[Galivinth / One Week Later]
“Oh, what? You think you're a tough guy now or something?” Malaric, the leading figure of the group of punks in red blazers from last time, questions mockingly as he approaches to stare Galivinth down. The half cryonean looks at him with a mostly calm demeanor while rolling up the sleeves of his black school hoodie one after the other. Doing so, he reveals the elbow-length hand wraps he's made a habit of wearing daily since Friday three days ago.
“No, just better prepared. I don't think you're a concern anymore, because I've been preparing for this…” The teen with monochrome moon-like eyes responds as he proceeds to crack his right set of knuckles against his left palm, and does the same with his left knuckles. Every last one of them can be heard popping between the two boys. However, the student in red finds the display to be nothing more than an amusing front to appear brave in a situation where the lonesome male in black has no numbers on his side.
“Ha! Get a load of this guy! You've been watching too many martial arts movies, man. There's no way you can win.” Malaric insists before leaning in to threateningly invade the cryonean's personal space.
“I'll give you one more chance to apologize and empty your pockets. Don't embarrass yourself like this… You REALLY don't know what you're dealing with here.”
“You're STILL talking? Get out of my face or I'll move you myself.” Galivinth retorts, disregarding the proposal given to him from the other.
“Hey… YOU ASKED FOR THIS!” Malaric barks, quickly transitioning from casually pulling his hands out of his pockets, to giving a swift right jab aiming for Galivinth's face. That attack misses and is immediately given a counter reaction. Galivinth's aura engulfs his own entire body as he sways to the left with a ducking lean while simultaneously thrusting his own right hand upward to slam into Malaric's chin with a palm attack that jerks the male's skull into looking skyward. In addition, there's a faint yet very unusual flash light on impact of Galivinth's blow that sounds like a gust of wind combined with the thud of flesh meeting flesh.
The same flashes come again as Malaric stumbles backwards and Galivinth swiftly follows to close the gap again to continue his assault.
“No more!” The cryonean states as he gives several poking jabs with both sets of his point and middle fingers, striking indiscriminately at the other's torso and dropping him to the ground immediately.
“You're gonna pay for that!” One of the other five boys in red barks before they all rush forward past their fallen friend to get to Galivinth. The cryonean lifts his hands and slightly bends his knees, preparing to stand his ground. The second of the group to throw a punch at him is beat out easily by Galivinth's elevated speed. The youth in black stomps his right foot forward in unity of thrusting his right tiger-stance fist against his attacker's stomach, and sends the male stumbling back with so much momentum that he trips over Malaric's body and winds up rolling 20 feet away down the block. Just like before, there's another flash of faint light upon impact.
The third attempt comes from someone to his left in the form of a roundhouse kick that's zeroing for his upper chest. Alert and reflexes beyond what they are normally, Galivinth extends his left arm forward to stop the kick promptly by catching the male's shin with his hand, then follows up by spin his body in a clockwise 180 to strike the side of the attacker's face with his right elbow, and ends it with a counterclockwise 180 spin to trip the male off his foot with a sweeping kick. However, as soon as he releases the fallen male's leg and turns to confront the next person, he's swiftly met with a thrusting kick that was meant to strike his back but winds up slamming against his chest instead, resulting in him stumbling back and bumping into the side of a car.
“Augh–!” Quick to collect himself, Galivinth weaves his head out of the way of a straight jab from the attacker in front of him, and quickly catching a punch within the palm of his hand from the one applying pressure from his left, of whom he sends flying onto the ground with a thrusting kick to the chest of his own. Quick to go from one to another, the cryonean easily defends himself from the flurry of punches thrown at him from the punk directly in front of him. Right hook aiming for his jaw, left hook for his side, and a straight right jab for the center of his face - all three Galivinth stops by colliding his left forearm with the male's right to stop the first hook in its tracks, then denying the body shot by parrying with an assertive flick of his right wrist against the forearm of the incoming fist to swat it away, and then finally catches the third punch with his left hand.
