dialyasuho

[dialyasuho]

— TEO TORRIATTE , planning for stage 2

next ; iv. iron and cowboys｜table of contents

words ; 1237 words

THE RESULTS were changed. Even though Gyro managed to make it in 1st by all accounts, the race organizers gave him a penalty? Now that was just unfair! Weapons were stated to be allowed in the race — even Zeppeli's...

Avery made it to the Stage's checkpoint and grabbed a bottle of water and a bit of food, well as much as Sandman left anyway. Hm? They glanced over to the commotion happening a bit away— huh? The... champagne bottles were exploding! One of the caps of the champagne bottles flew at them but Avery caught it, just BARELY though.

"Phew... but— what is even happening over there?" mumbled Avery, before their eyes blinked over to Gyro Zeppeli just a bit away. Now, Avery wasn't a betting person but... they had a $100 on he had something to do with this mess.

Hm? Was he... talking to Johnny Joestar? Hm. There was something about those two. Something pulled Avery towards them. Something... like fate? Maybe— maybe Avery would try to talk to them before or at the lineup of this Stage. Their heart pulled Avery to do this— why? Avery had no idea. There was one thing Avery definitely knew! They knew they would team up with Gyro & Johnny...

The next day, it was the beginning of Stage 2. Avery had lined up beside Johnny and Gyro... just as they had planned! 'Okay. Don't lose your nerves, Avery. You... got this,' Avery thought to themselves. Trying to hype themselves up before actually TALKING to them.

"Gyro.. This stage's top candidate seems to be 'Sandman'! Even in the gambling arena, he's the most popular! ...What do you think of that?" expressed Johnny. Avery may have been eavesdropping on them for a perfect moment to enter into their conversation! "Sucks for you! By the way, I'm the sixth most popular racer— You're only #9 because of your penalty... If you wouldn't have gotten that, I'm sure you'd be pretty popular." continue Johnny, talking about popularity? Really??

Ah! Gyro and Johnny began to chime back into talking about Sandman! This was Avery's chance...!

"I... couldn't help but overhear you both. Do you guys really think Sandman is the most dangerous player? I would say that would be Diego. He has a drive to win no matter the cost. His hunger to win gives him a crazy advantage in the race!" warned Avery. They knew Diego very well... Avery knew better than anyone how much of a threat Diego was in a race such as this.

Avery's voice catches the attention of Gyro and Johnny— just as they planned!

"But at the same time— can Sandman really run 100km in one day?" pondered Gyro, his face in a slight grimace. Johnny looked up from his newspaper, responding to Gyro. "I'm afraid so...  and to make matters worse, Sandman is from the Arizona Desert... so, geographically, he's on his home turf. Diego on the other hand has no real advantages on that level," he replied, looking at Gyro then at Avery.

Huh... that was weirdly easy entering into this conversation. Easier than they... expected. Maybe those two didn't view Avery as a threat?

Johnny then pointed out a different contestant, "That guy over there, Mountain Tim, is just as popular and a huge candidate for this time around." Gyro and Avery listen along— Gyro points to Mountain Tim's zebra-striped hat. "But look at that weird hat he's wearing.. Makes me wanna trample all over it.. Right there, while it's still on his head, I wanna trample right on it!" exclaimed Gyro, his voice getting more rough with his aggression.

"No need to be mean... his hat is just as... weird as your own, Zeppeli," Avery replied as they looked over to Gyro. "What— what did you say about my hat?!" snapped Gyro, looking back at Avery with a scowl in his expression. Johnny just continued talking without the two of them.

"Mountain Tim is a cowboy, so he should have poor short range abilities— yet then again, he was following you and me excluding Evermore pretty well yesterday," Johnny recalled, "We couldn't even hear the sound of the hooves of his horse made... so without us knowing, he followed us all the way to the end and passed us up at the last second."

Johnny analyzed the competition... kinda like what Avery did— while Gyro...?

"I think it's because of that weird hat he wears. Haven't you noticed it? Gyaha! Nyoho!" Gyro grinned as he chuckled, earning a weak punch to Gyro's arm by Avery. "Enough about the man's poor hat!" Avery softly snapped at Gyro, their eyebrows furrowing.

"Gyro! This Stage..." Johnny exclaimed, "I think it's going to turn into a battle over the waterholes!" Johnny held the map— looking it over as he expressed the problem with the water.

