I placed the bought groceries and tubes for cleaning purposes to their respective places, experiencing a rush of liberation by doing so. Back on Earth, I found my things in my parent's house where THEY placed it and sometimes, it was proven hard to do so. Now, I had the window of opportunity to remember every single thing in my house. Where I put it last time, when I moved it or used it and which object I used.

And just to satisfy my combat instincts... it was also an advantage to see if any of these ponies had tried to steal something...

On my way out of the town... well, I don't really know if I should feel seriously 'creeped' out or should I feel grateful for the ponies...

Close to the entrance of the town, from the corners of my eyes, I caught something peculiar, disturbing and downright hilarious. I pulled my mouth to the side and I was already reaching up for my mask to put it on, when Dhanthas just had to spoke up...

''Hmm, new fetish acquired.''

And that was it for me, I ripped my gaze away from the weird pony, who was inside an oversized jar, filled with some sort of jam. I started running away from the town, nearly tripping over my feet, as I felt a few pulsations of soon-erupting laughter inside my belly. I held my breath for no use, as the image of that absolutely pleased expression on the stallion face kept on popping up in front of me, like the Element of Laughter did hours ago. The picture was haunting and like an apparition, kept on presenting himself to my thoughts, not being an ally in this battle against my roaring laughter.

The road was clear, yet I didn't want to risk the chance that I will be spotted. With that, I ran down from the road, into the woods on the left and threw myself into the bushes, allowing the loud and releasing laughter to pretty much scare the crap right out of the woodland critters.

I heard Dhanthas laughing as well, just like I heard someone fell onto the ground in my head, most definitely mimicking my current state and activity. Seriously? What the actual fuck was that?! It was like the guy took a damp in that thing and enjoyed its warmth all over his body! Like he just finished masturbating inside that freaking jar of jam, probably experiencing the best sex he ever had! As my Dark self said: New fetish acquired and I had a feeling that he himself will try this out, just so we could laugh again...

I didn't even dare to question the origin of that giant jar, nor the birth of that idea. I was already out of breath, my laughter coming out forcefully, but without any sound. My belly hurt, my head felt like it was going to explode and I had a training session for the day...

With that in mind and as a first priority, I inhaled deeply, mass amount of well-needed oxygen filling my lungs again. I forced down the curled edges of my mouth, back to the signature straight line, that usually adored my face's expression. Then picking myself up, I decided to use the forest as a shortcut, to get to the training grounds.

''Bitches must be jelly for mah jam!''

Dhanthas declared, erupting into laughter again, me following suit...

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

After the unexpected, though, certainly welcomed moment and exchange, I made it to the training field. I was about to start warming up by doing shadow fighting and stretching, when Dhuradhan stopped me and told me to let them out and start with the lonely tree on the left side of the field. And since it was training and a warm day on top of that, I let my clothes to lie on my small backpack, by the bottom of the tree. Yes, the armor went too, leaving me with only a white T-shirt.

I had brought some apples with myself, finding them useful for later breaks. I ate before departing, filling myself with sandwiches - finally with some cheese on them - and taking care of any excretion, hydrating AND bringing a bottle of water with myself, I was ready for the training course.

At first, I thought making connection with nature would prove to be difficult, given how long I had tried it, what my current state and situation was. However, all of the disadvantaging facts and matters were not even against me in the slightest. In fact, Equestria welcomed me with open arms now! This dawned on me in the instant, when I took a seat before the tree and connected myself onto the vegetation. Dhuradhan confirmed this as well, by explaining how the worlds' Energy needs to be Tuned into an A'nforian's body...

The personal Energy meets with the world's Energy and it could lead to unexpected outcomes, when the Ability or Spell disappears... or it could occur at the beginning of said Techniques. Hence the explosion at Sugarcube Corner...

