It had been a few days since Adam started playing his flute at Madame's. He enjoyed these times. He had also started to learn how to guide himself around with a cane. Though, there would almost always be someone with him to make sure he did not get lost. They would not take his hand to guide him unless he needed it.

On the first day, Adam went around without any bandages covering his eye, as they were not needed anymore. However as he was trying to guide himself with a cane, a few very young orphans quizzically asked each other: “Hey, why are his eyes looking in different spots? It looks kinda weird.”

Since Adam was blind now, his eyes could no longer focus on a single point. To these young children, who didn't know any better, it was a very odd sight. This gave a slight impact to Adam as he didn't want to be looked at like a freak. After this, Adam would start wearing a blindfold everyday, to hide his eyes.

During these days, aside from a few queer looks from strangers, Adam lived a happy and content life. He was able to play the flute to his hearts content. And, while he couldn't actually see the dancers anymore, he liked to imagine the dances he knew in his head and match them to the music.

After these first few days Adam started to feel that there was something missing. He felt that he was yearning for something, but had no idea what it was. Whenever he tried to think about what it was, an answer would not present itself. It was not his sight he was missing, but something in his life style. He just couldn't pin point what it was.

A full week had passed, since Adam came to terms with his blindness. He did not show any kind of depression now, though he was constantly trying to figure out what it was that he was missing. Vivienne had been wondering if she could tell Adam about the possibility of becoming a spiritualist yet or not. His ninth birthday was also coming up, actually in the next few days on the 27th, and she was not sure if that was a good time to tell him or not.

This particular day, Adam was playing his flute next to one of the reserved booths. When ever a reserved booth on the first floor of Madame's was used, a musician would be placed next to it with the excuse of making sure that sound got to the occupants. In truth the musician was supposed to keep an eye and an ear out in case the girls dancing there were harassed by the patrons. Normally this would not happen, but there have been a few incidents in the past.

Adam's hearing had improved since he had gone blind. Like during his trek through the forest, he could play on his flute while picking out various sounds from around him. Even if he was blind, he was close enough to tell what was going on in these reserved booths, so no one minded if Adam was placed as the musician for the booth.

As Adam played, he would often be able to hear the various conversations of the patrons. Recently Adam had learned that the small war Luxom had started by taking Fort Erich, had ended! In the end, Fort Erich remains with Luxom.

After many heated battles back and forth across the plains Adam and the others fled across, Luxom was not able to progress any further. Luxom had also fortified Fort Erich, so Heider was not able to take it back! Because of this, Heider built a new fort by Edelburg to act as a watchman against Fort Erich.

Adam felt a burning flame inside his chest when ever he thought about this. He would forever feel sour thoughts whenever Luxom is brought up.

Inside the private booth Adam was guarding, there were two male patrons, who had reserved the booth, and one dancer who was entertaining them within. Adam heard a small fast movement followed by muffled sounds. Then a lecherous voice spoke, thinking he could not be heard: “Come now girly, I only want to feel you a bit hehe. There is no one here to look out for you. There is only that blind musician and he can't help you!”

Unfortunately for the duo, Adam could actually hear them. Adam played a warning noise on his flute that would alert the bouncers. Hansen, along with another man quickly and quietly made their way to the booth to surprise the harassers.

Adam only heard a rushing noise go past him as they went into the reserved booth. one of the two lecherous men exclaimed his surprise: “Why are you guys here!?”

They had mistakenly thought that they could actually get away with harassing Madame's girls. The other bouncer that was with Hansen had twisted one of the men's arms around his back to lead him out. The other man tried to put up a fight with Hansen, but Hansen only kicked the man in the chest. Hansen used just enough force to unbalance the man, without sending him crashing into anything and breaking it. Hansen also twisted this man's arm around in an even fiercer hold than the previous bouncer's and escorted the man out.

Adam was a little shaky as he stood up. Even if it wasn't him in the girl's place, he had still not expected something like this to actually happen. This had never occurred in the Dancery.

After Adam stood up, he brought his hand along the dividing half-wall to find the entrance to the reserved booth. Finding the entrance, he faced inward and asked: “Are you alright?” to the girl within.

A small, shaky reply came from within: “I-I am alright. Eh? It's you!”

Adam vaguely recognized this voice. Giving a moments thought, it struck him: “Is that you Helen?”

