Winning the crown could launch you into fame and fortune. It was one of those rare titles that most could only dream of attaining.
Yet here Kira stood.
"I suggest you let your talents speak for yourself," Kira warned, not looking back. "Otherwise, you may find yourself eating those words."
Kira focused on the Haldeel teen. "I am looking forward to seeing you race."
A small glint shone in the teen's gaze.
"I'm Skye."
"I'll remember it," Kira said, smothering her smile at the girl's serious expression.
Still cradling Jaks, Skye glided away, disappearing through the doors as she headed for the race’s preparation area.
Kira ignored the hushed whispers behind her as she completed her registration.
The attendant glanced at Finn. "Will this be the entirety of your team?"
"There is one other who should be joining us shortly. I've included his name and details in the data packet."
The Haldeel checked over the information, nodding her approval. "Do you have a compatible device for the race packet?"
Kira nodded, holding up the thin Scroll Odin had given her.
The Haldeel's movements were quick as she transmitted the information, keeping up a running commentary. "You've been placed in bracket two oh four. The first qual of that bracket is in an hour. Each bracket will allow those with the top three times to advance to the next bracket. I've assigned you bay two hundred. Your items should be there by the time you reach it."
Her spiel finished, the Haldeel smiled at Kira. "May the tides favor you."
Kira bowed. "And you as well."
Kira set out at a brisk pace, Finn trailing behind her, keeping one eye on the humans.
Kira wasn't as concerned. Zepher wasn't stupid nor were they particularly brave.
If they planned on getting back at Kira for the small slap in the face she'd given them, they'd do so when they thought they could get away with it. Until then, she was safe.
Stepping through the doors was like stepping into another world. Those on the other side bustled back and forth, the bays a frenetic swarm of energy as they raced to finish last-minute adjustments.
The smell of oil and sweat filled the space. It was as familiar as it was comforting.
"This brings back memories," she said softly, the high-pitched hum of tools mixing with the shouts of the individual bays' occupants.
"It was a lot smaller then," Jin agreed.
Kira's lips quirked as she set off to search for their bay.
"Who would have ever thought our little hobby would grow to be such an event?"
Not Kira. That was for sure.
"You've competed before?" Finn asked.
Kira hummed in ascent. "You could say that."
"The Curs started the races," Jin volunteered.
It all started with a bet to see who was the best. From there, it had grown. Of course, by then, most of the original founders were already dead.
