Unfortunately, all good things are short-lived and come to an end, which is why we're already coming to theend of this great and fun gymkhana in Dalystown and the people watching were enjoying the whole event,we were winning, we did a great job as a team, which helped a lot, but as it was about to end we still had tofinish a few more events that were now worth double the points, so it was time to be more attentive, as theadvantage wasn't that huge when it came to games at this level.
Well now we've had a break, it's a good time to get cracking and win this thing, I know we can do it, the hot dog challenge has given us a lot of advantage, we're going to the next challenge which is the tyre rolling race, where we have to keep rolling inside a tyre, but we still have to be able to stop right at the finish line.
"And now the break is over and we're into the final phase, this time the points will be worth double! Will the McLarens be able to stay ahead, even with the difficulty, or will the Murphy's turn the tables? And to get things off to a flying start, let's start the tyre race!" Said the commentator.
We went to the finish line, but this time it was Phoebe who went inside the tyre because she's the youngest, while we took care of holding the tyre. We made a point of splitting up, Laura and Aunt Rosemary went to the other side where the finish line is, to help brake the tyre, while Croix, April and I went to push the tyre. They've been organising themselves and we've been stretching to get ready for this part, I just saw Phoebe smiling at us, I hope she doesn't mind spinning around in there and doesn't throw up all over the floor.
"Very well, all the teams are making their strategies to make this race a success, surprisingly the McLarens left the girls with more mass to grab the tyre while the others will pull with the youngest girl inside, a good strategy, the Murphy's went for the same thing, we'll see who will win, the start of the last stage of the gymkhana will begin now!" Said the commentator and I just concentrated ahead.
We're ready, the gun goes off and the race begins, Croix and I start pushing to roll forward, I can only imagine what Phoebe must feel like in there, I've done it a lot, rolling around in the tyre, it's really cool. It's a bit heavy, but it's getting better, it's gaining a bit of speed, Aunt April is helping too, we're still stuck with the Murphy's and the other families, we can manage.
"And what a start! Everyone's lined up really well, let's see who's going to be the fastest on the tyre!" said the commentator.
I'm already getting more speed, the three of us aren't hesitating to do it, come on, we can't go too slow and with that we're already passing Murphy who was going at a slower speed, we kept pushing the tyre harder and harder, strange that the others were going slower than us, which we soon saw was a slight descent that was making us gain more speed.
"Woah, the McLarens are out in front and not afraid to go too fast on the downhill section, who'd have thought it, they're pretty confident about that!" Said the commentator.
The tyre was going faster than we were walking, we had to start running to keep up with it and Phoebe was even screaming in fear, we were trying to get closer somehow, the other families were braking, which we couldn't. A slight descent was enough for the thing to pick up speed, until it reached a part that became a straight line again.
"These McLaren tyres are going faster than they can handle, that's impressive! They can't even keep up when running, that's going to be a problem when it comes to braking" said the commentator.
It certainly will, I think we've overdone it, we're close to the finish line, we'd better run to the other side, but the tyre is going faster than we're running, which is quite a hindrance, it's coming with everything, Mum Laura has her hands ready to brake, she's left her whole body, and soon this thing started coming with everything and hit her and Aunt Rose who together are forcing this thing to brake.
"Look at that, they're even sliding backwards, the impact is so strong, that's intense braking!" said the commentator.
I managed to get to the tyre thanks to them, which we pushed back together, so that it would brake more, Aunt April and Croix were helping, we could see that the thing was skidding and smoke was coming out and marking the whole ground, which we were holding very tightly, looking down, we're getting very close to the point, we have to be careful not to end up going over it, we're braking very intensely and we've only just managed to do it, so we can breathe a sigh of relief.
"Woah woah woah! That was some intense braking, yet the girls still managed to hit it head-on and brake this thing, to the point of marking the ground and causing a skidding noise, I've never seen such force before" said the commentator.
I look at Mum's hands and they turn red with the force of the blow to her palms, but she's still as calm as ever, as if it was all nothing, even showing a smile on her face, I'm relieved that we've done it, our score soon rises another 727 points, so we can reach the lead and the thousand points in no time, it's the last three events.
"We managed to stop this thing, thank you for helping me with this, my hand thanks you very much" said my mum Laura, showing us the palm of her hand.
"So, daughter, is everything all right there?" Aunt Rose asked.
