Under The Sea

Chapter Two - Reckless

Don't be late. Don't be late. Don't be late.

Axel chanted the mantra in his mind, speeding across the distance as he struggled to avoid the rising corals and rocks.

He pushed with every ounce in him, urging his fins to carry him faster than they ever had before. At first, it had seemed like the only option in his mind, knowing the consequences of his tardiness. Yet, as he raced through the underwater landscape, his body ran cold with the realization that he could not stop himself.

Ultimately, he had decided that it would be better to make it on time to the ceremony and cause a scene rather than turn up late and face the ire of his father afterwards. He already found himself on thin ice with the man as it was.

As he rounded the final set of hills, the large, radiant walls of Latistan came into view. The towering golden pillars, adorned with lavish designs and pristine sea decor. The dome above the Kingdom spanned its radius, blocking him from sneaking in from above, but that never stopped him before.

As he approached the walls, the form of the guards on duty came into view at every gate. Axel darts up and zooms past them, catching the flicker of light from above the dome.

Receiving the signal, he adjusts course, spearing towards the ornate glass. As he approaches, he spots Finn waiting for him, and unable to conjure a better solution, races full speed directly at her.

Finn has been his best friend since their first meeting when they were both cubs. From that moment, she became like a sister to him, and they were inseparable. She should have been prepared to catch him. If Axel was honest with himself, it wasn't like she didn't know to expect this to occur. As their bodies collided, they shot full speed down toward the Kingdom, the friction of the water eventually slowing their speed.

"What d'ya do that for?" Finn shouted as she regained her composure following the impact.

"Sorry, Fi," Axel shrugged as he swam past her, "couldn't stop."

"Ax, wait," she gripped his shoulder, pulling him back to her, "you know you're not supposed to be dashing unsupervised. If your father heard of it, I don't even want to imagine what he would do."

"Then it's a good thing he won't find out," Axel quipped, encouraging her to follow as he swam away, "unless you plan on telling him. In which case, I would appreciate a heads-up to make funeral arrangements."

"You know I would never-"

"Great," Axel exclaimed, cutting her off and earning a bored glare. He knew that her biggest pet peeve was being cut off and enjoyed messing with her whenever he could. "Then there's nothing to worry about."

Finn sighed at his nonchalance, but followed closely behind, swimming at his side. "Where did you run off to today?"

"The cave."

"Axel, you promised-"

"And I haven't," he finished, once again earning a scowl for interrupting. "I swear."

"Why don't I believe you?"

"Because you know me too well," Axel smirked and sped up before Finn had time to respond.

Trumpet sounds filled the air as they approached the arena. Axel could see citizens emerging from all directions as they made their way to find seats for the ceremony.

"Catch you after?" Finn asked, coming to a stop beside him.

"Not today," Axel returned, earning a questioning glare, "I just... have something I need to take care of after the ceremony."