Sandy, a Marble Rally journalist, rolled towards the podium finishers for their post-race interviews after the medal ceremony. Slimer, as the race winner, went first.
“First win in six years… but you’ve certainly had success in between. How did it feel to finally return to the top step?” Sandy inquired.
“It was euphoric, of course, but I also feel a sense of vindication and relief,” Slimer replied. “After so many near-misses, I knew that victories were what I needed to be able to challenge for a championship. Finishing 3rd and 4th is awesome, no doubt, but after achieving that, my goals have always been on top.”
“Many regard you as the marble that pulls off the best second-half comebacks,” remarked Sandy, met with a chuckle from Slimer. “Did you think this was coming and should you be one to look out for in the final three rounds?”
“Haha, I know I have a reputation for that, yeah. I think it comes down to your mindset: the Marble Rally is as much of a mental sport as a physical one and the pressure ramps up towards the end of a season. I didn’t want to expect anything, because no one’s owed success, but I do think that I should be one to look out for. I’d say that at any part of the season, really.”
Thanks for your time, Slimer, and congratulations on your well-deserved victory,” said Sandy. “On to you, Ducktape!”
“P2, and another podium in the bag. You’re positioned very well in 4th for your best career result, how have you managed it this season?”
“Thank you, and yeah, it’s been great so far. I feel much more experienced this season, and after the previous, I know what I’m capable of. That added bit of confidence helped me in getting this,” replied Ducktape, motioning to their gleaming silver medal.
“What’s on your mind heading into the final three rounds?”
“Wins, and an overall podium. This is my best shot at it and I won a race late in the game last time too. The championship looks out of reach, but never say never.”
“Thank you, Ducktape, and well done on your hard-fought P2. Finally, Lollipop!” exclaimed Sandy.
“Amazing race, finishing on the podium starting from P15! How did you do it?”
“Thanks so much! Staying off the wall at the start was very important, it helped me get in the mix. This race had so many DNFs, I knew I had to take my time to keep it clean at some points, and struck late to snag P3.”
“After a difficult start to the season, how does it feel to return to your Season 5 form?”
“Yeah, the earlier races were not what I wanted for sure, but it’s about how you respond to failure. That’s what I lived by and what kept me going, and to reap the rewards of it has been lovely,” said Lollipop with a smile.
“Thanks for your time, and congrats once again.”
The marbles beaming on the podium after a tumultuous Race 7. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
It took six races, but the defending Marble Rally champion had finally got back on top of the podium. After a bronze in the previous race capped off a disappointing first half, Superball had shown everyone they were still a force to be reckoned with.
Ghost Plasma, after starting on pole position, had jumped out to the early lead looking to do the impossible once more – a Grand Slam of race wins. Superball, however, had soon fought their way to the lead and barely looked back. Towelling the sand off their glass while they rolled towards the podium ceremony, Superball saw Reflektor approach with a friendly wave.
“Congratulations!” Reflektor exclaimed. “Frankly I’m a little bit glad I crashed out, since I got such a great view of your divebomb overtake!”
Superball laughed. “I figured out how to pull that off from watching the tapes from last week, actually. Crazy Cat’s Eye did the exact same thing, and going wide and picking up speed worked perfectly to jump over Ghost Plasma.”
“It really did!” Reflektor replied. “Although in all honesty, I thought Plasma would have been on you the whole way down after that.”
Superball sighed with relief. “I’ve got Grasshopper to thank for that. Just like that, BOOM! they’re right behind me. I have to give it to them, they were by far the most determined out there – and that’s with GP going for four in a row!”
“Oh, definitely. There’s something about being in a bad position in the standings that can really bring out the fire after a good start,” Reflektor replied. “Although I bet Grasshopper never having medalled before now had a lot to do with it.”
“That completely slipped my mind, actually! That’s a heck of an achievement, I’d better congratulate Grasshopper for that,” Superball responded. As the pair rolled past an onslaught of fans near the podium ceremony, they saw a familiar pair of sunglasses peeking out from the mob.
“Well, if it isn’t the mayor of Coolsville!” Reflektor joked as Cool Moody desperately pushed their way past the fans clamouring for an autograph to join the pair.
“Frankly, Swax can have that title,” Cool Moody said with a sigh of relief. “You know how everyone says if you’re going to talk the talk, you have to roll the roll? That’s me and the fans whenever I medal, it’s exhausting!”
“Tell me about it!” Superball laughed. “Hell of a job getting third, by the way. Plasma isn’t easy to beat at the moment.”
Cool Moody’s grin widened. “Ah, Plaz was no trouble.” Superball and Reflektor simultaneously raised an eyebrow. “Ah, who am I kidding, I got lucky.” The eyebrows rose higher.
