It's been two weeks now. TWO WEEKS! And yes, I do agree that I'm much better off than I was when I started this training, but still...
"You've somehow survived the first weeks with me, you kids," Mrs Kelly had began her talk right after her usual fireball training, the final day with her.
"We weren't supposed to?" I asked her, still laying on the ground, completely fatigued.
"That's why you all surprised me. But with the progress I've seen with you all, I'd say it really shouldn't come as a shock now. Anyways, go bathe, all of you. Tomorrow, we'll explain to you all the next step of this process and how to go about it,"
That's what she left us with, before both I and Queen walked back to the castle. She's been really surprising to keep up with me. I always had the water of Acheron with me to help my body grow more easier, but she only had her monster side to rely on. The Yetis must be more formidable than I thought.
The night that Mrs Kelly forced us both to apologize to each other by beating the crap out of the both of us in a two versus one fight, I realized that she had a pretty good resilience to being beaten down. Something that I'm all too familiar with. But this is something I'd let her share with me if she ever felt like it. Some things you just can't force out of anyone.
Anyways, the elf, Alvin, was really good with his wind ability. At some point in the week Mrs Kelly started switching out partners with others, so that we could get used to each others powers.
The most difficult person to deal with was always Earl. It was almost certain that with him, you were for sure going to be burnt down by Mrs Kelly's flames. But once she noticed that it was a normal occurrence for him to do that, she called him up one day, then took him to the same room she took me and Queen. Let's just say, he became more cooperative with us from then on.
One shower and a supper later, I was back to my room, wasting away in my brand new phone, a norm for me since I came to the castle.
Of course, I could always go to monstergram or spidertock, but I had to talk to my friends today. I mean, I always talk to them most of my nights, just to see what they were all up-to and maybe occasionally insulting Blade or something like that. But today, I felt especially talkative.
I found them in the chat having a heated argument about what type of clothes would look good if either Kira or Emily wore them, and the said girls warning the boys to end this topic, or else they would have to get their revenge once they met up around the holiday or even back at the camp.
****
Kira(Furrha): I swear you guys...don't think that just because this is a phone conversation, I won't remember it!
N.Blade(torchlight): What are you gonna do, huh? I have every right to say what I want! Now, back on topic. I think the red revealing swim suit I had posted would be a perfect fit for Emily, what's say you, Bareth?
Emily(good demon): I personally think this shouldn't be a topic of interest! And who in their right mind wound dare wear that godawful swim suit?! I'd basically be almost naked!
Bareth(wolfboy): Hmm... I think the suit should show more skin. Maybe around the waste area, right–
Emily(gooddemon): BARETH!
Bareth(wolfboy): What? Freedom of expression! What about you, Jay? What's your take on this?
Jay(wizard of oz): I don't think it's appropriate discussing something the girls don't like talking about–
N.Blade(torchlight): Don't give me that! You were the one who gave us what Kira should wear! You're as guilty as all of us here. So if we're gonna burn later, might as well burn by doing what makes us happy!
Jay(wizard of oz): That makes sense. OK then. I think if we just remove–
Emily(good demon): All respect I had for you will vanish if you finish those words.
Jay(wizard of oz): Ah...sorry. Got carried away a bit.
Bareth(wolfboy): WUSS!
N.Blade(torchlight):WUSS!
Flavo(tangy tomato): Your conversations never cease to surprise me.
***
Huh, must have come at the wrong time. But from here is where I got information on how everyone was spending their holidays.
Kira said something about hers being confidential, but said she was enjoying herself thoroughly. Blade was going on dates with Jessie though, if I ever expose this chat to her, would she still be with him? But they have been sharing their pictures together, almost making me jealous, but I was happy that the two of them were still at peace with each other.
Bareth said that his tribe was going on some type of cultural experience or as he called it "mating ritual", or something like that, and he even invited me since it had something to do with wolves. But I had a bad feeling that it really wasn't a good idea, especially the mating part.
Flavo told us that he had been catching up with his training from a personal trainer, and could only talk to us in the nights. I'm not so sure that training is enjoying oneself, but he promised us that that was his way of having fun. Poor guy, but it is his choice on how to spend his holiday.
Jay said that him and his parents were going to visit other planets, to enjoy themselves as a family. Though he did tell me personally in my inbox that he wished he could have invited Alex. But some family fun time is what he really needs right now, something to take his mind of Alex.
Finally, Emily had arrived to where she had informed us, at her contact which I later learned was her distant uncle, from the Mother's side. He had done his job, and Emily's brother was safe and sound. She shared some pictures with us about him, and just as she had repeatedly told us, he was adorable.
