Race Between Rivals:
The next morning Maximus was still in bed with Aqua sleeping peacefully on his chest. He had woken up a little early and looked out the window to notice dawn was upon the horizon. He felt a little annoyed with himself and decided to return to sleep.
Several hours later the two awoke and both met each other's gaze with a smile.
"I really wish we never ran into that jerk who has now spoiled a good morning such as this." Aqua said feeling the sour sense of what was to come.
"I think in some ways it was bound to happen eventually." He paused for a moment brushing her long hair with his fingers. "This is because rivals almost always seem to find one another. At least the upside is, he does not appear to be under any influence whatsoever." He finished, kissing her head.
Aqua sighed a little and sat up as he prepared himself for the swimming duel. She put on another bikini she had bought the other day which was a darker blue string top. Maximus' trunks were the same color with two white strips on the sides and a sky-blue strip in between.
Everyone gathered at the shoreline as the entire town made it into a celebratory event. Maximus and Aqua were surprised they had set a track with multiple boats spanning towards the island. Each of the boats had red flags upon the poles to help indicate where to swim.
The next moment the Headman approached him. "Hello, my good sir, since you were so gracious to offer this type of duel, we took it upon ourselves to make a track for you two to follow. We also added a little extra for you, which I will explain in a moment when the other gentleman arrives." He informed him with a cheerful smile.
"I wonder what it could be?" Aqua thought to herself trying to come up with ideas.
"You didn't really have to go that far old man besides it was the least I could do to avoid any unnecessary damage to the town." Maximus said feeling everyone was being too generous.
"I see that you have arrived and did not hide away from any challenge this go around." Kyouya's voice called out to him.
"And here comes my least favorite person in this world as of this moment. I thought Darkness would have been bad, but this guy's voice and attitude is somehow making her look as though she is a saint in comparison. This is only because I can find some tolerance to her, but this guy is going to be a thorn in my side for some time to come now." Maximus said to himself and turned around to face him.
He saw Kyouya wore blue swimming trunks as well. "Well if it isn't Kyouya. I see you are energetic as ever, I guess Aqua took it easy on you at the moment of decking your face into the ground. I would have thought you would still be unconscious and not able to have our little race." Maximus smirked at him.
"Ha, that punch of hers barely even fazed me, I only made it look as though I were severely injured. Besides, I would not miss the opportunity to win her over to me." Kyouya said facing away. "Who am I kidding, my jaw still hurts from last night."
"Oh, well if that is true then why are you facing away with your hand on your jaw?" Aqua inquired.
"Uh, about that," Kyouya paused for a moment to scratch the back of his head and began to laugh nervously.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen our first ever swimming competition between these two young men will soon commence. But first, allow me to tell you two we added a little more than just swimming shore to shore. We set up enough boats all along the way to and around it. The entire round trip will be at least ten miles long." The Headman informed them.
"T-ten miles!" Kyouya said with shock and amazement.
"The first one to come back and cross the finish line will be declared the winner. Now let us get the race ready!" The Headman finished shouting with joy and many of the townsfolk joined in.
The two young men stood ready to begin their duel and waited as another woman in a small bikini stood before them a few feet away with small flags in each hand. She raised her arms in the air and both Kyouya and Maximus pressed their weight against the sand. Their toes feeling the tingly sensation of driving deeper into the cool sand.
"Maximus, I know you can do this, he cannot possible beat you!" Aqua cheered him on.
"You can do it Kyouya, show that punk whose boss!" One of Kyouya's companions shouted.
"Yeah!" The other chimed.
"On your marks," The lady said and both Maximus and Kyouya got into a runners stance. The two physical forms of peak human physiques rippled with the flexing waves of their muscles tightening up. Their legs coiled like a snake that is about to strike. The two were in that position for what felt like hours as they waited for the lady to give the signal. Sweat began to trickle down the side of their faces as an attempt to cool off from the beating heat of the sun.
"Now go!" The woman shouted, swinging her arms down.
The moment her words escaped her mouth the two of them sprinted towards the open sea. Both were not making it too much of a spectacle, not running at lighting fast speeds. They wanted to save as much stamina for the entire duration of the race and not burn out mid-way through it. The two dived in once the waters were waist high and began to swim towards the island as fast as they could without burning up too much energy.
Mid way to the island Kyouya was astonished to see Maximus keep up despite his large stature. Maximus almost had the same reaction to his opponent for he did not have near the same physique as he. But began to respect the boy for keeping up with his smaller stature. Both of them remained neck-and-neck as they followed the small flags which circled the island.