Now, while the Doctors forced the Energy inside me and commanded my body to get used to this bright Energy in Equestria, it was time for me to recharge myself. And so, since my body's Energy, Equestria's Energy and the Light Energy from the sun met, the event lead to some difficulties. To my upmost luck, I hadn't used Techniques for more than a week, allowing my body to Tune the new type of Energy. That was over and it was time for Equestria's Energy to Tune itself to my presence. For being nearly a living Energy type, I just couldn't bend it to my will, unlike with the empty Energy on Earth. In a way, it was like calling each other on the phone... or tango... both needed two side to work together. The only exception was that I gave into Equestria sooner than it could give itself into me...

As the days passed and while I Tuned the Elemental Bending into myself, by intermittent connection-creating, Equestria slowly grew onto me, 'allowing' itself to be under my care and granting permission to the usage of its Energy. Believe me, it was annoying to not be able to have full control over Energy and this annoyance quickly turned into irritation, when we realized how it affected me!

No wonder I had difficulties at keep up my ways to deal with certain moments, without losing myself and giving into the fortified emotions. It wasn't just an explanation about why the ponies were so harmless, but a proper reason about my flashbacks and sudden emotional waves, that had been challenging my actions and way of thinking.

In other words... it was a disadvantage...

The Energy was inside me, it got used me using it and I have full control over it... but the influence! The influence! I did NOT need that influence, especially at those times, when my actions were supposed to be in check! A social crisis was about to erupt from Ponyville and I suddenly get weird reactions, all because of Equestra's nature?!

At least not my Abilities were affected, because if they would have been, then disaster would have been on the near horizon...

While Equestria was changing me internally, the external of Dhanthas and Dhuradhan slowly mutated as well...

The two developed their flesh and blood form slowly, though the improvements were visible for the eyes. Less and less chunks were missing from their bodies and each chunk was filled with their respective Energy. If not from the hair and clothes, then you could have easily make out which one who was. Dhuradhan's chunks were glowing in light-blue, while Dhanthas had the contrary, dark-blue. Their eyes were real at last, not giving the impression from an otherworldly ghost and they seemed highly comfortable in their half-done bodies. To be more precise and to just define them in a sense, I would say... they were half-born Spirits...

From their movements, I noted more differences and personalities as well.

Dhuradhan walked firmly and straight, my scoliosis nonexistent in his posture. The way he stood was one of a guard's, whispering about his Techniques. While he was skilled at defensive Wards, offensive close and ranged combat were still on the list of skills.

Dhanthas on the other hand, was the exact opposite. The way he walked and stood, the scoliosis was highly visible when he let go of the straight posture. Movement was one of a predator's, hands formed into grappling position, like he had claws, instead of simple hands. And his ways in combat was the oh-so famous saying: The best defense is attacking.

Me? A confounding combination of that two, except I was complete...

Back to being the Balance of the Nature, this Ability seemed to be in my possession completely. Without the Energy-restrain, this state reached a longer period of time... more like, it relied on my capability to send Energy into what I was doing. It stroke me as odd at first, then I soon found out the reason for the sudden difficulty at keeping up the connection...

The last time I held up the link for minutes, I was... 'at peace with the world', let's just say that. I found the tranquility in that moment, unlike now, when I tried keeping up this state as long as I wanted. I purposely wanted to be one with nature! I wasn't searching for the vegetation's 'company', all because I felt at ease with 'her'. No restriction, only Energy manipulation and a goal to reach...

The reason why I couldn't do this a week ago, was because of the Tuning of Equestria's Energy! In the end, I preferred this handicap, instead of not having the control over my Energy, to actually make the connection at all...

More so, for I picked up a spy on the top of the tree, in the form of a pegasus...

The wind was supposed to keep the pony cloaked from hearing her... hehhe, I could already imagine the many possibilities of this new title and its Powers... Balance of the Nature: The one who knows when you step into his territory...

I had the source of my vision inside the tree's core, thus the pony's body dressed up to a certain outlined shape, showing me her exact location, her position and body size. A mare - not like Ponyville had so much of those stallions, but it was more detail, so it came handy - and an agile one of that...

How this connection allowed me to see her was fascinating and worth pointing out.

There was a certain sized radius, where I was able to locate everything. Further that radius, as far as the vegetation lied, the outlines of the nature were visible in a black-and-white visual, while inside the radius, everything showed its color and every movement. Pretty much, as far as I extended this 'alive' area, I got the ability to look around on my own and from every direction. However, I preferred to stay close to my body, in case my attention leaves out something, that could rudely interrupt the link...

