The weekend passes and the next week of school begins for Galvinth. This Monday morning, even during a fraction of the weekend, he practices the basics of Tiger Style Kung-Fu. Posture up straight, feet spread two and a half feet apart, knees slightly bent, hands flat with every finger stretching and sticking closely like knife hands, arms fully outstretching in front of him, and his left wrist laying on top of his right in a cross formation. He slowly inhales and begins drawing his hands back, eventually rolling his shoulders as his arms gracefully part ways in a fashion that looks as if he's wiping across a window in front of him with both hands before they seamlessly extend outward again. He exhales that intake of oxygen as his limbs take up the posture of crossing at the wrists like before. He repeats this initiating gesture several more times before changing it up by the fourth cycle. He draws his hands inward, simultaneously bringing forth the aura of his soul essence around his body as he rotates his forearms just as they're aligning horizontally to the region of his pectorals. As he does, the palms of his hands wind up facing upward. Quickly, his arms divide and go in opposite directions, yet both adopt a claw-like gesture. His left arm extends out in a straight line in front of him while his right retracts into a bending state and positions its respective hand beside his head. He spends the next five minutes transitioning between the two movements.
Finally, the time to leave for school arrives and he takes his leave of his home after grabbing his bookbag. Unlike before, Big Red isn't outside to accompany him on the walk to school. He takes the trip by himself. Also unlike last week, the first thing he sees upon entering the building is three U-shaped lines curving around a corner and two lengthy wooden desks taking up most of the pathway ahead, where the ‘enforcers’ seem to be handing out apparel. Before he can brush it off and go about his way, one of the enforcers make an announcement to the recent students arriving via a megaphone.
“For those of you who are just arriving, please find your place in the back of the line in an orderly fashion before you head anywhere else. Thank you.” Words from the female speaking that makes Galivinth arch a brow in annoyance. Nonetheless, he does indeed oblige the request.
About six minutes go by before it's at long last his turn to step up to the very front of one the three lines. There to service him is none other than Seth Chansen, presenting a simple smile in the face of Galivinth's mild expression of contempt.
“And look who it is. Doing well this morning, Carrenmale?”
“Just fine… Jerk.” Galivinth responds calmly, though obviously he hasn't forgotten about last week.
“Did we not learn anything from before?” The head of the enforcers questions just before grabbing a clothing item from the lineup on the table and hands over something black to Galivinth.
“You'd have an easier time here if you'd just comply and respect authority. We can get along, you know?” Seth tells him. The latter goes on to take the article of clothing and proceed to unfold it in order to examine it better. Galivinth discovers it's a 2X black hoodie bearing the school's name and crest on its back and right shoulder.
“I'm not looking for trouble, but I can't respect what you do. What you did…
And what's this about? I don't really have money to pay for this…” Galivinth responds.
“It's free of charge! No worries at all. This has all been covered by generous parental figures of the Red Pyramid members.” Seth informs.
“Red Pyramid?”
“Yes. The official name of enforcers of the Betterment Program.” Seth clarifies.
“...How interesting. I think I'll pass on accepting anything from you guys.”
“You don't have a choice. You HAVE to wear something with the school's crest and name on it from now on. I was being considerate giving you something that aligns with your sense of fashion. You should be a little more grateful.”
“This is mandatory and I don't particularly like you… I'm not saying 'Thank you’. Not until you apologize to them first.” Galivinth responds as he shrugs off his bookbag and slips on the oversize hoodie, then slips the strap of his bag onto a shoulder again.
“Are we done here? Is this all that's needed?” He asks afterwards.
“You really do disappoint me… But, I can see you're intelligent enough. You can be improved. Taught to understand your place under authority a little better. We're far from done, but yes. You may head to class now.” Seth answers. With that said, Galivinth turns to head to his first period.
The school hours proceed as normal and end without event.
All is fine until Galivinth is barely five minutes away from the school and down a block from the bus stop he waits at to be taken to Mount Heaven Splitter at before he's suddenly intercepted by several males. Students from the looks of their red blazers, slacks, and dress shirts.
“Hey, hey! Hang on, I wanna talk to ya for a second.” The second tallest of the three initiates, approaching to cut Galivinth's way forward off while extending a hand to give a very slight shove.