“Huut!” THWACK! Another flash of light accompanies the sound of a solid blow landing when Galivinth retaliates with an uppercutting elbow strike with his right arm. Upon putting his attacker in a daze, the cryonean then places both of his hands atop of the trunk of the car behind him and hoists himself up within a hop while bending his knees up to chest before shooting his feet forward to drop-kick the punk's torso, resulting in the male colliding with the building behind him and slumping onto the ground with a grimace.
Once his feet are back on the ground three of them try their luck against him, and this time they too have their soul essence active on full display. Even so, Galivinth overwhelms the first with a barrage of poking jabs with both pairs of his point and middle fingers. Stomach, left pectoral, right side of the waist, and left shoulder are the places Galivinth hits him and all give off that same faint flashes of light before his attacker collapses onto their hands and knees. The next one has his punch brushed aside as Galivinth steps to the side at the same time, then counterattacks with a poke jab to the center of the chest, a swiping elbow to the face, and a mighty shove from a thrusting palm. The final one Galivinth seamlessly transitions into attacking as the male closes in to attack. The cryonean quickly crouches to place his hands flat against the ground as he spins his body and extends a leg to knock the male off his feet with a sweep kick. With his last adversary on their back, Galivinth hurries over to kneel beside him and deliver half a dozen of poking jabs to the body and conclude it with an open palm smack across the face that keeps the punk down.
The last teenager standing rises back up with an upright posture and looks around him, seeing that no threats remain. The six students from a different school all lay writhing and or panting on the ground. Galivinth takes in a deep inhale of oxygen through his nostrils as he shuts his eyes, he opens them again as he exhales a long breath from his parting lips and dismisses his aura in the process.
“What… Haah… what kind of crazy moves did you do on us? Why am I so tired like this…?” One of the boys behind him questions while struggling to find the energy to turn over into a sitting position. Turning to face the owner of the voice, Galivinth gives him an answer.
“It's called The Fist That Denies. I can affect you physically by just touching you. Every time that I do, I remove some life force energy from your body, which is why you might be feeling like you just ran a few miles.” The cryonean explains and then moves to retrieve his book bag from the ground where he left it.
“It's a good tool for deterring aggressors.” Galivinth adds while slipping a strap of his bag onto his shoulder. Soon after, he moves toward the male on the ground to briefly squat beside him.
“I wouldn't have bothered learning it if it wasn't for you guys. Sooo… as weird as it sounds, I kinda’ wanna’ thank you. This is the best I've ever felt in my life.” Galivinth expresses his gratitude with a beaming smile, of which earns him a dumbfounded look from the other. It's a total 180 change from his defiant stoic attitude from earlier.
“...Dude, you're a total weirdo, you know that?”
“Haha! Yeah, sorry. I'm just in a good mood. Tapping into my soul essence always helps uplift my spirit. I feel good, ya know? Like I can do anything in the world if I wanted.” Galivinth takes a moment to explain. Afterwards, he finally rises up to turn and take his leave.
“Anyway, I've got to get going. School starts soon. Take care, man!” And with that, Galivinth takes off into a jog and continues his trip, leaving the other to sit in his lingering confusion.
Despite the delay, Galivinth makes it to the building with minutes to spare, enters inside, and immediately heads for his first class. On his way there, none other than Seth comes turning a corner while looking over papers he has on the clipboard within his possession.
“Morning, scumbag!” Galivinth cheerily greets as they walk past one another. The remark makes Seth stop in his tracks and turn toward the owner of the voice. Upon spotting the cryonean, the head of the Red Pyramid enforcers folds an arm across his chest while his free hand reaches to grip his chin in a contemplative fashion.
“Hmmm… Now, isn't that fascinating? He's upbeat AND still on time? Either he's more capable than I thought, or I've been too soft on him. We'll see how long that bravado lasts when the pressure is REALLY on.” Seth muses to himself.
Galivinth enters Josaki Jolelimoon's class and takes his usual seat beside Big Red.
“Yo, dawg.” The ginger redhead greets while extending a hand toward his just-arriving friend.
“What's up, Shurman?” Galivinth responds with a grin in turn as he clasps hands with the paler male before they go on to slip apart.
