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”No. It was weird. The whole thing just…jumped.” It still annoyed Cassi that that had happened. She mulled it over until Nero told her they needed a break.

Cassi squeezed Nero’s hand. ”Okay, take some deep breaths. Remember we are in Caden’s house, in the greenhouse. Inhale and smell the peppermint and the lavender,” she coached Nero. Cass opened her eyes first and blinked. She took in her surroundings, a wave of emotions overtook her, and she exhaled. Cassi kept a firm hold of Nero’s hand, unable to bring herself to let them go.

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Caden chuckled and closed the invisible door. The sharing of emotions and thoughts ended, and he walked over to the weights.

”Yes, before I put the block up on my side, but there is a constant pounding on the door from you. You can see how not having a block can be overwhelming and make it difficult to control your own emotions. You may not have the same desires as I do for Nero, but the mingling of our feelings probably had you wanting to walk out that door to find them. Blocking not only keeps that at bay, but it gives you control over yourself again.”

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Takin deep breaths in and out, Nero concentrates on Cassi’s words until they become more aware of their surroundings. Their cheeks are wet and their head feels light and heavy at the same time. The demon glances down to see the sorceress still holding their hand tightly. “Sorry that we didn’t get all the answers you wanted… But… hopefully that answered some at least?”

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“Yeah, well… Maybe I thought this house could use…” Kiki pauses as she struggles to find something clever to say. “Never mind, okay, how would you suggest I learn? Because Avery wasn’t able to help me much…” She starts her treadmill again, starting with an easy jogging speed.

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Cassi leaned back against the couch, staring at the floor-to-ceiling windows that encompassed the back and one of the side walls of the greenhouse. She followed a path of greenery, trying to concentrate on anything aside from the roaring in her ears. She felt that her cheeks were wet as well and wiped at them absentmindedly.

”I got the answer I was hoping wasn’t right. It was something Ren said that reminded me of an argument my mother had with my grandmother. I just didn’t think she would have made a deal like that. Not with all the hate she preached. Not with everything we know about demons.” Cassi looked over at Nero. ”Or used to know. Are you okay?” If she hadn’t been there with Nero to witness the memory, she never would have understood how bad it was. Even then, it was a second-hand account since she watched from afar, rather than having to relive it like Nero just did.

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”Well, when you think of blocking, what do you think of? Do you want to keep everyone out completely, or do you want a sort of window? For example, I have Avery blocked completely, but there is a sort of window that allows me to still have access to him, so I know if he is in trouble or needs me. I want to establish the same for you on my end, but your side can be different.”

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Nero stares at their lap, but tiredly waves Cassi’s concern off. “I’ll be fine.” They say dismissively without looking at her. The tips of their ears blush furiously at the thought that she could be genuinely concerned for them. Will I be fine though? This is the first memory they’ve resurfaced from without Caden there to hold them.

“Let me write down what we need to summon Crowley.” Nero says as they finally straighten and wipe their face. They pull out a notepad they had stuck into the box of books at some point before searching for a pen.

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Kiki chews on her bottom lip as she tries to think of an answer. “Well, my center is a bonfire with like… sparks flown out the represent you and Avery.” She says out loud as she tries to work it out. “I think I was trying too hard to put out the sparks like I would to stop a fire. Maybe I’m seeing that as cutting off the connections and that’s why I’m not able to do it?” She slows down again as she thinks about it more.

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Cassiopeia wasn't sure if Nero was actually okay, but she knew they would be. She felt some guilt slip over her at how cruel they had been to Nero. The demon had done nothing to warrant the cruelty she had given them, and now that she knew her grandmother had made a deal that killed her entire family, well, Cassi was struggling with several different emotions.

She pulled her hand back from Nero's and dug for a pen before handing it to them. Cass stood after and went back to the plants, looking for comfort from them that she couldn't find.

”When do you want to finish the bond with Caden?” she asked, needing the distraction.

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Caden grinned when Kimiko told him what her centre was. ”Why does that not surprise me. You and Avery compliment each other well,” Caden said, genuinely happy for the two of them.

Caden lifted his weights, thinking about fire and all the options that served to dim fire rather than put it out.

”How about an oil lamp? Or a fire grate. If you contain my strand in a lamp, or with a fire grate, some of the sparks can get through or you can turn up or dim the connection when you want to,” Caden suggested.

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Nero mumbles their thanks to Cassi as they take the pen from her and starts to write down the supplies. Three candles, chalk, bowl, cigar, Glencraig whiskey, salt, dried lime, lemon drop candy, human blood. They’re about to ask if they can borrow some blood from Nic when Cassi brings up the bond. Their neck practically snaps again as they quickly look at the sorceress in surprise.

