Balam 3

[00:15] The battle wasn't the same as before. Balam had taken many roles on despite being so young, and perhaps he spent a majority of his time either studying the spirt arts, Dancing but most of his time was spent refining his Wind Magic.

The Tempest surged around him, As he moved towards Zuchi this time not as afraid as he was prior to engage the Martial Artist as the winds that fluttered around him served to protect Balam from any physical strikes Zuchi could muster.

"Heh, Maybe you've been spending too much time fishing Zuchi!" Balam said moving towards Zuchi, Lightning gathered around him he made sure his strikes landed on his foe before sending him tumbling back with a powerful gust of air from his staff.

Balam looking a bit more confident in his growing abilities although he couldn't say it was an easy fought victory. "Heh, Its my win this time Zuchi!" Balam said moving over towards his rival.
(Balam Aba)
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[00:21] Blasted backwards by a gust of wind and zapped throughouly by an electrical strike Zuchi would stand his ground with a heavy grunt, skidding backwards on his feet nearly falling over.

Sheer will and strength it seemed, that attack had defeated him but he wasn't going to give up after just one defeat! "Come on!.." He'd clench his fists whilst inhaling deeply and loudly.

Straining his body as he did so. His face would begin to turn beet red whilst he struggled and growled. Straining harder and harder he'd feel a small twinge of mana within his body, locked deep within him.

He'd then gasp as his upper body fell forward, his hands on his knees panting. "Ha.. Hah... I almost had it, I think."
(Zuchi)
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[00:22] Balam Aba says, "Alright lets go again."
[00:29] {Won Restrained RPB against Zuchi}
[00:34] Balam would take things a bit more measured now, Choosing to hold back on flashy moves, Knowing that Zuchi was a bit incapable of using magic as of right now. But he didn't hold back any punches.

The wind magic he controlled only got sharper and more refined with each cycle, Where he wasn't able to do large blasts of air he used controlled and pierces bursts of air magic that would black Zuchi's assaults and counter his attacks with wind blades.

The final strike would come from a bolt of lightning that rippled in the air as Lightning magic was still quite new to Balam he had to focus extra hard when using it.

"Gentle as the Tempest, Fierce as the storm..." A mantra he made to show the duality of his power. Before unleashing his Ookami bloodline to boosts his attacks. Winds whipped around him even faster and Zuchi would be at a sore disadvantage with only martial arts.

"Come on Zuchi you can do it! Most of magic is just about what you imagine it to be. Imagine what you want and make it a reality!" The boy said trying to encourage him to grow. It was becoming more and more clear Balam had started to go push passed him a little.
(Balam Aba)
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[00:38] Defeated again the stunted magi would reel backwards on his feet and fall to his back before rolling over to his stomach and quickly rebounding! He'd rush back into the fray of it all.

"That's easy for you to say!" He'd call out as he continued to try and muster up any mana he could. The most he could manage at this point was small ripples and barely an aura.

He had the ability, but none of the talent. "Heeeragh!" He'd cry as he ran towards his rival with a reeled back fist.
(Zuchi)
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[00:44] {Won Restrained RPB against Zuchi}
[00:52] As many times as Zuchi would get up Balam would knock him down, Finding new and creative ways to utilize his wind magic, Firing bullets of air that forced Zuchi to the ground.

Or strikes of lightning that flowed through his body paralyzing him to give Balam enough time to send a flurry of cutting attacks towards the magicless boy. The final blow would come from both boys shooting off a powerful ripple of mana that blew both of them back, However Balam was prepared to block the blast with his wind magic, While Zuchi on the other hand was blown clear off his feet landing into a nearby flowerbed.

Balam wasn't as nice as most people when it came to holding back especially against someone he saw and wanted to be his rival. Yet despite how many attempts Zuchi made there didn't seem to be any progress in beating Balam just yet.

"I don't think we'll get anywhere until you've learned how to use mana properly Zuchi. So what will it be are you gonna keep trying?" Balam's expression was neutral although it perhaps lead to a bit of smugness at his new rise in power.