Cool Moody sighed. “My coach was on my ass last week after I got fifteenth, calling me out for putting too little work into improving. So I listened and hit the training facility harder than ever before, and it worked.”
Reflektor smirked. “That’ll teach you not to spend so much time meeting with fans, appearing in films, and being a celebrity.”
“Hey, it was one time! And it’s not my fault Nemo got me to cameo in that documentary!” Cool Moody retorted as the trio rolled away laughing towards the podium.
Superball, Grasshopper and Cool Moody atop the podium for Race 6. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Back to back to back. In 58 races of the Marble Rally and the entire competitive history of Jelle’s Marble Runs, it had never been done. No competitor had ever earned three consecutive gold medals in one season…until Season 6 of the Marble Rally.
Coming off the best race of their career and starting from dead last on the grid for the second week in a row, Ghost Plasma lurched out of the gate into the top half, taking ten seconds to reach third position. From there, they stayed within range, closely tracking Red Number 3 and Crazy Cat’s Eye until both made mistakes that allowed Ghost Plasma to float into the lead by the halfway point. The Season 1 champion never lost their lead, and save for one close encounter with a drop, coasted to victory.
Ghost Plasma flirts with the edge of the Sector 3 obstacle. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Now, Ghost Plasma was doing their best to coast away from a gaggle of finish-line press, which had nearly doubled in size since the previous race. As we overheard one reporter lamenting about traveling from the Ohisles only to be denied an interview, we ran into Ghosto, the reserve member for Team Plasma.
“Big Plasma handles the spotlight better than I do, but it’s a lot of pressure for any marble to face. Sometimes you need to tune out the attention and focus on yourself.”
Perched on a dune bordering Sector 2, we watched race officials catch up with Ghost Plasma, protecting them as they rolled through the leaves and toward the podium. We jumped when we heard a voice slyly ask us, “You didn’t want to join in on the fun?”
Crazy Cat’s Eye chuckled, rolling out in front. “Me neither. What Ghost is doing is nothing short of historic. It was an honor to lose the lead to them in the race. But I think I did as well as I could otherwise.”
“Both of us have come a long way from rough starts to the season,” added Lollipop, also causing us to jump in surprise. “Haha! We should have invited Roldo this time.”
“That was a nice over-and-under, Lolly.”
“Not as nice as that divebomb! Talk about a flashy feline.”
Crazy Cat’s Eye zeroes in on Lollipop’s lead. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
The three of us rolled down to the podium together, cheering as Ghost Plasma donned their third gold of Season 6. While Crazy Cat’s Eye received their silver, we overheard Reflektor congratulating Superball on their way to the front.
“Thanks…I’m sorry about that overtake in the final stretch. You had an amazing race.”
“And so did you! That’s a feeling you shouldn’t let go of. You earned your bronze!”
The Season 5 champion smiled warmly, glancing down at their bronze medal. In its reflection, one could barely make out a marble donning their iconic morning glory outfit, inviting Superball forward to join them on the podium.
Ghost Plasma, Crazy Cat’s Eye, and Superball sporting their medals on the Race 5 podium. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Back to back. In 57 races, it had never been done, but Season 6 of the Marble Rally was making history all over the place. But after veterans failing to qualify, rookie wins, photo finishes and the highest percentage of DNFs ever seen in a race, Ghost Plasma was happy that at least one thing remained unchanged. For a third time, they had won three medals in the first four races of a season – and this time, they’d pulled off the back to back.
Ghost Plasma had thought the previous race was the best of their career, but that had lasted only a week. Starting from dead last on the grid, it had taken ten seconds for Ghost Plasma to catch up to Reflektor and begin a battle that lasted all the way to the end.
Similarly, Reflektor had pulled off arguably their best race ever. While they lost the top spot, they’d held off Ghost Plasma’s advance for a good while, and even bested the 2016 champion’s renowned blocking game at one point. They had never let the pressure off until a hard collision before the final straight decided the race, and as they crossed the finish line Reflektor felt both exhilarated and uncomfortable looking back at the near two-second gap to third place. “Feels good, huh?”
Reflektor turned back to Ghost Plasma. “I guess you’re used to this by now,” they replied, “but it feels weird seeing nobody behind you and not being disappointed that you’re last.” Ghost Plasma smiled, towelling the sand off their surface. “Oh, I know. It took me a while to get used to that again after that mess in 2017.”
Reflektor chuckled. “Good point. I still remember that wildcard race in 2019. Might as well have called that the comeback race, if only I’d made the most of it…” they noted, turning back to see Ducktape arrive at the finish, Pollo Loco hot on their heels.
