Finals Road Trip
Main Characters / Extra Characters
My Classmates
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Requirements / Rewards
Level 20 rewards - 10 rings + one more Hangout |
Part 1
Julian: Hey, Danny, can you help me tie up a loose end?
Danny: Julian! You’re off your crutches already! Looking good!
Julian: Thanks, Danny. Doc says I should be good to go in time for the final against Hearst this weekend.
Danny: I know I speak for everyone when I say… I’m really happy you decided not to transfer back there.
Julian: No one’s happier than me. That would have been a huge mistake. So thanks for helping me realize where I belong. On that note, I haven’t told Max yet that I’m staying put. And I’m not so sure he and his goons will be happy to hear that… Will you come and back me up?
You and Julian arrive at Hearst and find Max alone waiting in the hallway.
Max: Julian! What are you doing here? Doesn’t matter. Perfect timing. Come on!
Julian: Huh?!
Max grabs Julian’s arm and leads him through a door!
Danny: Hey, wait up!
Time - 12 hours
Max leads Julian through a door… and into an enormous Hearst pep rally! The crowd roars as Max grabs a microphone!
Max: How ya feeling, Hearst?! We’ve got a big announcement to make! Julian’s decided to ditch those losers across town and come back to a REAL school! So, Julian, how’s it feel to be back?
Max shoves the mic in Julian’s face. The entire Hearst student body waits with baited breath…
Julian: I, uh… actually… decided to, uh… stay put.
A hush falls over the crowd. The football team on stage closes in around you. Max narrows his eyes at Julian… and offers a handshake!
Max: …then the best of luck to you.
Julian: Wait… you’re not angry?
Max: We’ve grown up. No more grudges. No more tricks. We’ve got sportsmanship here at Hearst now. And when we meet on the field this weekend, we’re gonna put on one heck of a show for the fans, isn’t that right, Julian?
Julian: Huh? I mean… What I… I think…
Danny: That’s right, Max! And we’ll see you all there!
You hurry to pull Julian off the stage.
Max: Bye, Julian! I hope you don’t get this tongue-tied when you have to talk to all the college recruiters at the game.
Danny: Come on, Julian. Let’s get out of here…
Rewards
Danny: Don’t stress, Julian. You’ll do great in the spotlight. I’ve seen you give a ton of amazing speeches.
Julian: But that’s in front of my friends and teammates. I have no idea what it’s like to talk to recruiters and the media… total strangers. What if I say the wrong thing?
Later, back at campus, your classmates all high-five Julian as he passes through the halls.
Julian: What was all that about?
Autumn: Ever since you called that fake field goal to sen out team to the finals, you’re basically everyone’s hero.
Nishan: I STILL can’t get over how epic that was! Like, Battle of Helms Deep epic! Right, Sakura?
Sakura: Sure… I guess…
Julian: Well, it won’t count for much if Hearst beats us again when it really matters.
Mia: Hearst’s boosters are paying for party buses to drive their ENTIRE student body to the state capital for the game. With so many of their fans there, it’s going to be like playing at THEIR stadium again! And we all know how that turned out last time…
Wes: Well, all our classmates want to go too. Only problem is… how do we get everyone there? We can’t afford to bus the whole school like Hearst can.
Payton: Oh! Idea! We don’t need party buses to make this a party! We run a school-wide carpool! All our friends in one huge road trip! It’ll be super fun!
Autumn: Great idea, Payton, but it sounds like it will be tough to organize that many rides.
Danny: I’ll round up some help.
Part 2
Payton: Time to organize the biggest road trip in school history!
Danny: So, can the student government help us organize a school-wide carpool to the state capital?
Maddie: Oh, I don’t know, can a Super-PAC file as a 501(c)(4) non-profit?
Danny: Uh…
Brandon: Of course we can help!
Maddie: School spirit is at a fever pitch! Getting drivers will be as easy as electing a Democrat in Massachusetts!
Brandon: But organizing car rides for this many students will be harder than voting out an incumbent…
Maddie: But we choose to help, not because it is easy, but because it is hard. Hmm. If memory serves, Citizens For Puppies organized a carpool march on the state capital in 1998…
Brandon: You’re right! If we can duplicate their research and extrapolate their findings… we might just be able to pull this off!
Time - 14 hours
Julian: Wow! You guys got the whole school to sign up for the carpool!
Brandon: One hundred percent voter turnout. How did we do it, you ask?
Maddie: Easy. It all comes down to branding. Brandon came up with the name… the ‘Drive To Drive’!
Brandon: We also developed a polling algorithm based on lunchroom seating that guarantees everyone gets to ride with at least one close friend!
Danny: Thanks, you two.
Julian: Now, we just need to figure out where everyone can spend the night in the city!
Rewards
Mia: Ugh! We’ve called every hotel in the capital! They’re all full up!
Autumn: Hearst’s fans have booked every single vacancy in the city. If we don’t find a place soon, we’re all sleeping in the street!
Payton: Um, that is NOT happening.
Nishan: Hey, I just found a bunch of open room! They’re at Hotel Carissimo!
Mia: That’s THE most expensive hotel in the capital! Not even I’ve gotten to stay there!
Wes: How are we going to raise that kind of cash in time? It’s not like we can just have a bake sale…
Payton: Or can we? It can be the greatest bake sale ever! We’ll make FIVE TIMES the usual amount of cookies!
Nishan: A task requiring exact temperature settings AND multiplication? I’m in!
Autumn: There’s no way I’m going to miss out on our biggest bake sale ever!
Julian: All right then. Let’s bake dough to raise dough! Fast!
Part 3
Julian: Bake sale fundraiser? Let’s make it happen.
Nishan: Baking is a lot like science! You experiment with mixing things together, heat them up, and see what happens! Sometimes it’s wonderful, and sometimes it’s a disaster! So are you ready to hear the baking instructions?
