Chapter 3: Watch Hill Claiming part 1

After finishing their lunch at Pawtuxet Village, they strolled along its quiet streets for a while, enjoying the riverside charm, before deciding to head for Newport.

By the time they arrived, the sky had already deepened into a rich orange hue. From the driver's seat, Ren watched as the lively town came into view. Unlike Pawtuxet, Newport thrummed with life—crowds filled the sidewalks, the glow of streetlamps and neon lights mingling with the last streaks of sunset. The ocean stretched out beyond the cliff walk, vast and endless.

Finding a parking space took longer than he liked, but eventually Ren cut the engine. When they stepped out, night had fully descended. Yet the city was anything but dark. it shimmered with energy, the air buzzing with the rhythm of nightlife.

"Trainer! Look, look!" Seabiscuit tugged at his sleeve, her voice brimming with excitement.

Ren followed her gaze down a side street, where a costumed lobster was playing an accordion for a gathered crowd.

"It looks like you, trainer," she said with a mischievous grin.

Ren's eyebrow twitched. Which part of that lobster looks like me…?

As a good trainer, he refused to lose. He searched for some comeback, but tonight, fate refused to hand him one. He exhaled slowly, conceding this battle.

Fine. An honorable man's revenge can wait ten years. And it hasn't even been one yet…

From the corner of her eye, Seabiscuit caught the expression on his face. Her grin widened knowingly. "Trainer~ you can't be petty toward your own trainee~." She walked a few steps ahead, turning to face him with her tongue playfully sticking out.

"I don't know what you mean," Ren replied coolly, feigning innocence.

"Act clueless all you want. I know that look." She pouted, ears drooping just slightly.

He raised his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright."

Together they wandered through the town, slipping into small shops, sampling street food, even taking a few photos together. At last, they drifted toward the beach.

Seabiscuit ran to the water's edge, giggling as she splashed the shallows with her feet.

"Careful," Ren called. "You didn't bring spare clothes. What if you fall in?"

"I know, I know," she brushed him off.

Not even five minutes later, she stumbled and toppled into the surf.

Now, sitting on a bench near the beach, Seabiscuit shivered in her damp clothes despite her best efforts to act unfazed. Ren only sighed helplessly, shrugging out of his jacket and draping it over her shoulders.

Her body relaxed instantly against its warmth.

"Let's head back to the hotel," Ren suggested. "We can always come again tomorrow."

"No." She shook her head firmly.

"You'll catch a cold."

"Not anymore." She hugged the jacket closer and met his eyes. "Because you lent me this. It's warm now."

Ren studied her for a moment, then sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

Seabiscuit coughed into her fist, pretending not to hear. "We can leave after the fireworks. It's about to start anyway."

Her reasoning was sound enough—at least she was aware that lingering too long could affect her upcoming race. Ren nodded. "Fair enough."

Moments later, the first boom rattled the night sky, followed by an explosion of color. Reds, golds, and blues painted the darkness above, reflected in Seabiscuit's wide, sparkling eyes.

"Wow… pretty," she whispered, completely absorbed in the show.

Ren tilted his head back, silently watching.

Then, beneath the roar of fireworks, her voice cut through.

"Trainer…" she called softly.

"Hm?" Ren turned his gaze to her.

Her ears twitched nervously as she gathered courage. "Um… trainer, could you… call me by another name?"

"What's wrong? You don't like the way I call you?" His tone carried genuine curiosity.

"No, no! I just…" She pressed her hands together, closing her eyes. "I want you to call me Biscuit. Instead of Seabiscuit."

Ren didn't hesitate. "Sure."

Her eyes snapped open in surprise. "Eh? Just like that?"

He gave a simple nod. "It's just a name."

Her cheeks flushed, her earlier nerves replaced by giddy excitement. "Then—can you call me that now?"

Ren's lips curved into a small smile. "Biscuit?"

"YES!" she answered instantly, tail swishing in delight.

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"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Watch Hill Claiming!" the first commentator's voice boomed through the speakers."What a perfect day for racing—clear skies, a crisp breeze, and eight spirited horse girls warming up."

"Indeed," his partner added, voice buzzing with excitement. "The stands are absolutely packed. You can feel the anticipation in the air. Today's field is strong—some seasoned runners, others hungry for their first real breakthrough."

"Exactly! And the betting boards have been jumping all morning. Right now, Infidox sits as the clear favorite—no surprise there."

