Chapter Text
Immediately after the first stage was over, a bunch of reporters came to interview me. It was really controversial for a woman to finish fourth in a race defined by manliness.
‘So what exactly inspired you to join the Steel Ball Run, Miss Calamity?’
Around ten reporters were writing down every word spilling out of my mouth.
‘Money, fame, adrenaline maybe…’
‘How did your husband react when you decided to join the race?’ a reporter interrupted me
‘I don’t have a husband. I am married to my rifle.’ I said and kissed the barrel of my rifle. I liked messing with the reporters.
The reporters abruptly stopped writing to glance at each other with disapproval. Then, we heard the commentator making an important announcement.
‘Gyro Zeppeli, the 1st place finisher, has committed interference against Sandman. He will receive a 20 place penalty, dropping to 21st place.’
‘Yes! I knew it! ’ The reporters got scared from my sudden exclamation and begun writing down again furiously as I continued talking:
‘ What he did back then could have killed both me and Sandman. He shot at the rocks to sabotage Sandman and I was almost buried inside the debris. A boulder nearly hit my head and Ace got dust in her eyes and now they are irritated.’
The reporters turned to look at Ace who was drinking water.
‘Poor horse…’ one of them said.
Later I was eating in the racers’ buffet when Steven Steel approached to congratulate on me.
‘Y/N..I knew you would perform good but I didn’t expect you to be that good. The elites have gone crazy, asking me about you and your past. Why don’t you come with me? I want you to meet a few people.’
I took a bite from my chicken drumstick and spoke with my mouth full:
‘I don’t know Steven…I’m really sweaty and tired. Also, I have a sharpshooting show tonight so I must get some sleep.’
Steven stepped closer and whispered in my ear:
‘ You have to come and save me. The champagnes in the elite’s buffet suddenly exploded as well as the water tank above their heads. They are complaining and I need something to distract them from this misfortune.’
‘Oh well, I mean..I owe you a lot…’ I licked the bone and threw it to the ground before following him.
As I approached the elites’ buffet, the elites started circling me like I was an exhibit in a zoo or something. Some of them asked for autographs, others bombarded me with questions as Steven sat back watching the scene unfold.
A few ladies with puffy dresses and small umbrellas were asking me questions. I felt really untidy in contrast to them. I absent- mindedly wiped my mouth on my sleeve and hoped they didn’t notice.
‘ When did you first become interested in shooting?’ A woman who was wearing a big hat with peacock feathers asked me.
‘I come from a small village in Kansas. My parents were cautious of wolves and always kept a rifle nearby to protect the cattle if need be. When my parents were busy, I took the rifle and practiced with it secretly. One time I managed to shoot at a fox that was running away with one of our chickens between its teeth. My father was mad, but soon acknowledged my talent. He forced me to work in local fairs to provide for the family.’
‘Poor girl! That sounds terrible. Working from such a young age to support your household.’ An other woman with a straw bonnet hat and a lacy umbrella said
‘It was cruel, I never went to school because of that and they would make me work for ten hours a day. I was a prodigy but I was still a kid. And the worst part was that they would never let me evolve, refine my skills. They were planning to marry me off to some cowboy as soon as I turned 18. Then, my sharpshooting skills would be useless to them, as my husband would provide for our family. Talk about being exploited..Luckily I met Mr. Steel and he convinced me to run away from home.’
Steven made his way into the crowd of nobles guiding a young blond woman, holding her by the shoulder. I recognized her as the woman who served me coffee when I was at Hotel de Coronado.
‘Y/N I think I haven’t introduced you to my wife Lucy Steel. Lucy, this is Y/N L/N, the infamous Calamity Y/N.’
Wife? That girl didn’t seem older than 15. I was about that age when I met Steven. Wait… is it possible that if I had stayed with him he would have married me instead? Jeepers!
Maybe in an alternative universe that would be my fate.
‘Calamity..I’m such a big fan of yours. It’s really a pleasure to meet you.’ Lucy was being respectful despite her excitement of meeting her idol.
We shook hands and then I noticed something. Lucy was wearing a round straw hat with a ribbon as a hat band. The ribbon had written on it the word ‘Calamity’.
‘Where did you get it?’
‘Oh, you mean the hat? Steven bought it for me as a gift. From a street vendor in San Diego. He was selling merchandise branded with the names of different racers. You wear them to show your support for a particular racer. I wanted a Mountain Tim hat too but they were sold out…’
‘I see...Since you are such a fan you could attend my sharpshooting show tonight. I plan on doing a performance at every checkpoint. If I don’t end up winning I will at least have made money from my sideshow.’
‘Oh, that would be lovely but I’m not sure Steven will let me. He says only lousy people attend those events. He was a promoter for many years so he knows the kind of people these performances attract. At least that’s what he told the President.’
‘He really said that? Wow an other boot licker.’ I whispered to myself
I saw Steven waving at Lucy for afar, trying to get her attention. The elites were already boarding in the train. The show was over for them as the racers were making their way to the motels nearby.
‘Y/N I must return to my husband now but before I go I want to give you some advice. I know, what advice could possibly a girl like me give to someone like you but...trust me. In order to win this race you must have true grit. Despite all the obstacles that will come along you must not give up. Steven never gave up and look at him now. Y/N you are an inspiration, starting from zero and building your career stone by stone, Steven has told me your story countless times. I’m rooting for you to win the Steel Ball Run.’
‘I’m..really flattered, I don’t know what to say…’
I gave Lucy an autograph to her hat and she left, joining the other elite spectators that were heading to the train to get their rest.
Me? An inspiration?
The noblewomen love me, I have full support from the promoter of the race, even a couple of racers respect me.
And this is just the beginning of the race.