Shrike stood up, his weapon held loosely above his shoulder, "An interesting reply, for we are all responsible for our own lives. However, the job of hunting demons that cross the line is best left to my reapers, for that battle could of gone foul had you been facing anything close to Legion."

"So I'm just to remind blind whilst demons attack with no regard for life....I'll remember that next time." Amalia retorted coldly. "I'll just let them burn down farms and kill people on a whim then."

Shrike shrugged, "Never said my reapers are perfect, just saying that many of them are bred specifically to fight and die in battle against demons. Better for one of them to lose their life, than for one such as you to die without being trained to prevent that kind of a death."

"Have you ever considered that I planned for that demon to think he had the upper hand on me; hmm?" Amalia asked, as she folded her arms. "It's not the first time I've fought those winged demons."

Shrike twirled his rod around just one before jamming the weapon into the ground, "That may be, but every demon has a dirty trick that you have not yet prepared for. Its just a matter of killing them before they actually pull that trick out. I will say, you have power, but your a bit overconfident in using it."

"Oh you're an expert in how I should be fighting now?" Amalia raised her brow. "Are you dragon-kin? Do you know how I should be fighting?" She asked, not expecting an answer. "The way I see it, the only one that looks out for my kind, is my kind...no one else."

Shrike shrugged, "I teach dragon-kin, elementalists, knights, demon spawn, celestial kin, and zangerians alike, and I work with someone who has trained the full breeds, and the half breeds for several thousands of years. My words hold merit, what do yours hold?"

Amalia unfolded her arms. "A lot of good that does." Amalia hissed coldly. "None of you were there when my family was slaughtered. Your words are just that...words...where's the action...right...I shouldn't expect action from someone so lazy." She hissed, as she spread her wings and took to the air.

Zenith found Marcus training a student. She made to interrupt, then caught herself. She felt Solstice preparing to yell at her, so she moved back to emphasize her control.
Solstice was proud.
"I'm impressed, sis! Never thought I'd see the day!" She sniffed as though she were crying with joy.
Stuff it. Zenith shot back. She waited in sight of Marcus while he helped the student.

Grey had finished breakfast with Nijuu, and was simply laying down on the bed, looking into her eyes.

At the moment she spoke to him, Shrike had gone completely invisible, his weapon soaring through the air. There was the sound of a quick slash, as a shadow demon's head flew from its shoulders behind the girl, and Shrike was in the water. "I only recently took the mantle, so there will be changes."

Nijuu smiled at Grey. "Was it to your liking?" She asked him.

Amalia gave no notice, as she flew away. She was far too frustrated, and enraged to engage the conversation further.

Shrike simply sat down, letting out a short sigh, watching the blood flow around the lake.

Grey gave Nijuu a nod, "Very much so, though its the company that makes any sort of meal worthwhile."

Marcus let up his guard for a single moment, and the student capitalized, sending his lance heading toward the knight's gut, only for the weapon to shatter upon hitting his skin.

Nijuu smiled warmly. "I agree." She nodded her head. "Did you get any sleep while I was out?" She asked, as she place her hand on Grey's hand.

Amalia flew to a small wooded area, and landed, finding the camp she had set up. She looked around, then began to pack her things.

Grey nodded wearily, "I managed to get some shut eye, had some......pleasant sleep......"

Nijuu continued to smile warmly, as she said: "Good." She laid back in the bed, and rested her head on the pillow. Suddenly, Nijuu sat up in the bed, and looked at Grey with an expression of excitement. "Would you like to see what my mother helped me hone while I was with her?" She asked.

Grey smiled warmly, leaning up, "I'd love to my dear. Maybe later, I can take you to see my dad, you two may get along."

Nijuu jumped out of the bed, and stood in front of the bed. "Actually, I have two things to show you...but it's essentially the same thing."
Nijuu then pressed her hands together, as if she was going to prey. She then brought her hands downwards, just below her breast, and slowly parted her hands. As she did this a small ball of shining light had formed between her hands; which grew as she parted her hands. When this 'light' was about the width of her body, she looked at Grey, smiled, then reached into the 'light' and pulled out her staff.

Grey quietly observed her while she worked, and once she had drawn forth her staff, said, "Impressive, that's a very advanced technique.......from such a young mind.....you are truly gifted my dear."

Nijuu replaced her staff, and looked at Grey. "That's not all I can do." She said, as the ball of 'light' engulfed Nijuu. "This is the form of a spirit Esper." Nijuu explained. "In this form, I can do most anything my mother can do, except, I cannot use any abilities I inherited from my father."

Grey clapped softly, "That would be most useful, most useful indeed........and as always, the gain of power in one area, must always be balanced, it seems." He stood up, though as he tried to walk forward, his legs quit supporting him, and he fell back onto the bed.