The three-way fight between Ryusuke, Galivinth, and Joscene escalates to a point where the three are indiscriminately attacking one another, even if it means briefly teaming up with one to overwhelm the third. However, none of them go down just yet. Something Galivinth wants to change immediately, and he aims to do so by finally using his cryonean magic for an edge. He's a little out of practice, but all it takes is recalling all the magic training from before to get back into the basics.
An over the shoulder throw from Joscene sends Galivinth a fair distance away, but it's within his favor. While the other two return to exchange blows, the half-cryonean manages to land on his feet cleanly and focus while away from the action. He inhales a deep breath while spreading each of his fingers, then exhales a heavy breath. Yvetal's , the cryonean Goddess of Magic & sorcery, gift of magic energy begins to accumulate within both of Galivinth's palms, building until bowling ball size spheres of faintly yellowish white form within them. The spheres then sink into his flesh, changing into vigorous electricity that harmlessly buzz around the half-cryonean's arms. From his fingertips and up to just below his biceps. He clenches his hands into fists and charges into the mix again, running nearly at full speed before kicking off the ground, lunging at the two. His first target happens to be Ryusuke, of whom he draws back his right fist for with every intention of hitting as hard as he can. Though, it wouldn't be that easy. Despite only recently getting space between himself and Joscene, Ryusuke's senses are still sharp enough to pick up on Galivinth's approaching presence. The Floto Karate student catches that incoming fist within his left hand, then reaches out to grab at Galivinth's shirt with his right. Even so, this works in the half-cryonean's favor. With his fist within Ryusuke's palm, Galivinth discharges his first spell before he can be thrown again.
“Ligh-to!” The student of Tiger style Kung Fu exclaims and sends the weakest form of lightning magic through his opponent's body, visibly shocking and rendering him into a daze. Ryusuke's eyes go wide as he struggles to keep his balance. Meanwhile, Galivinth lands on solid ground again and takes full advantage of the moment. Striding forward with a slight crouch to land an upward palm strike to Ryusuke's chin, the impact giving off that familiar flash of white light. Then follows up with a barrage of pokes with both pairs of his point & middle fingers, and those too give off that same flash. In a quick moment, Ryusuke's soul essence output drops from times-3 to times-2.1, and then further down to 1.7 when Galivinth ends his combination attack with a lancing punch to the abdomen he delivers with a striding stomp forward. The impact knocks the taller male off his bare feet and tumbling 12 feet away, where he lays softly panting.
“Guh… What… what a technique…!” Ryusuke comments with a grin before shutting his eyes.
“Haha… okay… I think I've had my fill for the day. I concede.” He adds, verbally tapping out of the unorthodox brawl.
“You fought well, man. I had fun getting to know you through the way you wield and throw your strong fists.” Galivinth praises with a genuine smile on his face.
“Likewise, my friend.” Ryusuke huffs out while giving the half-cryonean a thumbs-up. It's then slow applauding fills the air, which comes from none other than Joscene herself.
“Oh, bravo, bravo. Such a display! When were you going to tell me that you're a P.I, too?” She questions and places her hands upon her hips.
“I'm not one.” Galivinth simply responds as he turns to face her.
“Come off it now… What, are you an experiment, then?” She prods.
“No. I'm not that either. I'm… normal. Normal as I can be considering I'm only half human.” Galivinth explains.
“Half human? You're just full of surprises, aren't you? Well, tell ya what! If I beat you, you have to go on a date with me and tell me all about yourself. I wanna know why you can shoot lighting from your hands, and why your eyes look the way that they do. I wanna know about the other half of your DNA, too.” Joscene declares with an almost warm smile. In turn, Galivinth arches a brow.
“Huh…? That's not… that's not really necessary. How about we just hang out sometimes instead? I'm willing to tell you anything you want to know about me. I also want to know more about the gang stuff, so it can be like a trade off.” He counter offers.
“Sure. We can go at it from that angle… if you win. That'll be the wager. A date and a day of casually hanging out! Winner takes all.” Joscene asserts before presenting her Taekwondo Flamingo stance yet again.
