Finally free from scrutineering, Big Pearl retreated to their tent at the bottom of Doornse Gat.
Sitting down to take it all in, they began replaying the events of the race in their head. The good start, the double pass on the berm, the whole second half battle with Marbly McMarbleface. The memories of the battle started to mix with ones from 2017, a battle with Lollipop, the similar feeling of crossing the line just in time to win, the same feeling they felt that glorious day in 2016 when they faced off against Pollo Loco. The feeling of threading through the walls, flying away from second, diving for splits, leaping over walls, off the track, stopping dead in the sand. No, they thought, not today. Those thoughts don’t belong today. It was then that they noticed the tears in their eyes.
Suddenly, a pair of voices grew louder outside. Big Pearl quickly wiped their eyes as two blue marbles rolled into the tent.
“A knock would be appreciated,” jested Big Pearl, jumping off their chair and trying to maintain composure.
“A bit of a challenge with a tent, sorry,” replied Deep Ocean. “Next time we’ll, uh, knock on the canvas?”
“We just came to congratulate you,” added Marbly. “That was one of the best battles I’ve had in my career; you’re a proper fair racer.”
The compliment threw Pearl off guard, causing them to stutter their reply, “Thanks. It’s alright to come in, just don’t make this like one of those awful cooldown rooms from M1. How can any of those guys stand it?”
“Escapes me. I guess it’s fun to be a guest on the Red Eye podcast?” quipped Deep Ocean.
“I’ve always thought those look quite fun, honestly,” Marbly interjected. Ocean and Pearl shared bemused glances. “No? To each their own, I guess.”
“Anyway, Pearl, we came to ask if you wanted to join us for a post-race celebration tonight. Just us three,” asked Deep Ocean.
“And maybe Turtle, if we can coax them out of their shell,” joked Marbly, to a pair of heavy sighs. “You two are hard to please, aren’t you!”
“You know not everyone has the same taste in humor as Moody, don’t you?” replied an exasperated Ocean. “I promise they won’t make any more of those jokes if you come tonight.”
Big Pearl was unsure. They never felt like celebrating B-League wins, but the kindness of their friends pulled them in.
“Alright,” they replied, “I’ll come, as long as it’s a quiet night. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like a few minutes to unwind before I join you two.”
“No problem,” chirped Marbly, who rolled out. But Deep Ocean chose to stay for one last word.
“You don’t need to hide your feelings, Pearl. All that effort to not even stand on a proper podium takes a lot out of all of us. I know partying isn’t either of our idea of fun, but it’s about time you took some time away from the season.”
“How did you two even become friends? I don’t think I’d ever seen you talk before this season,” queried Pearl.
“It’s a long story Pearl, maybe we’ll tell you it tonight!” replied Ocean. “Anyway, I’m probably overstaying my welcome. Sorry for intruding, next time I’ll make sure to ask first. See ya later!”
“Don’t worry about it, Ocean, you’re doing a good thing. See you too!”
Positively sparking in glee, Silver Bolt strode outside for, hopefully, a night of revelry. They were feeling the itch to perform music again, or to spontaneously compose a victory track. In hindsight, they thought, barreling forward, they should have signed up for the open mic at the nearby bar.
The other marble sidestepped in time, narrowly avoiding a collision. To Silver Bolt’s surprise, it was Dragon’s Egg, their dark green uniform blending in with the twilight sky.
“Dragon!” Silver Bolt greeted. “I didn’t see you there! Want to join in on the party tonight? I wasn’t joking about the flame machines, by the way. It would have looked amazing.”
“As well as violating at least twenty safety regulations,” Dragon’s Egg quipped. “I’ll pass tonight, but congratulations on your victory today. Though…” They paused, choosing their words carefully. “I would tone down on the gloating.”
“Gloating? What gloating?”
On the podium, Silver Bolt’s cheer boomed through the air in a way only a rockstar’s could. “First place! Golden Bolt is back! This gold means I’m better than you, and don’t you forget it! Whoever thinks they can take me, they can bring it on!”
“Oh,” they said as the tactlessness of their boast sunk in. “I went overboard, didn’t I?”
“It wasn’t sportsmarblike. No hard feelings, but keep it in mind next time.”
Silver Bolt nodded. “Every moment in that battle today was just, pure electricity,” they admitted. “I’d love to race both of you together again, if you guys ever have the time.”
Dragon’s Egg smiled. “Gladly.”
Farther away from the festivities, the actual leader in the provisional standings dunked a teabag in hot water before sliding the mug to their fellow racer.
“Two podiums in a row, nearly two wins in a row,” remarked Slimer, watching their drink steep. “It takes skill to pull that off. How are you feeling?”
“Tired,” said Reflektor, taking a seat with a mug of their own. “It feels like I just got lucky, though.”
“Nope,” Slimer countered. “I was near you all race, so I saw everything. Don’t downplay yourself; no way was all of that just ‘luck.’ Obviously, I’d like to put up a proper title defense first, but you’ve got a real chance at winning it all this year.”
Reflektor took a sip from their mug, recalling today’s race in their head. It had been a gauntlet of intense racing duels, including with Slimer themself, culminating in a fierce struggle to fend off Dragon’s Egg and chase down Silver Bolt to net themselves a well-earned silver.
“It’s certainly the best start to a season I’ve ever had,” conceded Reflektor.
“Right? It’s valuable momentum. Keep it up.”
Credits
- Writers: Dolphin, Toffeeshop
- Copyeditors/Editors: Evolution
- Photo Credits: Jelle’s Marble Runs
- Reference: Marble Rally S7: Round 3 | Jelle’s Marble Runs
- Release: 12/07/2024
Project Marblearth 