Yet in truth he wasn't satisfied at where he was at in the slightest. His Magic was still far too weak compared to the lightning magic he'd seen Motai and the others use..."I still have a ways to go in my training... If I really want to win this tournament and become a warrior I'll have to push myself harder..." He claimed as he looked towards Zuchi who was getting a rather lofty collection of bruises at this point.
(Balam Aba)
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[00:58] Struggling to stand up to his feet with squinted eyes the boy would give a couple of sharp breaths in response to the stinging in his body. He was beginning to exhaust after he threw himself against Balam over and over again.

He was the type to throw himself at a wall over and over until it would break rather than simply climb over it. But, he'd slowly come to terms with his strength. It was true, no amount of physical strength would let him defeat a magi, something he wasn't quite yet.

He'd then let himself fall back into the flower bed with a heavy and aggravated sigh. Just a month ago he was able to take on Balam.. But in those days Balam wasn't a magi. "Uuugh.." He'd groan while he rested.

A few moments of silence would pass as he listened to Balam talk before he'd finally respond. "Say.. When is this tournament supposed to be anyways? How long do we have?"
(Zuchi)
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[01:02] Seeing as Zuchi was relenting a little Balam released his control over the winds. Allowing himself to rest, It wasn't as if he wasn't exhausted too. But from these spars he learned a lot about his magic so it wasn't as all for nothing.


"Hmm. I'm not sure could be in a month or a year from now really. I suppose it depends on when mother feels its appropriate." He claimed as he joined Zuchi on the flower bed. Looking at all the nature that surrounded them.

"There are lots of things going on in Moxtli too, A class about the spirits, And Eiji looking for strong warriors to join him on a quest." He'd decided a while ago that he'd join both endeavors seeing as how he wanted to be regarded as a well rounded Magi in all aspects.

Although him being so young he knew he couldn't do everything just yet. "I guess you'll have to ask my mom, But I'm sure it'll be announced pretty soon."
(Balam Aba)
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[13:55] Zuchi says, "Right.."
[13:56] Zuchi exclaims, "Let's go work on our magic, I've still got more to learn!"
[13:59] "More than likely not! Spirits know I've had my fair share of rather interesting foes." Reaching up with this Arcanium hand he'd tap lightly at his lower lip as he ran through the list... Or at least those that he could remember off the top of his head.

"Fought a flaming talking tree, parts of Eznite's pantheon of sort, a golem, and a man with sands so hot that I mistook his staff for a lemon on a stick..."

While that last one may sound like a lie, Gou's weapon was absolutely a lemon on a stick. Nothing could ever change the man's mind on that! Regardless, that fanged grin is flashed towards the youths. "Even then, the danger in such events are what makes the journey oh so fun..! Scars are fun to show off, after all."
(Eiji)
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[14:07] The stories of the past were sometimes hard to believe, It was only when seeing the Arcanium arm and the scars that the truth of it all was some what more believable. There was a bit of sweat dripping in the young ookami's fur but it wasn't filled with much fear, In fact it was excitement.

He wanted to have his own share of adventure, Regardless of what he had to fight or who he had to kill to achieve his goal. "I've decided to walk my path towards becoming a Shaman I don't mind if I have to kill a few demi gods, Monsters or people to get there."

Yet there was still lots of work to be done, His power was still lacking and more so than that there was Zuchi. Bringing him along without any magic would prove difficult if the boy couldn't keep up.

"Alright Zuchi you better be ready for some intense training! I'm gonna beat you up until you learn how to properly use your mana...because I don't really know how else to teach someone...And we can't have you dragging your feet in front of a Burning Death Tree." He said in a jest but it was the undeniable truth of the reality they faced.
(Balam Aba)
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[14:11] Zuchi would rub at the back of his neck with a small sheepish chuckle. "Hah.. I'll do my best."

