Journey to the Training Grounds

[10:10] <~Deedles> The next morning came. Shen awoke to gentle strokes to his cheek, Blossom whispering into his ear "Wakey, wakey, sleepyhead...". Meanwhile Jian would be woken by a cup of tea being carefully waved under his nose.
[10:11] <Earthflame> "Mm?" He yawns sleepily, blinking open his eyes.
[10:12] <~Deedles> Reisuki was standing there with a broad smile "Morning." she greeted him as she held forward a cup of tea, holding one for herself in her other hand.
[10:13] <Earthflame> He stares at her for a moment... Then smiles, sitting up in bed and nodsing as he takes the tea. "...Good morning. Thank you."
[10:14] <~Deedles> Rei sipped at her tea "You're welcome, your mum made it, and since I went to the kitchen to get something to eat she wondered if I could bring you one."
[10:15] <Earthflame> He blushes a little, sipping at it and then giving her a soft smile. "What time is it?"
[10:16] <~Deedles> "Close to 9 in the morning." Rei replied with a smile
[10:16] <Shen> Shen blinked open his eyes barely as he grumbled, pulling the covers over them again and falling silent. "What time is it?"
[10:16] <Earthflame> He stifles another yawns, drinking more tea. "I should get ready..."
[10:17] <~Deedles> Blossom crawled ontop of Shen, leaning down to kiss him sweetly. "Around 9, I think. That's what your brother said when he knocked on the door."
[10:18] <~Deedles> "Yeah, you have a long walk ahead of you." Reisuki nodded, before having some more tea.
[10:19] <Earthflame> "I'm used to long walks. We walked all the way to Jinlong, when we first left the village..." He pauses, looking at her. "Will you be okay?"
[10:20] <~Deedles> "I'll be fine." Rei shrugged as she grinned "And while all three of you run off to have fun someone needs to keep an eye on the Empress."
[10:20] <Shen> He was silent at that... He hadn't slept past 7 since forever. "Well, shit." he coughed a groggy chuckle as he sat up and kissed her in one motion. "I need to go." he grumbled to her as he put his arms around her. "If you'll let me, that is."
[10:21] <Earthflame> Jian smiles at that, giving her a short bow of his head. "Thank you, Rei."
[10:22] <~Deedles> Blossom pretended to ponder on that for a moment, tapping her lips as she uttered and overly loud 'hmmmm', before she smiled at him, pecking his lips "I guess I can let you go, this once." she giggled as she went to get off him.
[10:23] <~Deedles> "No problem." Rei finished off her tea "I should probably be going now then, so you can get into order." she said, moving towards the doorway, though she paused to look back at him, smiling. "Thank you though... for letting me stay here for the night."
[10:24] <Earthflame> Jian gives her a warm smile. "Thank you for staying here... I cannot remember having a more restful nights sleep in a long, long time."
[10:24] <Shen> Shen gripped her and swung off the bed, standing up with her still clung onto him. "Hah, novice." he teased, kissing her again as he plopped her back down on the bed. "You give up far too easily." he sighed, shaking his head as he felt for his clothes, but failing quite horribly.
[10:25] <~Deedles> "Neither can I." Rei nodded "See you when you get back. Take care out there." she flashed him one last smile before she left.
[10:26] <~Deedles> Blossom yelped as he dropped her on the bed, but after a few moments of him searching for his clothes he'd hear her call "Woohoo... Looking for theeeese?" as she waved something around behind him.
[10:27] <Earthflame> Jian finishes his tea, and the once more dons his travelling clothes, packing spares, a bedroll and the other necessities of travel. Now all he needed was some rations... And a grumble in his stomach reminds him that he also needs breakfast. He heads for the kitchen.
[10:29] <Shen> "Betrayal." he whispered as he lifted his head, then slowly turned towards her. "I knew it. Give me those before... You traitor." he growled at her in jest.
[10:31] <~Deedles> "No! You called me a novice, so I think I'll be keeping these!" Blossom replied as she huffed faintly in a playful manner. She snuggled his shirt slightly "Mm, might wear them myself, they smell of you." she teased
[10:33] <~Deedles> In the kitchen Jian found some fried rice with egg and bacon waiting for him, though it was empty; His mother had probably headed off for the day to work.