“What? You're… ugh, whatever. Sure. It's a deal. Just feels weird beating up a girl who wants to go on a date with me.” Galivinth obliges. He too presents his own stance Tiger style Kung Fu. His left arm is still buzzing with active electricity.
“Oh, don't worry… Because it's YOU, Gally… Nothing would excite me more than you hitting me like you really mean it.” Joscene coos flirtatiously as she amps up her soul essence, raising it from 200%, to the max output of 300%. The range of her presence expands to being half a football stadium in reach.
“Jeeze…” Galivinth murmurs under his breath as an uncomfortable frown takes shape upon his expression, not particularly finding much amusement in her remark. Nonetheless, he takes the initiative by drawing back his left hand and then thrusting it forward to cast his spell-in-waiting from his palm.
“Ligh-to!” Zaaap! The bolt shoots forward at blinding speed, but Joscene preemptively reacts. Upon Galivinth uttering the first syllable of his spell, she takes off into a swift sprint forward at an angle. Just as the half-cryonean is drawing back his arm, she's zeroing in on him and retaliating with a hopping thrashing kick to his temple.
“Guh!?” Galivinth manages to raise his forearm in time to block, but this time around her attack is so fierce, it rocks him when the impact slams his own arm against the side of his face. He gets sent tumbling and dribbling along the floor. The only thing that stops him is a wall that he leaves a small crack in. His heart thumps behind his chest as he draws and releases slow heavy breaths. Even so, he rises up to stand again. During, Joscene simply saunters her way toward him.
“I hope you're taking this seriously… I'm not holding back anymore.” She warns him with a sinister grin.
“Hah… No, I hear ya. I will react accordingly.” Galivinth assures as he gathers magic energy within his hands again. A collection of energy she cannot see until the half-cryonean peeps another set of spells around his arms. His lift now possesses several rings of wind that visibly dance around his limb like bracelets, his right buzzing with electricity again. Just as she spots the elements appearing around Galivinth's arms, Galivinth lashes out.
“HAAA!” He swipes his left arm at Joscene and sends her soaring back with a tier 2 gust of wind so strong that she winds up finally landing on the far opposite side of the hollow interior. Wasting no time, Galivinth peeps another spell into his left arm and treads forward. Opposite of his pace, Joscene starts running back in to quickly reduce the space between them.
“Ligh-to!” Galivinth shouts and shoots another bolt of lightning at her, proceeding to dash away as he does. Reacting on the syllable instead of the actual attack, Joscene zags out of the way preemptively to avoid it and gives chase after him. Seamlessly, the half-cryonean reloads his spells, a task his capability boosting soul essence helps him in doing far much easier.
“Ligh-to! Ligh-to!” Two more bolts discharge from his palm toward Joscene as they run a long lap around the floor. Two more bolts that she avoids by stride-hopping aside to dodge the first one, then ducking her head to evade the second. Within four seconds, Galivinth has another set ready. Though he's slightly beginning to get slower. His aura output drops from times-3, to 2.9. After shooting his next pair, missing, and then loading another couple of lightning spells, his output drops from 290% to 280%, which allows Joscene to close the distance between them more effectively. It gets worse when he misses his next two shots and readies another yet another pair. The drop to 270% leads to Joscene being able to severely out pace him enough to catch up and soccer kick his feet from underneath him.
“Gotcha NOW!” She exclaims as she goes on to kick Galivinth up off the ground with enough force to thrash him against the ceiling, nearly breaking him right through it. When he comes plummeting back down, Joscene is easily quick to catch and land a powerful lancing kick that sends the male off, smashing through two pillars, bouncing off the floor once, and then roughly slamming against a wall. Luckily it doesn't break down, but instead is left with an imprint of Galivinth's body when he collapses forward. Down and panting, but not out. That essence shell really does help a ton, but at this rate, that won't be the case for very much longer. Nonetheless, the male spreads his arms and plants his hand down as if he's readying to do push-ups.
“Still conscious, huh?” Joscene teasingly adds, closing in with her hands on her hips again.
“Yeah… yeah, I'm good…” Galivinth huffs out.
“Give up yet?” She asks, cocking her head to the side curiously.
“Ahahaha… Almost-almost… Hah… Almost…” Galivinth answers with a grin and raspy tone as he eases up into a kneeling posture.