While the top two had dashed off into the distance, Ducktape had been fighting for their podium position the whole way down, watching marbles crash out all over the place on the crumbling sand. A bad hit square into the back of the chevron had almost cost them, but Amethyst taking a similar line had saved them from becoming a seventh DNF and led Ducktape to their first back-to-back podium.
“Phew! Are we sure the Balls of Chaos didn’t design that course?” Ducktape joked, before pulling Ghost Plasma into a friendly hug. “I guess the universe really doesn’t want to separate the two of us, eh?”
As the two separated and Ducktape rolled away to thank Amethyst, coming across in 5th, Reflektor turned back to Ghost Plasma. “How’d you do it? That wildcard race completely turned you back to your old self. Heck, it turned Ducktape into a top competitor and they didn’t even qualify!”
Ghost Plasma laughed. “I don’t want to sound condescending, but you’ve got all the pieces so it really is this simple.” As Reflektor looked on with anticipation, the 2016 champion gave a wry smile. “This feeling you’ve got now? All you have to do is never let it go.”
Ghost Plasma, Reflektor and Ducktape atop the podium, observed by a slightly sneakier guest. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Rolling across the line, Ghost Plasma thought that had been the best race victory of their Marble Rally career. Their first, way back in 2016, had been arguably stronger with an almost wire-to-wire victory, but there was something incredibly satisfying about coming from a comfortable spot near the front up to title contention with a flawless move through a tricky overtake spot.
After watching Team Plasma rise from the dead in the Marble League Showdown to produce one of the most dominant performances in marble sports history, Ghost Plasma had felt reinvigorated coming into this season. They and their team had been through a lot together, and if Team Plasma could mount a triumphant return, then surely Ghost Plasma could recover from the devastating DNFs that cost them the championship last season. Silver and gold medals were a good start, even with an unfortunate crash in between.
As Ghost Plasma looked back to see Ducktape cross the line in second, they couldn’t help but grin. “I guess that makes us even after last season, eh?” Ducktape laughed, fondly remembering their other career silver which had been won by a last-stretch overtake on Ghost Plasma. Season 5 had been Ducktape’s breakout after a disappointing debut in 2018, and they were keen to repeat their strong performance.
“Four career medals, and for three of them I’ve had to share the podium with you. Either your talent’s rubbing off on me, or you’re just my lucky charm!” Ducktape joked as the pair watched the oncoming marbles. Silver Bolt was next, hot off the heels of their photo finish win with another last-stretch overtake, this time on Crazy Cat’s Eye.
“Holy rolly,” the bronze medallist puffed as they realised their result, “this is insane. I don’t know how long I can keep pulling these comebacks off.”
Ghost Plasma and Ducktape laughed. “Enjoy it while it lasts, then,” Ghost Plasma responded as the race replays appeared on screen. “Those overtakes never get any less cool – although I think Moody might have something to say about that!”
Cool Moody’s dramatic overtake on Lollipop, Superball and Blizzard Blaster. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
As the medallists headed off to the podium ceremony, Ducktape turned to Ghost Plasma. “So, the podium party – winner buys the drinks, right Plaz?”
With a wink, Ghost Plasma responded, “Naturally. Come by the bar later, and I can show you just how well Pinky Winky IPA goes with the taste of victory.”
Ghost Plasma, Ducktape and Silver Bolt atop the podium for Race 3, observed by a sneaky guest. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Pollo Loco looked on excitedly as the officials checked over the finish line camera to determine the second race winner of the Marble Rally season. They’d been right alongside Silver Bolt, chasing down Slimer in the final leg after the leader had used the trapdoor to stall their pursuers. The pair had caught up to Slimer in the final straight, and while Pollo Loco had been unable to close up enough to make a late challenge, Silver Bolt had hit the speed boost perfectly. But was it enough to steal the win?
Pollo Loco hadn’t the best view from behind, but they were fairly confident about Slimer’s chances. Their friend was one of the most experienced rally marbles, now being one of only two racers never to miss an official race, and had taken home the hardware to prove it with four race wins and two finishes on the final podium in their career.
But on the other hand, Silver Bolt was back after a series of on-and-off years and looked hungry for success. After snatching the overall victory by the sheen of their glass in the 2022 Practice Round, Silver Bolt came out strong in the first race. They’d never won a race yet, despite claiming two medals, but Pollo Loco reckoned that would only leave them even more determined to claim the gold now.
As the officials gathered around the competitors, a hush fell over the crowd. “By an exceptional margin of only one-hundredth of a second, the winner is… Silver Bolt!”
“YES! Never again am I underestimating that speed boost!” Silver Bolt exclaimed. They roared with triumph as the slow-mo footage of their last-millisecond overtake was displayed. Slimer’s dismay was understandable; the chance of their first victory in six years was whisked away in a flash, but they looked in awe at how incredible their rival’s overtake was.