[10:34] <Shen> Shen huffed as he made his way towards her, stumbling on his shoes during his approach vector. As he reached her he held out his hand. "Cough 'em up, you." he beckoned with a grunt, swishing his fingers back and forth.
[10:35] <Earthflame> Jian sits down to eat, missing the chance to say goodbye to his mother but rather enjoying the chance for peaceful contemplation. Many things had happened, and so much more was yet to come...
[10:35] <~Deedles> "No." Blossom shook her head stubbornly as she smiled teasingly, holding the clothes tightly to her "You'll have to bargain for them now."
[10:37] <Shen> "Alright, anything." he tilted his head from side to side. "As long as I leave with my dignity intact." he narrowed his eyes as he approached her even more, standing right in front of her.
[10:42] <~Deedles> "Hmm, alright." Blossom pondered on that as she made sure to keep the clothes out of his reach. "Say 'I am a monkey! Ooh ooh, ahh ahh.'" she told him as she grinned mischeviously "But you have to try to do the sound proper!"
[10:44] <Shen> "I said as long as I leave with my dignity intact!" he rejected completely. "How about this..." he leaned down to meet her face level. "You get one kiss, and I won't tell anyone how much of a feisty seductress you are in bed." his face spilt a grin that could almost be heard.
[10:46] <~Deedles> Her cheeks went deep red, her lips parting as she tried to retort, but came up short. "Wh-why would I mind you saying that?" she finally said in an attempt to be defiant, but added in a quiet mumbled. "... I would like a kiss though." she confessed as she slowly held forward his clothes.
[10:49] <Shen> He clambered onto her as he gave her a deep kiss, pushing her back onto the bed as he slowly captured his clothing again, clothing himself as he held the kiss with her continuously. "Deal."
[10:51] <~Deedles> Blossom blinked once the kiss ended, breathing in soft pants as she felt a bit dazed "That was a good deal..." she thought out-loud, before she shook her head to regain herself and hugged him tightly "Stay safe out there, okay?"
[10:55] <Shen> Shen paused slightly as he finished putting his boots on, turning back to her. "Safe is my middle name." he jested back to her as he stood. "...I will, don't worry." he replied a bit more seriously as he took his satchel from its place leaning against the wall. He walked back to her and ran a hand across her cheek, kissing her softly on the head. "Do your best here, alright? I will be back in a couple of weeks."
[10:58] <~Deedles> "Of course I will, I have to wipe the floor with you in a spar when you get back!" Blossom replied with a bright smile as she laughed softly, leaning her cheek against his palm. "I love you..." she cooed, before she waved a hand at him "Now, shoo! You got places to be."
[11:00] <Shen> "And I love you." he replied, rubbing his hand over her jaw one last time as he walked towards the door, opening it before him. "I'll warn you now, if you want to win that spar, you better train hard too." he grinned back at her before he was gone.
[11:01] <~Deedles> "I will!" She called after him, listening to his footfalls fade away as he left, before she slumped back onto the bed.
[11:02] <~Deedles> Meanwhile Satzu, Ziulong and Leewan were all standing in front of the Storm Dragon estate, discussing something amongst themselves as they waited for the students to arrive. Leewan was in the middle of a smoke as he shook his head at something Satzu no "No, no, you need to be rougher!" he insisted
[11:06] <Zero_Atma> "With what, master?" Yoshi inquires as he aproaches the three mentors, a giant backpack stuffed with with provisions strapped over his shoulders.
[11:08] <~Deedles> "Oh, Satzu was just saying-""None of your business." Satzu grumbled as he smacked the back of Leewan's head. Ziulong just peered quietly as his fellow Mentors, shaking his head with a faint expression of something that could be described as amusement.
[11:10] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi chuckles softly at Satzu's response, he could only assume Mother Earth had something to do with it. "As you say."
[11:10] <Shen> Shen left the house as he inhaled the fresh, misty air of the mountain and approached the mentors and Yoshi down the path.
[11:10] <Shen> His clothes a little ruffled.
[11:11] <~Deedles> Leewan rubbed the back of his head as he grunted. Satzu perked up at Shen's arrival "Sleep well, brother?" he asked with a faint smile.
[11:12] <Shen> "Too well, it seems." he sighed, fastening the satchel to his chest strap as he raised his head to the heavens.