Danny: Let’s hear them!
Nishan: Okay, we’re making chocolate chip cookies. Keeping it classic. First, we preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While that’s going, we mix the ingredients together. But remember! We’re making FIVE TIMES the usual amount! Then, we grease the pan… And bake the dough for 15 minutes.
Danny: I got it. Let’s bake!
You set the oven’s dial to 350 degrees!
Danny: Okay, the oven’s preheating. Time to mix the ingredients.
Nishan: It says we need nine cups of chocolate chips… but we’re supposed to multiply the amount by five!
Danny: That means we need 45! Okay, the oven’s ready! Now I have to put the cookie dough in.
You grease the pan! You spray the cookie pan with kitchen grease!
Danny: Now the cookies won’t stick to the pan!
You scoop the cookie dough into little balls and place them on the pan!
Danny: Now I just set this timer for 15 minutes!
Soon enough, the timer goes off!
Danny: My batch of cookies is done!
You take out your cookies to cool, and they fill the room with a warm, chocolatey aroma! Nishan takes a gooey bite out of one!
Nishan: Danny! These cookies! They’re like… Valhalla, Nirvana, and Elysium rolled into one!
Danny: I’m glad they came out so good!
Mia: Nishan, stop! Don’t eat them all! We need to sell those!
Later, you find Payton and Nishan mobbed by people trying to buy your cookies!
Mia: I can’t believe it! We baked five times the usual amount of cookies… and there are none left!
Payton: The cookies sold like crazy! Great work, Danny!
Danny: So do we have enough for rooms at the hotel in the capital?
Mia: You bet! This weekend, we’ll be living in style!
Rewards
Julian: Great job, everyone! Now our whole school will be in the stadium and get to see everyone’s hard work pay off!
Payton: I can’t believe we’re going to the state finals! I’m so proud of you, Julian!
Payton wraps Julian in a tight hug… and he winces!
Payton: Oh! Sorry! Was it your leg?
Julian: Yeah, I guess I’m not quite one hundred percent yet. I should probably get some last- minute workouts in. Sakura? Wanna help me run through some drills?
Sakura: When have you ever needed MY help, Julian?
Sakura walks off, disappearing around the corner.
Autumn: What was that? Is Sakura okay?
Julian: I don’t know, but I really don’t have time to get distracted. Danny, can you help me get back in shape?
Part 4
Julian: My leg’s still not totally healthy. Can you help me get back in shape?
Julian runs across the football field, clearly a step slower than you’re accustomed to seeing him… but he looks confident. He cuts to the left as you throw the ball… and he catches it in stride!
Danny: Nice catch, Julian! How’s your leg feeling?
Julian: Better. A lot better. Thanks for working out with me, Danny. All right, it’s time to drive to the capital. I’m ready. Are you?
Rewards
Soon, a steady stream of cars and vans are winding through your school’s bus loop, as all of your classmates wait for their ride to the capital!
Mia: Stick to your assigned ride buddies! No student left behind!
Julian: Hey, Sakura, I drew up this new play. I wanted to see what you thought of it.
Sakura: I’m sure it’s genius, Julian You don’t need my opinion.
From a distance, you watch Sakura brush past Julian.
Mia: Looks like Sakura’s still mad that Julian overrode her play call in the semifinal without telling her.
Wes: She has a right to be angry. Julian… he can he like that sometimes. He’s lucky the play worked. Otherwise, he’d be the goat, not the hero.
Mia: How is our team going to perform if our best player and our top play-caller are feuding?
Wes: I think I know how we can force them to talk out their differences. Hand me the carpool spreadsheet…
Part 5
A large truck pulls through the bus loop in front of the line of students…
Wes: All right, the next ride is here! Load up and roll out!
Danny: Whoa! What a huge truck! Awesome! We can totally sprawl out in this thing!
Wes: All the team’s equipment and supplies are in the back… including some extra snacks for us!
Sakura: Looks like I’m riding with you. Cool truck!
Sakura jogs up to the truck with her overnight bag… and bumps into Julian!
Sakura: Get out of the way! This is my ride!
Julian: No, it’s mine! I was told to get inside this truck!
Sakura: Since when do you listen to anyone but yourself?
Julian: Fine. Looks like we’re sharing then.
You and Wes watch Julian and Sakura squeeze into the backseat of the truck and take off.
Danny: I sure hope that works…
Time - 18 hours
Julian and Sakura sit in the back seat of the truck, riding in silence. Julian takes out a sketchbook and examines an Xs-and-Os diagram of a play. Sakura can’t help but look…
Sakura: That play won’t work against Hearst.
Julian: Huh?
Sakura pulls out her own notebook, brimming with page after page of numerical stats.
Sakura: It’s not bad, but their weakside linebacker is too fast. He’ll catch you if you don’t double-team him. I rated him only a 47 on awareness, but he’s a 93 on speed.
Julian: I didn’t realize he was that quick. But the thing is, he won’t be there. I know Max. When he sees our formation, he’ll call the linebacker over to the other side.
Sakura: Hmm… I guess I neglected to account for the human element…
Julian: And I should probably pay more attention to the stats.
Sakura and Julian look at each other fora moment, then quickly avert their eyes.
Julian: I’m sorry I overrode your play call. That was a jerk move.
Sakura: It was a dangerous gamble, Julian. One of these days, you’re going to Leroy Jenkins us into disaster… But you’ve been playing this game a long time. I should trust the veteran.
Julian: You know more about strategy than I ever will. I should trust the genius.
Sakura: What do you say we just give each other the benefit of the doubt?
Julian: Works for me. Hey, did you rate every player on our team with those Madden stats too? Can I see what you rated me?
