the search for Salzem

Sals attack on the first clone destroyed it and as water bounced around him off the surface of the water. He turned and got ready for the next attack. Well that didn't go like he had planed but he still had one clone. Cole would study Sal for a moment realizing that the way he slung his arms around that he must not be able to use them with out real pain. He had an idea he would use his clone as a distraction attacking but before the clone would get to Sal he would jump off of its shoulders in order to do an Ariel attack while also giving a ground attack at the same time.

He figured that he wouldn't be able to block both attacks and this would be his last idea that he had. If Sal would be able to block this attack the fight would b over, either way it went Cole would be respectful, as Sal did push him to his limits just like last time.

Salzem watched as Cole and his clone regrouped. They seemed to be analyzing him just as he was analyzing them. Suddenly, Cole dashed forward, with his clone slightly ahead. Suddenly, Cole would run up his clone's back, jumping off it's shoulders in an Arial maneuver, doubling the trouble with two different angles to attack from. Salzem could only block the lower one, raising his right leg, using it as a shield. However, Cole's second attack went through, striking Salzem's face. 10 strength to 32 health, Cole's hit caused Salzem to recoil slightly but he recovered quickly. Salzem blinked the pain out of his eyes before dashing forward, slamming a knee (15 strength, 75 speed into the water clone. He would then turn swiftly facing Cole. He was about to deliver another attack before he shook his head, exhausted. He was spent. Salzem looked at Cole and smiled feebly.

"This match is yours." Salzem said, looking down at his wasted arms and bleeding knuckles. Blood dropped into the water and faded into the clear light blue. But then his sanguine eyes flashed back up at him. "The result will not be the same next time. Now, can you help to land? I'm spent..." If Cole were to help him to shore, he would prop himself up on a tree trunk, trying to control his breathing and recover.

Cole had done it, but he was exhausted as well after landing the punch on Sal. He turned around with a smile hearing Sal telling him that he had won, but Sal looked pretty bad though, and unlike last time he couldn't return the favor he didn't know any medical ninjutsu. When Sal asked him for a hand getting to shore. Cole was more than happy to help letting Sal use him as a crutch. He would walk with sal off the water and lean him up against a tree. Cole would also take a seat against the tree.

"I'm sorry Sal. I can heal you like you did me last time we fought" cole would tell Sal. "but i can help you back to town if you want its the least i can do" he would add. He would wait to see what Sal would say about it.

Either way it went he would then ask Sal "what was that flaming fist jutsu you used it was awesome" with a smile.

Salzem rested himself against the tree trunk, cringing. He was beaten and broken. He didn't want to travel anymore today. He just wanted to sit and rest. By now the sun was low in the sky, sun set arcing over the horizon.

"Nah. It is not your fault." Salzem said grinning at Cole. "What is training if not a challenge?" Salzem tried to relax, trying to ignore his arm's aching pains.

"You like it? It's called the Morning Peacock. Perhaps when you know a bit more in taijutsu, I could teach it to you. And about helping me back to town, no. I just wish to rest now." Salzem would watch the sun sink lower in the sky, his energy seeming to fade with it. "I'm sure I'll be fine. You could head back yourself if you wish..."

Cole thought about it he did lie the taijutsu that Sal used maybe he would learn more about taijutsu, but for now he needed to stay focused on his ninjutsu. Sal would tell him that the move was called the morning peacock. "i did like it and it would be cool if you could teach it to me one day" cole would tell Sal.

Sal would tell Cole that he would be fine and that he could go on home if he wanted, but Cole looked around and it was starting to get dark now, and it was Coles fault that Sal was in this shape. "naw i think i will stay with you i'm the reason that your hurt, and it wouldn't be right if i just left you laying here in the dirt, so ill stay with you till you get good enough to walk again at least" cole would tell Sal. He would try to put on a face that said that his mind wouldn't be changed easily. He would lean back against the tree and get comfy making small talk with Sal.

"Laying in the dirt?" Salzem chuckled lightly. "Cole, we must take what we can get.... and it's not your fault. It was training. We worked hard." Salzem noticed the determined look on Cole's face. It basically said that he was going to stand by his decision and not change his mind easily. Salzem could hear the crickets coming out now, their chirps filling up the air, music among beasts. They made small talk for a while before Salzem's exhaustion reached it's climax and he began to drift into unconsciousness.  He fell asleep a moment later, his arms still recovering from the beating they took.

Cole would talk with Salzem for a while before he started to fall asleep he noticed that Salzem had done fell asleep and wanted to stay awake to keep guard, but he his eyes got heavy and eventually fell asleep as well, as he slept he slid further down the tree and ended up using one of the roots sticking up as a pillow. He could hear the crickets out and the water flowing down. It was weather peaceful and Cole had an easy time falling asleep. It didn't matter how much he fought it he couldn't stay awake.

Salzem would wake up around midnight, the aching in his arms had all but ceased. He would turn to where Cole was to see him asleep. Heh. Salzem thought to himself. He reached over with his one of his recovered arms and shook Cole gently with just enough force to rouse someone from a slumber.

"Hey, Cole." Salzem would say while shaking him a little. "I think it's time to head home."

If Cole were to wake up and agree, Salzem would head home with Cole right behind him.

(Exit:)
(WC: 2047)
Claiming 10 stat points, 1500 words into Morning peacock and 547 to Lizard Skin armor

Cole would wake to Sal gently shaking him "Hay cole, I think its time to go home now" Salzem would say. Cole would get up and rub his eyes getting the sleep out of his eyes. Cole would look at the sky and he figured that from the position of the moon in the sky that it was some time around midnight.

He would stand up and agree with Salzem now that he was healed a good bit. Cole would follow Salzem back to town, and when it got to his street he would tell Salzem bye and turn to go to his house.

exit
(TWC-2,008 Claiming 10 stats and water clone mastered for lower chakra and no hand signs)

Approved, boys.