"I am impressed you have not employed any method of verbal commentary on how you are going to win this duel of ours and steal Aqua away from me." Maximus shouted over as they round the side of the island.
"I do not need to; I will win for Mi Lady's sake and take her away from your foul treatments of her. All I have to do is beat you in this race and she will be mine!" Kyouya spat back with a little annoyance.
Maximus began to burst out laughing as he maintained his speed and form.
"What is so funny to you?" Kyouya inquired feeling annoyed.
"That you are far more pathetic than I first gave you credit for." He replied and continued to laugh.
"Explain yourself, why do you think that?!" Kyouya demanded.
"It is just that you have no respect for her at all, you cannot bring yourself to call her by name when you see her. Not to mention, she punched you two times with her God Blow and it still has not rung deep into your head let alone her own words. Even if you somehow win this race, do you honestly believe she is going to give up being with her lover for you? You, a boy whose only real quality is that magic sword and nothing else. What do you hope to give her that I already have given? What chance do you think you really have at being by her side so late in the game?" He explained.
Kyouya's mind began to ring with the words Maximus had said along with Aqua's words that was spoken prior to the mornings race. He closed his eyes momentarily and Maximus soon noticed he was falling behind, slowing to a stop.
"Looks like it finally sunk in." Maximus said to himself and turned around to swim up to him and took hold of his shoulder. "Look, I understand you are infatuated with her and who would not be. You seem to have seen a side of her I do not know of yet and may never know. But what you are doing is not helping you at all. Your only emotion for being with her is out of lust and nothing more. Do you honestly think she would fall for you when all you ever do or will do is give her what she wants and not try to help her be better than what she is now? There are moments when spoiling her is okay and others where she has to learn. Why don't you give up this sort of,"
Kyouya quickly punched him in the gut before he could go on and quickly began to swim away. The blow cause him to briefly lose his breath and took a few seconds to collect himself.
"Ha, all is fair in love and war, Maximus, remember that!" He shouted back to Maximus.
"To think his strength has that kind of potency," Maximus paused to flinch in pain. "I will make you regret this little weasel." He began to swim after Kyouya.
The two rounded the edge of the island and Kyouya felt the welcoming false vision of him being in the arms of Aqua after winning the race.
"Yes, I am almost there, soon I will have her and take her away from that fiend!" Kyouya said to himself feeling excited.
"This is going to be difficult, but I made a promise I would not employ magic as it was not a part of the initial duel. We are going for natural endurance, now it is time I kick it into high gear." Maximus said and pushed himself a little more to catch up with Kyouya.
The two began to start the final stretch towards the beach where everyone was watching in eager anticipation. The two were back to being neck-and-neck, both keeping focus on the finish line. Kyouya was surprised to hear him catch up but wanted to remain focused.
Before they were half a mile out, a massive wave mound nearly a hundred feet high funneled towards the two from the open sea. They both briefly looked back and saw a gigantic shadow within. The dark figure gave the impression of a massive serpent barreling towards them.
Everyone at the beach began to run away from the shore as some of the villagers made several comments about it. Aqua overheard them scream and shout how the creature had come out too early and was only supposed to sleep until spring. Others speculated on why it had awakened so early that one of them said the two who were having the swimming race brought this upon them.
Aqua stood there frozen in fear of what was within the massive mound of water, Kyouya's companions did the same. The three of them were petrified at the sight and wondered how large the creature within was. Their bodies were shaking and eyes fixated on the sight until their worst fears became reality.
The head of the Sea Serpent rose up from the cover of the water. The scales upon it bore the look of one who had not been tested against another gigantic beast. They were remarkably close together and appeared to be as tough as hardened steel. The color was a sapphire blue on top and a white under belly.
Maximus turned his head a little more to briefly see what all the commotion was. "By all that is holy, where did that thing swam from?" Maximus said to himself as fear began to grip him.
He began to remember how the Kraken on his world had given him trouble and could only imagine what troubles this gigantic beast would bring.
The monstrous beast opened its massive mouth and revealed several rows of its teeth. Each one was like a sharks teeth were, triangular in shape and serrated edges. The beast smashed down upon the two out at sea with tremendous speeds. It had only happened for a moment, but the three of them, Aqua and Kyouya's companions, standing at shore saw it. Their hearts had skipped a beat from the brief exposure it had shown itself.
"Oh, no, Maximus!" Aqua shouted towards the open waters as tears began to fill her eyes.
The waters splashed to the side and she could not find her lover after searching for several moments. She at first hoped he somehow flew away in time and began to cast her gaze towards the heavens in an attempt to look for him. After a few moments of silence, she fell upon the rough sand of the beach with her hands clapped together. Her posture was beginning to lean forward as she cried out in pain. Kyouya's companions began to wale annoyingly and fell to the ground, the two of them embracing each other.
