[ Galivinth / School ]
A massive earthquake shook the entire country, and only one person who resides within it is aware of the source. Thus, Galivinth's school assembled all of its present students to wait inside their classrooms until the adults were sure the ordeal was over. For thirty minutes, students waited. When that time finally passed, they were all allowed an early dismissal to head straight home. However - perhaps because of his ignorance of just how serious that unusual rumble was - Galivinth has something he feels is more pressing in mind.
The body of students leave the school building in a calm fashion, though murmurs of trivial chatter and gossip fills the general area. Galivinth is among them, but he's not uttering a single word at the moment. He's also dragging his feet a bit. Taking his time in exiting the structure and stepping several feet beyond the exit as he scans the crowd around him. Soon his search comes to an end and the person of interest comes into sight from the corner of his peculiar eyes.
“There…”, Galivinth whispers to himself before hustling his way to the individual with hurrying steps. Within a short moment, he passes none other than Seth himself and cuts him off to stand face to face. The latter's eyes perk up at the display.
“Listen, don't go thinking this is over yet. An earthquake won't make me forget what you did and what you do.” The half cryonean informs while pointing an accusing finger.
“An earthquake wouldn't convince you to forget and forgive, huh? You hold strong grudges, don't you?” Seth questions with a toothy grin, amusement being the cause.
“Maybe? I mean… it's not like I'd refuse to help you if I ever saw you in danger. I… I'm still going to beat you up until you finally change your ways.” Galivinth asserts, concluding his words with a sudden uptick in confidence.
”Beat ME up? Fascinating claim. Still, I'm interested in seeing you try. It'll be fun beating all that bravado out of you and watching you fall in line, just like the rest.” Seth retorts.
“That's not how this all ends. But we'll see… We'll definitely see.” Galivinth gives his parting words before turning and heading off to take his leave of the school grounds with a hustle in his steps.
[ Naeth / Mount Heaven Splitter, half an hour later ]
“Even with all of you present? How?” The cryonean questions as he stands before his dojo classmates, presently holding a flag he managed to secure from the chaotic battle minutes ago.
“S-sorry… I really did… We really did try to keep it.” Vance responds, hanging his head while sitting on the temple's stairs.
“That guy was just so incredibly strong. He didn't even use his soul essence, either.” Samantha adds while also staring down in shame.
“I'm afraid she's right. The guy flipped me with so little effort. That guy was just something else…” Romundo comments contemplatively, then shifts his nonchalant gaze toward Naeth.
“As mind-blowing as your skills are, I think he's even way above you. Just entirely on a different tier.” He adds. Those very words cause Naeth to arch a skeptical brow.
“Hmmm”, is the only response he gives to such information.
“Well, we still have this one luckily. Any suggestions as to where we should place it?” He asks. As the five students continue to discuss, Galivinth begins his ascent up the mountain's stairs. Just as the cryonean teen makes it up to the top, the sound of running footsteps and screaming draws his attention. He turns his head to see a male student from the Cloudy Lightning school running down from the pathway to his right.
“Someone call 911!! You gotta help me, man!” The student exclaims as he approaches Galivinth and places his hands upon the cryonean's shoulders. Taken aback, Galivinth blinks and nearly takes a step back.
“What do you mean? What's wron–”, and that's when he finally takes notice of the thin splatter of blood on the students clothes and on his cheek.
“What happened to you?” Galivinth questions as he extends a hand of his own to place upon the student's shoulder. Naeth and the others, having heard the shouting beforehand, begin making their way over to the two.
“A monster attacked us when we were on our way back to the dojo. I… Oh man! I-I think… I think it… it…” The Cloudy Lightning disciple struggles to finish his thought. Not only that, but horror paints an expression across entire face as he averts his gaze.
“It? What did it do?” Galivinth presses. Despite doing so, the male remains to stare at the ground in silence and with quivering lips.
