by Simonpet » Tue Jul 21, 2015 4:15 am
It's almost fall now, and though the leaves haven't begun to change colors, the air is slowly cooling. I take a breath of fresh air, holding my hands out as I welcome the new season. I hear barking in the distance, and I hurry to the stables. I give Target and Caramel Milkshake their breakfasts, and sit down to wait. I can still remember Target's first victory, everyone cheering her show name, Bullseye at the Stadium. But the following day would be Caramel Milkshake's turn, under the show name of Sweet Toffee Boy. The name sure fits him, I think as I groom him. His fur is the color of both toffee and caramel, while his temperment is sweet, unlike fiery Target.
A round of half-purr-half-growl tells me that Caramel is happy and satisfied with his grooming. I move onto Target, and she even rolls over, letting me scratch her belly. "Up up lazy girl!" I tell her. I release her from her stall, and move on to waking Caramel. I tell him about the race, and he listens intently, although I can't tell if he understands me. Once I'm done, he loses intrest in me, and goes on to play with Target, once I release him from his stall. I look at them, especially Caramel, one of my twin pride and joys. He has come so far since when I originally got him, and I am proud to introduce him to his first race.
The next day, the sun is shining, a good sign, I think. I take Caramel Milkeshake to my special trailer, just for Echobis, and Target barks in protest at being left behind. I console her that someone will take care of her, and that she is in good hands. She doesn't appear convinced, and sniffs at me as if making sure I am telling the truth. I say my final goodbyes to her, and get into the trailer.
I arrive more than an hour early, and like before, I see people with their Echobis, some standing around, some trying to gain control. I make a note of who will unlikely to be much of an opponent to me. I brush and comb Caramel's mane and fur, waiting for the signal.
At the first signal, I put my stuff away and lead Caramel to the start. I keep a firm hold on him, but he doesn't seem spooked. In fact, he is relaxed, and I hope that he will go once said.
"Go!" I hear. The word said, the gates open, and Sweet Toffee Boy rushes out. He starts at an even pace, something which I don't like. I urge him to go faster, and soon, we round the first corner. I see there were several Echobis in front of us. I urge Caramel to go even faster. He responds, and we speed up the pace, drawing almost even, until we round the second corner, and they sped up.
"Go faster, boy," I whisper. But Caramel is tiring, and we fall behind, little by little. We rounded the third corner, and somehow, Caramel managed to find enough strength for a boost of speed. We catch up, but fall behind again, and though we passed almost everyone, we still finish in third. But the screams of the few people who were chanting: "Sweet Toffee Boy!" lift my mood a bit. Even though we are in third place, people still cheer for us.
Last edited by
Simonpet on Mon Aug 10, 2015 9:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