As Johnny explained, Avery and Gyro leaned closer to hear Johnny better. "How far can people continue on this route... Must depend on how far you can go without running out of water." began Johnny, suddenly, he recalled some information.

"In 1875, just when this land had barely become a part of the United States of America... There was an incident that involved the death of an entire army unit, the 25th Cavalry. It wasn't because of a war or an accident, though... because during that year, all known waterholes dried up!" Johnny stated.

"As they wandered through the desert for an alternative source of water, they noticed that the temperature was steadily rising... It was already well above 50 C, and quickly nearing 60 C as they continued through the area. Eventually, they all died of dehydration, but..." said Johnny, "Before that, small fissures and cracks spread across their own dried-up, clay like eyeballs... and they all went blind. They continued to wander aimlessly through the infinite desert... slowly being roasted to death by the sun!"

Avery sighed softly, looking down a bit, "How scary." Gyro acknowledged this information too with a nod.

"Here's the indicators of water holes according to the map." Johnny states, placing his finger on the map and pointing out the waterholes. "From the starting point, we should head north... and after traveling around 50km a day, we should hit the first waterhole. If we stray from this and happen to get lost in the desert, we'll really be retiring from life itself."

He guided his finger from the beginning of the race to the waterhole — showing the route they needed to take in order to make sure they definitely didn't run out of water. Wait... we? Does that mean Avery successfully got into a team up with Johnny AND Gyro? Or... was he just talking to Gyro...?

That was when all the racers heard the announcers overhead: "It's now only 30 seconds until we start! Alright... in just an instant, the 2nd Stage will truly begin! There is no track laid along the race path, so the train will go ahead to the next checkpoint! They say the hot air balloons can only follow to the Colorado River."

Then, the announcers start to commentate on the most likely to win and most popular participants, exclaiming: "Diego Brando has pushed up his googles! Pocoloco, as usual, has his many sacks packed up and ready! Let's go.... START! The 10' O'Clock fireworks are flying into the air right on time!"

That was the signal to begin!

[dialyasuho]

— TEO TORRIATTE , first fifteen thousand meters

next ; iii. planning for stage 2｜table of contents

words ; 906 words

THE CLOCK hit 10 AM and fireworks shot into the air signaling for all the racers to take off! Avery had no plan to win this stage— but they still wanted to make it into the top 20. Even if Avery didn't plan to win, this was their final race. They wanted to at least leave SOME legacy.

Avery's plan at this Stage was just to stay back and watch everyone else. Compared to a lot of the other competitors, Avery... was very... very physically weak and really shit in a fight so...!

Avery wanted to watch the others to choose someone or someones to team up with to give themself a better chance at making it further into the race! So, this Stage was dedicated to watching!

The blonde man before, which is when Avery learned his name was 'Gyro Zeppeli', rushed the rest of the group into getting the lead— Diego Brando following close behind. Avery would rather DIE than team with Brando. No sir. No WAY. That was an IMMEDIATE no. Plus... something about Zeppeli drew Avery to him. Though— why? Avery wasn't so sure yet...

There were so many strong competitors Avery had no clue who single down... excluding Diego. Avery had 0 RESPECT for that guy! ACTUALLY— HE DOESN'T DESERVE TO EVEN BE IN AVERY'S THOUGHTS! SCREW THAT GUY!

Ah! DAMN IT! During their own thoughts, Diego was getting ahead on Gyro. Avery knew it was wrong to root for their competitors but... Avery from the back cheered on Gyro silently. They didn't care who won as long as it wasn't DIEGO.

Woah! Did— did Gyro destroy the bridge?! Ah! Yes! Gyro made it so Diego couldn't cross the bridge. YES! Brando fell behind, Avery — following the rest of the racers, Avery looked back at Diego finally BEHIND themself in a race and snickered. Diego caught their gaze and snicker, scowling at Avery with a deep disdain. To which Avery shrugged back at him before continuing forward.

Huh— what... insane person did Avery choose to watch and HYPOTHETICALLY team with?! Gyro Zeppeli went off course and went onto the brush or... would it be a forest? OH JESUS. Aahh... AVERY HAD TO FOLLOW THESE IDIOTS, DIDN'T THEY??

Avery followed Gyro and Johnny into the brush, weaving through the trees with their experience in jumping with Night Rider. They both had experience in obstacles like this so it didn't stress either of them out too much.

