A large crowd could be heard roaring. Wearing a pristine sleeveless black robe with red trimming. At the center of the commotion, a tall, muscular, bronze-skinned, golden-eyed man stood on a wide, flat, squared arena made up of white tiles.
"Give it up, one more time for our first finalist, Zeke Samus!"
The announcer exclaimed as the audience loudly cheered on. Zeke shielded his eyes from the bright sun rays. Trying to gather his bearings in front of thousands. The chubby blonde-haired announcer with gaudy shades and a shaggy moustache continued shouting over the microphone.
" Now introducing, the gorgeous and fierce ice temptress who's capable of freezing any man's heart with her sheer beauty, alone! She shatters any foe without mercy that gets in her way! Let's give a big round of applause to Akari Saito!"
Entering from the opposite tunnel, she received an overwhelming number of cheers and praise from her many admirers. Strutting majestically into the ring like a fairy. Akari wore a light blue, slightly armored military uniform. Matching her hair color, tied up into a stylized bun, with a porcelain complexion that brought out the woman's frigid, dark blue eyes.
" We meet again, youngest child of the Samus family. This time, there won't be anybody to interrupt our fated duel."
Akari took her place across from Zeke, excited to face the man she deemed her rival. Their two respective sects maintained a tentative alliance together. Having the pleasure of first crossing blades with each other over a decade ago. Battling several times since then, there was always an unforeseen disturbance that cut their confrontation short. In their early thirties, now. They were both at Stage 3, Grandmaster Rank.
"Ugh, how many times do I have to tell you that Zeke is just fine. Plus, speak for yourself. Have you noticed the nefarious sh** circling this year's martial conference? Our final bout is the perfect recipe for disaster."
Zeke groaned, assigned by his Elemental sect to eliminate those affiliated with the Demonic faction and their schemes surrounding this event. He was exhausted from working overtime while participating in this tournament as a cover.
" Are you trying to jinx us, young Samus?"
She asked seriously, with a blank expression. Riling Zeke up.
" Don't give me that crap, you're the one who started it!"
" Hmph, no matter. The world could be crumbling all around us, but that still wouldn't stop me from taking my eyes off you."
Akari declared confidently, while Zeke joked,
" Are you flirting with me?"
In the background, the announcer just finished setting the atmosphere, ready to commence the match. Blushing, her usually poised demeanor had taken a hit before she quickly recovered, drawing her dual rapiers.
"... Enough talk. Draw your weapon, youngest child of..."
"My name is Zeke!"
He interrupted, initiating the first attack, fiercely clashing with each other as the finale began.
....
Their fight gradually faded, introducing a new scene several hours after the events between those two occurred. Outside the stadium, there was nothing but rubble, fire, and brimstone consuming the nearby town, hosting this year's martial conference. The once pleasant environment was currently in ruins, while various weaker orthodox members helped evacuate the panicked and injured citizens.
Meanwhile, a group of Stage 3 elites who fought in this grand tournament had once surrounded the main culprit behind this terrorist attack. Currently, they were all killed in only a few moves, except for three remaining cultivators.
" Why?"
Zeke dumbfoundedly asked, supporting Akari's limp body from her side. After she shielded him from a molten spike, that would have taken his life if it weren't for her selfless sacrifice.
" How could I sit by and idly watch while someone else stole away my fated rival?"
Akari flashed a bloody smirk, looking deeply into his eyes before she closed hers, succumbing to the severe wound.
"Akari!"
Zeke yelled in worry, fearing that Akari had died as she sank deeper into his arms. His longtime ally, Mary, stepped in to check her vitals, having the experience and knowledge of an expert healer.
"Don't worry, Zeke, she's in critical condition, but she's still breathing. I can stabilize her!"
Mary reassured him after lying Akari's unconscious body flat, giving her a speedy diagnosis. The orange-haired woman's hand started to glow green, emitting a healing aura. Helping mend the scorched open wound that struck near her heart. Activating the ability, Field Angel.
" Alright, I'm counting on you, Mary. Now, I'm going to need you to turn away for just a moment."
Zeke stood to his feet, realizing that Mary was best suited to take care of Akari while he handled the one responsible for harming her and everyone around.
"Okay!"
She earnestly responded, without second-guessing his suggestion. Mary had the utmost faith in Zeke. Going through a bout of trials and tribulations together. There was something he had to keep hidden from even his trusted companion, for her and his sake. Staring up at the man, smugly looking down at them.
" Tsk, small fry am I supposed to be scared of you now because you're about to throw a little tantrum?"
Floating in the air. A battered, ripped man, having his shirt shredded, sported mini horns, pale skin, long white hair, and red eyes. Originally at a Stage 3 Grandmaster, he was now a Pseudo-Stage 4 Disciple. Taking all the previous damage from before being backed into a corner, he was forced to pop the experimental pill, Devil's Advocate. This caused him to transform into a half-demon. Tossing aside his humanity and life span for a surge of amplified Qi.
