The Prince of Demons

Senna

I was trying to figure out how to explain to Nil about titles and the Imperial Family. I’m so glad he’s not a snob about being called his title. Julius was obviously a bit uncomfortable, but he looked stunned that Nil called him a friend. Nil really doesn’t have any outside of his brother and Lux. I looked at Nox, Nez, Orga, and Cesar who all were clearly deferring to me.

“Nil, there are times when tradition and etiquette are important. I understand you want to relax on those around your friend, but he is clearly not comfortable doing so. You shouldn’t pressure people into doing things they don’t like.” I lectured him.

“Yes Mom.” Nil sighed, looking a bit deflated.

Unfortunately, Azzeck was busy all day today, so he wasn’t joining us for lunch. I might try and get him to give me a foot rub later. He’s taking on more of a workload so I can be less stressed. I hope today is going well for him. He is such a doting husband. I was hoping for a girl this time. I looked at Nil and Ein who were talking with a slightly more relaxed Julius. Cesar seemed ecstatic our sons were getting along.

Julius seems a little surprised Nil called him friend. I teased Cesar.

He wasn’t sure that Nil fully forgave him for the party. Cesar confessed, clearly embarrassed.

What did Julius do? I know it’s been a few months, but we never really asked as it resolved quickly and what followed. I inquired.

Julius used his to give Prince Ein a small shock. Cesar informed me, wincing a little.

Ah. I’ll drop it as neither of my sons seem to mind. I replied to his visible relief.

Thank you. Cesar stated.

I wondered what our third child would be like. Will she be closer to Ein or Nil? Some guilt was eating at me about Ein. I was so relieved he inherited my and isn’t like his brother; life is so unfair. He was talented for his age, it just paled in comparison to his brother. I wish you could’ve been born with more talent. I’m kind of glad Nil’s talent for swordsmanship and fighting are closer to normal. Am I horrible for thinking these things? Ein could try his entire life and I don’t think he’s ever going to come close to Nil. Even his victory today was a gift from Nil. Nil wouldn’t admit it, but he definitely threw a game. I could tell by how he smiled. Luck matters little to his skill. Why is he so freakishly good at cards? It was mindboggling. Nil has some of the most peculiar talents.

The worrisome part with Nil was his began growing at an alarming rate again. He’s figured out some method better than Nez’s. According to Nez it was nothing to be too alarmed by. I can’t tell if Nez is lying to comfort me or that’s the honest truth. To think Nil could make his body pivot fast enough to crack his ribs. That’s a lot harder to do than he realizes. And he kept doing it during practice. It’s like he’s doing it easier each time. Lux was no slouch either. With Orga actively teaching her she’s begun growing at a rate similar to Nil. The boys were talking with Lux as we all ate. Lunch was nice. The boys shot out to continue playing as soon as they were done eating. Lux quickly shrunk and leapt onto Nil’s shoulder. Nox followed them as Nez stayed behind for a minute. Cesar was staying behind as well. What do these two want?

“You go first Cesar.” Nez prompted. Nez wants a personal matter or something I asked him to look into.

“I just need to inform you that the new drafts of the policies are done and on your desk.” Cesar said with a polite bow before leaving.

“What did you wish to discuss Nez?” I checked.

“After diving into some truly boring theological texts, I think I realized where the misinterpretation arose from. The exact passage from one of the revelation texts roughly reads, ‘our is around you for you to access, as long as you are worthy’. It’s been interpreted that the the Lords use is around for all of us, as we are all worthy of their abilities. With Nil, I’m starting to think their is reserved for those who are a cut above.” Nez explained. It was at least something.

“Is that why his has been growing rapidly again? He’s using that to grow?” I inquired.

“Yes. It’s also why with his rougher form and technique he’s cracking his ribs so easily. On the bright side, Lux is getting great at her healing techniques. Orga may not be happy about that specific fact, but the practice is paying off.” Nez answered with a light chuckle.

“That might be true, but Lux is getting practice by Nil hurting himself.” I pointed out.

“I’m aware Senna; it’s like trying to control a wildfire with him. He has a hunger to grow and learn that’s borderline unnatural. Lux grows at an incredible rate as well, which only seems to motivate Nil to keep pushing it.” Nez informed me.

“I wish there was a solution. There has to be some way to focus his energy.” I sighed. Nil just seemed to possess endless hunger to grow stronger.

“He needs something that can calm him down a bit.” Nez stated with a sigh.

“Like what? Nil practices and trains nonstop. When he’s left alone, he trains. If Nil’s around others, he likes to play and mess around. He uses Helga to practice his techniques in a live scenario. How much more activity can he get?” I snapped at him.