The next moment the Sea Serpent emerged from the water and flailed about until it looked towards the three of them. It began to slither its way to the shore, eyes focusing on them. For a brief moment Aqua was filled with anger as she stood up and charged after the titanic beast. The creature lifted its head once close and began to lunge forward upon her. The giant mouth opened revealing its massive tongue and blackened mouth. A short roar echoed deep within it as the creature appeared to block out the sun.
"You will know the Power of this Goddess, how dare you bear your treacherous fangs at us, how dare you take him away from me! You shall truly know regret in the pits of Hell lowly creature!" She shouted.
Her tears flying off her face and gliding behind as she made her way towards the creature. Her eyes filled with anger and sorrow and pulled back her right fist.
"God Requiem!" She shouted. "A requiem for a Goddess' Love and Sorrow, whosoever it strikes will,"
Before she could get close to the shoreline where the two would have squared off, she was instantly picked up and flew away from the immediate area. As she felt herself take flight, she saw the giant Sea Serpent smash its mouth upon the beach. The large cloud of sand kicked up and just as quickly as it struck the beach, the monster pulled its head back shaking it briefly.
Aqua soon realized the same caring touch that had always been there whenever she was embraced. She turned to allow her eyes and mind to acknowledge who she was being held by and saw to her surprise, Maximus. Her eyes opened up more and she immediately wrapped her arms around him. Before she could say a word, the two landed further away from the shore and he turned around, sliding across the sands.
"Maximus, you are alive, thank the Gods. You idiot, don't do that again." She said to him as tears of joy washed down her cheeks. "Wait, what if this is all a dream and I am now dead with you?" She wondered out loud.
"If this is a dream, then we should both wake up right now because that beast is still coming!" He said as the Sea Serpent slithered its way towards them, crushing several buildings along the way.
The next moment he snapped his fingers to employ a spell. The next second the gigantic beast snapped its mouth upon them. Aqua saw they were inside the mouth only for a moment until it picked itself up. The creature began to look around as though confused and she soon notice its body had a transparent appearance. Maximus snapped his fingers once more and a ball of light formed in front of the serpent. He motioned his hand to move the ball out to sea and the giant monster followed it as though mesmerized.
"What did you do to it and how are we still alive?" Aqua inquired.
"I employed the Mirror Reality spell to spare us from fighting that creature. On top of that, I used a charm spell causing it to be enchanted and leave. It won't be back at all, at least, not for a long time." He explained.
Once the beast was upon the waters, Maximus cancelled the Mirror Reality spell and continued to make the beast swim further out.
"Let's hope it doesn't decide to learn from its mistakes and comes back for round two. I would much prefer not to fight such a creature." Maximus said with a little sweat gliding down the side of his face.
"Why is that, can you not defeat it?" She inquired as to why he would say such a thing.
"That titanic beast is known as a Leviathan Class Monster on my homeworld. Gigantic creatures who are well beyond man's capabilities of defeating. I wonder if that was a young one, because I have heard stories where a beast like that can get even greater in size and length. Also, I am sure you were able to sense it, even for a brief moment. There was a faint buildup of Anti-Magic which was beginning to swell within the creature. I am sure you could have sensed it, no?" He began to explain and turned his gaze upon her.
Aqua had a blank look, unsure what he meant and at the same time was a little amazed with his knowledge.
He chuckled a little. "Pardon me, I forgot you have not been told or trained how to sense someone's mana presence. I guess, it will be something else I will have to teach you at a later time." He turned back at the sea and noticed the Sea Serpent was gone from sight.
"Hey, where's my Kyouya?" The pink hair girl asked.
"Yeah, wasn't he with you and since when is he yours?" The other girl added.
"How should I know, I lost track of him the moment we were within the mouth of that thing. If he managed to survive, I would imagine he is on the beach somewhere or worst case, in the belly of that beast." He replied.
"Then, then you should go and help him!" The pink hair girl demanded.
"You are out of your mind if you think I am going to fight against that beast. No man, woman, or child can stand against such a creature and live to tell about. Not to mention have the mental fortitude to even look upon it and not quiver in fear. All of those who call themselves brave wind up cowering behind something instead of looking upon it. I have read about other beast of the unknown that have made even me shiver at the thought of seeing such a beast. Not to mention I was mad enough to fight against one, but I lost. I am only alive because someone who was the master of the great creature wanted it so." He stopped for a moment as the memory of the Kraken appeared in his mind.
Aqua noticed his demeaner changed and she placed her hand on his face.
