The Best Racer

Six racers. One champion. Who will come out on top?

The Underdogs

The fancy avenues of Felynia were all the more jubilant on one Saturday morning, as the sun dawned on a fantastic performance by their pride of the Marble Rally the previous day. However, the marble victorious was hardly sighted in the city — though this was not atypical during Marble Rally season. Crazy Cat’s Eye was a competitor that would celebrate hard after a successful race but would take no time to put their game face back on for the following week’s challenges.

Crazy Cat’s Eyes’ key overtake in the penultimate race that led to their victory. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Rather, Crazy Cat’s Eye was in the environment that suited them best for their training: the Cat’s Dunes, due east of Felynia. The veteran rally marble always preferred to be alone while training, with nothing but the sound of the sand under them as they darted from one dune to another.

For hours on end, Crazy Cat’s Eye was in isolation at the Dunes, only calling it a day once they caught a glimpse of the golden-colored sky as the sun set on Felynia. However, with the help of their sharp hearing, they quickly realized they weren’t alone. Glancing behind, they saw a red cat’s eye marble that couldn’t be mistaken for any other: Red Eye, the two-time Marbula One racer’s champion.

Red Eye, pictured here as they earned their trophy for being Marbula One Season 3’s Racer Champion. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“I figured you’d be here,” they said with a rather serious expression. Crazy Cat’s Eye peered at them for a moment out of bewilderment; despite being two of the most renowned athletes in the city, the two of them hadn’t been the closest in recent times. Red Eye was a racer who relished in the fame, while the Marble Rally athlete found it bothersome many a time. Still, they rolled towards the Crimson Cat, curious as to what brought them to the city’s outskirts.

“I know you’re under a lot of pressure right now with the final race,” Red Eye continued. “I thought I’d come out here and give you some advice. After all, you’ve been a great help to me and the rest of the team in tackling some of the struggles we’ve had in sand events before.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m okay. I know my fight isn’t with the marbles at the top — even with a win, I can’t guarantee I’ll even finish top 3,” Crazy Cat’s Eye replied.

“How can you say that?!” Red Eye retorted incredulously. “If a championship is even a tiny bit possible, surely you have to be aiming for nothing less! Felynia deserves a title in the Marble Rally.”

Crazy Cat’s Eye sighed, looking towards their fellow athlete. “Look, I’ve been racing for almost double the time you have, but I’m still the underdog; I haven’t had the luxury of being in a title-winning position every season. I’ve medalled the last two races by focusing on myself to maximize my result every week. Race 10 is just another race — so my plan isn’t changing.”

“Sometimes, it’s good to forget about the wider picture, forget about all the drama with the marbles ahead. It can get to your head pretty easily,” they commented. “Besides, I’m racing for myself first, and Felynia and everyone else can be happy with whatever result comes from it.”

Memories of the dramatic final stand on home ground flashed before Red Eye, who realised the maturity of the rally marble’s words.

The Crazy Cat’s Eyes’ repeat championship hopes in Marbula One Season 3 end after a clutch overtake by Royal on the final lap of the Mirage Meowtain GP. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“You’re right. Championship or not, we’re all going to be very proud of what you’ve done this season. Get us a top-five finish — but don’t discount that rookie Amethyst either.”

“You’d know a lot about rookies turning up and shocking the world, wouldn’t you?” Crazy Cat’s Eye replied, both chuckling as they rolled towards the city center together.

Several miles away on the other side of Marblearth, Amethyst peered out towards a vast lake, with nothing but the moonlight illuminating the scene. Despite nightfall, the lilac-colored marble was restless. They were in deep thought about their debut season and the final race.

Amethyst began to roll around the edges of the lake, reflecting on how much they had changed across the season. They weren’t optimistic going into the Marble Rally, and were in disbelief about how far they’d come. Everything happened so fast: qualifying convincingly, that first race win, and now an outside shot at the title with one race to go.

Amethyst stands atop the Marble Rally podium for the first time – and first race – of their JMR career. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Rolling towards the very edge, Amethyst gazed across the sparkling water surface. Its inviting gleam was captivating, almost beckoning the marble to plunge into its frigid depths. As Amethyst looked towards their reflection, it was like it was staring back, questioning them. What did Amethyst see?