“Not much, G. But check it, I got permission to start up an anime club after school. You down? Already got the five folks I need to make it official, but it never hurts to get another homie up in there, you know what I'm saying?” Big Red proposes.
“Anime club? Maybe. Like… I'm not against it, but I have to find a way to make time for it. Plus, I haven't really been watching any animes as of late. In fact, I think the last time I did watch one was over a year ago.” Galivinth informs.
“No sweat, man. Do you read manga? I can set you up if you let me. I know ALL of the good stuff to get into.”
“I'll see if I can come up with some free time first and then take recommendations. I don't want to give false hope or anything like that.” Galivinth answers.
“Word. That's fair, dawg.” After their conversation, the school day continues on normally. Hours eventually pass and lunch time arrives. Within the cafeteria, Big Red and Galivinth sit together at a lunch table to the furthest back and corner of the room after getting their trays of food.
“Ey, so check it. Those fools that were messing with us last week? I've been thinking of a way to get around them the next time we–” Big Red attempts to share his thoughts.
“Oh, I took care of them.” Galivinth informs casually as he brings his sloppy Joe burger up to his lips to take a bite.
“You took care of them?” Big Red raises a brow.
“Yeah. Beat them all up today before I got to school.”
“Whaaaaat? Quit messin’. You ain't slap down a whole squad of them weird karate motherfuckers.” Shurman's skepticism persists. It's only after chewing and swallowing that the half cryonean responds.
“It's true. Took on all six of them by myself. Felt pretty good afterwards, too.”
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“Yo, my boy out here giving a whole squad a dusting by his solo? Brah, you know I would've ran duos with you against them if I was with you. I got up late, so I had to take a ride.” Big Red tells him.
“It's all good, man. I had it under control. Been training hard everyday for like… Four weeks now. “ Galivinth informs.
“Four weeks? You learned how to beat motherfuckers’ asses in just FOUR weeks? What, you the up and comin’ new Bruce Lee now?” Big Red jokingly asks just as someone joins them at their mostly vacant table.
“Hello! Mind if I join you two?”
“Oh, hey, Asura. Go right ahead, man.” Galivinth encourages as he plucks a couple of fries from his own tray to eat.
“Oh, new homie of yours?” Big Red asks.
“Oh, yeah. Sort of. We go to the same martial arts school. We get along easily. He's Asura Kae-Ogi from my social studies class.” He answers the redhead before turning his head toward the other sitting beside him.
“And this, Asura, is Shurman Edwards. Most people call him Big Red, but I call him Red or just Shurman.”
“Nice to meet ya, man.” Shurman gives a nod of acknowledgement to Asura.
“It's good to make your acquaintance, too, Edwards.” Is the response given.
“So, you two do martial arts training for real?” Big Red questions just before eating a few fries.
“Yup! And some of the most lethal forms of it, too.”
“Hey-hey now… That's hard to argue against, but we're not training to become assassins or anything like that.” Galivinth chimes in after Asura's answer.
“No, but we're mastering styles that would undoubtedly be useful to one. The option is there for any one of us to take up.”
“Never in a million years. I can't even stand the thought of making someone bleed. Killing? I couldn't bring myself to violate my soul in such a way.” Galivinth retorts as he takes another bite of his burger.
“Haha! Very admirable and spiritual of you.” Asura teases.
“That's pretty sick, man. So you guys know ways to kill a fucker”? Shurman asks.
“Yeah, technically we do. But he more than I.” Galivinth answers and briefly points over toward Asura.
“Quite! It's unbelievably easy, too.” Asura informs as if he's just merely talking about the weather. Galivinth gives a disapproving look while Big Red stares in awe.
“Bro, you gotta show me some moves sometimes! I wanna know how to snap a chump's spinal cord in half!” Shurman enthusiastically requests.
“Augh… Dude, I'm willing to teach you how to defend yourself, not ruin people's lives.” Galivinth responds.
“I wouldn't give the bidness to no one who doesn't deserve it. You know me, fam.” Shurman reassures in vain.
“Oh! That reminds me, did you two hear about the assassination of the Michaelsons family?” Asura speaks up this time.
