Training had gone into full swing for the group, for both willing and unwilling participants.
Alice had spent well over a few weeks trying to figured out what to make of her Blade, which was a struggle for her. It was something that worried Kazius since he wanted her to gain her own strength. He would protect her, but he wanted her to also be able to defend herself in an emergency.
Her decision paralysis was understandable though considering how before she had none. Now her blade could become anything with a blade.
Then there was his own struggles. He didn’t think he could even get a mouse’s skeleton to move. Remus insisted he was over thinking on what to do… But he didn’t even understand what he was overthinking.
These developments worried Kazius, what if despite making potentially different choices, he couldn’t change this part of the future? With the weeks passing, Alice’s hair only grew longer. At this point every millimeter that it grew, the more anxious he got.
It was understandable. Her hair was to her back at this point. Very close to the length she had in his vision.
The only one that had made a bit of progress was Damon. He definitely was moving with more skill, but he could not beat Remus at a spar despite that. Something that only made him more determined. Though you could argue what improved most was his baking skills rather than fighting skills.
As for Azanor, he was place in exercise routines that had him running around town. Eve had joined him, but unlike the Demon, she seemed to have fun while doing so.
Kazius was currently training by the graves. It was already dark, but Kazius far from felt frightened. It he did, he wouldn’t be so persistent on raising the dead. Sadly, attempting was the best word to describe his actions. Attempting to get any sort of reaction.
“Rise.” He stated with a motion, attempting to copy his future self. Nothing.
“Get up.” He would state in exasperation.
“Please?” He almost whined out with a wave of his hands only to let out an agitated grunt.
Kazius sighed in defeat. He was trying even though training was supposed to be long over. He had to do this and do this now.
Still, there was nothing. Kazius sweat from effort. While he was not getting a reaction, he was still using mana. He far from cared about his own personal exhaustion. Every time he felt tired, Alice’s body would simply come to mind.
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“You are going to end up dead if you keep using mana like that.” Remus would state, as he was able to be heard approaching.
“Maybe.” Kazius admitted, panting a bit.
He was about to try again when Remus placed his hand on his shoulder, “I think you need a break, son. Enough.”
“Do you know how much I will lose if I don’t do this?” Kazius asked with a frown, looking more than frustrated.
“I do… But believe me, I don’t want anything to happen to my only grandchild either. This will take time… They cannot find us in here at least. It will be fine… Now come on… Come have dinner. Damon and I made pie.” Remus assured before leading the tired and defeated Kazius back home.
“Buahaha! There you are! Kazius! Look!” Damon exclaimed in excitement, practically shoving the pie towards Kazius’ face from excitement.
“That looks like a very nice pie, Damon.” Kazius chuckled out in amusement at his overly eager friend.
“We were worried.” Alice admitted with a warm smile. “We didn’t want to start eating without you… You are so determined with your training though; I couldn’t find the heart to go stop you… I know how frustrating it must be to not be able to do more.” She admitted.
“You all are a bunch of sadists… Training more? You are crazy.” Azanor stated, sounding out of breath even though he stopped running much earlier than now. He was quite the dramatic for sure.
“I think it is fun!” Eve chirped giddily.
“Running isn’t fun. Besides, running I can do just fine, but Remus had us running as fast as we could for hours! Hours!” Azanor complained, after all, he was a Demon. To grow exhausted wasn’t easy, but Remus had made sure that Azanor put effort into his exercise, even if it meant he would have to be at it longer than most.
“Well I think it is fun, especially since it was with you.” Eve chirped out contently.
Her words quite catching the Demon off guard, flustering him it seems. “Well yeah, that is true…”
Kazius smiled a bit, he had to admit, despite the lack of progress… These meals together with everyone ever since they came to Remus’… It was hard to not enjoy.
“Come on. Let’s all eat.” Remus stated while they all sat down. In his spare time, he had made additional chairs. So now everyone had the ability to sit down together, especially once he brought in another table to push together against the one he already had.
The meal was good, and everyone ate with energy. Moments like this soothed Kazius’ anxiety.
Unlike their previous dinners though, Remus would suddenly stand up, looking towards a wall, as if he was seeing something far away.
“Everything okay, grandpa?” Alice questioned in confusion.
Remus was silent, not answering the question, but he did seem tense. He moved his hand to his face, touching it like how he had done when they first met. “My fog is gone.” He suddenly stated.
“What?” Kazius questioned in shock. He had no idea how someone could get rid of such a thing. Even Azanor spoke of having no clue on how to get rid of it when they first came here.
“Gone?” Azanor questioned in shock, clearly unable to think of anyone that could do that.
“Yes, gone.” Remus stated in agitation and concern. “I will go investigate. You all should stay here.”
“No way, we are coming with you.” Alice stated firmly.
Remus would look at Kazius in concern and then back at Kazius. “She’s right. We are coming with you.” Kazius would agree.
Of course, Kazius was worried about who could have done such a thing too. Staying here not knowing would do them no good… And Remus may need backup. Still, Alice’s hair length… It worried him… He decided that he would make sure she staid back.
“Alright, let’s go then… We shouldn’t waste time.” Remus stated firmly.