Now, while the grass, trees and bushes were showing a real picture, the animals and others had only outlines, no features or details. I, myself, could be seen outside my body, in my own Energy's color and it showed how much Energy I had inside me. Sadly, it didn't work with other living creatures, for they weren't connected to the nature. I wondered if the Elves would be shown in as much detail as my being was shown through the eyes of my spiritual being in that state. An out-of-body experience, where I was able to see everything, from every angle and was able to move around freely and as fast as I wanted.

Though, the last feature of this state was quite confusing sometimes, given how I had to get used to the speed of light and that moving around like that often threw me out focus, resulting in losing the whole connection...

The pegasus - with a few delays of showing her form, due to her jumping from branch to branch and leaving physical connection with the tree itself - silently made her way closer to me, stalking up above me. My Energy flared, Primary Armor activated and disconnecting myself from the tree, the rest of the field and a good chunk of the forest, I stood up slowly.

''Is something wro-'' Dhuradhan never got the chance to finish sentence, for I spoke up quickly...

''Who hides amongst the leaves and plans to do something unpleasant to me?!'' I shouted out, not looking up yet. ''Show yourself and I might consider forgiveness!''

A moment of silence went by, the otherwise cool breeze on the field heating up with tension. I caught her and I could only imagine the rigid stature she was posing in shock. After a few more seconds, I half expected the pegasus to give herself up, but it seemed like my voice was enough to get her head straight...

And I half-expected that this pegasus will be the Element of Loyalty herself. Gliding down to my left, where the road was a good thirty or so meters away, she stood her ground, expression showing a slight suspicious as she frowned.

''How did you know I was there?'' She questioned and I quickly came up with an unsuspicious answer, as well as with a logical one.

I pointed at the branches above me. ''Leaves do not move that frequently and it was easy to make out a flying creature entering inside the canopy. Jumping from brunch to brunch with loud thuds voiced out the size of the creature and so far, I haven't seen any other living being with that body size, that could fly... only pegasy...''

''No shit Sherlock!'' Dhanthas removed the cigarette from his mouth, just so he could make himself and Dhuradhan noticeable.

The rainbow pony took a step further away from them, taking one careful and intent stare at the two. Looking between me and them, she repeated the process a few times, attempting at speaking up. At last, he gaze fell upon me, a shade calmer look on her face.

''Why didn't you tell us about these two?'' Now that was a question, which so far, has been the dumbest one...

It was acceptable from my part, to approach this question with the same carefree attitude. So I took a step closer, reached out my hand for a... hoofshake and acted the douche...

''Hello, my name is Outsider and there are two people inside me. Why do you look at me like that? I know, it's strange, but I thought it would be a good first impression to share this with complete strangers.'' I surprised myself with how ridiculously I sounded. The odd pitch to my voice, the usage of the words... it was just so not me...

''Okay, okay, I get it... sorry, it's just... ugh, nevermind...'' She certainly had no idea how to hide herself... both internally and externally. As she looked down to the ground and away from me, it immediately gave away her hidden intention, which I felt the need to know about. She sneaked up on me... more like tried and there was a reason behind it. After all, she was one of those, who was - in theory - helping me out... might as well show some hospitality...

''There is a reason for your spying, I trust? Would you kindly tell me about it? I'm intrigued to know how the Element of Loyalty came to the decision to sneak up on me...'' She just pawed at the ground at this, looking terribly troubled with keeping herself from spitting it out.

Suddenly, she caught on what I had said. ''Wait, how do you know about what I am?'' A combat stance appeared in her posture, as she stared daggers at me.

''A certain lavender unicorn filled me in with information, in case you're wondering. But that is beside the point... you're hiding something and present yourself just as suspicious, as I may look in your perspective...'' I folded my arms, regaining my neutral, yet slightly frowning expression.

