The Charity League seemed to be favoring the elite teams greatly, Premier League State seemed to be dominating the leaderboard, with Premier League State demolishing the Wondercolts with a 6-0 in the first match, and the Shadowbolts with another 6-0 in the first set of matche fixtures, Premier League showed no signs of being stopped, but it was now Maretime High’s turn to face the most elite team in the Charity League. Despite a solid victory against Canterlot High, all players knew it would be an extremely tough challenge, especially since PLS holds the record for most league victories in the state.

(Maretime High - Football Training Ground)

The Pegistars hit the practice field at their school, running many drills on dribbling, scoring, keeping and many other techniques, Zipp and Hitch would spend a lot of time coming up with strategies to face them; Zipp and Hitch would take as much as they learned from their match with Bundesliga Academy, which all of them knew they mounted a hard challenge against them, this was because while PLS and BA had the most intense rivalry around, they did seem to be the most evenly match on terms of player skill and tactics, even many elite players would say Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are the most leveled strikers. Zipp had a solid idea on how the Pegistars would play in the upcoming match.

“Okay team! Gather round!” Zipp calls her teammates from the pitch. The players soon gather around the whiteboard where she outlines her strategy, “We’ve seen how good Manchester City is as a striker, especially with Liverpool and Aston Villa supporting his wings, so our rear line will need to cover the wings, mostly Rocky and Posey” she explains.

Rocky nods as he looks to his defending partner Jazz, who as always happens to blush when he looks at her, Posey meanwhile has (as she always does) some objections. “How are me and Rocky supposed to hold them? We saw their stats, they may not be at the same number as City, but they’re still extremely talented and wouldn’t they have a counter for this?” she objects.

Hitch soon spoke up, “That’s what we’re planning for, if you and Rocky keep Liverpool and Aston Villa occupied when they have the ball, they’ll have no choice but to pass backwards which will prevent City from moving forward as he’ll need to be onside to go for goal, allowing Sunny, Thunder and Zoom to be set to intercept the ball and send it to the frontline” he explains, though Sunny and Pipp could hear some harshness when he mentioned City.

However, the players nod to each other, having faith in the plan and ready to mount a challenge against the most elite team of the three. They knew they would be the last match of the fixture at their local town football ground which had been upgraded since they entered the Charity League. Meanwhile, the other matches had the Wondercolts up against their intense rivals the Shadowbolts, while Ligue 1 will challenge Bundesliga Academy again but this time at their home stadium.

However, to everyone’s surprise, Manchester City along with his twin sister United and his wingers Liverpool and Aston Villa arrived. “Wow, quite the quaint field” United mocked, while the others facepalmed in disappointment.

“Tactful as always United” Aston Villa groaned.

Hitch was the most shocked to see their rivals at their homefield, “What? What are guys doing here?” he asked.

“Ease up Hitchy boy, we thought we’d come by and see how lot are doing” Liverpool joked with a smile, Aston Villa rolled her eyes, while Manchester City seem to be blanked faced.

“Well, if you lot must know, we’re planning our strategy for you tonight” Pipp states with a smile.

City, Villa and Liverpool smiled and nodded in respect, sadly however.... “Oooooh, so scared” United mocked until Aston Villa smacked her head, “OW! City!” she whined.

“You brought this on yourself, just like the other 14 times you pulled this act” City gave his twin sister a glare which kept her quiet. “But you guys are looking sharp, looking forward to our match” he gives the Pegistars a smile before heading off.

Liverpool, Aston Villa and United followed him, however once they're gone; the Pegistars call it a day and headed off to prepare for tonight’s match, however Zipp noticed that Hitch was no longer around, especially since Sunny told her that he wanted to take her and Zipp to the town’s milkshake shop later while Pipp and Izzy were going to meet up with for a spa treatment for their muscles.

“Where’s Hitch?” Zipp asked Sunny.

“I don’t know, he was here a moment ago” Sunny replies, she turns to her teammates who all had no idea where he went. “I’ll send him a text, hopefully he’ll respond” she hoped as she texted Hitch’s phone.

Meanwhile, Hitch had already packed his kit and boots and waited for his Grandma Figgy to pick him up in the car park, however to his surprise; he encounters Manchester United.