Helen appeared a little disheveled, but nothing precious had been stolen from her. She had not known that Adam was actually the musician that was just outside. Adam had been brought over after she had already entered the booth with the two lecherous men.

Helen was a little confused, though. She knew the noises they had made earlier were very quite. Most people would not be able to hear she was in trouble, with the rest of the noises of the bar going on.“How did you know I was in trouble?” she asked.

Adam replied with a slight smile: “After I became blind, my hearing improved quite a bit. It is the one thing I am proud of, right now.”

At this time, Janette came in with worry splayed across her face. “Are you alright, Helen?”

“I will be fine, Madame Janette”

Relief was now spread across Janette's face as she went over and gave Helen an emotional hug. Helen cried a bit on Janette's shoulder when she felt this warm embrace. Even if nothing actually happened, she had been pushed down by another man and groped a little. Helen was only nine years old, so she was really not ready for these kinds of things to happen. Though there were plenty of men who preferred this age.

While she was comforting Helen, Janette did not forget to turn to Adam and thank him: “Thank you Adam. You did a marvelous job, helping to protect Helen.”

Adam had only felt that it was due course the help those in need. A bit of Emilia had rubbed off on him like that. But Janette's words also sparked a different thought in Adam. His father begun teaching Adam the sword with a few words: “I teach you the sword, not to kill others, but to protect and provide for your family.”

The one thing Adam had been missing in his life style, was actually something he didn't really like. Training his body and swordplay with his father. Even if Adam would never have the chance to use his body or sword to protect his family, it was better to have the ability to save his family and not have to use it, then it was to not have the ability to save his family when he could make a difference.

When things had quieted down, Hansen came back from escorting the lecherous men out. Hansen reported to Janette about who the men were, so they could prevent their entry in the future. After Hansen had finished talking with Janette, Adam asked him a question: “Hansen, can you help me to continue my father's training?”

Hansen was a little stunned by this sudden question. “What?”

Adam earnestly continued: “I know it might be unreasonable and hard to do, but this incident reminded why father trained me in the first place; so that I would have the ability to make a difference when it counted. I may never get the chance to use my own strength to help someone out, but I think it would be better for me to be strong than weak.”

Hansen thought for a moment: “How do you train someone who is blind? I suppose he can do sit ups and push ups for strength training, but the sword is completely out of the question. But maybe I really can work with him, and at least train his personal strength.”

After thinking Hansen spoke to Adam: “I will have to think up a proper regimen for you, as well as finding a proper place to workout, but it should be possible.”

A great smile splayed across Adam's face. Hansen could be scary or insensitive, but he had always been good to Adam. “Thank you, Hansen. I think I will go back to play with the other musicians now. Just tell me when you figure out when we can start.”

Janette was a little surprised about their conversation. She had no idea how Hansen would be able to train the blind Adam. If he could, however, then it would be great to help Adam be more accepting of his blindness and move forward. She spoke to Hansen: “If you need any help figuring out a spot, or need some small supplies, don't be afraid to ask me. I might be able to help you out.”

“I will seek your support when I need it then.” Hansen replied as he went to resume his duties. He had a happy glint in his eyes as he walked. It turned out he would be able to train Adam after all, even if he would not be able to fully train Adam with the sword.

The next afternoon, Hansen retrieved Adam from playing his flute, to start his new training regimen. They went behind the dormitory so it was out of view from Madame's entrance. This way they would not draw attention away from the business by training out front.

Adam found himself strangely excited to start training again. Before he had hated it, but right now he felt a longing for it that could only be satiated by actively engaging with it. True to Hansen's thoughts, he mostly had Adam do in-place workouts. Push ups, sit ups, crunches, jumping jacks, Hansen had Adam do them all. He even found a way to make Adam run; Adam would run along the length of the dormitory with one of his hands stretched out to touch its wall.

Before when Adam had trained with his father, he had been rather lax. His father had been lenient and had not corrected some of Adam's mistakes, however, Hansen was different. Hansen would tell Adam when his posture was wrong in a workout. He would guide Adam with his hands to make sure Adam got the most out of the workout. Hansen made it so Adam would deliberately and efficiently work with all his muscles.

