[ At Mount Olympus… ]

“You… scandalous man-whore!” A woman's voice screams furiously before a sudden sound of glass of some sort shattering follows a mere second after.

“Kyrene, my love… Please, just simmer down and let me present my side of the story.” The voice of a man, the husband of the woman, tries to plead. However, the shouting and release of verbal anger persists despite his gentle tone. Out in the hall, Righteous Lad listens as guilt plagues his mind and heart, pacing back and forth as he ponders on what to do next. His thoughts are interrupted by his, well, newfound half siblings. Asclepius, the tallest and eldest of them all. Orpheus, the second oldest and third tallest behind Tyson. Apollonis, the youngest of the bunch and shortest, though his radiant blonde hair illuminating like a light bulb stands out even more than the black sheep that is his half brother Tyson. And finally Ligheonis, the third oldest and only living daughter among them. The four share similarities to a noticeable degree, which are particularly their blonde hair and yellow-ish orange eyes. A very clear contrast to Tyson's black hair and radiant jade-green eyes.

“You dress funny.” The boy, Apollonis, comments with a grin on his face.

“Uuhh… Yeah, I guess something like this does stick out like a sore thumb in a place like this.” Tyson responds while examining his costume.

“It's quite pretentious in an unusual way, but I do appreciate the uniqueness of your sense of fashion.” Orpheus comments, smiling warmly, as well.

“Were you truly raised among mortals all your life?” Ligheonis asks, looking him over with a slight tilt of her head.

“Yeah, since I was a baby. But… Aren't you guys worried about your parents? Does them arguing not bother you at all?” Tyson questions as he looks them all over with a wary expression.

“It does, but my curiosity of you is a helpful distraction.” Orpheus responds.

“A turbulence has indeed begun, but I know all of this will settle and turn out for the better. Panicking will not numb the discomfort.” Asclepius informs. He then turns his attention toward his other three siblings.

“We will get through this together. I promise.”

“I believe in your words, Asclepius.” Ligheonis nods.

“I truly do hope so. A musician can find inspiration in despair, but I've no will of strength to tug a cord when my heart is heavy.” Orpheus comments.

Sighing heavily, Tyson looks to the side while rubbing at the back of his head.

“I wonder how the others are getting along… Didn't think I'd spend three days here.”

[ Back In Chicago… ]

“Take them down!” The Crow calls his team into action and the group of three quickly get to work to stop a shootout between two gangs in the middle of a random street in north Chicago. Alexecute and The Crow take the lead with the former making use of her manipulation of electricity to conjure a transparent ball of magnetism, of which she goes onto raise high above her head like a levitating globe and gives it the juice it needs to draw every single firearm from the thugs below from her position above on the roof of a short store building. The latter jumps down, landing atop of a car within a perching posture before he goes on to run atop of the surface and throw himself at the nearest thug to deliver a solid drop-kick to the face. The teen Samaritan lands on his back after sending his target collapsing on concrete, then quickly pushes and puts all of his effort into kicking himself back onto his feet. No time to consider his next action, the second nearest thug comes charging at the youth with a wild right hook swing. The male teen takes retreating steps and leans out of harm's way with ease, however, his attacker pursues to take several more swings. Left hook, right hook, and a sloppy attempt at throwing a thrusting kick for the stomach - a combination The Crow ducks his head under the first punch of, raises his left arm to block the second by stopping the momentum of the thug's punch by colliding their forearms, and steps aside to allow the kick to pass by as he throws all of his might behind a low roundhouse kick that trips the man off of his lonesome leg. Quick to end the struggle, The Crow runs over to pseudo-straddle in a fashion where his right knee pins the man's bicep down while his left foot remains flat on solid ground, and gives a strong strike of his elbow to the temple that knocks the criminal out cold.

Despite his sharpness in combat, the suddenness of half a dozen guys rushing over to confront him is sure to give him a bit of trouble. Something that Matrix can see clear as day. From her position beside Alexcute, she extends her hands toward the ground near The Crow as if reaching out in vain. However, once the group of men reach a certain point they begin to slow down tremendously without warning and with them being none the wiser. The male teen casually stands up and takes a few steps toward them, idly staring with calmness behind his domino mask.