Amethyst thought about how great of a leap it was; to put themselves in the highest tier of marble rallying competition and face some of the greatest sand racers on Marblearth. That was the marble they saw in the lake. With that thought, they realized there was still a leap to be taken: to finish this season as strong as they started in the final race.

The marble’s reflection continued to gaze back as if it could read their mind, urging them to take that leap. Knowing what they had to do, Amethyst sprung into the icy lake, swimming to the opposite side. At last, they felt at peace with themselves for who they were: a contender for the Marble Rally title.

The Prospects

On a bright, sunny afternoon, two of the most talented Marble Rally athletes had come together to set out for the most challenging hiking trail in Tapai. It had been three days since Ducktape and Slimer had shared the podium for the second time in three races, and through their friendly rivalry that grew as the season progressed, the former had invited the latter to train together at the tallest peak of their hometown.

Both podiums shared by Ducktape and Slimer in the first 9 races of Marble Rally Season 6. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“Tapai isn’t the most enormous city in Marblearth,” remarked Ducktape, “…but it sure has some great spots to go racing. This trail sure is one of them… if you don’t already lose your breath once you’re at the top.”

“Hey, back home at Lemono, there’s no shortage of hills that loom over you either. These tricky conditions are my jam — that’s actually how I got recruited for my rallying academy in the first place!” Slimer replied, though tiring a little after one particularly steep section.

There was an aura of competitiveness amongst the two throughout their journey — both were friendly to one another, but both knew that they were each other’s fiercest competition for the final podium step and neither would let it up so easily.

Ducktape stayed an inch ahead as they climbed, glancing at their dark-green rival on their side. They knew that Slimer was the best marble without a title, and thus perhaps the hungriest for it going into the final race.

Slimer gazes ahead as Ducktape approaches the finish line in Race 9. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Slimer caught glimpse of Ducktape eyeing them up but looked forward in introspection. They were certain to not let anything disturb their mental fortitude — their secret to success in the back halves of every Marble Rally season. By now though, Slimer knew that every time they were caught off guard for even a moment in a race, Ducktape would be right there to snatch any victory away if they could.

As they scaled the peak, the marbles’ bodies grew wearier, but their willpower grew stronger. They might not have had the optimal starting positions to be considered title favorites, but this Marble Rally season had shown that anything was possible from the greatest athletes. These two prospective marbles would give it everything.

“Almost there!” Ducktape exclaimed, as they huffed and puffed towards the summit. The entire town was visible from the height they had reached — Slimer gasped as they took everything into view. Marblearth may be full of competitive athletes, but it had some ravishing sights as well.

Taking their final few rolls before they reached the top, Ducktape looked out towards the surroundings of Tapai. “I’ve met just about every marble in town; it’s small enough. They’re all elated whenever I even just get third place — I haven’t even won a race yet!”

Ducktape holds a brief lead over Ghost Plasma in Race 3. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“Just imagine what they’d be like if you won the championship,” remarked Slimer.

“Yeah…” sighed Ducktape, dreaming of that glorious outcome. “It’d be awesome.”

“Anyway, we’ve reached the summit and it’s time for the best part! We get to race down to the bottom. Whoever wins gets good luck for the finale!” Ducktape said excitedly, snapping back to reality.

The marbles dashed down, both eager to get to the starting point of the trail before the other despite how much effort it took to climb up. Ducktape loved the idea of one-upping their rival here for a confidence boost, but the more experienced of the two got out ahead at first.

Slimer wasn’t going to let Ducktape ahead for even a moment — they firmly wanted to prove they were the better racer. If they could emerge victorious on what was Ducktape’s home soil, surely Slimer would have the measure of them at Dopersduin Bregtdorp. They rolled on, using their agility and experience to avoid any natural obstacle that could be thrown at them.

Ducktape was catching up, but did they have enough time? Slimer saw the hint of purple nearing ever closer but was on their way to capture the victory as the bottom of the hill was in sight. With just a few meters left, it looked like they were unassailable, until—

“Argh!” Slimer let out a groan as they were stopped in their tracks by a round obstacle that evaded their vision. Ducktape shot by, cheering as they reached the bottom of the hill. The green marble had been denied once again by a tumbleweed, and memories of the 2017 Marble Rally finale came flooding back.