“Waiting for a ride?” United asked.

“Um... yeah, my grandma is picking me up” Hitch replied nervously, he soon gets a text from his grandma which states she couldn’t pick him up due to a scheduling issue. “Great... guess I’m walking”

“I can drive you” United offered, Hitch was surprised, he knew United didn't have the best reputation at PLS, but surely, she wouldn’t be so low to drop him off in the middle of nowhere, especially how her team would react if she did.

“Um.... sure, if it’s not an issue” he states nervously.

“Hey, it’s no problem; we may be adversaries, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friendly with each other” United states with what looked like a genuine smile, United takes Hitch to her car which was red supercar, Hitch decided not to ask how she got it as it be a long unnecessary conversation.

The two of them enter and United began to drive Hitch home, but as she drove along; she decides to make some small talk, “I noticed you were tense, did my bro City do something?” she asked.

Hitch quickly felt flustered, like he mentioned to Sunny before the Preseason Party, he felt something was between him and Zipp, especially at their regional finale where they won their league, but ever since they met the Premier League State players, he noticed that Manchester City would always be brought into a conversation when he was around Zipp. “Uh.... no! I mean....” He tried to find words, but just couldn’t and he groans in defeat. “I guess, I’ve been feeling jealous about City” Hitch admitted.

“Really? You’re jealous of my brother? Why? Are you jealous of him as a player?” United asked, but she had Hitch right where she wanted him, emotionally vulnerable.

“Well....” Hitch twiddled his thumbs; he really didn’t want to admit to anyone about his growing crush on Zipp or that he felt threatened by City as Zipp seemed to blush when anyone from the Pegistars mentioned the PLS Striker. “I guess you could say I am, same age as me and yet he’s just unstoppable, I heard he has the most goals scored when enrolled into PLS”.

United knew Hitch was keeping something, but she was methodical, “That he did, he’s just been getting better and better as we all keep playing, mum and dad were players too, City would always watch highlights and put in so many extra sessions on the pitch, he would miss so many family dinners, but he’s slowing down his extra sessions since this year, but I did hear something about your strike partner, Zipp” she mentioned.

“Zipp? What do you mean?” Hitch asked, gaining his full attention.

United was now in position with a move to devastate him, “Keep this yourself for now, but I’ve heard from the grapevine is that City and a few of the boys are considering encouraging Zipp to enroll at PLS” she stated and as she wanted, Hitch’s jaw hit the ground.

“Wait?! You guys want to enroll Zipp?!” Hitch asked in devastation. Surely that can’t be true, Zipp loved her friends at Maretime High, but then again Hitch did see how Zipp reacted to the mentioning of City.

“Like I said, keep it to yourself for now, but I guess the boys in the team do see potential in her I guess” United replied, while on her face she seemed serious and very genuine, but inside she was very pleased she planted the doubt into Hitch’s mind.

Soon after a good drive; United arrived at Hitch’s house, “Here we are” she spoke happily.

“Uh... yeah, thanks United, you know... I know everyone at PLS gives you a hard time for your behavior, but you’re a genuinely a good person” Hitch admitted.

“Awww, thanks Hitch, you’re so kind, and between you and me, I think Zipp would be a lucky girl with you, see you tomorrow at the match, bring your A game” United gave her goodbyes and drove off.

But as she drove home, “So easy, sorry to mess with you Hitch, but in football, you got to be good on the field and in the mind” she spoke to herself.

In Hitch’s room, he began to think about everything Manchester United told him, his feelings for Zipp, and how PLS could enroll Zipp in their school. But he had to prepare for tomorrow night, he would face his now assigned nemesis; Manchester City.

(The Next Night – Matchday - Maretime Bay Football Club Stadium)

Night had come for Matchday, the Maretime Bay local football club field was filled with fans, the atmosphere was ecstatic, the locals cheering on the Pegistars, hoping for a win for them.