“No worries, I got cha!” Matrix shouts.

“Wasn't worried for a second. Alexecute, are you still holding that magnet?” The Crow responds and follows up with a question to his other peer.

“Oh, right. Sorry! Got distracted watching you.” With that said, the female turns and puts an end to her electrical sphere, allowing her collection of guns to clatter onto the ground at her feet. Hearing that, The Crow reaches into one of the pouches on his utility belt and pulls out a handful of small gray pallets. He tosses them forward and watches as they too begin to slow down to an almost complete halt.

“Alright, let it go.” He orders while reaching to pull out a pair of steel clubs from the satchel around his right thigh, and his teammate obliges immediately. Time resumes normally in that space again and the thrown tiny marble-like orbs explode upon impact, releasing thick charcoal smoke that spreads quickly.

“Infrared mode.” He commands and the purple lenses of his mask provide visual throw the thick smoke. He inhales a breath of air and goes charging in, joining the thugs under the ‘blanket of obscurity’ before a series of sounds of metal meeting flesh and cries of pain can be heard. Within a moment, he drops them all. The rest of the criminals decide against trying their luck and take off from the scene via cars.

The trio round up those left behind for the authorities.

“It's kinda’ crazy they decided to have a shootout in broad daylight. Isn't this supposed to be one of the more safer areas?” Alexecute questions.

“Yes, but also no. This was the turf of a mafia family. They kept order to give the impression of uneventful and safe, but illegals still take place in the shadows. This boldness is likely related to the reporting of an assassination that took place recently. The Michaelsons were found dead in their hotel. Them and another man. An associate, I believe. I guess they weren't so squeaky clean after all.” The Crow informs.

“For real!? I did a promo for their hotel last year! I hope people don't start thinking I cut deals with thugs or something.” Matrix complains.

[ Later At Mount Heaven Splitter– ]

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“The key is to strike swiftly and decisively. Each blow you land should gradually deplete your opponent of their strength, and as a result, their will to fight. This is what it means to have fists that deny.” Kanshuro instructs his pupil, observing from a few feet away with his arms crossed.

“Okay. I'll keep trying.” Galivinth assures without breaking neither his eye contact with the tree in front of him or his stance.

Today, the students of the standard martial arts school have been given their gi - a 'uniform’ they've been told to wear with pride. A teal long sleeve open top, matching loose wool pants, and a black denim belt to hold the shirt shut and keep their pants from falling. Galivinth wears the shirt of his gi around his hips by tying the sleeves around himself, the pants in a normal fashion, his usual black T-shirt on his torso, and since the previous day - white hand wraps that cover his forearms and hands, but leave his fingers bare.

After finishing his training and class alongside his peers, he attends the lessons of his secondary teacher. Presently, he's practicing jabbing at a tree with only both pairs of his point and middle fingers to purge it of its life force. How could he possibly tell he's making any progress? His mentor informs him that the tree will begin to wither once he gets it right. Of course, he undergoes this second layer of training with his soul essence flowing around him.

At a distance away, out of sight even, Naeth undergoes additional training of his own that resembles Galivinth's. Save, he's only allowed to use his point fingers and the object of his focus is a large boulder.

“In order to know how to utilize your soul essence to its fullest potential, you must first learn to be deadly with a mere touch of your finger. Focus on gathering energy at your fingertips while envisioning it as a lethal technique. That isolated energy will be a tool to chip away at your enemy. You will first learn to blow that rock to smithereens, then how to adjust your output on a whim.” Raulow informs as he watches intently.

“Hrrmm… I understand.” Naeth responds as he does his best to digest the advice.

“You're not regretting asking me to teach you, are you?” His mentor questions.

“No. In fact, I'm doubly glad I did. I will overcome and master this technique. It's just a matter of time.” The cryonean confidently answers. In addition, he wears his gi with the pant leg of his dominant leg, his right, rolled up just below his knee - his belt around his waist, and his shirt upon his shoulders like a cloak. A red turtleneck t-shirt clothes his torso with black fingerless padded gloves on his hands.

