 56-0, a statement victory that left no doubt about Canterlot’s capabilities when everything was going their way.

In the locker room, the atmosphere was electric. Players cheered and celebrated, congratulating one another on their performance. Iron Will’s booming laugh echoed through the space as he patted players on the back.

“Now that's what I’m talking about!” he exclaimed. “We’re 5-1, and we’re just getting started. Enjoy this one tonight, boys—you earned it. But come Monday, we’re back to work because the road to the championship starts now!”

Y/N couldn’t help but smile as he looked around at his teammates. They’d come so far since the start of the season, and with each win, their confidence grew.

As Y/N settled into his seat for his first class of the day, he overheard a few classmates talking excitedly about the Wonderbolts’ next game.

“Can you believe it? Crystal Prep is our next opponent,” one of them said.

Y/N froze, the name sending a jolt of unease through him. His old school. His old tormentor. This would be the first time since he left Crystal Prep that he would meet with Sundrop and the rest of them.

He pulled out his phone and searched for Crystal Prep’s record. Sure enough, the team was 6-0, riding an undefeated season. Even more impressively, they hadn’t given up double-digit points all season thus far. At the helm of their success was Sundrop, Y/N’s former bully and the quarterback who had made life at Crystal Prep a nightmare.

Before Y/N could dwell on it, Sunset Shimmer approached him, her usual confident smirk in place.

“Hey, Y/N,” she said, leaning against his desk, making him look up. After all that time of hearing about her, the two were finally talking. “I heard we’re playing Crystal Prep next. Hope you’re ready to get crushed.”

Y/N frowned, caught off guard. Once again she was acting like that girl he saw push that kid into the locker, but he wasn't going to let her get to him and rattle his mind. He had the game to worry about, not whatever Sundrop's girlfriend had to say. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means Sundrop doesn’t lose,” Sunset replied matter-of-factly. “He’s the best quarterback in the country for a reason. You might as well not even show up. Give up and forfeit the match.”

Her words stung, but Y/N didn’t let it show. Instead, he straightened up, meeting her gaze. “We’ll see about that.” he said firmly. Sunset raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, before walking away with a huff.

During lunch, Y/N sought out Rarity, who was sitting with her friends at their usual table. He pulled her aside, wanting to talk privately.

“What’s wrong, darling?” she asked, noticing his serious expression.

“We’ll be heading out to play Crystal Prep next week,” Y/N said. “And in case you forgot, Sundrop’s their quarterback.”

Rarity’s eyes widened. “Oh, my. Are you alright?”

Y/N nodded slowly. “I’m nervous, I mean I haven't been there since I left, but... I want to beat him, Rarity. After everything he put me through, I want to prove that I’m not the same person he used to push around.”

Rarity placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You’ve already proven that, Y/N. Look at what you’ve accomplished here at Canterlot. But if beating him on the field is what you need, then go out there and show him what you’re made of. We’ll all be cheering for you.”

Her words gave Y/N a sense of calm, and he nodded. “Thanks, Rarity.”

As the week progressed, the Wonderbolts dove headfirst into preparations for their biggest challenge yet. Iron Will emphasized discipline and focus, reminding the team that Crystal Prep was undefeated for a reason.

“They’re good,” he said during one practice. “Real good. But so are we. We’ve got the tools, the talent, and the heart. It’s time to show them what the Wonderbolts are made of.”

Y/N threw himself into the week’s practices with renewed determination, studying game film and working tirelessly with Flash, Bulk, and the rest of the offense. He knew Sundrop would be watching, waiting for any sign of weakness.

And when Friday night finally arrived, Y/N stood in the locker room, his helmet in hand. The roar of the crowd outside echoed through the walls, and his heart pounded with anticipation. This was more than just a game. It was a chance for redemption, a chance to prove to himself and everyone else that he belonged. As the team took the field, Y/N glanced across at the Crystal Prep sideline. There stood Sundrop, his old bully, who was smirking confidently until he turned and saw Canterlot walk out of their locker room. He and Y/N made eye contact, his eyes widening for a second before he devilishly smiled.

Canterlot vs. Crystal Prep. Two teams that are huge rivals, one that rivaled the rivalry between the Cowboys and Eagles, the Bears and Packers, the Raiders and Chiefs, etc. Y/N v. his old bully Sundrop. Wondercolts vs. Shadowbolts. The stage was set and both teams were ready to win.

10. School Rivalry! CHS Takes On Crystal Prep!

The tension was palpable as the Canterlot Wonderbolts arrived at Crystal Prep’s imposing stadium. The air was thick with rivalry, and the Crystal Prep crowd was already jeering from the stands, their loyalty evident in the sea of purple and silver banners waving proudly. When Y/N walked onto the grounds of Crystal Prep he was immediately given looks by classmates he once knew.

Y/N looked at the field as he walked past it to get to the stadium. Very soon he would be facing his old school and his old bully who made his time there hard. And sooner or later he would be come face to face with Sundrop. But surprisingly, Y/N wasn't nervous, if anything he was fired up and determined to beat them! 'I'll show Sundrop and everyone just how much I've changed. I'll prove that today by defeating them!'

Y/N adjusted his helmet under his arm, his heart pounding not from nerves but from sheer determination. This was the game he’d been anticipating all season—a chance to prove himself against Sundrop, his old bully, and Crystal Prep, the school that once made him feel small.

As the Wonderbolts stepped onto the field for warmups, the Crystal Prep team emerged from their locker room, Sundrop leading the charge. His confident swagger and smug grin were enough to ignite a fire in Y/N’s chest. Sundrop spotted Y/N almost immediately and made his way toward him. Sundrop was caught off guard to see Y/N on the football team, much less the Quarterback.

“Well, well,” Sundrop said, stopping just a few feet from Y/N. “Look who it is. The kid who couldn’t cut it at Crystal Prep. Guess they’ll let anyone play quarterback at Canterlot these days.”

Y/N’s jaw tightened, but he held his ground. “I’m not the same person I was back then, Sundrop. And tonight, I’m going to prove it.”

Sundrop chuckled, shaking his head. “You? Prove something? Don’t kid yourself, Y/N. You’re still the same pathetic loser you always were. Enjoy the show while it lasts because I’m about to run you and your team into the ground.”

The words stung, but Y/N refused to let them get to him. He stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them. “We’ll see who’s pathetic when the game’s over.”

Sundrop’s grin faltered for a moment before he shoved Y/N back. “Careful, or you won’t even make it to the game.”

Y/N stood his ground, the tension between them boiling over. Players from both teams began to gather, and the shoving escalated as tempers flared. Coaches and referees rushed to break up the scuffle, shouting for everyone to focus on the game. The game hadn't even started yet but the people from the stands could tell they were in for a match.

From the opening kickoff, it was clear that Crystal Prep wasn’t going to play fair. Their players pushed and shoved after the whistle, their hits late and deliberately aimed to injure. The referees seemed blind to their antics, calling penalties on Canterlot for even the slightest infractions while ignoring Crystal Prep’s blatant fouls.

Despite the uneven playing field, Y/N rallied his team. “Stay focused!” he shouted in the huddle. “Don’t let them get to you. We play our game, not theirs.”

The Wonderbolts responded with grit and determination, fighting back with clean but aggressive plays. Y/N connected with Flash and Bulk on multiple drives as they continued to march down the field but came up shorthanded every single time. While Crystal Prep, led by Sundrop’s precision passing and calculated runs, matched them score for score but for them scoring touchdowns on each and every drive they had.

At halftime, the scoreboard read 21-6. Y/N sighed as he walked toward the locker room feeling the eyes of someone looking at him from behind. Turning around, Y/N saw Sundrop across the field with a smirk on his face.

In the locker room, Iron Will addressed the team, his voice steady but firm. “They’re trying to rattle you, Wonderbolts, but you’re stronger than that,” he said. “Stick to the game plan. Defense, tighten up, and force turnovers. Offense, keep pushing. We’re still in this.”

Y/N looked around at his teammates, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination. “We’ve come too far to let them win,” he said. “This is our game. Let’s take it.”

The team roared in agreement, ready to give everything they had in the second half. If they wanted a shot at winning this game, they would have to increase the intensity. Y/N got up from his seat and with a determined expression, made his way to the field, prepared to defeat Sundrop and show him just how much he had changed since they last saw each other.

Both teams came out swinging in the third quarter, using every trick in the book to gain an advantage. Sundrop launched two long touchdown passes, giving his team a 35-9 lead. But Canterlot refused to back down.

Y/N led a masterful drive, hitting Flash for another score to cut the lead, although just by a bit. The defense tried to step up to slow down Crystal Prep's offense but no matter what they tried nothing worked. The score knotted at 35-9 heading into the fourth quarter, and Crystal Prep looked to run away with the game. However, what came as a shock was at the start of the fourth quarter Sundrop went to the bench and sat down signaling he was done for the night. That gave Canterlot a bit of hope, without Crystal Prep's star that could be their chance at coming back, albeit a very small chance.

But Crystal Prep’s dirty tactics continued. Late in the game, with Canterlot driving for a potential go-ahead score, a blatant pass interference on Flash went uncalled, resulting in a turnover on downs. Their backup Quarterback although nowhere near as good as Sundrop capitalized, leading the team to a decisive touchdown. That touchdown sealed the game and when the clock hit zero, the scoreboard read 45-9 as the clock hit zero. Once again, Crystal Prep had once again held up their opponents to single-digit points. And once again, Y/N had lost to Sundrop. This was Canterlot's worst loss this season and as harsh as it was to say, Y/N knew deep down that Canterlot wasn't ready to win the championship at this rate.

As the two teams met at midfield, Sundrop approached Y/N, his smug grin firmly in place.

“Guess some things never change,” Sundrop said, clapping Y/N on the shoulder with mock sympathy. “You’re still the same loser who'll never beat me in a million years. Once a failure, always a failure. Someone like you will never defeat someone like me.”

Y/N’s fists clenched at his sides, his anger boiling over as he watched Sundrop walk away, laughing and celebrating with his team. Sunset ran to Sundrop, throwing her arms around him as they hugged triumphantly. She looked past Sundrop's shoulder and looked at Y/N, a smirk on her face.

The sight was salt in the wound, and Y/N felt a deep sense of frustration and defeat.

Back in the locker room, the Wonderbolts sat in silence, the weight of the loss heavy on their shoulders. Iron Will stood in the center of the room, as he watched his team held their helmets in their hands.

“This one hurts,” he admitted, his voice breaking the silence. “But we’re not done. We’re still 5-2, and we’ve got the rest of the season ahead of us. We’re going to learn from this, get better, and make sure we’re ready if we see them again.”

Y/N and the rest of the team nodded in agreement, their spirits lifting slightly at his words. As he looked down Y/N couldn't help but feel as though Sundrop was right. Even though he was the Quarterback for Canterlot, he still fell short, and he couldn't help but feel he was that same failure back when he was at Crystal Prep.

Later that night, Y/N sat on the bleachers at Canterlot’s empty field, replaying the game in his mind. Rarity found him there, her expression one of sympathy and support.

“You played an incredible game, Y/N,” she said, sitting beside him.

Y/N wanted to yell at her at that moment. He had not played great and the score showed it. Sure calls were missed but he couldn't blame the refs, that was what cry babies did. “It wasn’t enough,” Y/N replied, his voice heavy with disappointment. “We lost, and Sundrop...” He trailed off, shaking his head.

“Darling, one game doesn’t define you or this team,” Rarity said gently. “You’ve come so far, and you’ll go even further. This isn’t the end—it’s just a setback. And who knows? You might get your chance for revenge in the playoffs or even the championship.”

Her words sparked something in Y/N, a renewed determination that burned brighter than ever.

“You’re right,” he said, standing up. “We’re not done. I’m not done. I promise, Rarity—Canterlot won’t lose another game this season. We’re going all the way.”

Rarity smiled, proud of her cousin’s resolve. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s make it happen.”

As Y/N left the field that night, he carried a renewed sense of purpose. The road to redemption wasn’t over—it had only just begun. 'Just you wait Sundrop, we will meet again, and the next time we meet it'll be different. We'll be the ones to defeat you and you'll be the one you would have fallen short.' The two cousins smiled as they walked home together, as they both looked forward to the future.

11. Broken Relations! A Not So Sunny Sunset!

The morning sun peeked through the curtains of Y/N’s room, signaling the start of a weekend that couldn’t have come at a better time. The loss to Crystal Prep still stung, but the team needed this break, as Coach Iron Will had insisted. The team was in a good spot, only losing two games so far but Y/N knew they could be better.

“It’s not defeat, Wonderbolts,” Coach had said in his booming voice after the game. “It’s a lesson. Rest, regroup, and come back stronger. Next week, we start preparing for the rest of the season.”

For Y/N, rest didn’t mean sitting idle. When Y/N came back home from the game he immediately went to watch film and see if he could find any flaws in Sundrop or the defense. While the team took their break, he decided to head to the park with Flash Sentry for some practice. Rarity, ever the supportive cousin, insisted on tagging along, though her real motive was to talk to Y/N about Sunset Shimmer.

The park was alive with the usual weekend energy—children playing on the swings, joggers pacing along the paths, and families enjoying picnics under the shade of the tall oak trees. Y/N and Flash found an open field, the perfect spot for throwing a football around and the perfect spot for them to get some training in.

Flash stretched his legs, ready to run routes, while Y/N adjusted his grip on the ball. “Alright, Flash,” Y/N called, “Let’s start simple. Ten-yard slants.”

“Got it!” Flash jogged into position and sprinted forward as Y/N launched the ball with practiced precision. It sailed through the air, landing squarely in Flash’s hands.

As the two fell into their rhythm, Rarity sat on a nearby bench, keeping her eyes on Y/N. Watching Y/N throw the ball to Flash also impressed her, she didn't think Y/N had a secret talent for football but it seemed he did. After a few minutes, she called out, “Darling, do you mind joining me for a moment?”

Y/N jogged over, wiping sweat from his brow with Flash took a seat, and took a sip from his water bottle. “What’s up, Rarity?”

She motioned for him to sit beside her. “I wanted to talk to you about Sunset. Have you noticed anything... different about her lately?”

Y/N nodded, recalling Sunset’s recent behavior. “Yeah, she’s been... off. More irritable. She came up to me and told me to forfeit the game because Sundrop would beat us despite being a Wondercolt. She also gloated after Crystal Prep beat us.”

Rarity sighed. “It’s not just that. She’s been snapping at our friends, even me, saying things she normally wouldn’t. It’s almost like she’s reverting to the Sunset we knew before she changed for the better. She scared Fluttershy so bad the poor girl started crying.”

Y/N frowned. “Do you think it’s because of Sundrop?”

Rarity hesitated before answering. “I hate to say it, but yes. Now that I think about it ever since she started dating him, she’s been acting differently. It started off slowly with small things that could be overlooked but it's only gotten worse. He’s rubbing off on her, and not in a good way.”

Y/N clenched his fists, the mention of Sundrop reigniting old memories of being bullied at Crystal Prep. “That guy... he’s a toxic influence. I don’t know what she sees in him.”

Before Rarity could respond, raised voices caught their attention. A boy and a girl were arguing nearby, their voices carrying through the quiet park. The two cousins glanced at each other, curiosity got the better of them, and they crept closer, crouching behind a row of bushes for a better look.