''I was about to do my training here, when I spotted you here. It's my usual training grounds, so I wanted to know if you're doing something strange... and.'' She absurdly ended the sentence, folding her hooves in her chest, while keeping herself air-born close to the ground. These ponies were the worst actors... did they actually have theaters?

I sighed. ''Look, we're wasting time here. Tell me what you are trying to say at last, just so we could move on...''

For a while, she struggled with her own thoughts, visibly trembling from sensible second thoughts. Only in Equestria... Finally, her face shifted into one of a neutral one. She visibly let out every tension from herself, finally coming to a conclusion, while I patiently waited for her.

''I'm sorry.''

Well, that took me off guard for a temporary moment, before I realized what was the meaning of it. Her eyes widened for a moment and she raised up one of her front hoof, when I approached her. The neutral-frowning on my face disappeared, just as her short alarmed reaction and posture, when my expression completely went to blank. I looked into her eyes and it lacked that determined appearance, which I had last seen on her. A look of genuine regret twinkled back at me, if not a complete one, then just a slight one of that. Either the other Elements convinced her to come and apologize - which would explain her struggle before - or she herself has hard times with admitting her mistakes. Given her attitude, the latter one seemed to be the most appealing to her, but if not, I let it go and went with the situation.

I had an amusing encounter before finding out about this great progress as the Balance of the Nature. She apologized and was helping me out with the other Element Bearers... I found no reason to hold back my gratitude...

''I have this life philosophy, which is all about equality and balance. According to that, I show the same respect towards every one and exceptions will be made later. Back in the library, you showed little respect and I did the same towards you, keeping us equal. However, after understanding the reason of your dislike directed at me, I couldn't help but let it go and accept the blame on myself. Now, you apologized and in order to be equally wrong with you, I shall overlook your previous attitude and accept your apologize. To share the blame with you...'' I put my hands behind myself, bowing before the interestedly listening pegasus. ''I apologize for my disrespectful behavior and I'm willing to make up for my mistakes and sins...''

Standing up straight again, I watched as Loyalty stood frozen in place. Her eyes shifted back and forth between my eyes, mouth hanging open in utter wonder, as she probably had to retake the dumbfounding speech I had told her. But the silence indicated that she had some issues with figuring out my reasons. After all, the whole equality is something I had for myself and as she probably anticipated, I had secondary reasons for apologizing as well...

''I know what happened on that day... a foreign creature rudely disturbed your peace, your friends' peace and the town's... I dare to say, I AM a disturbance for all of Equestria, but then again, this conversation is all about you and I. So... I left a wrong impression inside you and if it hasn't been obvious to you, YOU are the brave one in the team. The other Elements... your friends seek encouragement from you, given the nature of yours... But... there came the mysterious and unknown creature, who could not be placed anywhere in your mind. Uncertainty elected fear inside you, for you were unfamiliar with this change. Everything you had dealt before, was familiar to you... but me? I was not... therefore, being scared was an understandable reaction from you... and from everyone.''

''And seeing that the bravest of all, failed to fight down the fears... it meant the end of the team and all hope had ran dry. And because of these events, the next one was inevitable... anger... fear turned anger. You blamed the panic of your friends on me, instead of realizing that you should simply calm down... and give that lost confidence back to your friends, for you... YOU are the courage of the team, to your friends... and as an Element Bearer, you are the one, who keeps the team's mood in check, I believe...''

''Deep down inside, you know that is the truth... but the hatred targeted at me, clouded your mind. You forgot about yourself and that was a fatal mistake from your end. The fear got buried away by anger, but it was still there, unnoticeable and as sneaky as you were a moment ago. This is all psychology and now it explained, you cannot deny the fact, that you... were scared. I know how this works and how to elect such hidden emotions from others...''

''But where am I going with this monologue? Well, let me go back the beginning... I scared you... here came the problem. Without my existence, this wrong outcome would have never occurred and we would not have to carry such blame with us. This is the second one of the reasons I have to apologize... the third reason?'' I bowed again, showing sincere gratitude for her. ''I know what you and your friends are doing for me, without me asking for it. I figured it is truly a great help and decided to spare the time, to show my gratitude for all of your help. So...'' I straightened up again, finishing my speech.