Hansen was not terribly strict though. When Adam said he was tired and could do no more, Hansen would not push him to break his limits. After all, if he was pushed too hard it could harshly impact Adam's body. when Adam was done with a small rest, Hansen would immediately get Adam to try something else. Often, Adam would go from working on an exercise that used leg muscles, to one that used arm muscles instead. This way some parts of his body were always resting a little while he worked.

The first few days were quite exhausting for Adam. While he would wake up sore, he was not in pain from injuring his body. Hansen had made a good plan that would thoroughly use up Adam's strength, in a way that was not harmful to him.

Vivienne was unsure about letting Hansen train Adam. She worried that Adam would get hurt. But she noticed how happy Adam was for the training, and how attentive Hansen had been to ensure Adam would not hurt himself. She decided to let it be as she worried about what to do for his birthday.

There was a monthly birthday party that Madame's did at the end of each month for their orphans. But Adam was not really an orphan like the others. Would it be alright to have him celebrate with the others? Madame's would put up a cake, while any gifts would be given from friends.

When Vivienne finally asked Janette if it was okay to include Adam, Janette was simply shocked at how reserved Vivienne was being. Even if Adam was not fully an orphan, he had lost part of his family like many others here. Adam was already considered family at Madame's and there would be no reason to not allow him to celebrate with the others.

Every month had exactly twenty-eight days in it. It always started with the 1st on Montock and ended with the 28th on Sonntock. The birthday party would only be a day late for Adam.

Adam, himself, had not realized that his birthday was this month. Since that night they left Fort Erich, his life had been turned upside down. He had lost track of time and what month it was long ago. Unless someone deliberately brought the month up, Adam would never think to check what time of year it was. He had only hassled Emilia on learning those songs, about the days and months, at his mother's behest.

Janette tried to keep everyone from mentioning the end-of-month birthday party to Adam, so that it would be a surprise. Everyone pretty much agreed to this. They might not be able to get him any good presents, but to suddenly celebrate with everyone would help bring Adam closer to those who lived at Madame's.

Adam continued to train, unaware of the birthday party that was planned for that night and the stares of others as he trained. Since he had trained everyday, everyone quickly came to know what was going on. Some of the boys secretly wanted to join so they could become strong, and look good in front of the girls. The girls were divided between thinking it was foolish and fantasizing about the attractive muscles Adam was going to form.

Quickly the celebratory night came. Vivienne decided to lead Adam down to the cafeteria in the dormitory herself. Adam followed along not knowing that anything was different. Sometimes his mother would like to eat in the cafeteria instead of their room, so everything was normal.

When they entered the cafeteria, Adam could tell something was different. He could hear the sounds of people breathing, but none of them were talking or eating. Susan's voice then spoke out from the crowd: “Hey, Adam.” Followed by everyone saying: “Happy birthday!”

Adam was startled: “Today is my birthday!?”

It was decided that they would announce it this way, instead of everyone shouting when he came in, so that he would not get too startled by the surprise. Everyone had a smug look as they saw Adam's startled face.

The noise in the cafeteria picked up as everyone prepared to continue the party with cake. Adam ended up being dragged by someone to a table. Susan's voice spoke beside him: “This is the table for everyone who has a birthday this month. Sit down, have some fun, and enjoy the cake!”

After saying all that, Susan promptly skipped off to join others in preparing the cake leaving Adam alone with the others. Adam felt a little awkward about not knowing who was around him. But that was quickly remedied, as everyone at the table started talking to Adam.

Adam was the only new person at the birthday table this month, so the others were already acquainted. They introduced themselves to Adam and asked him some questions, like how old he was now.

Adam felt a little overloaded, but he started to enjoy himself as he talked to the others. There were a few close to his age, as well as those who were older. Adam felt comfortable talking to them with the festive mood in the air.

A few minutes later, cake was brought to the birthday table and set before them. They were sung to by everyone around them before they dug in. Adam found the cake to be sweet and delicious. He had not had any sweets like this in a long time.

The party progressed and Adam was having a fun time. He would talk to those at his table, but also many came up and talked to him. There were a few people Adam was already acquainted with from his daily life so far, but there were also many he had never met before. Adam was completely washed away by the festive mood that everyone held.

Over the course of evening, a few gifts were given to others that were sitting at the table. Adam felt a little envious of them, but was not expecting much for himself. He liked the party very much, even if a gift would be nice, he was content with the party itself.

