There is no such thing as a bad idea.
Not many people knew about the secret races that happened on the Rainbow Road. Most people only associated it with the 'beautiful rainbows rocks' and 'gorgeous geysers' that attracted the couples and aspiring artists of the world. But when the sun dipped below the horizon, and the googly eyed tourists finally turned in for the night, that's when the real fun happened. Gamblers, thieves, smugglers, drug dealers, and every other sort of vagabond came out of hiding to play in one of the most treacherous races in all of Caido (next to the Climb courses). Without the sunlight, 'beautiful rainbow rocks' became deadly obstacles that got people trampled by feet, paws, and hooves, while 'gorgeous geysers' became deadly traps that could suck someone in or launch them out without so much as a moment to scream for help over the cheers of the crowd, making the 'Rainbow Road' Death Row. It was a grizzly sight when the sun returned the next day, blood being washed away by sprays of water and iridescent reflections. All for the measly potential of a little pocket cash, and the title of 'Fastest in Torchline.' But tonight was extra special, because the man-to-watch was back from another job and revving up to race.
An astounding number of people yelled and cheered, racing to the brokers to place their bets while the participants gathered at the starting line. It was near deafening in the meager moonlight, but Ace walked up to the starting line with the confidence and ease of a veteran, accepting claps on the back and well-wishes like they were owed to him as the reigning champion. His dark hair snapped in the wind as he shot a particularly attractive woman a blue-eyed wink. He mouthed, Meet me after, with a flirty grin, although he'd find someone else if she wasn't interested. Winners got their pick (or picks) of the litter.
Looking down the line, he spotted a few previous competitors. One was a large tower of a man who always came. He was too big to take much damage, and too dumb to recognize that he'd never win, meaning he showed up every time, and lost every time. Ace wasn't worried about him. The one next to him was a little more of a threat. A lanky twig with a mop of sandy blonde hair was the only Attuned who'd every given him a run for his money (literally), and they were a girl. It was almost embarrassing.
It didn't matter. He was feeling at the top of his game today. No one would stand a chance.
And just to prove it, he leaned over to a newbie jitterily stretching (like it might actually help) next to him. "Don't worry kid. I'll make sure to find something to send your mom. Maybe a finger? Or a tooth?" He tilted his head like it was difficult to think of anything he might find, but it didn't take more than a single moment before the runt thought better of his decision and ran away from the race. Grinning, Ace turned to the others with an Oops. My bad. shrug of his shoulders. None of the others seemed surprised, although a few turned somewhat pale to see him in person.
Before he had time to find another victim, they were calling out the warning for the race to start. Ace shoved his hands in his pockets like he was out for a leisurely stroll, winking at another pretty lady on his way to the marker. He'd wait until the moment before to shift. For now, he soaked in the cacophony of the fans, scouting who he might seek out when he left all these pansies in his dust.
An astounding number of people yelled and cheered, racing to the brokers to place their bets while the participants gathered at the starting line. It was near deafening in the meager moonlight, but Ace walked up to the starting line with the confidence and ease of a veteran, accepting claps on the back and well-wishes like they were owed to him as the reigning champion. His dark hair snapped in the wind as he shot a particularly attractive woman a blue-eyed wink. He mouthed, Meet me after, with a flirty grin, although he'd find someone else if she wasn't interested. Winners got their pick (or picks) of the litter.
Looking down the line, he spotted a few previous competitors. One was a large tower of a man who always came. He was too big to take much damage, and too dumb to recognize that he'd never win, meaning he showed up every time, and lost every time. Ace wasn't worried about him. The one next to him was a little more of a threat. A lanky twig with a mop of sandy blonde hair was the only Attuned who'd every given him a run for his money (literally), and they were a girl. It was almost embarrassing.
It didn't matter. He was feeling at the top of his game today. No one would stand a chance.
And just to prove it, he leaned over to a newbie jitterily stretching (like it might actually help) next to him. "Don't worry kid. I'll make sure to find something to send your mom. Maybe a finger? Or a tooth?" He tilted his head like it was difficult to think of anything he might find, but it didn't take more than a single moment before the runt thought better of his decision and ran away from the race. Grinning, Ace turned to the others with an Oops. My bad. shrug of his shoulders. None of the others seemed surprised, although a few turned somewhat pale to see him in person.
Before he had time to find another victim, they were calling out the warning for the race to start. Ace shoved his hands in his pockets like he was out for a leisurely stroll, winking at another pretty lady on his way to the marker. He'd wait until the moment before to shift. For now, he soaked in the cacophony of the fans, scouting who he might seek out when he left all these pansies in his dust.
Only Poorly Executed Awesome Ones.
Ace