"I've never felt so much adrenaline in my life, that was incredible, I was scared, but that intense braking came with everything, it was a very strange feeling, I want to do that tyre thing again!" Looks like someone had fun at the gymkhana after all.
And soon the other teams were arriving, we kept ahead, dominating the event, the Murphy's took a long time, I think they did it in a safe way so they wouldn't end up like us in this last part of the challenge, now we have to get ready for the next one, this one is going to be interesting, the roosterfight, a duo is going to do it.
"Chariot, you're going to get on my back, you're going to do this roosterfight, we're going to win this one" said my McLaren mum and I got really excited.
We made our way to the roosterfighting arena where there's a water tank on the edge and we were handed sticks with two ends, designed to knock the other one over and also the main objective of throwing it out of the arena, there are some traps in the middle of the path that could make us fall over as they give a spring impact, so let's be careful with that.
"And now we come to the roosterfight, who will win, one pair per team, the one that remains and doesn't fall into the water tank will be the winner, this could be crucial for the Murphy's if they want to stay in contention for the title, since the points difference is 727 to 631, a victory for the girls will put them a huge step closer to being champions, a victory for the Murphy's puts them back in contention, even if the last race will be worth 200 points it's good that they have all the chances possible, may the best win!" Said the commentator.
I look at my mum, climb onto her shoulders and get ready for it. I grab the baton and start twirling it around to give it a bit of intimidation, which my mum does, the gun goes off and we start, She's already moving towards the Murphy boys, so I get my baton ready and in one swift movement I spin it round from behind my body, which hits the Murphy boy who was underneath with all my might and he falls backwards, but he doesn't get out, so we're almost caught by the O'Hare boys, so I use the baton to defend myself.
"Look how strong Shiny Chariot is with that stick, she's even got her first point by taking down the Murphy and now she's duelling with the O'Hare!" I'm trying, the nine witches are even ganging up on us so we don't win.
My mum signals to me and the fact that the Star Wars duelling song is playing in the background only makes it more fun, I understand the signal and then I'm thrown into the air, she runs towards one of the pairs that was on the edge and they go to hit her, not realising that I was very close and I just hit the one on top who is thrown into the water and everyone is clapping, which I'm still caught in style by mum Laura and we already turn around preparing for the next one.
"Woah woah woah woah! What was that? They were creative and very strong, I didn't expect such an attack, that's coordination and synchronisation! The McLarens are surprising us again, look at what a spectacular performance they've brought!" Said the impressed commentator.
We're heading towards the next one, the Murphy's have just got up, it looks like they're even united to beat us, Mum's smiling at me and I'm getting closer, I'm using the stick and hitting some of them who are defending themselves well, which we're practically dodging in the best way, crouching down and getting close to them again, now it's all or nothing, the Murphy's have barely got up and I'm already hitting them with the stick which eliminates them without getting a point, the crowd is celebrating our victory over them.
"It seems that now the Murphy's championship chances have all gone with this attack, the McLaren's are really dominating the whole gymkhana event, if they can win this they'll be practically champions, with the Murphy's needing a miracle to make them champions"
[...]
We've done it, we're now on 827 points, it could be the first time we've reached 1,000 points in the history of the event, we just have to do the last one, we even jumped up and down with excitement, seeing that our score was way ahead, I keep gesticulating in front of everyone, celebrating our possible victory but the last one will be the big test.
"And they did it! They are one step away from walking away with a championship trophy, all they need is just 5 points, what they will need is to come in at least fifth in the triathlon relay event, where they will all be put to the test, the Murphy's need to win and hope that the McLaren's don't come in fifth, what a tricky situation" said the commentator.
We went straight back to us, organising who was going to go in each sector of the triathlon race, I'm good at running, but not that good, I don't know if I'm going to do so well, but that's fine, the important thing is that we have fun, a fifth place will be a trophy for us.
"Very well, Phoebe goes to the swimming part, she knows how to swim, she did it for a long time, Laura you stay for the cycling sessions, of all of us you're the one who runs the slowest using your legs, your breasts weigh you down and your height doesn't help" said Aunt Rose.
"You too Rose, you go on the bike sessions, luckily there's only one session where you go swimming, the rest of you go running, Chariot, you stay in the final sector, April you stay in the first, Croix you stay in the intermediate, I stay in the final bike sector and Rose stays in the one after swimming" said Mum Laura and we nodded in agreement.