“Oh? Then I'll ask again after you wake up…” A cheshire-smirk spreads across her lips as she takes a few steps forward. Her carefree attitude leads to her making a critical mistake. Galivinth still has spells at the ready. Something different this time.
“I-CÉ!!!” The half-cryonean shouts as he presses his hands against the floor. In the next instant, ice manifests along the ground. Spreading with haste and managing to freeze Joscene's shins in place.
“What the-!? You can make ice, t-t-too? Ugh!” The female exclaims, quickly feeling a chill course through her body. Even so, she's more than durable enough to jerk a foot free from the ice holding her in place. Just as she's about to free her other, Galivinth capitalizes on the moment. He finally gives up his defense boost to restore power to his attacks while also preparing another set of spells. When Joscene looks up upon hearing his approaching footsteps, she's instantly met with a fierce uppercut to the chin.
“Ligh-Tono!!!” He exclaims, adding a more potent burst of lightning in addition to the flash of white light that flashes on impact. The hit lifts Joscene up off her feet and four feet into the air, but the second does the opposite.
“Ligh-To-No!” Galivinth delivers his follow up attack, throwing all of his might and weight behind it. His fist meets her face with another flash of white just before both his physical strength and tier-2 lightning spell sends her rocketing down 5 floors like a bullet, crashing into the ground at the very bottom. The result of that destructive blow also results in half of the building collapsing, taking him down with it, as well. Luckily for Ryusuke, who's been observing the fight all this time, he's just out of range of the ordeal.
“Oh no… Was G in there!?” Big Red panics as he and Naeth rush to the scene nearly two minutes later. The two arrive on the scene to see a huge debri pile of wood and stone laying in pieces, as well lingering dust in the air.
“Hey! Hey, G! G-eeeeee!! You in there, man!? Say somethin’, dawg!” The redhead shouts while holding his hands up to his mouth. It's soon after that someone jumps out of a still intact window of the structure and lands a short distance away. Both males take notice, but it's Naeth who addresses the individual.
“You're that Ryu person from before… Where's my cousin?” Naeth questions firmly.
“Ah, well, after he took me out of the fight, Joscene and him went at it for a little while longer. Your cousin… he's the one who tore down half of the building. I'm sorry to say, but I believe he and Joscene both got buried under the rubble.” Ryusuke explains with a sympathetic frown.
“What!?” Naeth exclaims, staring in disbelief with wide eyes.
“ I'm going to find him.” The cryonean declares and turns toward the mess of ruins. He uses a tier-3 wind spell to clear the dust away for the most part before bending down to start digging. However, something stops him and makes the cryonean freeze in place.
“Is this…” He mutters with narrowing eyes as he feels an unknown presence. In the next instant, a section of wood and rocks begin moving. The surface beneath the rubble begins slowly lifting until two figures are seen holding it up.
“G!” Big Red exclaims with joy upon seeing his friend. Joscene and Galivinth work together to remove the destruction atop of them while the female also supports the half-cryonean. After throwing the debri away, the two fighters walk together to the sidewalk. Dust all over their clothes, a bruise on Galivinth's left temple, red blood running down Joscene's nose, a cut on his right cheek, and a small bump on her lower lip.
“Gotdamn… You look like you just came back from active duty. You two good?” Big Red questions with an arching brow.
“Better than fine! I had some real fun fighting this guy!” Joscene answers with a toothy grin.
“Yeah… yeah I think we're good. I've never tried so hard in my life.” Galivinth comments with a weak grin.
“And to think… we still have to make it to Mount Heaven Splitter.” He adds.
“Well, there's no rush. It's early, so we'll still be able to get something done today. It may be best to at least rest until 3pm.” Naeth advises.
“Sounds good to me. I don't mind at all.” Galivinth responds.
“You guys wanna grab a bite to eat at Rice Express? We can chill in there for a few. ” Big Red proposes while shrugging his shoulders.
“Mind if I join you guys? I kind of worked up an appetite back there.” Joscene interjects.
“I could go for a bite, as well. I'd be honored to have lunch together with all of you!” Ryusuke also chimes in with a beaming smile.