[11:13] <Earthflame> Jian approaches quietly, his own pack filled, in no rush. He enjoys walking through the crisp morning breeze.
[11:13] <~Deedles> "Well, you're here now." Satzu concluded with a nod.
[11:13] <~Deedles> Ziulong looked towards Jian as he arrived, nodding as he remained quiet.
[11:14] <Earthflame> Jian returns the silent nod.
[11:14] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi turns toward Jian and waves one of his arms. "Morning!"
[11:17] <Shen> Shen greeted them all with a firm nod as he reached where they were standing.
[11:18] <Zero_Atma> "I guess this is it, everybody ready?" yoshi asks, looking around the group.
[11:19] <~Deedles> Leewan adjusted the pack on his back as he waited for the replies.
[11:19] <Earthflame> "I am ready."
[11:20] <Shen> "Though I can't see it, I'm sure the sun is still up there somewhere moving faster than we are."
[11:22] <~Deedles> "How about we get a move on then?" Leewan suggested with a grin as he began walking, taking the lead of the group. "Won't be an easy trek to my training spot... Well, one of them!" Satzu made sure to stay by Shen's side, even though he remained silent. Ziulong quietly followed the Fire Mentor.
[11:23] <Earthflame> Jian falls into step without another word. He seems less withdrawn, and instead simply at peace.
[11:24] <Zero_Atma> "Then we're off!" Yoshi points in the direction that Leewan is headed dramatically before following in his master's wake.
[11:24] <Shen> Shen nodded with a faint, maybe a little apprehensive smile as he tuned into his brothers footsteps and mirrored them.
[11:25] <~Deedles> "Not sure how often some of you have travelled into the mountains, but remember that this ain't a game." Leewan told them as they walked, waving a scolding finger at the younger men.
[11:39] <Zero_Atma> "We'll just have to be extra careful then." Yoshi replies. "You know what they say, master, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."
[11:40] <~Deedles> Leewan looked seriously at Yoshi "That is what I'm saying, make sure nothing does kill you." he stated before looking on ahead "Trips into the mountain aren't for fun, sight-seeing or having a pleasant social time. It's dangerous and for training."
[11:43] <Shen> "Do you think we will reach the location before the sun sets?" Shen asked Leewan from behind him.
[11:44] <~Deedles> "If we keep up a good pace, yeah." The Fire Mentor answered with a nod.
[11:50] <Shen> "Good." Shen nodded as they all walked. "It would be unfortunate to be out in the open before night falls."
[11:55] <~Deedles> "Yeah, don't want to be out on the mountain when it's dark." Satzu agreed, looking up towards the sky.
[12:00] <Zero_Atma> "What is this training spot like?" Yoshi asks after a bit of walking.
[12:03] <~Deedles> "It's a giant lake. It helps strenghten the spirit of Fire by practicing in the element that controls it. I also do most of my strength training there." Leewan answered him as he glanced back with a faint smile.
[12:07] <Zero_Atma> "Sounds like we're all going to be very wet this week..." Yoshi muses. "You said that was just on of the training grounds, what of the others?"
[12:10] <~Deedles> "There's a small active vulcano on one of the high peaks. I sometimes go there to train too." The Fire Mentor said as his smile became a grin.
[12:12] <Zero_Atma> "Why does that not surprise me?" Yoshi mutters. "I suppose we'll be training there as well?"
[12:13] <~Deedles> "Nope, just the lake. The trip between the two is so long that I tend to go one or the other, and considering that Shen and Jian's training are both centered around water right now the lake seemed the best option." Leewan smirked at his student "And I'm sure I can put it to some good use for you too."
[12:16] <Zero_Atma> "How very thoughtful of you." Yoshi begins digging through his pouches until he finds what he's looking for, pulling out the small bamboo flute he likes to play on occasion. "How about a little traveling music?"
[12:17] <Shen> "I thought you'd never ask." Shen laughed encouragement up to his friend.
[12:19] <~Deedles> "Please tell me you've been practicing..." Leewan pleaded with a jestful grin.
[12:20] <Zero_Atma> "I have! just listen to this!" Yoshi insisted as he places the flute to his lips and begins playing...
[12:23] <Shen> Shen closes his eyes as he chuckles.
