Within minutes of Rako agreeing to the race, the children had ran and gathered everyone they could to see. The villagers cheered for Alexander (John) as he was a spectacle for them and the girls of the dark rose cheered knowing they would get to see Rako perform.
"One lap around the whole village, if you win I'll do what you ask but if I win you'll give me a kiss." He proposed
Most of the people that was there started cheering and laughing at his statement but ignored him and kept on stretching, only focusing on victory.
"Are you both ready to go?" asked one of the children.
The both got into position and nodded, with John dropping his jovial attitude. The crowd grew silent, soaking in the tension until the child shouted "go" starting the race with thunderous screams. They both dashed from the line and bolted towards the first turn, gradually picking up speed with each step.
"He's really fast, keeping up with Rako." Myna said "Do you think she should be worried?"
"She should be fine, his steps are that of an amateur." Lori replied but she was also worried.
The race was started without the knowledge of the whole village, so many people were still working making for great obstacles. Both had different approaches to those obstacles, Rako avoided everything she could by sidestepping everything in her way while John jump and slid past everything he could.
"He's good." Rako thought
With every minute he ran, his running form improved, getting closer to her near perfect form.
"You're really good, you're making that kiss worthwhile." he shouted
She ignored him yet again and prepared for the next turn but before she could make it a small child threw a pebble. Rako saw it and dodged but the one second delay give John the opportunity to take the lead which he capitalized on. The race continued on like that with Rako unable to pass John, ending it with her loss. The crowd swarmed John as soon as he reached the line, shouting and hugging him.
"Rako, are you alright?" Myna asked "What happened?"
"I'm fine, I just tripped at a turn." She replied calmly
She got up and walked through the crowd where John was and kissed him as per the deal.
"I've held up my part of the bet." she said
Before he could say anything the crowd celebrated louder and kiss walked away with her girls in tow.
"Near, I'm sorry but we'll finish this tomorrow." Rako said
"I understand, good day." she replied
Nobody knew if Rako was upset or not, and before anybody could ask she had taken her weapons and gone hunting. She wouldn't be seen until the next morning.