Chapter 17
Elise snorted, "As if,"
"You bitch!" Allegra shrieked as she lunged for Elise.
"Oh no you don't!" Elise yelled back as she made a grab for one of Allegra's braids.
I sighed pathetically and leaned back in the lift's chair and turned my attention to Kaori, who was happily watching the lights that were coming from below.
"They're at it again," I mumbled.
"Nani?"
"They're at it again," I said a little louder.
Kaori giggled, "They are not alike at all. I think Elise may hate Allegra more than Marisol,"
"Damn straight!" Elise screamed as she ripped off one of Allegra's jelly bracelets, "Anything is better than this disgraceful red head!"
"You're nothing but a stuck up whore!" Allegra shouted.
Psymon laughed, "You gonna let her say that Elise?"
"You," Elise snarled, "are by far the most pathetic piece of shit that ever crossed my path,"
Allegra screamed and made another lunge for Elise. "You're just some snobby rich model girl who's too good for everyone!"
"That's enough!" Kaori shouted.
Everyone froze. Even Griff stopped swinging around the pole.
"You are wrong about Ellie," Kaori said slowly, her eyes glinting with warning, "She is not like that! You do not know her, Allegra! You do not know any of us!"
Elise stared at Kaori in shock. I widened my eyes and exchanged glances with Griff, who was just as stunned as I was.
"Well, Allegra," Psymon said smugly, "I believe that's your cue for an apology,"
Allegra glanced at Psymon and then at Kaori. She glimpsed at me narrowed her eyes.
"What?" I said innocently.
Allegra's eyes faltered. I could see in her eyes that she knew Kaori was right. Elise wasn't like that. She just made everyone assume she was. I thought back to my short conversation I had with Psymon back at the lodge when I was thanking him for saving me. "You shouldn't believe everything the media says about everyone in the league. They barely know us."
"I..." Allegra murmured, "I-I'm...sorry, Kaori,"
I knew how painful this must've been for her, apologizing to her enemy. I didn't quite understand what Allegra had a grudge against me for.
"Don't apologize to Kaori," I said quietly, "you should be apologizing to Elise,"
Elise smiled triumphantly when Allegra glared at her.
"Apologize," Elise commanded.
Allegra, despite her quivering fist, sighed and muttered, "Sorry,"
"Happy, Ellie?" Kaori grinned.
Elise nodded. "Now all I want to do is shove your face in the snow,"
"I may not know you," Allegra said dangerously, "but that doesn't change the fact that I still think you are a bitch,"
"No," Kaori giggled, "Ellie can be like that sometimes,"
"WHAT?" Elise shrieked. Kaori dove behind me and shivered.
"No, Ellie! Do not hurt me! I was joking!"
Psymon snickered, "Well, THAT was interesting,"
"WAIT!" Griff shouted, "LISTEN TO YOUR M-COMMS! ATOMIKA IS INTERVIEWING YURI'S FAMILY!"
***
"So," Atomika cleared his throat, "I saw you with Yuri when I first met her, right?"
"Yeah," Eric put on his best smile, "I was with her when you first noticed her. I watched her tear it up on the mountain."
Atomika nodded, "So, how would you rate against your sister?"
"We're cousins," Eric said quickly, "She's not my sister. She's his sister," he said, motioning to Ryan.
Ryan grinned, "Yeah, she's my sister. To tell you the truth, Yuri is pretty awesome. You saw her skill already, I'm sure,"
Roy stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged, "I can beat her,"
"Oh?" Atomika sounded interested now as he turned his attention to Roy. "You really think so?"
Roy nodded. "Yeah, sure," he mumbled, "but you can't even touch her when she's racing. She's weird,"
"I'm sure that's something she'd like to hear coming from you," Atomika said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, well, we love each other,"
"We all snowboard," Ryan explained, "We never dreamed Yuri would make it into the SSX circuit,"
Roy shrugged, "I have to admit I'm a little envious,"
"That's to be expected. We're glad you're here. I've heard a lot about you,"
"Uh-oh..." Eric sighed, "...she didn't say anything good about us, did she?"