“The peeps who opened that big ass fancy hotel up north?” Shurman asks while opening his milk carton.
“No. They were assassinated? Like, killed somewhere obscured?” Galivinth prods.
“Yes, if we're both thinking of that Michaelsons hotel, then that's the family. The news said they were found piled up dead in their hotel and that judging by the damages, the suspect is likely a P.I. They were awfully wealthy… It's hard to imagine they didn't have the means to have procedures and security in place to prevent their demise.” Asura muses.
“Well, I heard there's some super drug on the streets nowadays that gives P.I.'s some crazy boost. They probably weren't ready for a juiced up fiend to show up out of the blue.” Big Red theorizes.
“Ah, yes. I've heard of it. I believe they call it Neon Nectar. It's said to be a substance that can both be a benefit to warfare, and a burden to society should it go unchecked. I'm genuinely curious as to who came up with such a drug.” Asura adds.
“Hmm… It's a total mystery to me. Not that I could really do anything about it, anyway.” Galivinth gives his final two cents on the subject and resumes eating.
Time continues to pass and eventually the end of the school day arrives. It's then that Galivinth spots and meets Naeth outside in front of the school's gate. However, there's going to be a change in their routine this day.
“There you are. I have a challenge I think we should integrate into our training.” Naeth informs his relative.
“Oh? Alright, what is it?” Galivinth questions.
“We should jog to Mount Heaven Splitter.”
“Jog? All the way there?” Galivinth prods with a look of disbelief on his face.
“Yes, exactly that.”
“Dude, it takes over 30 minutes to get there by the bus…” Galivinth reminds him.
“And we will train to do the same on foot. In fact, we'll work to cut it down to 25 minutes.” Naeth retorts with a grin as he folds his arms. In turn, Galivinth gives nothing short of a doubtful stare.
“I–... Ugh… You're dead set on this, aren't you?”
“Indeed I am! It'll be good for us both, cousin.”
“This is gonna suck, but fine. Whatever… we can… we can jog there from now or whatever.” Galivinth reluctantly gives his verbal agreement while rolling his eyes with discontent.
“Good. Then, let's be on our way. We'll have to keep on the move to make up for the inevitable lost time ahead of us. And don't forget to build your soul essence.” The full blooded cryonean concludes and the two go on their way. Side by side and beyond the bus stop where they typically meet before undergoing the trip. Surprisingly, thanks to their genetics and endurance building, the two boys travel at around 25mph for most of the trip with several walking breaks in between. By the time they reach their destination, an hour and fifteen minutes passes. Not only that, but the two are also panting. Galivinth is bending over with his hands on his knees and Naeth is standing with his back straight and hands on his hips as he tilts his head back, both sweating from the cardio exercise.
“F-finally…” Galivinth huffs out just before rising to stand up straight again, whipping his raven hair back in the process as he marches on. Still drawing heavy breaths as he approaches the stairs almost like a zombie while Naeth follows behind.
“We did good. It can only get easier from here on out.” The older of the two assures.
“I definitely hope so, man.” Their afternoon of training proceeds as usual. They go their separate ways to attend their own respective classes, however it's after the lessons end for the day that their teachers request their presence. Joey Dawson brings Naeth along to meet Galivinth and Heihachi at the latter's side of the school. Their presence becomes known once the blonde slides open the door to enter.
“Yo! We're here. How we doing today, fellas?” Joey greets with a bright smile and a saluting wave of his hand.
“Quite well, I'd say. But let's not waste too much time with pleasantries. Let's give them our assessment and be done with it.” Heihachi responds and gets straight to the point.
“Yeesh, a little friendliness never does anyone harm. But sure, old timer. I guess we're not here to grow attached to disciples. So, let's get to it.” Joey concurs.
“Huh. What's going on exactly?” Galivinth asks.
“Just a little pep talk, is all. We're interested in seeing how much you two have grown in such a short amount of time. Hey, Naeth, why don't you go stand beside Galivinth over there?” Joey suggests and the cryonean obliges without question.
“Now, I want you two to tap into your soul essence and raise your output as high as you can.” Heihachi instructs afterwards.