[12:24] <~Deedles> Leewan whistled along to the tune as they walk. Ziulong didn't show much reaction, but then again, he barely ever does. Satzu actually nodded his head faintly in rhythem with the song.
[12:26] <Zero_Atma> As usual the notes coming from the flute are up-beat, almost spritely, shrill but not harsh. It actually helps to pass the time a bit as they walk.
[12:35] <Shen> Shen listened to Yoshi play, a smile on his face as he paced alongside his brother.
[12:41] <Earthflame> Jian smiles to himself as they walk, the song even reaching him in his tranquil trance.
[12:47] <~Deedles> As Leewan recogniced one of the songs Yoshihiro was playing he began to actually sing along, a lot better than they probably expected he would.
[12:49] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi tries to keep his playing stready, though the corners of his lips had curled into a smile, the drunkard spinning around and hopping from one foot to the other as he plays.
[12:50] <~Deedles> Satzu chuckled as he watched the student and master perform for them while they walked. Ziulong slowly swayed his head from side to side as he listened with an expression of deep thought; Who knows what crazy ideas and theories this was giving him?
[12:53] <Shen> Shen laughed along softly as they played, happily suprised by the combination of Leewans voice and Yoshi's flute.
[12:54] <Earthflame> Jian's smile blooms a bit, drawn back into the world by the music and song, looking at the view they pass by rather than being stuck in his own world...
[12:56] <Zero_Atma> Yoshihiro's song slowly draws to a close, clapping his hands together in applause for his mentor. "Well done, master, I didn't know you could sing!"
[12:57] <~Deedles> "It's been a while." Leewan confessed as he patted Yoshi's shoulder "That was some nice playing, you really have been practicing!" he praised his student
[12:59] <Zero_Atma> "Hehe, well, I don't mean to toot my own flute but..." Yoshi brings the flute to his lips once more to play a little tune in jest.
[13:00] <Earthflame> Jian chuckles a bit at that... The first sound he's made since they met.
[13:00] <~Deedles> Leewan laughed heartily.
[13:01] <~Deedles> Ziulong glanced towards Jian, the faintest of smiles on his lips.
[13:05] <Shen> Shen shook his head at the terrible pun, letting out a heavy sigh.
[13:08] <Zero_Atma> "So, who wants a snack? I made dumplings~" Yoshi offers, digging into his bag.
[13:09] <Earthflame> "If you would, Yoshi."
[13:09] <Shen> "Like that is even a question." he huffed with a grin.
[13:11] <~Deedles> "Sure, I'd like one." Satzu replied with a faint smile. "Gimme one." Leewan grinned. Ziulong silently held a hand forward.
[13:13] <Zero_Atma> "Try these!" Yoshi hands each of them a stick, each of which has three small orbs stuck through it: one gree, one white, one pink. "There's plenty more."
[13:14] <Earthflame> ...Jian raises an eyebrow. "Curious."
[13:16] <Shen> Shen isn't sure what the hell he just took, sniffing it curiously.
[13:17] <Zero_Atma> "Careful you don't poke yourself in the eye." Yoshi advises, helping Shen by turning the vertical stick sideways for him. "Just bite down, trust me."
[13:18] <~Deedles> Leewan studied the stick before he had one of the dumplings "Hmm, nice." he muttered with a nod while chewing.
[13:19] <Earthflame> Jian does the same, taking each in turn.
[13:20] <Shen> He stubbornly grumbled a little at his patronising friend as he deftly slid a dumpling off of the stick with his teeth, but his expression changed almost instantly. "...Pretty good." he conceded.
[13:21] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi smiles at that, placing another dongo in Shen's free hand. "Thought they'd make for a nice bite on the go."
[13:23] <Shen> "Not as messy as normal dumplings." he admitted with a nod. "Pretty clever."
[13:25] <Zero_Atma> "When you're done eating you can use the end as a tooth-pick, pretty ingenius if I do say so myself." Yoshi says with a proud grin.
[13:32] <~Deedles> Ziulong ate his dango in silence, poking his teeth slightly with the stick before flicking it into a bush that they passed.
[13:43] <~Deedles> The walk continued like this for a while. Sometimes they had to climb, or walk along narrow paths, but after a few more hours they could see a lake in the distance. "Ah, here we are!" Leewan declared with a smile as he gestured on ahead.
