RACEWORTH ACADEMY SCHOOL FOR RACERS WAS HOME TO MANY VICTORIOUS SPEED DWELLERS. Kairo could only see glimpse of the institution on his almost beaten television or on the internet.
It was a highly technology advanced institution to train their student trainee— producing top performing racers to compete with different motorsports in the country and in the world. They were trained with professional mentors and needed equipment.
It's not the only amazing thing in the academy.
The academy was erected in a secluded island, away from the cities, surrounded by the sea.
Never in Kairo's mind crossed the idea of entering Raceworth Academy. Yet, he found himself preparing his things to enter and train in that place after that night.
He was a bit skeptical at first. It could have been because of Winston's uncanny introduction of himself as his father's former team member.
But something in me sparked. Like a flame bursts out of nowhere, he thought. Now, whenever he closed his eyes he felt the rough asphalt road, the revving sound of engines, and the adrenaline rushing as the wind went against his face.
While packing a few of his clothes, someone entered his apartment. It was Winston wearing a black bomber jacket. "The door's open," he said.
"Don't know how to knock?" Kairo retorted making the old man chuckle as if he had heard a joke. Later on, Winston sat on Kairo's dusty sofa— dust immediately puffed out when his butt hit its surface. Kairo haven't cleaned his apartment for a while, he intended not to do since no one ever came to visit him regularly— aside from his aunt and uncle who would only come to check on him every Saturday.
"Just pack important things, Kairo," Winston told him. "I have prepared a few clothes in your dorm."
Kairo just gave him a nod.
Once done, Kairo asked Winston to drive down the street to meet his Aunt Isabella and Uncle Stewart. He would just bid them farewell because he would be out of the city for a while. He didn't want them to get worried about him.
"You're sure about this, son? I mean... wow! That's Raceworth Academy!" It was his Uncle Stewart.
"Of course, Uncle," Kairo answered.
His Aunt Isabella wrapped in a hug. "Just take care always, hmm? Always give us heads-up. We're always here cheering for you."
"Bye, Kairo!"
Kairo just waved his right hand before he entered Winston's car.
"Let's go, young man. The academy is waiting for you."
They went to an airport. A special helicopter from the academy would fetch and bring them to the island where it was located. Kairo had easily distinguished their helicopter with its blue and silver color design and the school's logo.
Kairo sat near a window. As the plane started moving, his heart began to race once more. Adrenaline was rushing through his veins.
He secretly blew a sigh. Here its is.
"It might take a while before our take off, Kairo," Winston told him. He was raising his voice because of the engine.
"So," Kairo uttered. "You told me before that you were my father's crew?"
Winston's lips turned into a curve as his memories flooded his mind. The great days... he would say.
"Yes, Kairo. I was your father's crew before," he said as he recall the past. "I know your father because we lived in the same neighborhood before. We both already knew that our fate was speeding down the speedway." He would chuckle some times as if he was there at the moment he was talking about.
"We applied for a racing team— I as the mentor, Kiro as the racer. Determination pushed us," he continued. "It was a success— no, actually, it's a very huge success for the both of us. We were glorious at that very moment as we compete in different races. From the ruggish young boys to these racing professionals."
Kairo couldn't hide his smile as he listen. It gave him a chance to know his father through Winston's narrative.
Winston pulled out a picture and gave it to Kairo. It was a picture of Winston and his Kiro. We almost look the same.
The men in pictures were smiling as Kiro, his father, received his trophy in the podium. Gold confetti and wide smiles were everywhere.
"For years, our team was the best. Until you came," Winston looked at Kairo. Surely, the young man's physiques were similar to his old friend. It made him felt more nostalgic. "Kiro was the happiest man alive when your mother, Carmela, bore you in to this world. Kiro was ready to give up the racing world to be with his family."
The old man's face darkened. "Until the tragedy happened. He became silent for a moment, "It was a month before our final race."
Kairo bitterly looked at the open window. He could see the cloud floating in the blue sky up close.
"What happened happen," he said. "Whatever father had left behind, I'm here to continue it."
"No, son," Winston interjected. "Kiro didn't want you to continue his legacy— he wants you to have your legacy. I'm here to help you, just like I did to your father."
"Really?"
The old man nodded his head slowly and assuring. He would have this young Rosales to be the greatest.
It would begin...
"There," he pointed something at the pointed at the window near Kairo.
Kairo looked at it and witness as the island formed its silhouette as they approach near it.
"That's the place where your legacy unfolds."
Kairo's fist clenched. I am ready.
"We are now approaching the Raceworth Academy School for Racers. Please prepare for our touch down," the pilot announced.
From a distance, Raceworth Academy was waiting for its new trainee, Kairo Rosales.
THEIR HELICOPTER FINALLY LANDED ON THE HELIPAD AT THE TOP OF RACEWORTH ACADEMY's BUILDING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ISLAND. As Kairo exited the plane, the cold breeze hit his exposed skin. Excitement and thrill crawled into his skin.