In the changing rooms, the Pegistars put on their jerseys and boots, the team seemed to have high hopes, they have a good game strategy in place and lastly their ‘can do’ attitude and strong spirit, the Pegistars are aimed to knock PLS off their unbeaten pedestal. However, as Zipp got ready, she noticed Hitch seemly was ignoring her, he wasn’t answering any texts and completely blowing her off on their milkshake date. Zipp was quite the detective since she was a youngster, she knew that ever since their league win, things have been close yet also distant with her and Hitch, she narrowed the growing distancing since the Preseason party, their match with Bundesliga Academy where Hitch blatantly ignored her calls to pass the ball prior to the first goal for them and even Hitch’s explosive shout at Posey following their loss to Bundesliga Academy, but soon the coaches call to the players, they were about to be sent to the field.

In the hallway, the Pegistars and Premiers stood in line, waiting for the cue to enter the field, the tension was paramount. Hitch seemingly was breathing hard, Zipp was ahead of him and could hear him, she turns around to her strike partner, “You okay Hitch?” Zipp asked with a degree of worry in her voice.

“I’m fine Zipp” Hitch tried to slow his breathing and focus on the upcoming match, sure; going up against the likes of Premier League State would be a tall order, but with everything going on his mind and the growing gap between him and Zipp, it all seemed to be too much for Hitch.

However; Manchester United spoke up, “Just close your eyes and think calmly” she tells Hitch, a few of the PLS players look at her with surprise, was she offering advice and being nice to her rivals? Hitch followed United’s instructions, and he managed to calm himself down, Zipp turned back forward, feeling that her words couldn’t help him, however she looked to her left and saw her rival captain, Manchester City; devoid of all things that could affect his performance, Zipp was impressed of how City was handling everything.

Hitch saw that Zipp was again looking at City and began to think more about what United had told him, but he kept that to himself, but he turns to United with a sadden look. “Just remember what I told you Hitch, just focus and bring your A game” she spoke in comfort. However, Liverpool and Aston Villa looked to each other and felt United was up to something, even Sunny saw how the two wingers of PLS looked to each other.

But that would have to wait, the cheers from the stadium were in overdrive as the opening act which was being done by Maretime High alumni Ruby Jubilee as the coaches told the players to move onto the field.

“And what a night it is for football, here we are for the final match of the third fixture, it’s the Maretime High Pegistars against the Premier League State Premiers, here at hometown field here in Maretime Bay, lot of orange in surrounding the stadium full of energy, the home fans are looking to see if their local players can truly match against the elite and topple Premier League State’s unbeatable run.”

“Yeah, I am excited to see how this will turn out, Premier League State has been unstoppable in this league, the stadium has also got quite the audience, most would think the opening act is due to Ruby Jubilee, but the nobility of the cause of Charity League, has garnered quite the entertainment. And as one would forget, these are champions against champions, the Pegistars may just be a local league champions all those weeks ago, but their hard work and determination has been quite the payoff.”

“Too right you are, it was a solid victory for the Pegistars as they recently went against the Wondercolts, they must be feeling the pressure to win here tonight”

The players soon stood in line as the Maretime High school anthem was sung, once it came to an end, they players began to shake hands with each other and the referees. The players took to their places in formation, with the Pegistars be given the kickoff.

In an instant, Manchester City snatches the ball from the opposition and began roaring towards the goal, Misty was praying her defenders could hold the line, but the PLS Striker blasts through; Rocky, Izzy, Posey and Jazz tried their best to defend, but City was incredibly agile with ball and soon Misty was all that stood in his way, with a powerful kick, City slams the ball past Misty in to the goal.

“AND A GOAL!!! The gauntlet has been thrown, City on top of his game!!!”

The home crowd were shocked and disappointed as Manchester City scored in the first moments of the match, some already thought be another 6-0 domination act, the Pegistars looked to each other while the PLS players cheered City’s goal, they showed signs of worry but they held their resolved and got back to their positions for the next kick-off.

The second kick-off was set and the Pegistars now began to implement their strategy, the centre backs of Posey, Jazz, Rocky and Izzy managed to hold their ground and prevented many attempts made by City, Liverpool and Aston Villa, however in the second third of the first half, PLS was set for a corner kick with Aston Villa. The players wait for the referee whistle and soon Aston Villa kicks the ball towards her teammates, and City jumps up and heads the ball into the goal, Misty tries to reach and stop the ball, but her hands fell short and PLS was now two goals ahead.

“AND FOR THE SECOND TIME OF ASKING, CITY BRINGS THEM UP TO TWO!!!!”