Hailing from the Asura sect, this maniac was a demonic direct disciple named Magma. He was instructed to destroy the town and its inhabitants while his sect elders occupied those who ruled over this territory. Facing some early adversity, Magma had nearly completed his mission as Zeke was the last man standing.
" No, you should be scared because I'm simply stronger than you."
Zeke uttered in a cold voice, honing in his sheer rage. Seeing his claim as a bluff, Magma started running off at the mouth.
" Psst, yah right. Watch how I crush your little girlfriend's neck under my feet in front of..."
" Blood Coffin."
Zeke shut his mouth as the bloody coffin formed from Magma's prior cuts. He was entrapped instantly while levitating in the air. Unable to break free, a wave of different weapons cut through his body like a hot knife slicing butter. Screaming in pure torment and agony as he was torn to shreds.
.....
With the sound of his screams washing away, some years had passed, drastically shifting to Zeke cuddling with a gorgeous woman in bed, under the covers.
"What's troubling you, Akari?"
Zeke asked, stroking this beauty's lengthy, light blue hair, let down from her usual bun. She wrapped her arm over his bare chest. Hesitating initially before speaking up.
"...I'm just thinking about how we never got a chance to finish our duel."
" Hey, what do you call the activities we just skillfully performed?"
Zeke playfully teased her as Akari pinched his skin.
" You know what I mean. I'm not talking about that kind of 'dual', you sleaze ball."
" Yah, I know..."
His smile dimmed. Gazing guiltily at Akari's elongated scar covering her shoulder, curving around her right breast, and rib cage. He still blamed himself for what occurred seven years ago, when she saved him. After defeating Magma, Mary was able to save Akari's life but wasn't able to repair or heal her crippled core. Losing her cultivation permanently as a result. The world that she knew and loved truly crumbled that fateful day. Going through a long battle with depression, it took some time before Akari could salvage and piece together what remained. Gaining help from Zeke along her turbulent journey. They eventually built a more intimate connection.
"Cheer up, I'm fine, honestly. I just got caught reminiscing about old times. Maybe it was meant to happen in another life, but I have no regrets about how things eventually turned out with my fated rival. I love you, Zeke."
" I love you too, Akari."
They both smiled, getting in the mood for round 2.
.....
Held high amongst the clouds. With another flip of the script in their mid-forties at this moment, Zeke and Akari were standing at an altar decorated with a garden of tulips. In attendance was a small gathering of close family and friends to celebrate their matrimony. Resembling a picture taken out of a fairytale, the elegant couple finished saying their vows. Smiling from ear to ear while holding back tears. It was the Priest's turn to speak the anticipated words of,
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Zeke gently placed his lips upon Akari as those present clapped, whistled, and cheered them on.
"That's my best bud, Zeke!"
Jin Jo from the Sword sect, who was also a transmigrator, embarrassingly shouted, having drunk too much beforehand.
....
Time effortlessly elapsed as 16 years came and went. Having their residence atop a small mountain, looking over an unassuming village. The married couple lived in bliss, enjoying each other's company while exploring the world often. The sun was setting as Zeke was heading to the Elemental sect after receiving an urgent letter delivered by a carrier hawk. Kissing Akari on the forehead, she tugged at his sleeve before he left through the door.
" I have something to tell you, Zeke."
Akari mumbled bashfully, which was unusual for her. Witnessing this, Zeke couldn't help but grin, thinking he knew where she was trying to get at.
" Look, I notice you've been putting on a few pounds lately. However, that's nothing to worry about."
" Jerk, I'm not getting fatter! Well, I am, but that's beside the point!"
Akari puffed her cheeks as she tried to explain, but Zeke did not buy it. So, he continued.
" It's okay, shock is the first step..."
" I'm pregnant, you idiot!"
Akari finally announced, lifting the weight off her chest.
" What?"
"... I'm pregnant."
Zeke was in disbelief until the news eventually sank in. Lifting Akari off her feet, he began spinning them around. Unable to control his joy, he repeatedly shouted,
" Wooooo!"
" Calm down before you disturb the baby."
Akari chuckled as Zeke let her down softly. After failing, until now, he couldn't help but feel like a man over the moon in this situation. Forgetting the urgent matter, he had to attend.
" Yah, you're right. I'm just so excited! Hey, I wonder if it's a boy or a girl?"
Zeke asked, rubbing her belly.
" Who knows, we won't be able to find out until later on in the pregnancy."
" Well, if it's a boy, let's name him Zeus."
" And if it's a girl?"
" Hmm, how about Lulu?"
" No way!"
.....