Marbula One Season 2 / Pre-Marble League 2021 Offseason Moments – Part 4

This is Part 4 of Nordique Whaler’s Offseason Moments series.
For Part 1, click here.
For Part 2, click here.
For Part 3, click here.

Amalanta

Mellow Yellow. There was really only one moment that I could think of for this season. I’ll let Greg Woods quote the moment.

“What happened there? Yellup is gone!”

That moment literally defined their season. Yes, Yellow had a bronze at the Momotorway, the team’s only medal, and Mellow Yellow was the only team to pole multiple times doing so at Momotorway as well as Palette Park. However, nothing topped the fall Yellup had during the qualifier at Aquamaring. It was a historic first for Marbula One and we all heard Yellup scream in pain. Fortunately, Yellup recovered and raced the rest of the season.

At Yellow’s residence, the team all gathered on their planned off day to meet up and discuss the upcoming Marble League. The entire house inside and out was nothing but yellow. I noticed there was one marble missing, Yellup. I asked “Where is Yellup?” to which Yellow replied, “Yellup is gone!” We all laughed at that line. “Not like that, they’re running some errands to get pizza and Non-Descript Yellow Soda for us.” So I sat down with Yellah, Yelley, Yellim, and Coach Mellow as we all talked about the team’s best moments.

“We’ve been up there for plenty of years.” Yelley reminisced. “There was something special about that Sand Rally gold medal from 2016. It ended up being our first victory in the Marble League and put us in title contention. One that we should’ve won.” Yellah added “High Jump in 2017 has a place in my heart because I had the record. I was glad it returned this past year. Ended up being one of the few events we were good at.” Yellim thought about their favorite. “I have not been in many events as the reserve, but I’ll say the Collision in 2019 was a moment I’ll remember forever because we all got to go on the podium together for the first time.”

At that time Yellup arrived with the pizza and Non-Descript Yellow soda for us all. Yellup knew I was coming but didn’t know I had arrived while they were gone. Yellup then said, “You didn’t say the line Yellow, did you.” Yellow said, “Oh yeah I did.” Yellup mentioned that moment “I still don’t know what really happened. One minute I was riding high, the next everything was spinning, I was dizzy, in pain and I thought I had shattered. I was lucky to still be able to race in the Arctic Circuit.” We all signed a card to Yellup back then and I remember coach Mellow handing the card that every team, JMR staff, and myself amongst plenty of other fans at Aquamaring signed. I remembered a report saying the team bought Yellup a new Rollvo after that which I initially did not believe happened. I looked out and sure enough, there it was, a bright yellow Rollvo. Yellup told me “It was a great gift, but it felt even better to be competing again two weeks later. The team was already not doing well and at that point, even the Limers were ahead of us. I did not want that to happen.”

As we ate, we asked Yellow and Yellup their favorite Marble League moments. Yellup said “I thought getting silver in the Marathon at the end felt like a big sigh of relief. It was not a good season but getting 2nd in the final event allowed us to end the season on a high note and avoid the dreaded last place. It feels even better considering the Hornets who finished last ended up in turmoil.” Yellow thought about this hard. “You know I’d have to say the Sprint in 2019. We had just gone a whole season without a medal and not only getting on the podium but winning sent a message that Mellow Yellow was back.”

The team then wondered what my favorite event was. I then replied “I always liked how Ice Hockey worked in 2018. It was perhaps one of the tensest events I remembered for a long time. Of course, I may be biased too since I’m from Helarve and that event helped propel the Midnight Wisps to winning the championship, but think about how well that event was designed and done. I had never seen a crowd so loud as they were that day for all teams. It felt nice to see that event come back.” Yelley then said “Oh yeah that was such an amazing event. It’s a shame we did not get invited to the MLWS this past season but watching that from the crowd you were absolutely right. The crowd during that event had never been more energetic.”

I thanked Mellow Yellow for the dinner and for inviting me over to remember some good times. I told them good luck in the upcoming qualifiers and hopefully, you can improve from that 14th last year even though that spot is believed to be cursed. Of all the visits so far, that felt the most at home and most comfortable I had been.

Orlango

The next morning I took a high-speed train to Orlango to meet up with the O’rangers. For the first time in perhaps ever we had a tournament where the O’rangers really did not make much noise. All they got was silver from Clementin at the Arctic Circuit and they finished 10th, their lowest ever tournament performance for such a historically strong team. However, they were one of only three teams to partake in all 12 races, the others were the eventual winner, Crazy Cat’s Eyes, and seventh place Team Galactic.