To their shock, speak of the devil, the arguing pair was none other than Sunset Shimmer and Sundrop.

“You think I don’t know what you’ve been doing behind my back?” Sunset’s voice was sharp, tinged with both anger and hurt.

“Don’t act like a saint, Sunset,” Sundrop shot back. “You’ve been getting on my case for weeks now. Maybe if you weren’t so controlling—”

“Don’t you dare put this on me!” Sunset interrupted, her hands balled into fists. “I trusted you, Sundrop. But now I find out you’ve been cheating on me when I've been nothing but a great girlfriend? I can’t believe I let you turn me into someone I don’t even recognize anymore!”

Sundrop smirked, his usual smugness on full display. “Oh, come on, Sunset. Don’t act like you’re so perfect. You loved this side of me at first. What changed?”

“What changed,” Sunset said through gritted teeth, “is that I realized you’re nothing but a manipulative jerk. We’re done, Sundrop.”

Sundrop scoffed, crossing his arms. “Fine. Go ahead. But don’t come crawling back when you realize you’re nothing without me.” Sunset didn’t respond, storming off in the opposite direction.

Y/N and Rarity exchanged wide-eyed glances. They had expected many things from their morning practice, but not witnessing Sunset and Sundrop’s breakup.

“Wow,” Y/N muttered, still crouched behind the bushes. “I didn’t think she’d actually stand up to him.”

Rarity straightened up, brushing dirt off her skirt. “Neither did I. But it’s about time she realized what kind of person he is.”

As Sunset walked past their hiding spot, her head hung low, Rarity turned to Y/N. “I’m going to go talk to her. I’ll make it seem like a coincidence.”

Y/N nodded. “Good idea. She could use someone to talk to right now.” Rarity hurried after Sunset, leaving Y/N and Flash behind.

Y/N watched as Rarity caught up to Sunset, her cousin’s comforting presence already beginning to ease Sunset’s visible sadness. He turned his attention back to Sundrop, who remained near the bushes, muttering angrily to himself before walking away.

Flash joined Y/N, his face mirroring Y/N’s determination. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Absolutely,” Y/N replied, his gaze never leaving Sundrop. “That guy’s been a thorn in my side for too long. It’s time to take him down—not just for what he did to Sunset, but for everything he’s done to everyone.”

Flash smirked. “And what better way to do it than on the field? We’ll show him and Crystal Prep who the real champions are.”

Y/N nodded, a renewed fire igniting in his chest. “We’ll make them regret ever underestimating us. When we meet again in the playoffs—or the championship— and trust me, we will, we’re taking them down.”

As they returned to practice, Y/N felt a sense of clarity. The path to redemption was clear, and it started with becoming the best player and teammate he could be. Victory wasn’t just about skill; it was about heart, resilience, and proving that no matter how many times they were knocked down, they would always rise again.

With the girls, Rarity caught up to Sunset near the park’s fountain. “Oh, darling, what a surprise seeing you here!” she said, feigning coincidence.

Sunset looked up, her expression a mix of sadness and frustration. She gave a small smile before looking down. “Rarity... Hey.”

Rarity placed a hand on her shoulder. “I couldn’t help but notice you looked upset. Care to talk about it?”

Sunset hesitated before sighing deeply. “I broke up with Sundrop.”

Rarity nodded giving Sunset a small smile. “I see. And how are you feeling about that?”

“Conflicted,” Sunset admitted as she scratched the back of her head. “I know it was the right thing to do, but it still hurts. I let him change me, Rarity. I became someone I don’t even like anymore.”

Rarity gave her a reassuring smile. “What matters is that you recognized it and made the decision to walk away. That takes strength, Sunset. And you’re not alone—you’ve got all of us to support you.”

Sunset managed a small smile. “Thanks, Rarity. I really needed to hear that.” The two friends hugged each other.

As the two friends continued their conversation, Y/N and Flash practiced with renewed determination in the background, setting the stage for the challenges yet to come. The Wonderbolts’ path to glory was far from over, and the rivalry with Crystal Prep was only heating up.

12. Step Up! Make It To The Football Playoffs!

The Canterlot High cafeteria buzzed with its usual lunchtime energy—students chatting, trays clattering, and laughter echoing through the room. Y/N sat at his usual table, poking at his tray of food as his mind raced with the news Coach Iron Will had delivered earlier that morning.

"Wonderbolts," Coach had announced, his voice as commanding as ever, "You've fought hard this season. One more win and we secure something this school hasn’t seen in fifteen years—a spot in the playoffs. A win tonight and we'll be eligible for playoff contention, use that as your strength to do your best tonight. Give it your all and continue to play as the team you have been all season long,"

The gravity of those words hit Y/N like a freight train. Fifteen years. A dry spell almost as old as he was. And now, the team was one victory away from making history. The thought both thrilled and weighed on him. And as the Quarterback, it was his responsibility to lead his team to victory.

“I have to play my best,” Y/N muttered to himself, his fork hovering over his mashed potatoes. “No mistakes, no slip-ups. This team deserves this.” Y/N was by himself, he wanted some time to himself to think over the game later today. He looked over where the football players sat at. Instead of eating, the team listened to Spike and Flash who were likely talking to them about doing their best. Everyone knew how much this game meant, even the students knew it. The amount of people who wished Y/N good luck so far that day was more than he could remember.

His train of thought was interrupted by a familiar laugh. Looking up, Y/N spotted Sunset Shimmer at a nearby table with the girls, her demeanor lighter than it had been in weeks. She smiled brightly, gesturing animatedly as the group shared a joke. It was a stark contrast to the Sunset he had seen recently—sullen, irritable, and distant. Y/N remembered what Rarity had told him after the weekend.

“Sunset’s apologized to all of us,” Rarity had said. “She’s trying to make amends for how she was acting. I think breaking up with Sundrop was the best thing for her.”

Watching Sunset now, Y/N couldn’t help but agree. She was back to being the person they all knew and cared about. The sight warmed his heart, and for a brief moment, his worries about the upcoming game melted away. This was the Sunset that he had been told about, and this was the Sunset that he liked.

“Hey, Y/N.” The voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see Sunset standing in front of his table, her tray balanced on one hand and an apologetic smile on her face.

“Sunset,” Y/N said, surprised. He was so busy in thought that he hadn't noticed her coming his way “What’s up?”

She shifted her weight, looking slightly nervous. “I wanted to talk to you... about something important.”

Y/N gestured to the empty seat across from him. “Sure. Have a seat.”

She slid into the chair and placed her tray down. “First of all, I owe you an apology,” she began. “Back before we played Crystal Prep, I said some pretty harsh things—about how you couldn’t beat Sundrop, how you didn’t stand a chance...”

Y/N waved a hand dismissively. “It’s fine, Sunset. Water under the bridge.” Y/N looked down at his food. 'It's not like you were wrong anyways, even now I still can't beat him.'

“No, it’s not fine,” she insisted. “I was out of line, and I’m sorry. I know how hard you’ve worked to turn things around for Canterlot, and I shouldn’t have doubted you. I've watched all of our games and how you've played, you're great. True is, the only reason why I said those things was because I generally thought you could defeat Sundrop, and being his girlfriend, I didn't want to see that.”

Her sincerity caught Y/N off guard. “Thanks, Sunset. That means a lot. I'm just doing my best for the team and the school. I want to help this team make the playoffs and maybe, just maybe, win it all.”

Sunset nodded before she hesitated before continuing. “I also wanted to offer you something—information about Crystal Prep as well as the team you guys are playing tonight. I’ve spent a lot of time with Sundrop, and I picked up a few things about how he plays. Their offense, their defense... stuff like that. Besides... it was all that he talked about when the two of us were together. He also talked about their opponents and the team you're playing tonight is one that Crystal Prep played earlier this season, Sundrop knows everything about them. If you’re interested, I could help.”

Y/N’s eyes widened. A secret weapon. With the playoffs looming and the possibility of facing Crystal Prep again if they wanted a shot at winning the championship, having insider knowledge could be a game-changer. As well as information they would play tonight, and the team they would need to beat to earn their spot in the playoffs. They would have the inside scoop and be able to play better than they had a few weeks back. And it wasn't exactly cheating, Sundrop was the one who dated someone from a rival school. And he was the one who told Sunset about their team and how their offense and defense was run. But Y/N's gut feeling was getting the better of him.

“That... would be amazing,” Y/N said. “Are you sure, though? I mean, isn’t that kind of, you know...”

“Spying? Cheating?” Sunset finished with a smirk. “Maybe a little. But after everything Sundrop’s done, I think he deserves a taste of his own medicine. And besides, I want to help you guys. You’ve worked too hard to let Crystal Prep stand in your way. If it makes you feel better we can say that this is my way of making it up for you for all the things I said.”

Y/N grinned. “Alright, Sunset. Let’s do it. Don't leave anything out. Tell me everything you know, both on offense and defense.” Y/N pulled out his phone and opened the notes app, ready to write down everything Sunset said so that he could tell the guys later.

The Friday night lights illuminated the Canterlot High stadium, the stands packed with students, parents, and alumni. The energy was electric, a mix of anticipation and determination coursing through the team. This was it—the game that could punch their ticket to the playoffs. Of course, there was one thing they had to do first, and that was to win the game.

Coach Iron Will’s pregame speech had been simple but powerful: “Play hard, play smart, and leave no doubt. Tonight, we make history.”

The whistle blew, and the game began. From the opening kickoff, Canterlot was playing with a renewed sense of purpose. As Y/N and the team took to the field he saw his friends and Sunset cheering them on. He had seen Sunset wave at him, making him smile as he waved back, ready to get the team going.

On their first possession, Y/N led the offense down the field with precision. A mix of short passes and powerful runs kept the opposing defense on their heels. By the end of the drive, Y/N connected with Flash in the end zone for the first touchdown of the game.

The defense was equally relentless. Spike, Bulk, and the rest of the defensive line broke through blocks, sacking the opposing quarterback twice in the first quarter. Flash, playing cornerback, snagged an interception and returned it for a pick-six which made the crowd and the rest of his team go crazy.

By halftime, the score was 28-0, and the Wonderbolts were in complete control.

The second half was more of the same. Y/N’s confidence grew with each play, and the offense executed flawlessly. Another touchdown pass to Flash and a long rushing touchdown by the running back extended the lead.

On special teams, the kicker nailed a 40-yard field goal, putting the game further out of reach. The defense continued to dominate, forcing a fumble that was scooped up and returned for yet another touchdown.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 56-0. The crowd erupted in cheers as the team celebrated on the field all knowing the same thing, Canterlot was heading to the playoffs.

The locker room was a scene of pure jubilation. Players shouted, laughed, and high-fived each other, their excitement palpable.

“We did it!” Bulk shouted, holding up a football. “We’re going to the playoffs!”

Y/N stood in the center of the room, a wide grin on his face. For a moment, he let himself soak in the achievement. They had done what no Canterlot team had done in over a decade.

Coach Iron Will entered, his booming voice cutting through the noise. “Alright, Wonderbolts, settle down!”

The room quieted, all eyes on the coach.

“You’ve earned this celebration,” he said, his tone proud. “But this is just the beginning. The playoffs are a whole different beast, and if we want to go all the way, we have to stay focused. Enjoy tonight, because starting Monday, it’s back to work.”

The team cheered, their excitement undiminished.

As the celebration continued, Y/N stepped outside for a moment of quiet. The night air was cool, a welcome contrast to the heat of the locker room.

He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Sunset. “Hey,” she said, her voice soft.

“Hey,” Y/N replied. “What are you doing out here?”

“I just wanted to say congratulations,” she said. “You played an amazing game.”

“Thanks,” Y/N said. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone. It was a team effort.”

Sunset smiled. “Still, you were incredible. And... thanks for letting me help you out. It felt good to be part of something positive. Now that you've made playoffs you have the chance to use my information for your advantage.”

Y/N looked at her, gratitude in his eyes. “We couldn’t have done it without your cheering, Sunset. Everyone's cheering. The crowd helps us want to do our best. And don't worry, I'm sure your insight will come in handy.”

They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the celebration fading into the background.

“Now we just have to keep this momentum going,” Y/N said finally. “The playoffs are going to be tough, but I think we’re ready.”

Sunset nodded. “You’ve got what it takes, Y/N. I believe in you. Beat Sundrop's butt for me.”

Her words filled him with renewed determination, he nodded in agreement as he looked up at the stars in the sky. This was only the beginning, and Y/N was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

13. No Pain No Game! Comeback Of The Year!

The cafeteria hummed with its usual lunch-hour energy. At their table, Y/N, Rarity, and her group of friends were deep in conversation. Flash and Bulk joined in, and the team’s excitement and anticipation were palpable. Tonight’s game wasn’t just another chance to add a win to their record—it would be their final stretch before the playoffs. With two games left until the playoffs, Canterlot wanted to finish strong before heading to the playoffs. But their opponent was going to be a tough one, one that could be one of their greatest challenges.

“Seven and two sounds better than six and three, don’t you think?” Y/N said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

“Way better,” Flash agreed, spinning his water bottle on the table. “And it’ll be a statement win before finishing off the regular season.”

“Exactly,” Bulk chimed in. “We’ve come too far to let this one slip. I say we crush it tonight.”

The girls, sitting nearby, overheard the conversation. Pinkie Pie bounced in her seat, her enthusiasm lighting up the table. “Don’t you worry, boys! We’ll be out there cheering you on, loud and proud!”

Rarity smiled warmly. “Indeed. You’ll have the full support of Canterlot High tonight.”

Rainbow Dash punched the air. “Let’s show that other team who’s boss!”

Y/N grinned. “Thanks, Pinkie, Dash, Rarity... all of you. We won’t let you down.”

“Just remember to keep your heads in the game,” Twilight added pragmatically. “Their defense is ranked number one for a reason.”

“Don’t worry, Twilight,” Flash said with a confident smirk. “We’ve got this.”

Sunset looked over at Y/N a smile on her face. "Take them down, Y/N. You've got this."

Y/N smiled. "Whether they have the number one offense or defense, they don't have what Canterlot has. Passion and determination, a drive to show everyone that we're not the same team we've been for the past few years. This year is and will be different."

As the conversation shifted to other topics, Y/N couldn’t help but feel grateful for the support of his friends. It gave him an extra spark of determination to make this game count. They would win this game and all the others that came after it.

Y/N unstrapped his helmet as he looked up at the scoreboard. Everything that could have gone wrong for the Wondercolts had gone wrong and now the Wondercolts found them in the same spot as they were against Crystal Prep. With it only being halftime, if Canterlot didn't fix things the score would only get worse and they would lose. Y/N didn't even try to attempt to look at his friends, as he lowered his head to the ground, not wanting to look at them. He was too embarrassed, after all that big talk he spoke at lunch, and now here he was getting his butt kicked.

The first quarter was a defensive battle with neither side able to get down the field and score any points. Both teams had strong defenses with the Wondercolts having the third-best while their opponents, like Twilight, had mentioned earlier, had the number one defense. And despite all the talents both teams had on offense, none of them were able to get some separation from the defenders. There were multiple threes and outs, and there were already a combined twelve punts.

