Azure's figure became a blur, her speed exceeding even some mid-tier divine exterminators. It was an impressive display that Aqua had not seen anyone else display other than Golden Fang and Rolan.
Her fingers wrapped around her sword, and her eyes fixated on the rapidly approaching figure.
"Her eyes…" Aqua grinned. Azure was in a fully serious mode and had thrown away the blushing maiden face she had worn around her.
Because of that, Aqua could not disappoint. She raised the sheathed blade to her side and parried the strike.
Despite her speed, Azure was still a long way from being the most powerful warrior she had once believed herself to be.
Clang.
Azure's sword screeched. Aqua stepped back and redirected Azure toward the floor, and with a kick, launched her back.
She felt Azure's bones crunch under her boot. Too strong, sorry!
The champion gasped for air, yet her gaze was resolute as ever.
"Catch!" Aqua retrieved a small potion and threw it at Azure.
She silently gripped the vial and gulped it down. Her bones fixed themselves, and she was in full form. She murmured something, yet she was far enough for her words not to reach Aqua.
Aqua raised her sword in front of her and scrutinized each twitch of the muscles and each drifting gaze. It was paramount to understand each opponent's body language as to avoid falling into a trap.
However, as she was busy staring at Azure's posture, she failed to notice the earth subtly shifting below her. The sand shifted and gripped at her feet.
Her eyes shifted down, and she quickly broke free of the spell. Azure swung in a wide sideways arc, and a wave of crimson flame was launched toward Aqua.
Aqua leaned back, her head almost touching the floor, letting the wave of fire pass harmlessly above her. Azure charged forward and made a downward slash toward Aqua.
A satisfied smile formed on Aqua's face. She made a backward flip and hit Azure above her. She gripped her sheathed blade and, like with a bat, she struck Azure's back.
The girl gasped for air; however, she gritted her teeth, and the earth shifted.
The sand swirled around her and pulled her down. She clenched her fist and launched a strike at Aqua.
She shifted slightly, allowing Azure to graze her barrier just enough for it to count as a hit.
The flimsy barrier lit up, then just as fast, dimmed. Azure seemed to beam out of joy; however, it was far too soon.
"Smile when you beat me!" Aqua spun around and hit the tip of the blade into her opponent's back.
Before Azure could even process what Aqua had said, she became airborne.
"Gah!" Azure found herself flying over the arena.
Aqua crouched down and launched herself above Azure. She hammered down with both her fists, burying Azure into the ground.
Aqua wrapped her hand around her neck and struck her with an open palm.
The air left Azure's lungs, yet she dared not fail.
She gritted her teeth and elbowed Aqua's hand. The barrier lit up once again, making Aqua let go of her neck and spin-kicking the heroine.
Aqua dug her heels into the ground, and a trail was left behind as she slid back. Azure rushed after her and launched a powerful melee lunge.
Her other hand moved upward and raised the sand before her eyes in hope of blinding her.
Aqua squinted her eyes.
However, instead of continuing the lunge, the shadows embraced the champion and made her melt.
The darkness rushed behind Aqua, and Azure struck at Aqua's back; however, just as she was about to land, she stalled. Her arms quaked.
"Do not hesitate!" Aqua shouted, she spun around, and with a slap, launched Azure into the air. She raised her sword in the air and inhaled deeply.
"Sor…" Azure's mouth forced shut as she fell on the sandy ground.
Aqua's mana formed around the sword, and the gentle sparks of flame danced around it. The blazing stars would grant her blade the power.
The streaks of flame spun around themselves, and a helix dug into Azure's armor.
The flames were weak, yet packed a serious punch.
Aqua brandished her sword and dashed forward. She raised her blade above her head and struck at grounded Azure.
The girl turned on her back and gritted her teeth; her hands pulled her blade in front of her, blocking the strike.
"Aqua… You are still holding back so much." Azure sighed. Despite landing strikes on her heroine, it was only because she had been allowed to do so. It pained her deeply, yet she had to become stronger.
"Until you grow in power, I will continue to do so. One wrong move from my side and you would be in a world of pain."
The duo looked at each other, and their swords clashed.
Azure's lips stretched into a smile as she struggled against Aqua's overwhelming strength. "I swear that I will become someone who can stand up to you; only then can I hope to stand by your side!" She turned her face to the side and raised the ground once again.