His hand would then swap to his hip before raising a pointed finger inches away from Balam's nose. "We're friends, but we're still rivals. Once I learn how to use magic, I'll beat you up, understand me?" He'd declare proudly with a toothy grin.
(Zuchi)
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[14:13] Balam Aba says, "If you say so! Lets go."
[14:18] As they moved into the clearing Balam would give a sharp glance towards Zuchi. He didn't really understand why the boy couldn't use magic after all being an Ookami blessed by the wind his magic came nearly natural to him.

But Although that was the case, it wasn't as if he didn't have to struggle to perfect it. "Now Zuchi. before we get I want to confirm that you're serious about getting stronger, Otherwise we'll never get to become stronger."

He positioned his hand towards one of the near by rocks. "Magic is kinda hard to describe but the best way I can think about it is 'Imagination' If you can imagine what your trying to in most cases your mana will respond to it." That was the easiest and most simple way the child could articulate it though. As he did he'd show an example of a simple Wind Sphere. Twirling at the edge of his finger before letting it be released.

"But if it turns out you can't do this we'll...We're gonna have to get more drastic with our approach."
(Balam Aba)
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[14:20] "What do you mean?" He'd question with a puzzled stare, question marks forming all around his being. "We already tried the imagination one, what did you have in mind?"
(Zuchi)
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[14:24] He shakes his head from left to right. "I'd rather not have to...but I was going to beat you half to death until you learned something. Sometimes in extreme moments people can break passed walls that block them." He didn't seem to be joking at this point. He wanted Zuchi to be his rival more than anything and if he couldn't overcome this hurdle he'd have to eventually leave him behind.

"I'd rather stick to the imagination. If you can overcome your limits with pure will it would be better than me beating you up to do it. You'll just have to try harder Zuchi. Imagine what kind of magic you want to use and do it." In the worst case scenario Zuchi would be completely unable to use magic.

"Or maybe you'd be better off learning how to materialize Raw mana with energy magic? They do say those with energy magic are able to control their own spirits..." But it was just rumors he'd heard throughout the village. But at this point Balam was willing to try anything.
(Balam Aba)
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[14:30] "Pure mana.." That seemed to resonate with him for some odd reason.. He hadn't considered using raw reinforced magical abilities. "I'll give it a shot!" He'd then quickly collapse to the ground with his legs crossed.

His hands outstretched forward as he sat, trying to generate mana between his fingertips.
(Zuchi)
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[14:33] He seemed a bit more inspired by that idea which was good. Moving towards Zuchi Balam would place a palm on top of his head. And slowly begin to generate his own Raw mana locally so Zuchi could get a better idea of how it felt.

Of course Balam could only do so much seeing as this wasn't his specialization but he hoped through this Zuchi would get a feel for it. "Now just keep trying and imagine all of your energy flowing into one point. Trying to make a shape...Or an object even that feels familiar to you."
(Balam Aba)
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[14:42] Inching away from Balam Zuchi would give his friend a silly face and a stuck out tongue. "Beeeh! Don't give me any of your mana, I want to do it on my own!" He'd then smirk as he continued to press further on with his training, shaping mana..

A small pulsing formation of the raw ethereal magic form began to make itself known as he pushed forward a small bolt of mana from his hand!

"Aha!~ I got it! It came out!" He'd exclaim with an excited yahoo.
(Zuchi)
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[14:48] He gave Zuchi some space to let him do it on his own it was the very least he gave a nod, Moving towards the very same rock he'd been training on for some time.

If Zuchi wanted to do this on his own he could understand that. After all there were a few things he could work on as well. He'd felt he'd become intermediate level with his wind magic, At the very least he could now focus more on controlling lightning.

Wind and Lightning were closely releated but it seemed it would take some time before he could muster enough mana to control both at the same time. He summoned a wind sphere in his palm and continued to control it for a moment before allowing the flow of electricity to build up slowly. Over time.