“Oh, alright.”
“As you wish.” The two relatives respond before clenching their hands into fists and summoning their inner potential with sheer will, giving rise to their respective auras. Unlike before, they're far more brilliant and lively in structure. Naeth's fiery red aura dancing like flames of a campfire without the actual heat, and Galivinth's monochrome-white aura flows around him like water running along a shallow river - and both 3x thicker than they were several weeks ago.
“You two really HAVE been growing at an accelerated rate! It's only been a month and you're one step closer to reaching the next level.” Joey praises.
“Yes. They're both at an output of 2x in power. Just so you both know, that means your entire body is operating at 200%. You'd be wise to be mindful of how and when you decide that level of effort is needed in your day to day life, especially in combat.” The older mentor advises.
“Understood.” The two boys respond in unity.
“Gnarly! Now, the other reason we wanted to talk to you is because there's going to be an announcement of a competition today! A flag capturing campaign between the three schools that reside on this very mountain, and we want YOU TWO at the forefront participating on behalf of the Blue Currents dojo!” Joey enthusiastically informs.
“A competition? Sounds interesting. I'm more than prepared and willing to crush whoever has the audacity to stand in my way of victory!” Naeth gives his response, grinning wide enough to present his pearly white teeth as he smacks his right fist into his left palm.
“Seriously? Does it even serve a purpose?” Galivinth questions with furrowing brows.
“Yes. A significant one, in fact. Though you have been improving quite quickly within our sparring sessions, you still need undiluted experience. Trading blows with those more or less on your level will help sculpt the strength of your mettle further. Think of it as training in a less controlled environment.” Heihachi reasons.
“Hmm… You make a good point, sensei. If there are undeniably tough guys to find and fight, the schools here would be the most ideal places to find them. So, I guess I will also participate, then.” Galivinth gives his answer.
“Splendid answer! Competition does the soul and body good, given you have the right outlook when it comes to progress.” Heihachi informs.
Time passes and around 35 minutes, the assembly drum begins resonating throughout the temple as a monk beats at it. Like before, the students gather out in the halls to hear what needs to be said. However, there's not as many students this time around. Saijeme reveals his presence and moves to stand at the center space of the second floor stairs a moment later.
“Good afternoon! To think we've shrunken from 63 students to 41. I'm glad to see that there's still many of you who are dedicated to our teachings! That aside, the reason I've summoned you all is to kindly ask you to accompany me to an announcement! The other dojos of this mountain will also be attending. WHY, you may ask? Well, it's because it's a tradition between the three schools. Not only that, but Master Susochi himself will be giving it! He's the owner of the schools, so it'd be rude to brush him off, don't you think?” Saijeme beams with a wide grin.
“Oh yeah… Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen or heard that guy's voice yet. What does he usually do all day?” Galivinth asks within the confines of his own thoughts.
“So without further ado, let's prepare to go on our way! We can't keep the others waiting.” The smiling monk says just before he begins descending down the stairs. Within a moment the students, the primary three mentors, and Saijeme exit the temple and proceed to cross the bridge. They walk along the path they usually take for their morning jogs. It takes the large group about 20 minutes to make it to where the Red Turtle Dragon dojo resides and six minutes to reach the next turn they'll need to take. Soon, they head down the pathway any of the students have yet to travel through and eventually make a left 40 feet down the dirt road. It leads them toward a large roofless coliseum with a massive stone bleacher that nearly makes a full circle. The group walks through its sizably wide entrance and sees the center that's 20 meters in radius, easily enough space for two warriors to face off and put on a spectacle, and the old man who's idly standing next to three metal poles with their own individual flags.
It's also there that they see members of the other schools sitting on the stone seats, disciples in red and yellow uniforms, sitting far away from each other. The just-arriving-bunch proceed to take their seats, as well.
“HOI!”The old man suddenly blurts out as his eyes shoot wide open and flames ignite upon the tiki sticks on the highest level of the bleachers and the four on the center ground.