“You… you’ll do it?” Nero asks, not willing to believe it. They make a small mental note to be very nice when asking for Nic’s blood.

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Kiki nods with her mind racing with the possibilities. One thing she had always loved as a kid was visiting her grandma and becoming transfixed with her hurricane lamps. She stops the treadmill once more. “You know, my trainer is definitely going to hate you for distracting me from my workout.” She teases before closing her eyes and refocuses again.

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Cassiopeia plucked an evening primrose flower from its plant. She twirled it between her fingers and turned around to face Nero.

”The primrose has many properties for feminine health. As an oil extract, it's also good for arthritis and diabetic nephropathy. But the primrose is also a symbol of new beginnings and deep love.” She walked over and sat down next to Nero again.

”When Caden and I were betrothed, I was happy, thrilled. I was in love with my best friend and what could be better, but then something changed. Maybe it was because I was in love with him since I was twelve, maybe it was something else. The point is, Caden has never talked about me or looked at me the way he looks at you.” She set the flower in Nero's hand and stared at it.

”If I can give you a shot at that kind of love for all your life then I want to. Consider it an apology.”

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”I pay your trainer's salary. He'll live,” Caden chuckled.

He watched Kimiko close her eyes and go to that place where her fire burned brightest.

”Okay, I'm going to open our connection, but I'll only send one thing through to not overwhelm you, okay? Breathe and stay focused.”

Caden opened the window between Kiki and him. He sent the feeling of hunger towards her. Since Caden skipped breakfast and was working out, his hunger was starting to grow. If the connection was wide open, Kimiko would likely feel hungry herself, if her blocking work, she would loose that sensation and only have her feelings affecting her.

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Nero keeps their wide eyes on Cassi as they watch her movements, unable to mask the immense feeling of gratitude washing over them. It’s not just that Cassi is going to let Caden and Nero bond - it’s that she’s willing to move past their history. Nero didn’t realize how deep their guilt had been rooted inside them until Cassi sets the flower in their hand and they watch as a fat tear falls onto it.

“Oh.” Nero mumbles before quickly trying to wipe their tears with their free hand. “I…” The tears keep falling as they curl over the hand holding the primrose. “Thank you...”

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Kiki snorts at Caden’s comment even with her eyes still closed. She finds her center and listens as Caden lets her know what he’s doing. She finds his little spark and imagines using it to light one of the oil lamps from grandma’s home. She starts to feel hungry just as she sets the lamp to a very low burn, barely emitting any light.

“Am I doing it?” Kiki’s jaw is clenched in concentration.

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A slow smile spread across Cassiopeia's face at the realization Nero is speechless. Cassi picked up the piece of paper Nero was writing on and looked over the list of items needed to summon Crowley.

”This doesn't make us friends,” she clarified. ”Just, a better understanding of each other. Caden will have the cigar and alcohol, along with everything else but the candy, I think. Does it have to be human blood? How much?”

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”Does it feel like you're doing it? Are you feeling hungry?” Caden asked, moving over to some of the weighted machines. In the background, the sounds of fists hitting a bag could be heard as Avery and Nic moved on in their training.

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Nero nods along to Cassi’s clarification - friendship would be a tall order for the two of them anyway. They take a moment to recover their composure before answering her. “Uh, good question. I’ve never done it before but surely a little bit would do it.” They say finally.

“And I’ll have the candy. Would Nic be okay lending us use some of his blood?” Nero asks rather timidly in contrast to their usual bravado.

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“I felt a little peckish for a moment but not anymore…” Kiki starts to figuratively back away from Caden’s lamp to see if she can keep it up at a distance. She has to force herself to concentrate, but she soon gets distracted when she can hear Avery.

Kiki’s stomach growls despite all they had for breakfast and she makes a face as her eyes open. “Urgh… Caden go eat something, my gods.”

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Cassiopeia frowned at Nero. She resisted the urge to yell at them for even suggesting Nic.

”You’ll have to ask him,” she said and stood. [color=#DB709”I need to go check on the trees I burned last time I was here.”[/color] She grabbed her bag and jacket after she extinguished the candles.

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In order to transfer some of Caden's feelings and emotions to Kimiko, he had to receive some of hers as well. So Caden knew when she got distracted and why.

Caden smirked and glanced over at Avery. ”I'll eat after, but do you think you'll make it?” he teased her, no longer talking about actual food.