Sakura: You sure you want to?
Rewards
Hours later, you find a spot to park on the street outside Hotel Carissimo. You step out of your truck and gawk up at the towering city around you!
Nishan: Whoa! Everything here is like a wonder of modern engineering!
Danny: Hey, Julian! Sakura! How was your ride?
Julian: Pretty productive actually. We came up with an entire new playbook.
Danny: You did?!
Sakura: Fine work, if I may say so. But right now, it’s time to class it up. Let’s go inside and check out our elite suites!
Part 6
Nishan: Let's check out out hotel suite!
You open the door to your hotel suite… and step into a large, luxurious room with ivory sofas, furry rugs, and fluffy-looking beds!
Ezra: Nice digs. I like the gold and white they’ve got going on in here.
Danny: Dibs on the bed next to the window!
You take a running leap and fly onto the bed! You sink into the down pillows happily.
Wes: This is a room fit for a king.
Sakura: Oh, man, you guys! I don’t believe this!
Danny: What?
Sakura: You’ve got to check this out!
Time - 20 hours
You roll out of the bed and find Sakura in the living room area of the suite. She’s plugging wires into a TV with a screen nearby as big as she is.
Sakura: The setup here is completely sweet! And they have a PS4 AND an Xbox One!
Danny: Any good games?
Sakura: They have ALL of the games! Can we move here forever?
Danny: I wouldn’t mind that… look at the view!
Wes: It’s incredible. I’ve always liked high places. It’s like looking down on the world. Literally.
Ezra: I know what you mean.
Ezra flops onto an impressive couch.
Ezra: Man, Danny… this is it!
Danny: What do you mean?
Ezra: I mean, this is the life! This is like… the rock star lifestyle!
Danny: Heh. It definitely seems to suit you.
Rewards
There’s a knock on the door, and Julian comes in.
Julian: You guys ready to head down to the Showdown Banquet?
Danny: Showdown Banquet?
Julian: Yeah, it’s a big dinner thing that the entire school’s been invited to.
Sakura: Well, I’m down. I just hit a save point.
Ezra: I could use some food.
Danny: Yeah, sounds good!
Part 7
Julian: The recruiters are all watching! What do I say? I need some backup!
You all follow Julian to the ballroom, where students from your school and Hearst serve themselves from an impressive banquet display! Around the room, recruiters, photographers, and journalists from the local newspapers mill around. Julian lowers his voice and turns to you.
Julian: Be on your guard, Danny. We have to be prepared in case Hearst tries anything! If there’s a time to sabotage us, it’ll be right here with all the recruiters watching.
As if on cue, you see Max and Kara along with a few of their biggest football players.
Julian: All right, Danny… here it comes.
Julian steps in front of you as Max walks up.
Julian: Max…
Max: Julian! It’s good to see you.
Julian: Uh… it is?
Kara: Of course! We’re SO excited that we get to play you in the finals!
Danny: Drop the nice guy act, Max! No one’s buying it!
Max: What act? I just had to come over here and congratulate you! We look forward to seeing your team on the field tomorrow.
He holds out his hand. Julian tentatively reaches forward to shake it. A photographer starts to snap pictures of the two of them, and several journalists and recruiters crowd around. Max smiles for them all.
Max: It’s pretty easy to get competitive on the gridiron, but the most important thing to remember in all of this is sportsmanship. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who’s won or lost. As long as you’ve played with honor and you’ve done the best you can, you’re a winner.
You notice the recruiters and journalists nodding with approval and writing down Max’s name.
Max: But that’s just what I think. Julian, do you have anything you want to add?
Julian: Uh…
To the side, Ezra makes a face.
Ezra: He’s looking a little green up there.
Danny: He must be pretty nervous… let’s hope he can pull this off!
Time - 22 hours
Julian struggles to find something to say.
Julian: I… uh…
Max: You’ll have to forgive Julian, everyone. He was never that great at, you know… talking.
Julian: That’s… I mean… Max is… Forget it!
Julian storms out! The surprised reporters all scribble furiously in their notepads!
Danny: That could have gone better…
Julian starts walking fast towards the exit, and you, Alex, and your friends have to run to catch up with him.
Danny: Julian…
Julian: Don’t. You don’t have to say anything. I already know I blew it… and in front of all those reporters, too! I keep blowing my chances with these guys! I wish I could just let my game do the talking…
Alex: Sorry to tell you this, but you’re going to have to talk to the press again!
Julian: What?
Alex: There’s a huge pre-game interview with the press right before the game tomorrow!
Julian: Great! Perfect!
Alex: This is a good thing! You have another shot at making a good impression. And I know you can do it.
Danny: Get some food, and get some rest, Julian. Everything will be better tomorrow. I promise.
Julian: Sure.
Rewards
The next morning…
Danny: It’s time to bring the equipment truck over to the stadium!
You walk to the parking lot to get your truck… but it’s gone!
Payton: Oh no! What happened?!
Danny: I… I don’t know!
Autumn: I’m going to make a few calls and check in to see if it got towed!
Julian: Oh no… how are we supposed to play without all of our gear?
A few minutes later, Autumn gets off the phone.
Autumn: The truck’s been impounded! It was reported stolen last night and was taken away!
Payton: What? It wasn’t stolen! It’s ours! All of our pads and uniforms are in there! We can’t play without them!
Wes: I bet I know who decided to go Good Samaritan and ‘report’ it…
Alex: Max said there’d be no more tricks! He told us!
Julian: Some things never change… he saw how nervous I was at the press conference… Now he’s just trying to get in my head and mess me up even more!
Mia: What are we going to do? What--
Danny: It’s fine. We just need to keep it cool. Max only wins if Julian lets this get to him, right?
Julian: Danny is right! We just need to get down to that impound lot and free the truck. You got some money for that?
