Chapter VI
AN: You'll see who Yuri hooks with! Sorry, but I'm not gonna spoil it! It's not Mac though... ANYWAY! I just thought it would be fun to add her little "crush" into it! Just to add in some human feelings! C'mon, who DOESN'T have a crush on Mac?? ^_^ Does anyone know how old Nate actually is? I'm kinda curious! I love you reviewers! You are sooooo cool! Yay!
After the race, it was freestyle in Peak One. Atomika had beeped Mac and wanted to know how the race turned out. Atomika sent us individual messages, stating that that day was merely a practice run, to learn the slopes and uncover what we can. Anything we did wouldn't count for the league points. That didn't stop us, though. Kaori had asked me earlier if I wanted to join her for a practice run downhill on one of the easier courses. I accepted, wanting to know if I could actually beat the "Tricky" Nishidake.
"Alpine or freestyle?" Kaori asked as we warmed-up.
"I hate alpine boards! They actually make me feel like I'm going slower!" I said, "I prefer BX, actually,"
"Oh really?" Kaori smiled, "I'm more keen on the tricks. I do not go for speed,"
"Tricks aren't my strong point," I admitted, "I can go just as fast with a BX board then an alpine board,"
Kaori nodded, "Alpine boards are too big and heavy. It makes me not perform well,"
We took our places. This was it. Just me and Kaori! "We are performing tricks, not racing!" Kaori said.
Uh oh.... Tricks were never really my strong spot...
"Three!" Kaori shouted, strapping on her pink tinted goggles.
Oh no...
"Two!"
Oh noooo...
"One!"
OH NO!!!
"Go!"
I pushed myself out of the gates slowly, not wanting Kaori to think I was TOO competitive. I bent my knees, preparing for the first jump. This was gonna was tough...
I jumped, performing a 1080 forward flip stiffy. Not bad, but I could do better. I hit the snow roughly, but managed to keep my stance. Kaori was ahead of me, tricking out on the level ground! She executed a left side 360 with no effort! I knew already that I was gonna lose right there. Kaori looked back at me, smiled, and waved.
Damn her innocent ways!!
There was a steep wooden ramp up ahead. Kaori tried to swerve into it, but missed. I heard her curse slightly-which surprised me-as she missed her opportunity.
I nailed the ramp, and thought I could finally get my Lounge-about Spinster right.
Wrong.
Just I was performing the body board spin, I hit the snow. My body was on fire!!!
I knew I didn't break anything, and I knew I didn't fracture anything, so I figured I was okay.
I got up slowly, dusting the snow off my jacket. Instead, I jogged back for me board, and realized the worst. My board had a nice long crack on the side. It hadn't split (thank God!) and it was probably okay to board with still, but the board wasn't the same. I latched my boots on the board again and took off, watching Kaori perform the Pirouette Grind from behind. That had to be one of my favorites! Maybe, just maybe, Kaori would teach it to me one day. However, at the time, I had more important things to worry about.
It was impossible! I could not beat Kaori! She was far ahead of me, though I knew it didn't matter. It was all about tricks, not speed. Tricks, not speed. All I had to do was keep that in mind and I'd be good to go...
The next ramp was approaching fast, and I had little time to think what I was going to do. I jumped into the air and performed the trick Eric and I had been trying to do for years.
The Unethical Experimental.
I hit the ground hard, but I was okay. I actually performed the Unethical Experimental! One of my favorite moves from last year's tour! However, when I looked up and saw Kaori do the Nac-Nac, I knew that it was over already. The finish line was in view, and I had only nailed two moves.
Dammit!
Kaori swerved around and smiled. "So? How'd it go?"
I frowned, "Not good. I only got one or two moves down,"
Kaori laughed a little, "Don't worry, you will improve in time."
"Thanks," I offered a weak smile, and Kaori and I left the course, eager to find some other challenge to go for.
It was nearly 11 o'clock when the boarders were all finally in the lodge. Psymon had been the last one in, trudging through the carpet with his snow filled boots. He was mumbling slightly, and he looked exhausted. Instead of sitting down at the couch and warming up at the fireplace with the rest of us, Psymon threw his board in the corner with everyone else's and made way for his room.
"Rough day?" Zoe shouted over her shoulder towards the rooms.
Psymon didn't respond.
Zoe exchanged glances with Moby and shrugged.
"So? How was everyone's first day, eh?" Atomika said brightly, clasping his hands together.
"Man, you shoulda seen me! I was a blur on the track!!!"
Three guesses who was talking...