Roy, Ryan and Eric started laughing.
"I can see that you are all good friends," Atomika commented.
"We're not good friends at all," Roy muttered.
"Yeah," Ryan said afterwards.
"We're family," Eric finished.
***
"Wow, you are so lucky to have such nice cousins," Kaori beamed as she turned off her M-comm.
"That was them?" I said, "That was them at The Junction?"
"What'd you think?" Psymon said irritably, "They were interviewing them on the goddamn moon?"
I rolled my eyes and ignored Psymon.
Kaori nodded, "They are waiting for you to win, Panda,"
"Me? Win?"
"You can do this no prob," Griff said, "but I can bet you my giant super-soaker that you won't score higher than me,"
"Alright," I declared, clasping Griff's hand in a deal, "You're on,"
***
We finally arrived at The Junction (with some threatening feuds between Allegra and Elise once again) and I looked frantically for my family. I didn't see anyone, but I was sure they were around there somewhere.
Meanwhile, Kaori drug me off to the sign in gates where we would have to warm up and watch our fellow competitors. We were secluded, but the crowds were roaring with excitement. It was really nerve-wrecking to actually be the one on the spotlight. I remembered back to my first time coming to one of the SSX Tricky Tour races. Roy's dad had taken us to one. It was loud, sure, but it didn't matter to me. The fact that there were bright lights and clear skies was all that was floating around my head that particular day.
But now, as I stood there facing the crowd for the first time, I felt like running away and ducking under my bed. It was so loud and...intimidating. It wasn't bright and sunny, but dark and flashy.
The Junction itself was colossal. Griff was too busy arguing with Psymon about hand plants to notice.
"Bet you can't do a hand plant for more than five seconds," Psymon sneered as he stretched his neck.
"Oh yeah?" Griff piped up as he stopped waxing his board, "You're on!"
Elise shook her head, "That kid's gonna one helluva mouth,"
"Yes," Kaori nodded, "He could rival Mac's mouth,"
Elise scoffed, "Not likely. Mac's mouth is the epiphany of huge,"
I kept staring up at the audience as I waited anxiously for my name to be called. The security guards had to check our Peak Passes once again as we warmed up. The crowd was growing restless.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen," Atomika's voice boomed over the speakers. Automatically, people began cheering. "It is time for the first run of today's event,"
I glanced over at Kaori, who only smiled and flashed a grin.
"Today's first run up will be the Bombshell herself, Miss Elise Riggs!"
Elise groaned, "I hate going first! Putting all this pressure on everyone!"
***
It turned out Elise had done horrible. Even though I was busy scanning the crowds for any sign of my family, I couldn't ignore the sound from the audience. I could tell by their gasps and sighs that Elise hadn't fared out as well as she'd planned. Besides, when she arrived back at the warm-up area, she wasn't so happy.
"Oh no!" Psymon cried, "However will I beat that tremendous score of 92,043?"
Elise replied with the finger.
"Ellie!" Kaori said, "Griff is only twelve!"
I giggled when Griff quickly jumped up to defend himself.
Allegra stepped forward towards Elise and muttered something quietly, but no one could really hear her. Elise's face turned scarlet and she marched away. Allegra seemed surprised that Elise left, but otherwise smiled contently.
***
Competitors came and went.
Psymon was in the lead with a massive score of 221,385.
Kaori was far behind in second with the score of 189,340.
Griff had managed to place second with a score of 145,850.
Allegra had yet to go, and supposively, it was custom for the peak boss to go last.
Allegra grinned wicked as they announced her name. She strapped on her board and winked at us as she coasted over to the starting gates.
Allegra's run was nothing short of awe-spiring. With Psymon in the lead and Kaori right behind with Griff on her tail, Allegra was proving to be a worthy opponent.