Danny: Yeah, let’s go.
Part 8
Julian: We’ve got to get our equipment truck back!
You and Julian head over to the impound lot, where you see the equipment truck parked right near the front.
Danny: Okay… let’s go pay the towing fee.
Julian takes the money over to a guy sitting in a small booth… after a few minutes, Julian comes back.
Julian: Apparently the lot is technically closed on weekends. He’s just here to guard the place…
Danny: But we need to get the equipment truck out… now! How are we supposed to play Hearst High without our uniforms?
Overhearing you, the attendant leaps up, takes the money, and opens the main gate!
Danny: What… what did I say?
Julian: You get the truck. I’ll find out why he changed his mind.
Julian talks to the attendant for a few minutes, then joins you inside the truck.
Julian: So APPARENTLY that guy played against Hearst High during his high school days! He said they were always a bunch of jerks.
Danny: Sounds like karma is finally catching up with Hearst High.
Julian: I’m not sure I believe in karma… but I’m glad to get the truck back!
Rewards
Back at the hotel, a couple of the football players take the keys and drive the truck over to the stadium.
Danny: Okay… the truck is secure. Now it’s time to work on the morning’s REAL focus… getting you ready for the press conference!
Julian: Oh man… really? I was hoping you’d forget that was happening.
Danny: Not even close. It’s time to get you ready… and I know just the people to help!
Part 9
Julian: Can you help me prep for the press conference?
Henry: I’m here to save the day… and teach you how to play nice for the cameras! So, Jules, to start off… I heard you’ve been having a few struggles with public speaking!
Julian: No one calls me Jules!
Henry: Whoa! Jules! Buddy! I think I’m starting to see the problem!
Maddie: With an emotional hair-trigger like that, you’re never going to be a politician!
Julian: What are you talking about? I don’t want to be a politician! I just want to give a decent interview!
Sarah: Interesting… I think I have an idea!
Time - 19 hours
Sarah: Here’s what I’m thinking… anger in itself isn’t a negative thing… but it must be channeled in the right way. If the interviewer asks you a question… just make sure you direct your anger toward Hearst! The press LOVES it when teams talk trash about each other!
Maddie: Easy there, Professor ‘Anger Isn’t a Bad Thing’! If Julian REALLY wants to impress people, he’s got to learn to be diplomatic!
Henry: This is a tough call… I like the drama of Sarah’s approach, but Maddie also makes some good points. What do you think, Danny?
Danny: Keep your cool! We can’t stoop to Hearst’s level! Just stay calm, control your emotions, and you’ll do great in the interview.
Julian: You… you’re right! I’ve got to stop letting my emotions control me! It’s time for me to control them!
Henry: Sounds like we’ve figured out our approach! Okay, Julian, in that case, here are a few pointers…
Rewards
An hour later, you and Julian arrive at the stadium to meet the press!
Danny: Don’t worry! You’ll be great! Just remember what I told you.
Julian goes to talk with a lady in the press box, then jogs back to you.
Julian: So… there’s been a little change of plans.
Danny: What happened?
Julian: They want me to do a co-interview… with Max!
Part 10
Julian: I’m supposed to do an interview with Max?
As Julian walks up to meet with the reporters, Max sidles up to him.
Max: There you are, Julian! I heard you had a little trouble with your equipment truck! I was worried you wouldn’t make it!
Julian: I appreciate your concern.
Max and Julian sit down with a reporter who starts asking them questions.
Danny: Here goes nothing…
The first question is about the fact that Julian and Max played together at Hearst.
Max: I think I can take this one. I just want to say that Julian was an AWESOME backup for me at Hearst! We had a great relationship! Almost like a mentor and a student. I felt so great teaching Julian everything he knows!
Julian: …
Danny: Julian looks ready to blow! I hope he remembers what we talked about!
Time - 23 hours
Max: It’s just so gratifying to see Julian using all of MY moves when he plays!
Julian: It’s interesting you brought this up, Max… In fact, Max was such a pal that he invited me to rejoin his team… two weeks ago! Isn’t that nice? I’m sure it wasn’t because he was scared to play against me or anything!
Max: Whoa! I, uh… I was just trying to give you your spot back!
Julian: That’s really generous of you, buddy!
The reporters all laugh.
Max: This interview is over!
Max storms off.
Danny: Nice work, Julian!
Rewards
Rewards
As the interview ends, two hulking giants take the stage.
Danny: Whoa! Who are those guys?
Max reappears behind you, smirking.
Max: Didn’t you hear? My team added a few last-minute recruits… meet Thor and Loki!
Julian: I should have known you’d have some dirty trick up your sleeve.
Max: What’s the matter Julian? Did you think you were the only one I’ve been recruiting?
Danny: This has got to be a joke. There’s no way Thor and Loki are high schoolers! Those guys’ BEARDS are older than I am!
Max: You can go ahead and check their records if you want. I assure you, they technically qualify!
Danny: I should have known you’d cheat like this!
Max: Danny! I’m hurt! I’m totally playing by the rules!
Danny: But there’s a difference between doing what’s TECHNICALLY allowed and what’s MORALLY right!
Max: Sorry, but I don’t have time to debate philosophy with you. I’ve got a game to go win!
Max struts off.
Sakura: This is the last straw… I can’t WAIT to wipe the floor with him and his stupid team!
Danny: Let’s get in there and win this game!
Will you prevail in this final game against Hearst! Find out in the next quest!
Julian: Hey, Danny, can you help me tie up a loose end?
- Danny
- Julian
Danny: Julian! You’re off your crutches already! Looking good!
Julian: Thanks, Danny. Doc says I should be good to go in time for the final against Hearst this weekend.
Danny: I know I speak for everyone when I say… I’m really happy you decided not to transfer back there.