Silver Bolt’s photo finish victory over Slimer by a hundredth of a second. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
“What a move! Great job on your first win — I remember my first back in 2016, it certainly made me go loco,” chuckled Pollo Loco, who met the other medallists at the podium. Pollo Loco was thrilled with how their race went too; after many podium near-misses in the previous season, they were glad to capitalise as soon as possible. Slimer, despite the race ending, was stoked to achieve an early medal — a rarity for them in previous years.
As the three medallists stood on the podium, Silver Bolt caught a glimpse of the stadium jumbotron. “Look! We’re not only the top three for this race, but also in the standings,” they pointed out. Slimer and Pollo Loco, caught by surprise, beamed out of pride.
Silver Bolt, Slimer and Pollo Loco sporting their medals on the Race 2 podium. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
The qualifiers had been tense, but as Amethyst rushed out of the last split path they had never been so nervous. Here they were, a newcomer to a tournament they had obsessed over since its original season, and they had just taken the lead from the Marble Rally’s first ever champion in the final stretch of their very first race. Desperately throwing block after block at Ghost Plasma and Wisp of Darkness, the rookie was in shock as they rolled across the line in first place.
Catching their breath as the rest of the racers arrived at the finish, Amethyst turned and saw Ghost Plasma brushing the sand off their glass close by. Still in disbelief at what had just happened, Amethyst rolled over to the veteran, excitedly stammering, “I’m a huge fan, by the way.”
Ghost Plasma laughed. “So you’ve told me! I have to admit, though, after that display the feeling is definitely mutual. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that much of a fight on my hands.” They weren’t kidding – after the crushing end to their title run the previous season, Ghost Plasma had been looking forward to this first race for what felt like an age. They were more than happy with a silver medal for their comeback – it made quite the statement. Besides, there were plenty of races to go, and Amethyst had more than earned the top spot.
As Ghost Plasma started guiding the exhilarated Amethyst over to the gathering crowd of fans for some victory autographs, nearby Wisp of Darkness was smiling. The last time they had even qualified for the Marble Rally had been 2017, back at the height of their emo phase, and even then they had never had a particularly impressive track record. Being in the background since the beginning had taken its toll, but as the race organizers came over to direct them to the podium to receive their bronze medal, Wisp of Darkness couldn’t help but think that all the obscurity just made this moment of glory more special than ever before.
Amethyst, Ghost Plasma and Wisp of Darkness on the podium for Race 1. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Pamplemousse had figured out their plan. Security at marble sports venues was getting better at recognizing their uniform, so for Marble League 2022, they’d don a disguise.
Our mischief-loving Limers fan sported a dark green jersey in the middle of the Jungle Jumpers fan section. Security did not bat an eye at this pack of bongo-drumming fans when they rolled into the Stadium. Pamplemousse stood next to the stand edge for the rest of the day and watched the 2022 Showdown roll out beneath them.
There were a few ideas they toyed around with: maybe they could rush the grounds like a streaker or climb up the stadium rafters and yell out something raunchy about the Pond Duck. But, into the final event, the Jumpers themselves settled the plan.
“Hey, you to the left!” said Pamplemousse to a Jumpers fan. “We’re fighting with the Hazers and Solar Flares to escape relegation next year. Wouldn’t you be so mad if those teams pipped it from us?”
“Can you please stop the distractions? We watch what’s happening,” said the fan from Lewara before turning away.
There would have been some good mayhem if Captain Jump flubbed the Sand Rally, and Pamplemousse could have stirred up a fan riot. The exact opposite took place. The Jumper pressed relentlessly for every overtake until they collapsed into the finish line basin and heard Greg Woods over the intercom:
“The Jungle Jumpers, it appears, get by! And will do enough!”
Before Pamplemousse could get a word in, the Jumpers fans rushed out of their section and down the stairs. They poured out onto the stadium grounds, pounding their drums, cheering, and hugging the team members at the Pond.
Pamplemousse was alone up in their section. To their right, they also noticed the Hazers fan section streaming out the gates. Three minutes later, it was like a fog had fully lifted, leaving merely some team signs on the seats.
Jump of the Jungle Jumpers defending their Sand Rally position. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
That afternoon, Pamplemousse loitered outside the Athlete’s Village when a voice called out. “Hi, aren’t you that Limer fan?”
“You’re that Jumper,” said Pamplemousse to Captain Hop rolling over to them. The Jungle Jumper replied: “Hopefully, we still remember each other from last year.”
“You made some good saves this season for your team. I know doing that is not easy,” said Pamplemousse.