“Hey, come on. What happened ?” He presses again while giving a gentle shake.
“I think… I think it killed Ayanae.” The male whispers as he sets his pitiful eyes toward Galivinth again. In the next moment, his knee buckles and he drops into a kneeling position. Teeth gritting, eyes squeezing shut, and tears beginning to spill. Galivinth, with a sympathetic sad expression on his face, places his hand upon the adolescent male's upper back.
“What's going on with him?” Vance questions just as the group arrives at the spot near the steps.
“Someone might have been killed…”, is how Galivinth decides to answer. Even so, it's plenty enough to shock the group.
“W-what? But didn't that old guy say that killing wasn't allowed?” Samantha questions with distress written across her face.
“He did. I heard him loud and clear when he was explaining everything to us.” Naeth answers calmly.
“Who would do such a thing?” Romundo ponders out loud.
“Seriously? This might be a little too hardcore for me… I didn't apply to this dojo to die!” Vance announces.
“He says a monster did it. I'm not sure what he saw, but it could be some wack job in a funny looking suit.” Galivinth informs.
“Whatever it was, we couldn't find any trace of it.” Jolelimoon Sr. chimes in as he, Kanshuro, and Raulow approach the students.
“But what IS clear as day to see, is that the young lady was cut down by a blade. Then of course, there's the multiple stab wounds… Only a cruel, inhuman soul could have done something like that to a child.” The middle-aged man adds.
“That's terrible…” Galivinth softly comments. Nearly everyone else seems to be at a loss for words.
“Truly. I've contacted the local authorities and hospital, so they should be here any minute now. In the meantime, why don't you all head back to the dojo for now? Now's not exactly the best time to be roaming around.” Jolelimoon Sr. advises the students. His attention then shifts to Raulow and Kanshuro.
“Would you two mind spreading word to the other schools? I'm going to wait here until the police arrive.” He requests of the two martial arts masters.
“I will.” Is all Kanshuro says before heading toward the Red Turtle Dragon dojo.
“Hmph. Very well.” Raulow also obliges, though briefly spares a moment to snag up the kneeling Cloudy Lightning student into his arm like a sack of potatoes. The youth naturally fidgets at the suddenness of it all.
“H-hey!” The young man exclaims.
“You can mope and cry your eyes out back at the dojo.” Raulow retorts and begins his march toward the boy's respective martial arts school. Galivinth all return to their dojo, as well. Inside, the group gathers at the foot of the stairs leading up to the second floor.
“Not to distract from what we just heard, but did you guys happen to feel a really bad earthquake earlier?”, Galivinth questions.
“Oh yeah. I felt that, too. I also saw purple lightning shoot out into the sky. Figured it was all from the big rumble for the flags.” Vance answers first.
“No…” Naeth initiates with a solemn frown, crossing his arms as he stares forward. The others curiously turn their gaze onto him.
“Whatever caused it was not related to the fight. We were all taken by surprise and brought down to the ground. The intensity of the tremor felt even stronger than the day Galivinth and I witnessed a colossal tidal wave looming over us.” He continues.
“Oh yeeeeah! That was crazy, right? And now THIS - we're dealing with a murder. So much has changed and so fast… it's honestly scary.” Samantha chimes in.
“Jeeze, you'd think the world is on the brink of imploding or something. It's like this year is in competition to give us a worse day than 4 / 20.” Vance comments.
“Four Twenty?” Naeth questions with an arching brow.
“Ah. Right, you weren't in the states at the time. 4 / 20 refers to April 20th of 1994, the day terrorists crashed a plane into the White House during a coordinated nuke attack. Captain Righteous stopped the nuke, but the plane went unnoticed until it was too late. The president died, along with hundreds of others. At least, that's what I heard and read. I was five at the time and hadn't noticed a thing within the comfort of my home.” Galivinth explains.
“Oh, I see. I haven't really heard any detail– Hmm.” Naeth begins, pausing mid thought as a memory from years ago resurfaces.