“Hey Noooooordique!” Orangin said as I arrived at the O’marbles Farm. “Yes we put 6 O’s in your name, it’s a bit of a tradition here.” So I followed with “Sounds good, Oooooorangin.” As they showed me around the farm, we talked about the past season. “It felt a bit off compared to last season for us. What seemed to work did not this season. Although it did not help that neither of the tracks we podiumed returned this season.” In Season 1, Orangin took home a gold at Greenstone and a silver at the Razzway.

About a mile to the south was the O’raceway, located inside a giant stadium that was built in anticipation for a future Marble League. Oddly enough the O’rangers scored 0 points combined in the two races held there. The rest of the team was here. Kinnowin talked about the recent expansion of the stadium: “We had planned it out for this upcoming Marble League when we submitted the bid. I remembered making the presentation. The Balls of Chaos, Bumblebees, Hazers, Crazy Cat’s Eyes, and Minty Maniacs all did theirs in that order and we came last so we had an understanding of what our competition was going to be. We felt we had it as the first three flopped so our main competitors for hosts were CCE and Minties.” Interesting to note, this was the first time I heard of other teams submitting bids not named CCE or O’rangers. Clementin then wrapped up “None of us, not even the other teams knew the result until it was revealed that CCE would host at the end of the Marble League last season. We’re going to try again in 2023 since 2022 is likely a winter edition.”

The O’rangers ran a few laps on the O’raceway before we went back to the O’Marbles farm that night to enjoy homemade Orange Creamsicle shakes. Using some of the Oranges from the farm and milk from Cravendale it sure tasted like a dream come true. As we sat Mandarin talked about the upcoming Marble League. “This is going to be a revenge tour. The Savage Speeders stole last season from us and CCE grabbed the hosting bid.” The O’s are guaranteed a spot this season for getting on the podium in 2020. There is little doubt, though, that they want to bring back a trophy when they come home like in 2017.

Lewara

I was dreading this meeting. The Jungle Jumpers season was… well… I’ll just link it here if you want my take on it. https://www.reddit.com/r/JellesMarbleRuns/comments/n9cw66/the_jungle_jumpers_marbula_ones_slowcow/

So the real reason I was not looking forward to this was how the Jungle Jumpers would react about this season. However, something different happened when I got there. Inside the Raceforest were all the Surculo teams (Jungle Jumpers alongside Chocolatiers, Rojo Rollers, Jawbreakers, and Quicksilvers) with a banner that said “Happy Retirement Jawbreakers!” I knew the Jawbreakers retired a while ago but it seemed strange to have the Jungle Jumpers host their retirement party instead. My guess is the old facility in Jawnair had closed.

I entered and was greeted by Hop: “Welcome to the party!” Right in the center were Candy and all the other Jawbreakers, past and present. Skip then saw me and then told me “We knew this was the day you would be here so we decided to throw the Jawbreakers a retirement party instead of recapping the M1 season. After all, if I recall we were called the “Rollcow” of M1. I had to look up what that was. It’s not good.” Well, that would make sense, though it did make me feel weird. At least the Limers were busy trying to get back into form. Though Jump did tell me, “It is an odd year and we made it the previous two odd seasons, I feel we belong in Marble League more than we do in Marbula One, and we have our eyes set on the Qualifiers.”

I went around to talk to some of the other Surculo team members, mainly Candy because the Jawbreakers are through now. Candy said “The past three years, we felt like we had enough. Knowing that under the formula we would not be able to go back into the Marble League until 2022 at the earliest just broke our hearts. So as captain I made the decision to retire. The other members eventually agreed to retire as well.” I wished Candy the best of luck in their future endeavors.

I then saw Rojo Uno and Choc before I headed out. Rojo Uno admitted they were nervous. “I just hope we do not end up like what the Jawbreakers are going through right now. It feels miserable to go out finishing dead last like they did.” Choc talked about the upcoming qualifiers “We didn’t do M1, but we did the Winter Special, and although we did not fare well there, it gave us some action that a few of the other Showdown teams did not have.” Last season, a grand total of 0 Surculo teams made the Marble League and with three teams remaining from it now, I wonder if any of the three will be in.

Zuro

Oh, how a lot can change in the span of nearly a year. In 2019 heading into 2020 the Kobalts were hopeless after not making it out of the Showdown and were probably going to go back to the science lab full time. In 2020, they ended up winning the Showdown, giving the team some positive attention. Then in Marbula One, the Kobalts were able to compete in the top competition for the first time since 2016. Powered by Cerulean, they finished 8th in the team standings and were one of the bigger surprises of the entire season.

It’s a real shame a race never went here, because Zuro looked like a perfect setting for one. Meanwhile in the facility, the Kobalts were training for the Marble League. Cerulean came up to me after a relay run. “This year feels different. For the first time in a while, we are able to look forward to a Marble League Qualifier.” The Kobalts have been missed in the Marble League and I felt they got a good chance to make it in. “After a good season of Marbula One with a bronze and a silver, I think the team is ready to make their comeback.”

