Auro Of Mount Ocean. Book 1 : The Infamous Trio

Chapter 3 Mount Ocean Run

As the perfect red light of the sun began fading to yellow. Auro, just after his morning run, was on his way to Arena's house to have breakfast. He had a skip in his step and a bright smile on his face. Auro was quite happy with himself because he managed to make a necklace with the mysterious crystal like object, and was planning on giving it to Arena.

Auro is even more aware of his surroundings now, even though it's been a week since the ambush. He has noticed that some of the villagers have been looking at him with disappointment on their face or at the very least been ignoring him. This made him feel a bit uneasy.

Auro arrived for breakfast and helped set up the table. Arena was really happy to see him. Her wound has completely healed and the scar seems to be fading already. Kim on the other hand, is able to walk but with a heavy limp. She needs the use of a crutch to get around. Once Arena served breakfast, Auro noticed that Arena and Kim were not talking to each other. "So Kim, how is it staying here with Arena?"Auro asked to test the water. Kim looked up at Auro with food in her mouth, then at Arena, who was looking at her waiting for an answer. Kim swallowed her food and answered," It's ok, I guess." Arena now with a smirk on her face "I wouldn't say that. I looooovvveee your company around here. You bring the harsh reality to mine and my mother's rosey world." Kim sighed and turned to her bag. She pulled out a notice which said that there will be a Mount Ocean Run next month. Kim looked at Auro with a bright smile,"Are you going to take part" Auro read the notice and it mentioned that there will be a cash prize and the owner of the Three Queen Kingdom Olympics with talent scouts will be attending.

Auro pondered at the page with his hand on his lip. He thought back to all the other times he took part in the event. He and Kim were always the best athletes in the competition for the past six years. Kim has won the Mount Ocean Run twice in a row for the junior division and won the last senior division two years ago. Auro finished first once in the junior division and finished second in the senior division the year Kim finished first.

Auro looked up at Kim and asked if she was going to enter in that state, pointing to her leg, to defend her title? Kim looked at him and said "if I was to lose my title then I would like to lose it to you." her face showed regret. Auro tossed the page on the table, grabbed both her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Look, I will not take your title without you being able to defend it, so if you are not going to take part then I won't either." Auro knew how serious Kim took the Event but didn't want to win it without a challenge. Auro's words brought tears to Kim's eyes but she tried her hardest to surpress them. Then Arena spoke," Just wait before you say you can't participate. How long do you have until the event?" Auro and Kim replied "A month". Arena went on to say, "So you have a month to recover", looking at Kim with a smile on her face. I am sure that with enough rest and muscle rehab from Mary and I, you should be fit enough to compete.

Kim was stunned by Arena's words until Arena came over to her saying,"Kim you are like a sister to me and I too feel regret for your injury, cause if I didn't tell you to get the basket you would have be unharmed". Kim and Arena embraced then Kim stood up with a determined look on her face saying," Right! thanks for the meal, I am off to go rest cause I am feeling a bit dizzy with all these emotions right now."
And off she went to her bed. Auro and Arena shared a smile at each Kim's expense. While the two of them were cleaning up. Auro asked "So do you really think that Kim will be able to participate in a month's time?" Arena replied "look, do you really think that she was not going to participate? If I told her that she will not be able to take part then she would have tried her best to train and probably cause more harm to herself." Auro thought to himself and agreed with her thought process. Arena continued,"I will try my best to get her fit enough to defend her title against you, cause let's face it, there will be no one else that would be able keep up with you.
Auro couldn't help but smile at the prospect of going up against Kim.