Caden blocked Kimiko out before he could feel her reaction and to save her from feeling his hunger.

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Nero resists their urge to roll their eyes when Cassi frowns. “If you don’t want me to ask Nic, where do you suggest we get human blood?” They point out to her as they stand as well. They don’t mean it with any malice or condescension, they just want to point out why Nic is their best option.

“My other idea was stealing blood from blood donations.” Nero says as they pick up their box of books. “But maybe Das neugierige Kätzchen will have more ideas tha me.” They tease before making their escape from the room, their typical behavior rising like a phoenix from the ashes.

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Kiki flashes Caden with the bird and sticks her tongue out at him. “I hate you.” She says with a playful tone. She turns towards the entrance to the gym just as an imp shows up. Nero’s eyes are rimmed with red but they have a large smile on their face.

“Are you sure you’ll make it?” Kiki teases, brushing by Caden to grab weights to use next.

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Electricity tingled along Cassi's body from Nero's irritating behaviour. They seriously had no regard for anything other than themselves. Cassi stormed out the side door, ignoring Nero's nickname for her, and the way they thought Nic's blood was no big deal. Leave it to someone who thought they were invincible to care nothing for those who weren't.

Cassiopeia stormed across Caden's yard through the trees, cursing in French and Gaelic as she went. The trees swayed and bent around as she went, responding to her uncoiled power. She dropped her bag once she reached the damaged trees and she knelt, digging her hands into the earth and attempted to breathe.

After Avery had picked up breakfast and Cassi ate, she had started to feel better. Her dIzzy and lightheadedness had gone away, and she felt her power restore. Connecting herself back to nature was another notch in that direction.
She inhaled deeply, the scent of dirt and growing things tickled her nose and she sighed.

Cassiopeia opened her eyes and pulled her hands from the ground. Dirt and grass stained her hands, but she didn't care. Cassi stood, pulled off her shoes, and dug her toes into the ground. She placed her hands along the charred trees one by one and started to hum life back into them.

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Caden's attention shifted when Nero entered the room. He scanned them for any damage, but saw none aside from the red eyes. Caden dropped the weights on the machine he had been working with and walked over to Nero.

”Ist alles in Ordnung? Wo ist Cass?”

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Nero puts the books down and pulls Caden out of the gym and into the hallway for some privacy before they answer him. “Alles war in Ordnung... Dann fragte ich Cassi, ob wir etwas von Nics Blut für die Beschwörung verwenden könnten.” The imp starts fidgeting as they shift their weight from one foot to the other. “Sie ist losgezogen, um Ihre Bäume zu reparieren... oder einen neuen Sturm zu entfachen. Ich kann mir nicht sicher sein.” They quickly explain before wrapping their arms around Caden and holding them tightly.

“She wanted to see more about how her family was killed but then she saw more Mundus.” The hairs on Nero’s skin all seem to stand up at once at even the mention of his name now before burying their face in his shirt.

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Nic watches as Nero enters and subsequently leaves with Caden, a small frown on his face. Should he go looking for Cass to make sure she’s alright? He becomes easily distracted, his gaze shifting over to the entrance of the gym. It’s not long after that Kimiko walks over and joins them at the punching bags.

“Do you want to spar again today or is it Nic’s turn?” Kimiko asks and Nic is grateful for the distraction that lures him away from the rabbit hole of his thoughts.

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Caden’s eyes wandered Nero’s body, searching for anything that might have signalled why Cassi and them were no longer together, but aside from Nero’s question being the reason for Cassi’s disappearance, he didn’t see any signs of their conversation having gone wrong.

”She helped you find more memories? What did you see?” Caden was surprised Cassi had helped Nero that way, but he was curious about what they saw, especially if it involved Mundus.

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Avery finished the round he was doing with Nic and looked at Kimiko. Avery had set up two bags for them and had Nic follow his rounds. The human was powerful --- Avery had to admit --- he had to switch his style quickly to challenge Nic more.

”I was thinking you and Nic should go, actually. That way I, can get you to switch up or point out where you both need to tighten up more. How does that sound?” he asked, looking at the two of them.

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Nero tries their best to explain the memories and spares no detail. They cling tightly to Caden as they recall Mundus’ treatment towards them, towards Cassi, and his interest in Caden. “But I promise he didn’t send me here to entrap you.” They add in quickly, worried that it might come across that way. They continue on into the distorted memory of Mundus and his sister.