“Huh? Uhh–.. Okay? What's up?” He questions while looking the three over. They spread a bit to where the other two are standing at his sides.
“You got any money on you by any chance?” The one in front of Galivinth asks.
“No, none at all.”
“That's too bad, man.” The one to his left comments with a grin as he leans against the black steel gate behind him and tucks his hands into his pockets.
“A tragedy, bro… you don't have the fee to get by us. Or to avoid what you deserve.” The middle one adds. The last few choice of words draw a look of confusion across the half cryonean’s face.
“What I deserve?” Galivinth repeats.
“Yeah… What you deserve!” Suddenly, the one to his right lunges forward like a snake abruptly lashing out and lands a swift left hook to Galivinth's cheek that causes him to stumble a few steps, of which the one to his left takes advantage. A hand reaches out to yank at one of Galivinth's arms before a foot trips him over by kicking his unstable legs out from underneath him.
DHOOOOM.
Galivinth ends up smacking face first into that steel gate nearby and collapsing onto his knees. Groaning softly as he rubs at his nose.
“What was that–” THWACK.
The moment he turns his head to question them, he's met with an abrupt thrusting kick to the face that knocks him onto his back. He smacks his lips in annoyance and sits up. When he looks at them again, he's taken aback by what he sees. All three of them are now engulfed in auras that put his average output to shame. It seems they too know about the concept of Soul Essence.
Later at Mount Heaven Splitter…
“Alright, now we will go over defensive techniques. Everyone–” Sensei Heihachi is about to instruct his students, but the sound of one of the dojo's doors sliding open grabs his and everyone else's attention. What they see is Galivinth walking in with dirty and footprints all over his clothes, his shirt bearing small cuts, his hair messy, and a bit of dirt on his left cheek.
“Sorry I'm late…” Is all the teen can think to say before moving to stand in line beside his peers with his head hanging slightly.
“Do you need medical attention?” Heihachi questions with a solemn stare.
“No.” Is all the boy answers with.
“Are you certain?” The older male questions further, not quite so easily capable of dismissing the obvious shoe prints on the boy's clothes.
“...I just need to learn how to stop it. I'm fine. I'm ready to learn… Please, show me the way to stop it and I'll fix it.” Galivinth requests modestly as he bawls his hands into fists. Not out of anger, but a realization that this sort of thing will only stop once he has the ability to stop it. It's also then that he draws from within himself and brings forth his snow-white aura at an output of 1.4x (or 140%).
Seeing this, the students and his teacher look upon him with subtle awe. Even finding inspiration in his determination.
“Hmph. Very well, then. Let's proceed!. The group's training continues on as planned and finishes out after an hour and nearly 30 minutes. Even so, it's time Galivinth isn't ready to settle on. While the others take their leave at the end of the training session, he stays behind.
“Sensei! Please, teach me more. I need to know how to prepare myself for future conflicts.” The boy insists.
“Quite the enthusiasm you have! I do not mind in the slightest. I'll help you fortify your arsenal of defensive and offensive means.” The teacher obliges gladly.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Thank you!” The teen expresses his gratitude. Unlike moments before, Heihachi casually draws out his potential from within and puts his yellow & black aura on display. Radiant gold that flows like a steady stream with crackles of black sparks of electricity flashing unpredictably around his person - something that makes Galivinth's jaw drop with shock.
“It's even stronger than theirs… Amazing.”
“Of course. I've honed my body and skills for many years. This, what you see now, is only the second level of what I'm capable of. Exactly 200% output.” Heihachi informs. Afterwards, the older male dwindles that flow of energy down to match Galivinth's rate.
“Not only can you sense and see the soul essence of others, but you seem to be able to measure the intensity of it on a basic level now. Good. We'll see how you perceive the auras of others down the line.”
“I'll do my best!” Galivinth assures.
“I'll hold you to that. Now, take up your stance. I'll show you how to transform the motions and postures I've taught you into something reliable in a real fight. It was something I was going to cover tomorrow, but it's the determined bird who gets the early worm of progress.” And with that, the two begin the lesson of combat.