However, that was when the second quarter started and that's when Canterlot's opponent started to get on fire. They scored a touchdown putting them up 7-0 early in the second quarter. Canterlot tried to fire back with a touchdown of their own but once again they went three and out and had to punt the ball. Their opponents got the ball and once again went down the field and got a touchdown putting them up 14-0, with 8:54 left in the second half.

Seeing that the game was starting to get out of hand, Y/N threw a deep ball to Flash. Both Flash and the Cornerback jumped for the ball but the Cornerback caught the ball for the interception. And to make matters worse, when both players came down and slammed onto the ground, Flash fell funny and went down holding his ankle in pain. The crowd went quiet as they watched the coaches run over to him as they checked him out. Y/N and some of the other team members took a knee, hoping that Flash would be okay. Being their best weapon on offense, they knew that things would only get harder.

The opponents using their momentum got another touchdown putting them up 21-0. Canterlot, now without Flash couldn't do anything on the offensive side, but they were lucky enough to be in field goal range and kick the ball making the score 21-3. Although there were a few more minutes until halftime, the opposing team was on fire and was able to punch in yet another touchdown making the score 28-3 before halftime.

With their top weapons on offense not able to do a thing it made it challenging to score any points. By halftime, the scoreboard read 28-3, and Canterlot trudged into the locker room with their heads hanging low. Y/N sighed as he looked up at the stands despite being down, their fans and his friends were still there cheering them on, and those cheers encouraged Y/N. As he headed into the locker room he promised himself that the second half would be a different story.

The locker room was somber, the air heavy with frustration. Players sat on benches, nursing bruises and trying to process what had gone wrong. Y/N stood in the middle of the room, looking at his teammates.

“Don't you dare give up!” he said, his voice cutting through the silence, “This isn’t over.” Some heads lifted, but most of the team remained quiet. “They’ve thrown their best at us,” Y/N continued. “But we’re still standing. We’ve fought through tougher situations before, and we can fight through this. Let’s regroup, make adjustments, and come out swinging in the second half. We're the Wondercolts, we don't give up! We haven't yet and we won't start now!”

Coach Iron Will entered, his expression grim. “Y/N’s right. We need a new game plan. Bulk, we’re going to use you as a decoy to draw their coverage. Y/N, I want you to spread the ball around more. Short, quick passes to keep their defense guessing. Defense take this time to regain your strength! I know you're tired, we all are, but we need to stop their offense if we want a shot. And the running game needs to step up. No more excuses. I know Flash is down but just because our top weapon on offense is out doesn't mean we can't score points.”

The team nodded, the fire slowly returning to their eyes. Just as they began to strategize for the second half, the door opened, and Flash hobbled in, his ankle taped up but his determination unshaken.

“I’m not sitting out,” he said firmly. “I’m not letting you guys do this without me. I may not be at my best but even being fifty percent is better than nothing and as long as I can move I'll continue playing.” Cheers erupted in the locker room as Flash took his seat. His return was the spark they needed.

“Let’s go,” Y/N said, his voice steady. “We’ve got thirty minutes to turn this around. Let’s make them count.”

The team continued to strategize until it was time to leave. They got up together and walked out of the locker room and back on the field. When they walked back on the field, the crowd cheered for their team. Even from the stands, they could tell their team was more passionate than ever. That night was cold but the fiery determination radiating from the Wondercolts was immeasurable. With Canterlot getting the ball at halftime they were prepared to come out guns blazing.

Canterlot started with the ball and was able to get down the field but stalled and had to kick a field goal. The score was 28-6 as they kicked off to the opposing team. The kick returner grabbed the ball and ran up the field but when he did, Bulk was able to punch the ball out of his hands and Canterlot jumped onto the ball. The crowd cheered as Y/N and the offense went back onto the field.

Y/N took the snap and scanned the field. The running back had gotten free and was wide open. Seeing his chance with the blown coverage, Y/N threw the ball to the running back who caught it and ran it in for a touchdown. The team cheered as the extra point was good making the score 28-13. Canterlot kicked the ball off as Y/N and the other hoped the defense could get a stop.

"We need an interception, or a fumble, or something." Y/N looked up at the clock. There was 2:31 left before the third quarter was over and the fourth would start. In total, they have 17 minutes and 31 seconds to either tie up the game or win. However, Y/N knew that if they needed to tie the game they would need to convert a two-point conversion.

Y/N watched as the opposing offense slowly went up the field. They were protecting the ball, either running the ball or throwing short passes, but it was working. The clock hit zero, signaling the end of the third and headed into the fourth and final quarter. With only 15 minutes left, Canterlot would need a miracle.

And that miracle came when the opposing Quarterback went to throw the ball but Spike had been able to get a hand on his shoulder, knocking the ball free as another defensive lineman caught the ball. "YEAHHHH!" Bulk and the offense yelled as they grabbed their helmets and took to the field. That turnover was costly for their opponents and their chances of coming back were starting to look like a reality.

At midfield it took three plays, a pass to Flash for 16 yards, a pass to Bulk for 8 yards, and yet another pass to Flash who caught the ball in the end zone making the score 28-19.

"Go for two!" Iron Will yelled and the offense gathered in the huddle. Not wanting to give their opponents time to breathe, Y/N immediately snapped the ball and ran a play-action call. He scanned the field ready to throw it but when he saw an open field, he took off and ran it in for the two-point conversion making the score 28-21! "That's how you do it, Y/N!!" Y/N teammates patted him on the back while they walked to the sidelines. All they needed was one more touchdown and they would tie the game.

Canterlot kicked off the ball as the opponents went to work. With six minutes left on the clock they had to kill the clock but Canterlot knew they needed the ball. First play Spike broke through the line and sacked the Quarterback. Second play they tried running the ball was the ball carrier only got about two yards before being taken down. Third play, a huge third down and one that would either continue having the opponents have the ball or Canterlot to get the ball with about 3 minutes left to play. The Quarterback snapped the ball and scanned the field, seeing the defense blitz him with Spike and Bulk coming full speed ahead, the Quarterback threw the ball high in the air but it was too far for the Receiver to catch it.

Canterlot's team and crowd cheered, knowing they would get a chance to tie the game. With 3:32 left to play, the punter kicked the ball and landed at Canterlot's 9 yard-line. Canterlot would have to get 91 yards with less than 4 minutes left.

Y/N and the offense took to the field, determined to punch the football in the end zone. First play Y/N looked deep to Flash ball but saw another Receiver had gotten open, checking it down to him as he ran for 16 yards. Second play, Y/N snapped the ball and scanned the field, seeing that Flash was speeding down the field, Y/N loaded up and threw a dime at Flash who caught it and got 34 yards. With the two-minute warning approaching Y/N quickly snapped the ball and threw it to Bulk who gained 20 yards.

The two-minute warning went off and both teams went to their sidelines. "You know what we have to do. We have to get twenty-one yards! But we also have to kill as much time off the clock without giving them a chance to kick a field goal. Be resilient and get into the end zone, but not so fast, know how much time you have left, and use that to your advantage." The team nodded their heads as they jogged back onto the field. Y/N looked at the defenders, everyone knew that these next twenty-one yards were make or break. Either the defense would stop them, or the offense would get into the end zone and take it into overtime.

"Hike!" Y/N scanned the ball and threw a bullet to Bulk who caught it and took it to their opponent's 8-yard line. The team slowly made their way to the 8-yard line and got in place. The opposing team had no timeouts left and could do nothing to stop the clock. "Hike!" Y/N grabbed the ball firmly as he turned around and gave it to the running back who ran it up the middle and came just short, at the 1-yard line. There were 52 seconds left on the clock as it continued to go down tick by tick. "Hike!" 2nd and goal at the opposing team's 1-yard line, Y/N gave the ball to the running back once again and this time he got into the end zone with 33 seconds left!

The crowd roared as the team jumped onto the running back for his job well done. The kicker nailed the field goal and the score was all tied at 28-28, with 33 seconds left. Y/N and his team watched the other team get the ball at their 25-yard line. They tried to get down the field but now with Canterlot having the momentum, their offense didn't hold a candle to the defense and before they knew it, the clock hit zero. With it being tied after the regulation, the two teams met in the middle of the field to go over overtime.

Overtime is where the referee will flip a coin, depending on what the call is either Canterlot or their opponents could get the ball. It's a 10-minute quarter and both teams have two timeouts, however, whoever starts on offense has a chance to end the game if they score a touchdown. But if the defense was able to stop them and get a field goal, the game would be over.

"Since you're the away team you get to make the call. Heads or tails?" The referee asked the opposing player who stood in front of Y/N and Flash.

"Tails." The opponent's player said. The referee threw the coin into the air and it fell onto the ground.

"It is heads." Canterlot won the coin toss and chose to start on offense. The opposing kicker kicked off the ball as Canterlot got it. The kick returner grabbed the ball and ran as hard as he could. He was eventually taken down but not before getting the team to their 25.

Y/N and the offense took to the field as they were met with the opposing defense. Both teams were tired from the intense showdown but if there was going to be a winner, someone would have to overcome the fatigue and fight through. Y/N knew what needed to be done, they had to get down the field and get the ball into the end zone, simple, right? They had seventy-five yards to go, but they were confident, after a rough start they had gained the momentum.

Scanning the field, Y/N hiked the ball and quickly threw the ball to Bulk who gained six yards before getting pushed out of bounds. Y/N jogged up the field before calling a run play. Hiking the ball once again, Y/N gave the ball to the running back who got free thanks to some blocking from Bulk and Flash. After getting fourteen yards the running back was finally taken down. They were at their own forty-five-yard line and after each yard they got they could feel victory get closer and closer.

"Flash get open! This is for you!" Flash nodded his head as everyone got into their places. "Hike!" Y/N hiked the ball and pretended to hand the ball off to the running back before looking back upfield. He pump-faked to Bulk before throwing it to Flash. He was able to get eighteen yards before getting tackled by the Cornerback.

The Wondercolts were at their opponent's thirty-seven yards, thirty-seven yards and they would win the game after being down 28-3. As Y/N was about to make the call, Bulk walked over to him. "Give me the ball, Y/N! I got this, trust me!" Y/N looked at Bulk and nodded his head with a smile.

Y/N stood in front of the offensive line as he looked around the field before making eye contact with Bulk. "Hike!" Taking the ball under center, Y/N stood in the pocket as he scanned the field from right to left. Seeing Bulk in a one-on-one match, Y/N took his chance and threw the ball. He knew Bulk was bigger and taller, and the trust he had for his teammates gave him the confidence that Bulk would come down with it. Sure enough, after throwing a dime his way, Bulk firmly caught the ball with two hands for a gain of 25 yards before getting taken down.

Canterlot's fans cheered, they were now at the opponent's 15-yard line and getting close to the end zone. Y/N looked over at Flash and Bulk, and then back at the running back before lining up. The team was on a hurry-up offense to not give the defense any time to recover or switch out teammates. Y/N quickly took the snap as he scanned the field. Seeing Flash in a one-on-one as Bulk had been, Y/N confidently threw the ball up for Flash.

Flash tried to reach for the ball but the Cornerback held onto him, not giving him the chance to catch the ball that he would normally come down with. The fans booed and Y/N threw his hands into the air in shock looking around for a flag. Flash went over to the referees to plead his case, the two talked for a bit and then, sure enough, one of them threw their flags making Canterlot cheer.

"Holding! Defense number three! The ball will be placed at the spot of the foul! Automatic first down!" The crowd cheered, thanks to that penalty Canterlot was now at the opponent's 2-yard line. All they needed was just two yards and the game would be over and they would win the game after being down by so much at halftime.

"C'mon, we got this! Slam it in! We have four chances to get it in for the touchdown! We haven't come this far just to kick a field goal! We go for the win, nothing more nothing less!" The team agreed as they clapped and took to their positions. Y/N took a deep breath before making the call. "Hike!" Y/N took the ball and handed it to the running back who raced forward. He was met with the defensive line as the two collided but Y/N came running behind, pushing him as hard as he could.

Thanks to Y/N's effort, the running back was able to push through and get into the end zone for the touchdown! Fireworks went off, and the roar of the crowd was as loud as it had been all game, all season in fact. Y/N threw his hands into the air in victory, the final score being 34-28! Teammates hugged each other, while others ran up and down the field. Y/N ran over and hugged his Coach who firmly hugged him back, the respect the two had for one another was evident.

The team jumped up and down as they celebrated on the field, the joy of their comeback victory evident in every cheer and high-five. It had been a hard-fought battle but after everything that happened, from being down big at half, and with Flash going down with an injury, the Wondercolts got past everything and won the game, increasing their record to 7-2. Y/N looked up into the stands and saw the girls cheering wildly, Pinkie Pie practically bouncing out of her seat. He waved to them, his heart swelling with gratitude for their unwavering support.

In the locker room, the celebration continued, but Y/N took a moment to sit quietly and reflect. This game had tested them in every way, but they had proven that they were a team capable of overcoming any obstacle.

“We did it,” Flash said, sitting beside him. “We really did it.”

“Yeah,” Y/N replied with a grin. “But this is just the beginning. The playoffs are going to be even tougher.”

Flash nodded. “We’ll be ready.”

Y/N looked around at his teammates, the energy and camaraderie in the room reminding him why he loved this game. Together, they had achieved something incredible, and he knew they were capable of even more.

“Let’s finish this season strong,” Y/N said, his voice full of determination. “And let’s show everyone what Canterlot is made of.”

The team cheered, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. This game had been a tough one but even still they found a way to win the game despite all odds.

15. Train Your Hearts Out! Make The Summit!

The playoffs were just a week away, and the tension around Canterlot High was palpable. All the teams in the playoffs were given a week off to rest and practice for the upcoming playoff games which would be more intense than any regular season game. Y/N and his teammates knew the weight of the moment. These weren’t just any upcoming games—it was the playoffs. Winning wasn’t just about glory; it was about cementing their legacy as one of Canterlot High’s greatest football teams.

Coach Iron Will’s booming voice echoed across the practice field. “Listen up, boys! You’ve made it this far, but this is just the beginning. The playoffs are where champions are made! Now, I want you to practice like your lives depend on it because the team that’s the most prepared wins!”

The team responded with a unified cheer, their determination burning like the mid-afternoon sun. Y/N felt a fire inside him. He wasn’t just playing for himself or his teammates; he was playing for Canterlot High and the community that supported them. He also knew not to underestimate any of the playoff teams. All eight teams had fought hard to get where they were, and although some teams had better records than others, thus giving them better playoff seeding, they were all strong.

Thanks to their record of 8-2, Canterlot was able to score themselves the 2nd seed in the playoffs meaning they would face the 7th seed at home. Their opponent had barely snuck into the playoffs with a record of 6-4 with almost all their games being one-score games. With that in mind, it gave Canterlot a lot to feel good about. But like Iron Will had said, this was the playoffs. Anything could happen and this would be everyone's first playoff game, something they didn't have any experience on.

Practice had been grueling, but the team was starting to hit its stride. Just as they were winding down for a water break, Coach Iron Will called the team together with an announcement. “Alright, listen up! I’ve got some news that’s going to shake things up,” he said, his tone serious. “I know you’re all fired up about the playoffs, but there’s something just as important as what happens on this field—your grades!”