“I’m aware he’s very active nearly the entire time he’s awake. That’s not what I’m saying, Nil needs some form of calming influence. What that is, I don’t know.” Nez told me.

“Why do you think he needs that?” I asked. He might be right though.

“Nil trains like a demon possessed. Once he can no longer train, he alternates between his , , and . Even playing with Lux, Ein, or even Julius a little he seems to enjoy a lot of activity. I’m just wondering if Nil had a calming influence if he would relax a little. I know he’s five, but Nil just seems to need something that can calm him down and get him to relax a bit. He’s one of, if not the most, energetic kids I have ever seen.” Nez clarified. I sighed in irritation.

“You’re not wrong. I have no idea what a calming influence for him would even be.” I conceded, knowing Nez had a point.

“I don’t know either.” Nez confessed also sighing.

“Do I support him enough?” I checked. It's just Nil endlessly trained.

“I don’t think it’s a lack of support. You and Azzeck clearly love and support him.” Nez comforted me.

“Thank you.” I told him.

“Did you want me to go watch Nil? Or did you want to talk some more?” Nez inquired.

“Go help Nox watch Nil. Nox might allow them to start sword fighting or something.” I joked. Nox was definitely a bit too relaxed when it came to watching Nil.

“Fine. We can talk more later.” Nez replied as he vanished.

I let out a deep sigh as I returned to my office. Does Nil need a calming influence? Maybe. It might help him a bit. Ein was starting to learn his . Nez said he can handle both sets of lessons. Ein would hopefully grow strong; I had no idea what to do sometimes. Whenever I asked Poam for advice, she acted like I was doing well. Is it normal to second guess myself this much?

“I just hope I’m doing the right thing.” I told myself.

For most of the afternoon, I read more books on parenting. Am I just stressing myself out? Eventually, Nil and Lux ran into my office. His face seemed incredibly happy as he ran in. He hopped into my lap quickly. Doing the math, how is he still so energetic? He should’ve been playing for the last four hours.

“Mom! I made a friend today!” Nil told me happily.

“Way to go Nil!” I cheered for him.

“When can I invite Julius over again?” Nil probed.

“I think we can do once a week.” I answered. Nil lit up at hearing that.

“You’re the best Mom!” Nil informed me as he gave me a big hug.

“Where’s Ein?” I asked as I stroked his hair a little.

“He crashed like an hour ago.” Nil replied. His energy was impressive.

“Let’s go you two.” I told them.

I picked Nil up, who was beaming. Lux seemed happy as well, but a bit tired. Nez probably is right about Nil needing something to calm him down. Hours of play didn’t seem to dent his energy. He excitedly recounted all the games they played as I walked with him. Nil should be tired like Lux. We reached a lounge area, where I set them down. Lux hopped off Nil’s shoulder and curled up on one of the chairs. Nil was still shifting excitedly.

“Look what Uncle Nox showed me!” Nil chimed happily.

He summoned his sword, doing a few practice swings; his form was a bit rough. Nil is clearly paying attention in his lessons. Part of me wondered how he won that from Utol. Nil was always vague when asked about it. He’s been excessively energetic since then; that can’t be a coincidence. Nil was still showing off his swordsmanship. He finally took a break, and I applauded him.

“That’s great Nil!” I applauded.

“Thanks mom!” Nil told me with a big smile.

“Did you learn anything else?” I probed as Nil looked so happy.

“I’ve been practicing this.” Nil replied.

I went slack jawed. What? He began doing a series of rapid pivoting kicks. They were much faster and crisper than anything I’d ever seen him do. He’s really been practicing this. No wonder he’s been cracking his ribs. Lux was admiring the rapid motions with a smug smile. She’s been helping him learn this. Apparently, Nil was warming up. He began mixing in sword swings, pivoting mid-swing to rapidly attacking his invisible foe. Lords above. What the forl? Nil is five, turning six in a bit. This was unnatural. Nez is right. Nez is entirely right. Nil stopped, panting a bit. His face looked concerned when he looked at me.

“What’s wrong Mom?” Nil inquired looking a bit guilty..

“Wow. That’s. Wow.” I stated. That was not normal. That was well beyond normal.

“Was it that surprising?” Nil checked.

“Yes. You must have worked hard to learn that!” I praised, trying hard to keep my tone normal.

“I did! Lux helped!” Nil told me, smiling wide again.

“Thank you, Lux.” I replied. She looked mighty pleased with herself.

“Mama and Papa helped me learn it too!” Nil exclaimed.

I know those two have been giving him lessons they shouldn’t; I don’t think they realize how he’s been applying them. Nil was beaming with pride at his accomplishment. I did a victory twirl with him, which made Nil cheer. I will definitely need to look into finding something to help Nil; his desire to improve and train is bordering on manic.