“Hmph! Good.” Raulow grins at the given response.

Time passes and the night claims this Thursday. 7:30pm hits by the time both boys finish and begin heading back together.

“Aaaauugh… Man, this week has been a little tough on my muscles.” Galivinth comments, stretching his arms high above his head as he and Naeth descend the stone stairs leading to the bottom.

“I can relate a bit. I'm slowly getting used to adding more to my training, but it's very doable. I'm glad you're sticking with this, too. It's good for you.” Naeth responds with a grin.

“Yeah, yeah. I'm glad, too, though. The alternative isn't an option, so I'll keep at it.” Galivinth asserts as he tucks his hands into his pockets.

“As you should.” After their short exchange and as they near the final flight of steps, the two boys spot two other individuals ascending up the steps. A male with a fade cut that leaves only the reddish-brown patch of hair on his scalp and a female with long hair - both wearing red and of Chinese descent judging by their features. However, there's something peculiar about the girl.

“Eh… Uniforms, huh? You two are from that Blue Water school?” The male questions upon spotting the two coming down.

“Blue Currents, and yes. That is where we train. You’re from the Red Turtle Dragon school, I presume?” Galivinth corrects and prods, as well.

“Yeah, that's right.” The male in red answers before a smug look suddenly takes form on his deadpan face.

“The dojo that's only going to crush the rest of you like pests underneath our feet. Especially a school of students under the name of a body of inconsequential water.”

“Impossible. Especially with ME as one of the school's students, and no amount of training or wishful thinking is going to help you overcome the hurdle that is my presence.” Naeth is the one to promptly respond and rather matter-of-factly to boot as he points a thumb at himself, drawing the eyes of both the male and female.

“Oh-ho! He's quite the confident one, isn't he? Misplaced pride before a devastating fall.” The girl comments with a smirk.

“Way too confident. Someone ought to put him in his place.” Her companion responds before ascending a few more steps until a single one remains between him and the full-blooded cryonean. Seeing this, the female does the same with Galivinth.

“How well do you think you'll do in a real fight against someone who actually knows how to put you down in the dirt, amateur?” The male in red questions while looking Naeth in the eyes.

“Are you suggesting that person is YOU? You'll have to prove you have the mettle to outmatch me.” Naeth responds while staring back. Meanwhile, the other two are indeed doing the same, but the atmosphere between them is more of wonder and confusion. Being so close to see her face, Galivinth's jaw drops slightly as he stares in disbelief. Her eyes are like his, save her pupiless eyes hold a radiant gold color. Likewise, the girl furrows her brows in confusion upon seeing Galivinth's monochrome pair.

“Hmph. Maybe next time.” Comes the response from the male in red after what feels like five minutes of silent intense staring. Grinning again, he begins continuing his way up while passing between the other two males.

“Come on, Azhul. We spent enough time messing around.”

“Coming.” Is all she says before slowly breaking eye contact and heading up to follow her friend. When they're high enough to be at a fair distance, she begins sharing her thoughts with him.

“His eyes… Zuhan. He has those eyes.”

“Huh? The guy with the short hair? Yeah, he did have some unusual eyes. Not that it really–” He begins, but she cuts him off.

“No. The other one. Didn't you see?” She asks.

“Uhh… maybe? I didn't really pay him much attention. What about his eyes?” Zuhan shoots a question of his own.

“They were just like mine three years ago before my 13th birthday.”

[ The Very Next Day - Friday Morning ]

Galivinth and Big Red are on their way to school together today, casually chatting as they walk side by side.

“Aye, you still got your math notes? I finished my homework and stuff, but I spilled juice on my notebook last night.” Big Red asks.

“Yeah, I do. You want me to let you copy it by hand or would you prefer using the school's printer?”