“I didn't know the details, but I do recall witnessing an explosion taking place in the sky. The sound was pretty faint, but I could make out a fiery eruption in the clouds. I was on my way to one of my classes when it took place.” Naeth informs.
After spending further time chatting amongst themselves and eventually waiting in silence, the authorities arrive at the mountain and an investigation is underway. After forming a perimeter around and examining the crime scene, a couple of officers eventually pay the Blue Currents dojo a visit. It's there that Galivinth and associates undergo general questioning as a group.
“Terrible afternoon, huh? Hope you're doing as well as you possibly can be during a time like this… Mind if I ask you guys some questions? Just want to make sure we gather everything to nail the perp who did this.” One of the officers, precisely the one holding a notepad and pencil in his hands, shoots his first question upon entering the dojo alongside a colleague of his.
“No, not at all. Ask away.” Galivinth complies and the others voice their willingness to oblige as well.
“Super-duper. Now, did any of you hear anything at all? Oh! And my name is Officer Isaiah, by the way.” The cop inquires and introduces himself one after the other.
“No. Nothing besides a guy from the Cloudy Lightning school shouting for help while running toward my direction.” Galivinth responds.
“As did I. Nothing beyond that, though.”, Naeth answers afterwards.
“Nu-uhn. Nothing.” Vance informs.
“No, sir.” Samantha speaks up next.
“Sadly not. We were way too far away to hear a peep of what was going down.” Romundo shares.
“I see.” The inquisitive officer comments before scribbling something down in his notes.
“Did any of you know the victim personally? Maybe her first name?” He presents his next question. One after the other, the students deny knowing the victim at all.
“Alrighty. How about her associates? Do you know if she hung around anyone in particular more than anyone else?”, the officer asks. Just like before, he's given all negatives from the students in front of him.
“Hmmm… How about conflicts? Bullies? Someone she frequently had hostile interactions with?”, the officer pries further.
“I have no idea. Didn't even know she existed until today. It's not too common at all for our schools to interact much. Well, until this week.” Galivinth informs.
“Why is it different this week?” The officer questions, his eyes practically gleaming with curiosity.
“A flag game that was recently set into motion. The schools here are supposed to be competing to capture and hold the most flags for a week.” The half cryonean explains.
“Oh? Sounds like a rather extreme motive, but do you - do ANY of you think this incident has anything to do with this flag game?”Officer Isaiah proposes. It earns him skeptical looks from the youths.
“Quite an absurd motive, but it is possible… Though there are rules, and obviously laws, against using lethal means to capture a flag. I don't know enough to assume the thoughts of her attacker, but the old man's words were as clear as day. We aren't allowed to fatally wound or kill.” Naeth speaks up this time.
“Yeah, he's right. And it's not like the prize at the end is a million dollars or anything like that.” Galivinth adds.
“I seeeee…”, the officer utters softly as he jots down more details into his notepad. Once he finishes, he proceeds to shut it and tuck it away into the pocket of his slacks, along with the pen.
“Well, that's all I have to ask for the time being. We'll try to wrap this up as quickly as we can, but for now, remain inside here. We'll send word when you're free to leave.” And with those words, Officer Isaiah and his partner take their leave.
Nearly two hours pass before the investigation wraps up and the police force depart from the mountain grounds. It's then the monk, Saijeme, enters the temple alongside Kanshuro. Curious upon spotting his second mentor, Galivinth is the first to approach the two before the others.
“Sir…! Is… everything okay?” The teen questions with his eyes looking toward the taller of the two men in front of them.
“Likely.” Kanshuro responds a tad vaguely.
“As okay as it can possibly get in a situation like this. Sheeeeeesh… I fear we'll be seeing more students drop out tomorrow and throughout the week. Same for the other schools.” Saijeme comments while crossing his arms.