He had to really focus and concentrate and all of a sudden...A blasto of pure mana wizzed passed his head nearly knocking him out cold. "H-Hey becareful with that!" He said a bit grumpily. Yet there was a keen smile on his face as he sawthe success written across his friends face." Wait that was you? Looks like you finally did something." He said half surprised.
(Balam Aba)
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[14:55] Quickly hopping to his feet he'd give his hand a look over with a grinning smirk. "I think I'm getting the hang of this." He'd state confidently as he glanced over to Balam.

"I'm ready for our fight today!" He'd proclaim proudly.
(Zuchi)
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[14:59] Balam refocused himself with a smile on his face he gave a short nod. Hoping Zuchi would truly live up to that claim. "Good. I'm not gonna give you the kid gloves any more Zuchi! Lets both give it our all and shoot for the top."

He moved over towards the opposite side of Zuchi before releasing his wind magic in full force. He was going to practice his own Lightning magic in this fight so he could get a better grip at controlling it. It was only a matter of time before he was capable of fighting outside the village and the tournament would be a good place holder for him.

"You're the only person around here whos my age and close to my power, Zuchi so I want to use you to train to myself as much as I can. I don't want to bully you or anything so you better be ready to fight with all you've got!" Sparks of lightning could be seen charging around the boy as he got more and more excited.

"Gentle as a Tempest...Fierce as a Storm..." The words whispered as he watch, and wait for Zuchi to prepare for a fight.
(Balam Aba)
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[15:03] Taking a fighting stance Zuchi would clench his fists.. He had learned to utilize his mana, but what was the extent he could use it too. Maybe he'd learn more through this battle between him and his rival.

"I won't disappoint Balam! I'm gonna get strong enough for both of us." He'd grin and then charge forward quickly.
(Zuchi)
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[15:07] {Won Restrained RPB against Zuchi}
[15:13] The battle wasn't as easily won as the last time, There was much more force in in Zuchi's attacking power now. Blasts of pure mana burst into Balam's body knocking him back, His wind magic wasn't able to fully block the dense energy bullets being thrown at him.

Especially when Zuchi would move in close with his martial arts it seemed to be a threatening combination of attacks already. However Balam hadn't yet given up his resolve to stay on top.

Zuchi's punches and kicks were blocked by strong currents of air, That forced the his movements to decrease. Leaving ample time for Balam to take back the postion. Sending powerful bursts of wind towards the boy.

"You've done it Zuchi...I'm proud of you." He exclaimed as he picked up his staff to swipe towards the boy with a finishing blow of wind pressure to slam Zuchi back.

"You're not done yet are you?" He asked, His excitement growing on his face as he could feel his heart pump the electrical sparks seemed to be growing stronger and stronger.
(Balam Aba)
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[15:17] Power was rising, growing stronger, with each individual clash between the boys Zuchi was finding himself able to become more attuned to his affinity for raw pure mana.. Maybe ethereal magic was his talent.

"Not yet." He'd smirk as he managed to compose himself from the blast. Taking his stance once again he'd take in a deep breath before letting it all out, clearing his head.

"Alright.. Let's go again!" Suddenly his thin layer of mana would spark into a refined and blue aura, flashing in and out of existence as he attempted to empower his body with even more mana than usual.
(Zuchi)
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[15:25] {Lost Restrained RPB against Zuchi}
[15:32] He'd still need training with his new found affinity for ethereal magic but, it was just barely enough to secure him a win! A flickering blue aura that would fade in and out at intervals was keeping the boy together in his fight against Balam.

At first things were beginning to look south for the boy as he was struggling to use his mana properly, missing attacks and even heavy strikes! A quick blast of electrically infused mana and wind would be enough to blast Zuchi back and force him into a more defensive state.

But.. Maybe, without courage and will he wouldn't be the winner of this fight! "That's it.. Alright! I'm coming at you with everything I got Balam! 100%!" He'd then charge forwards as blow after blow struck him, wincing and bearing his teeth at the pain he wouldn't bother to dodge or counter..