Who knows how long they'll be at it, how long they'll let the time flow. Whatever the case may be, progress IS being made. At some point, Naeth comes over in search of Galivinth and stumbles upon the active auras of his cousin and someone else behind the sliding doors of the dojo. His awareness of soul essence allows him to practically detect their precise movements and see vague outlines of their bodies through the solid surface in front of him. Of course, he could also hear the sound of impacts striking pads and voices.
“Don't get comfortable. You'll get sloppy if you're too complacent in a fight.” The voice of a mature adult male speaks up.
“Understood!” Naeth hears his relative respond. Deciding it's best to let the two train in peace, he turns to leave the area. To pass time on his own, he decides to explore outside of the temple. It's 20 minutes past 6pm, thus the sun is beginning to set. Under the mixture of the purple and autumn tones painting the end day, Naeth tucks his hands into his pockets as he crosses the bridge. He continues onward in a straight line to venture along the pathway he's yet to take. As he walks through, he immediately notices the area is more forest-like and that he can barely go without brushing against a long thick leaf of some kind or another, as well as that the path curves and leads up to a higher elevation. Once at the top of the slope, he observes his surroundings. To his flank, he spots the temple that sits at the cliff across from the bridge. Straight ahead, the way forward is a lot less narrow. Curious of what lies ahead, Naeth keeps moving forward without hesitation. Another curve about 25 feet down the path leads him toward a thin bridge that lays over a narrow river that seems to be calf-deep and a pair of thick bushes further down beyond the wooden surface. He eventually comes to pass them and stumbles upon a very tall figure to the far right off the path. For some reason or another, that's all it takes to get Naeth to stop in his tracks and observe the figure.
A man of a bulky, yet somehow also lean structure. His hair cut low and is of pure white, his olive skin a shade and a half lighter than Naeth's. Upon his person, the man wears a yellow high collar chinese shirt with its sleeves rolled up just above his vein riddle, strong biceps. Bracers on each arm that are made of a snug black cloth that reaches halfway up his forearms and gold metallic covers that stop short of reaching his knuckles and cover the outer side of his forearms. On his legs he wears leather pants that lead down to a pair of knee-high boots with thin gold armor adorning the front of them. Along with standing at 6'8 in height, his body is double the size of Naeth's and his hands are no exception.
The man suddenly curves his fingers into fists as he stands before a massive tree. He then inhales, then exhales slowly. Immediately after, an aura begins taking form around him. One with a color of fiery orange and intense enough to not only create its own heat, but put Naeth under the perception that it's far bigger than what it is - it feels as if he's suddenly submerging within an intangible body of warm water.
“What is this…?” The question crosses the cryonean's mind as he looks on with furrowing brows. The man draws his right hand back and beside his own head, his fingers loose as he does. Then, like lightning, he strikes the tree with a resounding ‘thud’. An attack he delivers with his point finger alone. Naeth blinks as the man holds his finger in place. Several seconds later, he relaxes his body, wills the aura of his soul essence away, and lowers his arm to his side again. Another pause comes to be. After what feels like an eternity, Naeth is just about to scoff and brush the display off. However, a sudden implosion of wood snags his attention again after taking him by surprise. Fragments of tree bark, chips, and thick chunks of wood splatter in the man's face, but he doesn't so much as flinch from it. The tree begins toppling over after breaking at the very point the man gave a jab of his finger at. The young man looks on with wonder and curiosity, even as the tower of wood harshly lands and sends a small tremor through the ground.
“How did you do that?” Naeth questions, drawing the man's eyes toward him. His face is that of a middle-aged man with a permanent scowl and strong hairless facial features.
“None of your concern.” Comes the man's dismissive response as he approaches the cut down tree.
“I've decided that it is. I want to know what you know.” Naeth insists. His words stop the man in his tracks midway of bending over to reach for the object of interest.
“Oh?” The stranger arches a brow as he rises to stand up straight and turn to face the young man.
“And what makes you entitled to what I know? What use would you have for a strong fist?”
“What else? To dominate all who would stand before me.” Naeth answers honestly.
“H-HA! Heh-heh-heh… I like your answer, boy. However, I'm not one to be swayed by mere words. No, I need to see your drive for myself… I'll give you an opportunity right here, right now.”
“You… want to spar?” Naeth raises a brow.