“Hey, I don't mind. Besides, a deal’s a deal.” Galivinth reminds the female, turning his head to look down at her with that lingering gentle smile.
“Right?” The question takes her by surprise, then results in her rolling her eyes playfully.
“Oh, fine. I guess you did best me like a proper woman beater.” She cheekily obliges, earning another uncomfortable look from the half-cryonean.
“C'mon, don't say it like that…”
The five go on to carry out their plan to have lunch together at the asian buffet establishment Shurman, also known as Big Red, brought to the group's attention. The five settle within a booth at a corner and cover the table in a little over a dozen plates of cuisine they intend to eat. A few minutes after digging in, Galivinth speaks up to prod Joscene for information.
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“So…! Joscene, what can you tell me? I'm not on some hit list or anything like that, am I?” Galivinth inquires. The girl in question looks up with attentive eyes as she slurps up several strands of noodles from the glass bowl she's holding in her hand. She swallows and answers him.
“Kind of, yeah.” She answers with a simple smile.
“Oh…” Is all Galivinth can say, thoughts of the potential hassle and danger that'll be coming his way begin creeping into his thoughts.
“But don't fret over it. I don't think anyone's looking to… ya know… whack you, but you've definitely drawn some attention to yourself. People have been wondering if you're a gang affiliate and someone's new heavy hitter. I wouldn't even be surprised if gangs approached you with the offer of joining them.” She explains.
“Really? Well, that wouldn't be good at all…” Galivinth comments.
“Can't see ole’ boy thuggin’ out in the streets, either. G is the kind of guy who takes his English class and homework seriously. We all know those peeps ain't lookin’ for an edumacation out there in those streets.” Shurman chimes in just before taking a bite out of the egg roll in his hand.
“Yeah, well they might ask him tips on how to form proper sentences in writing, but he can throw down better than a good chunk of 'em. They want fighters and folks with nothin’ to lose, not booksmarts.” Joscene responds.
“I figured. But do you have any idea why the Poppers wanted trouble with me to begin with? I don't recall bumping heads with a member of theirs before.” Galivinth asks.
“You wouldn't really know on this side of town! That gang is made up of a bunch of weak ass dipsticks, but it's STILL a large number of them in it. Last I heard, they have over 500 members. Just absolute fodder who can barely do the bare minimum. They even have some other local gangs afraid and working under them. The Poppers don't just get around, they ARE around.” Joscene explains to Galivinth.
“Woah, I didn't know it was that serious. Is it possible that Seth is also a member of their gang?” Galivinth ponders out loud.
“Seth? Which Seth?” Joscene prods.
“Huh? Oh, Seth Chansen.” He answers.
“Seth Chansen!? That conniving snake with the red eyes? How do you know about him?” She throws him another question.
“You know him too, huh? Well, I know him because the principal introduced him to us back in September. He goes to my school and is the leading head of the Red Pyramid orderly group.” Galivinth answers.
“For real? I went to grade school with him. He used to hang around the area I live in back when he and my brother were in the Crymzon gang together in his freshman year of high school. The guy moved up from a simple errand boy pretty fast after joining. My brother had some crazy stories about him, too.” Joscene shares.
“Can't stand that motherfucker and his cronies… Little uniform squad always on my case about the littlest things that don't matter. I almost wanna transfer, but I'm the big dog in my after school group. Ain't no anime club without Big Red, 'cause the rest be slackin’ in the material.” Shurman adds before taking another bite from his plate.
“I am curious, though… if he's associated with the Crymzon gang, why did Poppers members attack me?” Galivinth questions.
“Ah, yeah-yeah. Seth isn't just cool with ONE gang, he's a part of a lot of circles. Couldn't believe how many people know and give him connections. He's from a wealthy family, so maybe he makes plays out on the streets by paying to get his way sometimes. Or he's just THAT good of a smooth talker. Don't know, I didn't really hang around him much at all.” Joscene answers. Hearing this, the half-cryonean sighs heavily and leans back into his seat while folding his arms.
“Man, that's just great… So not only was my guess about Seth likely true, but now I have to be three times more careful when I see gangsters around my neighborhood.” Galivinth complains.
