Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within.
- Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire
This is my official entry for the current theme week. Although there was another story I wrote that could also be considered an entry, this piece of writing was what I had in mind for the theme week. And, assuming I can only manage one entry for the current theme week, this particular tribute was one I’ve been wanting to do for a long time now.
Waggytail remains to be one of my biggest inspirations within the fluffy pony fandom, especially as a hugboxer. I had always enjoyed the character of the purple unicorn that he introduced in his comic about the racing fluffy, but sometimes wished she had more of a story. This is my attempt to give her a story, as well as pay tribute to some other art done by Waggytail. The cover art was a tribute piece I had commissioned from @CookieCrunch some time ago but, and as it has not been uploaded yet, I felt that it was the ideal piece to use as cover art for this story.
Some notes:
- I was hesitant to name the main character Iris, as Iris is a name thats fairly familiar to me, to the extent that its considerably overused. My reason for picking the name, however, was bedcause of the colour of Waggytail’s racing fluffy. In addition, the Greek Goddess Iris is known as the Goddess of speed, fulfilling a role similar to Hermes. The decision to name the race Hermes was also a slightly deliberate reference to Mercury from the Fall of Cleveland.
- Eric Abrams is based off Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. Both men were Olympic winners who were famously featured in Chariots of Fire
- the idea of fluffies chasing after a mechanical bow of spaghetti was inspired by greyhound races. It was an idea also mentioned in the comments of the original fluffybooru upload for racing fluffies
- the exercise that Eric makes Iris do is based off a real exercise Harry’s coach, Sam, made him do
- i decided to use the term “secondies” as I think fluffies should be able to understand how quick a “second” is
- Lightning Fast is, obviously, based off Rainbow Dash, and is a character mentioned before in my Avocado series in regards to “My Little Fluffy”. The references to her was also use as a homage to Waggytail’s fascination for Rainbow Dash (he drew her quite a lot)
- aside from Waggytail and Yehdoo, I imagine that @ProfessorOlive 's fluffies may be fast enough to compete in these kind of races. I also know that @Carpdime and @Foxhoarder have drawn their own take on fluffy speedsters.
- recommend playing list: A certain Vangelis theme and Tusk
In closing, there are many artists who I’d like to see return to the fluffy pony fandom, with many of them being artist who I had featured in the Sam Adams Guide. But Waggytail remains to be one of my biggest inspirations and influences. A part of me still hopes that he’ll hopefully perchance upon this new site, and reconsider joining this fandom. Until then, I hope that this tribute works as an introduction to one of my favourite artists.