Welcome back, my lovely reader!
There's a lot of drama coming to a head in this episode my lovely. The league is going to finally drop that new rule in place and it's going to come with quite a few ramifications. I wonder if they realize just how far-reaching that rule will go though.
A certain rabbit is already making moves in the shadows though. Wait- You think I'm talking about the league drama... uh, yeah! Yeah, TOTALLY talking about the league drama, uh huh... yep.
Let's jump right in!
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Episode 11:
It's Not Just About Us
Slalom competition six.
Charles slammed his gloved paw into his open one before offering a fist pump as the score dropped on the final run. "Yeah! How do you like that?" He roared out as the fans screamed their approval, coming in a full tenth of a second faster to cinch the gold medal.
"Congratulations, big guy. Feel you've gotten some validation?" Kai mewed out as he perched next to him in the bronze position.
"Hmph... you punks just shook things up, but now that I've got my head together, things will be different." Charles scoffed and folded his arms.
"We'll see how that goes next time, won't we?" Hiroshi grumbled beside Kai, not even getting a medal and sitting fourth in this competition.
"Heh, I almost got you this time, mate. You sure you're one hundred again? A tenth isn't much." Ellery showed a cocky little grin as he put a gloved paw on his hip.
"It's an eternity when the medal is on the line," Charles grumbled but didn't seem to have the will to keep his trash-talking up.
Slalom competition seven.
"Damn it!" Charles snarled out with his paws clenched, glaring at Ellery in the top spot.
"Oi, come off it man, this is my first gold of the season, you really gonna hate on me for finally one-upping your tail?" The buck offered a playful grin, the other deer next to him giving a snort.
"I think he's just salty he didn't medal at all this time," Hiroshi said casually.
"Hey, I'm salty I ended up with a bronze again! Two bronze does not make a gold, so there's at least that, big guy!" The leopard offered the other big cat a grin.
Slalom competition eight.
"Happy you finally got a gold, you big cry baby?" Charles grumbled as he folded his arms.
"Happy to be back on the podium Mr. Silver?" The leopard offered the lion a smirk, playfully shoving the bigger cat, the step up making them eye level.
"I need to step it up, but at least I beat out that other dumb deer." Hiroshi drolled out with a sigh.
"I heard that! You are on mic after all, you dipstick!" Ellery called out from the group of other riders with a laugh.
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"Hello everyone and welcome to beautiful Mt Ockenfold!" The perky young rabbit called out from the small desk that overlooked the ski resort, "Hi! I'm three-time Olympic medalist, Harley Andrews-"
"And I'm five-time Olympic medalist, Chaz Dalton, I only say that because I'm required to," the graying calico spoke out in his marquee greeting with a lazy grin.
"Chaz! The points totals and placements have been crazy! I don't know who to expect to see on that podium from one week to the next! We've got so many really good and cute boys this season!" Harley squeaked out while clenching her fists with a grin.
"I dunno about the cute part, Harley, but it's been crazy ever since those two from half-pipe came over, I'll admit!" Chaz followed up with a grin.
"I love it, it's so boring when one person is just clearly winning all the time. I'm sure the viewers at home will agree!" She hummed as she looked into the camera.
"Depends on who they're fans of, now doesn't it?" The calico nodded.
"Charles Mallory is still holding the points lead, but his grip is slipping by the day! Think Mr. Dynamite is going to be able to hold off?" Harley asked Chaz.
"There are still six more competitions left, so he'll have to keep it together. The other riders like Ellery Brown are stepping it up, and the two newcomers are gaining on the points leaders fast. I think the second half of this season is going to be a wild ride," Chaz spoke with excitement in his own voice as he looked to the camera.
"Speaking of wild rides, did you see that stunt Kayla Hannah pulled off in the slopestyle earlier today?" Harley asked the other sportscaster.
"Those leopards are nothing to mess with huh? She and her brother both are something else! I hope Kai will step it up today as well, so his sister doesn't outdo him!" Chaz laughed out.
Kai stood before the TV in the staging area, his tail going rigid at the thought of it. Kayla had placed a monster score even Madeline couldn't compete with, so his tail was safe for now, but Madeline had reminded him as soon as she bested him-
He gave a sharp mew at the sudden paw on his shoulder, jumping a little from the touch, "Holy shit!"
"Oi! Easy mate, was just saying hi, no need to throw paws!" Ellery jumped back a little with both gloved paws up and open.
The leopard frowned at the buck and gave a nod, before composing himself. "S-Sorry, you caught me daydreaming and spooked me."
"Should you have your head in the clouds before a run, Kai? Good way to find yourself end over end in some netting or snow, eh?" Ellery offered a laugh as his paws shifted back to his own hips.
"Probably not, just got a lot on my mind I guess..." Kai rubbed the back of his head with a frown.
"Well, get your mind on today, I'm going to beat you, but if I find out you're not at one hundred, I'll break my board over your head, Kai!" Charles roared out with a challenging grin, some of the words jovial but also keeping that edge like he might just be serious.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'd love replacing that board of yours, big guy. I've got a hard fucking head so it'd break first," Kai hissed out with his own challenging grin.
Charles frowned at that and looked to his board with a hiss. "Hmm... well given that new decision is coming down in a few days, won't do me any good anyway, huh?"
Kai frowned at that and so did Ellery, neither of them really knowing what to say to the subject. Charles was like a lot of riders, using a custom board and being forced to adapt or leave the league.
"Do you think you could handle a commercial one? I think the Astral series might be a good fit given the type of board you use." Hiroshi spoke up finally as he walked into the conversation with a cup of tea.
"You been snooping on my board, Hiroshi?" Charles grumbled.
"Yeah, actually. I was pawing on it while you were in the bathroom. Wanted to think of a good commercial brand you might be able to use, wouldn't be the same, but it'd be easier than others." The buck shrugged as he stepped over to Kai.
"I'm sure you guys would love for me to just bail so you can catch up, wouldn't you?" Charles scoffed as he looked at the trio.
"I'll beat your stupid ass fair and square, not over league bullshit, mate!" Ellery showed the lion a challenging grin.
"We all know it's bullshit, Charles, but if you need help breaking in an Astral, I'd be willing to work with you in some friendly competitions," Kai said.
"I don't need your pity!" The lion snarled and clenched his fists.
"Big difference between pity and honest support, you neanderthal." Hiroshi rolled his eyes as he drolled out.
"Hey, hey! Break it up ladies, we need to start this show, so hold hands later!" The lead event staffer yelled out, giving the lion a glare.
"Yeah, yeah, I wasn't going to start a fight, pull your panties out of your tailhole!" Charles hissed as he stomped over to his own board.