Chapter 38: The Power of Calm

  The Monta?a Azul team had spent the last few days training intensively at the Olympic facilities. With each stroke, with each dive, they felt that the moment was approaching... the Olympics were about to begin.

  ?

  Training under Alexandre's gaze

  While the team practiced, a figure watched from the stands. Alexandre Duvier, the French prodigy, stared at Talion as he moved precisely in the water.

  When Talión left the pool to rest, Alexandre approached with a neutral expression.

  "You're fast... but not as fast as you think."

  Talion looked at him sideways, without bothering.

  "Did you come to spy on us or did you just want to talk?"

  Alexandre let out a slight laugh.

  "Don't get confused... I didn't come to provoke you." I came to make something clear.

  Talión crossed his arms, listening attentively.

  "This competition is not just for you to shine." This is my land... and I will defend my honor. I have nothing against you... but if you try to take away what I've worked all my life... I won't leave it easy for you.

  Talion showed no fear or anger.

  "I didn't come to snatch anything from you... I came to show what we're worth."

  Alexandre smiled half-heartedly.

  "Then may the best win...

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  They both looked at each other for a few seconds. There was respect in his eyes, but also determination.

  "See you in the pool," Alexandre said, walking away calmly.

  ?

  Bruno's nervousness

  Hours later, in the dressing rooms, Bruno stared at himself in the mirror. His hands were shaking.

  "I can't do it..." he murmured. I can't...

  "What can't you do?" Aurora asked, entering the dressing room with a bottle of water.

  Bruno sighed, unable to hide his nervousness.

  "All of you are incredible... Talión, Azrat, even Luz... but I... what if I'm wrong?" What happens if I ruin the team's opportunity?

  Aurora stared at him and approached him calmly.

  "You know what?" What you feel... is normal.

  Bruno looked at her confused.

  "Normal?"

  "Yes." Aurora put a hand on her shoulder. Fear is okay... because it means that this matters to you. But you can't let me control you.

  Bruno lowered his head.

  "And what do I do then?"

  Aurora smiled.

  "Remember why you started swimming... Do you do it for us?" For the Olympics? Or for someone else?

  Bruno was silent for a few seconds... then he thought of Valeria, of her smiles when she watched him compete, of how he always believed in him.

  "I do it for her...

  "Then think about that every time you get nervous." Aurora smiled. You'll swim well... because you won't do it out of pressure... you'll do it for love.

  Aurora's words shocked him. Bruno nodded firmly.

  "Thank you..."

  "And if you feel nervous out there..." Aurora added, giving her a light blow on the arm. Look where we'll be. We are all with you.

  ?

  The team is ready

  That night, the Blue Mountain team met in a small room of the Olympic complex. Aurora, Bruno, Jocelyn, Azrat, Luz and Talión sat in a circle, in silence.

  "Everything starts tomorrow..." Aurora said, in a calm voice.

  "Yes..." Talion murmured, looking at his hands.

  "We're going to win..." Azrat said, with total certainty.

  Luz smiled, resting her head on Talión's shoulder.

  "There's no way we can lose... we have the king of the ass, the "Azrat Prime", the rude Jocelyn, the strategist Aurora, our future champion Bruno...

  Bruno smiled slightly.

  "And of course..." Luz added. To the boy who can swim like an orca.

  Talion smiled when he heard that.

  "We are going to show you who is the best team in the world...

  The team put their hands together in the center and with energy they shouted:

  "MONTAAAA?A AZUUUUUL!"

  ?

  The beginning of the Olympics

  The next day, the doors of the Olympic stadium opened. The screams of the audience rumbled in the air as each team paraded with pride.

  When the Blue Mountain team crossed the entrance, Talión felt something in his chest... a mixture of adrenaline, nerves and excitement.

  Standing, at the other end of the stadium, was Alexandre Duvier, watching him with a firm look.

  The Olympics had begun.

  ?

  End of chapter 38