To that, Hop burst out laughing. “Oh, do you now! Shouldn’t you say you would leave me in the dust any day?” The Limer fan replied: “No, because I tried and failed.”
To the Jumpers Captain’s surprise, Pamplemousse told Hop they were an amateur athlete long ago. They raced two seasons under the Pomelo Power in the Fruit Circuit, finished near the bottom, and quit marble sports for odd jobs around Marblearth.
“But I’m addicted to marble sports… I love seeing the action. I love seeing the fans,” concluded Pamplemousse. “That’s why I try to show up! I want to feel like I’m still in the thick of it.”
“Marble sports changed a lot from your days, you know,” said Hop. “Even minor league teams have sponsors and lots of background support. You must’ve heard about these technical directors the Pinkies and the Wisps invested in.”
Before Pamplemousse could make a spicy quip, Hop turned to them and asked: “Is that a role you would be interested in?”
It took some time before Pamplemousse replied: “Is this a joke?”
Leap (bottom left) of the Jumpers losing form after a tough Funnels final. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
“Why not, Pamp?” said Hop. “You know a lot about marble sports. You can go to Lewara with us and help us qualify next year. We don’t have a big budget, but you’ll be rewarded with our fans, the best in the League. They’ll prepare the greatest feast on Marblearth for you to show their gratitude.
“Just answer me however you want. Both of us are here because we love the sport. All I’m offering is one more shot.”
Could Pamplemousse imagine driving on the highway to Lewara? Could they imagine running drills with the Jumpers, goofing around with young Lewarans, or drifting on the Raceforest circuit? They could, and real emotions swelled up inside them.
But, for now, Pamplemousse looked at the Hazers athletes streaming out of the Athlete’s Village, each lengths apart from the other.
“Hold on, Hop,” said Pamplemousse. “Those marbles just got relegated. Let’s cheer them up a little.”
The Hazers athletes meeting with two Team Sponsors. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
This article features the four teams that debuted in the Marble League Practice Round. For the article that focuses on the six teams in Group A that were unable to qualify, click here.For the article that focuses on the six teams in Group B that were unable to qualify, click here.
The official logo for Marble League Showdown 2022, designed by Tim Ritz.
A Rocket in Orbit
by Stynth
Orbit had a full view of the Bermenghank night sky as they rolled into the arena of The Pond for the first time. Stopping next to the Climbing track, the Captain of the Purple Rockets took out their camera and audibly gasped as they photographed the stars peeking from behind the thinly spread clouds.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” mused Orbit. “We’re at such a high altitude, but the sky isn’t clearer because of it. Everything – the stars, the clouds, the mist, the planets, fate – is in flux.”
Coach Rocket chuckled. “This is very deep for an astrophotography shoot. I get the feeling something else is on your mind.”
“Yeah, well…I don’t want to talk about it.” Orbit put away their camera, their eyes fixated on the clouded sky above them.
“That’s what you’ve been saying since we won. And it hasn’t helped you shake that something. Which leads me to think we should—”
“What good will it do? You don’t understand, and it’s not like anyone in the community would understand,” Orbit interjected.
The two marbles, captain and coach, watched a cloud mask the cluster of stars Orbit had just photographed. Orbit sighed.
“It’s scary to put yourself out there. Like, as an athlete and as a personality. After we won, I wasn’t sure that I could handle it. There were a lot of marbles that didn’t think we should be competing with JMR. And the truth is that I was one of them.”
“Oh, Orbit…”
“I knew everyone else wanted to compete in Marble ManiaX and participate in the Marble Sports Games B-League. And I know we made it work. But it was a lot…mentally…and…I don’t know if it’ll work again. And I don’t know how much I can handle hearing marbles tell us we’re not worthy of being here.”
Orbit stopped, looking aside at their coach with tears in their eyes. Coach Rocket gazed back, tears streaming down their face, and the captain and coach embraced.
Pulling away after a moment, Coach Rocket looked their captain directly in the eyes. “You don’t know how many fans of you – especially us – value you. Of course, you’re a skilled athlete and a natural leader on the team. But you’re also a marble with a heart of gold and a true passion for what they do, and if anyone doesn’t see that, it’s their issue.”
Fans of the Purple Rockets celebrate the team’s Marble ManiaX championship. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Orbit wiped a tear from their face. “I know. But sometimes it’s just hard to believe that. It’s scary.”
“I know it’s scary. But it’s worth it, isn’t it? We’ve dreamed of this opportunity our entire lives.”
Orbit looked up again at the sky to find that cluster of stars again, shining bright past the departed cloud. “Yeah. We have.”
“Fate is irrelevant. Whether or not we’re supposed to be here or not, we are now,” Rocket continued. “You want to be, right?”
