Chapter 8: One little final

With a few difficulties, the day of the competition arrived. 

Yata locked himself in one of my rooms and didn't come out for days. It looked like he was angry for some reason. I got ready and headed to the arena where the competition will take place. The competition starts in an hour, and since the arena is far away, I decided to call a taxi. I know it's a risky move, but I had to be there. I want to see the outcome of the competition. I want to see if Katarina will join us. The taxi came. I hurried, sat down and told the driver the location where I needed to be. When he started, a song that I didn't recognize started on the radio.

"It seems like you don't understand,"  then it goes"A shame you seemed an honest man." 

A bit of a strange atmosphere, but as the drive was a little bit long, it is natural that this song will also end soon.After 17 minutes of driving, the same song was still playing. We finally arrived. I got out of the taxi 500 meters from the arena since it was literally packed. The taxi driver could not take me to the entrance because of the huge crowd. It's lucky that I don't have to stand in line to pay for the entrance because Katarina has already given me the tickets. She gave me two, but Yata didn't want to go for some reason. I entered the arena.

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When I entered the arena, an explosion of feelings flew through my face and soul. My eyes started glowing and I felt someone else talking and thinking with my body. The atmosphere in the arena is electric, charged with anticipation and excitement. The arena consisted of four stages on each side. The air is thick with the sound of cheering crowds and the rhythmic thumping of music beating off the walls. Colorful lights flash across the stage, creating a vibrant kaleidoscope. The presenter introduced us to the program and announced the first team, after which the arena fell silent. Spectators are standing, many waving flags and wearing team colors, as they eagerly await the performances. As the spotlight dims and the first group is called to the stage, a hush falls over the crowd. The group, composed of six dancers, steps forward confidently. They’re dressed in matching outfits. Sleek black and shimmering gold that catch the light beautifully. Each dancer radiates a unique personality; one exudes fiery energy, while another has a calm, poised presence. They share quick glances and nods, signaling their connection and teamwork as they take their positions. As the music begins, they launch into their routine with precision and passion. Their movements are sharp and fluid, showcasing a blend of contemporary and hip-hop styles. With every move of the members, a star shaped light appeared following their movements. This team is a no joke. The choreography tells a story of struggle and triumph, and the dancers embody the emotions with every leap and turn. The audience is captivated, their applause rising with each complex sequence. The first group sets the tone for the competition, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present. Everyone felt the explosion of the finishing movements. It will be hard to beat that.When will Katarina's team get to dance? The presenter introduced another team. 

The audience cheered with excitement, a palpable energy coursing through the crowd as they awaited the second group to take the stage.

 The rhythmic beats of music reverberated off the walls, setting a fierce and electrifying tone for the competition. Suddenly, another stage was on fire. Total light show. Audience turned around looking at the entrance of the second team that was nothing short of explosive. Dressed in vibrant, fiery costumes, but one of them was dressed different.  They launched into their routine with remarkable speed and intensity. A fire spear was shoved into my neck. Their movements were sharp and precise, showcasing a combination of powerful choreography and synchronized formations that had the audience going feral. The dancers exuded confidence, their fierce expressions and dynamic footwork igniting the crowd's enthusiasm. As the performance progressed, The energy was infectious, and the audience erupted in cheers, clapping along with the beat. However, as they reached the climax of their routine, the pace began to take its toll. A few missteps became evident and an off-timed leap here, a faltering transition there. The dancers, once so synchronized, started to lose their cohesion. That's only natural when you're going all out with because the first team. Despite their best efforts to regain control, the final moments of the performance saw them struggling to keep the fierce energy they had started with. The initial thrill transformed into a tense atmosphere as the audience sensed the shift. The routine concluded with a dramatic pose, but the adrenaline that had once fueled their performance faded, leaving a lingering feeling of disappointment. As the music faded, the applause was polite but mixed with an undertone of sympathy.  They certainly started strong, but the unraveling of their routine served as a reminder of the high stakes and pressures of competition. Even in their failure, the team demonstrated passion and dedication, a testament to their hard work and commitment to the art of dance.Well, the start really was something. I want to talk to that guy who was wearing different colours. He was second to none. 

"And now, Dance club " Freedom " takes place." 

"Freedom," huh? 

Another stage turned on and dancers appeared. The atmosphere was something else now, charged with the collective energy of dancers, supporters, and spectators. They are representing our city, after all. The scent of sweat and determination lingered, mixing with the faint aroma of stage lights warming up. Every heartbeat seemed to resonate with the rhythm of the music, which pulsed through the space like a living entity, drawing everyone into its embrace. When this "Freedom" took the stage, they embodied the essence of creativity and expression. Dressed in vibrant costumes splashed with colors that symbolised something very true to them, they began their performance with fluid, sweeping movements that seemed to conjure an invisible canvas in the air. The music was hypnotising. No. Katarina, you little. Each dancer flowed seamlessly into the next, their bodies creating dynamic shapes and patterns that evoked the strokes of a brush against canvas. As they moved, it was as if they were painting with every gesture. A grand sweep of arms sent ripples through the group, splattering invisible hues across the stage. Their feet tapped and glided, leaving trails of imagined color in their wake, while the music swelled in intensity. The choreography was a symphony of motion, where leaps and turns burst forth like explosions of colour that consisted vivid reds, sea blues, and sunny yellows seemed to emerge from the dancers themselves. When they hit the crescendo of their routine, the dancers executed a series of synchronized spins that created a mesmerizing whirl of movement, resembling a painter’s brush swirling in a vibrant pot of paint. Each leap seemed to send a cascade of colors into the air, while their expressive faces conveyed the joy and passion of creation. The audience erupted in applause, captivated by the vivid imagery brought to life through the artistry of dance, and the arena exploded leaving signs full of colours. 

The show went on. So many talented people in one place. It's making even me emotional. Tears appeared on my face painted with joy. 
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A few hours later, the last team finished their performance. We were waiting for the results.They played footage of the teams while we waited. I decided to sneak backstage to get to Katarina. Security stopped me and began to question me, but a familiar voice interrupted the situation;    

     "It's okay, he's with our club." 

The voice came from Katarina who was unrecognizable in a white dress. Security let me go.    

     "Now what have you come up with?" Katarina asked in an angry tone.    

 "Nothing. I just wanted to see you before they announce the winner. Our bet still stands, right?"     

    "Of course! My team won't lose."     

    "Speaking of your team… What was that choreography? It had a mesmerizing effect."     

    "Something I've been perfecting for a long time. It comes from nature. Every move is the sweat of an animal using dance to get a mate. With the right music, it has an effect on people too. There's no way my kids will lose."  

       "I thought so... Tell me, the party is right after the announcement?"        

 "Yes! The younger group is already waiting at the Cultural Center."  

   "That's really nice, I can't wait to see who wins the bet. By the way, the bet only stands if the team wins first place, right?    

 "Although I am very sure about my children, it might still be a good idea to consider second place, too."     

    "Uh-huh. Okay." 

Even if she wins, I will continue my plotting anyways. The thing is... I'm really worried about Omega. Will he make a move now? Is he already somewhere in the audience preparing to attack? I don't know what to do.    

 "You look worried, heh," Katarina said with a smile. She probably thinks I'm worried about the bet. Our conversation was stopped by the announcement.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for visiting our national dance competition. Without further ado, we will now announce the winners." 
Everyone was nervous, even me.  
    "Third place at the national competition in 2049 was won by..." 

    "Dance club - Freedom!" 

The team rushed to the stage to collect their third place awards. I turned to Katarina. Her mouth was open and her eyes were wide. Blood dripped from her fingers.

To be continued...