"Ignore the others! Just focus on weaving, girl," Avery softly said to Night Rider, trying to encourage her. Avery was a good few horses behind Johnny. 'Huh... maybe following Gyro wasn't such a bad idea?' Avery thought to themself...

Using that skill from past experience, Avery had successfully made their way through the brush without themselves or their horse getting injured at all! How lucky...! Avery was still a steady few horses length behind Johnny.

"What the— what is this?" Avery mumbled to themself as Pocoloco accelerated down the hill. It was a totally dumb move... right?

Everyone in this race was insane. That was what this entire Stage was telling Avery. Though— I suppose that was the price to hunger for something so strongly...

They continued their way down— no.

"H—huh?!" Avery exclaimed as they looked to the side just to see.. Pocoloco is FINE even after falling down his horse? Riding a cowskin?! This was absolute insanity! This was probably just the start of it considering this race was made up of insane people.

Oh! Sandman... that's what they had heard. He was... a Native American, from what Avery had recalled. He was running faster than the horses...! Now, that was technique. Avery was able to tell the technique with a good look. They were really impressed to say the least! He was using the impact and force of running... Woah! Using just the heel to manipulate the impact to his own favor. That had to take a lot of training and discipline. Avery almost wished they were physically capable to apply it to their own running— alas... they couldn't.

Avery just watched the front from a good few horses behind. Oh! They were soon approaching the end of the race. There were so many people at the finish line! Oh. No. Diego was CATCHING UP?! That was— unbelievable! In a matter of moments, Diego passed Avery.

"Better luck next time, Evermore," mocked Diego with a sardonic chuckle as he passed Avery. The NERVE of that man! He... he used Avery's horse as an air pressure shield! Avery had recognized that technique— having seen it from Diego a few times before.

How thankful was Avery to not be in the leading group. From what it looked from behind, it was a constant battle for the first place to the goal! Ah?! They were all lined up for the goal?! And... Woah! Gyro won the Stage... "Thank goodness that it wasn't Diego— especially after the little stunt he pulled before!" Avery cheered from behind silently, glad.

Avery had finished Stage 1 in 16th Place. Accomplishing their goal of making it into the Top 20, sure, they weren't as flashy as the people in the leading group but... the Top 20 was just the leading number— soon Avery will be consistently in the Top 10! Avery wasn't in this race to win after all.

Avery was in this race with the sole goal... to die.

[dialyasuho]

— TEO TORRIATTE , good morning to me 3 months ago

next ; ii. first fifteen thousand meters｜table of contents

words ; 1024 words

IT WAS September 25th, 1890. People from all over the world gathered at the beach of San Diego for one joint reason. Why you may ask? For the Steel Ball Run race of course! Everyone on this beach had a goal to win this race for one reason or another... but... one person had no intentions to win going into this race. Hell, they didn't even go into this race to survive.

The entire town surrounding the startline at San Diego Beach was bombarded by participants, it was hard to go... anywhere. Avery Evermore rode into town on their trusty steed, Night Rider. They had hoped they made it on time for the beginning of the race AND enough time to actually sign up.

They even came two days in advance to be certain Avery could apply in time! Avery had made sure they had everything they needed to apply... $1,200 USD... check! Night Rider... of course! Race Supplies... double check. Okay! Avery was ready!

Avery made their way over to one of the booths set up for people to enter into the race. It was a box with a chain fence on the window of it with a small slit to pass information from the person and the booth clerk. There were a few counters in a small building on the beach.

Walking up to a free booth with their horse and bag, Avery placed the $1,200 entry fee on the counter.

"When the $1,200 entry fee is paid, there will be no refunds due to personal reasons. The start of the race in two days will be held rain or shine, regardless of accidents. Please sign here to acknowledge the rules," spoke the booth clerk, as he slid the agreement form, "we'll record the rider's fingerprints and horses' noseprints on the starting day. Once recorded, exchange of riders or horses is strictly prohibited."

The booth clerk handed over 2 other things as well towards Avery. "This is your player identification card, Number B-555. Also included is the race commemoration badge," continued the clerk, continuing on with what he has probably said to 100 other eager participants that day... Avery took the identification card and badge, placing the two items in their bag.

Avery grabbed the pen provided and signed their name onto the document: "Avery E." There! Avery was all signed up. They had already made her way outside; heading for a tent to settle in. Just had to wait out the next—

From a few meters over, Avery heard a... fight? There was a generally unremarkable man... and a man with blonde hair wearing a strange hat with holes in it and two green steel balls attached to a chest holster? Ah! It looked like it would become a full on gun duel?!