Slimer loses the lead—and the championship—in the final stretch of the 2017 Final Race. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Dejected, Slimer rolled down to Ducktape, whose smile quickly vanished as they realized what had happened. “Hey, it’ll be okay. Good thing this happened here and not in the actual race. You’re a much better racer than who you were six years ago, and if it’s just a tumbleweed between you and a championship, that’s not going to stop you on Friday.”

Slimer looked at Ducktape with appreciation, realizing that they were speaking to them not as a rival, but as a friend. Ducktape may not have been there on that day in 2017, but Slimer knew that they understood how it must’ve felt.

“Thank you, Ducktape. May the best racer win,” replied Slimer.

The Champions

After a hectic couple of months, Ghost Plasma could finally say they were doing something to unwind since the start of the Marble Rally season. They had been invited by Cell, the coach of Team Plasma, for dinner at a high-end restaurant at the heart of Fantum with the whole team. Following nine races of fantastic highs and soul-crushing lows, Ghost Plasma was not hesitant to accept the invitation and catch up with their namesake team — they hadn’t a chance to meet since well before Race 1 or the Marble League 2022 Showdown.

(Having won 3 consecutive races in this season, we can imagine Big Plasma was as busy as they seemed.) (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Ghost Plasma was running slightly late, so they were hasty as they rolled towards the restaurant on the Tuesday evening of the week of the finale. They heard that Cell had booked a large round table for the seven of them, so the Marble Rally champion didn’t want to leave them waiting for too long.

As they arrived, Ghost Plasma was met by loud cheers and a round of applause. The team was not irked by their lack of punctuality, rather, they were delighted to see them. It was as if Ghost Plasma had already been crowned Marble Rally champion of Season 6.

“You’ve been a treat to watch this year,” remarked Fearo, the captain of Team Plasma. “Those races in the middle of the season, you were unstoppable.”

“I’m not kidding, whenever we’re together watching you go from 16th to 1st in a matter of seconds, we go as ballistic as our fans are!” Ecto exclaimed. “Sometimes we even play a game to guess how fast it takes for you to lead,” they continued, met with laughs from the rest of the team.

Following their dominant victory in the 2022 Marble League Showdown, Team Plasma entertains a visit from one of their superfans. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Ghost Plasma chuckled feebly along with the others, but couldn’t help feeling down about their last two races. Not finishing two races in a row had been a huge dent in their morale and they struggled to think of anything besides the letters “DNF”.

“Thanks, everyone, but I’ll admit, you set a tough standard with your dominance in the 2022 Showdown. I think seeing you do that helped me earlier on, but it’s getting harder and harder towards the end. I really don’t want to lose this championship like I lost the last one.”

“I know you mustn’t be too thrilled with how the races have been going lately,” Cell replied. “But that’s actually why we decided to invite you here.”

“To… give me a pep talk?”

“More or less,” Phanto confirmed. “Look, we want 2023 to be the year of the Plasma, and while the Plasma group may be in the past, it’d still be magnificent if the year of the Plasma was kicked off with a Ghost Plasma championship in the Marble Rally.”

“We’d like to do anything we can to help you for the final race,” added Gloomo.

Ghost Plasma felt a wave of gratitude towards the team. Few other athletes in the Marble Rally had such a connection to a Marble League team — a group of athletes who all knew what it was like competing at the upper echelon of marble sports.

“Thank you, all of you. I don’t want to let this championship go. I made history with those three wins in a row — I deserve to win this thing. But even the most experience in the world might not be enough to beat Superball, Slimer and Ducktape.”

With Superball leading the final race of Marble Rally Season 5, Ghost Plasma fell victim to a pair of Sector 3 helices. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“You’ve undoubtedly performed the best out of anyone. I’m sure you have what it takes—”

Ghost was interrupted by a swarm of reporters who had made their way inside; after all, it didn’t take long for the city of Fantum to realize their Marble Rally champion and Marble League Showdown champions were together at this restaurant. It seemed as if the owner was just as excited to meet the athletes to care about how bustling and crowded it had gotten.

“Ghost Plasma, it’s my pleasure,” declared Cyto, an eager reporter, as they shoved a microphone towards them. “Can we expect a Marble Rally championship this weekend?”