[13:45] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi shakes his eyes with one o his hands, squinting as he looks off into the distance. "I think I see it."
[13:45] <Shen> Shen's nose perks as he lifts his head, falling out of the zoned ruthem of his brothers footsteps. "I can smell the water from here." he admitted. "So... clean."
[13:46] <Shen> rhythm*
[13:47] <~Deedles> "It's pure, undisturbed." Ziulong spoke calmly
[13:48] <Earthflame> Jian smiles as he gazes at the lake in the distance, turning back and looking to see if they can see the village from where they are now.
[13:49] <~Deedles> The mists are thicker here, making it impossible to see anything that is that far away.
[13:54] <Zero_Atma> "Well, what are we waiting for? lets get down there!" Yoshi insisted.
[13:55] <~Deedles> "You can run to it, if you wish." Leewan chuckled as he kept walking in the same pace as before.
[14:02] <Shen> Shen inhaled the mist soothingly as he felt it around them, it felt much thicker up here, almost feeling it dancing across his skin. "Its not as cold up here as I remember." he mused out loud. "But I don't think we ever came out this far."
[14:02] <Earthflame> Jian stares curiously at the lake. "I wonder..."
[14:05] <~Deedles> "No, we never came quite this far out." Satzu agreed with Shen. Ziulong looked at Jian, studying him quietly with a curious expression.
[14:06] <Earthflame> Jian glances at the water mentor. "My Mother taught me a sword training technique, when I was younger. Wave Cutter... But we only had a small stream. I've never had the chance to try it on a larger body of water."
[14:07] <Zero_Atma> "Sounds like a cool technique." Yoshi admits.
[14:07] <~Deedles> The Silent Ice nodded once before he turned his gaze back to the lake, the Mentor look rather peaceful close to the large and pure pool of water.
[14:21] <Shen> Shen looked out towards the lake, even if he couldn't see it he was eager to get there and begin.
[14:34] <~Deedles> As they reach the large and clear lake they really see that Leewan wasn't exagerating about it being big. Large trees grew around it, several branches hanging low and dipping into the water.
[14:36] <Zero_Atma> "Pretty..." Yoshi muses, standing near the edge of the lake, looking out over the water. "Where should we set up camp?"
[14:53] <~Deedles> "I usually set mine up over by those large rocks over there." Leewan said as he pointed to a group of 5 large rocks that made up a rough circle.
[14:54] <Earthflame> Jian pauses to kneel by the lakeside, letting his fingertips rest just touching the surface of the water...
[14:54] <~Deedles> As Jian focused on the lake he could feel a powerful presence of Water chi, moreso than anywhere he'd ever been before. It carried a lot of emotions with it, some of them calm, cold, fear, empathy and a strange sense of meditation; No wonder Ziulong seemed so content being close to it.
[14:55] <Earthflame> He smiles softly, but a little sadly. "...I should have brought Rei here."
[14:55] <~Deedles> "She knows this feeling already." Ziulong informed him, his voice, as always, calm and quiet.
[14:56] <Earthflame> He glances at her a moment, and then nods. "It is calming..."
[14:56] <Earthflame> *him
[14:57] <Shen> Shen quietly walked up to and stood next to Yoshi as he crouched down, dipping his fingertips into the lake's still surface. He moved them around and skittered them off the surface for a while as he nodded quietly. "Overwhelming, too." he uttered quietly.
[14:58] <~Deedles> "It is." Ziulong chimed, agreeing to both of them at the same time.
[14:58] <~Deedles> Satzu and Leewan headed off to the rocks to start setting up the camp in the meantime.
[14:59] <Earthflame> Jian dips his left hand into the water... He breathes harshly for a moment, a sound of pain as the water flows over the bandage... And then he breathes a sigh of relief, relaxing as the cool water lulls him.
[15:01] <Shen> Shen idly wanders off, following the river's edge in the opposite direction to the camp as he remains transfixed by it.
[15:02] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi decides to help his mentors set up camp, it eould make the job go much faster with the three o them working together.
[15:07] <~Deedles> Ziulong watched Shen go, keeping an eye on him while also glancing down towards Jian.
[15:09] <Earthflame> Jian closes his eyes... And begins to cry, silently, clenching his fist beneath the water.