“Absolute perfection from City, it was a perfect header, such class, such performance by the PLS Striker!”

The match was growing bleaker, PLS was now 2 goals ahead, and time was running low in the first half, but Zipp remained determined, she rallies her team as they got into position. Once the referee whistle blew, Zipp, Hitch and Pipp went on a charge, manoeuvring through the PLS lines, however Hitch was open for a pass and he lifted his arm, but Zipp passes it to Sunny behind them.

‘What...? I was....’ Hitch thought, he was clear in the opening, but it seemed that Zipp just ignored him.

Sunny managed to get close to the box and she volleys the ball to Zipp and she soon slams the goal. The stadium erupts with cheers and joy, glimmers of hope growing. The Pegistars were over the moon as they all cheered Zipp’s goal; minus one.

“What a goal by Zipp Storm, they are not out yet and their captain gives them all the hope they need”

“Too right there, it’s 2-1 now and there just behind by one, with the second half coming, they’re going to be out in full force”

Soon the whistle blew for half time and both teams head to the dressing rooms for preparations, however Hitch saw Zipp and City chatting with Liverpool and Aston Villa, his heart was sharp in pain, though United soon came by and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring nod.

After a few minutes of preparations, the teams soon returned to the field for the second half. However, it would be a rough start to the second half for the Pegistars, as Zipp, Hitch and Pipp charged up the field, Pipp was stray offside, bringing the game to a halt and Aston Villa got into position for the free kick. Aston Villa soon sent the ball high up towards Manchester City, however as the ball arcs perfectly to City, something in Hitch’s head just snapped, he charged towards City as the ball come to the PLS striker’s possession, Hitch then slid down for a sliding tackle and knocks City clean off the ground.

The crowd gasped as the referee whistle pierced the air, as it was a clear foul. The referee goes to Hitch and pulls out the yellow card much to the Pegistar crowd’s dismay, “That is yellow card, for number 5; Hitch Trailblazer”.

“Oh Trailblazer is lucky, yellow card, and that's a heavy warning for the young striker”

“I’m not convinced, that seemed a little more deliberate, but yellow or red card aside, this is going to cost the Pegistars dearly”

Manchester City soon got up, unfazed by the incident, however in a moment of sportsmanship, Zipp extends a hand to help City up, the PLS Striker nods in thanks to Zipp which made her face blushing slightly. But Hitch saw the interaction, his frustration and jealousy were bubbling majorly. His fists clenched in anger, something much more was growing and Hitch was on the verge of having a breakdown.

But soon Manchester United, steps up to Hitch and speaks softly, though her subtle manipulation was well hidden from the distressed Hitch. “Just focus on your game Hitch, don’t let.... your distractions cloud your game”, United’s tone was careful but hitting the spots in Hitch’s emotional state perfectly.

But Sunny was watching the interaction between Manchester United and Hitch, she saw that United was up to something and it had to involve Zipp and Manchester City, but before she could run over to say something, the referee called the players to get into position for the free kick in PLS’s favour.

The match continued on with an intense battle, but a goal made by Pipp would bring the match to even and remained in a heavy stalemate until the final minutes of the match. The crowd held their breath as it came to the 89th minute.

It was a goal kick for the Pegistars, Misty drew her breath as she got a lock on the players, she wished to send it to, with a strong kick; the ball flies to midfield. Hitch and Zipp, locked onto the ball, but the two of them make the worst mistake as they failed to communicate with each other and when Zipp jumps up to get the ball, Hitch and Zipp collide and crashed to the ground.

“Oh no! That is massive miscommunication, Storm and Trailblazer are down!!!”

The crowd was shocked at this mistake, but soon Manchester City seizes the opportunity and with the ball in his possession, the PLS star striker dribbles the ball past the disorganized Pegistars. In a flash, City slams the ball past Misty and secures the goal, his third one of the match, a solid hat trick performance, the PLS supporters cheered in joy as the Pegistars are heartbroken.

“AND A GOAL!!! CITY HAS MADE IT A HAT TRICK AND ITS NO WONDER; THE CROWD ARE CELEBRATING!!!!”