Azure then talked about some of the expectations the Kobalts have this season. “We got to live up to them this time, otherwise all that we did last year in trying to get back will mean nothing. It is a 50/50 chance of qualifying which is a lot better than 0% for us from last year.” From what I have seen the energy is reflecting back on Meepo, Gnome, and Royal as well. Maybe the Kobalts have indeed turned the corner and are ready to make their long-awaited Marble League appearance.

After the session, the Kobalts began packing up as they were heading to Felynia early to prepare for Marble League 2021. Since they weren’t too far they took a trailer in. Meepo then told me “I’m guessing you are heading that way as well, wanna ride with us?” I accepted and boarded the trailer. On our way, we did some Marbles & Monoliths. It had been a long time since I played it but one thing that did not change was my luck in it. My character, Yellet, rolled a one and proceeded to fall straight into a lava pit during a battle late in the game.

Felynia

“Remember when Team Momo had a lead in the standings? Even as a Momo fan I find it hard to believe considering how CCE dominated this season.” – Jacob

“CCE has been the clear winner for several months.” – Orbit

“They’ve (CCE) trained hard and are not fluking, good on them.” – Phoenix

“CCE is a team to watch especially with all the fans they’ve amassed from this season.” – Vector

“As amazing as CCE was this past season, I still can’t get over two things, Red Eye’s domination at Savage Speedway and that the Solar Flares are in the Qualifiers!” – Flare

Those were just a few of the quotes from fans coming into Felynia for the 2021 Marble League, each of them rooting for different teams not named Crazy Cat’s Eyes. I have covered Marble Sports for a long time. Never before have I seen a team dominate a tournament the way the Crazy Cat’s Eyes did. Between Red Eye and Yellow Eye, the two combined for 5 wins, 7 medals, 4 fastest laps, 1 pole, and a whopping 61 point victory. That’s more than two full races! Red Eye and Yellow Eye finished 1st and 3rd in the racer standings as well.

The day we all got here just so happened to be the grand opening of the new stadium. CCE purposely delayed their celebration so that both would be at the same time. As the Kobalts and I pulled up, the team went their own way while I went to cover the festivities. A parade was being held on the streets of Felynia with Red Eye and Yellow Eye joining the rest of the team on top of a giant float. Confetti rained down on everyone there. Also in the parade were the 20 marbles from this season’s Marble Rally, with local favorite Crazy Cat’s Eye in the center next to champion Superball alongside other recognizable stars like Red Number 3, Cool Moody, Slimer, and Ghost Plasma. The city had been waiting for this day to come to crown their own team as a champion.

After the parade, the moment had arrived as we all entered Felynia Coliseum for the first time. Of all the Stadiums I have been to, this may be one of the nicest facilities any team has ever had: a perfect sight for the Marble League. All the fans gathered round in the triple-deck stadium, with one section of fans designed in the logo of CCE. The mayor of Felynia spoke first. “Citizens from Felynia and across the Marblearth! We have gathered here today to celebrate the achievements of our Crazy Cat’s Eyes. If you recall last season they were not even in Marbula One, and this season they took advantage of the opportunity and then some by putting on a season for the record books. Let’s look back at how we got to this moment.” At this point, the arena jumbotron replayed all five wins Red Eye and Yellow Eye earned this season: Minty Mania, Aquamaring, Raceforest, Momotorway, and Savage Speedway. After watching all five of the victories, the Mayor continued to speak. “Crazy Cat’s Eyes, you are an inspiration to us all. On behalf of everyone here in Felynia we have given you a Key to the City as well as the permanent renaming of two streets here called Red Eye Way and Yellow Eye Road!” The crowd cheered loudly for the team. Coach White Eye then went up to the mic. “Hello, Felynia! Our duo proved that it takes more than experience and passion to earn one of these” White Eye points at the trophy, “The team earned this trophy after months of hard work on and off the track. Red Eye and Yellow Eye, you two deserve this moment!” The two marbles cheered to the side of the stage with Blue Eye, Green Eye, and Cyan Eye.