It was causing quite the commotion... Avery stayed a good bit away from the ordeal but close enough to see what was happening, holding onto the reins of their horse to keep her close.

The blonde man— somehow made the gun shoot the gunner himself! Avery saw there was some sort of rotation that happened to the man's shooting shoulder... Huh. As he was walking off... noticed Avery and he flashed them a smile before chuckling, "Nyo ho~!" Before continuing to walk off? What... a strange man...

Avery made their way to one of the unoccupied tents, they had heard something— Huh?! Johnny Joestar... his legs moved? Avery could have sworn they had moved... but last they heard, he became completely paraplegic! Ah... whatever. As bizarre as it was, it didn't involve them!

Leaving their horse in a pen until the beginning of the race; Avery had set up in one of the unoccupied tents nearby the pens. They knew Night Rider would get a bit antsy if she got lonely... It was probably best to be nearby to ease Night Rider's nerves.

Three hours before the beginning of the race... Avery checked their bag again to make sure they had EVERYTHING THEY NEEDED. They did NOT want to get into the race just to forget something dumb...! Okay so—

What consisted of Avery's items were: a Flint Lock pistol, a rope, a blanket, a horse brush, saddle, towel, a canteen, canned foods, a knife, a pocket mirror, thread and needles, toothbrush and tooth powder, matches, chopsticks, a map, toilet paper, soap, small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, small bag with some small items inside, 2 bandage wraps, medicine, a compass, and a small notebook with a pencil attached.

Okay! Avery was all set! Hm? There was a commotion outside in the horse pen? Johnny Joestar... again? He was trying to get on a supposedly untamable horse— at least... that's what Avery heard a few men say. Ah! There was that blonde man again too! Avery just couldn't stay away from there two huh...? Hm.. was Joestar planning on entering the race? That's what it seemed like to Avery. Whatever he had in mind, they would hope he would succeed! That was the least Avery could do.

Thirty minutes until the beginning of the Steel Ball Run Race began! Avery lined up in their corresponding spot before the start time of the race. Huh... Avery was just about 80 horses away from that blonde man from earlier. They listened intently to Steven Steel's speech from where they were.

"Pfft... heheh," Avery softly giggled at Steven Steel's 'break the ice' joke. Though— Avery had tensed up when they had heard an all too familiar name was competing... Diego Brando. Avery had just hoped they would avoid HIM this ENTIRE race if lucky!

Their eyes followed Johnny as he was dragged by the horse called 'Slow Dancer' Avery believed... Something about Johnny and that other man... something about them drew Avery to them. Avery wondered just why exactly... Then! Johnny Joestar miraculously made it onto the horse in some sort of spinning motion— like a force flung him onto it! Avery saw it with their own eyes!

There was no time to even ponder on that right now though! Avery heard the announcement...

The race... was about to begin.

[dialyasuho]

— TEO TORRIATTE , information station (preface)

next ; i. good morning to you, 3 months ago｜table of contents

words ; 200 words

“ TEO TORRIATTE „

"ah! hello— or is it welcome back? welcome nonetheless to THE TRAIN... i could make a joke and call it the LOVE TRAIN but i would rather avoid such obvious jokes.

here is the place where you can get all the information regarding this tale of events! you can call me the show must go on... or you can call me showstopper. to those re-returning, perhaps you'll get the joke~ hehe... oh! i'm talking your ear off, aren't i? well. continue on. below is more information on this project as well as warnings. well... here's your stop. see you!" — TSMGO

important content warnings !

warnings : heavy language, blood, death, injuries, & suicide.

this story deals a lot with suicidal/depressive thoughts as well as gender conforming issues so please don't read if that will affect you!

important notes !

johnny joestar x oc  & implied diego brando x oc

avery wont make many contributions to the plot for the first 3 stages due to me (as the author) not wanting to change the base plot of SBR that much, please understand!

a lot of information will be hidden from the reader for the sake of the story... keep that in mind~!

[dialyasuho]

— TEO TORRIATTE , sbr x oc

read on ao3 … read on wattpad … playlist?

this is the story of avery evermore, the story of someone who longed for death— choosing to participate in this race for the sole goal to die.

table of contents ;

information station (preface)

i. good morning to you, 3 months ago

ii. first fifteen thousand meters

iii. planning for stage 2

to be continued…