A Beach to Remember (Part 2)
In seconds, the two resurfaced from the depths, waving their hand across their heads to drain the water off. "Now that's what I call one hell of a start! I definitely beat you to the bottom for sure." Maya laughed before getting a splash of water to the face, causing her to rapidly shake her head to get it off.
"That's what you think, but I'll admit that this wasn't the route of action I'd normally take. You have my honest thanks for dragging me out here." Ume smiled at her companion before she was hit with a splash of water itself, resulting in the start of a full-on swash battle between the two.
The skirmish lasted for what seemed to be minutes before something brushed passed their legs. Ume was first to be alerted but Maya only giggled at her. "What are you laughing at? There's no telling what dangers are out here with us."
Maya waved her hands, brushing the matter off. "I know~ I know~, but this is a pretty tame part of the ocean. Predators wouldn't usually traverse here unless they're completely dry of options in terms of prey. If you'd like, we can see who can catch the most fish. Nothing beats a handpicked meal right?"
Ume could only tilt her head, unsure on how to properly respond without sounding embarrassed for her lack of knowledge on the matter. "You sure know quite a lot about this place. It's no wonder you picked it out yourself."
"Well~... I suppose that's one way of putting it. Living on your own kind of has that effect on people. Honestly, it was the safer option out of some of the 'other' ideas I had in mind." She shrugged her shoulders, taking a look down at the water.
That's when her eyes met with a fortunate specimen swimming about below them, sparking a 'lucrative' idea in her head. "Either way, I suppose it may be your first time fishing in person. It may be unfair; so I can understand if you were to refuse in partaking."
Ume responded by shaking her head, a glint of determination gleaming in her eyes. "While it may not be the first time, I think that challenging myself in such a fashion may prove something surprising for the both of us. Maybe I'll end up taking the win in a shocking twist of events."
Maya smirked, raising an eyebrow at the thought. "I'd very much like to see you try~. Maybe we should make things a little more 'interesting' then. Like, loser has to cook up for everyone once we're back on shore."
The bid was definitely an enticing one to take. Ume found herself hooked on the idea of having to do less work and actually unwind, nodding to the sentiment. "If that's all there is to wager, then this will be an easy venture."
"I hope you're ready to eat those words." A sly grin etched on Maya's face. "Since you're that confident, I'm sure you wouldn't mind on having to cook in the nude. Of course all you get is an apron that only covers the front if you're too embarrassed with being one with nature."
Ume was flabbergasted, but sighed as if she had heard the statement countless times. "Here I thought that my fans were the 'crazy' ones out there. I don't see where the appeal is in having me unclothed before the masses. Aren't I just the same as any other woman out there?"
Maya listened closely, but only scoffed at what was said. "You can't be serious right? People aren't only attracted to someone because of their skill and personality alone. Think of the beasts out there that contend with us in terms of survival. While sure you can dwindle it down to instinct, but they favor the same idea of 'leaving a legacy', even if for different reasons.
Though that's not really the point I'm trying to get at. What I'm trying to say is, you're visually more appealing on the eyes than a fair bit of the other residents out there. Your fans probably have been dying to bed with you just on thoughts alone. Or maybe I'm just curious as to how you'll handle such an experience."
She made a good point. The idea didn't cross Ume's mind in particular, but she's always wondered just what made her fans so enraptured with her. "Well that certainly paints a different picture when I think about it. Disgusting if you ask me, but I'm more than capable of defending myself when needed. Made that clear several times as is."
The two shared a moment of laughter before shaking hands, agreeing to the terms of the Faustian Bargain presented. With no time to waste, they dove beneath the waves, kicking off the start of their little game.
Maya had the field advantage, and so you can imagine how easy it was for her to snag the first few fish of the competition. Ume wasn't no slouch either, snagging herself at least a fish or two but felt an odd difference within the water. As if the very atmosphere changed.
The water felt heavier; yet colder to the touch. Surely she didn't go deep enough to experience like this. Meaning that something big was nearby and it probably was a good time to make a wish. That was when she saw it...
A gaping maw, more than large enough to consume a tower snapped shut just a few inches from her. Her eyes grew wide as she came to an alarming conclusion. With confirmation of the big eye that seemed to be looking straight at her revealed that she had come face to face with a Leviathan.
One of the many creatures of the deep that most fishermen would tell people to avoid at all costs. Many stories tell of sunken vessels and missing people, all attributed to this abyssal behemoth whenever it's in a state of hunger. Clearly it was here to hunt, but this may have been more of an indicator that Ume strayed out of the presumed safety zone.
It tried to go for another bite, but Ume was swift enough to avoid it. An incoming tail whip, came her way, inciting her to block it. As she got sent backwards, the beast swam around, launching another attempt at consuming it's prey.
In any other scenario, this would've been an unfortunate demise. However, nature had taken it's course in the form of another competing Leviathan, intercepting the original to engage in a conflict to determine who gets to consume the prey. Wasting no time, Ume turned tail, heading back to shore like her life depended on it.
"Well that was something I didn't expect to witness at this hour. I can understand if it was just one but two is certainly a sight." Maya was looking on from the shoreline, watching the two behemoths battle it out beneath the waves as Ume finally arrived, almost out of breath.
"I can't... tell... if you're... being serious or... messing with me right now..." Ume was still catching breaths in between words, too preoccupied to yell at the dog for making light of what she just experienced. Nonetheless, it was a blessing to be back on land, even if it was just sand.
"Sorry about that, but I couldn't deny the marvel that is two dangerous creatures duking it out for feeding rights. You were definitely lucky that a second one showed up. Otherwise, you would've been a goner for sure."
Ume groaned, punching Maya in the knee again before sitting down. "You have one weird taste in 'entertainment'. That much I can agree with... I didn't even think I was 'that' far out to begin with. Thank the Pillars..."
"Uhh~... Yeah... Sure. Also... Not to rub it in or anything, but despite you 'almost dying' and everything, I hope you enjoy cooking for the rest of us." Her grin turned sly with a wink in her eye, signaling her opponent to look at the piles of various fish on the side of them.
"Fuck..." It was the first time she has cussed in years. The exhaustion could've been talking for her right now, but something says that she realized full well of what her little 'mishap' led to. "You weren't gonna let a 'life and death' moment get in the way of the deal huh?"
"Nope." The answer Maya gave was quick and blunt, holding out her hand for the loser to fork over the goods. "A deal's a deal I'm afraid."
Ume didn't bother standing, removing her outfit while grumbling under her breath. "You're honestly lucky right now that I'm tired from what just happened. Here's your prize you weirdo. Can't believe I'm doing this..."
Maya tried to not laugh at the loser's 'misfortune', but found it difficult, covering her mouth to snicker as she graciously accepted the offering. "Best to not sit there too long unless you wanna have one 'itchy' experience. You can still use an apron if you want to."
With the shake of her head, Ume stood up. "Not necessary. I may as well submit to the terms in full rather than trying to cheat my loss. It's only fair since you'd also honor them as well if you were in my shoes right now."
Maya had a look of surprise before nodding in affirmation. "You know me so well. For a 'stick in the mud', you really know how to impress." She pats her on the back, causing Ume to reel slightly but share a brief giggle with her.
The two were then called out by Gale and Rumin from the site they set up. This was going to be a tough moment for Ume, but Maya was already dragging her along to meet back with the others. She couldn't wait to show off her 'victory'.