“Weeeeell… If you want, I could help ya remedy that a good chunk. I think you definitely have what it takes to fix the problem yourself! With me there with you, it'll be smooth as pleather.” Joscene offers with a smirk.
“Huh? I'm all ears. What do you have in mind?” He inquires.
“You'll see! Gotta hash out a few measly details, but we can get the ball rolling on Monday after school. What time does your school let out?” She prods.
“Uhh… 3:25.”
“Coolio. Mine let's out at 3:15. We can meet up at the same spot we met today and I'll show ya how it's done.” She proposes.
“Alright? Sure, I don't mind. Is it alright if I bring Naeth alone?” He asks.
“Maybe next time. We'll want as few people as possible to really make an impact. Trust me.” She assures.
“Alright… You’re the boss until further notice.” Galivinth responds with a shrug.
About an hour or so later, the group decides to go their separate ways. Naeth and Galivinth continue on their way to Mount Heaven Splitter, where they rest for a handful of hours until the afternoon classes begin. The two carry on as normally training with the dojo's entire number of students, as well as participating in lessons from their respective teachers. After their classes, the two travel together to the pathway across the bridge to their secondary mentors. Even the teachings from Kanshuro and Ralow go as normally with the boys training on how to better use the soul essence techniques they were taught just a day ago. Afterwards, their active day comes to an end as 7pm arrives.
“That'll do for today.” Kanshuro informs and concludes their training. Hearing this, Galivinth relaxes his muscles and mind to allow his aura to gradually deplete on its own.
“Okay, sounds good to me.” Galivinth responds, sparing a moment to stretch his arms toward the sunsetting sky.
“You should take the next two or three days off. I haven't realized it until today, but you've been more consistent than I thought you'd be. You're always in good condition and willing to learn more, so I haven't thought to remind you to rest.” Kanshuro informs.
“Huh? But… I'm fine mostly. I can keep going tomorrow.” The teen assures.
“Your soul essence is fairly weaker than it was the other day. You need to let your body rest, Galivinth. You've done more than enough to improve yourself by a significant leap.” His mentor assures.
“Fine, fine. I'll take a break. I guess I have been dedicating a lot of time here already.” Galivinth reluctantly obliges.
“Good. We'll resume on Wednesday.” Kanshuro tells the teen before heading back to the temple near the cliff, gently giving his disciple a few pats on the shoulder as he walks by. It's not long at all afterwards when Galivinth then sees his relative approaching.
“Hey. Guess you're done for today, too?” Galivinth asks.
“Indeed I am. My mentor informed me my lessons will be put off for a few days while he attends to private matters, and advised that I rest until then.” Naeth shares.
“Oh? Same here. Won't be continuing until Wednesday.”
“While we may be unable to train under them for a few days, there is a matter of our own we have to attend to here. The flag game is still going.” Naeth reminds him as he folds his arms.
“Oh yeah! So like… Do we just go take them?” Galivinth asks with shrugging shoulders.
“That is our only means of obtaining them. As I recall, there's no point in a day that we aren't allowed to steal them. Now is just as good as any time to steal them.” Naeth responds.
“Alright. If you're ready now, then I'm ready, too.” With those words from Galivinth, Naeth gives his cousin an affirming nod before they go on their way. Particularly heading back the way Naeth came from, which also leads to the Cloudy Lightning dojo. The two are casually running as they approach the small bridge up ahead - the very one Galivinth uses to cross the riverbed, while Naeth simply leaps over it. The two travel onward for another 160 yards before the enemy school temple comes into view. It's a large structure that's about 22-foot tall and bears an exterior that resembles a giant cross, spanning 130 yards both vertically and linearly. Unsure of where to even begin looking inside a place like that, the two boys take cover behind a nearby tree to discuss.
“Now, this is quite unexpected… Never did I imagine their dojo would be so large in size.” Naeth comments.
“Yeah, that's definitely big. Looks like it's a single floor, too, so confrontation might be completely unavoidable.” Galivinth concurs and adds to the analysis.
“Indeed. However, this could still work in our favor.” Naeth tells him while leaning over to look beyond the tree at the peculiar temple.