The sand flew toward Aqua, giving her a moment of distraction she needed to kick Aqua away from her.
The barrier lit up once again, and a small crack ran over it.
Azure jumped back, her stare as resolute as ever. Aqua was holding back even now, and she knew that it was for her own good. All she could do was try and prove that she was worthy.
Her eyes drifted to the sheated sword. "She hasn't even unsheathed the blade against me."
Her fists clenched around the hilt, and she breathed out slowly. She had been learning the shadow techniques and Aether casting; however, both were now at a high enough level that she wouldn't lose to most.
There is only one person I want to lose to! No, I want to be strong enough to protect her if need be!
Aqua struck in a wide arc, sparks of flame left a trail as she moved with grace and beauty befitting the heroine.
Her eyes widened. Focus! She sidestepped the lunge and held the weapon at her side.
Aqua's beautiful red hair brushed past her, making her miss her chance to strike. Her sword brushed past Aqua harmlessly; however, she was not a champion for nothing. She dug her heel into the ground, and she spun and intercepted Aqua.
The red-haired girl slid down and leg swept Azure.
Her vision spun.
She found her mouth full of sand again. Ugh. She coughed, crawling back to her feet. Aqua's barrier was cracking. One more solid strike would have secured her victory condition. It feels so cheap to win this way.
She stared at Aqua, still keeping a distance from the girl. Azure glanced down at her hand, shaking and exhausted from the short bout.
Come on, I have more stamina than this! A bead of sweat ran down her forehead. She gripped the hilt tightly. Aqua leapt to the side, and another flaming helix rushed toward her.
However, with a single step, she dodged it and lunged forward.
She was about to stab Aqua's throat.
Swish.
She moved her head to the side, making Azure lose her balance. Azure felt a blunt and heavy pain overcome her.
Her hands shook, and her sword fell out of her hands. No, I am not losing like this!
No warrior should lose with their weapon in their hand; it was dishonorable and made them appear weak.
She tightened her fist.
Aqua swung in a sideways arc.
Then it connected. The pain surged through Azure, but she endured. She trapped Aqua's hand under her arm and raised the girl above her.
She is so light! This was no time for her to admire Aqua's lightness.
Azure slammed Aqua into the ground, and the barrier shimmered once more. The cracks widened and spread like a cobweb.
One more hit! Aqua smiled at her.
Her will faltered.
She couldn't land a finishing blow despite Aqua not being in any danger.
In a blink, Aqua was behind her and leaned close to her ear. "You are doing it again. Do not waste the chance."
She nodded and braced for impact.
Crack.
She coughed out a mouthful of blood as she collapsed onto her knees. Aqua approached, her blade at her side. The cracks covered her form, reassuring Azure that even a weak hit would be a victory.
She gritted her teeth and suppressed the pain. Aqua looked at her with a worried expression.
The earthen spikes formed above her head, and she launched the volley toward Aqua, who in turn swung her sword and crushed the flimsy earth.
"Just one hit… Just one hit…" She repeated to herself as she lunged forward.
[Shadowmeld], the shadows coalesced around her. She passed below Aqua and conjured another earthen spear.
Aqua snapped her neck back and parried the spike; however, Azure did not need to land a critical hit, a hit on the legs was all it would take.
Aqua stepped forward, attempting to strike her down.
She leapt for her sword and rolled to the side. Instantly, she launched herself back and grappled with Aqua.
Both girls crashed to the ground, and the cracks grew.
The barrier finally gave in as it dispersed. Leaving only pale blue motes.
"I…" She breathed heavily. Exhaustion is finally catching up. "Won…"
She collapsed on top of Aqua.
"You did." Aqua smiled, her hand gently landed on top of her head. "You came a long way."
Azure breathed slowly, her face buried in her chest. "You must have been tired after all the work you had to do and training…"
She gently moved to the side and lifted the girl. "I will restore your energy and health."
The tendrils of water crept into Azure's mouth.
She coughed, and her body glowed. "There we go."
The tendrils of flame fixed her wounds and bruises like they did once before.
Her gaze washed over Azure; her armor was tattered, and her body bruised from her strikes. "You really did grow stronger."
She placed Azure into a princess carry.
A dark gateway connecting to Azure's room opened before her.
"Get some rest, we are heading for the academy tomorrow." She raised her head high and entered the portal.