"Right, Griff, I'm sure you were," Mac said sarcastically. I knew off the bat Mac and Griff hated each other with a passion, and that was putting it mildly. Kaori shook her head disapprovingly.
Allegra scoffed, "Griff you shouldn't talk when you suck,"
Atomika cleared his throat, "Now, before we get into another argument, I have another announcement."
Griff was scrambling for Allegra, wanting to clamp his hands around her neck, I could see in his eyes.
Nate held him back, "Griff, man, it's not worth it,"
Griff nodded gruffly and sat down, folding his arms and continuing to pout.
Atomika shook his head and sighed, "I received this message from the officials this morning," he said, "they want to know whether or not we've picked a new poster boarder,"
"What?" Elise jumped up, "I thought-"
"You thought wrong, Elise," Atomika said, "Now please sit down. You know for a fact that being a poster boarder doesn't last long,"
"Yeah, we know," Moby said fiercely.
"Don't worry about it, Elise. Everyone knows you were one of the best," Zoe said.
Elise nodded, "You know it..."
Atomika continued, "Now if anyone wants to volunteer who WASN'T A POSTER BOARDER EVER-" Elise had raised her hand immediately, "-then you're welcome to sign up in my office."
Allegra snorted, "I'm in,"
Griff laughed, "YOU? Allegra, you're not as cute as this little thang right here! You know they'd pick me over you! I'm cute AND I'm the youngest!"
"I dunno about the cute part, kid. We all kinda find you annoying," Zoe mumbled.
"Besides," Moby teased, "We want to ATTRACT an audience, not scare them away,"
Griff glowered, looking very upset.
Kaori and I exchanged glances and confined our giggles.
"Does anyone want to volunteer now?" Atomika said. I shook my head immediately. "Griff, you ARE welcome to volunteer, you know. You don't HAVE to listen to Moby,"
Griff folded his arms and glared at Moby.
Atomika sighed and shook his head. "Alright, Allegra. Let's talk later in my office tomorrow morning, okay? I'll see if you're what the officials are looking for,"
"Blegh! Who in the hell would want THAT as a poster girl?"
Allegra narrowed her eyes. "Bring it on, Elise,"
"This girl is asking for it!" Elise stood up, daring Allegra to move.
I had to admit, things were getting tense in the league. Between Griff and Mac, and Allegra and Elise, I couldn't tell which rivalry was more heated. I had to admit, I didn't like Allegra either. I was kind of thankful too that Psymon had chosen not to attend the meeting. Now THAT would've been a disaster waiting to happen.
"Why don't we just stop this now before it gets out of hand?" Atomika muttered. "I'm tired of these rivalries! Why can't you just bash each others heads in on the slopes when the camera is rolling and just leave it be neutral when you come here?"
Despite everyone's shock at what Atomika had just said, Moby, Griff, and Mac couldn't stop laughing at Elise's expression.
Moby was trying (and failing miserably) to keep a straight face while Griff nearly choked on his own laughter. Mac sputtered on his steaming cup of hot chocolate, covering his mouth with his hands as he chortled.
This caused Kaori to giggle uncontrollably, and I couldn't help but snicker at Mac's predicament. The poor guy had steaming hot chocolate pouring from his nose! Zoe joined the laughter soon enough, and then came Nate. Viggo was smirking, containing his amusement fairly well.
The only people restraining their laughter seemed to be Allegra, Elise, and Atomika.
Elise was glowering, while Allegra retaliated with the finger.
"Allegra!" Atomika roared, "There is absolutely NO need for such a gesture!"
Allegra scoffed as she turned on her heel and made her way to her lodge room.
Tears pouring from Mac's eyes, he stood up and bent over, leaning over his knees.
Griff looked like some fictional character was tickling him to death. He was rolling about the couch (much to Elise's annoyance) laughing just as hard as ever.
Zoe nearly toppled off the lounge chair she was sitting in, clutching her stomach and pointing at Mac's nose. Moby managed to control himself, but as soon as he caught a glimpse of Mac's face again, he fell off the couch and pounded the floor, his voice becoming raspy. "Oh, bloody hell! Would yah look at the little bugger now!"
Nate was laughing as well, massaging his forehead once again like he did with Griff the first day I met him.
Kaori and I were leaning against each other for support. Both of us weren't able to carry our own selves. Mac was laughing so hard and yet murmuring, "Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot,"
Mac finally gave up and screamed, "IT BURNS!" and collapsed on the floor. Moby wheezed, choking back his laughter as the tears poured out of his eyes.
Atomika chuckled slightly, but that was the best we had got out of him that night. He was obviously still furious with Elise and Allegra.
