Stoking his son's flame

[09:48] Sugarboy knocks on the door
(Sugarboy)
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[09:48] Sugarboy exclaims, "Afternoon, my boy!"
[09:49] Sugarboy exclaims, "Hope you're ready for training!"
[09:55] Zexelis made his way to the door upon a knock, already being up, and strangely focused. It was Sugarboy, the man Zexelis looked at as his true father. Sugarboy seemed to be ready for training, and it made Zexelis smile that he went out of his way to make sure they trained together as Zex requested.

Zexelis actually didn't seem at all surprised, but ready, a confident smile on his face, a demeanor of focus. A slight amount of heat emitted from him at each moment as the smile slowly turned to a grin. "I'm ready Sugarpops, lead the way."

This was something he had been waiting for, Zexelis knew Sugarboy was a busy man, but he looked forward to training, of course. Making sure his door was locked and he was ready to go, Zexelis readied to follow Sugarboy.
(Zexelis)
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[10:15] The sun was high in the sky, perfect for a fire magi to train under- woulda been better if he was a kitsune, however ya make do with what ya got. He heard that he had received training from Tototl, knowing he would focus more on the melee aspect of it. However, Sugarboy would take a much more different approach. He was a fire magi, himself, but he never honed it past the basic, so teaching him something new in that regard wouldn't be useful.

Waydelle was skilled in many different magics, so he was unsure how her training would go. Though for Sugar? He planned to train Zexelis's spirit, the old man seemed to be beaming with energy today, and it was quite infectious really, especially as you got closer to him, something was different about the air around him, it felt much more lively.

They'd begin their treck to Deseti's ruins, most of the rubble had weathered do to time, mostly looking like stone outcroppings here and there. They'd ascend to the base of the tallest waterfall- because of course if Sugarboy was giving a lesson, water had to be involved somewhere. A bane to fire magi- though that would make it an excellent training tool.

"Alright Zexelis! We're going to do a bit of a warm up- ehhh, ehhhh?" He'd pause to elbow the student of the hour as he dropped a subtle pun. "Before we get into the meat and potatoes of your training- But don't get me wrong, this is gonna be one heck of a start." He'd step off the river's shore, and would begin walking on water as he made his way over to the cascading waterfall, putting a hand through it as he begin slowly rising up the torrential downpour.

"Hope ya don't mind getting a bit wet- I want you to scale this waterfall, and whenya make it to the top? We'll begin your training then. Best of luck~" It was a straightforward description, little rules given, so really as long as he could argue he scaled the waterfall, maybe the old man would take it. Though little instruction was given further as his slow ascent became quite rapid, the small speck of the old man seen at the top beginning flung over the mountain top, where he would be waiting.
(Sugarboy)
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[10:16] Zexelis says, "logs"
[10:39] Zexelis followed along with Sugarboy, wondering what kind of training the man had in mind for him. Soon enough, they came to the north, the place where the Thornberries used to stay in a tower, or that was what Zexelis remembered about it. As they ascended up the waterfalls and to the bottom of the tallest one, Zexelis began to get somewhat of an idea just what Sugarboy was planning.

Water, the bane and rival of fire. If anything was going to push Zexelis's limits and get him warmed up for training with yet another Chieftain, it was that. Zexelis only smiled and chuckled a bit as Sugarboy made a bit of a pun, a play on his fire magic of course, because why not? As Sugarboy talked about meat and potatoes, it made Zexelis glad he ate before Sugarboy had shown up to his home, or else he would have been hungry by now.

Sugarboy then slowly began to ascend the waterfall, explaining the rules of the warm-up to their training. After a small amount of instruction was given, Zexelis watched him rocket to the top until he was overlooking the process. Zexelis remained smiling as he began to back up a few steps, directly facing the waterfall from the land he was on.