"Not at all," the second commentator agreed. "She's been consistent all season. Steady, relentless in the stretch, never rattled. If she finds her rhythm early, she'll be a tough one to stop."

"But don't count out Seabiscuit!" the first commentator cut in. "She's just behind as the second favorite, and I've been watching her morning gallops. There's something different about her today. She looks sharper, hungrier—like she's got something to prove."

Inside the waiting room

Seabiscuit sat on the bench in her racing outfit, her legs bouncing with nervous energy. Her fingers twisted together in her lap as doubts crept in.

What if I mess up again? What if I lose… after all that training… after everything trainer's done for me?

Her chest tightened at the thought of disappointing him.

Suddenly, something icy pressed against her cheek.

"Ah—!" she flinched, turning to see Ren holding a chilled bottle of mineral water, his expression calm.

"Don't think too much, Biscuit," he said simply, offering her the bottle.

"Eh? Trainer… why are you here? You should be out in the stands by now!" Seabiscuit blinked in surprise.

Ren sat down beside her, resting his elbows casually on his knees. "Silly girl. The fact that you're this nervous proves I was right to come. I'm here to make sure you don't drown in your own thoughts."

Her ears twitched, heart thumping faster. But trainer… you're the reason I'm nervous in the first place! Sitting this close just makes it worse!

Still, his steady voice grounded her.

"You can do it, Biscuit. I trust you," Ren said, meeting her eyes. "I've seen the hours you've put in. I know how much you've worked for this."

His hand came down gently on her head, fingers brushing between her ears.

"When you're out on that track, don't think about training or overcomplicate it. Training was just to prepare you. Once the race starts run the way you feel is right."

Seabiscuit closed her eyes, leaning into the warmth of his hand. For a moment, the noise of the crowd outside faded away.

Then Ren stood, heading for the door.

But just before stepping out, he turned and tossed one final line over his shoulder.

"If you win, I'll grant you one wish. Anything you want within reason."

The words hit her like a jolt of lightning. Her nerves melted, replaced by burning determination.

"You better not take that back, trainer!" she shouted after him, her voice full of fire. "I will win this race, so just be ready to keep your promise!"

Ren didn't reply, simply raising a hand in a casual wave as the door shut behind him.

Left alone, Seabiscuit clutched the water bottle, her heart pounding not from nerves, but from resolve.

This time… I'll show them. I'll show him. I'll win.

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From the audience seats, Ren sat quietly with his arms crossed, waiting for the race to begin.

“Welcome back, folks! The wait is over—our eight horse girls are about to be called to the gate!” first commentator's voice announced, his voice booming across the stands.

“The tension is rising now. Every stride to the gate feels heavier than the last. Let’s see who steps up first.” his partner added, his tone hushed with anticipation.

“And first to approach, the top favorite today… Infidox!” first commentator's voice called out.

“She’s calm, ears forward, not wasting a drop of energy. That focus is exactly why the bookmakers back her.” Second commentator explained.

“Next up, the determined underdog everyone’s watching closely—Seabiscuit! Sitting as the second favorite today!” first commentator's voice declared.

“She’s eyeing the track as she walks—measuring every step, every stride, like she’s already running the race in her head. That’s the look of a filly with something to prove.” Second commentator observed.

The crowd roared with cheers as Seabiscuit entered stall two without hesitation.

Ren, however, did not join the frenzy. He simply nodded, his expression unreadable. His chest tightened—not from fear of her losing, but from the uncertainty of what this fiery filly might demand if she won.

From where he sat, Ren could clearly see the burning determination in her eyes. It was like watching a flame that refused to die out. He exhaled slowly. Whatever she asks… I’ll just have to be ready.

Still, he knew his role as her trainer. He couldn’t just sit still. Rising to his feet, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted with all the strength in his lungs:

“DO YOUR BEST, BISCUIT!!”

The sound carried across the track, even making the commentators pause. Seabiscuit, already focused in the gate, tilted her head just enough to shout back, loud and clear:

“YES!!”

A ripple of excitement swept through the stands.

“Looks like the bond between trainer and trainee is unshakable—they’re both determined to win this one!” first commentator's voice exclaimed.

“Indeed. With fire like that, this could be a race we’ll never forget.” the second commentator agreed.

Ren caught their words echoing through the loudspeakers. He sat back down, muttering under his breath as the starting bell drew closer.

“she will.”

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p.s p.s