I also informed them of all I could about what I've been passing through, but even after all that, they still said I was the luckiest of all of them. Just because I was in the Beast King's castle.
Oh, wow! Never mind that, Kira is starting to get a little too personal in the conversation, I think that's my queue to leave. But before I do though...
***
Max(Legend): Emily could look much better in a blacker swim suit, maybe just as Bareth had described it.
Emily(good demon): You...you really think so, Max?
Kira(Furrha): Emily, don't listen to him! Max, the hell is that kind of greeting after such a long time without speaking?!
Max(Legend): How's it going, everyone? Blade still Blading?
Bareth(wolfboy): As usual.
N.Blade(torchlight): What's that supposed to mean?!
Flavo(tangy tomato): Hey Max.
Jay(wizard of oz): Hey Max. Were you also busy today?
Max(Legend): But of course. Sorry I can't stay for long. Oh and Kira, you'd look real cute in the get up Jay put up into the group.
Kira(Furrha): Wha–
***
I left the group before things got a little more heated up than they are already. I had a few other people of interest to talk to that night.
***
"Hey, brute," I chatted.
Cammie replied almost immediately.
"Seems like the training they are putting you through isn't enough for you to provoke me like that,"
"Yeah, well. You are a brute, so deal with it,"
"You are lucky you are hiding behind a screen right now, cause of you weren't..."
"Yes, exactly, Brute. Why don't you talk to me about today?"
***
We've been in contact with each other since I stepped foot in this castle, and we've continued ever since. The first time I talked to her, she cussed me out cause I didn't call her sooner, then, apologized for her outburst and explained that she thought I had forgotten about her. Like I ever would.
As usual, today, she also explained to me how her day was, and I was soon to do the same. Their camp closed just around the time ours did, but contrary to what I thought they had as their inter-class competitions, their competition was in form of an exam.
I came to learn that it wasn't just our inter-class competition did they come to be the healers, but they also went to the other camps as the med team. It was a sort of training for them too. How to heal in the heat of the moment.
Luiz came out on top of her class, though for some reason, most of the school still hated her, and maybe it's cause healing came as second nature to her, being a half-nymph and all.
Anyways, she was at her home, and today, as she had explained, she had tried with her mother to at least go and try to talk with her aunts, but as predicted, they were chased away by them.
Though from her explanation, it was only the leader of the pond who was holding a grudge against them, the rest of the aunties were just following along. Cammie made sure I never forgot her name: Claudia.
***
"So, Cammie. Other than me, did you try talking with another person other than your other friend?" I asked her. It was something I always did, cause she told me she was trying to make other friends along the way, and I was to be her coach.
"Nope. Sorry, didn't feel like it,"
"If you don't listen to what I keep on telling you to do, you'll never reach further than you already are. So... how about today?"
She took some time before she answered, "Not today either. I'm not ready,"
"Sure. Take your time," I answered, disappointed.
What I wanted to do was to introduce her to my friends, so that they could also be her friends. But so far, she's rejected stubbornly ever since I first suggested it. But, that is something I wouldn't rush her.
We wished each other a good night after a few more non interesting talks (too you at least) with her, then I switched over to the last person of the day to talk to, my former foster father.
***
Flinty: Why do I feel like I'm the last person you talk to today?
Max: Cause you are.
Flinty: You could have lied, you know.
Max: Nope. I really couldn't.
Flinty: How you holding up, sport? Hope your eating your vegetables.
Max: Really?
Flinty: Hey! I have to know if you are eating right?
*sigh*
Max: Yes I'm eating my vegetables, cause I know better. How's your life, leaving like the lonely bachelor you are?
Flinty: That's a low blow and you know it! But again, other than the much needed training you deserve, are they treating you right? Cause if they aren't...
Max: Jeez, Flintheart! I'm okay. I'm with Mrs Kelly, in case you forgot.
Flinty: I know, I know. Couldn't hurt for you to visit once in a while.
Max: Hmm... Maybe you have a point there. But about this girl you talked to me about–
Flintheart: Goodnight, Max.
Max: Oh come on! Just this once, please? I promise I'll consider visiting next week.
Flintheart: Nice try. But you and I both know you are completely avoiding coming here for some unknown reason.
Max: How could you–
Flintheart: I raised you for five years, kid. I know you better that you know yourself.
Max: Really? Then tell me where I'm from.
Flintheart: Ah.... why would you look at the time! Tomorrow kid. Goodnight kid.
***
Yeah, that shut him up. He still has a lot of explaining to do, and maybe one day he'll tell me. But until then, I guess I'll just have to put up with the castle for now. Now I have to catch up with my sleep. Something tells me tomorrow something I'll definitely hate is going to happen.