“How do you plan to avoid any stoppages this time?”

“Who’s your greatest competitor for the title, Plasma?”

The former champion was surrounded by a slew of questions, unable to answer anything — it was all so overwhelming. Luckily, Fearo noticed and took the mic. They looked towards the cameras facing them, smirking.

“Look everyone, Ghost Plasma is the greatest in the Marble Rally. They have one of the best spots to start from, and without a doubt, Ghost Plasma WILL become a two-time champion this weekend. You heard it here first,” remarked the captain of Team Plasma, met with cheers all around.

Hoping to make a move in the aftermath of a tall slope, Superball can’t claim the lead in Race 8 against “Pollota’s Pride” Pollo Loco. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Across Marblearth in a dimly lit bar in Supozi, Superball and their personal trainer had taken some time out together after a long training session. A marble on the television screen caught their eye though: Fearo of Team Plasma.

“…Ghost Plasma WILL become a two-time champion this weekend.” Fearo declared from the television.

“Let’s go,” Superball said curtly. “This isn’t worth our time.”

The pair of them swiftly left the bar. Superball was evidently not happy with what they had heard.

“I thought you were friendly with the other marbles?” Superball’s trainer asked. “It’s not like you to be like this.”

“It’s all fun and games until a championship is on the line. Ghost Plasma has finished in the bottom 2 overall twice, but they win three races and it’s all Plasma this, Plasma that,” responded Superball.

“Maybe, if they were truly the greatest, they wouldn’t DNF twice in a row. I’ve got more overall podiums than DNFs and I’m the only one to do it. I’m going to win the final race and prove that I am the greatest of all time.”

Superball stands atop the podium at the end of Season 5, celebrating their first Marble Rally championship. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

The defending Marble Rally champion rolled off into the shadows of Supozi city.

Six racers. One champion. Who will come out on top?

The best racer of Marble Rally Season 6 stands among these six. Choose your marble…

(Art Credit: Toffeeshop)

…and may the best racer win.

Credits

  • Writer: Ramen Powder
  • Artist: Toffeeshop
  • Photographer: Jelle’s Marble Runs
  • Reference: Marble Rally Season 6
  • Release: 07/04/2023

MRS6 Memo #9: Race 9

Reflektor dusted themself off after a hard-fought race. Despite a brilliant start, they had fallen to fifth by the end of the race. Given the circumstances, a disappointing finish, but a competitor always welcomes a top-five. 

“I almost had it!” Reflektor remarked to Slimer as they rolled to the podium. “I really could have taken another medal. That was a great race though Slimer, I didn’t even know you were there until you took my spot halfway through!”

“It was a fun one, wasn’t it? I wasn’t sure I would be able to beat you right to the very end!” Slimer replied. They had managed to snatch the third step of the podium away from Reflektor and Blizzard Blaster. However, Crazy Cat’s Eye was untouchable at the front, leading for nearly the whole race. Journalist Sandy was able to catch up with them in their podium interviews.

“That was an exhilarating race,” Crazy Cat’s Eye said as they rolled up to the podium, “I honestly didn’t know I was as far ahead as I was until I reached the finish and looked back to see my nearly two-second lead.” 

Ducktape approaches the finish as Crazy Cat’s Eye glances behind them. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“Two podiums in a row! You must be rolling on cloud nine!” said Sandy.

“Indeed I am,” replied Crazy Cat’s Eye, “and I’m feeling better than ever on the track. I’m starting to learn how important confidence is to success!”

“How was that early battle with Reflektor?” Sandy questioned. “It looked like you two were dueling pretty quickly!”

“Reflektor is a great competitor. If I’m honest, they’re unlucky not to have way more points than they do. It’s always a joy racing them, and they always put up a good fight.” Just then, the highlight of Crazy Cat’s Eye’s brilliant pass on Reflektor for the lead popped onto the screen. They smiled briefly and said chuckling, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

(Oh, it’s beautiful.) (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“It certainly is,” replied Sandy, moving on to silver medalist Ducktape.

“Hey Ducktape, fancy meeting you here again!”

“I know right? It’s becoming a sort of tradition,” laughed Ducktape. For being the second time in three races they had landed on the silver step of the podium, Ducktape was getting used to the interview process.