The players exchanged confused looks. Y/N shifted uneasily, sensing that something big was coming.

“With testing coming up,” Coach continued, “I want you to be great on and off the field. Here’s the deal: anyone who doesn’t pass their tests doesn’t play. Not in the first game, and maybe not at all.”

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the team. Y/N’s stomach dropped. He was solid on the field, but when it came to academics it was another story. He was by no means dumb, but then again he was no genius. And he couldn’t imagine sitting out during the most important games of his life. Especially since he was the Quarterback, without him the team would be in trouble. Y/N turned his head to Flash who seemed to be in the same spot as him, as well as a few other teammates.

“Use this week to practice hard, but also to hit the books,” Coach said, his voice firm. “You need to prove that you’ve got the brains to back up your brawn!” The team responded in unison with a cheer but not as loud as it normally was. It was safe to say a lot of them would be hitting the books this week, and the upcoming tests would make or break their chances at playing in the playoffs.

That evening, Y/N sat in his room, staring at his textbooks. His head throbbed from the overwhelming pressure. How was he supposed to balance intense practice and studying for these tests? The thought of letting his team down haunted him and he was starting to crack under the pressure. As he sat at his desk seemingly accepting his fate, Rarity walked into his room already knowing his situation. Everyone knew their situation as it was the talk of the school, and seeing her cousin like this made her want to help.

“Darling, you don't have to do this alone,” she said. “Why not ask Sunset for help? She’s brilliant, and I’m sure she’d be more than happy to tutor you.”

Y/N hesitated. Although Sunset had helped by giving information on Crystal Prep, the two had barely spoken, and Y/N wasn't sure if she would accept his request. But seemingly having no other answers, Y/N agreed.

The next day after school, Y/N approached Sunset at her locker. “Hey, Sunset. Got a minute?”

“Of course, Y/N,” she said, smiling warmly. “What’s up?”

He hesitated before speaking. “I, uh, need some help. With studying. For the tests.”

Sunset’s expression softened. “You’re worried about Coach’s announcement, huh?”

“Yeah,” Y/N admitted. “I can’t afford to sit out. Not now. I have to be there for my team for the playoffs, but I've never been the best at studying. Can you help me? I could really use your help.”

Sunset nodded, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I’ll help you. Meet me at my place after practice, and we’ll get started.” Y/N smiled and nodded his head. The road to studying began now.

Sunset proved to be an excellent tutor. Patient and encouraging as she broke down complicated concepts into manageable chunks and made studying feel less overwhelming. Y/N found himself understanding material he’d struggled with for months.

“You’re getting it!” Sunset said after Y/N successfully completed a practice problem.

“Thanks to you,” he replied, feeling a surge of confidence.

They worked late into the evening, taking short breaks to joke and talk about their favorite movies. Despite the stress of studying, Y/N found himself enjoying the time they spent together. He couldn't but feel the two of them were getting closer and starting to bond a friendship. Y/N still liked Sunset but with playoffs coming up, he had to stay focused. He had promised himself that if Canterlot won the championship, he would feel ready to tell Sunset his feelings for her and ask her out. But whether she accepted his feelings or not was to be decided.

By the end of the week, Y/N was ready for the tests. He walked into each exam with determination, armed with the knowledge and strategies Sunset had taught him. During the test, he remembered parts that Sunset taught him, making him feel confident with every question he answered. When the results came back, he couldn’t contain his excitement.

Y/N met up with Sunset, a smile on his face. “I passed!” he exclaimed, showing Sunset his scores.

Sunset’s face lit up with pride. “I knew you could do it! You just needed a little push.”

“Thanks, Sunset,” Y/N said sincerely. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Sunset slightly blushed pulling Y/N into a hug which made him blush as well. Rarity who was over by her locker saw Sunset and Y/N and smiled. 'Well isn't this an interesting development.'

That night, Y/N sat in the guest bedroom, the glow of his laptop illuminating his focused expression. He watched hours of game footage, analyzing both his team’s performance and their upcoming opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. He took notes on anything he saw that he could improve on while taking notes on anything we noticed from the opponent's offense and defense.

The opposing team was no pushover, but Y/N saw opportunities to exploit their vulnerabilities. He jotted down notes, formulating strategies to discuss with Coach and his teammates.

As he closed one video, a news article caught his eye:

“Crystal Prep Dominates Regular Season with 10-0 Record”

The article detailed Sundrop’s incredible season. He had thrown for over 4,000 yards, 35 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Shadowbolts’ defense had also been impenetrable, holding all of their opponents to single-digit scores while they blew out their opponents in dominating fashion.

Y/N clenched his fists. The thought of facing Sundrop again fueled his resolve. He couldn’t let Canterlot fall short, not when they were so close to achieving greatness.

Meanwhile, at Crystal Prep, Sundrop sat in his lavishly decorated room, scrolling through the playoff bracket. His eyes lit up when he saw Canterlot’s name.

“So, they made it,” he muttered, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

He leaned back in his chair, imagining the scenario: a championship game against Y/N and Canterlot, where he could crush them once and for all. With Canterlot being in the A Block and Crystal Prep in the B Block, the only way they would be able to face each other was if they both made it to the championship game.

“I hope they win their games,” Sundrop said to himself. “It’ll be more satisfying to destroy them in the final round.”

The week off allowed Canterlot to focus on honing their skills and strengthening their bond as a team. Practices were intense but productive, with Coach Iron Will pushing them to their limits.

“Every rep counts!” he shouted. “If you want to win, you’ve got to outwork everyone else!”

Y/N took on a leadership role, encouraging his teammates and helping them refine their plays. The camaraderie among the players was stronger than ever, and their shared goal of winning the championship united them. The offense was rolling like a stream train while the defense was like a brick wall, every player wanted to do their best, and they all wanted to win.

As the week came to a close, Y/N felt more prepared than ever. He had overcome academic challenges, studied his opponents, and practiced tirelessly. The playoffs loomed ahead, but he wasn’t afraid.

Standing on the practice field after the final session of the week, Y/N looked out at the horizon, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the town.

“This is it,” he said quietly to himself. “Time to make history.”

And with that, Y/N and Canterlot High braced themselves for the playoffs, ready to face whatever challenges came their way. They were three games away from holding that trophy, but the team knew that these were going to be the most intense and important games of their lives. There was no room for mistake and when given an opportunity they had to take it.

16. Into The Playoffs! Going Big Or Going Home!

Y/N sat on the bleachers, it wouldn't be long until he and the rest of the Wondercolts would be on the field ready. It would be the first playoff game in years and Y/N was determined to go on a deep playoff run, one that would hopefully turn into them holding the champion trophy. The season would be for nothing if they went 8-2, the best record they had in years, and became first-round exits, like a certain NFL team that everyone seemed to hate.

Y/N took a deep breath. He was nervous, this would be his first playoff game, along with everyone else. They didn't have the playoff experience, but they had the guts and determination to do their best for their school. With the talent the team had, and with Iron Will, it made Y/N feel better. "So this is it. I've got to give it my all and play at my best if I want to help this team. For Flash, Bulk, Spike, our school... for Sunset." Y/N's mind then went to Sundrop. "I want to face you again. I need to face you again. I want to show you just how much I've changed and that I'm not the same guy you can beat around whenever you want."

Standing up and looking down at the field where he would be standing with his team as they would be fighting for their chance at the championship, Y/N was ready for anything. No matter who they faced, Y/N was confident they would be ready for anyone.

The cool air hung heavy over Canterlot High’s football stadium as the team prepared for their first playoff game. The energy around the field was electric. Banners waved, cheerleaders performed stunts, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation. This wasn’t just another Friday night game—it was the beginning of something monumental.

Y/N stood in the locker room, pulling on his jersey emblazoned with the Canterlot crest. The number on his back felt heavier than usual, carrying the weight of the team’s hopes and the expectations of their school and community.

Coach Iron Will stood in the center of the room, his booming voice cutting through the pre-game chatter. “Alright, listen up, boys! This isn’t the regular season anymore. Playoffs are a different beast. One loss, and you’re done. One mistake, and it could cost you everything. But I don’t want you to focus on what could go wrong—I want you to focus on what we’ve worked for. Every drill, every practice, every sweat-soaked jersey—it all led to this moment.” The players nodded, their faces set with determination. “You’ve got home-field advantage tonight,” Iron Will continued. “Let’s show these guys what Canterlot is made of. Go out there and dominate!”

The team erupted in cheers as they rose to their feet, slapping hands and shouting encouragement. Y/N exchanged a determined nod with Flash and Bulk, his closest teammates before they jogged out of the locker room and into the deafening roar of the crowd.

As the national anthem played and the coin toss decided who would receive the ball first, Y/N surveyed the field. Their opponents were the Manehattan Grizzlies, a tough team with a reputation for physicality. But Canterlot wasn’t going to be intimidated.

The Grizzlies won the toss and elected to receive. The ball soared through the air, and the game was underway. Looking at the stands, Y/N saw his cousin and her friends cheering as loud as they could. He did a full lap around the stadium seeing all the fans that were cheering for them, and it made him happy to know they were depending on him.

From the very first snap, Canterlot’s defense set the tone. On the opening drive, the Grizzlies managed only a few yards before being forced to punt. The Canterlot crowd erupted, their cheers reverberating through the night as the players jogged off the field.

Y/N took the field with the offense, his heart pounding with adrenaline. He looked at Flash, who gave him a confident smirk.

“Let’s show them what we’ve got,” Flash said.

"You know it. Let's show these guys what we got!" Y/N's teammates nodded their heads as they took to their positions.

The first play was a pass. Y/N dropped back, scanned the field, and fired a perfect spiral to Bulk, who bulldozed through defenders for a 20-yard gain. The crowd went wild.

“Keep it up!” Y/N shouted as they reset for the next play.

Canterlot’s offense was firing on all cylinders. The running game was explosive, with their tailback weaving through defenders for chunk yardage. The passing game was equally lethal, with Y/N connecting on several deep throws that had the crowd on their feet.

By the end of the first quarter, the score was 14-0.

The second quarter saw more of the same. Canterlot’s defense continued to smother the Grizzlies, forcing turnovers and making big stops. Y/N led the offense with precision, orchestrating drives that showcased the team’s discipline and creativity.

Midway through the quarter, Y/N executed a play-action fake that completely fooled the Grizzlies’ defense. With a wide-open field ahead, he threw a perfect 40-yard pass to Flash, who sprinted into the endzone untouched.

The stadium erupted as Flash spiked the ball in celebration. The scoreboard now read 21-0.

“Let’s keep the pressure on!” Y/N yelled as they jogged off the field.

By halftime, Canterlot held a commanding 31-0 lead. The players returned to the locker room energized but focused. Coach Iron Will paced in front of them, his chest puffed out with pride.

“You’ve made a statement tonight,” he said. “But the job’s not done. Stay sharp, stay disciplined, and don’t let up. The Grizzlies are going to come out swinging in the second half, and I want you to hit them right back!”

Y/N huddled with his teammates, his voice steady and confident.

“We’ve got this, but let’s finish strong. No mistakes, no letting up. We’re sending a message to every team in these playoffs that Canterlot is here to win!”

The team roared in agreement as they prepared to take the field once more.

The Grizzlies came out of halftime with renewed energy, but Canterlot quickly extinguished any hope of a comeback. The defense continued to dominate, with a spectacular interception that set up another touchdown.

Y/N showcased his leadership, orchestrating a long drive that chewed up the clock and ended with him running the ball into the endzone himself.

The scoreboard now read 38-0.

As the final quarter began, Coach Iron Will rotated in some of the backup players, giving them valuable playoff experience. Even with the starters resting, Canterlot’s dominance continued. The Grizzlies managed a late touchdown and field goal, but it was far too little, too late.

The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard displayed a resounding 45-10 victory for Canterlot.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the players stormed the field, hugging and celebrating their hard-fought victory. Y/N looked up at the stands, spotting his friends cheering wildly. Rarity waved enthusiastically, while Sunset gave him a thumbs-up.

Y/N couldn’t help but smile. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement to every team in the playoffs that Canterlot was a force to be reckoned with.

In the locker room, the celebration continued. Players shouted and laughed, reliving their favorite moments from the game. Coach Iron Will quieted them down for a brief speech.

“You did it!” he said, his voice filled with pride. “But this is just the first step. Enjoy tonight, but remember, the semi-finals are next week. Keep working, keep improving, and let’s take this all the way!”

As the team dispersed for the night, Y/N stayed behind for a moment, soaking in the atmosphere of the empty locker room. He thought about everything they had accomplished and the challenges that lay ahead.

One step closer, he thought to himself.

The road to the championship was far from over, but with a performance like tonight’s, Y/N knew Canterlot had what it took to win it all.

17. To The Championship! Everfree Rematch!

The buzz in the air was almost tangible as Canterlot High prepared for the semi-finals of the playoffs. This wasn’t just any game—it was a rematch against Everfree High, the team that had handed the Wondercolts one of their two losses earlier in the season and their very first loss of the season. But this time, the stakes were higher. A win meant advancing to the championship game, something Canterlot hadn’t achieved in decades.

Y/N sat in the locker room, pulling his cleats tight as the voices of his teammates echoed around him. There was a mixture of excitement and nerves, but Y/N’s focus was unshakable. This was their moment.

Outside the locker room, Y/N’s friends were waiting. Rarity, Sunset, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack stood together, bundled up against the crisp evening air.

“Y/N, darling, you’ve got this!” Rarity said, her voice filled with confidence.

“Yeah!” Rainbow added, punching the air. “Take it to those Everfree guys and show them what Canterlot’s made of!”

Y/N smiled, their support fueling his determination. “Thanks, guys. We won’t let you down.”

Flash and Bulk joined him, giving the girls a quick wave before they headed to the field. The roar of the crowd greeted them as they stepped onto the turf, the stadium packed with fans from both schools.

At midfield, Y/N met Timber Spruce, Everfree’s quarterback and team captain. The two had mutual respect, despite their fierce rivalry on the field.

“Timber,” Y/N said, offering his hand.

“Y/N,” Timber replied, shaking it firmly. “Guess this is it, huh?”

Y/N offered him a smile. “Looks like it. May the best team win.”

Timber grinned. “You know it.”

The two captains parted, each heading back to their teams as the coin toss determined that Canterlot would receive the ball first. The crowd roared as the teams lined up, and the semi-finals were officially underway.

The opening drives were hard-fought but inconclusive. Both defenses were sharp, forcing punts and stopping key plays. Y/N’s first pass to Flash gained a solid 15 yards, but the drive stalled after a crucial third-down sack. Everfree fared no better, as Canterlot’s defense stuffed their running game and swatted away passes.

It was clear this game was going to be a battle of wills with the only points going to Canterlot who scored a field goal, making the score 3-0.

In the second quarter, the action ramped up. Y/N found his rhythm, leading a 70-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Bulk. The crowd erupted as the scoreboard lit up: 10-0.

But Everfree struck back almost immediately. Timber orchestrated a flawless drive, that got close to the end zone but a goal-line stand kept them out forcing them to kick a field goal.

Both teams continued to trade blows, with both teams kicking a field goal to go up 13-6 before halftime.