Julian: No one’s happier than me. That would have been a huge mistake. So thanks for helping me realize where I belong. On that note, I haven’t told Max yet that I’m staying put. And I’m not so sure he and his goons will be happy to hear that… Will you come and back me up?
You and Julian arrive at Hearst and find Max alone waiting in the hallway.
Max: Julian! What are you doing here? Doesn’t matter. Perfect timing. Come on!
Julian: Huh?!
Max grabs Julian’s arm and leads him through a door!
Danny: Hey, wait up!
Time - 12 hours
Max leads Julian through a door… and into an enormous Hearst pep rally! The crowd roars as Max grabs a microphone!
Max: How ya feeling, Hearst?! We’ve got a big announcement to make! Julian’s decided to ditch those losers across town and come back to a REAL school! So, Julian, how’s it feel to be back?
Max shoves the mic in Julian’s face. The entire Hearst student body waits with baited breath…
Julian: I, uh… actually… decided to, uh… stay put.
A hush falls over the crowd. The football team on stage closes in around you. Max narrows his eyes at Julian… and offers a handshake!
Max: …then the best of luck to you.
Julian: Wait… you’re not angry?
Max: We’ve grown up. No more grudges. No more tricks. We’ve got sportsmanship here at Hearst now. And when we meet on the field this weekend, we’re gonna put on one heck of a show for the fans, isn’t that right, Julian?
Julian: Huh? I mean… What I… I think…
Danny: That’s right, Max! And we’ll see you all there!
You hurry to pull Julian off the stage.
Max: Bye, Julian! I hope you don’t get this tongue-tied when you have to talk to all the college recruiters at the game.
Danny: Come on, Julian. Let’s get out of here…
Rewards
- 500 books
- 2470 XP
Danny: Don’t stress, Julian. You’ll do great in the spotlight. I’ve seen you give a ton of amazing speeches.
Julian: But that’s in front of my friends and teammates. I have no idea what it’s like to talk to recruiters and the media… total strangers. What if I say the wrong thing?
Later, back at campus, your classmates all high-five Julian as he passes through the halls.
Julian: What was all that about?
Autumn: Ever since you called that fake field goal to sen out team to the finals, you’re basically everyone’s hero.
Nishan: I STILL can’t get over how epic that was! Like, Battle of Helms Deep epic! Right, Sakura?
Sakura: Sure… I guess…
Julian: Well, it won’t count for much if Hearst beats us again when it really matters.
Mia: Hearst’s boosters are paying for party buses to drive their ENTIRE student body to the state capital for the game. With so many of their fans there, it’s going to be like playing at THEIR stadium again! And we all know how that turned out last time…
Wes: Well, all our classmates want to go too. Only problem is… how do we get everyone there? We can’t afford to bus the whole school like Hearst can.
Payton: Oh! Idea! We don’t need party buses to make this a party! We run a school-wide carpool! All our friends in one huge road trip! It’ll be super fun!
Autumn: Great idea, Payton, but it sounds like it will be tough to organize that many rides.
Danny: I’ll round up some help.
Part 2
Payton: Time to organize the biggest road trip in school history!
- A Level 7+ Student Gov (Maddie)
- A Level 7+ Student Gov (Brandon)
Danny: So, can the student government help us organize a school-wide carpool to the state capital?
Maddie: Oh, I don’t know, can a Super-PAC file as a 501(c)(4) non-profit?
Danny: Uh…
Brandon: Of course we can help!
Maddie: School spirit is at a fever pitch! Getting drivers will be as easy as electing a Democrat in Massachusetts!
Brandon: But organizing car rides for this many students will be harder than voting out an incumbent…
Maddie: But we choose to help, not because it is easy, but because it is hard. Hmm. If memory serves, Citizens For Puppies organized a carpool march on the state capital in 1998…
Brandon: You’re right! If we can duplicate their research and extrapolate their findings… we might just be able to pull this off!
Time - 14 hours
Julian: Wow! You guys got the whole school to sign up for the carpool!
Brandon: One hundred percent voter turnout. How did we do it, you ask?
Maddie: Easy. It all comes down to branding. Brandon came up with the name… the ‘Drive To Drive’!
Brandon: We also developed a polling algorithm based on lunchroom seating that guarantees everyone gets to ride with at least one close friend!
Danny: Thanks, you two.
Julian: Now, we just need to figure out where everyone can spend the night in the city!
Rewards
- 2470 XP
Mia: Ugh! We’ve called every hotel in the capital! They’re all full up!
Autumn: Hearst’s fans have booked every single vacancy in the city. If we don’t find a place soon, we’re all sleeping in the street!
Payton: Um, that is NOT happening.
Nishan: Hey, I just found a bunch of open room! They’re at Hotel Carissimo!
Mia: That’s THE most expensive hotel in the capital! Not even I’ve gotten to stay there!
Wes: How are we going to raise that kind of cash in time? It’s not like we can just have a bake sale…
Payton: Or can we? It can be the greatest bake sale ever! We’ll make FIVE TIMES the usual amount of cookies!
Nishan: A task requiring exact temperature settings AND multiplication? I’m in!
Autumn: There’s no way I’m going to miss out on our biggest bake sale ever!
Julian: All right then. Let’s bake dough to raise dough! Fast!
Part 3
Julian: Bake sale fundraiser? Let’s make it happen.
- Spend 200,000 coins
- Bake!
Nishan: Baking is a lot like science! You experiment with mixing things together, heat them up, and see what happens! Sometimes it’s wonderful, and sometimes it’s a disaster! So are you ready to hear the baking instructions?
Danny: Let’s hear them!
Nishan: Okay, we’re making chocolate chip cookies. Keeping it classic. First, we preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While that’s going, we mix the ingredients together. But remember! We’re making FIVE TIMES the usual amount! Then, we grease the pan… And bake the dough for 15 minutes.