"And that right there is this year's trademark move, the DNL Flipit!" Atomika announced.
The crowd screamed in applause as Allegra finished her run, coasting past the finish line, smirking triumphantly.
I sighed. "This is going to be tough..."
"You know," Elise muttered darkly, "I'm beginning to really hate her,"
"So," Kaori said, ignoring Elise's comment, "what is your goal?"
"Well...I want to at least get a higher score than Griff," I said hastily.
"Why?"
"Because then he'll owe me a super soaker!"
Griff grinned, "You're not getting any supersoaker from me. I told you, you have to win to get it!"
"No!" I said defensively, "You said I only have to get a higher score than you!"
Griff shrugged, "So I lied,"
I groaned, "Griff!!!"
"Alright, alright, alright!" Griff said, "I'll give it to you if you get a higher score to me."
I raised an eyebrow, "Shake on it."
Griff thrust out his hand and clasped mine as we shook on our deal.
"Yes! I have a supersoaker waiting for me back home!" I said happily.
"You always use your ego as a defense mechanism?"
I recognized that voice. "Nate?"
Nate was standing before me, grinning. "Hey, thought I'd watch you head out. Remember the moves I taught you, okay squirt?"
I nodded and smiled, "Okay."
"Good luck, kid," he said, embracing me. I smiled contently and hugged him back.
I couldn't help but blush when Griff started laughing.
I brushed it off and left for the gates. My hands were shaking and my knees nearly locked up on me. Nonetheless, I told myself that I had to do this. It was an obligation. Besides...I was gonna win. Yeah. I just had to keep telling myself that this was easy. Just let your natural instinct take over you...right?
"Don't stop moving at all! No coasting!" Nate shouted from behind, "You'll lose points!"
I nodded and took a deep breath. This is what I've been waiting for.
The lights were flashing in my face and Atomika began the countdown.
"Ladies and gents, it's one of our favorite newbies, Yurioki Yoshioka!"
I groaned. How'd he find out my entire first name?
I sighed and strapped on my goggles, preparing for push-off. I tried to block out all the noise, all the sound, and especially the crowd. It made me swell with happiness when I knew they were actually cheering for me. But, on the other hand, I couldn't listen to them. I had to focus.
The lights danced in front of my eyes, taunting me.
"Alright, now," Atomika said over the speakers, "We have a special shout out for 'Queen Yuri',"
I looked up at the announcers booth, puzzled. What was he talking about? Special shout out?
"This one's from 'Mountain Man' Nate Logan, requesting the song 'Ride' for Yuri,"
I glowed. This was my day. Nate really knew what I listened to. Techno and trance, baby!
I rocked my body with the music and took a deep breath. Nate really knew that all I needed was to focus on anything but my nervousness, and he knew that I liked to focus on music.
My goggles were strapped and secured, when all of the sudden, green light!!
I shot out of my booth, racing down towards the Junction.
On my first jump, I did simple moves such as the Indy and so forth. However, I remember what Nate told me and never stopped moving. He had talked to me before about combos and how much points you could nail with them. After the first couple of big air moments, I started pulling the fancy stuff.
I did anything that came to mind.
I first did my Lounge-about Spinster, showing my moves off to the crowd, and then I started pulling my board off and swinging myself over the board, managing to pull off some sweet gymnast moves.
I nailed the Superman Bartender, and easily got the SSXorcist nailed.
The whole thing was sort of a rush for me, all I kept thinking about was the music and my moves. I guess you could say it was like dancing, except for me, the board was my partner.
I kept imagining Ryan, Roy and Eric watching me. I wanted them to see that I was competing with the big boys now. I was a professional snowboarder.
I grinned, thinking of the words "Yurioki Yoshioka, super snowboarder extraordinaire!"
Of course, that would never happen.
The entire run through was over soon enough, and I found myself panting at the finish line.
That was it. That was it. All I needed to do was over. Now I just had to wait for them to announce the winners.
God, this was the greatest day of my life.