“Yeah… this is pretty serious.” Galivinth responds while hanging his head.
“Which brings me here to ask you directly… Galivinth.” Kanshuro speaks up again, and continues when his pupil looks up at him again.
“Will you continue your training with me as the inheritor of The Fist That Denies style, or will you too bid this mountain farewell?” He proceeds to ask.
“Huh? Oh! Y-yeah! I… I want to keep going, even if I'm a little scared now.” The half cryonean teen assures with a gaze of determination and squeezing fists.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Hmph! So your student isn't such a spineless pushover, then.” Raulow remarks as he enters and treads forward to stand beside Saijeme, as well. His solemn eyes then settle upon Naeth.
“You came, too?” The cryonean over achiever asks while stepping closer.
“And what of you, boy? Will YOU be the one to fold like a wet napkin to the fear of danger?” The one of two martial arts masters inquires of his own chosen disciple while raising his nose.
“I fear no Earthling. I'm not going anywhere… I will finish making The Fist of Absolution my own and surpassing everyone here.” Naeth assures confidently with a solemn frown of his own.
“Good! Then we'll continue immediately.” Raulow responds.
“Same for us, if you don't mind, Galivinth. There's something else I need to teach you. Let's be on our way.” Kanshuro speaks up again, then turns to take his leave of the temple.
“Understood!” The half cryonean affirms his mentor's request and follows behind him.
“That goes for you, too, boy. Get a move on.” Raulow barks as he turns to also take his leave.
“I was wondering how long you were going to stand around for. I'm more than ready.” Naeth assures and also follows his mentor out of the temple.
The four take their usual route to their training grounds, however there's to be a change of scenery for both boys. Kanshuro leads Galivinth into the heart of a forest area where there's solely bamboo trees around. The two begin their new training once they're standing face to face five feet apart.
“Today, I will show you a method of manipulating your soul essence before I teach you the actual technique. Some say a good defense is a strong offense, but only a fool limits his options when it comes to the unthinkable. Which is why I will help you perfect Essence Shell, the method of increasing your physical resilience by double.” Kanshuro informs.
“Oh!? Sounds good to me!” Galivinth enthusiastically responds with a grin. In the next moment, his mentor rather effortlessly, nothing beyond knitting his brows into a mild frown, brings forth his soul essence. A navy-blue aura takes form around the older male, and though it's just below 200% output, it's size is massive enough to consume the area within a 10 meter range and add a light tint of the darkest blue to the scenery. Galivinth's eyes widen as a sense of drowning suddenly creeps into his perception - it feels as though his mentor is haunting his entire surroundings despite the fact that the man hasn't moved a single inch. That nearly overwhelming sensation fades when Kanshuro bends his own aura to his will and draws it inward, forcing it to outline his entire body with a thick lining.
“So that's what it looks like, huh? That's pretty cool.” Galivinth comments. Though he doesn't feel like he's drowning anymore, the soul essence of his teacher doesn't feel weaker.
“And it's weird… Before you did that, it felt like you were standing everywhere around me at once. But now? It's like… hmm. It doesn't feel like you moved away, but like your aura is still strong yet also compact now.” Galivinth attempts to explain.
“That's right. I'm controlling the entirety of my soul essence. It is no longer lashing out, but instead serving a specific purpose now. There are many ways to use it… Including sticking to walls.” Kanshuro explains.
“Woah, really? That's crazy… I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that before, though.” Galivinth comments, crossing his arms while presenting a look of skepticism.
“It's not too commonly used or known about. At least, not here in the states. But enough about that. Why don't you try forming an Essence Shell? Focus on reeling in your soul essence and creating a protective layer around yourself. Visualize it as another layer of skin. A tougher surface. THEE toughest surface.” Kanshuro advises. Obliging immediately, Galivinth spreads his feet a bit, brings his bawling hands up against both sides of his waist with his palms facing skyward, and shuts his eyes as he proceeds to draw out power within himself. In the next moment, his aura takes form and quickly expands until it's at an output of 180% (x1.8), as well as large enough to just barely cover 4 meters. His watery monochrome aura soon begins to retract, stuttering & struggling, as the teen grimaces in the midst of trying to manipulate his soul essence.