“You’re rolling on some very good form here lately. With one more race left, do you think you have what it takes to be the champion?”

“I see no reason why I can’t be,” Ducktape responded as they were handed the silver medal. “I’m racing great this season, one more good race and I’ll have a podium and a personal best season all in one!”

“I love the confidence, good luck in the final race,” Sandy said, rolling away to allow the podium finishers to celebrate. At about that time, the standings were revealed on the big screen. All three of the podium marbles could still win the league, and, for the first time since Race 4, Ghost Plasma had been dethroned as the points leader. Instead, just one point clear of the pack was Superball. The remaining six contenders met behind the podium.

“This’ll be fun,” remarked Superball.

“Indeed,” said Ghost Plasma, “May the best marble win.”

Crazy Cat’s Eye, Ducktape, and Slimer atop the podium for Race 9. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Credits

MRS6 Memo #8: Appreci8ion

The first victor of a Marble Rally main tournament race, Pollo Loco looked like no stranger to the podium when they approached its top step at the end of this race. With eight medals over five seasons, “Pollota’s Pride” had become known as a fan favorite athlete, even if they, to date, have never placed above seventh overall at a season’s end.

“Fans’ enthusiasm over these past seven years has been my greatest motivation,” remarked Pollo Loco. “I’ve learned that the Marble Rally can be as unpredictable as it is skill-based. But the fact that we get to race at all is a gift.”

Despite living within proximity of the Surculo Elite League from a really young age, Pollo Loco and their family never had the resources to invest in an athletic career. Mass transportation did not service their town on the city’s outskirts until mid-2018, over a year after Pollo Loco had won a Marble Rally race. Pollo Loco got their big break in an event advocating for more accessible, reliable, and sustainable transportation: in a viral video, Pollo Loco and Tour de Vellis star El Capitan outran a trolley car in a relay race.

“I had always been training on the side, waiting in the wings…I owe El Capitan every performance I’ve given in the Marble Rally. I wish they had qualified this season.”

Pollo Loco and El Capitan split the podium aside H2Blue after Race 3 of the 2018 Showdown. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

“You don’t give yourself enough credit – El Capitan would say the same thing if they were here,” said Slimer. “Or maybe it’s because you went vegan?”

Pollo Loco laughed. “Sure. That’s the payoff for four years of not eating chicken.”

We thanked Pollo Loco, applauding them as they took the top step of the podium for the first time since 2017. To our right, Sandy thanked Amethyst as they, too, approached the podium for their silver.

“Amethyst wasn’t ready to share an origin story just yet,” explained Sandy. “But they were as gracious as ever in their interview.”

Sharing their notes with us, we learned that Amethyst was just as nervous approaching this race as they were at the start of the season. But as they passed Cool Moody, Amethyst felt a sense of confidence for the first time, one that helped them reclaim a spot in the top three after a collision between Grasshopper and Lollipop propelled them from a slope. The affair nearly caused Grasshopper to spin out of the course, one race after earning their first career medal.

“That would have bugged me,” Grasshopper said. “But I’m glad I could get racing again. And I’m happy for Amethyst, too! They’re having quite the rookie season.”

Amethyst vaults back into a provisional P3 during the race. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

With Crazy Cat’s Eye already on the bronze step, we thought we’d wait until after the race to interview them. In the meantime, we sat with Superball and Wisp of Darkness, fourth and fifth-place finishers respectively.

“How does it feel to be eight points away from a repeat title?” asked Wisp, who until the final few turns of the race was close to capturing a second bronze. “I can’t imagine that feeling myself.”

“I’m lucky that I can even imagine it. But I’m not in a position to take it for granted. I appreciate that I can pursue something I’m passionate about.”

“Me too.”

Pollo Loco, Amethyst, and Crazy Cat’s Eye on the podium for Race 8. (Photo Credit: Jelle’s Marble Runs)

Credits

MRS6 Memo #7: Race 7

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)

Credits

MRS6 Memo #6: Race 6

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)

Credits

MRS6 Memo #5: Race 5

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)

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MRS6 Memo #4: Race 4

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)

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MRS6 Memo #3: Race 3

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)

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MRS6 Memo #2: Race 2

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)

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MRS6 Memo #1: Race 1

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)

Credits