The Crimson Magister Chapter 25: V2-C6: Aqua’s Past

Read chapter 25 of The Crimson Magister by Okram on NovelPedia.

V2-C6: Aqua’s Past Aqua leaned forward, and her eyes closed as she plunged deep in thought. How much should she reveal to Azure? While Azure didn’t seem to hide much from her, it did not mean that she should tell every sensitive detail. Not only was it foolish to reveal everything without a thought, but it was also incredibly painful. And yet as she stared into Azure’s eager gaze, she couldn’t help but drop her guard at least slightly. What’s the harm? I can reveal a little bit at least. Not like it would allow her to betray me… Aqua sighed as she looked around, “Don't share my past with anyone, ok?” Azure nodded excitedly. There was no reason for her to go against Aqua’s wishes. It was the least her hero had deserved. What excited Azure even more was that Aqua was willing to share something with her that she wouldn’t share with anyone else. “Well… Let’s start from my own birth.” Aqua leaned back while she crossed her arms. “Unlike you, I was not born in a noble family, but we weren’t poor either. We were what you could categorize as the middle class of elven society. Fortunately, we lived in a rather major city, which made it slightly easier to earn a living.” “You aren’t a noble? I could have bet my life you were considering how you behave and how educated you seem.” Azure tilted her head in confusion. “Hah… Knowledge is not something exclusive to nobility, Azure. It is acquired through great effort. Even a beggar could learn as much as I could, as long as they had discipline and patience. Of course, having material means also helps speed up the process.” Azure nodded. “I digress, my Mother and Father were both soldiers.” She chuckled for a moment, “They fell in love when the humans invaded us and they saved each other’s hides.” Azure nodded along as her ears twitched. “Keep in mind this is a different world than this one.” “We were a rather happy family, I had an older brother too… He used to be so protective.” Aqua’s smile faded as she remembered her family. For a moment, she went silent before she shook her head and continued. “You said he used to be… what happened…?” Azure worried that she answered her own question; however, she wished for Aqua to answer and confirm. Aqua exhaled sharply, “I will get to it soon.” “Mhm… sorry for interrupting.” “Not a problem…” Aqua frowned for a moment, “Our happy family did not mean to last. Merely a century passed before the ‘Divine Exterminators’ came to our city.” “Were they the human invaders you mentioned?” “No, these were independent Church Exterminators. The Executors of God’s will. Much like the Inquisitors of Red Dawn. With mere invaders, ordinary soldiers were enough… but with those…” A small tear escaped her eye. Azure leaned forward, her finger gently rubbing away the single tear. Aqua stared at her in shock as she caught Azure’s hand. “You wiped my tears… I am returning the favor.” Azure smiled as Aqua released her grip. “Thanks… Remembering those days is painful; they are not easy to talk about.” Aqua’s lips curled into a wide smile. “You know… You don’t need to tell me if it’s too difficult.” Azure finished wiping Aqua’s tears before she pulled her hand back. Sheira warned me not to be too pushy. Aqua shook her head, “I appreciate it, but I will be fine. It was rather long ago at this point.” Azure nodded. “Those exterminators killed EVERYONE… every single elf, be it a woman, child, or elderly. They were all slaughtered.” Azure placed her hands on her mouth and widened her eyes. “My family barricaded themselves inside our home… yet they soon found us.” “My Father and Brother tried to protect us, but they were cut down before my eyes… their blood stained my skin and clothing…” Aqua brought her hands forward and stared at her palms. Her body shook as she remembered the traumatic day, “My mother tried hiding me, but she was captured… and they forced me to watch as they… decapitated her in front of me…” “Why…” “Then I did not know… all I knew back then was that they murdered