"It's all for the thousand points, isn't it, Laura?" My aunt April said.
"We're going to make history once in this gymkhana, we've got to make history, we're going to be great once, now ring here and let's show these Murphy boys what we're made of!" The six of us play in the middle and then raise our hands in the air.
I'm already heading for the final sector, which is a very short race, and after going all the way round the city, I'm very anxious and attentive, as there's a big screen right on it, where I can see how the event is going to go, I take a deep breath, and I stay calm, and I can see that the last of the Murphy's have also arrived and are there stretching.
"And now they're all getting organised at their posts for this great final event, it's all or nothing, and you can see it in the expression of both leaders of the two families, they're apprehensive and very focused on what's to come!" Said the commentator.
I even stretched a bit and warmed up, to try and keep calm, it was all or nothing, this victory is going to be very costly for us, we have to prove we're the best in this long race, everything to beat the records, on the screen I could already see the start, Aunt April very concentrated looking ahead, the other sectors with people still arriving, so far away they are.
[...]
Everyone is at their posts, a gun goes off to start the triathlon and Aunt April starts to run, even managing to lead, thankfully she's quite tall and has the perfect body to be a runner, the Murphy's are also on our side, they won't give up for anything in the world to win, I just stare at the screen more calmly, I know we don't need much to win the trophy, but to win by dominating would be epic.
"And the race is on, and what an intense race it is! It looks like the McLarens are looking to break barriers and records today, will they be the first to break 1,000 points? And the Murphy boys are giving their all too, even if they are mathematically out of contention for the championship if it continues like this, that's motivation!" Said the commentator.
I'm just rooting for Mrs Jordan, she doesn't seem to be tired at all, she's maintaining a constant speed, all she has to do is get to the lake, I'm sure she'll make it quickly, I keep watching the two of them running and they're doing everything they can, even leaving the others further behind, the race at the end is the classic way.
Aunt April is falling back a little, but she's still close to the Murphy's, I'm not worried, I know that when I get to Phoebe all that will change, she'll show off her swimming skills, I'm just watching everything, we're already a good few metres from the start of the race.
"It looks like the Murphy's are now in the lead over the McLarens, but it's not by much, they're going to do everything they can to win this event, and prevent them from reaching 1000 points" said the commentator.
April is coming, we're falling back a bit, but I know we can make it, she must be tired after running from the city to the lake, it's not that close, even the road has changed a bit to a dirt one, now it's up to you Phoebe, the bracelet is passed to her and she's jumping into the water to go swimming, which the Murphy's have an excellent swimmer too, I was surprised, but I trust our girl.
He's way ahead, look at the way he swims so fast, damn, the thousand points aren't going to come, but I'm going to keep cheering, even the audience is looking more apprehensively at the screen, seeing the effort both sides are making to get a taste of victory.
"Woah, it looks like the Murphy's have a great swimmer in the shape of this kid, John's nephew Taylor is managing to open up a good lead over Phoebe, a little girl of only 13 who is even swimming well, but I don't think it's going to be enough" said the commentator.
I'm really nervous, because this guy is really good, he's been opening up a lot as he swims, but I'm confident that the race is only won when you reach the finish line, it's not over until then, I know we're going to make it. He'll be in the next relay, but I'm sure Phoebe will make up for it, she'll hand over to Aunt Rosemary who'll start pedalling the bike and I'm sure Mrs Morris will make it.
"It looks like the Murphy's have taken a big lead, even though they know they could lose they're still giving their blood in this race, they may not come out champions, but they'll take a thousand points off their biggest rivals and they could even break a triathlon record!" Said the commentator.
Aunt Rose is pedalling very well, going on the dirt, managing to pick up a lot of speed, which is on an uphill section and her thick legs compensate a lot for this, managing to pick up a lot of pace to go on the uphill section, where I know Croix can make it, she's much more equal with Murphy in front who is at the same speed, I trust she can make it even further, Croix will make up for it when she goes on the run, I know she's good at it.
"The bikes are more balanced, it's quite surprising for Rosemary Morris to be able to carry all that speed even with the weight ahead of her, she's giving it her all, it seems that now the difference that was left in the swimming has been maintained, in the pedalling the McLaren is guaranteeing itself, that's impressive!" There's no need to mention Aunt Rose's weight, it's so unnecessary.