"I wonder who you take me for, Sugarpops. I'm gonna scale this waterfall and come up there to give you the best damn challenge I can." Zexelis was mostly talking to himself, but obviously he was getting pumped up. Flames roared high around and above Zexelis's body as he seemed to prepare to sprint. "HEEEERE I COOOOME!" Zexelis shouted as he burst forth at an all out sprit at the waterfall, his flames bursting and roaring even higher.

Zexelis ran fast enough to basically glide at the top of the water, making his way to the waterfall. As he hit the waterfall, most water hitting him seemed to quickly turn to steam. Zexelis used the rocks behind the waterfall as footing, using his strength and speed to jump his way up the rocks. Of course, there was a waterfall pushing down on him with immense force, so he was inching his way up the cliff with each jump.

With each jump, more of the water that was hitting Zexelis turned to steam as his flames still almost roared at full blast. As he would get closer, Sugarboy would likely see that Zexelis was smiling, seeming to have been looking into Sugarboy's eyes since he started from the very bottom. A fiery determination burned in Zexelis's soul, he was going to make it to the top of this waterfall, he was going to push his limits and become stronger to protect his tribe, his family, and his comerades.

Zexelis growled louder and louder as he drew closer and closer, determined to break through these roadblocks in strength.
(Zexelis)
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[11:01] He had leapt over the waterfall, landing on shore and looking around the old home of a Dryad long forgotten now. Though her impact on the area was certainly felt, all the farming she did as he crops now grew awry- or maybe that was her intention, it made sense for a dyad. Though he'd spy something of an oddity on the continent- a peach tree? Well shit fam, gathering an armful, he'd go over to dangle his feet off the cliffside as he bit into the sweet fruit.

His mana would seep into the water as it fell on Zexelis, giving him full insight of his progress up the cliff. He was vaporizing the water to make the impact he felt less bad, so he was making quite the progress. Welp, time to step things up a bit.

He would begin condensing water, making it much thicker than to just evaporate on contact, it would be like getting punched, possibly causing him to lose some ground. Though Sugarboy wasn't an unfair man, he would target Zexelis once to introduce the new obstacle, then he would just send the condensed punches down at random intervals, this was no longer a simple linear climb, but he would have to zig zag.

Assuming he caught on to this, he might even find certain areas of the water fall that actually propelled him upwards. Though the ratio of punches to helping hands was about ten to one.

As Zexelis reached the final quarter, that steam he was accumulating to make his climb easier would turn against him, that same steam moving infront of his face to blind him for a moment and make it hard to tell where the punches were and where the boosts were.

Sugarboy would continue munching on the fruit he found, hopeful Zexelis would make it up before he filled his belly with his bountiful gathering.
(Sugarboy)
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[11:46] Zexelis steadily leapt up the waterfall, seeming to go further and further with every jump, beginning to quickly acclimate himself to the rush of the water. Along with that, he used the intensity of the flames to lighten the load by evaporating it. Just as it seemed Zexelis got just about halfway up the waterfall, Sugarboy would seem to ramp up the intensity even more.

Soon, the water punched Zexelis very briefly, sending him skidding down he side of the cliff behind the waterfall a bit. Zexelis peered up, letting out a hardy laugh as Sugarboy began to now condense the water at random intervals, though Zexelis could see a slight pattern in the flow of the water. His eyes seemed to analyze the waterflow's fall at lightning speed as he might have even caught on quicker than Sugarboy thought.

Zexelis even began to leap outward from the cliff to make an effort to dodge the punches of condensed water Sugarboy sent down, gripping back onto the cliff and even managing to come higher. It was then, that Zexelis began to zig-zag as he leapt up the waterfall, and he followed the very slight pattern of updrafts almost specifically.

As he began nearing the top though, there was plenty of steam and mist resting near the top, and Zexelis now couldn't see when the rushes of condensed water were coming. He couldn't find updrafts either, and he began to struggle as condensed water punched him repeatedly. Zexelis stuggled to stay near the top, barely even staying in the bottom of the cloud of mist that now rested at the top of the mountain.