“You're nearly there. Don't dwell on doubts or worries. All that matters is achieving your goal.” Kanshuro encourages.
“Under… Understood.” Galivinth responds, now opening his eyes to stare down with a focusing scowl. He begins managing just a bit better and gets to the point where his aura is slowly adjusting to outline his entire physique.
Meanwhile elsewhere with Neath and his mentor, the two are within a shack that's 20 x 15 square feet in size. The interior is rather dingy due to a lack of internal light source, but the sunlight bleeding through window blinders keeps obscuring levels of darkness at bay for the time being. The look within is quite humble and resembles a dojo, yet also a sanctuary of some sort judging by the trinkets and picture frame on the shelves at the far back of the structure. Presently, Naeth is sitting with his legs crossed, hunching forward a bit, and his hands resting upon his knees. His mentor, Raulow, is just beginning to slowly circle him with slow pacing steps.
“What I'm preparing to implement into you is a technique that very, very few have managed to truly master. A tool that'll help you watch your own back without relying on others like a witless fool. Bodily Precognition is what I shall teach you first.” Raulow informs.
“Bodily Precognition? Are you implying you can teach me – teach my body to react to something without me being mentally aware of the danger?” Naeth questions as he cracks open an eye partially.
“Precisely. However, you must become beyond adept to achieve that level. A foundation must be set in place, then built upon, and finally perfected. We'll start by training you to detect intrusion and movement that invades the boundaries of your soul essence… Show me your full potential.” Raulow instructs just before moving to grab a wooden sword off the wall and hold it over his broad shoulder. During, Naeth begins drawing out his full power in the form of a fiery crimson-red aura that expands more than enough to engulf the entire shack and extend an additional 6 meters. It's potent enough to cause Raulow to grimace within its presence and bring forth his own soul essence to ease the pressure off of his body. Naeth gives an output of 300% while his mentor puts out 200%, the latter being slightly smaller in range.
“Hmph. Good… Very Good. Now, the idea is to not rely on your eyes, but awareness within your own aura. Keep your eyes closed at all times until we're done.” Raulow instructs his disciple.
“Very well.” Naeth responds stoically and shuts his eyes again. In the next moment, his mentor resumes circling around him. This time, the older male waves the wooden weapon in his hand above where his student is sitting.
“Do you feel a disturbance? Can you see me moving?” Raulow questions.
“I can… a mental visual of a silhouette swinging a stick of some kind is protruding into my mind. With every thump of your steps, I can briefly see an outline of your foot.” Naeth explains.
“Excellent. For this session, I want you to defend yourself from attacks by this wooden sword, as well as be ready to adjust to any change in pace.” Raulow informs his student as he tightens his grip around the handle of the kendo sword.
“Not a problem in the slightest. Come at me with anything.” Naeth confidently responds.
The two boys spend longer than usual training under their secondary mentors, which is merely thanks to the tragedy that's taken place and the schools all advising students to go home for the day. Finally after five hours, the day begins setting with the sun and the two relatives head home to rest until tomorrow.
The next day, Galivinth starts his weekend waking up at exactly 8am. With no school today, he decides to head into the kitchen to pour himself a bowl of cereal and milk, then return to his bedroom to watch tv. Upon doing so, the following words he hears hits him in the face metaphorically like a brick–
“Over 3 million people have died after the total and utter incineration of the City of Los Angeles. Witnesses in cities over have stated witnessing a massive explosion that seemed like it would continuously expand and wipe everything away.” A news anchor informs, resulting in Galivinth pausing midway of lifting a spoon of cereal to his mouth.