"I suggest you get to finding him if you do not want to be without him for long." Maximus said.
The two girls began to run towards the beach in an effort to find Kyouya. Many of the townsfolk returned from their homes and walked up to applaud him. Some were unfortunate as they died from the short-lived chaos caused by the Sea Serpent.
"Here's a Nature's Beauty to celebrate the winner and the one who saved the town!" Aqua said, jumping down from him and began to do some of her party tricks.
Later on, Maximus used his magic to help repair the small section of town. Several people mourned for the deaths of those who were lost during the tragedy. Night began to fall and everyone was back at the beach celebrating. Maximus used his magic to cause sparks to fly around and crack as they flew around.
Aqua begged him to teach her and soon she began to mimic what he was doing. At one point she summoned too many and a couple of tables caught fire. Maximus quickly caused the flames to leave them and fly around in the form of a fire serpent, enchanting everyone there and some of the kids chased after it. Aqua scratched the back of her head, feeling sorry for any damage she might have caused and returned to Maximus' side. Everyone let it go as he was there to watch over her.
Across the ways was Kyouya, laying on the table in a pit of his own despair. He felt defeated even with their race not finished. He remembered catching up to Maximus and challenging him to another duel which he grudgingly accepted.
Maximus was surprised Kyouya had survived the encounter as he learned when the serpent had collided upon the beach, he saw a quick chance to escape.
"I cannot believe fate was keeping him alive today. It might be a good thing, but then again it might not be. We will see as time passes." Maximus said to himself.
Later that night both Aqua and Maximus were relaxing in their little private pool as they gazed up at the stars. The Holy Water was bubbling from the heat caused by the magic he used. As he laid there, he noticed the smoothing sensation within it and wondered if his body was adapting to it. The two remained silent until feeling the fatigue from the celebration the town put on for him.
"What an interesting day that was, going from excitement to despair and then relaxation. I don't think I could handle such a day again." Aqua said leaning against him.
"I second that and move for a motion to officially call off the adventurer's life." He said looking down into her eyes.
"Let's turn in for the night." She winked at him and he knew what she meant.
He stepped out of the pool first and held out his hand towards her. The moment she was about grab his hand a light from within the pool shined forth. Maximus shielded his eyes with his other hand and wondered what it could mean. The rays of the blue light raised up and out of the pool.
The next moment a ray shot out and Aqua desperately reached out to him. Maximus finally knew what was happening and shot his hand forward. Both of their hands pressed against a barrier and she began to be lifted up in the air. Maximus began to panic as he slammed his hand upon it with all of his might trying to break her free. Cracks began to web out and just as instantly as they were made, they were repaired momentarily.
"No, what's happening?" She shouted feeling confused and fear mounted within her of what unknown force was pulling her away.
The next moment before Maximus could slam his fists upon the barrier once more, a wave of energy shot forth. The force knocked him back against the ground and a ball of light erupted for a brief moment before collapsing on itself. The light disappeared within an instant and Maximus almost as quickly stood up.
"Aqua!" He shouted with rage and fear within his voice.
He looked around wondering if his mind was playing a trick on him and even hoped it was a dream. After a few seconds nothing transpired that would indicate either had happened.
"No, no, no, where are you, Aqua?!" He shouted once more to send his voice high into the heavens and around the area.
Kyouya and some of the people arrived after hearing him the first time. "What has happened, Maximus?" He inquired.
Before Maximus could answer, a parchment fell before him and took hold of it the moment he saw it.
"If you want to see her alive and unspoiled, return back to Axel at dawn the day after tomorrow to discuss her freedom. Arrive promptly at a mansion I have which will be shown to you on the other side of this parchment. Come alone or she dies. Lord Alexi Barnes Alderp." Maximus read out loud.
"I cannot believe that scoundrel would take her. I had heard he would forcefully marry young maidens. Could he be after her like that and what would he want from you that would warrant him taking her?" Kyouya asked with anger in his tone.
"Let me go ask." Maximus said turning away from everyone.
"But there is no way you can make it in time, we are more than a day's ride to Axel, you'll never make it!" Kyouya said taking hold of his arm.
"Watch me." Maximus yanked his arm away.
He took several steps away and squatted down, focusing him magic. The next moment he shot up high in the sky as a gust of sand jumped up. He turned towards the direction of Axel and immediately took off. The massive sonic boom echoed down below shaking everything and everyone. The thunderous crack in the air made everyone brace themselves. His body sped at supersonic speeds through the air as his mind was solely focused on rescuing Aqua.
"Hang on Aqua, I'll be there soon." He said squeezing down on the parchment cutting through the night's sky.
