The sun rose bright over the Little League field.
The grass glowed.
Parents packed the bleachers.
Kids buzzed with nervous excitement.
It was Opening Day.
The first official game of the season.
Zach stood near the dugout, gripping his glove with both hands. His stomach fluttered—not from fear, but from anticipation.
Tyler bounced beside him like a hyperactive puppy.
"Dude! Dude! This is it! The real deal! The first game! The big moment! The—"
Zach patted his shoulder.
"Tyler. Breathe."
Tyler gasped dramatically.
"Right! Sorry. I forgot to inhale."
The System Warns Him
A soft chime echoed in Zach's mind.
Ping.
"Major Event: FIRST OFFICIAL GAME."
Difficulty: High."
Predicted Challenge: Team stress spike."
Unknown Variable Detected."
Advice: Stay focused. Support teammates."
Zach looked at the field.
Something felt different today.
He wasn't sure if it was good or bad.
Blake Arrives- Different Again
Blake approached slowly, head down, dragging his cleats.
Not angry.
Not explosive.
Just… heavy.
Zach saw his emotional bubble:
"Nervous • Uncertain • Trying to stay calm • Pressure"
Tyler whispered, "He's really scared, huh?"
"Yes," Zach said softly. "But he came."
That mattered.
Blake took his spot on the bench.
When he looked up and saw Zach watching him, he quickly looked away—but not with anger.
More like… embarrassment.
And gratitude.
Coach Ramirez Gathers the Team
"Alright Dodgers, circle up!"
The kids formed a tight huddle around Coach.
He smiled proudly.
"This is our first real game," he said. "Remember what we practiced. Remember who you are. And remember—"
He placed a hand over his chest.
"Have fun."
Tyler sighed dramatically.
"How does he make everything sound cool?"
Zach whispered, "Because he is cool."
Blake cracked a tiny smirk.
Starting Lineup
Coach read the lineup:
Starting Pitcher: Blake
Catcher: Tyler
Shortstop: Zach
First: Jaden
Second: Emma
Third: Noah
Outfield: Micah, Eli, Bryan
"And Zach," Coach said, "you're my relief pitcher. If Blake tires out or gets in trouble, you're up."
Zach nodded firmly.
Blake swallowed hard.
But he didn't protest.
The Other Team Arrives
The opposing team marched in wearing orange jerseys with a fierce fox logo.
The Ridgeview Foxes.
Older kids.
Taller.
Stronger.
More experienced.
Tyler whispered, "Oh no. They look like middle schoolers."
Zach tilted his head. "They're eight."
Tyler gasped. "That's basically middle school!"
Blake's breathing quickened.
His bubble pulsed:
"Fear spiking • Pressure rising • Negative thoughts forming"
Zach stepped toward him.
"You can do this," Zach whispered.
"You practiced. You're strong."
Blake stared at him… then nodded once.
Game Begins — Blake on the Mound
"PLAY BALL!"
The first batter stepped in.
Blake wound up.
Released.
STRIKE ONE!
The crowd cheered.
Tyler pumped a fist. "YES!"
Blake threw again.
STRIKE TWO!
Dodger parents cheered louder.
Blake's heartbeat slowed.
His breathing evened.
His confidence returned… for one moment.
But then—
CRACK!
The third pitch was crushed into the outfield.
A double.
The next batter hit a single.
Then another.
The Foxes scored a run.
Blake's shoulders tensed.
His breathing sped up again.
Tyler called gently, "Hey! Focus! You're good!"
But Blake's emotional bubble turned dark:
"Panic • Self-doubt • Fear of father's reaction"
He threw—
Wild.
Then low.
Then high.
Two runs scored.
Parents murmured.
The opposing team cheered.
Coach Ramirez walked to the mound.
"Blake… it's okay. You're rattled. I'm pulling you for now."
"I can still pitch!" Blake insisted.
But his voice shook.
"And you can pitch again," Coach said. "But right now, I need to protect you."
Zach stepped forward.
Coach nodded to him.
"You're up, Zach."
Blake looked at Zach for a moment—
and instead of jealousy, he whispered:
"…Help us."
Zach nodded.
"I will."
Zach Takes the Mound
Tyler jogged out to him.
"You got this, buddy."
Zach inhaled.
Exhaled.
Felt the dirt under his cleats.
The system chimed.
Ping.
"Pitching Mode Activated."
Temporary Boost: Control +1."
Angle Memory Engaged."
"Okay," Zach whispered. "Let's win."
The Mystery Challenge Appears
The Foxes' next batter stepped in.
Tall.
Confident.
Strong.
Zach wound up.
Released—
THWACK.
The ball was crushed.
A screaming line drive heading straight toward—
Blake.
Blake froze.
Tyler screamed, "LOOK OUT—!"
Blake ducked too slowly.
But Zach moved.
Again.
Lightning reflexes.
Zero hesitation.
He caught the ball inches from Blake's head—
SNAP!
The crowd gasped.
The batter was OUT.
Blake stared at Zach in open shock.
"You… saved me again…"
Zach nodded.
"That's what teammates do."
Blake swallowed hard.
"I'll do better. I promise."
"I know," Zach said.
Ending the Inning
With renewed confidence, Zach faced the next batter.
Strike.
Strike.
Groundout.
Then—
A fly ball to center field—caught.
Inning over.
The Dodgers jogged in, cheering and slapping gloves.
Tyler beamed. "YOU ARE A SUPERHERO."
Blake whispered quietly, "Thanks… Zach."
Zach smiled.
The system chimed gently:
Ping.
"Unexpected Challenge Resolved."
Team Bond +2."
Rival Relationship Strengthened."
The game wasn't over.
They were still behind.
But the Dodgers felt alive again.
And Zach…
Zach felt ready for whatever came next.