"Have you heard of the two 5-year-old youngsters from the Sapphire Ice Dragon Clan? People are saying they are the future of the Village."
"Really? What's so special about them? We have other talented 5-year-old juniors in the Village."
"Juniors that can beat Diamond rank human warriors while only at the Topaz rank?"
"Well…"
"That's right, even if we limit ourselves to what the humans classify as the Topaz rank, it would be a hard challenge to beat a Diamond Rank warrior. Keeping in mind, a Topaz warrior is to us a middle-stage Upper Mantle level warrior. While the Diamond rank is a Late-stage Upper Mantle level warrior. These two realms are worlds apart."
"I know. But what does the Village or their Clan have planned for them?"
"I've heard that the Elders plan to play matchmaker for the two. They have already started to train together."
"... Is it wise to do that? Wouldn't their offspring be a Beast King? Have they forgotten that we have to be cautious in this time period? A Beast King child would take much longer to grow into a Godbeast."
"Yes, but the Elders seem to be making their decisions based on some prophecy."
"So what are their names?"
"Hittan and Valencia."
…
"Good day Lady Hella, Elder Taine, is Hittan ready for training today?"
"He's been waiting for you Valencia. Taine, go and fetch your eager son."
"Valencia, just have a seat for a moment while I fetch him."
"Yes, Elder Taine."
"So Valencia, how are your parents doing?"
"They are doing well. They frequently speak about Hittan's skills and growth." As Lady Hella looked into Valencia's eyes observing how much pride she had for Hittan's achievements. She could not help but wonder if that pride was from the standpoint of the good wife bragging about her husband? Smiling at Valencia she continued her questioning…
"It seems you have accepted the decision of betrothal little Valencia?"
"Well… It's, it's not like… I just think he's a little…"
"It's okay, I'm cheering for you dear."
"... Okay." Valencia responded while hesitantly looking into Lady Hella's face.
…
"Son, let's hurry back. I left Valencia with your mother and I'm a little worried. You know she can be a little cold and intimidating."
"Mother wouldn't do anything father. You have to stand up for yourself sometimes. Mother is only set in her ways having lived for so many years. Try harder, she wants you to fight back… occasionally."
Once the pair of father and son returned to the courtyard they saw a peaceful scene playing out. Both Hella and Valencia calmly sitting and smiling with Valencia having a little more blush on her cheeks.
"Little Valencia, remember to tell Talia that I will visit her soon to finalise the planning."
"Yes… second Mother."
"Good, girl. Hittan, take little Valencia to the underground training grounds to practice."
"Yes, Mother."
As the pair departed a small flame of courage could be seen in Taine's eyes. Which was soon snuffed out once he looked back at his wife. Who greeted him with a squinted look before she abruptly turned away and walked back into the manor. The defeated Taine in toe, but oddly enough he wore a small smile.
Standing inside the diamond underground cavern, the two young warriors faced off.
"Do you really believe that this cavern is the belly of a dead Blue Diamond Phoenix?"
"Mother certainly thinks so."
"Can I ask you something else?"
"Sure."
"Do you mind… do you mind the arranged marriage idea our parents have for us?"
"Why? Do you object?"
"No, it's not that. Just answer the question!"
"Okay okay, I hope when we're married you don't order me around so much."
"Just answer the question." Cutting through his tactics Valencia demanded once more with squinted eyes. At that moment Hittan began to feel like he was more like his father than even he realised.
"Truthfully, I… I'm looking forward to the day."
"What did you really want to say just now? Say it or I'll leave, right now."
"Don't leave... I feel a strange connection when I'm around you. I can feel a longing or an attraction to you that seems a little unreal. Like I have no choice but to come to you."
"So, you only care because of that? Maybe I should ask our parents to call off the engagement. Clearly, your feelings are..."
"Valencia, don't. That feeling could only pique my curiosity. It's been a month since our families agreed to the betrothal and three weeks since we've started training together. In that time, my feelings for you have grown. Grown to the point that I can't deny wanting to claim you for myself. Is it okay to want you so possessively?"
"Why couldn't you just say that from the start?"
"Wait, don't you find it strange that I'm so drawn to you?"
"Why would I? I'm equally drawn to you too. So what if my husband wants to claim me? I've claimed you already."
"My Lord Wife, I admit defeat. To show how magnanimous you can be. Do you care to grant your husband a request?"
"I know what you want, but only if you can beat me in 5 moves."
"Wasn't it 10 moves before?"
"The last time you were too daring!"
"Okay, I'll be satisfied with 5 moves."
"We'll see if it ends the same way this time! You greedy little boy."
"Haha, here I come!"
Gracefully sliding along the water's surface Valencia quickly reduced the distance between them! Once close enough she pointed her right index finger towards his left shoulder. Bang! A beam of high pressured water formed and shot towards the target. Gracefully and seemingly slow Hittan sidestepped the beam of water to the right while further closing the gap between the two, Water Body - Fluid Movement.
"My first move."
"Humph!"
Activating the Water Body form of her own, Valencia's movement became more flexible and greeted Hittan with a knee kick to his left oblique! Bracing for the impact Hittan invoked Ice Shield - Ice Body - to his abdomen only. Leaving the rest of him flexible enough to grab her thigh and pin it to himself. Bang!
"Mmmh"
"Overconfident."
"Second move."
"..."
Valencia immediately launched a combo of punches while being held. At the same time, she also activated Ice Body - Frozen Fist. The first strike aimed at his chest was countered by Ice Shield - Frozen Heart, Bang!
"Mmmh"
"..."
The second fist aimed at the left side of his temple, a merciless onslaught. But seeing the second fist approaching fast Hittan knew he needed to act immediately! He would not be able to take that strike and keep standing! Breaking the rules of their rank way beyond logical expectations he called upon Hydro Planet! Releasing a miniature Sapphire Liquid Core which imprisoned her approaching right fist.
"Third and fourth move…"
"You…"
Using his free right arm he pulled her closer while holding her left arm down.
"Fifth move. Kiss me before I collapse."
"So foolish, couldn't you have found another way to get my kiss?"
"A man should be able to bear some amount of pain for the one he loves... Kiss me."
"My fool." She whispered while tilting her head upward as she met his lips.
...