Tag Archives: Jelle’s Marble Runs

ML2024 Memo #3: The Guarding of The Change

As the sun began its setting, three picnic-bound hikers began a slow-paced ascent up the side of the imposing Mt. Bonsel. To the right of their trail was its steep upwards slope; in the far distance, across swathes of rainforest valley, were its sibling mountains. The worst of the summer heat had passed with the early evening, but even now the three hikers kept to the shade…

Harmonic Resonance: A Final Interview with the Balls of Chaos’ Old Coach

November 21st, 2024: 9:20, Eccentric’s Apartment Like many Balls of Chaos fans out here in Hunluen, I was shocked by the sudden rumors that sprung up this morning that the long tenured coach of our Balls of Chaos, Harmony, was stepping down. Did Harmony finally give up on our heroes? Did Entropy give Harmony theContinue reading “Harmonic Resonance: A Final Interview with the Balls of Chaos’ Old Coach”

ML2024 Memo #2: War and Ice

Under fluorescent lights, Snowdrift and Snowblast wandered the labyrinthine corridors of the Moraine Domain full of bubbling, mutual excitement, silver medals glinting in unison.  “You know, I feel bad it wasn’t Snowfall with me, but maybe it’s a good thing we get to be apart. You’re a fun teammate,” mused Snowdrift excitedly. “And now IContinue reading “ML2024 Memo #2: War and Ice”

ML2024 Memo #1: The More Things Change

After the Ice Dash ended, Billy found Smoggy in the Hazers’ common room as usual, slumped dejectedly against the couch watching local news play no louder than a hum. 

“Hello, Billy,” Smoggy greeted them, not turning their gaze from the TV.

ML2023 Memo #16: Faster Than the Eye Can Bee

Watching Red Eye, Bumble and Pinky Panther vanish with their coaches into the podium preparation room, one they hadn’t come close to stepping into themselves, left Speedy feeling strangely deflated. Another championship was on the line and they’d only advanced a single place in the order. Keeping the overall bronze was a cold comfort, though they were sure they’d feel differently on the podium later.

It was Rapidly who approached them first after the race, bringing them off to the side.

ML2023 Memo #14: Shadow of a Doubt

They’re going to be the first Marble League champions to not win a single event. It’s as if with every revolution around the bell that statement made its own loop back into their minds, a reminder of what they couldn’t reach four times over this season. At least those saying it admitted to their eventualContinue reading “ML2023 Memo #14: Shadow of a Doubt”

ML2023 Memo #15: Penultimatum

At the bottom of the sand slope, still covered with a thin film of sand, Pinky Toe was greeted enthusiastically by the rest of their team. A mood soured by anxiety after their first-race wipeout only made their victorious comeback sweeter, and the Rosakan team was by far the loudest amongst those greeting their racersContinue reading “ML2023 Memo #15: Penultimatum”

ML2023 Memo #13: To Roll and Roll Again

As Snowdrift took a long and deliberate breath the contours of their mind began to sharpen. The fuzzy edges of their frenzied flurry towards the finish line became clearer and cleaner. There was no single fatal mistake, but they simply hadn’t kept up in such a field of four that was enough to guarantee elimination. 

ML2023 Memo #12: Rolling Waves In The Tide of Change

One left, two rights. A full rotation and back to the left.  Even now, they can remember it as clearly as day.  “I need you to take over the team,” Rosa had asked, quiet and resolute. “My resignation letter is on Promise’s desk.”  To say they hadn’t seen the resignation coming would be a lie.Continue reading “ML2023 Memo #12: Rolling Waves In The Tide of Change”