“That was a hard-fought battle, it may be a defeat for the Pegistars, but they put on a fantastic performance, but that last miscommunication has really cost them, PLS once again undefeated”

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the Pegistars took the defeat on the chin and PLS remained respectful and praised the performance by the Pegistars and all shook hands with their rival players. Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa praised Zipp for her performance as a striker and captain of the team, but looking onward to them was Hitch and his expression darkened, United’s words remained echoing in his head, he saw Zipp was blushing and Pipp was giggling at her sister’s blushed face. Feeling isolated and fed up, Hitch stormed off the field and managed to keep it together so he wouldn’t snap in front of the crowd.

Inside the changing room, Hitch quickly gathered his belongings into his bag, he was in such as rush, he didn’t bother changing out from his football kit. But just as he finished packing and about to leave, he heard familiar voices.

“That was so close, but you got to hand it to City, he was.... just so focused, calm, nothing seems to face him, I definitely would love to get behind that kind of composure” Zipp stated to her friends, with Pipp, Misty and Izzy giggling.

“Don’t forget, that handsome bod, bet we’d love to see that” Pipp adds and giggles.

But Hitch managed to hear it all, his suspicions seemingly confirmed. He grits his teeth and storms out of the changing room, even when Zipp and the others called out to him, he coldly ignores them. But Zipp was not having it, she wanted answers from him and goes after him.

Outside at the parking lot, Zipp catches up and grabs Hitch’s arm, filled with frustration, “Hitch! What’s been going on with you?! You’ve been quiet and distant with me since the start of the Charity League! You ignore my texts, blow me off a date YOU asked me to, and that tackle on City and barging into me in the match?! Just tell me what's going on with you!” she demanded.

Hitch soon dropped his bag and turns to Zipp, his voice filled with anger hurt, “You really don’t know?! Alright fine! Ever since we started, you've been obsessed with Manchester City, ALL you talk about is how amazing he is, you don’t even acknowledge me anymore! But I’m not surprised, since City wants to enroll with PLS and you seem to want to!!!” Hitch accused Zipp.

Zipp stares in shock, but quickly turns to anger and frustration, “What are you talking about?! I’m focused on our team! What have you hit your head with to get a stupid idea like that?!” Zipp shouted back.

Sunny, Izzy, Pipp and Misty watched in worry and tried to defuse the situation, but their words fell on deaf ears as the tension reached boiling point.

“Just admit it Zipp!!! You want City as your strike partner, clearly, I won’t ever be good enough for you for anything!!!” Hitch shouted.

“I don’t! What is wrong with you?!” Zipp shouted back, reaching her breaking point.

“I know how you look at him Zipp, I’m not an idiot! ADMIT IT! YOU WANT CITY AS YOUR PARTNER!!!” Hitch shouted at Zipp.

“HITCH, SHUT UP!!!!!” Zipp shouts back and raised her hand, much to her friends’ horror.

Zipp’s face had harden, filled with anger and hurt. Zipp soon laid a huge slap across Hitch’s face, the sheer sound of the slap seemed to echo across the parking lot. However, Zipp’s expression quickly changes to horror and regret, she looked to her hand which began to go red, then to Hitch’s face where her hand had slapped him.

“Hitch.... I...I'm so sorry, I didn’t....” Zipp tried to apologize, but Hitch steps back.

Hitch felt his face where Zipp had slapped him, trying his best to hold in his tears, he soon takes off his Pegistar jersey and threw it to Zipp’s feet, “Forget it, find someone else to be your strike partner.... I was.... I was so stupid to ever think I had crush on you....”.

Hitch grabbed his bag and left the heartbroken Zipp, frozen by her actions and Hitch’s words, tears had welled up in her eyes. Sunny, Pipp, Misty and Izzy tried to comfort Zipp, but the Pegistar captain was too devastated by what happened, she began to cry and runs back to the stadium in tears.

Sunny, Pipp, Misty and Izzy were shocked by the whole situation, however what they didn’t know that nearby, something was going to make a misunderstand into a full-fledged media nightmare.

Author's Note

Been a while, but here's the next chapter, also I'm making a decision to focus on the G5 and PLS characters more than the Wondercolts and Shadowbolts, they will still be mentioned in later chapters.

Sorry for the wait, hope you enjoy the chapter