Chapter 23. Using affinity

The morning sun shone on Ash's little encampment. The leaves covered most of the sunlight, but the sleeping teen knew it was time to wake up. Ash sat and called Grim to him for a moment as he was deciding his next decision. Ash checked his partner's condition and reflected on himself as well.

They were doing well enough; a little banged up here and there but no biggie. Ash was curious about the energy that Grim could exude when fighting. He never had the time to take a look at the little bird's strange gift. Tapping into their link, he questioned Grim.

'Hey buddy, can you tell me what that white light does. It appears a lot when you fight.'

Unfortunately, Grim could only say that when he was experiencing high emotions, power would flow through him.

Ash knew he would get nowhere by pressing that question, so he decided to move onto training. Right now he wanted to do something that he should have before. Tap into the elemental affinities of his partner and practice using it.

The both of them could use practice doing this. Ash had never wielded an element and Grim was a newborn that needed more experience.

Ash directed Grim to channel his blood element and focus on feeling his attack [blood let]. Ash set up a quick campfire and roasted the lusty goats meat, this would increase blood flow while they channeled their element.

After a few minutes of roasting, Ash put out the fire and brought over the medium rare meat. Grim was focused on his claw that exuded a strong bloody odor.

Grim turned to Ash before he could say anything and took most of the cooked meat. Ash smiled wryly but ate his and started to train.

Tapping into the shared link, Ash needed to get used to the concept of blood. Death was more obscure and harder to practice with, so Ash chose to master the concept of blood. Pulses of red were sent over the link; Ash could feel the sensation of his blood flowing faster.

A smile on his face, Ash did not touch his saber but started to get into martial poses. Memories of his father showing him punches, and kicks played in his head. Ash was forcing his body to move faster and hit harder.

Getting used to being in an elevated state, Ash closed his eyes as sweat cascade down his body. After an hour of continuous movement, a red hue appeared on Ash's skin. It was faint enough that you could only see it looking hard enough.