“What do you think?” The man responds, fortifying his scowl as he beckons the youth to come at him with his right hand. With clarification given, Naeth readies himself with a sudden igniting fire to overwhelmingly prove himself to the man who possesses such an incredible aura. The cryonean taps into his inner potential to bring forth his blazing red aura as he raises his arms in front of him in a vertically parallel fashion. His fingers curl into fists as he places his right forward and slightly bends his knees. In response, the taller male simply extends his left hand forward with an open palm while curling his right arm at his side so that its also open palm is facing skyward. Yet, he doesn't summon his soul essence.
“...Confident. I won't deny the near suffocating aura I felt from you just moments ago, but underestimating me won't do you any favors, human.” Naeth warns with a rather casual hint of disdain - words that causes the towering man to furrow his brows in mild confusion. However, he has no time to ponder on the implication. The young man begins charging him down before clearing the remaining 20-feet between them with a soaring leap that smoothly transitions into a front-flipping overhead ax-kick that aims to bring Naeth's heel down upon his cranium.
K R U N C H .
The ground cracks beneath the man's feet upon impact of raising his right forearm to block the attack by meeting the calf of Naeth's leg, not to mention the sudden small output of his aura for assurance. The stranger's eyes widen a bit, genuinely impressed with the boy's strength despite such an obviously far weaker aura. He then flings his arm to throw the young man back a few feet to make some space.
“You have my attention… Hold nothing back, boy!” The man demands just a mere second he begins closing off the distance to re-engage, increasing the flow of his aura as he does. Naeth, of course, moves forward to meet him halfway.
A competitive sparring session ensues.
The timing is rather incredible, honestly. The two boys, Galivinth and Naeth, conclude their respective sweat-inducing sparrings at the same time. 37-minutes later, to be exact. Galivinth bids his sensei farewell for the evening and goes on to search for Naeth. The latter of the two is currently hunching over with his hands upon his fairly bent knees, huffing for air as sweat drips from his face and slow-falling droplets of blue blood from his nose. The man that he's been doing his best to trade blows with stands nearby calmly, a small bruise on his left cheek, bracers fractured, dirt on his shirt and pants, and newfound hope for a successor burning bright at the core of his soul.
“There's something obviously different about you, but the trivial details hold no significance in the long run. Your potential is beyond what I can possibly guess…That's all that really matters. I decided I want to see you grow. To see you mold into a being whose fists cannot be contained by this world and capable of piercing the very heavens themselves!” The towering man tells Naeth with flaring enthusiasm.
“Does that mean you'll teach me, then?” The cryonean asks as he looks up curiously. His right eye is slightly swollen, nose running with azure blood, left cheek fairly red with a bruise, and a small cut on his bottom lip.
“That's right. From this day on, you shall be my pupil and the fated successor of the Fist of Absolution.” The man declares as he folds his arms and smugly raises his nose, wearing a grin while looking down upon the youth. With newfound satisfaction, Naeth grins and raises to stand at his full height, using his left forearm to wipe away the blood from his face.
“You made the right choice. I will learn all that you can teach and carry it with me.” The cryonean states.
“Good. Failing to master the fighting style will lead to your miserable death, so make sure you're prepared to push yourself. Complacency is an ailment. You'd do well to remember that.” The man informs just before turning his back to Naeth and heading off. Though, he stops briefly a few steps away to give his parting words.
“6pm. Everyday. I will wait here for no more than 30 minutes. There's no set schedule, but always be under the impression that failing to show is NOT preferable.”
“Understood! By the way, what is your name?” Naeth asks.
“Raulow.” The man answers before continuing on his way.
“Naeth! My name is Naeth.” He exchanges his name in turn. He receives an acknowledgement of Raulow raising his right hand and giving the bull's horns gesture with his point and pinky fingers. A display that draws out a small chuckle of amusement from the young man. Naeth soon turns and begins to head back the way he came from. He grimaces a bit as pain from his lengthy fight begins flaring up. He groans softly and keeps pushing onward, rolling his shoulder blades as he passes the thick twin bushes ahead and then the small bridge past them. He soon sees a campfire up ahead near the temple that sits at the cliff and someone tending to the fire. Curious and in no hurry, he makes his way to make conversation.