“...Huh?” The teen's face wrinkles into one of confusion and horror at what he hears. Little more details are given, but by the end of the coverage it's clear there's plenty of speculation, but no solid evidence behind the cause of the unfathomable tragedy. He digests the news story in silence and eventually thinks back to the Earthquake that shook his school yesterday.
“Is that what shook the school? What could even cause something like that?”, the teen ponders to himself. He realizes he has more questions than answers and decides to push it into the back of his head. He goes on to finish his cereal, then helps himself to two apples from his fridge. Next, he contacts Naeth and asks his relative to come meet him for a day of training. From there, he takes care of his hygiene, slips on his martial arts gi & hand wraps along with his sneakers, and then heads outside to wait for his cousin's arrival.
By the time 9:24am hits, that wait finally comes to an end. He too is wearing their school gi in the usual fashion he prefers.
“Good to see you.” Naeth greets.
“Likewise. Up for a jog? All the way to Mount Heaven Splitter and around the pathway.” Galivinth asks.
“I wouldn't mind in the slightest. I'm ready when you are, cousin.” The older cryonean answers.
“Let's get a move on, then.” With that confirmation, the two youths begin their long jog down the block and into the city. No discussions to engage or thoughts to share. Until further notice, the goal is to maintain consistency for as long as possible.
The two uphold an even pace side by side, eventually passing the school before long. Though their jog comes to what should just be a momentary pause at the traffic after the next one ahead of them. They come to a stationary halt, but keep up their motion of their knees up to run in place and patiently wait until they receive the sign to cross the road. However, not even this Saturday will be without an event.
Unbeknownst to them, two groups were approaching, one from their right and the other from behind. Curious enough, most of them are also wearing martial arts gi's. Though, they're not of any colors or school from the three dojos at the mountain.
“Eehhh!? Well, well, well… This is new.” A female's voice comments rather gleefully, the pitch of her voice notably lower yet still holds a touch of smoothness.
Sparing a moment to look over their shoulders, the two siblings spot a group of six that while varying in ages, all wear an identical gray gi that bears a patch of the American flag on the right side breast, and a patch of the Japan flag flag on the upper right sleeve. Standing at the front of them all is a female teen who stands at 5’6 in height with a lean body frame. Her features give the impression her family bloodline actually does hail from Japan, while her smug expression makes it quite obvious she's looking for trouble. In addition, her jet black hair bears an interesting style where the rear of her silky locks are within twin buns while bob-cut bangs hang over her forehead like a neat curtain. Her eyes are a shade of pale purple with outlines of deep blue, as well.image [https://cdn-gcs.inkitt.com/story_images/big_98394e4a0efffec5e17add13692af06e.]
“Newbies AND the Floto-dorks, huh? Looks like some of us picked a bad day to take a stroll through town.” The peculiar girl adds, earning a chuckle or four from her peers.
“Morning, Jolelimoon and company! I see you're in good and competitive spirits today!” An older young man politely responds, beaming with a sincere smile as he gives a simple wave at the other group.
“Nah-nah, don't dignify this BIRD with a response. It ain't even ten o'clock yet and she's already trying to start something.” A second masculine voice, one being the peer of the prior male to speak up, chimes in with a bitter side glance and tone of voice.
The eldest of the two responders is an asian male in a stainless, yet fairly ragged white karate gi with half its sleeves ripped off, fingerless training gloves on his hands, an open cut on the left pant leg, and both lower ends looking as though they've seen better days. Yet, there's nothing on his feet besides bandage wraps. Alongside such, he stands at the height of 6’0, has a muscular lean physique, shaggy short dark brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin. image [https://cdn-gcs.inkitt.com/story_images/big_641e8e7d9b4fafae58f38262c589d80f.]