Suddenly, Zexelis refocused himself, knowing he had to push harder. There was no giving up anymore, he wanted to become a proud warrior, even if he was just mostly seen as the master crafter. Zexelis tightly closed his eyes as he still fought to stay near the top.

Taking a breath though, Zexelis's irises now glowed a deep and bright orange with pyromantic mana as he opened his eyes. His flames roared higher than ever before, even the punches of water beginning to evaporate in large amounts. Zexelis suddenly planted his foot in the rock under the waterfall.

The flames' height didn't seem to stop increasing around Zexelis as he poised himself, punches of water not even seeming to phase him for that moment. Suddenly, and very explosively, Zexelis pointed his balde forth as he rushed up the waterfall right through dense rushes, updrafts, it didn't matter at this point. The entire waterfall was split in half, into two separate flows for a few moments as Zexelis exploded to the top, even going several feet in the air above the top of the mountain, soon landing at the top with Sugarboy.

The sheer explosion of flames from when Zexelis appeared to the top dispersed the mist and steam entirely, even some of the clouds that naturally surrounded the top of the mountain. It was only clear and sunny around them. Zexelis stood calmly, yet his flames roared at their highest as he looked to Sugarboy, seeming to poise himself into a stance in which he was ready for combat.

Summoning forth his Fire Daemon, Zexelis then seemed ready to charge at any moment. "I wanna give you a good challenge too, Sugarpops. I'm gonna try my best to make sure I give you the hardest challenge I possibly can!" Zexelis's Daemon flared up as he exclaimed, seeming just as ready for battle as he was. With that, he stood still as a statue, seeming to wait for Sugarboy to be ready while everything around them settled and went quiet, other than the waterfall returning to normal.
(Zexelis)
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[12:07] The old man would dig his teeth into the peach, sucking up the sweet nectar as he got lost in the savory and exotic fruit. It was with the following crunch that he could be quite surprised as the explosion was much more prevalent, a plume of steam and fire splitting the clouds as Zexelis came crashing down beside him.

Sugarboy was tempted to throw him a peach to reward him for making it, but he was clearly fired up. The Chieftain would jump to his feet, letting the pride he felt for the boys accomplishment overtake him, and his holy aura would glow brighter than it ever had before, flowers blooming around him as he was ready to push Zexelis even further to grow.

"When I was learning fire magic, my teacher focused on the pain that it brought on others, holding onto your flame of life and using that pain to keep your fire alive and turn it against your opponents.

However, that never quite worked for me, and got me in more trouble with that mentality. No, fire is about passion and following whatever stokes that flame in your chest." There were many ways to handle magic, Sugarboy has seen people focus on runes and what not, but he preferred that emotional tie to the elements, and how they shaped the caster.

"Tell ya what- if you beat me.." He'd hold up his right hand, a pink coral ring on his pinky. "I know you and Dew haven't spoken in a bit, but I'm still hopeful for you two.. beat me, and I'll give you the ring my father gave to my mother." Certainly that would be a good enough incentive to bring his flames to a whole new level as he dipped into his relaxed stance, ready for the budding warrior and master crafter to make his move.
(Sugarboy)
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[12:43] Sugarboy could see the glint in Zexelis's eye as he spoke of the ring, and the offer. Just by him charging forward, the old man knew he had struck just the right chord to ignite those flames.

Though, he had forgotten, they were fighting on Sugarboy's terms. The entire waterfall itself would rise and snake around them, encasing them in a boiling ring that quickly flooded itself.

This didn't deter the aspiring warrior, however, his flames growing hotter and brighter, evaporating parts of the dome faster than the Chieftain could take control of it. Heavy gauntlets punching into him and shooting flames out his back, leaving black singed marks on his armor with every punch.

Following the force, Sugarboy would be tossed backwards before regaining his footing, and propelling the boy back with a heavy stream of water. How he could fight so breathlessly was truly inspiring as he kept pushing forward with a barrage of punches in the wake of Sugarboy's own flurry of blood and bubbles.