Danny: I got it. Let’s bake!
You set the oven’s dial to 350 degrees!
Danny: Okay, the oven’s preheating. Time to mix the ingredients.
Nishan: It says we need nine cups of chocolate chips… but we’re supposed to multiply the amount by five!
Danny: That means we need 45! Okay, the oven’s ready! Now I have to put the cookie dough in.
You grease the pan! You spray the cookie pan with kitchen grease!
Danny: Now the cookies won’t stick to the pan!
You scoop the cookie dough into little balls and place them on the pan!
Danny: Now I just set this timer for 15 minutes!
Soon enough, the timer goes off!
Danny: My batch of cookies is done!
You take out your cookies to cool, and they fill the room with a warm, chocolatey aroma! Nishan takes a gooey bite out of one!
Nishan: Danny! These cookies! They’re like… Valhalla, Nirvana, and Elysium rolled into one!
Danny: I’m glad they came out so good!
Mia: Nishan, stop! Don’t eat them all! We need to sell those!
Later, you find Payton and Nishan mobbed by people trying to buy your cookies!
Mia: I can’t believe it! We baked five times the usual amount of cookies… and there are none left!
Payton: The cookies sold like crazy! Great work, Danny!
Danny: So do we have enough for rooms at the hotel in the capital?
Mia: You bet! This weekend, we’ll be living in style!
Rewards
- 2470 XP
Julian: Great job, everyone! Now our whole school will be in the stadium and get to see everyone’s hard work pay off!
Payton: I can’t believe we’re going to the state finals! I’m so proud of you, Julian!
Payton wraps Julian in a tight hug… and he winces!
Payton: Oh! Sorry! Was it your leg?
Julian: Yeah, I guess I’m not quite one hundred percent yet. I should probably get some last- minute workouts in. Sakura? Wanna help me run through some drills?
Sakura: When have you ever needed MY help, Julian?
Sakura walks off, disappearing around the corner.
Autumn: What was that? Is Sakura okay?
Julian: I don’t know, but I really don’t have time to get distracted. Danny, can you help me get back in shape?
Part 4
Julian: My leg’s still not totally healthy. Can you help me get back in shape?
- Level Julian
Julian runs across the football field, clearly a step slower than you’re accustomed to seeing him… but he looks confident. He cuts to the left as you throw the ball… and he catches it in stride!
Danny: Nice catch, Julian! How’s your leg feeling?
Julian: Better. A lot better. Thanks for working out with me, Danny. All right, it’s time to drive to the capital. I’m ready. Are you?
Rewards
- 2470 XP
Soon, a steady stream of cars and vans are winding through your school’s bus loop, as all of your classmates wait for their ride to the capital!
Mia: Stick to your assigned ride buddies! No student left behind!
Julian: Hey, Sakura, I drew up this new play. I wanted to see what you thought of it.
Sakura: I’m sure it’s genius, Julian You don’t need my opinion.
From a distance, you watch Sakura brush past Julian.
Mia: Looks like Sakura’s still mad that Julian overrode her play call in the semifinal without telling her.
Wes: She has a right to be angry. Julian… he can he like that sometimes. He’s lucky the play worked. Otherwise, he’d be the goat, not the hero.
Mia: How is our team going to perform if our best player and our top play-caller are feuding?
Wes: I think I know how we can force them to talk out their differences. Hand me the carpool spreadsheet…
Part 5
- Julian
- Sakura
A large truck pulls through the bus loop in front of the line of students…
Wes: All right, the next ride is here! Load up and roll out!
Danny: Whoa! What a huge truck! Awesome! We can totally sprawl out in this thing!
Wes: All the team’s equipment and supplies are in the back… including some extra snacks for us!
Sakura: Looks like I’m riding with you. Cool truck!
Sakura jogs up to the truck with her overnight bag… and bumps into Julian!
Sakura: Get out of the way! This is my ride!
Julian: No, it’s mine! I was told to get inside this truck!
Sakura: Since when do you listen to anyone but yourself?
Julian: Fine. Looks like we’re sharing then.
You and Wes watch Julian and Sakura squeeze into the backseat of the truck and take off.
Danny: I sure hope that works…
Time - 18 hours
Julian and Sakura sit in the back seat of the truck, riding in silence. Julian takes out a sketchbook and examines an Xs-and-Os diagram of a play. Sakura can’t help but look…
Sakura: That play won’t work against Hearst.
Julian: Huh?
Sakura pulls out her own notebook, brimming with page after page of numerical stats.
Sakura: It’s not bad, but their weakside linebacker is too fast. He’ll catch you if you don’t double-team him. I rated him only a 47 on awareness, but he’s a 93 on speed.
Julian: I didn’t realize he was that quick. But the thing is, he won’t be there. I know Max. When he sees our formation, he’ll call the linebacker over to the other side.
Sakura: Hmm… I guess I neglected to account for the human element…
Julian: And I should probably pay more attention to the stats.
Sakura and Julian look at each other fora moment, then quickly avert their eyes.
Julian: I’m sorry I overrode your play call. That was a jerk move.
Sakura: It was a dangerous gamble, Julian. One of these days, you’re going to Leroy Jenkins us into disaster… But you’ve been playing this game a long time. I should trust the veteran.
Julian: You know more about strategy than I ever will. I should trust the genius.
Sakura: What do you say we just give each other the benefit of the doubt?
Julian: Works for me. Hey, did you rate every player on our team with those Madden stats too? Can I see what you rated me?
Sakura: You sure you want to?
Rewards
- 2470 XP
Hours later, you find a spot to park on the street outside Hotel Carissimo. You step out of your truck and gawk up at the towering city around you!