''... thank you.''

I still received the same dumbfounded stare from Loyalty, while she got the honest and respectful gaze. I supposed her hearing such analyzation and sincere confession was not amongst her expectations. After all, in the eyes of Equestrians, my image was probably one of a cunning and dishonesty. None of them had any idea, about my internal attitude and only cared about the outside look of my being... which of course, was not to their liking...

''Ugh... talking about wasting time...'' Murmured audibly Dhanthas, whilst standing up and finding a new lying spot under the shadows of the leaves. The heat on that day was probably causing discomfort for my Darker self and instead of giving him a tan, it burned his skin to a roasted shade of red...

To his credit, the comment of his made the pegasus to snap out of her endless meditation and promoted a snort. ''Oh... oh, wow. I...'' She scratched her nape, unsure how to respond to this, which she admitted momentary on her own. ''... I don't know what to say to that. I expected you to not accept my apologize, but looks like I was wrong. Well... thank you, this went better than I thought... cool.'' Becoming air-born again, she, for the first time, flashed a positive look towards me. I successfully solved one of my problems - though giving myself up easily - and it resulted in having all the Elements of Harmony on my side. From what I recalled from Twilight Sparkle, that six were the moving gears of the town. And by that, I meant they were important for this little community and had the power to make drastic changes if they so desired... an advantage for me, added before my final plan, which was leaving town and finding a cave to live there, if all hope will fall...

But I couldn't let myself ponder over the final resorts, for I was not about to back down from accomplishing peace with the inhabitants. A part of me told me it would be similar to ignoring my Avatar duty...

''So... are we cool?'' She added as a final question, apparently in need of confirmation.

Familiar, yet not in usage of the this expression, I replied simply. ''We're cool.''

''Awesome!'' She did a double hoof into the air in solemn cheering. Looks like the once tension between us weighted down her as well, nagging her as much as it did to me. Then, as a devilish grin formed on her face, she look towards the sky. ''Mind if I train here? I usually do practice at this field.'' She was asking for my permission. If not for the previous moments of forgiveness, I was sure that she would have just started this 'practice' and 'training', without asking... whatever those terms meant to her.

However, from the look on her face, the target of her gaze and what race she was, I anticipated it had to be about height. Quickly going through a chain of possibilities, I settled with flying, though, it was still a mystery, that what could she possibly practice...

No matter what, when I saw her trotting in one place - which was amusing of course, seeing the eagerness inside her - I started approaching the tree. ''As long as my name is not plowed into the field, you do not have to ask for permission...'' From standing out in the sunlight for a while, I decided to have a drink and so, I started searching in my little backpack. ''... especially from me!'' I called back, making sure to let her hear it.

''I know, but you know... we just sorted out the things and I don't feel like getting back to those stressful situations.'' It seemed my observations were right. It did weight her down, after all. Then again, as always, I over analyzed her response and the possibility of her, still being afraid of me, nearly forced me to immediately discuss this topic. Just because we were not in a friendly affair, she expected me to hurt her somehow?

''And anyways, you were here first, doing... whatever you were doing and I don't want to disturb other ponies. I learned that just recently, that it's not cool if they 'rudely awake' you...'' And now she quoted me, failing at - even though she wasn't aiming for that - making me forget about her first reason of her distress and its hidden message.

While I was relived to see her completely fine with me, I felt the need to reassure her even more. She seemed like the individual, who would feel comfortable with me around, if she knows me better. With that settled in my head, I made sure to not raise suspicious by the followings...

Bringing the bottle of water with myself, I took a few steps closer to the pegasus, not leaving the chill shadows, but reducing distance, so I won't have to shout. ''You want to stay on my good side, because you do not want to partake in anymore stress, or you still find me a potential threat?''

The Element of Loyalty stopped in mid-taking off, regarding me with bewilderment. ''The first one.'' She replied, way too quickly. I knew it won't be that easy to get away with this, no matter how quickly she seemed to forgive me and overlook certain facts from previous times... She was highly unobservant and it seemed to me she went with the flow easily...