Elise snorted, "As if,"
"You bitch!" Allegra shrieked as she lunged for Elise.
"Oh no you don't!" Elise yelled back as she made a grab for one of Allegra's braids.
I sighed pathetically and leaned back in the lift's chair and turned my attention to Kaori, who was happily watching the lights that were coming from below.
"They're at it again," I mumbled.
"Nani?"
"They're at it again," I said a little louder.
Kaori giggled, "They are not alike at all. I think Elise may hate Allegra more than Marisol,"
"Damn straight!" Elise screamed as she ripped off one of Allegra's jelly bracelets, "Anything is better than this disgraceful red head!"
"You're nothing but a stuck up whore!" Allegra shouted.
Psymon laughed, "You gonna let her say that Elise?"
"You," Elise snarled, "are by far the most pathetic piece of shit that ever crossed my path,"
Allegra screamed and made another lunge for Elise. "You're just some snobby rich model girl who's too good for everyone!"
"That's enough!" Kaori shouted.
Everyone froze. Even Griff stopped swinging around the pole.
"You are wrong about Ellie," Kaori said slowly, her eyes glinting with warning, "She is not like that! You do not know her, Allegra! You do not know any of us!"
Elise stared at Kaori in shock. I widened my eyes and exchanged glances with Griff, who was just as stunned as I was.
"Well, Allegra," Psymon said smugly, "I believe that's your cue for an apology,"
Allegra glanced at Psymon and then at Kaori. She glimpsed at me narrowed her eyes.
"What?" I said innocently.
Allegra's eyes faltered. I could see in her eyes that she knew Kaori was right. Elise wasn't like that. She just made everyone assume she was. I thought back to my short conversation I had with Psymon back at the lodge when I was thanking him for saving me. "You shouldn't believe everything the media says about everyone in the league. They barely know us."
"I..." Allegra murmured, "I-I'm...sorry, Kaori,"
I knew how painful this must've been for her, apologizing to her enemy. I didn't quite understand what Allegra had a grudge against me for.
"Don't apologize to Kaori," I said quietly, "you should be apologizing to Elise,"
Elise smiled triumphantly when Allegra glared at her.
"Apologize," Elise commanded.
Allegra, despite her quivering fist, sighed and muttered, "Sorry,"
"Happy, Ellie?" Kaori grinned.
Elise nodded. "Now all I want to do is shove your face in the snow,"
"I may not know you," Allegra said dangerously, "but that doesn't change the fact that I still think you are a bitch,"
"No," Kaori giggled, "Ellie can be like that sometimes,"
"WHAT?" Elise shrieked. Kaori dove behind me and shivered.
"No, Ellie! Do not hurt me! I was joking!"
Psymon snickered, "Well, THAT was interesting,"
"WAIT!" Griff shouted, "LISTEN TO YOUR M-COMMS! ATOMIKA IS INTERVIEWING YURI'S FAMILY!"
***
"So," Atomika cleared his throat, "I saw you with Yuri when I first met her, right?"
"Yeah," Eric put on his best smile, "I was with her when you first noticed her. I watched her tear it up on the mountain."
Atomika nodded, "So, how would you rate against your sister?"
"We're cousins," Eric said quickly, "She's not my sister. She's his sister," he said, motioning to Ryan.
Ryan grinned, "Yeah, she's my sister. To tell you the truth, Yuri is pretty awesome. You saw her skill already, I'm sure,"
Roy stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged, "I can beat her,"
"Oh?" Atomika sounded interested now as he turned his attention to Roy. "You really think so?"
Roy nodded. "Yeah, sure," he mumbled, "but you can't even touch her when she's racing. She's weird,"
"I'm sure that's something she'd like to hear coming from you," Atomika said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, well, we love each other,"
"We all snowboard," Ryan explained, "We never dreamed Yuri would make it into the SSX circuit,"
Roy shrugged, "I have to admit I'm a little envious,"
"That's to be expected. We're glad you're here. I've heard a lot about you,"
"Uh-oh..." Eric sighed, "...she didn't say anything good about us, did she?"