In the locker room, Coach Iron Will’s voice boomed as he rallied his players. “You’re doing great out there, but this game isn’t over! They’re tough, but so are we! Stick to the plan, stay focused, and leave it all on the field!”

Y/N huddled with Flash and Bulk, going over adjustments for the second half. “We’ve got to mix it up. They’re doubling Bulk on most plays, so let’s use that to our advantage. Flash, you’ll run slants. Bulk, we’ll use you as a decoy to pull defenders.” Both teammates nodded, determination etched on their faces.

The second half began with fireworks. Canterlot’s defense came out strong, forcing a fumble that set up a short field. Y/N wasted no time, running the ball himself for a 10-yard touchdown, something the defense had not accounted for. Canterlot now led 20-6.

But Everfree wasn’t done. Timber answered with a deep bomb to his star receiver, gaining some much-needed points as the score was now 20-13. The tension in the stadium was palpable, each play met with gasps and cheers.

Both teams took turns with the ball doing their best to get some more points. Both defenses were giving the offenses trouble and neither team was able to get close to the end zone. The clock was ticking and with Canterlot having the lead, Everfree needed to do something if they wanted to have a chance at winning.

The final quarter was a test of endurance and nerves. Everfree mounted a relentless drive, punching in a touchdown to tie up the game with a 20-20 score with just six minutes left on the clock.

Y/N gathered his team on the sideline, his voice calm but firm. “This is it. We’ve got six minutes to make history. Let’s show them who we are.”

The Wondercolts took the field with resolve. Y/N connected on short, precise passes, moving the chains and eating up the clock. With just over a minute remaining, they were within field goal range, and with no timeout on Everfree's side they could only watch as the clock continued to tick. When the clock hit three seconds left, Iron Will took a timeout as the field goal unit got on the field. It would be a forty-five-yard field goal to take the victory. The long snapper, snapped the ball as the holder grabbed and the ball and put it in position for the kicker. The kicker kicked the ball as hard as he could and the ball went flying through the air.

Y/N and the rest of the team watched as the ball got closer and closer, looking on target. Meanwhile, Timber and his team watched and hoped that by some miracle the kicker would miss and send this game to overtime. The crowd was quiet as the ball soared through the air and through the uprights! The kick was good and with no time left on the clock, the score was 23-20! Canterlot had won the game and would be advancing to the championship round! The crowd roared as Y/N smiled brightly throwing his fists into the air.

"He did it! Y/N did it!" Sunset yelled as she hugged Rarity. Rarity could only smile, happy for her cousin but also happy for Sunset.

'I know now. But now what will you do, Sunset.' Rarity looked down at the field, the Wondercolts celebrated, jumping up and down, while Y/N sought out Timber. The two captains met at midfield, shaking hands.

“Great game, Timber,” Y/N said, genuinely impressed.

“You too,” Timber replied. “Good luck in the finals. You’ve got a heck of a team.”

“Thanks. You guys were incredible.” Timber nodded, and the two parted ways as the Wondercolts basked in their victory.

Back in the locker room, Coach Iron Will delivered a brief but impassioned speech.

“You’ve done it! You’ve earned your spot in the championship! But this isn’t the end. We’ve got one more game to play, one more challenge to conquer. Enjoy tonight, but come Monday, we get back to work. We’re going to bring that championship trophy home!”

The room erupted in cheers as players hugged and high-fived. Some of the team members immediately pulled out their phones to see how the second semi-final game was going. Y/N sat on the bench in the now quiet locker room, as he and a few others watched from Bulk's phone the game. Crystal Prep was ahead by three touchdowns and with the other team not having enough time to round up a comeback, the game was over before they knew it. Crystal Prep had won their semi-final game and would be heading to the championship game. Thus, the championship game was set: Canterlot vs. Crystal Prep. The Wondercolts vs. the Shadowbolts. Exactly how Y/N wanted things to go.

Y/N clenched his fists, a mixture of excitement and determination surging through him. “Time to finish this,” he muttered, as he smirked, already picturing the showdown with Sundrop and the Shadowbolts.

The championship was just around the corner, and Y/N knew one thing for sure: Canterlot was ready.

18. Party Crash! Fight At A Football Party!

The tension in the air was thick as the two rival schools gathered in the grand hall for the celebratory party. Canterlot High and Crystal Prep Academy were being honored for their outstanding football seasons and securing spots in the championship. The event, organized by the district, was meant to foster goodwill and sportsmanship between the two schools. However, the reality was far from the event’s intended purpose.

Students from both schools kept to their own groups, eyeing each other warily across the room. The Canterlot Wondercolts, including Y/N, Flash, and Bulk, were clustered near the refreshments, discussing strategy in hushed tones. Meanwhile, Crystal Prep’s Shadowbolts, led by Sundrop, held court near the stage, exuding an air of superiority.

“This feels... tense,” Rarity whispered to Y/N as she sipped on a sparkling drink.

Y/N nodded, his eyes scanning the room. “It’s like everyone’s just waiting for something to go wrong.” Y/N looked over at Sundrop who was talking with his teammates. 'And with him being here, anything can happen. I just hope he doesn't try talking to me, or any of my team members for that matter. I really don't want to deal with him. Let's just have a nice and relaxing time at this party and then tomorrow we'll settle everything on the field once and for all.' Despite wishing for that, Y/N had no idea what was soon to come.

The music shifted to a slower tempo as students began to relax and chat more freely. As Y/N watched others dance, he began to wonder if he should go over to Sunset and ask if she wanted to dance with him. Y/N was currently in the middle of a conversation with Flash and Bulk when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. Sundrop was making his way across the room, his focus locked on Sunset Shimmer, who was standing near the punch table with Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

Y/N tensed immediately. Sundrop had a reputation—not just as a football prodigy, but as someone who thrived on mind games. “Why’s he going over to Sunset?” Y/N muttered, his voice low but sharp.

Flash frowned. “I don’t like this. He’s up to something.”

Sundrop approached Sunset with a confident smirk. “Sunset Shimmer, it's so good to see you again. Did you miss me? I'm sure you have.”

Sunset’s eyes narrowed. “No, Sundrop. I haven't missed you. In fact, I loved our time being away from each other. So let's continue it that way.”

“Aw, don’t be like that,” he said, stepping closer. “We’re just talking. No harm in that, right? Just two friends reconnecting, what's so wrong with that?” Sunset moved to leave, but Sundrop grabbed her wrist, his grip firm. “C’mon, don’t walk away. I’m just trying to get to know you.”

Sunset yanked her arm, trying to free herself, but Sundrop tightened his grip. “Let me go! I am not your friend nor will I ever be! I can't believe I dated someone like you.”

Across the room, Y/N saw the interaction and immediately started walking over, his jaw clenched. Flash and Bulk followed close behind.

“Hey!” Y/N’s voice rang out, drawing the attention of nearby students. “Let her go, Sundrop.”

Sundrop turned slowly, his smirk widening. “Well, well. If it isn’t Canterlot’s golden boy. What are you gonna do about it?” Sundrop walked right up to Y/N, puffing out his chest as he looked down at Y/N. "You never did anything back then and you won't now."

“Last warning,” Y/N said, his voice steady but firm. “Let. Her. Go.”

Instead of complying, Sundrop shoved Y/N back with one hand, finally releasing Sunset’s wrist. “You don’t scare me, Y/N. You never have and never will.”

Y/N stumbled but regained his footing quickly. He stepped back into Sundrop’s space, the two face-to-face and neither one backing down. The shoving escalated as Sundrop pushed Y/N again, harder this time. Y/N retaliated, shoving Sundrop back. The room erupted into gasps and murmurs as the tension boiled over.

“Y/N, don’t—” Rarity started, but her voice was drowned out by the growing chaos.

Sundrop, seeing the fire in Y/N’s eyes, was momentarily taken aback. “What’s this? You’ve got some fight in you now?” Sundrop smirked. "Maybe you have changed, even just a bit."

“I’m not afraid of you anymore,” Y/N said, his voice low and dangerous. Flash and Bulk stayed behind, they knew this fight was between Sundrop and Y/N but if things got out of hand it was certain they would jump in.

Sundrop’s smirk faded as he raised his fist, his teammates behind him if anything happened. “Let’s see about that.”

Before Sundrop could land the punch, Y/N ducked and delivered a clean uppercut to Sundrop’s jaw, sending him staggering back. Time seemed to slow down for Y/N as his punch made contact with Sundrop's jaw. Something he had wanted to do for so long, he finally did it. He fought back and punched Sundrop.

The punch was the spark that ignited the fire. Flash and Bulk immediately stepped up to back Y/N, while Crystal Prep’s team rushed in to support Sundrop. Within seconds, the party devolved into a full-on brawl.

Tables were overturned, drinks spilled, and the room became a chaotic mess of shouts and flying fists. The music cut off abruptly as students scrambled to either join the fray or get out of the way.

“Guys, stop!” Rarity shouted, trying to get Y/N’s attention. “You’ll get in trouble for this!”

But the fight raged on. Sundrop lunged at Y/N, who sidestepped and countered with a shove that sent Sundrop crashing into a nearby table.

“You’ve been asking for this,” Sundrop snarled, getting to his feet.

“And you’ve had it coming,” Y/N shot back, his voice filled with years of pent-up frustration.

The fight reached a boiling point when Sundrop, desperate to regain control, turned toward Sunset. “Let’s see how you react to this!”

He raised his hand as if to strike her, but Y/N was faster. He stepped between Sundrop and Sunset, his fist connecting with Sundrop’s face in a powerful punch that sent him reeling.

“That’s enough!” The shout came from a teacher who had entered the room, accompanied by a security officer. “Everyone, break it up! Now!” The announcement of adults in the room had an immediate effect. Students backed away, the fight dissolving as quickly as it had started.

Both teams retreated to opposite sides of the room, bruised and breathing heavily. Sundrop glared at Y/N, a mix of anger and surprise on his face. He hadn’t expected Y/N to stand up to him, let alone fight back with such ferocity.

“You’re going to regret that,” Sundrop hissed, wiping blood from his lip.

“Not as much as you will on the field,” Y/N replied, his voice steady.

Rarity grabbed Y/N’s arm, pulling him back. “That’s enough, Y/N. You don’t want to ruin your chance to play in the championship.” Y/N nodded, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

As the party dispersed, Sunset approached Y/N. “Thanks for standing up for me. I didn’t know he’d... I didn’t think he’d do something like that.”

Y/N gave her a small smile. “No one messes with my friends. Especially not him.”

Sunset nodded, her gratitude clear in her eyes. “Just be careful, okay? He’s dangerous, and he’ll do anything to get under your skin.”

“I know,” Y/N said, glancing across the room where Sundrop was glaring at him. “But this ends on the field. Once and for all.”

As Y/N and the rest of the Wondercolts left the party, the reality of the upcoming championship set in. This wasn’t just a game anymore—it was personal.

For Y/N, this was about proving that Canterlot belonged at the top. For Sundrop, it was about crushing his rival once and for all.

The stage was set for an epic showdown—the Wondercolts vs. the Shadowbolts. The championship title was on the line, and both teams were more determined than ever.

Rarity and Sunset watched as Y/N left with Flash and Bulk. Once she was sure Y/N was out of hearing distance, Rarity continued to look forward but spoke nonetheless. "That certainly was kind of Y/N to get in the way before Sundrop hit you Who would have guessed Sundrop would do something like that? Don't you think?" Turning her head, Rarity's eyes widened seeing Sunset with a blush on her face as she looked down with an embarrassed look.

"Yeah, Y/N was... really cool." Sunset made eye contact with Rarity before quickly looking away. "I-I mean-"

"It's okay, dearie. I know what you mean. But tell me, do you, or do you not like Y/N? In that sorta way I mean." Sunset looked at Rarity before looking at Y/N who was smiling and laughing with Flash and Bulk. She smiled, a warm feeling burning inside her chest.

Rarity smiled, she didn't need to know. She already knew the answer. Looking over at Y/N, Rarity was proud of everything Y/N had accomplished since coming to Canterlot. To being the Quarterback for Canterlot and taking them all the way to the championship game. 'Win it all, Y/N.'

19. Championship: Wondercolts VS Shadowbolts!

The stands were empty, save for Y/N, who sat quietly in the front row, gazing out over the immaculate green turf of the stadium. The championship game. Canterlot High versus Crystal Prep. His breath was visible in the crisp evening air, and the floodlights above cast a bright, almost dreamlike glow over the field. Four quarters, fifteen minutes each, sixty minutes in total. Those would be the most important sixty minutes of not only his, but more the rest of his team's lives.

This was it—the day he’d been working for since stepping foot in Canterlot High. The weight of the game pressed on him, but it wasn’t just the championship riding on this. It was personal.

Sundrop.

Y/N’s hands clenched into fists as he thought about Crystal Prep’s quarterback. Sundrop had been more than just a rival at his old school—he’d been a constant source of torment. Taunts in the locker room, pranks when he felt it was necessary, even public humiliations in front of their classmates, and then the false accusations of sexually assaulting one of his friends. Leaving Crystal Prep hadn’t just been a choice; it had been a necessity.

But now, fate had brought them full circle. Y/N wasn’t just fighting for Canterlot’s first championship in years—he was fighting to prove to Sundrop, and to himself, that he wasn’t the same kid who had been beaten down back at Crystal Prep.

“I know what you’re thinking,” came a familiar voice from behind.

Y/N turned to see Sunset Shimmer, her fiery hair glowing under the lights as she climbed the steps to the bleachers. She wore a long Wondercolts jacket, her hands shoved into its pockets. Despite the chill, her smile was warm.

“Oh yeah?” Y/N asked, raising an eyebrow.

She sat beside him, the metal bench cold beneath them. “You’re picturing the game. Running plays in your head. And... probably imagining Sundrop eating dirt.”

Y/N couldn’t help but chuckle. “You know me too well.”

“Hey, it’s not hard to guess,” Sunset teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow. Her expression softened as she looked out over the field. “It’s finally here. The big day we’ve all been waiting for. You nervous?”

Y/N hesitated before answering. “Yeah. A little. I mean... this is it, Sunset. Canterlot hasn’t been here in years, and now it’s up to me to make sure we don’t blow it. I don’t want to let everyone down.”

“You won’t,” she said firmly. “I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked. How much you’ve pushed yourself, even when things looked impossible. And you’ve brought this team together, Y/N. They believe in you. I believe in you.”

Her words settled something inside him, calming the storm of doubt that had been brewing all day.

“Thanks, Sunset,” Y/N said, his voice quieter.

She smiled again, softer this time, and leaned closer. “Good luck out there, quarterback,” she whispered before planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

Y/N blinked, caught off guard, but before he could respond, Sunset stood up quickly, adjusting her jacket.

“W-Well it looks like it's time to go get ready. See you on the field,” she said with a playful wave, before quickly disappearing back down the stairs.

For a moment, Y/N just sat there, his fingers brushing his cheek where she’d kissed him. A small smile crept onto his face as the weight on his shoulders seemed just a little lighter.

“All right,” he muttered to himself, standing up and heading toward the locker room. “Time to do this.”

The air inside the locker room was thick with tension and anticipation. Y/N could hear the muffled roar of the crowd outside as more fans poured into the stands. The Wondercolts were gathered around, lacing up cleats, adjusting pads, and exchanging nervous glances.