“It can? Are we going off the assumption that everyone inside isn't strong enough to stop us?” Galivinth questions while raising a brow at his cousin.
“Not quite. There's one human who attends that school who, while not greater in power than me, IS someone who cannot be taken too lightly. If there's even two more with similar potential to his, our endeavor could be in utter vain.” Naeth explains before turning and leaning his back against the tree, crossing his arms as he does.
“Oh? Gotcha’. So, how do you think we should go about this?” Galivinth asks.
“The only alternative I have in mind… One of us will have to serve as bait and stall for time while the other flanks around the temple to infiltrate and search for the flag.” Naeth answers.
“Ah. Sounds risky, but if our goal is to avoid actually fighting, then I think we're capable of improvising. Which do you want to do?” Galivinth prods.
“There's no telling what we'll face inside - either of us from either position - but I want to take on the more risky of the two jobs. I'll do all that I can to grab and maintain their attention, but that doesn't mean you'll be able to be so lax. There's only two of us, after all.” Naeth informs with a frown that expresses his concern.
“I understand. You don't have to worry THAT much about me though, you know?” Galivinth smiles warmly as he lifts his right hand and curls it into a fist seven inches away from his chest.
“I've come a long way since the day we started. I can do what I used to only dream of doing. I'm still right behind you, an arm's length away.” Galivinth assures before extending his fist outward at Naeth. The latter stares for a short moment before giving a grin of his own and extending his left fist to make contact with Galivinth's knuckles with his own.
“That's true. Sometimes, I think I'm going too fast for you. But evidently I keep overlooking how much you can adjust and learn to work within whatever new pace you find yourself in. You really are extraordinary.” Naeth praises.
“Aheh! I try. Now, let's do what we came to this mountain to do!”
“Right. Let's blow the competition out of the water and take our rightful place at the top.” The two relatives give each other affirming nods before their hands lower again.
“Okay. I'm going to go in through the front and cause a commotion to draw their attention. Meanwhile, you should circle around near the back and find a window to enter through. But be mindful to make certain that your point of entry is clear.” Naeth explains after adjusting himself into standing up straight.
“Of course. Easy enough there.” Galivinth comments and gives an affirming nod.
“Then let's proceed, shall we? I'll give you time to circle around.” Naeth affirms and the two begin to execute their simple little scheme with mutual nods. Galivinth heads off to continue off the path and around the cover of trees and bushes. After half a minute, the older cryonean steps back onto the dirt path and approaches the temple. Desiring to be the furthest thing from subtle, Naeth barges his way forward by putting everything behind a spinning thrust kick, sending the pair of doors soaring and tumbling along the floor until they land with harsh thumps. Attention quickly accumulates to his position. As he casually walks inside, the students inside hurry to the front to investigate the noise and find themselves laying eyes on a lonesome Blue Currents Dojo student.
“You crazy or something!? What did you even come here for?” A male student barks out.
“Wait, that's the guy who was fighting several people all at once. Careful, he's pretty strong!” Another speaks up.
“Doesn't matter how good he thinks he is, there's no way he can take on a whole dojo by himself!” Another blurts out.
“You're all quite riled up… Do I make you nervous?” Naeth stoically questions with a shrugging motion as his hands go up for a short moment.
“You just knocked down the damn doors to the temple! You think you're getting a warm welcome after that!? Get real, pal!” A student from before retorts. Meanwhile, Galivinth finds his ideal entrance. The teen stands from his crouching posture to place his hands against the window in front of him and pushes upward to awkwardly, yet successfully, lift the structure a few inches. His hands reposition to grip underneath and raise it even further. More than enough for him to climb inside one leg after the other and ducking his head. Inside, he finds himself within a dark room that's nearly impossible to see within. Luckily the moonlight beaming in is providing just enough to illuminate his way toward the exit door. The half-cryonean approaches and very delicately twists the knob, pushing gently to make the space he needs in order to poke his head out through an ajar opening. He looks to his left and sees the mass gathering of students with their backs to him, courtesy of Naeth distracting them. To his right, he sees a 10 feet hallway leading to a left turn and a set of double doors. The latter, of course, is the way Galivinth proceeds to creep out of the room to travel down, eventually heading through those double doors ahead silently as possible.