[15:14] <~Deedles> The Water Mentor kneeled down beside him, laying a light hand on his back, but he didn't speak.
[15:15] <Earthflame> He sits there for a good few minutes... Before relunctantly letting his hand leave the water, standing silently before whispering. "...Thank you."
[15:15] <~Deedles> Ziulong just nodded as he looked at Jian with his ice blue eyes.
[15:16] <Earthflame> He bows his head to the mentor, and moves off towards the camp, removing his backpack to stash it with the rest of the supplies.
[15:18] <~Deedles> Leewan was in the middle of setting up one of the tents while Satzu had gone off to get firewood. Ziulong slowly rose to his feet before he headed off in the direction Shen had gone.
[15:19] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi aids his mentor in setting up the tents, and after that he prepares the fire pit for Satzu's return.
[15:22] <Earthflame> Jian sets his pack down, asking "...Can I help?"
[15:23] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi smiles at him. "Of course! grab me a few more rocks for the fire pit, then we can go and fill up on fresh water."
[15:24] <Earthflame> He nods, and sets about doing that... Almost meditatively, treating the manual task as an opportunity to reflect.
[15:35] <Shen> Shen had followed the lakes bank around, carrying his satchel with him. It was massive, even dwarfing the one closer to the village where he had originally discovered his Water chi thanks to Blossom. Trisuon, was the lake's true name and he would not forget it in a hurry.
[15:35] <Shen> This lake was different though, he felt as if it called his name, willing him to come on his own not out of rejection of any others, but out of solitude for his soul.
[15:36] <~Deedles> They heard a few dull saps and snaps coming from the forest, and a few minutes later Satzu returned carrying a large amount of firewood that he began piling up on the edge of the camp.
[15:37] <~Deedles> As if Ziulong could sense the lake's call to Shen he followed the young man, but kept his distance, his hands clasped behind him as he walked at a calm and slow pace.
[15:39] <Zero_Atma> "Give me a hand with these." Yoshi prompted Jian, holding forth a few containers meant to carry their water toward the swordsman.
[15:40] <Earthflame> Jian nods, taking one. "Of course, Yoshi."
[15:44] <Shen> Shen stopped when he found a certain point, a low twisted willow tree that dangled its spiny fingers into the lakes surface and his face. He dropped his pack down at its base and sat on the edge of the lake, his useless eyes closed as he debated within himself, wether or not to enter the lake.
[15:46] <~Deedles> He would hear the light footsteps of Ziulong's bare feet as the Water Mentor approached him, quietly having a seat beside him.
[15:48] <Shen> Shen turned as the man approached him, but he did not mind as he turned back to the water, speaking after only a moments silence. "What should I do?" Shen asked him quietly, searching for an answer.
[15:49] <~Deedles> "What do you do when someone calls?" Ziulong asked in reply, his voice faint, as if he didn't wish to disturb the peace of the lake.
[15:55] <Shen> "Depends on whos calling." he replied honestly, but with those words alone he had already made his decision. He derobed, only a pair of cotton pants remaining as he slid into the lake, barely breaking its surface as he sighed, its cold momentarily pausing his breath. "I suppose finding that out is my first step." he exhaled calmly as he pushed himself further into the lake.
[15:56] <~Deedles> Ziulong nodded, even though Shen couldn't see it, the Mentor was sure he could sense it.
[15:59] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi carries the rest of the containers to the edge of the lake. "Think this water is good for drinking?" he asks Jian, looking out over the large body of water before them.
[16:04] <Earthflame> Jian nods. "Certainly. Can't you feel how pure it is?" He dips the containers in, letting them fill before hauling them out again. "You should take some water back with you. It would be a wonderful base for brewing, I think."
[16:06] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi nods at the idea. "Couldn't hurt, it might come in handy." the drunkard admits, starting to fill more of the containers.
[16:07] <Shen> Much like the feeling of Trisuon, the lake at first felt overwhelming, like it would be too much to handle if he remained. Though once again it had suprised him just how much his limits stretched and distorted  once he let go of his fear. He exhaled a thick mist as he floated, such a clear feeling he enjoyed, he could feel it cleansing his soul.
[16:07] <Shen>  He floated for a while, until he gave way to the will of his chi, the water carrying him as he turned inwards.
