The imitated elephant's trumpet boomed through the air. Its echoes rippled across the surface of the lake like miniature shockwaves. Wispy strands of that same green Brand energy rapidly streaked from Champ's now opened mouth. A miniature elephant ejected from his mouth at astonishing speeds. As the small spectral green elephant stampeded it grew larger and larger. Its heavy steps thundered on the earth as it barreled toward Simon and Minara increasing in size and stature.

Champ was overtaken with joy, there before him was exactly what he envisioned, what he remembered. A huge elephant with large intimidating tusks and floppy ears. Albeit the one he envisioned wasn't green, but a dusty pale grey. That wasn't a problem, the only real problem was it was on a non-stop path forward heading straight at his new friends. Champ watched as Simon and Minara smartly started to run out of the path of the beast. He wasn't sure they would get out of its path in time. Champ had to do something.

“Halt!” Champ shouted. His voice sounded unnatural to him, it sounded thick and rough as if his throat was full of jagged stones, and it felt just as painful as well.

The words left his mouth, a small comet-like projectile streaked from Champ's mouth. It left at a fast enough speed to catch up and hit the now giant ten-foot-tall elephant. As soon as the comet hit the towering animal, it slowed down to a trot and then to a complete standstill only a mere five feet in front of Minara and Simon. The elephant stood tall with its ears spread wide. It kicked dirt up into the air behind it with its large round feet, it seemed antsy for another order to charge.

Simon pumped his arms into the air victoriously.

“You didn’t kill us! Great job young sir!” Simon bellowed

“I guess we will train intention next. How does everything feel Champ? Your creation is majestic, stunning really!” Minara said and dusted off her clothes

The elephant faded and flickered. It let out one last majestic trumpet before it faded completely. Simon and Minara looked over to Champ.

“It felt amazing but I think it still was a bit uh much?” Champ croaked out. His voice was strained and sounded weak now. It was obvious Champ had coughed up some blood. Faint splotches were on the back of his hand and some small flecks of it remained on the corners of his mouth.

Minara and Simon rushed over toward him. Simon tore open a small portal, pulled out a first-aid kit, and started to help Champ clean up and tend to his wounds. Minara pulled a tincture from her belt and handed it toward Champ.

“Here drink this. It will help repair some of the damage you've sustained, from overworking yourself.” She said with an eyebrow raised and just a hint of an I told you so attitude.

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Champ downed the mystery vial. It had a faint medicinal flavor almost like licorice and was rather viscous. The texture of it disgusted Champ but the instant relief it provided was well worth it. He felt it almost cling and sticking to the aching areas in his throat, he was worried he wouldn’t be able to breathe because of it, but just as soon as he noticed the sensation, the liquid dissolved. All that remained was a coldness in his throat as if he had eaten a mint.

“Thanks, guys for the help, even though I almost stampeded you,” Champ said to them standing up on his own.

“Well, of course! You think we were gonna throw you to the wolves? We're here to teach you not just laugh at you.” Minara said

Simon tossed the medical kit back through the portal

“Well young sir, I think you’ve made some excellent progress, especially for having practiced for only two-ish days so far. I’m sure I'll be fully recovered here within the next couple of days. You have only the days until then to train and get a basic grasp on this alright?” Simon said. He looked at Champ with twinkling eyes

“I have to make elephants every day? I think this one almost tore me to shreds boss,” Champ pleaded. He placed a hand tenderly on his neck and rubbed it absently

“No no, not elephants, start small probably. You know it’s quite funny, you were muttering to yourself while you were meditating, saying ‘less, less, less.’ Is an elephant really less? Minara said. She scrunched her nose mockingly.”

“Probably could have made a bigger one if I wanted, a big jumbo elephant,” Champ said with feigned confidence. He gestured his arms wide as he spoke.

“Bit redundant? A big elephant?” Minara replied. Her eyebrows rose in confusion

“Not when it's jumbo! A big elephant sure that’s redundant, but a big jumbo elephant that's a whole different story,” Simon said. He had a big goofy smile on his face as he egged Minara on.

“Ooooh right, right, my apologies young master Champine, jumbo, yes yes,” She retorted jokingly and gave an exaggerated apologetic bow.

“Come now you two, let’s break for lunch, we can train more afterward. Also, we should address the elephant in the room, so to speak, I'd like a closer look at the thing above your mark” Simon said.

“You're a pun guy now Simon?” Champ said with a groaned chuckle. Minara just shook her head as she headed back to the cabin.

“No, young sir. Just a bad habit sorry, couldn't let that opportunity go, it was too perfect.” Simon said smiling to himself.

The three of them headed back to the cabin together. They all laughed and enjoyed each other's company, all eager at this moment to get to know each other better. Later on, they would look back fondly on this moment and reminisce. The beautiful moment when they crossed that threshold from acquaintances to friends. The most cherished memory that the two left would hold dear.