Book 3: Chapter 17 — Beach episode... in the sky? Pt. 2
After the ship landed, Kaelan took off flying off. Using Arcane Step, Noah teleported himself onto the beach, while the others slowly made their way out the normal way. After a moment, the rest of their group arrived at the beach. Snow had brought out Shadow, who sniffed around at everything, looking at the sea curiously. Noah brought out Bun Bun and Tony formed next to him as well. The three familiars quickly began to run around the beach, chasing each other.
To Noahs surprise, even Erwest was wearing simpler clothing as he stepped out.
Kaelan landed gracefully next to Noah, wings flapping behind him and a smile plastered on his face. Alright. Whos feeling up for a swim?
Not me, please and thank you, Seraphina said. Noah noted runes flashing on her feet, somehow keeping any stand from sticking to her body.
Im good as well. Not a huge fan of water, Aurelia replied.
Noah snorted at that. Who wouldve thought the fire brawler would not be a fan of water?
Ill join, he said, looking at Kaelan.
Ill join as well, Valeria said, her toned body shining with a bronze sheen under the sunlight. The valkyrie glanced towards Erwest. What about you? Do you want to join?" she asked.
Erwest raised an eyebrow, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Umm
Before he could reply Kaelan intervened. With a hearty slap on Erwest's back, he exclaimed, "Don't be a wuss. Join in. It'll be fun."
Kaelan grasped Erwest's shoulder, pulling him forward. The four of them, including Noah, now stood near the shoreline, the sound of waves gently crashing in the background.
Grinning broadly, Kaelan unfurled his wings, "Let's see who can reach the edge first and then back. Make it a bit of a competition, eh?"
Valeria stretched her body, her bright orange hair set loose, before she glanced back towards Seraphina. You sure you dont want to join? I thought your magic could handle everything?
Seraphina snorted. Thats an amateurish attempt at riling me up, even for you. And my magic can handle everything. Its literally in the name of my path.
Sure couldnt handle my axe, Valeria said, grinning.
Its not gonna work, give up Val. Im not joining your stupid game, Seraphina said, crossing her arms.
Sure, suit yourself. But just so you know, we did this last year and Kaelan was gloatingabout winning for months. I know I cant beat him, so if youre fine with hearing that
Seraphina shivered, her eyes drifting to Kaelan who simply gave her a toothy grin. It was a magnificent victory worth gloating about! He proudly exclaimed, putting both arms on his waist as he unfurled his wings behind him.
Ugh I cant believe Im doing this, Seraphina groaned. If Im joining, you are too, she said, grabbing Aurelias arm.
Wait, hold on, what? Aurelia said, but before she could resist, Seraphina had her floating in the air so she couldnt resist as she brought Aurelia along.
Perfect! A proper competition! Kaelan said, turning around as he looked out at the giant lake. Lets set the rules. We all race at once to the edge and back. The first one back is the victor and gets Kaelan paused, looking around him to search for a suitable prize. A day spent with their partner of choosing on a date!
Excuse me?! Seraphina gasped.
I didnt agree to that, I didnt agree to any of this! Aurelia protested, still being floated up in the air by Seraphina.
Oh? The stakes are truly high here, Valeria said, glancing sideways towards Erwest for the briefest of seconds.
Noah looked at Erwest, who similarly looked disinterest in the reward. He shrugged, and the paladin returned the sentiment with a grunt.
I shant hear of any protest, it has been decided! Kaelan said, turning around as he stood at the shore. Now, if Zax would be so kind to referee the match, and give us a countdown, we can begin!
Zax wore an amused yet serious expression as he walked up to the shore. Very well, we shall do the honours, he spoke, as if preceding over a very serious matter.
Somehow, the matter was settled there, as everybody lined up next to each other. Bun Bun and Shadow sat on the shore, and Bun Bun crackled with lightning, almost as if cheering him on. Noahs shadow stirred as well, sitting on the beach, with a smile on his face as he watched them.
On your mark, Zax said, as everybody took their position. Magic thrummed around the shore, some of the other adventurers starting to take note.
Noah sent a pulse to Tony, who quickly began to born his body. His limbs elongated, webbings forming between his fingers. He even felt gills appearing on his neck, though right now still half formed, as Tony continued to adapt his body based purely on instinct.