“Yeah,” Orbit responded, with no hint of hesitation. “Final answer. It’s time to make a landing in the Marble League.”
Doubling Down
by Stynth
“How do I look, Jack?”
Heart, emerging from the team locker room before their other teammates, smiled proudly as they posed for their coach. The Captain of the Black Jacks was the first to don the team’s new uniform, the Double Downer – designed to be as athletic, stylish, and, of course, deep black, as possible.
“There’s no other way I’d want to suit up for our second attempt at the Marble League. We’re showing everyone that we’re here to win.”
The Double Downer improved on the Black Jacks’ aerodynamic Double Diver uniforms, which they debuted in the first event of Marble ManiaX. Both sets of uniforms were designed by their fashion brand, 52Styles. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Jack rolled to the closest table, overlooking the early morning glow cast over the grandstands of The Pond. “You and I can get a round in before the others are ready, right?” they asked, unsheathing a deck of cards from their leather-bound playing card case.
One by one, the rest of the Black Jacks joined the captain and coach for their morning round of cards, which they insisted would help the rest of the team wake up and mentally prepare for the Practice Round later that day. The activity was not without challenges: Ace fell asleep in the middle of Eleusis after staying up late during a game of Marbludo on the Marblebase the night before, and Diamond refused to join canasta, instead opting to play solitaire with their own deck. But as fans started filtering into the stands, the Black Jacks were able to tune out every other distraction and get into a competitive mindset.
“For our fans,” said Spade, revealing their royal flush to win poker.
“Wow, looking sharp!” replied Club, folding their hand of mismatched pairs. “Sharper than those black-and-red uniforms critics were proposing, that’s for sure.”
“SCOPA!!! With the sette bello!” exclaimed Diamond, eagerly slamming down the seven of spades as they swept the table clean of cards.
“Now remember. Make a comeback like that in Triathlon, and we’ll be in good hands,” advised Jack, scribbling down Diamond’s two points to tie their game of scopa.
“Hit. Hit. Still, only sixteen?” asked Heart, looking down sheepishly at their 4 cards.
“The only thing climbing today is Heart’s share of the deck,” joked Ace.
“One more time…TWENTY-ONE!!! I WIN!!!”
Looking down at the blackjack they had been dealt, Ace sighed deeply. “Sheesh. And I doubled down.”
It was Heart’s turn to reshuffle when they heard a familiar ringtone – the Strixes’ Summer 2022 performance of “Mrollin’s Third Symphony”. Jack picked up the phone, their voice turning serious on a dime.
“Okay. Thanks,” they said, hanging up. “It’s time. Are we ready?”
Heart nodded, quickly dealing the cards to their team and coach for one final round. “High roller rules: everyone doubles down – even if you have to fold. Play like we’re about to compete. Two minutes on the clock. Let’s roll.”
The First Hunt
by Stynth
Coach Akela, Sirius, and Remus were the first trio of teammates that security officials summoned to set up on the Climbing track. With uniforms of gray, yellow, and black, representing the traditional colors of their home city of Furbank, the Wolfpack rolled with purpose as they entered a Marble League arena for the first time. Their small, yet mighty fan section erupted in a symphony of howling.
“I know Manager Nova advised me not to say this,” muttered Coach Akela, “this is your moment. Take it all in. But remember – this isn’t a friendly round for us – it’s our first impression. I know you’ll do us proud.”
Coach Akela gave Remus one last bump before the athlete settled into the track as the Skipper. They and Sirius continued to the right, towards the incline where Sirius would ascend to compete as the Striker. The slope of the incline reminded Sirius of the hills that they had sledded down when they were competing in the Iditaroll.
“This reminds you of home, doesn’t it?” Akela smiled as Sirius’s eyes widened, as if the coach had read their mind. “Haha! Ancarnage has snowy peaks, too. I used to sled in my youth. But I could never have achieved a Surculo championship last year, or done what you’re about to do.”
The two had now reached the lift to the starting gate. Giving Sirius a bump, the coach parted ways with one final query. “You’re ready, right?”
Sirius beamed. “I’ve been ready all my life.”
Akela (far-left) observes as Sirius (center) propels Remus (center-right) up the Climbing track. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
The night before, Captain Balto had stumbled across the triathlon track being constructed during a midnight sprint – an exercise where Wolfpack athletes run towards the moon for as long as physically possible. Balto’s run ended at the crossroads of a Marbula One track; coarse, rough, and irritating sand; and the night-shift security for The Pond.
As Manager Nova defended Balto’s accident against inquiries from race and security officials, Balto and technical director Beta quietly exited The Pond to scope out the Triathlon track again, without trespassing within the now-marked boundaries.