Each push back, Sugar could tell only made his flames grow stronger, eventually taking a curious red tint to them. The old man was being worn down quite quickly, not even his ordinary holy water could repair the damages he had sustained, no, it was clear he was tapping into something much more powerful to keep him in this fight. He wobbled a bit as he surfed through the Dome, Zexelis dashing in for what would surely be the final blow, however, he had saved one last trick. Just before the fiery fist could make contact, it would find no resistance as Sugarboy vaporized into a cloud of steam, making his way behind Zexelis before re-solidifying and hitting him with another beam that would blast him off the cliffside and down to the lake below.

- OH SHIT, getting lost in his directions, he'd send the dome of water after Zexelis to break his fall a bit- No need for broken bones for training. quickly he'd rush over and peer offthe side to check on his other son. "ALL GOOD, FAM?"
(Sugarboy)
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[13:20] Zexelis nodded as Sugarboy spoke of the true way to push the limits of fire magic. It was indeed true, Zexelis has to use his passion to bring out the best in himself, and his powers. It was then that Sugarboy readied himself for battle, and even spoke of giving Zexelis a family ring for Sugardew.

As Zexelis was even shown the ring, his smile grew wider, the fire in his eyes along with his aura seeming to begin to burn a darker color, yet it seemed hotter. "I'm coming for that ring, Pops." Zexelis said very calmly, yet his voice seemed deeper, more rough.

As he burst forth with great intensity, it was probably obvious Zexelis still thought about Sugardew a lot. He just hoped he could one day talk to her and hopefully redeem himself to her a bit for them not having talked in years at this point. Flames covered the ground in Zexelis's wake as Sugarboy seemed to attempt to try an stop him with a dome of water which soon flooded in on itself.

This only seemed to slightly slow Zex down, though. Zexelis's flames began to glow darker and darker red as he and his Daemon fought with Sugarboy within the come, making water explode out of the edges of the dome with each explosive impact he made on Sugarboy, the flames coming out of sugar's back even being able to appear within the water with how hot they burned.

There was a gas pocket in the dome once Sugarboy was sent back with momentum from Zexelis's flurry of punches. Zexelis attempted to follow, not trying to let Sugarboy even get a breath from the barrage of he and his Daemon coordinating fiery attacks. Sugarboy seemed to regain his footing rather quickly though, as this was countered with a stream of water sent at intense speeds and pressure.

Zexelis planted a foot in the ground as he was being sent back though, beginning to fight against the beam. With a lunge, he then dashed forward with all of his mightuntil Sugarboy realized how close he was and stopped sending forth a constant stream of water, barraging him with blood and water bullets. With the beatdown being put upon him though, Zexelis only further persisted, once again getting in close to exchange flurries of punches from his gauntleted fists for Sugarboy's barrage of magics.

It was clear that Sugarboy was using something completely different at this point, too. His aura seemed to be even further ascended than that of a holy aura. Still, Zexelis kept attempting to barrage Sugarboy with blows and coordinated attacks with his Daemon. Sugarboy seemed to simply be too powerful though, Zexelis couldn't overpower him just yet. His flames now burned almost completely red, just being anywhere near him felt like the inside of a furnace, even in water.

As it came down to the final blow, Zexelis's flames roared higher, and burned darker than ever, having a dark scarlet color to them. Zexelis's eyes even seemed to burst with flames as he charged forth, seeming to get ready to put all of his speed and power to try and knock Sugarboy down. Just as he thought he had him though, Sugarboy changed out of his physical form and Zexelis missed his final attack, stumbling forth when expected resistance to his fist was met with unexpected air with no resisance.

Zexelis barely stopped himself from falling off the cliff, preparing to turn around and give it another shot, his flames roaring high again as Sugarboy materialized behind him. He couldn't charge forth fast enough though, Sugarboy sent him off the waterfall with a stream of water, Zexelis falling off the edge, his flames still scarlet burning red.