Nishan: Whoa! Everything here is like a wonder of modern engineering!
Danny: Hey, Julian! Sakura! How was your ride?
Julian: Pretty productive actually. We came up with an entire new playbook.
Danny: You did?!
Sakura: Fine work, if I may say so. But right now, it’s time to class it up. Let’s go inside and check out our elite suites!
Part 6
Nishan: Let's check out out hotel suite!
- Sakura
- Wes
- Ezra
You open the door to your hotel suite… and step into a large, luxurious room with ivory sofas, furry rugs, and fluffy-looking beds!
Ezra: Nice digs. I like the gold and white they’ve got going on in here.
Danny: Dibs on the bed next to the window!
You take a running leap and fly onto the bed! You sink into the down pillows happily.
Wes: This is a room fit for a king.
Sakura: Oh, man, you guys! I don’t believe this!
Danny: What?
Sakura: You’ve got to check this out!
Time - 20 hours
You roll out of the bed and find Sakura in the living room area of the suite. She’s plugging wires into a TV with a screen nearby as big as she is.
Sakura: The setup here is completely sweet! And they have a PS4 AND an Xbox One!
Danny: Any good games?
Sakura: They have ALL of the games! Can we move here forever?
Danny: I wouldn’t mind that… look at the view!
Wes: It’s incredible. I’ve always liked high places. It’s like looking down on the world. Literally.
Ezra: I know what you mean.
Ezra flops onto an impressive couch.
Ezra: Man, Danny… this is it!
Danny: What do you mean?
Ezra: I mean, this is the life! This is like… the rock star lifestyle!
Danny: Heh. It definitely seems to suit you.
Rewards
- 2470 XP
- 20,000 coins
There’s a knock on the door, and Julian comes in.
Julian: You guys ready to head down to the Showdown Banquet?
Danny: Showdown Banquet?
Julian: Yeah, it’s a big dinner thing that the entire school’s been invited to.
Sakura: Well, I’m down. I just hit a save point.
Ezra: I could use some food.
Danny: Yeah, sounds good!
Part 7
Julian: The recruiters are all watching! What do I say? I need some backup!
- Danny
- Julian
- A Level 9+ Jock (Alex)
You all follow Julian to the ballroom, where students from your school and Hearst serve themselves from an impressive banquet display! Around the room, recruiters, photographers, and journalists from the local newspapers mill around. Julian lowers his voice and turns to you.
Julian: Be on your guard, Danny. We have to be prepared in case Hearst tries anything! If there’s a time to sabotage us, it’ll be right here with all the recruiters watching.
As if on cue, you see Max and Kara along with a few of their biggest football players.
Julian: All right, Danny… here it comes.
Julian steps in front of you as Max walks up.
Julian: Max…
Max: Julian! It’s good to see you.
Julian: Uh… it is?
Kara: Of course! We’re SO excited that we get to play you in the finals!
Danny: Drop the nice guy act, Max! No one’s buying it!
Max: What act? I just had to come over here and congratulate you! We look forward to seeing your team on the field tomorrow.
He holds out his hand. Julian tentatively reaches forward to shake it. A photographer starts to snap pictures of the two of them, and several journalists and recruiters crowd around. Max smiles for them all.
Max: It’s pretty easy to get competitive on the gridiron, but the most important thing to remember in all of this is sportsmanship. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who’s won or lost. As long as you’ve played with honor and you’ve done the best you can, you’re a winner.
You notice the recruiters and journalists nodding with approval and writing down Max’s name.
Max: But that’s just what I think. Julian, do you have anything you want to add?
Julian: Uh…
To the side, Ezra makes a face.
Ezra: He’s looking a little green up there.
Danny: He must be pretty nervous… let’s hope he can pull this off!
Time - 22 hours
Julian struggles to find something to say.
Julian: I… uh…
Max: You’ll have to forgive Julian, everyone. He was never that great at, you know… talking.
Julian: That’s… I mean… Max is… Forget it!
Julian storms out! The surprised reporters all scribble furiously in their notepads!
Danny: That could have gone better…
Julian starts walking fast towards the exit, and you, Alex, and your friends have to run to catch up with him.
Danny: Julian…
Julian: Don’t. You don’t have to say anything. I already know I blew it… and in front of all those reporters, too! I keep blowing my chances with these guys! I wish I could just let my game do the talking…
Alex: Sorry to tell you this, but you’re going to have to talk to the press again!
Julian: What?
Alex: There’s a huge pre-game interview with the press right before the game tomorrow!
Julian: Great! Perfect!
Alex: This is a good thing! You have another shot at making a good impression. And I know you can do it.
Danny: Get some food, and get some rest, Julian. Everything will be better tomorrow. I promise.
Julian: Sure.
Rewards
- 22,000 coins
- 2470 XP
The next morning…
Danny: It’s time to bring the equipment truck over to the stadium!
You walk to the parking lot to get your truck… but it’s gone!
Payton: Oh no! What happened?!
Danny: I… I don’t know!
Autumn: I’m going to make a few calls and check in to see if it got towed!
Julian: Oh no… how are we supposed to play without all of our gear?
A few minutes later, Autumn gets off the phone.
Autumn: The truck’s been impounded! It was reported stolen last night and was taken away!
Payton: What? It wasn’t stolen! It’s ours! All of our pads and uniforms are in there! We can’t play without them!
Wes: I bet I know who decided to go Good Samaritan and ‘report’ it…
Alex: Max said there’d be no more tricks! He told us!
Julian: Some things never change… he saw how nervous I was at the press conference… Now he’s just trying to get in my head and mess me up even more!
Mia: What are we going to do? What--
Danny: It’s fine. We just need to keep it cool. Max only wins if Julian lets this get to him, right?
Julian: Danny is right! We just need to get down to that impound lot and free the truck. You got some money for that?