“What I wasn’t sure about is that turn,” Balto asked, pointing to the part of the track where Dash overshot the wall. “How do I arrest my momentum and still have enough to enter the sand section?”
“…I don’t think you do,” Beta said. “You might have to make up for lost time once you hit the chicanes. This is a strange course.”
During the race, we sat with Beta as they watched Balto attempt to catch Diamond’s slipstream but crash into the wall instead, leaving them too many lengths from the top two to contend as they finished third.
“It’s safe to say that we don’t have it all figured out yet. But I don’t think we’re supposed to,” the technical director noted. “If you catch prey on the first hunt, odds are that you just got lucky. Patience and consistency are what will make our team the next Marble League champions.”
Recharging
by Smacg13
“Lapis, Brilliant Blue Corporation, Zuro’s number one news source. How does it feel to prove the doubters wrong?”
The echoes of this question still rattled around Fearo’s head as they led the team from the stage where their post-Friendly Round press release had recently concluded. The change in tone from the disaster that had been the previous press release was stark. Gone was the vitriol about stealing a place in the Showdown, replaced with the facade of always believing that Team Plasma could do it. How could some be so fickle?
Ecto approaches the finish line in the Triathlon, securing a win in the event and the Practice Round. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
Ecto was nowhere to be seen, having disappeared soon after the end of the conference, muttering to themselves about the lack of dessert options available at the Pond. Following close behind Fearo were Phanto and Gloomo deep in conversation, already planning how to continue the momentum into the Showdown. Phanto was only semi-listening to Gloomo wax lyrical about the intricacies of Climbing strategies when they sensed something was off. Phanto quickly rotated around to see Ghost drifting listlessly behind. Leaving Gloomo to their postulating, Phanto rolled up beside their dejected teammate.
“Fearo mentioned going to the Pond Pub to celebrate our victory, are you interested?” asked Phanto, curious to see how their downtrodden friend would respond.
“You go, I don’t deserve to go,” replied the glum marble. “You all did so well without me. How can I possibly live up to that performance? I don’t deserve to be on this team. The press may have been wrong about you, but I can’t help feeling that they were right about me.”
“Now that is definitely not true,” Phanto responded. “You are an integral part of this team and we all believe in you. We all suffer from imposter syndrome from time to time. Remember when I recorded that album of musical number covers? I nearly canned the whole project as I didn’t think it was any good at all, nowhere near as good as the MarBeats. But you convinced me to release it, and look at it now – it made it into the charts and the Swarm sent me a nice letter congratulating me on the project! I nearly let imposter syndrome get the better of me, but with the support and encouragement of my friends, especially you, I got through and succeeded. You may feel like you don’t fit in right now, but we are here for you every step of this crazy journey and we believe you will succeed. You always challenge us in training and when you finally get to perform in front of a stadium of fans, you will make Team Plasma proud.”
“Hmm. I guess I give Ecto a run for their money, they should really cut down on the pies,” replied Ghost, a sliver of confidence returning to their voice. “Thanks, Phanto. I guess I will join you at the Pub. But drinks are on you, your number one fan deserves at least a sliver of the royalties from that album.”
Best of luck to these expansion teams in the remainder of Marble League Showdown 2022.
Snap, snap, snap, went Mandarin’s camera. The O’rangers were one of many following the formation of metallic marbles, marching through the Athletes’ Village and toward the Team Galactic building. “I mean, wow,” said Orangin at the sight. “Did Coach Black Hole call in reinforcements?”
Inside Galactic headquarters, Black Hole rolled into the lobby and bowed down. The metallic entourage parted to show Royal Stardust of Polaria, who bowed in equal measure. They had half an hour before Galactic’s athletes would return.
When there was no outside audience, not even the Royal Guards, Stardust spoke more freely. An amateur athlete themselves in their youth, Royal Stardust would nod and offer advice while Black Hole listed out all their planning for the final two events.
With the meeting about to adjourn, Stardust hopped out of their seat. “Much of this sounds reasonable, Coach, but I can see you still doubt yourself.” Black Hole nodded and did not say more.
“To be a leader, you must hold yourself to a decision and defend it,” said Stardust. “Of all that I learned through life, that is my main lesson for you. Could you get unlucky with your plan for the team? Of course. But you cannot show it to those who wait for you.”
“Right, it is such important advice,” said Black Hole. “It is a great honor to report to you… but, I must admit, I do not know if I can coach this team back to a tournament podium.”
“Nor can I answer it for you!” said Stardust. “I will support our Galactic athletes now and going forward. I will not make decisions for the team. They care not for me, but for you.”
Those were Stardust’s parting words. The royal entourage left, so the athletes would not know they were there and feel more pressure.