They're keeping the same distance, I'm really hoping we'll make it, they're going uphill until the first one arrives is Murphy who passes the bracelet to the other one who starts to run away with everything, and then Aunt Rose passes it to Croix, I'm really rooting for my girlfriend, but she's running and she's already showing some signs of exhaustion as soon as she leaves, I think it was the tyre race, she's really not one to be able to handle big races like this, she's always been the one who got tired the quickest, what the hell.
Go Croix you can do it, it's just up the hill, we're getting further behind, this hill section is going to be even more annoying because it's a climb, even though it's the shortest of the race, which we can get quite far behind on, but I hope she's just fine.
"It seems that Croix Meridies is already very tired, what a shame for the McLarens who wanted everything to get the thousand points, oh what a shame for the little girl, she's the tallest of the group and she's already exhausted from the other events" said the commentator.
"Go Croix you can do it" I know she won't listen, but I want her to know that I'll still be rooting for her.
The Murphy boys soon reached the top of the hill and handed the bracelet to John, who started to cycle off, even making fun of my mum, who was still very calm and even smiling. Croix, exhausted as she was, arrived, taking a little longer, which worried me, but she still got a cuddle from mum Laura, who put on her driving glasses and smiled, with the bracelet on her wrist, and set off with the bike at full speed, lifting a lot of dirt.
"The Murphy's are way ahead, they're thirty seconds ahead on a downhill, can the McLaren really manage that, we've seen how the leader is with motorbikes, but with bicycles it's a completely different story!" Said the commentator, and we'll be watching just the part, as John isn't taking any risks.
The descent was dangerous and the cameras were capturing it, she was on the limit, throwing dirt everywhere in the winding bends, braking as little as possible, staying right on the edge of the cliffs, I was amazed, it was impressive and at the same time shocking to see her passing so on the edge of these bends, John braked a lot on them, my mum was simply skidding for the most part and still coming out on the edge, it
was like a real motorbike.
I'm really apprehensive, her pulling on the limit like that could be dangerous, I'm shaking with anxiety if something happens, which was enough for her to gradually lower the handicap, these bends seemed to be calm for someone without fear.
"I have to say that the McLaren leader must have something extra for such courage, just look at how she manages to pass every corner with impressive speed, she's getting closer and closer to John Murphy, she really knows how to ride this bike in the same aggressive way she rides a motorbike, without any fear!" We're just apprehensive.
The downhill section came to an end, towards the final part of the dirt road and there were lots of jumps and bends, which Mum was making up a lot of the difference, the dust that rose with each pass was impressive, we were all amazed, apprehensive, with her concentration that still kept a smile on her face despite everything.
When we got to the section where the dirt road begins, where we were side by side with Mr Murphy in a marvellous overtaking move, spreading out over the bend and passing on an incline, it was another level of cycling, I saw it with my own eyes as if it were in slow motion, Mum threw the bracelet at me, I caught it high up and started to run away, now it was my turn, and she ended it with an Akira-style brake.
"Woah! Look how marvellous! What a beautiful race the McLaren leader had, recovering from all the disadvantages she had in a short space of time and leaving them in front! Now that's a battle for the thousand points! Let's see if Chariot can show that!" said the commentator.
It's just the final thousand metres, I know I can do it, I'm running very focused, giving everything I've got, today I'm taking this thousand to my family, I'm going to make everyone proud, for McLaren my family! I'm just looking ahead, concentrating, keeping my shape, not giving up, breathing right, this time I'm going to keep running, without losing speed, I've already done the initial burst, now it's just a consistent run, holding on to energy for the last 200 metres, even if Gregory passes me.
"Now we're seeing that this final race will decide who will be the winning family and holder of this record, it's amazing how everyone is fighting to break records!" said the commentator.
I've just been switching off my mind from the commentators and that's what I have to do, keep going, all that's going through my head is the view ahead, everything to conserve energy for the final metres, it's already getting close, I've passed a few bends, I don't see the guy getting close, but he's coming up right next to me.
I'm not going to be distracted by this, now that I'm where I wanted to be, not exactly in the last two hundred metres, but I have to run or I could lose, I start to pick up the pace, I'm running at full speed, but he's also doing the same thing, which makes me concentrate more, I try to believe in myself more and so I just look ahead.
I'm getting close to the tape and all I can see is that it was my stomach that ended up pulling it, which is a sign that I've won Did I do it? I did it! I look at everyone celebrating and then I'm back in the world again.