Once he made his way in range of Balam he'd deliver a quick and heavy slug against Balam's cheek, staggering him with the force of the blow he'd continue to punch and kick against the boys body until delivering the final blow, a quick knee to Balam's chin to send him spiraling backwards!


The underdog between the two had won.. For now.
(Zuchi)
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[15:41] It was impressive just how much Zuchi had grown in just a moments time. Balam had began to panic, The techniques he'd refined so much now seemed to be swatted away as Zuchi only grew more powerful. His blows became heavier and heavier and more difficult to avoid.

Yet Balam wouldn't give in, He'd use lightning to keep striking and sickles wind pressure from his staff to continue the battle between the two. It seemed to boil down to a battle of tenacity as both boy's pushed passed each ohter, Trading blow after blow.

However Zuchi took it to a step above. Using his new found powers rushed through Balam's windforce defenses and knocking Balam directly in his face, Followed by a vicious combo of punches and kicks that ended with a flying knee directed towards his body knocked the air clean out of him sending him thrown back reeling in pain.


"Now that's what I'm talking about! Keep that momentum up!" He wanted to make a real warrior out of himself, And in order to do that he had to keep being pressured to improve, If he lived at the top by himself it would only get lonely. Its why he pushed for Zuchi to excel along side him after all everyone in the tribes knew the golden rule.

Warriors never hunted alone.

"I'm not done yet, Lets keep go again... so we can settle our tie!" He Lighting began to strike more fiercely around the boy, His resonance with the skill being linked to how excited he was for battle.

It seemed he'd misunderstood how to generate lightning practically. The more his spirt got excited the more naturally generated the sparks became.

(Balam Aba)
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[15:48] Zuchi exclaims, "Let's finish this!"
[15:48] Balam Aba exclaims, "yeah lets go!"
[15:57] {Won Restrained RPB against Zuchi}
[16:07] The two traded blows back and forth, Zuchi taking the lead assaulting Balam with super human reflexes and strength. Each attack getting more and more heavier as the battle continued, However Balam was beginning to adapt to the sheer strength of Zuchi's attacks.

Fierce blows to his ribcage would send him hurling back but Balam wasn't done yet, He used the wind magic to hold his balance. Focusing more on his ability to defend and dodge away from attacks, However he couldn't stay defensive forever...His eyes became more feral as the look of a cornered animal was sprawled on his face.

Survival of the fittest and the beastkin's instincts were sharper than most. Being pushed passed his natural limits Balam would have to do the only thing that felt natural to him, Dance, however this was no ordinary dance of glee there was something more dangerous to it, A Battle Dance.

His arms moved as if mimicking the motions of the winds, Passing through grass. Lightning channeled around his body as static began to store in his fur charging with violent sparks.

"I'm not giving up Zuchi'...I'm gonna get even more serious now!" His lightning magic was still unrefined however unlike the gentle Tempest winds he'd been using before lightning magic increased his speed exponentially, Lighting ripped from the skies and zapped Zuchi from all directions.

Leaving enough of a gap in his defenses for Balam to get close and unleash his full barrage of Wind attacks on him. While Zuchi' was preoccupied dodge them he quickly infused Lightning charging into the staff as Balam thrusted it directly into Zuchi's ribcage pushing him back as far as he could.

Lucikly Zuchi's aura protected him from the most of the blow.
(Balam Aba)
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[16:11] Even with his enhanced strength from learning to control his mana circuits, Zuchi was defeated by his rival once again.. It was a constant power struggle between the two. But this was the deciding fight between the two for the time being.. When the tournament rolled around, they would be able to figure out just who was the strongest between the them.


"Gyagh!" He'd cry out as Zuchi was blasted backwards by a blast of electrical mana and that of a staff thrusted against his body! The cry of a defeated Zuchi would ring through the night as tonights training came to a close.. The first chapter in Zuchi and Balam's adventure ending, a new one beginning.
(Zuchi)
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