Danny: Yeah, let’s go.
Part 8
Julian: We’ve got to get our equipment truck back!
- Spend 450,000 coins
You and Julian head over to the impound lot, where you see the equipment truck parked right near the front.
Danny: Okay… let’s go pay the towing fee.
Julian takes the money over to a guy sitting in a small booth… after a few minutes, Julian comes back.
Julian: Apparently the lot is technically closed on weekends. He’s just here to guard the place…
Danny: But we need to get the equipment truck out… now! How are we supposed to play Hearst High without our uniforms?
Overhearing you, the attendant leaps up, takes the money, and opens the main gate!
Danny: What… what did I say?
Julian: You get the truck. I’ll find out why he changed his mind.
Julian talks to the attendant for a few minutes, then joins you inside the truck.
Julian: So APPARENTLY that guy played against Hearst High during his high school days! He said they were always a bunch of jerks.
Danny: Sounds like karma is finally catching up with Hearst High.
Julian: I’m not sure I believe in karma… but I’m glad to get the truck back!
Rewards
- 2470 XP
Back at the hotel, a couple of the football players take the keys and drive the truck over to the stadium.
Danny: Okay… the truck is secure. Now it’s time to work on the morning’s REAL focus… getting you ready for the press conference!
Julian: Oh man… really? I was hoping you’d forget that was happening.
Danny: Not even close. It’s time to get you ready… and I know just the people to help!
Part 9
Julian: Can you help me prep for the press conference?
- A Level 8+ Filmmaker (Henry)
- A Level 8+ Actor (Sarah)
- A Level 8+ Student Gov (Maddie)
Henry: I’m here to save the day… and teach you how to play nice for the cameras! So, Jules, to start off… I heard you’ve been having a few struggles with public speaking!
Julian: No one calls me Jules!
Henry: Whoa! Jules! Buddy! I think I’m starting to see the problem!
Maddie: With an emotional hair-trigger like that, you’re never going to be a politician!
Julian: What are you talking about? I don’t want to be a politician! I just want to give a decent interview!
Sarah: Interesting… I think I have an idea!
Time - 19 hours
Sarah: Here’s what I’m thinking… anger in itself isn’t a negative thing… but it must be channeled in the right way. If the interviewer asks you a question… just make sure you direct your anger toward Hearst! The press LOVES it when teams talk trash about each other!
Maddie: Easy there, Professor ‘Anger Isn’t a Bad Thing’! If Julian REALLY wants to impress people, he’s got to learn to be diplomatic!
Henry: This is a tough call… I like the drama of Sarah’s approach, but Maddie also makes some good points. What do you think, Danny?
Danny: Keep your cool! We can’t stoop to Hearst’s level! Just stay calm, control your emotions, and you’ll do great in the interview.
Julian: You… you’re right! I’ve got to stop letting my emotions control me! It’s time for me to control them!
Henry: Sounds like we’ve figured out our approach! Okay, Julian, in that case, here are a few pointers…
Rewards
- 19,000 coins
- 2470 XP
An hour later, you and Julian arrive at the stadium to meet the press!
Danny: Don’t worry! You’ll be great! Just remember what I told you.
Julian goes to talk with a lady in the press box, then jogs back to you.
Julian: So… there’s been a little change of plans.
Danny: What happened?
Julian: They want me to do a co-interview… with Max!
Part 10
Julian: I’m supposed to do an interview with Max?
- Julian
As Julian walks up to meet with the reporters, Max sidles up to him.
Max: There you are, Julian! I heard you had a little trouble with your equipment truck! I was worried you wouldn’t make it!
Julian: I appreciate your concern.
Max and Julian sit down with a reporter who starts asking them questions.
Danny: Here goes nothing…
The first question is about the fact that Julian and Max played together at Hearst.
Max: I think I can take this one. I just want to say that Julian was an AWESOME backup for me at Hearst! We had a great relationship! Almost like a mentor and a student. I felt so great teaching Julian everything he knows!
Julian: …
Danny: Julian looks ready to blow! I hope he remembers what we talked about!
Time - 23 hours
Max: It’s just so gratifying to see Julian using all of MY moves when he plays!
Julian: It’s interesting you brought this up, Max… In fact, Max was such a pal that he invited me to rejoin his team… two weeks ago! Isn’t that nice? I’m sure it wasn’t because he was scared to play against me or anything!
Max: Whoa! I, uh… I was just trying to give you your spot back!
Julian: That’s really generous of you, buddy!
The reporters all laugh.
Max: This interview is over!
Max storms off.
Danny: Nice work, Julian!
Rewards
- 23,000 coins
- 2488 XP
Rewards
- 10 rings
As the interview ends, two hulking giants take the stage.
Danny: Whoa! Who are those guys?
Max reappears behind you, smirking.
Max: Didn’t you hear? My team added a few last-minute recruits… meet Thor and Loki!
Julian: I should have known you’d have some dirty trick up your sleeve.
Max: What’s the matter Julian? Did you think you were the only one I’ve been recruiting?
Danny: This has got to be a joke. There’s no way Thor and Loki are high schoolers! Those guys’ BEARDS are older than I am!
Max: You can go ahead and check their records if you want. I assure you, they technically qualify!
Danny: I should have known you’d cheat like this!
Max: Danny! I’m hurt! I’m totally playing by the rules!
Danny: But there’s a difference between doing what’s TECHNICALLY allowed and what’s MORALLY right!
Max: Sorry, but I don’t have time to debate philosophy with you. I’ve got a game to go win!
Max struts off.
Sakura: This is the last straw… I can’t WAIT to wipe the floor with him and his stupid team!
Danny: Let’s get in there and win this game!
Will you prevail in this final game against Hearst! Find out in the next quest!