Freakhunt's Fables: Freakhunt's Fables, #3

By Freakhunt

This collection of short stories explores the enduring themes of magic, unity, and friendship in diverse settings across the world. From the hidden oasis of Marjaneh, where a guardian protects the Silk Road using a mystical gem, to the remote village of Liria, where a magical lute's power is harnessed through the enchanting duets of two musicians, each story delves into the resilience of communities and the extraordinary potential found within ordinary people.

 

Journey through the bustling city where anthropomorphic food items form a close-knit community and create "The Harmony Pie," a culinary creation that not only delights the senses but also exemplifies the strength of their friendship. Explore the mystical village of Evergreen, where young Elara and her friends embark on a quest to protect their home from an encroaching darkness, rekindling ancient magical bonds along the way.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Freakhunt
• Release date: Nov 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223380078

Book preview

The Accidental Kicker

Part 1: The Fan

Meet John Sullivan, a lifelong fan of the New York Knights, a prestigious NFL team. John's obsession with the Knights bordered on the absurd. His apartment was a shrine to the team, adorned with flags, jerseys, and posters of the star players. He never missed a game, whether at the stadium or on TV, and his wardrobe consisted solely of Knights gear.

John was also a creature of habit, particularly when it came to game days. Every Sunday, he'd walk to his favorite sports bar, Benny's, for their famous Knights Burger and a cold beer. Benny's had become his unofficial headquarters for watching the games. And as much as John loved the Knights, he also loved the Knights Burger, a mouthwatering concoction of beef, bacon, and cheese that he'd been savoring for years.

One sunny Sunday, while John sat at the bar, his usual game day ritual was about to take an unexpected turn. As he devoured his burger, he noticed a flier tacked to the bulletin board.

Win a chance to kick a field goal for the New York Knights! it read. All John had to do was order a Knights Burger, keep the receipt, and fill out an entry form. The prize included a chance to kick a field goal during halftime at the next Knights game, along with a year's supply of Knights Burgers.

John was ecstatic. This was a dream come true. He quickly grabbed a pen and filled out the form, finished his burger, and left the bar with his precious receipt.

Part 2: The Unlikely Winner

A week later, John received an unexpected call. It was the New York Knights organization, and he'd won the contest. He was going to be the halftime field goal kicker at the next game. John couldn't believe his luck.

The day of the game arrived, and John was filled with both excitement and trepidation. He'd never kicked a football in his life, and now he was going to do it in front of thousands of fans. He practiced kicking a football at a local park for days leading up to the game, but it didn't exactly instill confidence.

When he arrived at the stadium, he was led to the field for a brief rehearsal. The Knights' starting kicker, Mark Daniels, was there to offer some guidance. Mark had a reputation as one of the league's top kickers, and John felt incredibly starstruck.

Mark showed John the basics of field goal kicking, helping him with his form and technique. John struggled initially but was determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

As the halftime show began, John stood on the sidelines in his Knights jersey, preparing for his moment in the spotlight. The crowd was roaring with anticipation, and John could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

Part 3: The Kick

The halftime show was an energetic performance, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. As John stepped onto the field, he was hit with a wave of nervousness. The field seemed impossibly long, and the goalposts seemed impossibly narrow.

Mark Daniels, the professional kicker, stood beside him, offering words of encouragement. You've got this, John. Just focus on the ball, and follow through. You can do it.

With the cheers of the crowd echoing in his ears, John took a deep breath, and the ball was snapped to him. He swung his leg, and the football sailed through the air.

To everyone's astonishment, including John's, the ball sailed between the uprights and straight through the goalpost. The crowd erupted in wild cheers, and John was suddenly the hero of the day.

John's field goal had been so perfect, the team couldn't help but take notice. The head coach approached him after the game. You've got quite the kick, John. I've never seen anything like it. We're looking for a backup kicker for the team, and we'd like to offer you a chance to try out.

Part 4: The Unexpected Career

John's life had taken a turn he could never have imagined. He agreed to the tryout and found himself at the Knights' training facility. He was put through a rigorous series of tests, but his kicks were consistently accurate and powerful. The team's coaches and staff couldn't believe their luck.

As the weeks passed, John was officially offered a position as the Knights' backup kicker. He'd gone from an enthusiastic fan who won a contest to a professional football player. It was a dream come true.

While John was initially nervous about stepping onto the field in front of thousands of fans, his skills only improved with time and practice. He grew close to his fellow players, including Mark Daniels, who was now not only his mentor but also his friend.

One fateful day, during a routine practice, Mark injured his leg. It was a devastating blow for the team, but it also opened up a unique opportunity for John. With Mark sidelined, John was asked to take on the role of the starting kicker for the Knights.

Part 5: The Final Game

The moment of truth arrived in a crucial game against their arch-rivals. John stood on the field, the game clock winding down. The Knights were trailing by two points, and they had one last chance to win the game.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats, their hopes resting on John's shoulders. The team's quarterback signaled for a field goal attempt. The ball was snapped, and John swung his leg with all his might.

The football sailed through the air, a perfect, soaring arc. The stadium fell silent as it traveled toward the goalpost. And then, with a thunderous roar from the crowd, it sailed straight through the uprights.

The Knights won the game, and John was hailed as a hero once again. His incredible journey from a die-hard fan to a starting kicker was now complete.

As the confetti rained down on the field, John couldn't help but think back to that fateful day when he won a contest by buying a cheeseburger. It had been the start of an incredible adventure, one that had changed his life forever.

John Sullivan had become an unlikely legend in the world of football, proving that dreams could come true, even when they were as unexpected as a winning kick after buying a