The other, the younger male in red and beige, stands at 5’11, brushed over chestnut brown hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and a lean physique. On his person, he seems to be wearing a school uniform of a local high school, a red headband around his cranium, black wristbands with red stripes on each wrist, and spotless ruby red high-top sneakers with white midsoles.image [https://cdn-gcs.inkitt.com/story_images/big_610d6753a46e08f4df2464acd588bc5c.]
“Did… did he just say Jolelimoon?” Galivinth murmurs the question under his breath, suddenly abandoning his in-place jogging to give the two groups more of his attention. Taking notice of this, Naeth also stops and turns to face the two groups.
“Well, I didn't come marching all this way to ask you about the weather…” The only girl amongst them responds while placing her hands upon her own hips and arching a brow.
“I came to send losers like you limping back home crying to mommy about how a girl beat you up in the street!” She exclaims gleefully, bending forward a bit and sticking her tongue out at the boy in red, topping it off with a mocking L shape with her right-handed point finger and thumb she holds near her forehead.
“Yo, don't try that… You know damn well ain't no normal girl naturally throwing hands with guys. That freakish strength of yours gives you an edge and you know it.” The male in red remarks nonchalantly while pointing a finger and a deadpan gaze her way. A response that earns a dismissive and smug shrug from the girl.
“You and your pal over there are Power Inheritors, too. I'm not buying your lame-ass excuses, pansy.” She teases, now standing upright with her hands on her hips again.
“Pansy!?” The male in red repeats with a look of disbelief and annoyance.
“You heard me. No real man gets dropped by a girl – ANY girl and left napping facedown on the sidewalk.” She takes another jab again, lips curving and spread to show off a pearly white grin. However, evident by the glare and him bawling his hands into fists, the teen in red finds no amusement in this banter at all.
“See, I was trying to be a gentleman and hold back, 'cause I didn't want to beat up a chick. Now, if I beat the breaks off your stupid-ass, I'm absolutely justified to do so, right?” The male in red responds, posturing by cracking his knuckles into the palm of his opposite hand. As the exchange heats up, a male in all black who's standing behind the male in red shakes his head disapprovingly.
“C'mon, Polo… That's obvious bait. It's not even worth it.” The male in black comments while placing a hand upon his friend's shoulder.
“Nah, man! She wants to rumble? I'm WITH IT! And that's on baby! I'm not a part of the dojo anymore, but Floto Karate dojo is here and representin’! Say I won't beat everyone's ass here right now!” The male in red, Polo, shrugs off the hand and barks his building hostility.
“What is this tripe you two are spewing at each other? If you're going to fight, then fight.” Naeth chimes in with a tone of mild annoyance that matches the lack of amusement on his face.
“Whaja say?” Polo questions while arching a brow toward the cryonean.
“Oh, you in a hurry or somethin’? 'Cause you two aren't safe from the warm, welcoming greet & beat that's coming your way, either. Matter of fact, why don't ya just go ahead and give us all your names & dojo? Afterwards, it won't take long to send you all home packing at all.” The young lady amongst them responds as well, pointing her middle finger at Galivinth and her point finger at Naeth.
“Wait, wait, wait… You want to fight us? Did I miss something? What is happening right now!?” Galivinth questions, genuinely taken for a spin within what seems to be a confusing mess.
“I'd like to fight you both, as well! Just by observing from here, I can tell you both are strong in your own rights. Just how strong, I'd like to see for myself.” The male in the somewhat tattered white gi speaks up enthusiastically.
“Though, I too would like to know your names and the title of your dojo.” He adds, beaming a friendly smile still.
“I… Okay, I guess? I'm… Galivinth Carrenmale-” The half cryonean introduces himself first with an awkward shrug of his shoulders.
“And my name is Naeth. JUST Naeth.” The full-blooded cryonean speaks up for himself.
“And we're from the Blue Currents dojo–” Galivinth adds.
