Breaking the Record
East Reservoir Lake, 8:25 AM. Clear weather, perfect swimming conditions.
The swordfish Zora stretches on the edge of the Rutala Dam, feeling the improvements in his body and mind after taking a real rest for once and consuming a rejuvenating Staminoka Bass meal.
“I have to thank that Haku guy for the advice… I feel better than I have in the time I’ve been training.”
At the east entrance to the pool closest to Zora’s Domain, a group of Zora gathered to watch the rumored ‘Fastest Zora’ race, crossing their arms hautily as they looked down on him doing warm-up stretches.
A teal-scaled female is the first to speak up within their group, narrowing her eyes and underestimating the swordfish.
Zora #1: “Look, the speedster’s going to start swimming again. How far behind his record do you think he’ll be this time?”
An elderly Zora male with dark red scales sighs, his weak, arthritis-ridden body slightly shaking with each word.
Zora #2: “He’ll ruin his body doing this every day… all to amount to nothing. He can't beat the Prince’s speed…!”
The elder’s son, a similarly colored Zora, extends his hand to his father’s shoulder, better supporting him before he tires out without assistance.
Zora #3: “You told me to never say never, Father. But… I can't help but think ol’ Reht’s shooting too high.”
A young, black-scaled female bounces up on her toes excitedly, trying to see the best she can despite her short stature.
Zora #4: “Lemme see! It’s always so funny when he wipes out!”
Back at Rutala Dam, Rehti can't help but take a glaring glance at his audience, gritting his teeth in frustration.
(”Look at them. They don't believe in anythin’ I do, they never have. What does it take to get some praise around here when doing anythin’ different?! It’s all ‘Prince Sidon’… I’m gettin’ sick of it!”)
He lowers into the water, his muscles already clenching with pure defiance as he kicks off the wall. Each slice of his legs cuts like the blades of a pair of scissors, the water splashing violently around his torpedoing form.
His ocean-blue scales glint in the sunlight, creating a beacon of light attracting all onlookers straight towards him. His speed continues to ramp up as he clears the first easy stretch, curving through the water and against the pull of the central whirlpool.
Each second goes into snowballing his velocity. The Zoras watching begin to feel uneasy, their joking claims becoming unfounded. The elder continues to time it like he always does when he comes around to watch, eyes widening.
Zora #2: “He’s doing it!! Rehti’s… beating his record!”
The other three crowd around the elder, their focus entirely on him as he counts the seconds out loud. The fastest Zora leaves clouds of mist in his wake as he speeds through the reservoir, intricately weaving through and around the obstacles despite his blinding momentum.
(”Yes! Look at me as I prove all of you wrong! Look at me become something more!”)
Rehti finishes his laps, completely destroying his previous record. With a proud, cocky smile on his face, he pulls himself out of the dam nearest to the four Zora who were spectating.
“Heeehh… heehhh… See that? I beat my damn record! You ready to admit who the fastest Zora really is?”
The Zora can't help but showboat himself after such an immense accomplishment, the four having no choice but to clap and cheer for him. Rehti has finally won the appreciation of these four. Next, the rest of Zora’s Domain.