Chapter 42: Before the Roar
The air in the Olympic village was tense, but within the Monta?a Azul team there was something different... a mixture of calm, nerves and, above all, union.
Talión knew that this was the night to talk to each of his friends before the grand final.
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The talk with Bruno
Bruno was on the balcony, looking at the city lights. Talion approached in silence.
"Nervous?" Talion asked.
Bruno nodded.
"But also... excited." I never thought I'd get here.
Talion smiled at him.
"Do you remember the boy who got nervous even in training?" That boy is gone... Now you are someone who faced his fears and got here.
Bruno smiled proudly.
"Tomorrow... I won't compete for myself... I'll compete for all of you."
"And we will be shouting your name," Talión said, patting him on the shoulder.
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The talk with Jocelyn
Jocelyn was in the gym, repeating some exercises to clear her mind. Talión approached with a smile.
"Nervous?"
"Nervous?" she said, laughing. Nah... I'm just warming up to break the face of whoever gets in front of me.
Talion laughed.
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"That's what I like about you... no matter how much they doubt you, you always come back stronger.
Jocelyn smiled, proud.
"Tomorrow... I'm going to show you that Monta?a Azul doesn't give up.
"I know... because you are part of the heart of this team."
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The talk with Azrat
Azrat was sitting by the pool, staring at the water.
"Everything okay, champion?" Talión said, sitting next to him.
"Yes..." Azrat said, with a slight smile. It's just that... tomorrow is the last test... the grand final...
"And that worries you?"
Azrat shook his head.
"No... I'm excited." I'm ready to give the Blue Mountain another victory.
Talion stretched out his fist.
"If someone can do it... it's you, Azrat Prime."
They both laughed and smumped their fists.
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The talk with Aurora
Aurora was sitting on the terrace, looking at the sky.
"Ready for the grand final?" Talión asked, approaching.
"Me?" Always. -she replied with a smile.
Aurora paused, then looked at Talion seriously.
"Listen... no matter what happens tomorrow, you've already made history."
Talión looked at her surprised.
"History?"
"Yes... you managed to make this team, which was always seen as a group of losers, is now recognized as a team of champions. Whatever happens... you made everyone believe in themselves.
Talion felt a lump in his throat.
"Thank you, Aurora...
She gave him a soft blow on the shoulder.
"Now go and kiss your boyfriend, who I know is waiting for you."
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The night of Talion and Luz
When Talión entered his room, he found Luz lying on the bed, barely covered with a sheet.
"You took too long..." Luz said, with a playful smile.
Talion laughed.
"You know... I had to encourage the whole team...
Luz stretched slowly, showing her silhouette in the dim light.
"And what about me?" Don't you need to give me some motivation too?
Talion approached slowly, climbing on the bed. His hands caressed Luz's waist, and his lips met hers. The kiss was slow, deep, as if the world disappeared.
"Tomorrow I'm going to win..." Talión whispered against his lips. But tonight... I only want you.
Luz smiled, letting Talion explore every inch of her skin.
The room was filled with sighs, caresses and desire. The two got carried away, without haste, without pressure... just the two of them, enjoying intimacy before the big day.
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The dawn of the grand final
The sun barely rose when the Monta?a Azul team met in the tunnel that led to the Olympic pool.
Talion took a deep breath.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Ready!" everyone shouted.
The presenter announced:
"It's time for the grand final!" The competitors are already ready... Let the countdown begin!
"3..."
Talión closed his eyes, thinking about every training, every sacrifice, every smile of his friends.
"2..."
Luz looked at him from the stands, with an accomplice smile that made him feel unstoppable.
"1..."
Talion leaned over the exit platform.
"ALREADY!"
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End of chapter 42