Team Galactic celebrating after setting a Block Pushing record. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
A few minutes later, Cosmo, Astron, and Pulsar sprinted back into their building, laughing with each other and leaping into the air. Trailing them was Starry, rolling at a brisk pace and keeping their words to themselves.
“Right, it’s time we talk about the final event,” said Black Hole to the whole team before them. “This is a plan I have given serious thought to, a plan I finalized tonight. With the Elimination Race, I propose starting Starry in it.”
The other Galactic members yelled out their approval: Starry themselves stayed silent at first. They then rolled off their chair and said: “Why put your faith in me?”
Black Hole took a deep breath. “It really is quite obvious, Starry, and I think we all agree,” they said. “You are the most experienced racer. On a track with simple rules and no gimmicks, I believe you are favored to win.”
Starry still stayed silent, but someone else chimed in beside them. “Yeah, I’m with Coach!” said Captain Cosmo. “Whatever difficulties you faced earlier in this League, we put those behind. Every accomplishment we had was due to you, and due to all of us.
“Remember Balancing?” said Cosmo. Why wouldn’t Starry, because they remember partying with Cosmo after that gold medal like it was yesterday? “You might say we’re over the moon,” they both said.
“Remember Block Pushing?” said Cosmo. What about that moment, when Starry turned and saw they passed the ML record mark, right as the two teammates before them rushed to the record board?
Every Galactic athlete pulls off a golden showing on the Balancing beam. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
“I could go on, but let’s say it one more time,” said Cosmo. “Who here believes Starry will win the final event for us?” The team, the coach, and even a trainer peeking in all gave a big “AYE.”
The road to Grayfowl Hill winded down from The Pond, and in a car was Shiny at the wheel. The Swarm captain took a hard brake, though, when they saw something pink on the side.
“Hey, is that Pinky Toe? Do you want a ride?” said Shiny. The Pinkies captain turned around and laughed. “Good to meet you! You can’t drive to Grayfowl Hill, so time to park that and roll with me!”
Even with the Championship on the line, these two captains had no ill will. Rolling over, each captain was happy to see another so interested in their hometowns and their favorite gathering places growing up. Both racers had plenty to say about this year’s sand rally, as well as which Marble Rally racers they look to for inspiration in their own races.
“Speedy is all talk, I think we’re favorites to beat them!” said Pinky Toe. “But on the way there, I want the chance to meet great athletes like you. I might just hightail it once I see that Speeder.”
“For sure, likewise,” said Shiny. They pulled an opened envelope out of their jacket, and said: “Maybe you want to read this.”
Pinky Toe heard something about a second letter for them this morning but rushed out the door too soon. Now, they held and read the words:
“I am sorry, but I must cancel our meeting and rescind my invitation. With little time left, it is more important that I work with Quickly to support the entire team.
I realize teamwork matters most at this juncture – a fact you already know and one I need to learn.
My final piece of advice: trust your teammates.
Never did mine leave me through thick and thin: My glory was I had such friends.”
– Speedy, of the Savage Speeders
The Shining Swarm and the Pinkies on the podium together. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)
In the other direction from the hill, Cosmo of Team Galactic was trudging through the shrubbery. They were out of breath from an earlier sprint, to escape a fan who noticed they snuck out of the Athlete’s Village. But they remained enough in shape to yell at a yellow blur to their left: “Hey, Buzznya buddy! Think you’re going the wrong way!”
“I lost track of my directions, so by fate you found me,” said Bumble of the Bumblebees.
The two marbles hollered about the Marble League the rest of the way, gossipping over Collision formations and a teammate or two.
On that crisp morning, all four captains met on the top of Grayfowl Hill amid spates of laughter. They cheered for each other as each Captain spoke in turn about their career highlights. They paused to look out at the rolling hillside, their backs away from the stadium.
“This is like a new groove, you know,” said Shiny. “This voyage to the Brace Isles opened our team’s eyes. I hope this is not the only time we will meet.”
“We don’t need to hope! We just need to believe!” said Pinky Toe. “We all worked so hard to get here. They will remember us as the new greats. Say it with me: we’ll qualify next year and we’ll meet again.”
The four marbles hopped and bumped each other. “We’ll meet again!”
“Let me add one more thing,” said Pinky Toe as the other captains turned to them. “You better believe my team will win the League Trophy. I know you think otherwise … But if that’s what you think, try and catch me!”
With one leap, Pinky Toe started rolling down the hill. Hot in pursuit were Shiny, Cosmo, and Bumble. Down these athletes rolled, full of passion and full of joy.
[Art Credit: Creammints (u/Thinkdoodler)]
To all long-time fans of the championship contenders
Project Marblearth 