Coach Iron Will stood at the center, his muscular frame towering over the players as he paced back and forth. His booming voice broke through the silence like a clap of thunder.

“All right, team! Listen up!” he barked, pointing a finger at them. “Tonight isn’t just another game. Tonight is the night you prove to everyone—Crystal Prep, the crowd, and yourselves—that you’re champions! That you’ve worked harder, fought tougher, and played smarter than any team in this league!”

The players cheered, the energy in the room beginning to build. Looking around the locker room, no longer were there nervous glances, the fire in everyone's eyes was pouring out, and that made Y/N feel more pumped up.

Iron Will’s gaze swept over the team, his voice lowering but gaining intensity. “We’ve spent all season preparing for this moment. Blood, sweat, and tears. And now, you’re standing on the edge of greatness. So I ask you—are you ready to take it?”

“Yeah!” the team shouted in unison, fists pumping in the air.

Iron Will put his hand to his ear. “I can’t hear you!”

“Yeah!” they roared louder.

Iron Will grinned, nodding with approval. “That’s what I like to hear. Now get out there and show ‘em what the Wondercolts are made of!”

Y/N sat at his locker, methodically tightening his shoulder pads and putting on his cleats. He paused for a moment, staring at the Wondercolts logo on the side of the helmet.

This was it. No turning back now.

With a deep breath, he stood up, grabbed his helmet, and jogged toward the door where the rest of the team was gathering. The noise from the stadium was deafening now, the sound of the crowd thundering in his ears as the door opened.

The Wondercolts walked in unison through the tunnel, their cleats clicking against the concrete floor. The stadium lights grew brighter with every step, and the roar of the crowd grew louder.

Y/N was at the front of the line as he put on his helmet, his heart pounding in his chest as he led his team toward the field. Beside him, Flash clapped him on the shoulder. “Let’s go make history, man.”

Bulk then clapped him on his other shoulder. "We got your back!" Y/N nodded, his focus razor-sharp as they emerged onto the field.

The crowd erupted into cheers, blue and gold flags waving in the stands as the announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers. “And now, the Canterlot Wondercolts!” The team ran onto the field, the energy from the crowd electrifying. Y/N stayed behind, taking a deep breath. He was ready. "And their quarterback, Y/N L/N!" Y/N ran out of the field, screaming out loud with passion. He clapped his teammate's hands as he ran past them. The team then went to the sidelines as they prepared to get ready.

Across the field, Crystal Prep’s team stood in their dark purple and silver uniforms, Sundrop front and center with his trademark smug grin as he watched Y/N talk to his teammates.

Y/N’s eyes locked onto his old rival and bully, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to slow down. The sound from the fans was silent, the only ones that were in the stadium were Sundrop and Y/N. Nothing else mattered. This was the moment he’d been waiting for.

No more running. No more doubting. It was time to win.

The sound from the crowd came back as both Sundrop and Y/N turned to their teammates, raising a fist in the air. “Let’s do this!”

Both teams roared in response, their voices blending with the cheers of the crowd as they took their positions on the sideline.

The championship game was about to begin.

Y/N warmed up his arm on the sidelines, throwing the ball to Flash who caught the ball with ease. He scanned the crowd, looking at the stands that were filled with Canterlot and Crystal Prep fans. Y/N's eyes widened, there next to Rarity were his mom and dad. He didn't know they would come down to watch him play.

He had called and told them about joining the football team and making it to the championship round. When he did they were happy for him, saying they were proud of him. However, with them being across town, Y/N didn't think they would be able to make it. He had asked if they could but they had said they weren't sure if they could come. But seeing them there to watch him play for the first time, in the championship game nonetheless, made him smile. Y/N was happy to know that his family would be there to watch and cheer him on. It made him only want to do his best and play the best game of his life.

Y/N smiled as he waved to them, hoping they would see him. His mom and dad smiled as they waved back. Next to them was Rarity who smiled at her cousin. The three of them were proud of Y/N and no matter what happened, whether Canterlot won or lost the game, they would still be proud of how far Y/N had gone. Next to Rarity was Sunset who was sitting down. Y/N and Sunset made eye contact and waved to one another.

'I haven't forgotten my promise to myself. If we win this match, I will ask her out.' Y/N turned around and started to get some last-minute practice in with his teammates. They all needed to be at their best if they were to win. This would be a team effort, they were going to need everyone.

"He sure has grown a lot in these past few months." Y/N's mom said as she looked down at Y/N who went back to practicing with his team.

"He sure has. I didn't know the champ had it in him to play sports. He used to be so wrapped up in his anime and video games." Y/N's dad watched as he threw a perfect dime to Bulk who caught it with one hand. "Wow. If he throws like that the whole game he really will be a champ. A champion." Y/N's dad laughed while Y/N's mom and Rarity giggled to themselves.

Rarity looked over next to her where Sunset was sitting down, she looked worried. "There's nothing to worry about, Sunset. Y/N will do his best out there!"

Sunset looked over at Rarity, she was calmer and smiled, but she was still worried. "I know he will, that's what he always does. I know how much this game means to him. He wants to win and beat Sundrop. He's been working so hard, he deserves this victory." Sunset held hands together. "You can do this, Y/N. Do your best."

Rarity smiled as she noticed the look in Sunset's eyes. "Have you told him yet?" Sunset flinched before looking at Rarity. "Have you told Y/N, I mean. About your feelings?"

Sunset blushed, a smile on her face as she looked down at Y/N who was talking to Iron Will. Seeing the determined expression on Y/N's face made Sunset smile. "He's focused on the game, if I told him before it might distract him. After the game, when they win I'll tell him."

"When?" Rarity raised her eyebrow before giggling. "Oh my, you sure are confident. Well, you know what, so am I." The two friends smiled at one another. Y/N's mom heard everything and smiled, happy that someone like Sunset liked her son.

The teams marched to the middle of the field, the stadium alive with deafening cheers and rival chants from both sides. Y/N stood tall, leading the Wondercolts captains toward the center where Crystal Prep waited. Sundrop was already there, towering over everyone else with his smug grin that hadn’t changed since the last time Y/N saw him.

“Well, well,” Sundrop said, his voice dripping with mockery. “If it isn’t the Canterlot charity case. Nice of you to show up, Y/N. Guess you didn’t learn the first time you couldn’t hang with me.”

Y/N didn’t flinch. “Talk all you want, Sundrop. When that final whistle blows, we’ll see who’s still standing.”

Sundrop chuckled, but there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. The referee, a tall man in black and white stripes, stepped between them, holding up a silver coin.

“Gentlemen,” the referee said, his tone commanding as it boomed throughout the stadium. “This is the championship game, and I expect good sportsmanship from both teams. Canterlot, you’re the away team. Call it in the air.”

Y/N nodded as the referee placed the coin in his hand. “Tails.”

The referee tossed the coin high into the air, the silver glint catching the floodlights as the entire stadium seemed to hold its breath. It hit the turf with a soft clink before settling: tails.

“Canterlot wins the toss,” the referee announced. “What’s your decision?”

Y/N exchanged a quick glance with Flash and the other captains before answering. “We’ll defer to the second half.”

Crystal Prep’s captains nodded, smug confidence radiating off them as the referee recorded the decision.

“All right,” the referee continued. “Canterlot will kick off. Let’s have a clean game.”

The players shook hands—more out of obligation than respect—and headed back to their respective sidelines. Sundrop leaned in as they parted, his voice low enough for only Y/N to hear.

“Better enjoy this while it lasts,” he sneered. “By halftime, you’ll wish you never came back. I'll beat you just like I used to!”

Y/N didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. His focus was already on the game ahead. As both teams went to their sidelines, they watched as the special teams walked onto the field and got into positions. The kicker got ready as the football was placed and everyone waited for the whistle to be blown. The beginning of the end was now.

The opening whistle blew, and the championship was underway. Canterlot’s kicker launched the ball deep into Crystal Prep’s territory, and the returner brought it back to the twenty-five-yard line before being swarmed by blue-and-gold jerseys.

Sundrop walked onto the field, a smirk on his face. Crystal Prep opened with a conservative run game, testing Canterlot’s defensive line, while Canterlot’s linebackers responded with quick tackles, stopping gains before they could build momentum. On third down, Sundrop dropped back and went to pass. He threw the ball to one of his receivers but Canterlot's linebacker stepped in front and got a hand on it as the ball hit the ground. The crowd cheered as Crystal Prep started to walk off the field to punt the ball.

Sundrop was surprised, his eyes widened before smirking. 'Looks like they're going to give it their all. This'll make it even better when I beat them.'

When Canterlot got their first possession, Y/N tried to set the tone early, calling a series of quick slants and out routes to spread the ball around. But Crystal Prep’s defense was just as prepared, their secondary swarming the receivers and shutting down passing lanes. Now it was the Crystal Prep fans who cheered. With it being fourth down the Canterlot offense walked off the field to punt.

The first drive for both teams was fruitless, a back-and-forth battle for field position. But it didn’t take long for one of them to strike first.

Midway through the first quarter, Sundrop began to pick apart Canterlot’s defense. He threaded a perfect pass between two defenders, hitting his receiver in stride for a 40-yard gain. Two plays later, he kept the ball himself, faking a handoff and sprinting into the end zone untouched.

The stadium erupted, Crystal Prep fans roaring as the scoreboard flashed: Crystal Prep 7, Canterlot 0.

On the Canterlot sideline, Y/N gritted his teeth. “Shake it off,” he told his team. “We’ve got this.”

Crystal Prep's kicker kicked the ball as the kick returner downed the ball in the end zone for a touchback. Y/N stepped onto the field with a quiet determination. The next drive was methodical, a mix of runs and short passes that wore down Crystal Prep’s defense. As the Wondercolts crossed midfield, Y/N called for a play-action pass.

The defense bit hard on the fake handoff, and Y/N launched a deep pass to Flash Sentry streaking down the sideline. The ball sailed through the air, landing perfectly in Flash’s hands for an 18-yard touchdown.

The Canterlot fans exploded with cheers, blue and gold pom-poms shaking wildly in the stands as the score evened: 7-7.

Y/N jogged to the sideline, bumping fists with his teammates. The message was clear—they weren’t going down without a fight. Sundrop watched and smirked. 'They've gotten better. Good. At least make this fun.'

Crystal Prep wasted no time striking back once they got the ball. Sundrop led his team on another efficient drive, mixing quick passes with power runs to keep Canterlot’s defense off balance.

During the middle of their drive, the clock hit zero. Sundrop was about to hike the ball but the referee whistled blowing the play dead. "This is the end of the first quarter!" When the first quarter came to an end Crystal Prep went to the sidelines to strategize. Y/N watched, hoping his team could get another stop. The score was 7-7 to end the first and the game looked to be a good one.

Starting the second quarter, Sundrop one the first play to start the second quarter looked deep as he threw it to his receiver for a 45-yard touchdown, giving them a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter.

Things looked to get only worse when Canterlot went three-and-out and had to punt the ball to Crystal Prep. With the ball back in his hand, Sundrop started to lead his team down the field. They were near midfield when the miracle happened. When Sundrop dropped back, Bulk, who went on the field as a linebacker, got past the offensive line and slammed into Sundrop. The pressure from him slamming into Sundrop, made him lose the ball as it bounced on the ground. Spike picked it up and ran as the cornerback and Bulk blocked for him, taking it back for the touchdown!

The scoreboard now read 14-14 as the crowd went wild. Sundrop gritted his teeth, that was his first-ever fumble and he was mad. 'All right then. No more playing nice. I wasn't giving it my all up until this point, toying with you, but now...' Sundrop looked over to Y/N who had a big smile on his face. 'I'm going to destroy you!'

The game was shaping up to be a shootout, and the tension in the stadium was palpable. Canterlot's kicker kicked the ball to Crystal Prep where the kick returner grabbed the ball and took the knee for a touchback. Crystal Prep came out and started at their own 25, prepared to get revenge for the previous play.

As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, Crystal Prep got the ball and was ready to take back control. Sundrop’s pinpoint accuracy and aggressive play-calling carved through Canterlot’s defense once more, ending in another touchdown to make it 21-14.

Canterlot tried to respond before halftime, but Crystal Prep’s defense tightened, forcing Y/N and the Wondercolts to punt once again. With just over a minute left, Sundrop capitalized, driving his team into field goal range. The kick sailed through the uprights as the half expired, extending their lead to 24-14. The Canterlot fans groaned while the Crystal Prep fan's cheers filled the stadium. Y/N and the rest of the team sighed, the first half wasn't going to plan like they had hoped it would.

The whistle blew as the referee made the call. "This is the end of the first half!"

The Wondercolts jogged off the field, their heads hanging slightly lower while the Shadowbolts jogged off the field, happy and content. Sundrop smirked as he jogged off the field. 'Just a little bit longer and it'll all be over.'

The Crystal Prep fans were celebrating loudly, confident their team had already sealed the victory. But the game wasn't over, there was still the whole second half. Thirty more minutes, the most important thirty minutes of their lives. Canterlot's fans didn't stay quiet though, despite being down by ten at the half their fans still cheered for their team as they walked into the tunnel.

Y/N looked up at the stands looking at his parents and friends. Although he was down by ten at the half, his parents still smiled and cheered him on. Looking over, he looked at Rarity who was also cheering him on along with the rest of her friends. His attention then drifted to Sunset who held her hands tightly. Although she had a smile, Y/N could tell even from where he was that it was forced and she was worried.

'I won't let your advice be for not. You gave us insightful information about them, and we won't take it for granted.' Y/N then looked over to Rarity and her friends. 'Ever since the start you've done nothing but cheer for us, we won't let your cheering be for nothing.' His attention went fully to Rarity. 'At first I thought nothing of us. Even though we were cousins we didn't have that good of a connection. But once I started living with you and we started talking, we connected. I'm glad to call you my cousin.' Y/N smiled before looking at his parents. 'You came down here to watch me. Thank you, for coming to cheer me on. All of you have helped me so much, and I refuse to let your support end here. We will win!'

While the team walked down the tunnel back to their locker room, Y/N looked down, he was upset that he wasn't playing as well as he hoped in the first half, but he wasn’t ready to give up. He hadn't given up yet, and he wasn't going to start now.

As he pulled off his helmet, sweat dripping down his face, he looked around at his teammates. They were tired, frustrated, but not defeated.

“This isn’t over,” Y/N said, his voice steady. “They think they’ve already won, but we’ve got thirty minutes left to prove them wrong. We’ve been fighting all season for this moment, and I’m not about to let it slip away now. Are you?”

The walk back to the locker room was quiet, the only sound coming from their footsteps. That was until Flash nodded, before placing his hand on Y/N's shoulder. “No way. Let’s take it back. This game is ours for the taking!”

One by one, the team began to rally, the fire in their eyes reigniting. Y/N tightened his gloves, a determined smile creeping across his face.

This was just the beginning.

20. Winner Or Loser! A Sunset Within The Darkness!

The Canterlot locker room was quiet except for the steady hum of the fluorescent lights and the muffled roar of the stadium outside. Players slumped on benches, catching their breath and wiping sweat from their faces. The scoreboard haunted them, its glowing numbers a stark reminder of how far they’d fallen behind: Crystal Prep 24, Canterlot 14.