"And the McLarens do it! They beat a thousand points! They win with a spectacular and close arrival of Shiny Chariot who shines for one last time in this gymkhana guaranteeing a record victory for this historic gymkhana! They're champions!" Says the commentator and I get emotional.
I look at everyone jumping up and down in the stands, shouting my name, I really feel very emotional, crying, I was able to help in the end with this achievement and then even Gregory Murphy gives me his hand to shake thanking me for the event and for my victory, in the end we have a very friendly rivalry.
[...]
Everyone's gathered for the awards, we get to the podium and the gymkhana trophy comes to us, we take photos for everyone to see, then the champagne comes and I'm the one who pops it, throwing it at everyone and also at the audience who keep shouting my name, I can't believe I've done it, I even take a sip and then I offer it to everyone who takes it and we just celebrate.
"Today is one of the best days of my life" I say with emotion.
Then I'm taken by my mum, as I still have one more thing to do, which I'm already starting to get ready for, luckily I didn't get so dirty with champagne at the podium celebration that I'm going to a dressing room, it's time to present, it's even a bit quieter, even though a lot of people are still shouting outside.l
"Are you sure you're up for it, Chariot?" My mum Laura asks and I nod.
"I'm going to make this gymkhana historic, everyone will remember how in Dalystown there was a gymkhana where everyone had a lot of fun, I'm going to give them one of the best Shiny Chariot performances, the promise is given" I say very motivated.
"Honey, I'm going to get everything ready and in about 30 minutes you can start, get ready, there's enough time to rest and get ready, I'm sure we'll make history today" said Croix who then gave me a kiss and left after everything.
I go to look at myself in the mirror, with a huge smile on my face, which I then go to the sink to wash off and start doing my make-up, today I'm going to do a short presentation that everyone will love, that's for sure, my mum Laura also comes out of the dressing room, now it's up to me to get everything ready, I take a deep breath and get ready for everything.
Today was an epic and historic victory, we dominated everything winning 1027 to 781, it was an almost dominant victory, on top of that we managed to break records, I had a lot of fun at this gymkhana, I really hope it won't be the last, it really was one of the best moments I've had in a long time, I get very emotional just thinking about it, it can't be the last, it will be the first of many, soon the witches' revolution will happen, I'm sure that this year or next we'll have Claiomh Solais and achieve that.
[...]
Thirty minutes have passed, I'm all dressed up, I'm even fed, I've rested a bit and the epic hour of appearing on stage is about to arrive, I'm already getting up and leaving the dressing room, which I'm approached by my mums standing right next to me, they put their hands on my shoulders and even hug me.
"Good luck daughter, show the world what you do best, shine on those stages" said my mum Bernadette.
"Go on, get cracking, Shiny Chariot, we trust you, we've been waiting a long time for this moment, to see our girl's greatness up close, beyond what she's already done today for our family in the gymkhana, I know you're capable of even greater things, I believe in you" said Mum Laura.
My theme song starts to play, I take a deep breath, let it out, look at the curtains and see that my mums have come out and signalled good luck to me, it's time to break it down, the curtains open and I reveal myself in the smoke, already starting to fiddle with my hat and let off light effects, which everyone is shouting for me, the whole audience from the city, I smile and get on my broom, it's time to start making my epic entrance.
"Welcome to the marvellous world of magic, your magic is believing in yourself!" And they let off more fireworks and lights, while I hold on to my broom and my hat, the audience once again going wild with it and I then heading towards them.
I'm passing through everyone's hands, leaving a trail of magic in my hands and on my broom, the great Shiny Chariot is back, this is going to be the grand opening for what's to come in Europe, I'm going to come out of this much brighter.
"That was the epic and marvellous end to the last gymkhana, I thought there could be more of those, butunfortunately it was the last one, it was one of the greatest points of my life, I've never felt so loved as I did atthat event, people kept repeating my name, I was very respected, I won an event in an effort and then Iperformed, that was something I didn't realise, but it was vital for my career to take off more in Europe, sinceeveryone had seen everything, they saw that I was like an ordinary person who also has fun, they saw that Ihave the disposition to do great things too, but things will still happen that will stop my rise for a while in afew months, just as second year classes were starting, but I still have a lot to tell you about the tour ofEurope."
See you, champion witches...