"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!! He shouted as he fell for quite a few seconds, so Sugarboy at plenty of time to get a dome of water to the ground for him to land in. It actually almost seemed as if he was floating, as if the flames could carry him through the air, but soon he couldn't hold the form of his flames anymore, considering he got his flames to a whole new form and density than before.

With the flames extinguished, Zexelis plummeted straight into the dome, being left on the ground as the dome dispersed and Sugarboy yelled to him. The fall into the water still knocked the wind out of him, since Zexelis had nearly completely exhausted himself. It was hard to think ten years before, Sugarboy could have probably taken him down with just a few spells.

Zexelis thought of this as Sugarboy yelled down to make sure he was okay. Looking up to the man as he was a speck at the top of the mountain again, Zexelis gave a thumbs up, holding it that way and staying laying down with heavy breaths being taken. Now thinking to himself, Zexelis thought about how he still had a bit of a ways up that "mountain" before he could really match Sugarboy. With hard work and the unlocking of his passion,it would be achievable in due time, he was sure of it.
(Zexelis)
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[13:34] He had to squint to make out just the raising of the hand- though his eyes weren't sharp enough to make out the thumbs out, he could've easily been flicking him off and the old man would be none the wiser. With a hearty laugh as it seemed like he atleast survived, Sugarboy would jump off the cliffside, the waterfall returning to it's natural state before forming a hand to catch him at the bottom and drop him off beside the exhausted student.

He had never seen such stunning scarlet flames before, so surely the training had been quite the success as the old man plops down beside his exhausted son, dropping a peach on his chest for the progress.

"Absolutely, exceptional! Brilliant! I don't know what ya tapped into, Zexelis, but I think you're certainly on the right path! And don't worry- there'll be other chances to get this ring." He'd say with a wink as he showed it off a little closer.

the outside was jagged and pink, like it had been plucked from the ocean, the inside polished to make it comfortable to wear. A subtle charge of magic could be felt from it, lending it to be much more than just a sentimental family heirloom.

"I'm proud of you, Zexelis, and if you put that same passion into everything you do? I don't doubt you'll accomplish some amazing things by the time you reach my age." A sincere smile, that holier than holy light filling the air around them and quickly mending his aches and sores as the water dispersed to it's natural flow into the pond below.
(Sugarboy)
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[13:46] As Sugarboy returned to the bottom of the falls with Zexelis, Zexelis opened his eyes with a bit of astonishment as a peach was dropped on his chest. He finally dropped his thumbs up as he realized Sugarboy was now at the bottom with him again. Slowly sitting up, he grabbed the peach that was given to him, already taking a bite into it.

Crap, Zexelis felt like he'd nearly passed out with a thumbs up in the air. Zexelis then thought of the wager for the ring, looking a bit downtrodden until Sugarboy mentioned there would be other chances to get the ring. Compliments were still given to Zexelis though, as of course he'd just pushed himself further than he'd ever done before.

Of course, Sugarboy aimed to further motivate Zexelis, and it seemed to work. Zexelis chuckled a bit as his father spoke of him achieving great things. "Well yeah, I have a great dad to aspire to. I think I'm starting to get it though. My flames, they become more powerful in response to the passion in my soul. I must push both body and soul, to handle power and emotions so I can further delve into this power. For now though, how about we get headed back to the tribes? The first time my flames went that dense took a lot out of me."

Zexelis fully returned to his feet, regained his composure and gave Sugarboy a firm hug as he seemed to get ready to go. "Thanks you for everything you do for me, pops."
(Zexelis)
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[13:55] Sugarboy would sit there beside Zexelis, enjoying one last peach after training with his son as he let them soak in the healing energies of the lifestream itself.

"Oh you flatterer~" He'd chuckle with a light kick of his pegleg, a nod soon following as it seems the lesson had hit the mark, and Zexelis swears to hone body and mind as he continued to train so fervently.

"Aye, let's head out." He'd help him to his feet, slinging an arm over his shoulder, they would limp a bit, but soon it would turn into a healthy stride, the proud father with an arm around Zexelis as they made their way back.
(Sugarboy)