But Y/N wasn’t ready to give up.

Standing in front of his locker, he finished adjusting his cleats and looked around the room. His teammates, usually full of banter and energy, were subdued. Even Flash Sentry, always quick with a flashy remark, sat staring at the floor, his helmet dangling loosely in his hands.

The door swung open, and Coach Iron Will stormed in, his presence as commanding as ever. He clapped his hands together loudly, drawing every eye in the room.

“All right, listen up!” he barked, pacing to the center of the room. “I know what you’re feeling right now. You’re tired, you’re frustrated, and you’re starting to doubt yourselves. But let me remind you of something—this game is far from over!” He turned, pointing toward the door leading to the field. “Out there, Crystal Prep thinks they’ve already won. They think they’ve broken you. But do you know what we say to that?”

The room was silent for a beat.

“Do you know what we say to that?!” A few murmured responses trickled in, gaining strength. “We say NO!” Iron Will roared. “We’ve spent this entire season proving people wrong. Every single time someone said Canterlot High wasn’t good enough, you showed them what this team is made of! And now, you’ve got thirty minutes to show Crystal Prep that the Wondercolts don’t back down!” He stopped pacing, his gaze sweeping over the players. “It’s time to play like champions. Not just for yourselves, but for this school, for every teammate who’s ever fought to get us here, and for every fan in those stands cheering their hearts out for you! You’ve got one half left to make history. So tell me—are you gonna let them take that from you?”

“No!” Flash shouted, standing up and slamming his helmet onto his head.

“Are you gonna give up now?” Iron Will bellowed.

“NO!” Y/N and the entire team were on their feet now, the locker room filling with the sound of clapping and shouting.

Iron Will nodded his chest swelling with pride. “That’s what I like to hear. Now, here’s the plan: stick to the basics. Defense, tighten up, and stay disciplined—don’t let Sundrop bait you. Offense, we’re going to run them into the ground. Short gains, quick passes, and no turnovers. They’re expecting us to fold under pressure, so let’s make them regret it.”

He clapped his hands one more time, his booming voice echoing off the walls. “Let’s go show ‘em what the Wondercolts are made of!”

Y/N adjusted his helmet as he and his teammates lined up at the door leading to the tunnel. The noise from the stadium was louder now, the energy palpable even from inside.

Flash Sentry stood beside him, a determined grin on his face. “You ready for this, QB?”

Y/N smirked, the fire in his eyes unmistakable. “I’ve never been more ready.”

The door swung open, and the team began their march back through the tunnel. The sound of their cleats striking the concrete floor echoed around them like a battle drum. Despite the ten-point deficit, their heads were high, their spirits higher.

The moment they emerged onto the field, the Canterlot crowd erupted in cheers, their faith in the team unwavering. Blue and gold flags waved furiously in the stands, and chants of “Wondercolts! Wondercolts!” filled the air.

On the sideline, Crystal Prep’s players looked on, some of their smug expressions faltering as they watched Canterlot return with an intensity that hadn’t been there before.

Y/N jogged to the huddle, clapping his hands. “This is our half,” he said, his voice steady and confident. “One play at a time, one yard at a time. We’re not just playing to win—we’re playing to prove who we are. Let’s go show them that we're the Wondercolts and not underestimate us! Do this for yourself and for the man next to you! Do it for the fans, the coaches, friends, family, and your teammates!”

The team roared in agreement, their energy contagious.

The referee blew his whistle, signaling the start of the second half. Crystal Prep’s returner jogged onto the field, bracing for the kickoff. Since they deferred the ball to Crystal Prep to start the game, they would get the ball to start to second half. They had done that on purpose, as it was all according to Iron Will's plan. He had done that so they could start the second half strong and with momentum. A team doesn't win in the first quarter, nor the second or third, a team only wins a game in the fourth quarter. As Y/N took his place on the sideline, his mind was clear, his purpose sharper than ever.

This wasn’t just about football anymore. This was about redemption, about proving that Canterlot High—and Y/N himself—could rise to the occasion when it mattered most. This was to show everyone just how much he'd changed since coming to Canterlot and joining the football team.

Looking around at his teammates, Y/N knew this was more than just him, however, this was for the ones around him. For his teammates, his friends, who had put in years of effort into the sport, for his coach who helped him out since the very beginning, it was for all of them. It was for his friends and family who had cheered him on and supported him when he found it hard to support himself.

The second half had begun, and for Y/N, it wasn’t the end of the game. It was just the beginning.

The air crackled with tension as the teams emerged from their respective locker rooms, ready to battle for the final half. The crowd’s cheers vibrated through the stadium, and a single chant rose from the Canterlot fans, “Let’s go, Canterlot!” On the field, both teams lined up, eyes locked with fierce determination. Sundrop’s steely gaze met Y/N’s across the field, a silent vow that neither would yield.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the second half. Canterlot received the ball first, and the kick returner, with explosive energy, carved through Crystal Prep’s defense, setting their team up at the forty-yard line.

Y/N gathered his offense, clapping his hands together. “This is our moment. Let’s make it count.”

The first snap of the second half was electric. The ball snapped into Y/N’s hands, and he executed a perfect handoff to the running back, who barreled through the line for a gain of six yards. On the next play, Y/N faked the handoff and dropped back. The crowd held their breath as he unleashed a pinpoint pass to Flash, who broke a tackle and sprinted downfield to the twenty. Two plays later, Y/N fired a quick slant to Bulk, who muscled his way into the end zone.

Touchdown! The stadium erupted. Canterlot fans roared their approval, the score narrowing slightly, but there was still work to be done.

Not to be outdone, Crystal Prep roared back with their trademark efficiency. Sundrop orchestrated his offense with ruthless precision, slicing through Canterlot’s defense with short, quick passes. Each play was a calculated strike, moving the ball methodically downfield.

Near the red zone, Sundrop called an audible, catching the Canterlot defense off-guard. A perfectly executed post route led to a touchdown, putting Crystal Prep back in control and widening the gap again. The scoreboard read 31-21, but the game was far from over.

Canterlot refused to back down. The kick returner once again provided a spark, juking two defenders and charging up the field to set the team up near midfield.

On the next drive, Y/N’s playcalling was masterful. Short, precise throws kept the chains moving. A screen pass to the running back turned into a thirty-yard gain, and the momentum began to shift. The offensive line dug deep, giving Y/N the time he needed to find Flash in the back of the end zone for another touchdown.

The third quarter ended with Canterlot down just three points, 31-28, but the intensity on both sidelines was palpable. This was it, the last quarter of the game. Fifteen minutes left and a champion would be crowned and it was anyone's game at this point.

The fourth quarter began with Crystal Prep’s offense firing on all cylinders. Sundrop led a relentless drive, using quick passes and punishing runs to wear down the Canterlot defense. A perfectly executed fade pass into the corner of the end zone pushed the lead to 38-28 with ten minutes left to play.

Y/N paced on the sideline, rallying his teammates. “We’ve got this. We just need one more drive.”

With time running out, Canterlot responded. Y/N took command of the huddle, his voice steady and inspiring. A series of quick passes and well-timed runs kept the defense guessing. Near the fifteen-yard line, Y/N delivered a laser to Bulk, who broke two tackles to score. The scoreboard flashed 38-35, and the crowd erupted.

Crystal Prep got the ball back with just over five minutes left. The Canterlot defense, desperate for a stop, tightened their coverage. Sundrop and his offense moved the ball steadily, reaching the ten-yard line. On second-and-goal, Sundrop dropped back to pass. Seeing his receiver, he threw a quick pass but a linebacker jumped the route at the one-yard line, snatching the ball out of the air. Interception! The stadium exploded with cheers as Canterlot’s sideline erupted in celebration.

Y/N and the rest of the team cheered, jumping up and down as the team cheered for the linebacker. With under three minutes to play and the ball deep in their territory, Canterlot had a long way to go. They were down with three and knew that a field goal would tie it but they wanted to win it with a touchdown. With their team at the 1-yard line, Y/N took the first snap and handed it off to the running back, who powered ahead for eight yards, giving the team breathing room. The play brought the game to the two-minute warning.

Y/N huddled his team. “This is it. Play smart, play hard, and trust each other. We’re going to win this.”

Returning to the field, Y/N connected with Bulk for a short gain before he was tackled. Y/N then found Flash on a crossing route, bringing the ball to midfield at the 49-yard line. A quick timeout left just under a minute on the clock. The tension was unbearable.

On first down, Y/N launched a deep ball, but it was knocked away. Second down brought a similar result as Flash couldn’t quite reach the throw. With the ball hitting the ground, time was stopped. With fifteen seconds left, Y/N looked around the field and as the play clock was going down, Y/N called the team’s final timeout.

“This is the last play, guys,” Y/N said, locking eyes with each of his teammates. “No matter what happens, it’s been an honor to play with you. Let’s make this count.” His teammates nodded their heads as they clapped their hands and got into place.

While they were in the huddle, Crystal Prep had shifted their defense, ready for the hail mary. Sundrop who was one of the bigger guys decided to into the game as a defender despite being a quarterback himself. Sundrop and Y/N stared at one another and then, the ball was snapped.

Y/N scanned the field but saw the pocket collapsing. A defensive lineman grabbed his facemask, but Y/N twisted free, scrambling toward the sideline. "Block! Block!" His linemen surged ahead, throwing blocks to clear his path.

Y/N tucked the ball and ran, juking one defender and leaping over another. The end zone was in sight, but Sundrop barreled toward him. The two collided with a thunderous crash, and more defenders piled on. A massive dog pile ensued as the whistle blew.

The stadium was silent as the referees peeled players away, one by one. At the bottom, Y/N lay clutching the ball... in the end zone.

“Touchdown!” the referee signaled, and the crowd erupted in unbridled joy. The final score: 41-38.

Y/N was hoisted onto his teammates’ shoulders, the weight of the victory finally sinking in. In the stands, his parents cheered wildly, joined by Rarity, Sunset, and the rest of the girls. Sunset’s smile was the brightest of all as she clapped and cheered, her voice rising above the din. On the other sideline, Sundrop ripped off his helmet and stormed toward the tunnel, his face twisted with frustration. For Y/N, it was the perfect ending. Not just for the game, but for everything he’d fought to overcome.

Canterlot had done the impossible, dethroning their greatest rivals and emerging as champions. It was a victory that would be remembered for years to come.

The field was pure chaos. The Canterlot fans had stormed the turf, a sea of blue and gold engulfing the players as cheers and chants echoed through the stadium. For the first time in years, the Wondercolts were champions, and the weight of the moment hit everyone like a tidal wave of pure joy.

Y/N stood near midfield, his teammates surrounding him as the championship trophy was brought out on a polished wooden stand. The stadium lights reflected off its golden surface, the engraved lettering glinting in the glow.

The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in years, your Canterlot Wondercolts are the champions!”

The crowd roared louder than ever, their voices blending into a thunderous wave of emotion. Y/N’s heart pounded as Coach Iron Will approached the podium, a rare, genuine smile spreading across his face as he was handed the trophy.

“Wondercolts,” Iron Will said, his voice booming even without a microphone. “This trophy belongs to every single one of you! You earned this—through grit, determination, and teamwork! This season was never easy, but you showed the world what Canterlot High is made of. Now, come and take it!”

The team exploded with cheers, and Iron Will passed the trophy to Y/N.

Y/N hesitated for a moment, staring at the shining trophy in his hands. It felt surreal—almost too good to be true. Was he worthy of holding the trophy? But as he looked at the faces of his teammates, their sweat-streaked faces glowing with pride, he knew this was real.

With a deep breath, Y/N hoisted the trophy high above his head, a smile on his face.

The crowd went wild, the cheers of his classmates, fans, and family washing over him like a tidal wave. Confetti cannons exploded, showering the field in blue and gold, and the Wondercolts chant echoed through the stadium. “Wondercolts! Wondercolts! Wondercolts!”

Y/N looked toward the stands, his heart swelling as he spotted the familiar faces of those who had supported him through everything. His parents stood side by side, their smiles beaming with pride. His mom clapped her hands over her mouth, tears shining in her eyes, while his dad pumped his fist in triumph. Beside them was Rarity, her elegant composure giving way to exuberant cheers as she waved wildly at her cousin.

And then there was Sunset Shimmer. She stood in the middle of the group, her fiery hair glowing under the stadium lights. She clapped and cheered, her smile wide and genuine as her eyes met Y/N’s. She gave him a thumbs-up, mouthing the words, “I’m proud of you.”

For a moment, time seemed to slow. Y/N let the cheers and the noise blur into the background, taking in the enormity of what they had accomplished. This was for all of them—the fans who never gave up, the teammates who pushed through every setback, the school that believed in them even when the odds were against them, and his family who were always there for him since he was little.

The trophy was passed from player to player, each Wondercolt taking their turn to lift it high. Flash and Bulk roared as they held it, the running back kissed it dramatically, and even the cornerback did a little dance with it. The players piled together, cheering and laughing, their season-long bond stronger than ever.

Coach Iron Will watched from the sidelines, arms crossed over his chest, his grin wider than anyone had ever seen. “You boys earned this,” he muttered to himself.

Y/N stood with his teammates, his arm slung over Flash’s shoulder. “We really did it,” he said, almost in disbelief.

Flash grinned. “We didn’t just do it. We made history.”

As the team gathered near the podium for a group photo, Y/N took one last look around the stadium. The fans were still chanting, and the stands were still alive with energy. The field was littered with confetti, the goalposts wrapped in Wondercolts flags.

It had been a long, grueling season. At times, it felt impossible—injuries, setbacks, tough losses—but through it all, they had fought. Together, they had clawed their way to the playoffs, toppled every obstacle, and now stood victorious against their greatest rivals.

This wasn’t just a championship. This was redemption.

As the camera snapped and the trophy gleamed in the spotlight, Y/N knew that this was a moment he would never forget. He was surrounded by his friends, his family, and his team.

The Wondercolts were champions.

And for Y/N, life couldn’t be better.

The cheers of the crowd slowly faded as the Wondercolts made their way back to the locker room. The echoes of their celebration still hung in the air, but now there was a quieter energy—a sense of finality that came with knowing the season was truly over.

Inside the locker room, laughter and chatter filled the space as players peeled off their jerseys and pads, sharing stories about their favorite plays and reliving the final moments of the game. Confetti was still stuck to their cleats, and their championship medals glinted under the fluorescent lights.

Y/N sat at his locker, helmet resting on the bench in front of him. His fingers traced the fabric of his jersey—blue and gold, the proud colors of the Wondercolts. The number on the back felt heavier than usual as he folded it neatly, the reality sinking in. This was the last time he’d wear it.

Flash plopped down on the bench beside him, slinging an arm around Y/N’s shoulders. “Man, you were insane out there tonight. That scramble at the end? Legendary.”

Y/N smiled faintly, nodding. “Thanks, Flash. You were great too. All of you were.”

Flash tilted his head, picking up on the shift in Y/N’s tone. “You good, man?”

Y/N exhaled deeply, looking around the room at his teammates. Bulk was jokingly lifting two helmets as if they were weights, while others were still dancing in celebration, and the kick returner was recounting his kickoff return to anyone who would listen.