The school's huge and towering main building caught the young man's attention, even though he was at the top of it. He could see the wide reach of the school. This place... I can only see them on my phone and television before!
He spotted the wide Nexus Park where the trainees of the academy would spend their free time or jog in the morning. In front of the park was the statue of the school's logo.
When he turned his back his eyes widened at the site of the famous race track of the school— The Raceworth circuit track! It's wide!
"What do you think of the academy?"
"I-I don't know," Kairo was stuttering in amusement. "It's great, actually..."
"There are more wonders in this school," Winston motioned his head. "Come follow me inside. The headmistress is waiting for you."
They used the entrance door at the corner to enter the building. Inside, a white oval android appeared in front of them.
"Greetings, I am Android Assistant 1, you may call me AA-1," the android greeted using its monotonous female voice. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Winston," the android look at Kairo, "and you must be our newest trainee, Kairo Rosales. Pleased to meet you, sir!"
Kairo scoffed. "What? A robot?"
"Our androids are developed by our mechanical department, Kairo," Winston informed him.
"The headmistress is waiting at her office. Please follow me."
AA-1 led them to the nearest elevator. The elevator had a rough cement wall finished and a mirror wall. The elevator was illuminated by the led lights in the ceiling. Winston explained to Kairo that the androids were connected to the system of this building. That was why AA-1 could command the elevator to bring them to a specific floor.
Ding!
The elevator door opened. They were welcomed by a long hallway decorated with picture frames on the wall.
"This is the hall of victory," the android said as its wheels moved forward. "We can see here the successful racers in the country from each year. Trainees come here to be inspired."
As they walk in the hallway, images of numerous successful racers were arranged in the hall. One of the frames caught Kairo's attention.
It was a group picture. Five men in their racing suits. One of them was Winston Fernando and his father. My father. Kiro Rosales.
"That's the Gearfall Team. Their team won multiple times in Apex Racing League Series. They were considered to be the greatest team of their time."
Kairo could only feel proud of him. He can only see his.
"Let's continue, sir."
Finally, the reached an automatic glass door. The door automatically opened for them. A wide room— almost as wide as an expensive condo unit Kairo saw online. It had cream white walls decorated with customized designs. There were wooden cabinets with a collection of classic cars: Camaro, Chevrolet, Ford Mustang, and the likes.
"This is the floor of the headmistress," AA-1 informed Kairo. The android let them to the headmistress office. In his surprise, it was as wide as a living area. The cream white designs extended to her office.
"Good morning, gentlemen. I've been expecting you," the headmistress said. She was gracefully sitting on her swivel chair in front of her desk. The woman was elegant in her white corporal suit. One could say that the headmistress aged like a fine way— almost looking younger than her actual age.
"I am Analiza Bonifacio, the headmistress of Raceworth Academy," she stood up to introduce herself. "I'm glad to meet you, Kairo Rosales." She went to Kairo to shake hands with him. Analiza motioned them to take a sit at the couch near them.
"AA-1, please prepare a drink for our gentleman, I would like to have my causal tea, too," she commanded the andorid, which it obliged.
The headmistress cleared her throat. "So... welcome to our academy, Kairo. How are you feeling?"
"I'm good, headmistress," the young man replied in a respectful manner.
"Oh, that's good to hear," Analiza smiled softly. "I'm glad that finally you're hear. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from the training programs of our school. You will be trained by your mentor, Mr. Winston Fernando here."
Winston waved his hands.
"When will I start training?" Kairo asked. His body were itching to get into an actual race. He couldn't wait!
Analiza was stunned by the young man's determined attitude. She was utterly impressed immediately. But we must test his capability. I heard from Winston that this boy came from street racing...
"Your training starts tomorrow. Your schedule will be sent to your dormitory room, as well as your suit that will be worn everyday," she informed him. Later on, AA-1 appeared with their drinks and steaming cup of tea for the headmistress.
Analiza took a sip, "You must understand Mr. Rosales that our institution values education despite its focus on motorsports. You are also a student in this academy. You will continue your current academic strand in this academy.
Normal class will be in the morning; training at afternoon. Is it alright, my dear?"
Kairo had no choice but to agree. But for him, he would prioritize training. He didn't mind his education— he just wanted to be the best racer humanity had ever known.
"Good then," the lady pursued her lips. "That's all you need to hear from me," she stood up, so as the two gentlemen. She extended her hands to Kairo.
"I know, dear, you will have a bright future ahead of you in the speedway, just like your father..." Analiza said.
"Welcome to Raceworth academy."
After that conversation with the headmistress, Winston brought the boy out of the office.
"That's the headmistress for you, Kairo. She has a kind heart for everyone here," the old man said. He placed his arms on Kairo's shoulder— which displeased him.
Winston dragged him back to the elevator.
"I'll bring you now to your dorm room."