I couldn't believe Atomika found Mac choking on hot chocolate not funny! The guy had chocolate running from his nose for crying out loud!
Elise gave up and stalked to her room, ignoring Mac as much as possible.
"You-shoulda-seen-her-face!" Mac managed to say in between his laughs.
Griff was still rolling on the couch like a dog. "Yeah! She looked like this!" He scrunched his face up and burrowed his eyebrows, and it WAS a funny sight to tell you the truth.
Suddenly, Nate froze.
"Wait!!!" Nate shouted, "Did Mac and Griff just AGREE ON SOMETHING?"
Griff stopped laughing in horror. Mac did the same, wiping his chocolate nose with the back of his hand.
"I didn't find it funny.... Now that I think about it, it wasn't THAT funny," Mac muttered, glaring at Griff.
I sighed, leaning to Kaori, "Those two must really hate each other!!"
"Yes, they make Allegra and Elise look like good friends!"
Atomika heaved another heavy sigh and looked at each and every one of us. "Well, I suppose that settles it. Allegra will be our new poster girl since no one else is volunteering."
"What about Griff?" Moby asked innocently.
"I AM NOT VOLUNTEERING ANYMORE!" Griff shouted at Moby.
Moby shrugged, "Well, if that's all you wanted to talk about, I suppose I should be going to bed, eh?"
Atomika nodded. "By the way, tomorrow morning there will be a list on the coffee table. The list will consist of the racers that are due to race at the Happiness course tomorrow at 9 o'clock. Understood?"
We all nodded solemnly and grabbed our gear and shuffled to our rooms. "Congratulations, Allegra!" Griff shouted at her door when we passed it, "You're the new poster girl!"
Allegra must've been very upset. She didn't open the door to yell at Griff or anything! Griff and I both raised our eyebrows.
"What's wrong with her?" Griff whispered. I shrugged as Nate came up behind Griff.
"Hey, you two. You guys gotta get some sleep. Especially you, Yuri,"
"Why?"
"Because," Nate smiled brightly, handing me a piece of paper that had a hasty message scrawled on it.
(...)
"Whoa! Yuri, you're eyes just got as big as headlights, man!!" Griff said loudly, "What's up?"
"The worst day of my life will be tomorrow." I mumbled sadly. "Nate, where did you find this?"
"Taped to your door,"
AN: You'll see who Yuri hooks with! Sorry, but I'm not gonna spoil it! It's not Mac though... ANYWAY! I just thought it would be fun to add her little "crush" into it! Just to add in some human feelings! C'mon, who DOESN'T have a crush on Mac?? ^_^ Does anyone know how old Nate actually is? I'm kinda curious! I love you reviewers! You are sooooo cool! Yay!
After the race, it was freestyle in Peak One. Atomika had beeped Mac and wanted to know how the race turned out. Atomika sent us individual messages, stating that that day was merely a practice run, to learn the slopes and uncover what we can. Anything we did wouldn't count for the league points. That didn't stop us, though. Kaori had asked me earlier if I wanted to join her for a practice run downhill on one of the easier courses. I accepted, wanting to know if I could actually beat the "Tricky" Nishidake.
"Alpine or freestyle?" Kaori asked as we warmed-up.
"I hate alpine boards! They actually make me feel like I'm going slower!" I said, "I prefer BX, actually,"
"Oh really?" Kaori smiled, "I'm more keen on the tricks. I do not go for speed,"
"Tricks aren't my strong point," I admitted, "I can go just as fast with a BX board then an alpine board,"
Kaori nodded, "Alpine boards are too big and heavy. It makes me not perform well,"
We took our places. This was it. Just me and Kaori! "We are performing tricks, not racing!" Kaori said.
Uh oh.... Tricks were never really my strong spot...
"Three!" Kaori shouted, strapping on her pink tinted goggles.
Oh no...
"Two!"
Oh noooo...
"One!"
OH NO!!!
"Go!"
I pushed myself out of the gates slowly, not wanting Kaori to think I was TOO competitive. I bent my knees, preparing for the first jump. This was gonna was tough...
I jumped, performing a 1080 forward flip stiffy. Not bad, but I could do better. I hit the snow roughly, but managed to keep my stance. Kaori was ahead of me, tricking out on the level ground! She executed a left side 360 with no effort! I knew already that I was gonna lose right there. Kaori looked back at me, smiled, and waved.
Damn her innocent ways!!
There was a steep wooden ramp up ahead. Kaori tried to swerve into it, but missed. I heard her curse slightly-which surprised me-as she missed her opportunity.
I nailed the ramp, and thought I could finally get my Lounge-about Spinster right.