“Welcome, all of you burning aspiring warriors! You have passed the first trial and proven you at least hold enough discipline to keep bettering yourselves for this long. Now, it's time to push into the next level and challenge the comfort you've likely grown used to by now. May your divine overseers have mercy on their weak who sit among us! To fortify yourself - soul, body, and mind - you must endure and face what isn't restrained by a coddling hand. You will all feel pain… You will be shaped by it! You will help shape your adversaries with the same agonizing flames of self betterment!” The old man explains with a commanding volume behind his deep, gritty voice. He then gestures toward the flags behind him with an offering hand.
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“So! I introduce to you a time passing tradition I've shared with several generations prior and that's been passed down to me from my father, and HIS father down to him… The Flag War Campaign!”
“Cam…. Paign? Like, long-term?” Galivinth murmurs under his breath as he crosses his arms.
“A struggle between three factions to capture the flags you see behind me. The deadline is one week. Within that week, you'll have two ways of achieving victory - the first is by capturing all three flags and hanging them at your homebase, which will end the game immediately. The second method of winning is by possessing the most flags by the end of the week. HOWEVER! Should your side happen to capture a flag, you may NOT hide it within hidden compartments. You may NOT leave with it from Mount Heaven Splitter. And you may NOT damage it to prevent it from falling into anyone else's hands. In contrast, you MAY assign someone to wear it visibly on their body. You MAY place it in any room so long as it isn't locked. And you MAY use force to take it. Broken bones, knocking each other unconscious, and even at any literal time of the day or night - so long as you do not kill or dismember, any means is accepted!” The old man lays out the rules with that hearty enthusiasm still lacing his words, and like a spark that sets wood ablaze, it resonates with the students listening.
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“HELL YEAH! I'LL CRUSH EVERY LAST ONE OF YA!” A male from the Red Turtle Dragon exclaims his declaration with sheer confidence.
“A dumb bozo who only knows how to fight won't get far in a strategic game like this! Someone oughta pacify that idiot before he winds up tripping over his own shoelaces from all that excitement!” A male from the Cloudy Lightning dojo shouts teasingly.
“What good will schemes and tricks do you when I'm laying all of you out on the ground like scattered marbles? Your wit can't match my strength!”
“Yeah? We'll see about that, Bozo!” The two engage in a backforth before a dozen or more students from both dojos engage in that same competitive banter. It's something to behold, but what REALLY peaks Galivinth's fascination is the sudden output of soul essence from a few students who seem to be sizing one another up. It's like his senses are telling him a fire is nearby despite being considerably far from the sources. It's quite evident that they're strong. Naeth's smug grin makes it evident that he's aware of their potential.
“AAAAHA-HA-HA-HAAA!!! What spirit! I can feel my soul burning with anticipation already! The game shall begin tomorrow mid-day!” Susochi shouts before he brings his hands together to perform ninjutsu hand signs - Dragon, Snake, and Horse. When he weaves those three signs he then turns toward the opposite direction and bends down to slam his palms against the ground. Immediately upon the old man doing so, six spiraling pillars of fire emerge from the ground and surround the flags as a means to prevent access.
“By 12pm tomorrow, these pillars will disperse and the game shall begin. Coordinate among your classmates to take all three or as many as you can by that time. However it may go, I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out! And with that, the announcement has reached its conclusion!!”
“Magic?” Naeth raises a brow as he looks upon the immensely tall pillars of fire.
“It's ninjutsu!” Asura informs.
“Ninjutsu?” The cryonean turns to him and asks.
“That's right! Though I should specify that's just ONE form of it. You're also not particularly wrong to think of it as 'magic’. It draws from Reikra, a source of mystic energy said to be given to those who were born in Japan. A blessing given by the God Narukami, I've been told. There's relatives in my family who know some level of it. I myself, however, was born in the USA. Which means I can't access that mystic energy source at all. Makes me wonder if there's an exclusive advantage to being an American.” Asura explains before sharing a pondering thought.
“I'm not sure, but if what you said is true, then we ought to be careful…” Galivinth advises.
“What for? If any of them wish to use ninjutsu, then we'll show them Cryonean Magic is far superior.” Naeth states confidently.