[16:08] <Earthflame> He glances at Yoshi. "Try sensing it. You wanted to refine your Chi perception."
[16:13] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi looked unsure, for a moment, then slowly dips his hand into the lake...
[16:15] <~Deedles> Shen could sense Jian and Yoshi on the side of the lake where they'd arrived, scooping water into containers. He could feel the solitude of the calm lake, and yet the connection that it held to everything around it. There was fear and yet certainty. A confusing and yet completely logical mix of sensations. As he floated there a single word came to mind, though it was unlike any word he'd heard before, it was more like a name; Mazuro
[16:18] <Shen> "Mazuro." he exhaled quietly as he imprinted the name into his memory with a heavy stream of mist, his eyes slowly opening.
[16:19] <~Deedles> As Yoshi dipped his hand into the lake he calm, but with the calm came fear, at first overwhelming and scary, but if he lingered he could feel that it didn't try to impose itself upon him, it simply circled around him. It seemed curious, curious of one who held an element so unlike itself.
[16:21] <~Deedles> Ziulong's ice blue eyes peered over the edge of his high collar as he studied Shen silently.
[16:24] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi's eyes were closed, wincing a bit at the frightning sensation, his face scrunched up in discomfort for a moment. That expression turns to one of curiosity, his expression mirrored that of the lake, how does one expect fire to touch water?
[16:25] <Earthflame> Jian quietly focuses on Yoshi, curious as to the interplay of Chi...
[16:30] <~Deedles> It's a cautious dance between two elements that are both equal an opposite, both studying each other curiously in an attempt to understand one another.
[16:31] <Zero_Atma> It's as if he's come face to face with his polar opposite. His spirited, firey nature contrasting with the calm, cool of the lake before him. It's...confusing to say the least.
[16:42] <Shen> Shen turned his head slightly towards the direction of the camp, a smile creeping across his face as he feels the familiar chi of his friend mingling with the lake. He closed his eyes as he reached out to his friend, his own chi joining the dance and uniting both of the opposites.
[16:53] <Zero_Atma> Yoshihiro's face looks much more contemplative as the familiar flow of chi comes his way, which causes him to slowly peek an eye open in the direction that Shen was floating.
[16:54] <Earthflame> Jian watches, smiling softly. "...You've both gotten much more aware."
[16:56] <~Deedles> Ziulong's eyes had closed by now, his legs crossed as his arms rested across them, his fingers connected by the tips as he meditated.
[17:00] <Shen> Shens chi dissipated slowly, dissolving into the lake itself as he made his way back to the edge, stepping up onto the ground again. "This lake is much more complicated than Trisuon." he reflected out-loud, but quietly as he placed himself next to Ziulong and reclothed himself. "I don't think its name is all that it has to say."
[17:02] <~Deedles> "This lake speaks plenty if you learn how to hear it." Ziulong murmured, opening his eyes slightly so he could turn his gaze to Shen.
[17:07] <Shen> "I'm still pretty new to this." he admitted, but he didn't disagree with the man - it was his own fault for not hearing, not the lakes for not speaking. "I hope to learn as much as I can from it before we leave." he spoke as he got to his feet and picked up his pack, walking in the direction back to camp. "I'm heading back for now."
[17:07] <~Deedles> "You will learn..." Ziulong replied calmly before he fell silent again, letting Shen head back in peace.
[17:12] <Shen> It wasn't long before Shen returned to the camp, placing his satchel down nearby as he nodded to the others. "Sorry for just walking off like that." he apologised, "Curiosity got the better of me."
[17:13] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi waves a dismissive hand, water flinging from his fingertips. "Don't worry about it."
[17:13] <Earthflame> Jian gives him a nod. "We are here to train, each in our own way... I am hoping to try out the Wave Cutter, if Ziulong allows it. I do not want to disturb the lakes Chi."
[17:18] <Shen> Shen nodded back at Jians voice. "You're right. We are here for a reason, each of us." he conceded. "But I'm not sure anything could disturb this lakes Chi, to be honest." he turned his head staring over it with a baffled look on his face. "It's beyond unique."
[17:19] <Zero_Atma> "You can say that again." yoshi admits, rubbing the back of his neck. "That was weird..."
