//------------------------------// // Retirement // Story: Running the Show // by Theta //------------------------------// “And finishing first is Solar Runner!” The announcer called out as I cross the finish line. The crowd went wild with cheers, both of joy and disappointment. No doubt they thought I’d lose. The first thing on my mental checklist is to grab a towel, and wipe off the sweat that accumulated during the race, the second is to grab the liver tabs and brewers yeast that lay in my bag. Doing this, I pop the cap off of both and pour out eight of each, and by twos, swallow them along with some water. My hands and legs are shaking from exhaustion, the lactic acids burning the worst in my shins. Nothing new, but it always amazed me why they did such a thing, or even why I still felt the slight pain that I did. It’s not like I wasn't used to this sort of thing, ten years of lacrosse prepped me for it. Well, for the most part...just being invited to be a Wonderbolt doesn't mean you don’t have to improve. If anything, that’s what pushes one farther. For the past year I've eaten really small meals, been to many upper society parties, and have even met Celestia herself. Yet not once has any of that ever paid off. The small meals mean that I’m hungry all the time. Parties might sound fun, but they aren't my forte...at least not these kind. No, all they are, are the rich belittling the poor, spreading rumors about anyone and everyone. Showcasing how money can hollow out one’s being. Most would kill for a chance to even be in Celestia’s presence, but I had the luxury of holding a conversation with her. Don’t get me wrong, it was amazing to speak to a princess, but in the long run it was just trivial. I wince as I swallow the last of the pills, and slowly walk back to the locker room to take a shower and change. As my locker closes, I take a towel, and head for the showers. The hot water was pure bliss over my muscles. Everything relaxed, and the strain from the race no longer lingered. Thank the Creator that this was my last race. Can’t handle this shit anymore. I shut off the water, and wrap the towel around my waist. Walking out, I change into my usual grey hoodie, white t-shirt, and torn up jeans. For whatever lay ahead, I was ready. Whatever I encounter in Ponyville, I’ll stand tall. Whoever I face, I will- “Hey, kid, congrats on winning the race. It’s a shame to see you leave so soon.” a raspy voice cut into my thoughts. Looking over, I see that it’s Soarin who congratulated me... “Thanks man. Gotta say, without you, I wouldn’t even be here. Thank you for everything you’ve done man, I owe every bit I earned to you. I’ll keep in touch, if it’s any consolation.” I reply with a chipper tone. That made his smile widen. “No prob. Honestly, you helped us more than we helped you. Wonderbolt merch is jumping! Plus the fact that people were gambling nonstop to either bet against or for you. Heh... Still, it’s sad to see you leave. Can’t really say much else, but I wish you good wherever you go, man.” “Thanks man, I’m going to Ponyville,come visit if you're in town. Hell, I’ll hear about where you guys'll be. I’ll miss y’all, that's for sure...but this shit, just ain’t for me.” I say with regret in my voice. “Don’t sweat it. This lifestyle isn’t right for everyone. Anyway, I gotta get going...Spitfire won’t be too happy if I’m late to dinner. Again man, it’s been great...but I guess this is goodbye, bro.” “Peace, Soarin. Thanks for the opportunity. It helped me escape some shit I’d rather not talk ‘bout.” And with that, we slapped fives and went our separate directions. I hope those two get married one of these days, it’s already been two years since they started dating. Wild heaven, baby. I had cleared out my locker yesterday, so the only thing left was the bag I brought in. I casually toss the two pill bottles back into it, and shimmy the sling across my shoulder. Walking out to the parking lot of the Canterlot stadium, I’m surprised to find that no one followed me tonight. No crazy fan, no drunken idiot, there was nothing and no one. Thank Celestia. I climb into the driver seat of my SRT Viper, the one thing I bought on impulse. Bright red accented by a black stripe that runs down the middle of the car. The only problem is that it only seats two. Great for dates, but terrible for just about everything else. I have to admit though, it’s fucking sweet. I dropped about a hundred grand on it, which was the salary from my first three races. Not bad, seeing as how it’s a year later, and somewhere around forty races later. It starts with ease, and I carefully shifted it into first gear. Upon exiting the stadium parking, I put it into second, then third. Next stop:Ponyville. I had movers take all of my stuff to the house a week ago, leaving only what I could fit into the small trunk of my car. Goodbye snobs, goodbye city life, and thank Celestia, goodbye paparazzi! I turn on the radio, only to be disappointed by the late night playlists. I approach a stoplight, and decide to pull out my mePod, and connect it to my stereo...I can't be held responsible for any 'disturbances' that I cause. I like my music loud, helps drown out everything around me. My car blasts one my favorite songs: Equestria Psycho II. The playlist will only get better from here, and I have all night to jam out. After an hour, and many songs later, I spot a sign with "Ponyville 20 miles" on the right of me, Thank the Creator, I'm tired as fuck. I yawn as I think this, and decide its best to crank up the radio even louder to keep me awake. I am soon told this is a bad idea, as Trouble soon takes over. NOOOOOOOO TROUBLE'S AT MY DOOR!!!!! B-Real's ear splitting voice shattered my ear drums, and I quickly fumble to turn the volume down. Finally doing so, the song ends, and I am left with about fifteen more minutes until I reach Ponyville, and fifteen minutes until 1 A.M., probably isn't the best idea to wake the town up for my own selfish reasons. Rolling up the windows, I also turn the speakers down even more. Next on my playlist;The Space Between. The one song that makes me reflect on my past, has to come on right as I'm about to start over. Now, all I can remember is the pain that they caused me...