I'm not sure if any of the times are right but anyway…
* * Lahrri's thoughts
** ** Akari's thoughts
Chapter III
Lahrri knew exactly what she was doing. She always did. Right now, at this moment, she was training for the Great Tournament. * My third year , there is no way that I will give up* she thought about the girl she just defeated in a challenge. Later, she heard how she had returned to Earth *Weakling, we don't need her kind here*. Her thoughts turned to the next highest-scoring freshman, Ayumi Nagato. Ayumi "Lightning Streak" Nagato, to be exact. Breaking records in the 100m dash, the 200m dash and the distance javelin throw. She was someone to watch out for. But Lahrri could think of someone else to watch out for. Mylandah. Figuratively, Mylandah was stepping on Lahrri's heels. Everywhere she turned, Mylandah was in the back of her mind. Her watching, glaring eyes were always there. Lahrri had to admit it was just slightly intimidating. But being the best athlete, she could not show that. Years ago, Lahrri could remember a friendship. But it was a friendship broken by distrust and competition. Many wondered why Mylandah decided to stay all these years. Lahrri knew it was to try for Cosmo Beauty, but there were rumors of a "special" relationship. But that was not true. Mylandah would not quit until she defeated Lahrri.
Not this time.
~*~
**Why, why, couldn't I stop her?** Akari mentally slapped herself. When she was like this, both Kris and Anna knew to stay away. It was 11:00 PM, her silhouette against the window could be seen sitting on her bed, head between her knees. **First me, then Jessie. Except Jessie won't come back… Almost at the other side of the dorms, Ayumi also sat on her bed. She slowly lifted her head. Carol's not here anymore…It's just me. They didn't know it, but they were both dealing with the same problems as they themselves were. But they hardly knew each other. Maybe others were suffering the same fate. This was how competition brought competitors together. Both vowed to give it everything they had. Each went to bed, one with dried tears, and the other with refreshed thoughts.
~*~
When she woke up, Ayumi immediately knew she didn't feel like training. But she had to. LaZiness didn't get people anywhere she told herself. Reluctantly, she got up, and dressed to train. Putting on her uniform seemed to re-energiZe her mind. She started with a couple of stretches, then started her usual early morning mile. There was barely anyone at the track, most were either swimming or in the weightroom. She crossed the finish line at 3:48. A little slow today… She was startled by a voice. "Good time."
She turned. Akari stood in her uniform, still looking a bit sleepy. "Actually, one of my slower times." Akari came up to her and offered her hand. "Akari KanZaki."
"Ayumi Nagato."
"Oh, you're the one they call 'the Streak,' right?"
"Yes, but I'd much rather prefer 'Ayumi'."
"I see." There was a brief silence before Akari spoke again. "Would you mind sighting me while I run, telling me what to do better next time?"
"I don't see why not," Ayumi smiled. There were those earlier times when Carol had asked the same.
Less than five minutes later, Akari finished.
"Not bad, good form. Maybe higher knees would help."
Akari nodded. "Is that all?"
"As far as I could tell."
"Thank you."
"No problem."
"You want to grab a quick breakfast?"
"No, actually, I think I'm gonna take to the pool, but thanks…"
Akari smiled and left.
In the random draw, Ayumi had ended up in the tournament in the same section as Kris Christopher, former teammate of Akari. As the weeks and games dragged by, Ayumi slowly realiZed that continuing onto the quarter finals would be an easy reality. The semi-quarter finals on their section stood like this: Ayumi vs. Kris; Rachel Winhan, vs. Sarah Vinel. Whoever won would have the other at the quarter finals. During thepast week, she had observed many things. Kris' over-friendliness with Akari was seen, as well as Anna's sad expression each time Kris and Akari were close together (aga. Akari's will, of course). Lahrri and Mylandah's struggle against each other were pretty evident. They didn't know it, but it seemed that somehow, they were connected in some way. Lahrri always seemed unfeeling, perhaps the problem lay with her training. Now Kris, under the training of Mr. Miracle, was slowly being torn away from Akari. But Ayumi had the feeling that they would see each other again. All of these top athletes had flaws. Akari, her lack of confidence, Kris, her feelings overpowering her games, Anna, her solitude and hostile feelings finally pouring out. Lahrri, no feelings at all, Mylandah, too much hatred towards someone she once loved as a friend. All had their faults. All except me.
End Chapter III