[17:21] <~Deedles> In the distance they can hear raised voices, Leewan laughing about something as Satzu shouts something which can be heard quite clearly to be 'SHUT UP!'
[17:22] <Earthflame> ...Jian glances over in that direction, raising an eyebrow.
[17:22] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi covers his mouth with both hands, just snickering.
[17:29] <Shen> Shen sighs as he hears his brother howl. "I wonder what they're talking about."
[17:32] <~Deedles> Satzu came storming by, lightning crackling around him as he huffed, grumbling something under his breath.
[17:36] <Shen> "Everything alright, Satzu?" Shen piped as his brother stalked past.
[17:37] <~Deedles> Father Heaven paused mid-motion as he turned to look towards Shen, Jian and Yoshi, before he shook his head. "Just Leewan being a nosey prick." he grunted as he continued in the direction he'd been going.
[17:40] <Zero_Atma> Yoshihiro sighs and shakes his head. "Lets hope that doesn't persist for two whole weeks."
[17:44] <Shen> "Knowing them it likely will." Shen exhaled deeply as he sat down, taking the weight off of his strained feet, not noticing their state until now.
[17:45] <Earthflame> Jian glances up, looking around for Ziulong...
[17:46] <~Deedles> Ziulong was still calmly sat by the shore in the area where Shen had gone for a dip.
[17:46] <Earthflame> Jian begins to make his way over to him, walking along the very edge of the lake, staying close to the water.
[17:48] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi, in the meantime, goes to see what his mentor is up to.
[17:48] <~Deedles> The Water Mentor didn't make any move as Jian approached, his eyes remaining closed and his fingertips staying connected.
[17:49] <~Deedles> Leewan was in the middle of poking at a newly lit fire, still chuckling to himself.
[17:49] <Earthflame> "...Master? Could I request a word of guidance?"
[17:50] <~Deedles> Ziulong opened his eyes as he turned his head towards Jian, nodding once.
[17:51] <Earthflame> "This lake... It feels so still. So calm. Would it be wrong to train in it? My mother told me of training her sword strength in lakes... But would it be blasphemy?"
[17:52] <~Deedles> "This lake is ancient, and strong. People such as you and I could never hope to dent it." The Silent Ice answered quietly.
[17:52] <Zero_Atma> "Didn't you teach me not to play with fire, master?" Yoshi asks with a playful grin.
[17:52] <Earthflame> He nods. "That is good. Thank you." He returns to the others, shucking his shirt, shoes and socks before striding ankle deep into the water.
[17:53] <~Deedles> "Depends on the fire. If it's more powerful than you then you're going to get burnt." Leewan replied with a grin
[17:54] <Shen> Shen, finding himself alone, moves up closer to the lake's edge and looks out over it with his senses.
[17:59] <Zero_Atma> "Well, that's sort of why we're here." Yoshi points out. "I'm looking to become the bigger fire."
[18:00] <Earthflame> Jian closes his eyes, bowing his knees and setting his hand at his side. A swordsmans stance, ready to draw a blade... And then he waits.
[18:03] <~Deedles> "Then I got some excercises for you!" Leewan's grin turned into a smirk as he looked at his student.
[18:07] <Zero_Atma> Yoshi raises a curious brow. "Oh yeah? name it!" he insisted, flexing one of his arms. "I'm ready!"
[18:12] <Earthflame> ...He stands there, absolutely still, for what might be half an hour. And then, in a single moment, he strikes, his Chi Blade shining as it slices through the surface of the water...
[18:28] <~Deedles> As Jian drew his chi blade and cut across lake a stream of chi sped across and past the surface. The clear liquid rushed up towards the sky as it had nowhere to go as Jian created a sharp void in the massive pool of water, spanning a quarter of its length and reaching half-way into its depths.
[18:16] <Earthflame> Jian smiles, but seems a little down as he walks back to the shore.
[18:29] <Earthflame> He looks rather exhausted as he pulls himself out of the lake, his arms hanging limply by his sides at the exertion, the sheer quantity of Chi he had flooded into the blow. He mutters to himself. "Good... Not good enough."
[18:30] <~Deedles> Though the swordsman couldn't see it as Ziulong was sat so far away, the Water Mentor had a faint smile on his lips, his eyes still closed as he took in all there was to know about Jian's powerful chi slash.