Ch. 7: Fist of Promise (SUN)
Before the day of the challenge, within the bustling town of Lecord…-
Vio: "No, it's no good if I don't do it today. If I can't do it today…there's no point. OO, I want you to sit with that boy in the audience. OK?"
In order to do as Vio had asked and watch the foot race with the boy, I went in search of him outside the stadium grounds…-
T-that boy.
I spotted the boy, crouched down in a corner of the town and making himself small.
OO: "…what's wrong? Vio's race is about to start, do you want to come watch it together?"
I called to the boy, and he looked up at me with tears in his eyes.
Boy: "Prince Vio…he was hurt, wasn't he."
OO: "Eh…?"
Boy: "I…I really thought I should quit, and that this was stupid, and I had planned to take it all back. Bu-but, I didn't make it…"
This boy…he put the tack in Vio's shoes…
Boy: "I did something really bad! Even though Prince Vio didn't do anything wrong!"
The boy started crying, and I gently rubbed his back.
OO: "It's alright. Vio wasn't even mad, and he said he wants you to watch his race."
Boy: "But…"
OO: "You know, Vio said he was the best at running. And that he'll set a new record from practicing so much. So, shall we go
cheer Prince Vio on?"
I continued gently persuading him, and the boy scrubbed his face and stood up.
Boy: "Yeah…!"
…
……
When we returned to the stadium, Vio was already on the grounds.
I wonder if he'll notice us…
I thought it might be difficult within the crowd of people, so I vigorously waved my hand…-
Vio: "…!"
Vio noticed right away and waved back.
Vio: "You came to watch! Today, I will definitively, without a doubt, get number one! I'll absolutely for sure keep our promise! It's a promise between men."
Vio turned to where we were and punched his fist into the sky, his smile a bottomless fount of cheer and not even a shadow of the injury or trembling remained on his face.
OO: "Are you going to answer him?"
I spoke quietly to the boy, and he hesitantly held his fist up into the air…
Vio: "It's a promise…!"
As if guided by his loud voice, Vio held his fist up high. In the clear, serene sky, two fists pointed to the heavens.
I'm glad…do your best Vio!
As I prayed that from the depths of my heart, I fixed my eyes on the stadium grounds.
Announcer: "And now without further delay, we shall begin the race to set a new world record for short-distance running."
The announcement spread out over the grounds, and the crowd got louder. Vio looked like he had set his mind to concentrating, taking deep, deep breathes, and stepped up to the starting point.