“I think… Eulb Yui might have altered my memories of Mundus… or something when she killed me…” Nero gasps and moves to look up at Caden, resting their chin on his chest. “I forgot - Cassi says she’ll help finish the bond!” Declaring this to him helps distract Nero from the painful memories, a much needed silver lining.

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Kiki glances over at Nic, who shrugs his shoulders. “I’d be fine with that.” She starts going into a rabbit hole of thoughts of if she would need to hold back at all or if there will be padding involved. Last thing anyone needs is Nic getting hurt while Cassi is here.

“It’d be nice to spar with someone - it’s been awhile since I’ve done it.”

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Caden wrapped his arms around Nero, and held them while they revealed the memories to Caden. They jumped around from memory to memory. Caden did his best to follow, but he was still hung up on the fact that Cassiopeia's grandmother made a deal with Mundus.

”Oh… oh, that's good,” Caden said, smiling slightly at Nero. ”Apologies, mein kleiner Kobold, that was a lot of information to take in. Come to the kitchen with me? Kiki has informed me I'm too hungry.”

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”Good. I think for now, avoid shots to the face. Let's work on guarding first, and then I'll let you two spar. Nic, I want you to hold out for as long as you can during sparring. Kiki has a hard time hitting a target, but once she gets the rhythm, she's unstoppable. Go with it like a real world scenario, but know your limits. I won't stop it unless you want it to stop, alright?”

Avery knew Nic was here to train for the supernatural fights. If he wanted to be ready, training here like it was the real thing would be ideal. Of course, Avery wasn't expecting anything traumatic happening today, but it was best to be prepared.

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Nero’s ears redden and they nod, releasing their hold on Caden. They realize that they are a bit scatter-brained from everything that happened and look down for a moment. “Oh… Sorry…” They say while tugging on their fingers. “Would it be easier for me to just show you the memories? After you’ve eaten, of course.” Grabbing one of his hands, they start leading him towards the kitchen, feeling guilty that their dragon hadn’t eaten yet.

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Nic nods, following Avery’s thought process in his instructions. “Should I be using a safe word?” He attempts to joke to ease his own tension. Caden and Nero haven’t returned from the hallway and he’s starting to go down worst-case scenarios in his mind.

“As long as one of you stops Cassi before she can exact revenge on me for hitting Nic, I’m game.” Nic watches as Kimiko shakes her joints and muscles to get rid of her nerves

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Caden squeezed Nero’s hand three times while they walked to the kitchen.

”It’s okay. You don’t need to show me unless you want to. It was just a lot of information to absorb. I confess I am stuck on Cassi’s grandmother making a deal with a demon. You didn’t know her, but Claire never struck me as the type to make a deal like that… Especially for her people to be enslaved in a war they never signed up for.”

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Avery laughed and clapped Nic on the back. ”How about pineapple? Or you can just tap the mat,” he said and looked at Kimiko. ”I have a feeling Cass would be more upset if you held back and didn’t show Nic what he could be up against in the field. Especially if the creature in the hospital is a big threat,” Avery said, nodding at the TV that continued to play the surveillance footage.

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The land invigorated Cassiopeia while she worked. The animals in the area had scampered away to let Cassi do her work, but they, and the supernatural guardians of the woods, stayed near to watch her work.

Cassiopeia moved from tree to tree until they were all healed, and then she sat down at the base of the other. A light rain started with Cassi's encouragement, and she sat there, letting the rain wash her face, her tears blending with the rain.

Cassiopeia hated demonkind her whole life for how they killed her family for no reason. How they just took what they wanted with no regard for others. And now it was a lie. Her grandmother had made a ridiculous deal for what? Protection? Power? Cassi didn't know and she wasn't entirely sure she would ever find out, but what she did know was everything she thought she knew about Nero had been wrong. Well, aside from them still being self-centred and annoying.

”Imp beag fuilteach,” she cursed.

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“I want you to see them… Maybe Cassi can let you join next time…” Then Nero won’t have to experience them twice.

Nero takes a deep breath in and out when Caden squeezes their hand, pausing their path to the kitchen for a moment. “In order to find that out, we would have had to go backwards in my memories and…” They hang their head.

“I know we need more information on Mundus, but I needed I break… and you…” Nero’s ears flush red again, feeling ill at ease with the messy tangle of emotions inside them.

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Nic chuckles at Avery’s suggestion but nods to what he says about Cass. “I think she’d feel a lot better if she can see how well I dodge, dip, dive.” Nic plants his feet like he would for punching the bags as he waits for Kimiko to get ready too.

“Just make sure to remind her of that for me.” The fox takes a similar approach, getting in a position that she can easily move about.