“Shoooot, the less work for me the better, bro. Let's hit the library ASAP when we get there, then.” Shurman suggests. A mere few seconds later, they turn a corner midway of their trip and spot high schoolers, five in total, loitering on the sidewalk near a yellow sports car. Their uniforms are exactly like the several students who harassed him back on Monday after school. Furrowing his brows in mild annoyance, Galivinth hopes that just avoiding eye contact and not saying a word will be enough to dodge conflict. However, it's just not meant to be that easy.

“And there's our little moon-eyed friend.” One of the students in red comments upon seeing the two. The group moves to obscure the way forward and force confrontation.

“I'm not looking for trouble. If I did something to upset you, then I apologize.” Galivinth attempts to reason.

“Woah, hey. You make it sound like we're here to cause problems. We're here to make sure that there isn't any to begin with.” The initial male deceitfully responds.

“You know these folks, G?” Big Red questions while looking over to his friend.

“Uhh…” Unable to find the words to give an answer, Galivinth fails to speak a word.

“Yeah, he and us are boys. Associates, you could say. Not to be rude, but this is personal and we're not looking for new friends. Why don't you get going. Your buddy will catch up with you later.” The leader fills in the blank. The answer is easy to read between the lines of for the muscular redhead, though.

“Nah, partna’. Think I'll chill right here. Anything ya got to say to him, you can say in front of me, homie.” Big Red asserts with his chin held fairly high.

“No, man… just… just go ahead and get to the school. I'll get you a copy of my notes before your math class. Promise.” Galivinth insists with a wary tone and expression.

“You ought to listen to our good buddy here, ginger. There's nothing here for you.” The leader encourages with a less than subtle tone of hostility.

“Man, Fuck the notes, fuck that noise, and fuck YOU. I'm not lettin’ my guy go out like that. I ain't stupid, bruh. Whatchu wanna do, huh?” Big Red stands his ground, clenching his hand around the strap of his backpack as he shoots a defiant glare. It's a brave display that takes Galivinth by surprise and gives him inspiration.

“You sure you're not stupid?” The leader of the students in red questions while arching a brow. Soon casually stepping forward to invade Shurman's personal space.

“ 'Cause you sound awfully retarded to me. “ He adds. Upon seeing the aggressor step closer, Galivinth instinctively moves to shove the male back where he came from.

“Get out of his face, faggot!” The half cryonean barks, now glaring with his hands closing into fists. From there, things escalate within a snap.

“Oooh, these guys think they're tough… Lay 'em out!” And with that command, all five of them rush the two down to overwhelm them. Willing to rather go down swinging, Big Red lunges forward to land the first punch on the closest guy, but it's merely done in vain. That fist is effortlessly caught by a capable hand before that same person retaliates with a swift hook that knocks the ginger down to the ground. Galivinth isn't fairing too much better. His training helps him to weave, lean, and deflect quite a number of attacks, but he too falls victim to the peculiar group of students when a thrusting palm strikes underneath his chin and a swift follow up of a sweeping low kick knocks him down. Just like the last three, this bunch also seems quite familiar with soul essence.

Unable to do anything but curl up and try to cover up as much as possible.

[ 17 minutes later… ]

The sound of the school's front door opening can be heard as Galivinth and Shurman enter, bearing bruises, dirty clothes, and upset expressions. However, there to greet them almost immediately is Seth and two members of his Red Pyramid enforces. Grinning nonetheless.

“Well, you two are awfully late. That's going to earn you both a strike, I'm afraid.” Seth informs.

“Bro, do you see us? We just got jumped, man!” Big Red responds with evident annoyance. Upon that explanation, Seth steps closer and looks the two over, one after the other.

“Ah, you both look fine to me! Interesting excuse, though.”

“What…? Did you not hear what I said!?” Shurman raises his voice.

“Mind your tone, Edwards. And yes, I heard you. By the way, you both will be penalized with detention if you're this late again. Head to class immediately and have a wonderful school day.” Seth casually responds, concluding with a toothy grin before he and the two others turn to head off down the hall. The two boys are left in silence. Shurman stares in disbelief while Galivinth scowls silently at nothing in particular. Big Red goes on to mutter under his breath after a moment.

“...Are you fucking for real?”