Back with Naeth, the cryonean continues to keep the Cloudy Lightning students busy engaging in dialogue with him.
“I didn't come to fight any of you. I just thought I'd drop by unannounced. You're worried over nothing.” Naeth assures.
“Are we really supposed to buy into the lame excuse that you came here for no good reason? Don't kid yourself! You're probably here for our flag, if anything.” A student of the dojo asserts.
“Ah, yes. The flag… I actually would like to have the flag you're in possession of. Will you give it to me?” Naeth casually asks.
“Hell no! Now beat it before we decide to make you leave, loser.” Another student barks out.
“Ah, it was at least worth asking to find out for myself.” Naeth comments with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.
“So, you all believe your school actually has a chance to win the flag game? Have you come up with any strategies yet?” The cryonean prods.
“Of course we stand a chance of winning! And no, you nosy snooper… we're not telling you about anything we have planned. Just know that we WILL find a way. We've got plenty of strong members on our side, too!” Another student speaks up. It's by this time that Galivinth not only has Cloudy Lightning's flag in his possession, but is also on his way out of the building via the entry point from before. Once Galivinth sneaks back inside the room, it takes about 2 minutes or so for him to carefully exit with the flag without causing a ruckus and then make his way all the way back to the tree from before. Once there, he ponders to himself for a moment.
“How should I get his attention?” Galivinth murmurs to himself as he leans the flagpole against the tree, then folds his arms afterwards. It takes only a moment for an echo of his memory to play within his mind. Soul Essence. Galivinth's eyes widen as he recalls the informative details from Asura and the first monk he met on the mountain.
“Riiiiight! We can sense each other's Soul Essence if it's active.” He reminds himself. And so he proceeds to carry out that plan and epiphany.
“What's your rush? I simply–... Hm?” Naeth cuts his thought short once he feels a familiar presence brushing against his senses from behind. It's his relative's. Upon that realization, Naeth finally drops his charade and turns to take his leave.
“Is someone out there?” One of the students questions, also aware of the sudden surge of soul essence.
“Who knows? But I’ve decided this isn't worth my time anymore. Carry on with your night.” Naeth gives his parting words just before tucking his hands away inside his pockets. Luckily, the students of the opposing school avoid questioning him further or investigating the mystery afoot.
The cryonean is soon out of sight and out of mind, and eventually makes his way behind the tree, as well.
“So it's done?” Naeth asks.
“Yup! Got it right here.” Galivinth answers as he reaches to grab the flagpole and holds it for his cousin to see.
“Excellent work. Then let's quickly be on our way.” Naeth advises. With no objection at all, Galivinth rushes back to the Blue Currents dojo beside his relative. The two boys eventually cross the bridge with the intent of delivering good news and a second flag, but as they approach the entrance, they're left at a loss for words. Staring in shock at the single door being kept from shutting by a face-down laying body. An unconscious student from none other than the Cloudy Lightning dojo. The two proceed inside carefully and in silence. It's within that they see more students, from both their own and Cloudy Lightning schools, on the floor. Groans and expressions of defeat are aplenty around. Finally finding his words again, Naeth speaks up.
“And just what exactly happened here?” The cryonean questions.
“The Red Turtle Dragons is what happened.” Vance answers, gritting his teeth as he rubs at the left side of his lower back.
“They did this? ALL of this?” Naeth asks.
“Yeah, they did. First it was just those Cloudy Lightning guys, then the next thing I know, red uniforms are storming inside and cleaning house with everyone! It was crazy, man.” Vance asserts.
“Probably doesn't help that we decided to send some guys to do some flag snagging, too.” He adds.
“So you didn't have the numbers to hold them off… I see.” Naeth surmises. It's also there and then more people enter. Turning around, both he and the others see that it's students from their school. Rough, sluggish, and especially empty handed.
“I mean… maybe? Those guys were just pretty tough.” Vance reasons.
“Hmmm…. Looks like we'll have to organize better. It's by sheer luck that Galivinth and I decided to go for the other dojo's flag. But for now, let's remove this mess and recuperate.” Naeth advises.
