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Evening was approaching - the sun was setting beyond the hotel as two of the sports ball contestants walked in the other direction.
“Uh... GB? So where are we going? I thought we were going to your underground factory.” Tennis Ball asked inquisitively, trailing behind the smaller sphere as she stepped towards the forest; the greenery seemed darker now that Two had changed the colours of the landscape. With each step, the grass' soft yellow sank a bit deeper into the ground.
“There is too much noise in there. Changing scenery regularly is good.” Golf Ball said bluntly, turning to look at the felted ball. In parallel with Golf Ball's faster and shorter steps, Tennis Ball walked with the same pace as her, taking fewer and longer steps.
Inspecting his surroundings as they entered the woods, Tennis Ball reflected, "I guess it would be distracting to discuss game plans with machinery in the background, but… we could have at least have talked with our teammates."
"On our team, you and I are the only logical ones. Well, maybe TV, too."
After a short while of walking, the warm grass had begun fading into the cooler, familiar shade of green. A looming canopy of trees blocked the sun's rays, stamping light and shade as they went. The rustle of grass and leaves provided the ambient sounds.
“Have you got any ideas on strategies, TB?” Golf Ball asked, stopping at a slightly more open clearing of the forest, “if we want to win, we have to be prepared for anything.”
"Winning takes more than that, GB..." Tennis Ball murmured.
“Speaking of winning,” Golf Ball spoke, glancing to her fellow teammate, “what would you do with Two’s power if you won?”
“Honestly? I have no clue. I don’t even know if I want it.”
Golf Ball raised an eyebrow.
"All that power could be applied to scientific breakthroughs, TB! How could you dismiss its usefulness?”
“I do think it’s useful… but it takes the science out of science, you know? I could do a lot with it, sure, but I won’t learn anything.”
“Hm.”
“I like competing for the games, and the people,” Tennis Ball admitted, “the prize is more of an afterthought.”
GB nodded, looked back to the path ahead of them. Tennis Ball spoke up.
“What would you do with it?”
“Well, since I already am knowledgeable in most areas, it would benefit to not have to go through so much work to achieve something I already know. Work in the factory would be a lot easier. Plus I wouldn’t have to go down all those stairs every time.”
TB nodded with each statement.
“... Don’t tell anyone I said this,” Golf Ball started, “but… the others aren’t that bad. Even if they don’t “get” me.”
Tennis Ball raised an eyebrow. GB being honest and not stubborn for once? It was a welcome surprise, but not something he expected out of the bossy ball.
Golf Ball suddenly came to a stop, Tennis Ball soon after. The smaller ball sat down on the ground, her legs outstretched on the grass.
“At least you’ve always gotten me, TB. Thanks.”
Tennis Ball couldn’t help but smile; it felt nice to be appreciated.
“Well, um, oh… of course! We’re a duo, remember? Can’t have one without the other.”
He turned around before sitting down and rolling onto his back. From this angle, he could see the blue sky overhead, masked by the dark leaves of the trees surrounding them.
“And statistically, we are the only pair to have always been on the same team since the first season.”
Golf Ball also rolled onto her back, eyeing Tennis Ball’s side in the corner of her vision. It was slightly straining her eyes, but it didn’t bother her too much. She couldn’t see much of him, just green felt.
“You listen to me. Without you, people might not… take me seriously,” She said, “as seriously as they take me, anyway…”
“Your plans work, GB. Give yourself credit.”
She hesitated. The mix of self-doubt that usually buried itself deep in Golf Ball’s conscience haltered. Tennis Ball was right.
“And you, too. I mean, that trebuchet of yours has helped in multiple challenges. You’re a good inventor.”
“... Thanks, GB. I guess we all have our strengths and weaknesses.”
“Yeah.”
Golf Ball looked up at the sky as well, trying to make out what constellation lay beyond the tree’s foliage. The two laid in silence for a while, Golf Ball had already deduced that Auriga hung above them, it gave her peace knowing the answer, as usual. While she thought about the stars, Tennis Ball pondered to himself, unsure if he should speak up about what was on his mind. He finally gave in to his curiosity.
“GB? I have a question.” Tennis Ball spoke up, rolling to his side. Golf Ball also turned to face him, finally done with stargazing for now.
“What is it, TB?”
“Why do you… never suck up to the voters? You always get a lot of votes, but you’re never… scared of it. You don’t even try to get other’s eliminated. I know I tried with Flower back at that staircase challenge.”
“Why should I? If they vote me out because I’m - well - me, then that is unavoidable. Trying to push votes onto someone else will not change that.”
“I guess… but Golf Ball, that’s like playing the game on thin ice. Don’t you want to win?”
“Yes, but if I have to change who I am to do so, is that really me winning?”
Tennis Ball stayed silent in thought. She had a point, like usual.
“You don’t care what other’s think. I admire that.”
Golf Ball went silent, and Tennis Ball began to worry. Had he said the wrong thing?
Golf Ball let out a small sigh, and responded, her voice quieter than usual. “... That’s… incorrect. I do care about what other’s think. I worry, even. TB… If you left… I think I’d have a 0% chance of winning as of right now - you are my closest, and possibly only, friend, TB.”
Golf Ball could see Tennis Ball’s eyes soften, his mouth twitching ever so slightly into a frown, in more of a display of sympathy rather than offence.
“I wouldn’t leave, GB, we’re a duo, remember.”
Golf Ball could feel herself smile. It was relieving to hear even just Tennis Ball’s voice. He was such a loveable dork – she was lucky to have him as her friend. She rolled onto her back again and stared at the sky once more, her tension eased, now content.
“Yeah.”