Roy, Ryan and Eric started laughing.
"I can see that you are all good friends," Atomika commented.
"We're not good friends at all," Roy muttered.
"Yeah," Ryan said afterwards.
"We're family," Eric finished.
***
"Wow, you are so lucky to have such nice cousins," Kaori beamed as she turned off her M-comm.
"That was them?" I said, "That was them at The Junction?"
"What'd you think?" Psymon said irritably, "They were interviewing them on the goddamn moon?"
I rolled my eyes and ignored Psymon.
Kaori nodded, "They are waiting for you to win, Panda,"
"Me? Win?"
"You can do this no prob," Griff said, "but I can bet you my giant super-soaker that you won't score higher than me,"
"Alright," I declared, clasping Griff's hand in a deal, "You're on,"
***
We finally arrived at The Junction (with some threatening feuds between Allegra and Elise once again) and I looked frantically for my family. I didn't see anyone, but I was sure they were around there somewhere.
Meanwhile, Kaori drug me off to the sign in gates where we would have to warm up and watch our fellow competitors. We were secluded, but the crowds were roaring with excitement. It was really nerve-wrecking to actually be the one on the spotlight. I remembered back to my first time coming to one of the SSX Tricky Tour races. Roy's dad had taken us to one. It was loud, sure, but it didn't matter to me. The fact that there were bright lights and clear skies was all that was floating around my head that particular day.
But now, as I stood there facing the crowd for the first time, I felt like running away and ducking under my bed. It was so loud and...intimidating. It wasn't bright and sunny, but dark and flashy.
The Junction itself was colossal. Griff was too busy arguing with Psymon about hand plants to notice.
"Bet you can't do a hand plant for more than five seconds," Psymon sneered as he stretched his neck.
"Oh yeah?" Griff piped up as he stopped waxing his board, "You're on!"
Elise shook her head, "That kid's gonna one helluva mouth,"
"Yes," Kaori nodded, "He could rival Mac's mouth,"
Elise scoffed, "Not likely. Mac's mouth is the epiphany of huge,"
I kept staring up at the audience as I waited anxiously for my name to be called. The security guards had to check our Peak Passes once again as we warmed up. The crowd was growing restless.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen," Atomika's voice boomed over the speakers. Automatically, people began cheering. "It is time for the first run of today's event,"
I glanced over at Kaori, who only smiled and flashed a grin.
"Today's first run up will be the Bombshell herself, Miss Elise Riggs!"
Elise groaned, "I hate going first! Putting all this pressure on everyone!"
***
It turned out Elise had done horrible. Even though I was busy scanning the crowds for any sign of my family, I couldn't ignore the sound from the audience. I could tell by their gasps and sighs that Elise hadn't fared out as well as she'd planned. Besides, when she arrived back at the warm-up area, she wasn't so happy.
"Oh no!" Psymon cried, "However will I beat that tremendous score of 92,043?"
Elise replied with the finger.
"Ellie!" Kaori said, "Griff is only twelve!"
I giggled when Griff quickly jumped up to defend himself.
Allegra stepped forward towards Elise and muttered something quietly, but no one could really hear her. Elise's face turned scarlet and she marched away. Allegra seemed surprised that Elise left, but otherwise smiled contently.
***
Competitors came and went.
Psymon was in the lead with a massive score of 221,385.
Kaori was far behind in second with the score of 189,340.
Griff had managed to place second with a score of 145,850.
Allegra had yet to go, and supposively, it was custom for the peak boss to go last.
Allegra grinned wicked as they announced her name. She strapped on her board and winked at us as she coasted over to the starting gates.
Allegra's run was nothing short of awe-spiring. With Psymon in the lead and Kaori right behind with Griff on her tail, Allegra was proving to be a worthy opponent.