Wrong.
Just I was performing the body board spin, I hit the snow. My body was on fire!!!
I knew I didn't break anything, and I knew I didn't fracture anything, so I figured I was okay.
I got up slowly, dusting the snow off my jacket. Instead, I jogged back for me board, and realized the worst. My board had a nice long crack on the side. It hadn't split (thank God!) and it was probably okay to board with still, but the board wasn't the same. I latched my boots on the board again and took off, watching Kaori perform the Pirouette Grind from behind. That had to be one of my favorites! Maybe, just maybe, Kaori would teach it to me one day. However, at the time, I had more important things to worry about.
It was impossible! I could not beat Kaori! She was far ahead of me, though I knew it didn't matter. It was all about tricks, not speed. Tricks, not speed. All I had to do was keep that in mind and I'd be good to go...
The next ramp was approaching fast, and I had little time to think what I was going to do. I jumped into the air and performed the trick Eric and I had been trying to do for years.
The Unethical Experimental.
I hit the ground hard, but I was okay. I actually performed the Unethical Experimental! One of my favorite moves from last year's tour! However, when I looked up and saw Kaori do the Nac-Nac, I knew that it was over already. The finish line was in view, and I had only nailed two moves.
Dammit!
Kaori swerved around and smiled. "So? How'd it go?"
I frowned, "Not good. I only got one or two moves down,"
Kaori laughed a little, "Don't worry, you will improve in time."
"Thanks," I offered a weak smile, and Kaori and I left the course, eager to find some other challenge to go for.
It was nearly 11 o'clock when the boarders were all finally in the lodge. Psymon had been the last one in, trudging through the carpet with his snow filled boots. He was mumbling slightly, and he looked exhausted. Instead of sitting down at the couch and warming up at the fireplace with the rest of us, Psymon threw his board in the corner with everyone else's and made way for his room.
"Rough day?" Zoe shouted over her shoulder towards the rooms.
Psymon didn't respond.
Zoe exchanged glances with Moby and shrugged.
"So? How was everyone's first day, eh?" Atomika said brightly, clasping his hands together.
"Man, you shoulda seen me! I was a blur on the track!!!"
Three guesses who was talking...
"Right, Griff, I'm sure you were," Mac said sarcastically. I knew off the bat Mac and Griff hated each other with a passion, and that was putting it mildly. Kaori shook her head disapprovingly.
Allegra scoffed, "Griff you shouldn't talk when you suck,"
Atomika cleared his throat, "Now, before we get into another argument, I have another announcement."
Griff was scrambling for Allegra, wanting to clamp his hands around her neck, I could see in his eyes.
Nate held him back, "Griff, man, it's not worth it,"
Griff nodded gruffly and sat down, folding his arms and continuing to pout.
Atomika shook his head and sighed, "I received this message from the officials this morning," he said, "they want to know whether or not we've picked a new poster boarder,"
"What?" Elise jumped up, "I thought-"
"You thought wrong, Elise," Atomika said, "Now please sit down. You know for a fact that being a poster boarder doesn't last long,"
"Yeah, we know," Moby said fiercely.
"Don't worry about it, Elise. Everyone knows you were one of the best," Zoe said.
Elise nodded, "You know it..."
Atomika continued, "Now if anyone wants to volunteer who WASN'T A POSTER BOARDER EVER-" Elise had raised her hand immediately, "-then you're welcome to sign up in my office."
Allegra snorted, "I'm in,"
Griff laughed, "YOU? Allegra, you're not as cute as this little thang right here! You know they'd pick me over you! I'm cute AND I'm the youngest!"
"I dunno about the cute part, kid. We all kinda find you annoying," Zoe mumbled.
"Besides," Moby teased, "We want to ATTRACT an audience, not scare them away,"
Griff glowered, looking very upset.
Kaori and I exchanged glances and confined our giggles.
"Does anyone want to volunteer now?" Atomika said. I shook my head immediately. "Griff, you ARE welcome to volunteer, you know. You don't HAVE to listen to Moby,"
Griff folded his arms and glared at Moby.
Atomika sighed and shook his head. "Alright, Allegra. Let's talk later in my office tomorrow morning, okay? I'll see if you're what the officials are looking for,"
"Blegh! Who in the hell would want THAT as a poster girl?"
Allegra narrowed her eyes. "Bring it on, Elise,"
"This girl is asking for it!" Elise stood up, daring Allegra to move.