At one point, though, Alfred came up behind Adam and told him: “Hey, Adam. Hold out your hands!”

With a questioning look, Adam did as he was told. He felt a wooden something, that was a little heavy, fall into his hands. He quizzically felt the object out. It was kind of like a cross with a sharp tip. Was it...

“It may be a bit simple, but it was really all we could put together. It is a wooden sword!” and unfamiliar voice said.

Alfred explained to Adam, the gift came from a group of boys that had been watching Adam train. They felt that even if Adam couldn't use the sword to train, it would be much cooler as a walking cane than the simple one he presently had.

Adam had mixed feeling to this. The young boyish side wanted to be seen cooly using a sword to feel his way around, but the other side knew it was quite foolish. None the less, he was extremely happy for the gift. He would figure out if he could use it later.

After saying his thanks, the boys hesitatingly asked: “I don't know if this is a weird request, but.... would you let us train with you? You already look stronger than you did when you first got here, and some of the girls look your way while training too!”

Adam blushed a slight crimson shade. He had not know that he was being stared at by so many people while he trained. “I will have to ask Hansen, but I have no problem with it.” he responded.

The boys were extremely excited at Adam's response. They could get strong, look cool, and grab the attention of a few girls. This was the easy road to success! They did not yet realize how exhausting and taxing the training really was.

Vivienne had been watching Adam the entire time the party was going. She had a few tears in her eyes. She hated herself for crying during the joyful party, but she felt too emotional when she saw Adam interacting with the others. He was not being ostracized, but was being friendly and having a good time with everyone.

Vivienne had been debating on whether or not to tell Adam about becoming a spiritualist this night. She had now decided that she would at least tell him within the next few days, maybe even tomorrow. But tonight she just wanted to watch her son have fun with others close to his age.

The party ended, and it was time to go to bed. At this time, as they were heading back to their room, Hansen also came to congratulate Adam on reaching another year in life. Adam thanked him and then hesitatingly asked: “Hansen, some of the other boys have been wondering if they could train with me. Is that possible?”

Hansen was surprised about this, he had never imagined training anyone other than Adam. Giving it a moments thought he responded: “As long as they decide to keep up with the training, there should be no problem. You already know how to do all the exercises I can teach you right now, so it won't detract from your training if we add others.”

Adam showed some glee in his eyes. It should be fun to do stuff with others his age, maybe he could make a few more good friends. He then said: “Thank you, everyone will be enthusiastic when they hear this.... also, I don't know if it is possible for you to train me with this wooden sword?”

Hansen was momentarily stunned now. How could he teach Adam the sword? The sword was a lot more complicated than the simple exercises he had taught thus far.

Vivienne was also stunned by what Adam just asked. It would be dangerous and foolish to blindly swing a sword around. Just as she was about to deny Adam from trying to do so, he bashfully spoke: “Father had always said I should practice the sword until I could do it with my eyes closed. My eyes are now fully closed, but it shouldn't matter too much right?”

Adam himself had never fully understood what Alaric meant by being able to swing his sword with his eyes closed. He thought it was foolish and dangerous himself, but if it could be done, why couldn't he continue learning the sword?

Hansen let out a great laugh: “That is not exactly what your father meant by those words, but just maybe we could do something. I don't think I could ever teach you how to fight with the sword, that would require you being able to observe your opponent. But I can teach you sword movements and use those to train your muscle control, there is some possibility there.”

Adam was broadly smiling now and Vivienne was panicking a little. How could she let her blind son swing a sword around. Hansen alleviated her fears by directly speaking to her: “You don't have to worry about him getting hurt or hurting others. We will just use his wooden sword, and we will start out slow. Also I will watch the whole time and make sure no one gets near him. He will be fine.”

Vivienne calmed a down a little at this. At least Adam would not be swinging a metal sword around. Still she was worried.

Hansen then said: “Before we start the sword training, or training with the others, I will want to with speak both you and Madame Janette sometime tomorrow.”

A little confused about what he wanted to talk about, Vivienne agreed to the little meeting. After saying farewell to Hansen, Vivienne led Adam back to their room. On the way, she laid down some ground rules that if Adam ever hurt himself or others with the wooden sword, she might take it away from him. She was truly worried about her son becoming a little reckless.