“Yeah,” Y/N said quietly. “I’m just... gonna miss this. All of it.”

Flash’s grin softened into an understanding smile. “Yeah. Me too.”

As the players began changing back into their street clothes, Y/N stood up, clearing his throat. “Hey, guys,” he called out, his voice cutting through the chatter.

The room fell silent as every head turned toward him.

“I just wanted to say something before we all head out,” Y/N began, his hands in his pockets. “This season... it wasn’t easy. We had our ups and downs, and there were times when it felt like we weren’t gonna make it. But we stuck together. We fought for each other. And now, we’re champions.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, some players clapping softly.

Y/N swallowed hard, his voice wavering slightly. “This jersey... this team... it’s been more than just football for me. You guys weren’t just my teammates—you were my friends. My brothers. You believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself, and I’ll never forget that.”

Bulk grinned. “We wouldn’t be here without you, QB.”

Y/N chuckled, shaking his head. “We wouldn’t be here without all of us. Every single one of you made this possible. Flash, Bulk, Spike, the offensive line, the defense, Coach Iron Will... everyone. You gave me a family when I needed one, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”

Coach Iron Will, standing in the corner, gave a proud nod. “You gave us just as much, Y/N. This team wouldn’t have made it without your leadership.”

Y/N looked down at the folded jersey in his hands, his thumb brushing over the Wondercolts logo one last time. “This jersey... it means everything to me. And I know I can’t wear it forever, but I’ll carry what it stands for with me wherever I go.”

The room was quiet for a moment, the weight of Y/N’s words settling over the team. Then Flash stood up, clapping Y/N on the back. “Here’s to QB1,” he said, raising an imaginary toast.

“QB1!” the rest of the team echoed, cheering and clapping. Y/N could only smile as his team chanted his name.

As the players trickled out of the locker room, one by one, Y/N lingered for a moment longer. He carefully placed his folded jersey in his bag, letting his hand rest on it for a second before zipping it up.

Coach Iron Will approached him, his towering frame casting a long shadow. “You did good, kid,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

“Thanks, Coach,” Y/N replied. “For everything. You didn’t just teach me football—you taught me how to be involved with a team and how to be a good player.”

Iron Will grinned, clapping a heavy hand on Y/N’s shoulder. “That’s what it’s all about. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you, Y/N. Whatever you do next, don’t forget where you came from.”

“I won’t,” Y/N said firmly.

With one last look around the empty locker room, Y/N slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped out into the cool night air. The stadium lights were dim now, the stands empty, but the echoes of the crowd’s cheers still lingered in his mind.

This wasn’t just the end of a season—it was the end of an era. But Y/N walked away knowing he wouldn’t forget the bonds he’d formed, the lessons he’d learned, or the memories he’d made.

The Wondercolts had been more than a team. They had been a family. And no matter where life took him, Y/N knew he’d carry that with him forever.

With his bag hung over his shoulder, and despite the exhaustion settling into his body, a small, content smile played on his lips as he looked up at the starry night. The championship trophy was still vivid in his mind, the crowd’s cheers still ringing in his ears.

“Y/N!” a familiar voice called out.

Turning, Y/N saw his parents standing near the stadium entrance with his cousin, Rarity, by their side. His mom rushed forward, throwing her arms around him, tears glistening in her eyes.

“We’re so proud of you!” she said, holding him tight.

“Absolutely outstanding!” his dad added, clapping a firm hand on Y/N’s shoulder. “You really did it, good job champ. Or should I call you champion now?”

Y/N grinned, pulling back from his mom’s hug. “Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. I couldn’t have done it without the team—or you guys.”

Rarity stepped forward, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief in her usual dramatic flair. “Darling, you were magnificent! That final play! Oh, I could hardly breathe! Truly, you were a hero out there!”

Y/N laughed, shaking his head. “Thanks, Rarity. But it wasn’t just me—it was all of us.”

“Well,” Rarity said, her voice warm, “tonight is about you. And I say we celebrate properly. How about dinner, hmm? My treat!”

Y/N’s stomach growled at the suggestion, reminding him he hadn’t eaten much since lunch. Add that to the intensity of the game and it was safe to say Y/N was famished. “Dinner sounds amazing.”

As the group began heading toward the parking lot, Y/N’s attention was pulled away. Standing a few feet away near the edge of the field was Sunset Shimmer, her fiery hair glowing under the stadium lights. She smiled at him, her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket as if she’d been waiting for him.

Y/N glanced at his family. “I’ll catch up with you guys in a bit. Go ahead without me.”

His mom raised an eyebrow but smiled knowingly. “Take your time, sweetheart.”

Y/N made his way toward Sunset, his footsteps slowing as he approached her. She looked up at him, her emerald-green eyes shining with pride.

“Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey,” Y/N replied, stopping next to her. Together, they turned to look at the field, the goalposts still wrapped in Canterlot colors. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with unspoken words.

“You did it,” Sunset said after a moment. “Everything you set out to do—you made it happen. You led this team, and you brought Canterlot back to life.”

Y/N exhaled, shaking his head. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you. The team, the school, you…” He looked at her, his voice lowering. “You were always there. Cheering me on, helping me study for testing, and you were the one who gave us advice about Crystal Prep in the first place. I don’t know if I ever thanked you for that.”

Sunset smiled warmly. “You don’t have to thank me, Y/N. Besides you were the one who helped me when Sundrop almost punched me. You’re the one who put in the work. I just believed in you—because I knew you could do it.”

He turned to face her fully now, the stadium lights casting a soft glow over both of them. That glow did wonders for Sunset, to Y/N she was beautiful and her smile made her look like an angel. It surprised Y/N that when he first got there she was mean and was slamming people into lockers, and now here she was being as sweet and kind as how Rarity described her. Y/N blushed, knowing what we were about ready to say. “It meant a lot, though. You believed in me when I wasn’t sure I could believe in myself. You were always there, Sunset. And I…”

His voice faltered, the words catching in his throat. But before he could continue, Sunset spoke at the same time:

“I need to tell you something.”

The two paused, laughing nervously as they realized they were thinking the same thing.

“You first,” Sunset said, her cheeks tinged with a light blush.

Y/N took a steadying breath. “Sunset… I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a while now. I like you. I mean, I really like you. And not just as a friend—I’ve felt this way for a long time, and tonight, under these lights, I just can’t keep it in anymore. I promised myself that if and when we won the game, I would confess. And whether you feel the same or not is completely up to you and I'll accept your decision.”

Sunset’s eyes widened slightly, but the surprise melted into a radiant smile, a blush engulfing her face. “Y/N… I feel the same way. I’ve been trying to work up the courage to tell you, but you’ve always been so focused—on the team, on everything else—I didn’t want to distract you. But I’ve liked you for so long, too.”

Y/N’s heart felt like it might burst, the relief and joy washing over him all at once. He took a step closer, his hand brushing hers. “So... what do we do now?”

Sunset grinned, leaning in slightly. “I think we start with this.” Y/N picked up on was she meant and smiled as he leaned toward her.

And under the glow of the stadium lights, they shared their first kiss. It was soft, warm, and perfect as if the entire season had led them to this moment.

When they pulled back, Sunset’s cheeks were flushed, but her smile was brighter than ever. “I guess that makes us official, huh?”

“Guess so,” Y/N replied, grinning.

Hand in hand, the two began walking toward the parking lot to catch up with Y/N’s family. The sounds of the stadium were fading now, the confetti scattered across the field like remnants of a dream.

Y/N glanced back over his shoulder, taking one last look at the field and the school beyond it. So much had changed since the day he’d arrived at Canterlot High. He’d grown not just as a player but as a person. He’d found friends, brothers, and a family in his team. He’d led them to the playoffs, to the championship, and to victory against all odds.

And now, he had Sunset by his side.

As they walked away together, Y/N felt a sense of peace and excitement for the future. Whatever came next, he knew he could face it.

Because this wasn’t just the end of a season. It was the beginning of something new.

He had been through so much darkness in his life due to Sundrop and his constant bullying which only got worse after the false accusations of him sexually assaulting one of Sundrop's friends. His parents had tried helping him feel better but no matter how many times they talked to him, Y/N believed his life was destined to be terrible.

That was until he came to Canterlot and moved in with Rarity. Y/N didn't know what to expect from Canterlot, but it was clear to him on day one that Canterlot was way better than Crystal Prep in every way possible. The two of them weren't close but when you live with someone you get to know them, and Y/N was glad to know Rarity. And then he joined the football team. At first, Y/N didn't think anything of it since he never played sports before, much less picked up a football in his life up until that point. But with the help form his coach and teammates, Y/N was able to do his best and rally his team to become champions.

Since moving to Canterlot his life had changed so much. Although he was apprehensive at first, it was by far the best decision of his life to leave and come to Canterlot. In a way, he had to thank Canterlot High for all that it had done for him. It was there that he met his first-ever friends, met his first-ever girlfriend, reconnected with his cousin, and found true happiness.

It was thanks to Canterlot that all the darkness in Y/N's life had been blown away and now his life was full of light.

14. Home Ground! Final Game Of The Season!

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over Canterlot High’s football field as Y/N and his teammates gathered in the locker room, preparing for their final game of the regular season. Canterlot had already made the playoffs so this game didn't matter but they still wanted to finish the season off strong before they headed into the playoffs. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a win tonight would secure them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs until the championship round. Having home-field advantage would put them in a great spot during the first two matches of the playoff. The team was laser-focused to get that advantage for the playoffs, but the energy in the room buzzed with anticipation and determination.

Coach Iron Will stood in the center, his booming voice commanding attention. “This is it, boys! Last game of the regular season. We’ve had an incredible run so far, but tonight’s not just about ending strong—it’s about sending a message. Home-field advantage is ours for the taking, but we have to earn it. So go out there, fight for every yard, and let’s show them what Canterlot football is all about!”

A resounding cheer erupted from the team, and Y/N felt a surge of adrenaline. He looked around at his teammates, his brothers, and knew they were ready to give everything they had. He picked up his helmet as he and the rest of the team made their way to the field.

As the team filed out of the locker room to warm up on the field, Y/N spotted Rarity and Sunset waiting near the stands. The girls waved him over, their smiles bright and encouraging. Y/N waved back and made his way over to them.

“Good luck tonight, darling,” Rarity said, giving him a quick hug. “We’ll be cheering for you every step of the way.”

“Thanks, Rares,” Y/N said, grinning.

Sunset stepped forward, her expression soft but serious. “Y/N, I just wanted to say… I’m really proud of how far you’ve come. You’ve been an amazing leader for this team, and I know you’ve got what it takes to win tonight. Go win that home-field advantage!”

Her words meant more to Y/N than he could express. “Thanks, Sunset. That means a lot. We won’t let you down.”

“Go get ‘em, champ,” Sunset said with a wink before she and Rarity headed to the stands. Y/N blushed before heading back to his team who noticed his reddened face. Rarity who had seen Y/N's face smiled, she glanced at Sunset who was also smiling and smirked.

"Tell me, Sunset." Rarity began, making Sunset turn her head to face her. "What do you think of my cousin, Y/N?"

Sunset looked at her in surprise. "W-why do you ask?"

Rarity smiled as she looked down at the field where Y/N was talking to his coach right as the first whistle blew. "Just curious, darling. Just curious." Sunset looked at her puzzled before looking down at the field with a smile.

As the game began under the bright stadium lights, Canterlot came out swinging. The offensive line dominated the trenches, giving Y/N plenty of time in the pocket. On the first drive, he connected with Flash for a 35-yard gain, setting up a quick touchdown run by their running back.

The crowd erupted as the scoreboard lit up, and Canterlot’s defense quickly followed suit. Spike led the charge, breaking through the offensive line to sack the opposing quarterback on third down making them punt the ball back to Canterlot. The energy on the field was electric, and it was clear that Canterlot was here to make a statement.

By the end of the first quarter, the score was 14-0, and the opposing team looked rattled. They had no answers on offense and their defense couldn't stop Canterlot and their high-powered offensive power.

The second quarter proved more challenging. The opposing team adjusted their strategy, managing to slow down Canterlot’s offense albeit just a bit and put together a scoring drive of their own. But Canterlot’s defense, led by Spike and Bulk, held strong, forcing a turnover on the next possession.

Y/N took advantage of the opportunity, orchestrating a methodical drive that chewed up the clock and ended with a touchdown pass to Bulk in the corner of the end zone. By halftime, the score was 21-6, and Canterlot had the momentum firmly in their favor. They could almost taste the victory, but they were better than to get cocky. There was still plenty of game left to be played and they had to stay focused.

Back in the locker room, Coach Iron Will emphasized the importance of staying focused which they all agreed on. “We’re doing great, but this game isn’t over,” he said. “They’re going to come out swinging in the second half, so we need to stay sharp. No mistakes, no letting up. Keep the pressure on and finish strong! Protect the ball and continue to do what we've been doing. There's still thirty minutes left, don't forget that.”

Y/N stood up, addressing his teammates. “We’ve worked too hard to let this slip away. Let’s go out there, play our hearts out, and make this a game to remember!” The team roared in agreement, their determination stronger than ever before.

Canterlot returned to the field with a vengeance. The offense continued to fire on all cylinders, with Y/N distributing the ball to multiple receivers and keeping the defense guessing. Flash, despite some lingering soreness from a previous injury, made a spectacular diving catch for a touchdown early in the third quarter, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Even Y/N was in shock as he went over to his number one guy and the two did their handshake.

The defense was just as relentless. Bulk broke through for another sack, and the secondary snagged an interception that set up yet another scoring drive. By the end of the third quarter, the score was 35-9, and Canterlot was in complete control.

The final quarter was a showcase of Canterlot’s dominance. With the game well in hand, the coaching staff rotated in some of the backups, giving them valuable playing time. Even with the starters on the sidelines, Canterlot continued to shine. Y/N watched as the defense forced another turnover, and the special teams unit added a field goal to make it 38-9. As the clock wound down, the crowd began to chant, celebrating their team’s remarkable season. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 38-9, and Canterlot had secured home-field advantage for the playoffs.

The field was a sea of joy as the players celebrated with their coaches and fans. Y/N scanned the stands, spotting Rarity, Sunset, and the rest of their friends cheering wildly. He waved to them, a wide smile on his face.

“Great game, QB!” Flash said, clapping Y/N on the back.

“You too!” Y/N replied. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone stepping up.”

Coach Iron Will gathered the team in the middle of the field, his voice booming with pride. “Boys, you just finished the regular season 8-2—the best record this program has seen in nearly two decades! Enjoy this moment, but remember, the real work starts now. The playoffs are a whole new ballgame, and we’ve got a championship to win! Come back on Monday to work your butts off, because we got the playoffs to deal with.” The team erupted into cheers, their excitement for the playoffs palpable.

As the celebration wound down, Y/N took a moment to reflect. This season had been a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and growth. He was proud of what they had accomplished, but he knew there was still more to achieve.

Looking up at the night sky, Y/N felt a sense of determination. The playoffs would be their biggest test yet, but he was ready to lead his team through whatever lay ahead.

“Let’s do this,” he said quietly to himself, already envisioning the path to the championship.