“Evening. Is this temple also a part of the school across the bridge near the waterfall?”
“Well… yes, but it's more so a special occasion.” The rather old man in similar blue robes to the monks back at the temple answers, adjusting his glasses after taking a seat on one of the three large logs surrounding the fire.
“Funny enough, it seems you managed to take up one of the two available spots. That spar you had with him left no doubt in my mind that Raulow took great interest in you.” He adds.
“Oh, you were watching?” Naeth questions with a mild look of surprise.
“Heard and felt most of it, truthfully. But yes, I did manage to catch some of it.”
“Ah, I see. Hm. So, are you an associate of his? A relative?” The cryonean pries.
“I'm his father figure, you could say. He's not biologically related to me, but he has always been like a son to me and a true part of our family.”
“Interesting. You raised a strong son then, sir.” Naeth compliments with a grin.
“Hah! Trust me, that face of yours makes it quite obvious to you and I both.” The old man responds jokingly.
“I'm Jolelimoon Sr., by the way. Good to meet you, son.”
“Naeth. And likewise, Sr.Jolelimoon.”
“Jolelimoon…?” A third voice questions out loud. One familiar to both of them. Their attention shifts toward the source of the voice to see none other than Galivinth approaching.
“It… it really is you!” The teen confirms after moving close enough to get a better look.
“That's right. Exactly where I said I'd be.”
“Yeah, that's true. It's still somehow surprising, though. Weird I didn't think to come up to this temple until tonight.” He muses. Afterwards, his eyes turn toward his cousin.
“Jeeeze, Naeth… Are you okay, man? Your face–”
“I am perfectly fine. Just did some extra training of my own is all.” The full-blooded cryonean reassures. It's then a tall figure in a cloak, a man about 6’4 in height, comes out of the temple with items for cooking. The jangle of a large cooking pot draws the awareness of the old man.
“Ah, what timing. Raulow has chosen his successor. The one with the bruised face. The kid's something extraordinary.” Jolelimoon Sr. Comments as he points a thumb toward Naeth.
“I got an idea of what your friend is fighting for, but what about you, Galivinth? What brought you all the way up here to this school?”
“What brought me here?” He repeats. His eyes avert to the side as he thinks on it for a moment. Meanwhile, the man in the cloak goes on to prepare the pot over the fire.
“I just… wanted to protect my friends. Myself, too. But I really came here because I couldn't cope with being unable to do anything to help when I wanted to. I want to fix that and de-escalate moments like that in the future. I want to be strong for the sake of others.” The teen answers from the heart. His answer draws the curious stare from the man in the dark brown cloak.
“Hmm… Did you say the one to the right is Raul's chosen disciple?” The man finally speaks, addressing Jolelimoon Sr. as he does.
“That's right. Heard it myself.” The old man answers.
“I see.” The man's attention shifts toward the two boys.
“You two are familiar with each other, yes?”
“Yeah. In fact, Naeth is my cousin. He's pretty much my best friend, too.” Galivinth answers.
“Heh. Did the stars align and I've been completely oblivious to it…?” The man murmurs to himself. He then reaches to peel back the hood obscuring his face to reveal features of a middle-aged man with a permanent soft frown. His skin is fair, eyes navy blue, and his hair short, dark brown, and shaggy.
“I know this is sudden, but fate has brought you two here for a reason. Galivinth, would you allow me to make you my pupil and teach you the ways of The Fist That Denies?” The question takes the three by surprise.
“Oh-ho-ho! All of a sudden you're not so picky, huh?” Jolimoon Sr. teases with a grin.
“Something told me this would be the one case to get you to finally pick a disciple.”
“You want me?” Galivinth asks, pointing at his own torso to clarify what he had just heard.
“Yes. You. I feel this is your destiny and my responsibility. Will you let me help you become strong?” The man asks again. His choice of words spark something in the half cryonean.
“Yes! Please, teach me how to be strong.” Galivinth answers firmly and with a solemn stare.
“Good. You shall be the counter-nature to the teachings your relative receives. A balance that keeps one another in check. We can begin immediately. Just come to me here and say when.” The man informs.
“Right! By the way, what's your name?” Galivinth asks.
“Kanshuro.”