In her language... she was just 'cool'...

Sighing, I stepped out from under the leaves' heat-protecting cover. I approached the now slightly panicking pegasus, who tried to present herself busy with nape scratching. Stopping her attempt at taking off, I placed a hand on her left shoulder, across her chest, completely blocking an escape way for her.

''I only hold grudges against those who deserve it. You are not one them, one. Two, for not liking me, it does NOT mean that I will think about bringing misery upon you... unless if you do that to me, first. If we dislike each, it is not a proper reason for us, to harm the other one. No matter how, physically or mentally, it doesn't matter. The important thing is: You should not feel unsafe around me, no matter our relationship. If I'm correct, this is exactly what you and your friends are trying to spread in town. But let's just go back to you, for now...''

''Perhaps you have a certain way to harm me somehow. Perhaps you have the bravery to do so. But no matter how I inspect your frame, you seem the kind of soul, who won't bring a war upon herself, all because of differences. And actually... I take it you have better things to do, than find entertainment in others' suffering. And for that, I cannot find a proper reason to release my hatred upon you.''

''And now? When we are at peace and everything have been sorted out, you hesitate. I'm carrying the blame for my bad first impression and for every mistake I had done to you. I confessed my deepest apologize and I am willing to make up for my sins, just like I said. Yet you are still scared, if not completely, then just slightly. My only intention with you, is creating a relationship, where you are perfectly fine with my presence and feel comfortable speaking to me. I played my role in this and you are the only, who is missing from this play... I ask you... kindly... do not fear from me. Ignore my past sins, overlook my appearance and consider me as an ordinary Equestrian.''

Finished with another monologue, Rainbow Dash blinked at me several times, processing what I had just said. According to how differently and lengthly was my speech, I wondered why I had to always resolve to violence on Earth. I had reasons, I worked with the third-aspect and I was The Avatar, the Balance of the world... and soon for the nature as well. But I digress, my point is: It left me feeling uncomprehendingly. A'nforians - mostly - solved problems with violence, being alike to my methods. And Equestrians were able to be reasonable...

For doing this comparison, a fragment of hope lit up inside me. That's right, they were reasonable, so the possibility of me, getting accepted, was really high...

The once thoughtful expression shifted to a bright smile and all uneasiness disappeared from her pair of magenta pools. It confirmed the success of my observation, hardening the lighting hope inside me. Furthermore, her expression meant that ALL of the Elements were on my side, finally... all six and my own elements... SOON own elements, to be precise...

''Alright, I admit, that was exactly what I was thinking about you and how I felt. Sorry about that.'' She pulled her mouth to the side, as a sudden thought hit her. ''Well, to be honest... I think I got over the whole ordeal a long time ago, it's just that, the other ponies always made me hold up these irritating feelings and I believed in their words and not in myself.'' The previous smile returned, just like her ready stance. She certainly wasn't the one to dwell on the past... something I envied in her...

''Well, now you told me this, I feel much better now and it makes sense, if you put it like this. Normal Equestrian, got it, dude!'' There was this cocky, yet honest salute after she had finished speaking. After this quick and friendly gesture to kill the tension, her smile turned to a joyful grin. ''Heuh! It's probably just me with my imagination and all, but now that I look at you... you don't seem THAT different. Like a minotaur, but a bit shorter and not furry and all- you get what I mean.'' She shook her head, stopping herself from over-imagining the point of view.

But I wasn't about to complain. The careless attitude was fitting for her and it warmed my heart to see her honestly trying her best to make things better. It rose a question, though... who was making up for who, now? She for me or I still had to count all the fixing up into my time? Nevertheless, I made a decision and I was going to show my gratitude, no matter what...

''I like you, you're cool in my eyes.'' I internally chuckled at her speed. Her overall personality - at least what I had seen so far and found out on my own - seemed to be this hot-head, fast and straight to the point one. Again, I envied this, since her way of thinking allowed her to let go of the wrong memories... unlike me...

''I appreciate that, honestly.'' I replied, shaking my head with my pair of eyes shut.