"And that right there is this year's trademark move, the DNL Flipit!" Atomika announced.
The crowd screamed in applause as Allegra finished her run, coasting past the finish line, smirking triumphantly.
I sighed. "This is going to be tough..."
"You know," Elise muttered darkly, "I'm beginning to really hate her,"
"So," Kaori said, ignoring Elise's comment, "what is your goal?"
"Well...I want to at least get a higher score than Griff," I said hastily.
"Why?"
"Because then he'll owe me a super soaker!"
Griff grinned, "You're not getting any supersoaker from me. I told you, you have to win to get it!"
"No!" I said defensively, "You said I only have to get a higher score than you!"
Griff shrugged, "So I lied,"
I groaned, "Griff!!!"
"Alright, alright, alright!" Griff said, "I'll give it to you if you get a higher score to me."
I raised an eyebrow, "Shake on it."
Griff thrust out his hand and clasped mine as we shook on our deal.
"Yes! I have a supersoaker waiting for me back home!" I said happily.
"You always use your ego as a defense mechanism?"
I recognized that voice. "Nate?"
Nate was standing before me, grinning. "Hey, thought I'd watch you head out. Remember the moves I taught you, okay squirt?"
I nodded and smiled, "Okay."
"Good luck, kid," he said, embracing me. I smiled contently and hugged him back.
I couldn't help but blush when Griff started laughing.
I brushed it off and left for the gates. My hands were shaking and my knees nearly locked up on me. Nonetheless, I told myself that I had to do this. It was an obligation. Besides...I was gonna win. Yeah. I just had to keep telling myself that this was easy. Just let your natural instinct take over you...right?
"Don't stop moving at all! No coasting!" Nate shouted from behind, "You'll lose points!"
I nodded and took a deep breath. This is what I've been waiting for.
The lights were flashing in my face and Atomika began the countdown.
"Ladies and gents, it's one of our favorite newbies, Yurioki Yoshioka!"
I groaned. How'd he find out my entire first name?
I sighed and strapped on my goggles, preparing for push-off. I tried to block out all the noise, all the sound, and especially the crowd. It made me swell with happiness when I knew they were actually cheering for me. But, on the other hand, I couldn't listen to them. I had to focus.
The lights danced in front of my eyes, taunting me.
"Alright, now," Atomika said over the speakers, "We have a special shout out for 'Queen Yuri',"
I looked up at the announcers booth, puzzled. What was he talking about? Special shout out?
"This one's from 'Mountain Man' Nate Logan, requesting the song 'Ride' for Yuri,"
I glowed. This was my day. Nate really knew what I listened to. Techno and trance, baby!
I rocked my body with the music and took a deep breath. Nate really knew that all I needed was to focus on anything but my nervousness, and he knew that I liked to focus on music.
My goggles were strapped and secured, when all of the sudden, green light!!
I shot out of my booth, racing down towards the Junction.
On my first jump, I did simple moves such as the Indy and so forth. However, I remember what Nate told me and never stopped moving. He had talked to me before about combos and how much points you could nail with them. After the first couple of big air moments, I started pulling the fancy stuff.
I did anything that came to mind.
I first did my Lounge-about Spinster, showing my moves off to the crowd, and then I started pulling my board off and swinging myself over the board, managing to pull off some sweet gymnast moves.
I nailed the Superman Bartender, and easily got the SSXorcist nailed.
The whole thing was sort of a rush for me, all I kept thinking about was the music and my moves. I guess you could say it was like dancing, except for me, the board was my partner.
I kept imagining Ryan, Roy and Eric watching me. I wanted them to see that I was competing with the big boys now. I was a professional snowboarder.
I grinned, thinking of the words "Yurioki Yoshioka, super snowboarder extraordinaire!"
Of course, that would never happen.
The entire run through was over soon enough, and I found myself panting at the finish line.
That was it. That was it. All I needed to do was over. Now I just had to wait for them to announce the winners.
God, this was the greatest day of my life.