Ready? Zax said.
A pulse travelled. Noah saw runes flashing around Seraphina. Valerias aura was condensed down around her body, swirling the sand beneath her feet. Ash and embers licked Aurelias body, while Kaelans muscles tensed and even Erwests golden aura was flickering as he prepared.
Go!
A boom shook the beach as they all shot off, causing a giant splash in the water. Noah dove headfirst in, moving his arms and legs as his body transformed with rapid speed, letting him breathe and see inside the water. Because of that, he could immediately tell that not everyone who had started out was currently under water.
Seeing a change, Noah used Arcane Step to rush ahead but felt the spell fail as he suddenly he felt a hand on his feet. He looked down and saw Aurelia clinging on.
You cant teleport without me if Im grabbing you, can you? Aurelia said, smirking. With a blast of fire, she pulled Noah back into the water with herself.
All of them were in the water now, and the beach was right next to them. Stopping any attempts at fighting, they all began to rush forward.
Magic surged as they all swam as fast as they could. Noah kicked his legs, arms swinging as he moved with all his effort. Kicking and rushing through the wave, he swamp still he landed onto the beach face first, rushing to stand up as he shouted. Goal!
First!
I won!
Victory!
All four of them frowned, ready to argue of their victory when Zax arrived at the shore.
Zax Noah called out, ready to have the dragon prove his efforts. Tell them that I won. I clearly was first, wasnt I?
None of you won, Zax replied, before turning sideways revealing Erwest standing at the beach, blonde hair soaked in water, which somehow only added to his looks.
I won, Erwest said, smiling.
What?!
No way!
I dont believe it.
Before the arguments could spill over, Zax coughed into his fist. Let me explain. While all of you were tackling one another, Erwest reached the end of the lake and then used the spell I had attached to your communication bracelets, and simply teleported back. Since there seemed to be no objections against using items on you or items that were a part of your gear, by the rules, he won.
Noah stared at Zax in shock, before looking at Erwest. Damn we got outsmarted.
Kaelan cackled loudly, amused as he walked up to Erwest, slapping his back. Way to go! Just goes to show that victory is not always about strength or skill. Sometimes, its about who can cheat the best.
I still dont believe that Erwest of all people did that, Aurelia said, looking at Noah.
So, who are you going to pick? Valeria asked, looking at Erwest. For your reward, that is. The one day date. Since you did all that to win, you must have someone in mind.
Erwest looked around himself, meeting everybodys eyes as they looked back at him.
The paladin then looked at Zax, and shook his head. Ill chose myself. Since Im a part of the team as well, thats a valid choice.
Boo! Noah jeered, and the rest joined him.
Coward! Valeria shouted, as Erwest ignored them all, silently walking away for his solo date with himself.
Well, seems like you guys are having a lovely time, Captain Ariella said, flying down onto the beach. Couldnt help but notice with all the ruckus you were causing. Now half the lot of them are racing across the lake as well, she said, shaking her head.
You shouldve join us, Kaelan said, trying to pat her shoulder but Ariella grabbed his hand.
Im far too old to be fooling around like this. Not to mention, Im duty. But I appreciate the offer, she said, looking at the Drakonian. I just hope we havent caused enough noise to stir the residents of the lake. That would be a pain.
The residents of the lake? Noah asked.
Yeah, every few years during a sky serpent arrives here to raise its young. By now they typically leave, but sometimes we run into them. Generally theyre very docile and avoid interacting with others in that period but if disturbed enough they can get aggressive.
Uhh, do you by any chance mean that thing? Snow said, pointing to the lake.
They all turned, noticing the water growing more and more frenzied, forming a whirlpool.
Septahs mercy, I shouldve kept my damned mouth shut, Ariella cursed.Get up and start moving back to the ship, were leaving, Ariella said, wind swirling around her body. Zax, follow me. I might need you for this one.
Noah got up, spear in hand as he watched from the shore. The world around them began to shake, and after a few seconds, a massive serpent, large enough to blot out the sky rose from the water, creating a tidal wave that washed over the beach before they were all covered under its shadow.
Noah simply gaped at the giant creature, larger than anything else he had ever seen, before instinctively, he used Identify.
[Adult Sky Serpent - ????]
Noah gulped.