I had to admit, things were getting tense in the league. Between Griff and Mac, and Allegra and Elise, I couldn't tell which rivalry was more heated. I had to admit, I didn't like Allegra either. I was kind of thankful too that Psymon had chosen not to attend the meeting. Now THAT would've been a disaster waiting to happen.
"Why don't we just stop this now before it gets out of hand?" Atomika muttered. "I'm tired of these rivalries! Why can't you just bash each others heads in on the slopes when the camera is rolling and just leave it be neutral when you come here?"
Despite everyone's shock at what Atomika had just said, Moby, Griff, and Mac couldn't stop laughing at Elise's expression.
Moby was trying (and failing miserably) to keep a straight face while Griff nearly choked on his own laughter. Mac sputtered on his steaming cup of hot chocolate, covering his mouth with his hands as he chortled.
This caused Kaori to giggle uncontrollably, and I couldn't help but snicker at Mac's predicament. The poor guy had steaming hot chocolate pouring from his nose! Zoe joined the laughter soon enough, and then came Nate. Viggo was smirking, containing his amusement fairly well.
The only people restraining their laughter seemed to be Allegra, Elise, and Atomika.
Elise was glowering, while Allegra retaliated with the finger.
"Allegra!" Atomika roared, "There is absolutely NO need for such a gesture!"
Allegra scoffed as she turned on her heel and made her way to her lodge room.
Tears pouring from Mac's eyes, he stood up and bent over, leaning over his knees.
Griff looked like some fictional character was tickling him to death. He was rolling about the couch (much to Elise's annoyance) laughing just as hard as ever.
Zoe nearly toppled off the lounge chair she was sitting in, clutching her stomach and pointing at Mac's nose. Moby managed to control himself, but as soon as he caught a glimpse of Mac's face again, he fell off the couch and pounded the floor, his voice becoming raspy. "Oh, bloody hell! Would yah look at the little bugger now!"
Nate was laughing as well, massaging his forehead once again like he did with Griff the first day I met him.
Kaori and I were leaning against each other for support. Both of us weren't able to carry our own selves. Mac was laughing so hard and yet murmuring, "Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot,"
Mac finally gave up and screamed, "IT BURNS!" and collapsed on the floor. Moby wheezed, choking back his laughter as the tears poured out of his eyes.
Atomika chuckled slightly, but that was the best we had got out of him that night. He was obviously still furious with Elise and Allegra.
I couldn't believe Atomika found Mac choking on hot chocolate not funny! The guy had chocolate running from his nose for crying out loud!
Elise gave up and stalked to her room, ignoring Mac as much as possible.
"You-shoulda-seen-her-face!" Mac managed to say in between his laughs.
Griff was still rolling on the couch like a dog. "Yeah! She looked like this!" He scrunched his face up and burrowed his eyebrows, and it WAS a funny sight to tell you the truth.
Suddenly, Nate froze.
"Wait!!!" Nate shouted, "Did Mac and Griff just AGREE ON SOMETHING?"
Griff stopped laughing in horror. Mac did the same, wiping his chocolate nose with the back of his hand.
"I didn't find it funny.... Now that I think about it, it wasn't THAT funny," Mac muttered, glaring at Griff.
I sighed, leaning to Kaori, "Those two must really hate each other!!"
"Yes, they make Allegra and Elise look like good friends!"
Atomika heaved another heavy sigh and looked at each and every one of us. "Well, I suppose that settles it. Allegra will be our new poster girl since no one else is volunteering."
"What about Griff?" Moby asked innocently.
"I AM NOT VOLUNTEERING ANYMORE!" Griff shouted at Moby.
Moby shrugged, "Well, if that's all you wanted to talk about, I suppose I should be going to bed, eh?"
Atomika nodded. "By the way, tomorrow morning there will be a list on the coffee table. The list will consist of the racers that are due to race at the Happiness course tomorrow at 9 o'clock. Understood?"
We all nodded solemnly and grabbed our gear and shuffled to our rooms. "Congratulations, Allegra!" Griff shouted at her door when we passed it, "You're the new poster girl!"
Allegra must've been very upset. She didn't open the door to yell at Griff or anything! Griff and I both raised our eyebrows.
"What's wrong with her?" Griff whispered. I shrugged as Nate came up behind Griff.
"Hey, you two. You guys gotta get some sleep. Especially you, Yuri,"
"Why?"
"Because," Nate smiled brightly, handing me a piece of paper that had a hasty message scrawled on it.
(...)
"Whoa! Yuri, you're eyes just got as big as headlights, man!!" Griff said loudly, "What's up?"
"The worst day of my life will be tomorrow." I mumbled sadly. "Nate, where did you find this?"
"Taped to your door,"