''I'll surely remember what you had told me... this could be worth for a friendship letter.'' Her audible musing ignited the alarm fuse and let it slowly burn down the rest of it, as she continued. ''Anyways, thanks for everything and don't worry about your image. With me on your side, everypony will like you. Now, I better be going, now. I have a few hours before cloud duty, so I should probably use it up.'' She made eh... girlish sounds, some sort of squee as she flapped her wings, ready to take off. ''This is so AWESOME! I'm the first friend of the only 'Afroian' of Equestria!'' In the background, I heard Dhanthas erupting into a loud, hysterical laughter.

The fuse ended and the alarm-bomb blew up in my mind, bringing the realization right out from inside the explosion...

The pegasus took off with impressive speed, flying away with spectacular spins. ''See ya', buddy!'' It tauntingly dawned on me right there...

I just made a friend... created friendship... with the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash herself...

''*inhale* Ahhahhaahaaaaaa~ *gasp* Oh man, now you're fucked up!''

I had a strong sense of worry at that moment and I suspected future problems because of what I had just done...

Without me realizing it, on top of that...

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***

Wards: One of the Power Trees.

Barriers, Shields, Layers, Armors and the rest. The Ward Tree from the Power Wings, is the art of defensive Techniques. Let be that Technique against magic or physical assaults, a Ward Ability/Spell is one way to block it, consume it up or parry it. Purely out of Energy, you create a 'wall' or any kind obstacle before yourself/around yourself or to be precise, between you and the incoming attack. No matter the shape and size, as long as the created 'thing' 's purpose is to protect you, is is a Ward...

- Those, who know Conjuration, they most definitely know the Wards as well, or at least are capable of using said Power Tree easily.

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Barrier Leaf: Attack bounces off from the surface and could send the attack back to its previous owner. Can be used against magical and physical attacks, but against magical, it is more effective. Cannot protect against Illusions and such...

(Middle hard surface.)

Shield Leaf: Blocks entirely the attack and takes the damage completely. Can be used against magical and physical attacks, but not against Illusions and such...

(Heavy surface and really hard, in order to block the attack and stop it at once.)

Layer Leaf: Consumes up the attack, leaving behind nothing at all. The consumed attack's Energy could be used up into the Layer or to the Layer's caster. Only useful against magic attacks, because physical ones go through them and could dismiss them. If not surrounded from every direction, Illusions and such could reach the caster of the Layer... not like the Layer is for protecting you from mental attacks...

(Really light surface! Warning: If the Layer is not properly made, the incoming attack won't be consumed, which could lead to unexpected damage, even though you saw the attack coming!)

Armor Leaf: Wraps around itself your body, leaving out no place unprotected. What is effective against, is depending on what kind of Armor you use...

- Creating Armor as an Ability, is more focus requiring process, but one, which could be easily learned after a time. You manually create the armor and will have full control over it, as long as you have the Energy for it. You could transfer more protection to the head, while leaving out the legs and arms and so on. Simple as that, it does worth using it in the form of an Ability...

- Creating Armor as a Spell, is piss easy, but not the most suggested for those, who are not experienced with Spells. Because you can cast the Armor, but it stays up as long as it has Energy. And as we know, Spells give you a prepared Technique, with as much amount of Energy in it, as much amount you put into the Spell. So, you won't be able to pump your Armor up with Energy later, only put on another one. Also, there is a high chance, that you underestimate the enemy and a really strong attack blows away your shield at once, without any chance to refill its lost Energy capacity...

Also, you can't change where to protect you more, after you casted the Armor...

However, there is an advantage, for putting on Armor after Armor. When an attack comes and you have two Armor on, only the already damaged one or that one you chose, will be damaged, while the other one remain intact... that is, if the attack was not strong enough, to get to the other one too...

You can cast as much Armor as you can, with different amount of Energies and wear them at the same time...

So, both of them has the flaws and cons and it is up to YOU to decide, which one you prefer...

Example: Primary Armor, which is good against magical and physical attacks, as well as good against environmental forces, like falling down from somewhere high. (This Armor is the armor version of the Shield Leaf. Imagine it as a bigger and more bent version.)

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