“No… No…” Alice told herself in horror and frustration. Elande, he couldn’t get away. He COULDN’T.

“This can’t be happening.” She added. She had waited for revenge for so long… And just like that he was gone without a trace. Where had he gone? She couldn’t go look for him. Not with the state that Kazius was in. He got hurt because of her carelessness. She blamed herself for things going south, but part of her was also honestly surprised.

Kazius had gotten seriously hurt protecting her. While she knew Kazius originally cared dearly for her… With how much they had both changed, she wasn’t sure if he would be willing to do such a thing for her. She loved Kazius, but she also understood the man he was now was far from who Kazius was… She loved him anyway though. After all, he chose to become who he was for their sake. Understanding his resolve behind his actions, she herself changed to accommodate the kind of person he needed by his side.

Who Kazius was now though, one could not blame her for thinking he changed so much that he perhaps saw her as a pawn, a piece to possibly sacrifice in the future… But clearly no matter who he was now, Kazius or not… That was far from the case. He truly did love her.

Alice understood that not looking for Elande may mean finding him would be near impossible anytime soon, but she did not care. Kazius was clearly in pain and as horrifying as he looked, even if he wasn’t Kazius anymore, she would not abandon him.

She watched him, he continued to mutter things in shadow fiend, disgusting noises audible as he took out his anger on what remained of Lazne. The sound gave her cold chills, but there was also a notable hint of pain in his tone.

She ran to him. As much as her instincts and body were telling her to go the opposite direction of such a being, she ran straight to him. She wasn’t sure if he was solid or not, or where to even hug, but she managed to reach him and hold on.

“Kazius, it’s over. Let’s go.” She pleaded, wanting to calm him down. He needed to be treated. Getting hit by pure mana clearly did a number on him.

Kazius paid her little head at first, but did slowly turn to look at her as she kept her hold on him.

Alice looked quite scared, but she would not let go. “Kazius… Seselis… I don’t care who or what you are... It is okay, I am here. We won… Please calm down and let yourself be treated. You saved me, I will be okay.”

At those words, that seemed to do the trick. Kazius would soon shrink down to a Shadow Fiend appearance and then himself, the cracked skin that showed shadows still there. Alice wasn’t sure any sort of healing magic could fix that.

Kazius smiled at her warmly, usually as of late it was used to mask his malice, but this smile was different. It was genuine, holding a hint of sadness behind his expression. “I’m sorry… Did I frighten you?”

Alice smiled at that, shaking her head, “Do I look like a frightened little princess to you?” She joked despite having been shaking just a bit ago.

Kazius laughed weakly, “No, never… Frightened little Queen though, maybe.” He teased.

Alice pouted a bit, looking flustered, “At least I know you are okay if you can joke like that. Besides, the King here is you. Ratier won’t exist anymore after today. Though if this is your way of proposing, don’t you dare do so in a joke.” She scolded.

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“I will keep that in mind.” Kazius mused.

It almost felt like the two had turned back the clock to how they used to be… But there was no going back. The two had changed. And it showed. Alice supported him while passing through their shadows. They began to walk, the bodies and blood in the street was something far from easy to ignore, yet they gave them no mind and instead had quite the lighthearted conversation.

“Come on, let’s get you to Yuki. I’m sure the Shadow Fiends can bring her here to take a look at you.” Alice stated. She could still tell he was in a lot of pain that he was trying to mask.

Thankfully the two did not have to walk long. Indeed the Shadow Fiends would bring Yuki to come take a look at Kazius. The small cat woman was horrified. After all, Kazius’ appearance was far from anything normal. “Don’t worry, your highness. I will do the best I can.” Yuki assured, getting to work.

Of course, they were still in Ratier and normal citizens still lived, but the group gave them little mind. The others were meant to gather here… And despite the mana machinery Lazne had been using now being out of commission, it would take time for mana levels in the area to return to normal… That far from meant those that were already born and grew to be a lot weaker would get any stronger though.

In a way, while Lazne and Elande ensured superior strength compared to their populace… Their actions lead to Humans, Dwarves, and Elves to be able to do anything against their new conquerors.

Yuki knew strong healing magic, her hands glowing a soothing green, but despite her work, the cracked skin did not heal.

“I’m sorry. I did my very best.” Yuki stated in concern.

“It doesn’t matter. Even I am surprised I survived that hit to begin with. I feel much better.” Kazius admitted while deep in thought.

Alice looked relieved as well.

As they spoke, they could hear people approaching. It was Damon, Sakura, and Rowan. The 3 had met up along the way.

Rowan looked like he was beaming with impish mischief. Bringing down a kingdom through manipulation alone had likely been fun for the Shapeshifter.

Damon, who was more serious of a person now, seemed to even be allowing himself a smile. He had taken quite the delight in what he had done.

Sakura herself seemed content, but was the most reserved out of the two.

“I assume you bring good news?” Kazius questioned.

“Of course, was there any doubt?” Rowan questioned with a wink, but did seem to be studying Kazius.

“We were successful as well, I feel like I let out some steam.” Damon admitted contently before voicing the concern that Sakura and Rowan had hesitated to voice. “What happened?”

Kazius sighed, “Elande got away… His father and him were the ones behind the lack of mana in the air… And they used a machine they had to hit me with it… They almost go Alice. We will have to look through anything he may have left behind to see what they are planning…” He stated with a frown.

Alice would frown as well, sighing, “That rat… He won’t get away this time… Though I will admit, it is a little refreshing knowing he is the one running and hiding in fear this time.”

Damon frowned as well, “We will make him pay.” He assured firmly, determination and hatred burning in his one eye.

“We will… I’m surprised Caleb, Vidir, Azanor, and Eve are not here already… Their job was one of the easier ones.” Kazius would add, growing concerned. He saw the fire pillar… So thing had clearly gone well with Caleb and supporting him…

Just as the group would wonder on the matter, Vidir could be seen approaching quickly in the air, Caleb on his back… Still no sign of Eve and Azanor though

As they grew close, their concerned expressions became clearer.

Descending quickly and landing on a building that was now rubble, Vidir would change form.

“What’s wrong?” Alice questioned in confusion.

“It’s Azanor! He’s having a panic attack and left! I couldn’t stop him! Eve… During the commotion she somehow went missing! She’s gone!” Caleb exclaimed.

“We tried to stop him. That girl… There are few that would be a threat to a being like her… But her state on mind is concerning.” Vidir admitted, having realized what Eve was.

The group paled at the news. Kazius and Damon both specially knew just how terrible and scary this must be for the Demon… They needed to find him… And hopefully Eve as well.