An hour passes and the two relatives depart from Mount Heaven Splitter to return to Galivinth's home. Upon arriving at the apartment building, the two youths notice something outside.
“Hey… isn't that my dad's car?” Galivinth questions while pointing toward the stainless black 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe car parked out front.
“I think so, yes. And if so, I think I’ll accompany him for his trip back to the Cryo Kingdom.” Naeth responds. Afterwards, they both head inside the building and ascend to the second floor, where Galivinth enters his residence by way of his key.
“I'm home, grandma!” He announces shortly after retracting his key and while pushing the door open. He and Naeth enter to see both his grandmother sitting at the kitchen table.
“Welcome home, young man. And hello there, Naeth.” The elderly woman addresses them.
“Ma'am.” Naeth responds with an acknowledging nod of his head.
“It's been a few weeks since I've seen you, son. I paid a visit, but hadn't the slightest clue when you would return. You've… obviously been busy.” Galelith, the half cryonean's father, comments. Taking notice of the boys’ dirty clothes and minor tears.
“Sorry, I didn't know. But I'm still glad to see you again, too.” Galivinth responds.
“You know… you've been hanging outside quite a LOT lately. While I am glad you're going out and socializing with someone, I worry about the things you get into out there, Galvin. You keep coming home looking like you just got out of a fight and it makes me nervous… What happened this time?” The grandmother questions with a solemn frown on her face. In turn, Galivinth sheepishly rubs at the back of his head while briefly averting his eyes.
“Well…. You see, I kind of– WE had no choice but to fight today. Some people from other schools saw us in our dojo uniforms and strong-armed us into a fight. Didn't want to do it, but it was either to fight back or just get beat up.” Galivinth explains.
“And how often does that happen?” She retorts.
“Uhhh… a lot these days, surprisingly.” He answers truthfully.
“Well I want it to stop. Do you understand me? No more fighting. And if you can't avoid getting into a fight every time you go outside, then I want you to come home immediately and stay inside.”
“Ah, c'mon, Bibi… I've actually been enjoying the change in pace in my life. I don't try to get into trouble, it just keeps finding me.” He tries to reason.
“I don't care. No grandson of mine is going to be a delinquent. Find a way to avoid fights or I'll do it for you.” She asserts.
“Understood, grandma.” Galivinth bends to her wish.
“Good. Now, I'm a little tired, so I'm heading back to my room. Make sure you lock the door after they leave.” The grandmother instructs as she rises out of her seat and heads into the far back where her room is.
“Understood.” Galivinth affirms again.
“So, why exactly has physical altercations become a norm for you?” Galelith questions in his usual emotionless tone.
“It's just been a roller coaster of escalation. It started with getting beat up whenever I went to school, to fighting random people from different dojo's after I started attending one of my own to learn how to defend myself, and now there's a flag game competition that my dojo is a part of that kind of involves fighting to get flags. It just doesn't end.” Galivinth answers.
“Ah, I see. An unexpected shift in your life due to strings of cause and effects. Unfortunate indeed, but you don't seem to be too bothered by it.” Galelith comments. To such, his son gives an awkward smile and shrugs his shoulders.
“It's honestly kind of fun. I've made a lot of progress, too.” The teen informs.
“I wouldn't doubt it. Though, I too do not wish to see you suffer a critical injury. Maybe there's some way I can help…” Galelith shares.
“Ah, don't worry so much, dad. Besides, I'm going to be taking a break from all the excitement. My sensei ordered me to let my body rest for a few days, so there's that.”
“Even so, I think I'll be driving you to school from now on. Better to make sure, after all. And in addition, we get to spend more time together again.” Galelith informs.
“Speaking of driving someone somewhere… Do you mind if I ride back with you to the kingdom?” Naeth chimes in.
“Not at all. In fact, why don't we get going now? You look like you've been quite busy yourself, Naeth.” Galelith comments. The younger cryonean could only chuckle in amusement. Soon enough, the two are on their way out the door. But before departing completely, the father bids his son goodbye for the evening.
“Good night, son. Get some rest. I'll come by tomorrow, as well.”
Galivinth nods.
“Looking forward to it. Good night, dad.” And with that, the teen shuts and locks the door behind them.