Yellow Eye then came up to the mic to say a few words to everyone. “It’s hard to believe that over seven months ago, I had taken the grid for the first time ever. A win was not out of the question but when it happened, it felt like the greatest moment in my life and I got to share it with Red Eye and Coach White Eye. I couldn’t have done it without either one of them. However, there is one other that helped us throughout the season and that was all of our fans here and abroad! Thank you for supporting us for all 12 races!” Red Eye then said their words. “This season is going to be one we will look back on for the rest of our lives. I still get goosebumps when I rewatch all those races, especially the Savage Speedway. To be honest with you I didn’t know the lead was that big until after the race. Coach White Eye just told me in the mic to keep on rolling and don’t look back and that was back on lap 6, after that, I just kept rolling. I didn’t know the lead was that big until after the race ended. In Retrollspective, this was the greatest day in Crazy Cat’s Eyes history, and to those who made the trips all over the world to see us and those who are here today we thank you for your support. Now let’s run it back with the Marble League here and complete the double, we will see you then!” The crowd gave the Crazy Cat’s Eyes a rolling ovation.

In the end, the Crazy Cat’s Eyes took one of the center spots of a very wide stage, except for Coach White Eye who went back up. “You all have been amazing fans throughout the entire season, as we move on to Marble League 2021 we have a very special treat for you. Please give a warm welcome to all 28 of the Marble League teams on the stage at the same time!” All of the teams came out of the tunnel and took the stage to loud applause. On the center of the stage alongside the Crazy Cat’s Eyes were the auto-qualifiers with the Savage Speeders taking the other center spot right next to CCE. The other teams all lined up next to each other. White Eye unveiled a giant machine with 12 red balls with A on them and 12 yellow balls with B on them. This would be used for the draw. All the coaches then took their place in standings order starting with Wyspy from the Midnight Wisps.

I’ll cut to the chase. All the coaches drew their groups and while each coach went, all the team members were on the jumbotron. Some things I noticed were the Bumblebees ended up deceiving me and kept the original members on (though the Hornets became assistants and were shown as well). A few captains and reserves were flipped around as well. The Gliding Glaciers were a bit different from 2018. While Snowflake was right on Glide being there, they are the coach now. The new members were Alpine, Frost, Iceberg, Polar, and Sheet. So it is mostly a new team similar to what the Thunderbolts did a couple of years ago. The Solar Flares were the final team and the coach taking the helms was named Eclipse. The newest team in JMR would consist of Flare (no relation to former JMRC Flare), Scorch, Radiance, Ember, and Blaze. It was nice to know who was on the teams now since we never got to know who they were at Herbotamia. Anyway, the draw was complete and the groups separated accordingly while the graphic below was shown on the Jumbotron.

The Mayor of Felynia then put the finishing touches on the ceremony. “These are the groups for the Marble League 2021 Qualifiers. Thank you all for coming to support the Crazy Cat’s Eyes throughout this journey and beyond. We will see you for Marble League 2021!” It was a beautiful sight, seeing all 28 teams together on one stage.

And that was a perfect conclusion to my journey. I’ll be in Felynia for the duration of Marble League 2021. Thank you to all 20 teams from the past M1 season for allowing the opportunity to share a slice of life away from the competition. Along with the other 8 teams, I wish all of them the best of luck in the Marble League!

Special Thanks

This entire post is dedicated to all of the members of the former JMRC who had been a major part of the JMR community for years. Especially Stynth (Om), who was the biggest inspiration for this as he created all of the lore for every team and did a similar post last year after Marble League 2020. Special thanks to him for contributing the lore to Jelle’s Marble Runs and for creating all of the backstories for the teams. The other JMRC members mentioned in the story in order of appearance: Ghost (Helarve), Betawolfs (Van Gotterdam), Fouc (Tumbletown), Miss Minty (Herbotamia Invitational), Mellacus (Polaria), Novawolf (Polaria), Spex (???), Mesp (Hunluen), and Flare (Felynia). The rest of the JMRC were Valencia, Smacg13, and Shino. Once again a big thanks to all of you.

Also a special thanks to Project Marblearth for creating the Herbotamia Invitational events and leaderboard as well as some of the backstory for the Solar Flares. These members along with Stynth include Piney (Tumbletown), Roilan (Tumbletown), Emperor (Polaria), Ghostly (Dunduei), Bobert (Dunduei), Jacob (Felynia), Orbit (Felynia), Phoenix (Felynia), and Vector (Felynia), the latter who helped come up with part of the Mellow Yellow entry as well. Project Marblearth can be found here: 
https://discord.gg/S7FTYaAP7Y .

Time Check, Stynth’s a cappella group in the Om section, is a real music group. You can find them here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBrgTYK46IkocELWV1srtuQ

One last thank you to the Marble Master himself, Jelle Bakker (Herbotamia Invitational), the creator of Jelle’s Marble Runs. None of us would be here without him. Keep on rolling!

Credits

• Writer: NordiqueWhaler
• Editor: Stynth
• Graphic Designers: Jelle’s Marble Runs, Pim Leurs
• Release: 30/06/2021