“Unbeknownst to all of you, any hope of defeating us in a competition of mettle was lost the day we were given these uniforms. Nonetheless, enlighten us on where you've been pointlessly wasting your time, so that I may know where the weak flock to like seagulls.” Naeth concludes boldly, driven by the competitive nature within him and the tone of the conversation. Such boldness seems to light a fire in the others. Except Galivinth, who's taken aback by his cousin's antagonizing display of bravado.
“Oh-ho-hoooo!” The peculiar young lady coos as a vibrant grin grows even larger on her face while her eyes go wide.
“This guy… Pisses me off…” Polo practically hisses as he goes on to grit his teeth, scowling like a mad dog who's ready to lash out.
“Hahaha! A lively ego you have there, my friend! Now I'm even more pumped to see what you can do! Oh! And my name's Ryusuke, by the way. I'm and the Floto Karate dojo are excited to make your acquaintance!” The male in white and with short shaggy hair introduces himself. He then turns his head toward the other members of his group.
“You three should introduce yourself, too.” Ryusuke advises.
“Tch! Fine, whatever.” The male in red reluctantly obliges, though makes sure to present himself with a proper posture while pointing a thumb toward himself.
“I'm Jesse Mcklein, but none of you bozos deserve the privilege of calling me by my government. I go by ‘'Polo’ in these streets, and you better remember that!” Polo declares to the bunch.
“Jannon Clarke!” Another member of the Floto Karate dojo speaks up, winking with a smile as he gives a thumbs-up. A young man who more or less has the same body structure as Ryusuke. Though, his facial features are that of an American Caucasian, his hair is a dullish shade of silver down to the roots despite his eyebrows being jet black, and his gi doesn't seem to have a single tear on it.
image [https://cdn-gcs.inkitt.com/story_images/big_e59b5d73c9363e9fc1f58094550da0d3.]
“Uhh… I'm not really a part of a dojo anymore either, but… I'm Brandaneon Walker, but people usually call me ‘Shadow’.” The final member of Floto dojo & company introduces himself. This one being the shortest of the four and wearing an entire that stands out the most. He stands at the height of 5’8 while sporting an all black outfit that's made up of a short sleeve turtleneck shirt With a tool pouch hanging around his torso, gray cloth bracers on his forearms, baggy capri pants, knee high socks, and a pair of athletic sneakers with pale purple soles. His autumn eyes and fairly unruly black doesn't draw as much attention as the katana & sheath he's carrying casually over his shoulder like a bat, though it all certainly helps his fair skin stand out the most about him. In addition, he seems to be of both Caucasian and Japanese descent.image [https://cdn-gcs.inkitt.com/story_images/big_bfda4b0e0502aa0efb6f48b94e3015bb.]
“Jolelimoon. Joscene Jolelimoon is the name, newbies! But! You can call me ‘Jojo’ for short. Me and the boys are from the Little Tokyo Taekwondo Legacy dojo, pleased to be kicking your ass today! And just to save us all some time… This is Saita, Momichi, Naotoru, Gai, and Kakami. They're also looking forward to giving you all a proper beating!” The young lady introduces and her peers next.
“Now then…” She adds, her eyes narrowing and adding an ominous look to that smirk of hers. Time seems to slow down as the tension in the air thickens by quadruple. In the next moment, violent-like outbursts of soul essences erupt within the immediate area, brushing and clashing amongst themselves. Now aware of just how serious the bunch are about trading blows out in public, Galivinth and Naeth add to the collective by drawing out their soul essence and take up their respective fighting stances. Red and white join the fray of various colors.
“It feels like I'm surrounded by sharks in a cramped water tank… I can't believe there were other people like this around this whole time!” Galivinth remarks to himself within his own mind. His heartbeat escalates in nail-biting anticipation while his moon-like eyes nervously shift back and forth between the two groups.
“LET'S HAVE SOME FUN, SHALL WE!?!?” Joscene exclaims with sheer excitement just before lunging in with a graceful leaping front flip, then seamlessly prepares to bring down a devastating ax-kick.