Aqua waited patiently for Azure to finish, her mind wandering to the future duty she had to commit to. This was her last day of peace for the foreseeable future. She did not want to let it go yet.
I will fix this world as soon as possible! She clenched her fist.
She pushed air out of her nose and leaned back, her stare fixed on the ceiling. "I should definitely say bye to Mia before I disappear."
Vanishing while leaving one's student in the dark would have been a rather rude thing to do. I will do so in the morning before heading out.
Her path would lead her into the Lux domain, where she would meet a person who seemed to have contact with the world soul. Someone who was special enough to be granted an audience, yet was merely a mortal.
Soon after, the door opened, and Azure stepped out. Her face carried an expression of anger. As soon as their gazes met, she smiled before swiftly jumping at Aqua and giving her a tight hug.
"Aqua! You waited for me!" She shouted, rubbing her face against Aqua's cheek.
The heroine placed her hand on Azure's back and gently patted her. "Is everything alright?"
"Eh, nothing you need to worry yourself over, my star. Headmaster just wanted to talk."
Aqua's face flushed red. "Your…star?"
She quickly pulled away from Aqua and looked her straight in the eyes. "Yes, that will be my nickname for you. My star! My shining light!"
Aqua couldn't help but chuckle and smile at the nickname. "I will gladly accept it."
Azure grabbed Aqua's hand and pulled her after her. "Yay! Alright, my star, let's spend some time together before your departure."
"That's the plan."
The duo of girls made their way into the Academy courtyard. "So what do you want to do, Azu?"
"Hmm, I am not really sure, my star." She said, letting go of Aqua's hand. "I was too excited to spend time with you that I did not think of anything to do."
Aqua's eyes narrowed, she crossed her arms, and laughed loudly.
"Why are you laughing at me, my star?!" She said, pouting.
She rubbed the edge of her eye and suppressed her laughter. "I am sorry, Azu. It was just so funny and adorable."
After a moment of silence, Aqua scratched her chin and tilted her head. A small smirk appeared on her face as she stepped closer. She leaned next to Azure's ear and whispered. "I am more than happy just looking at you~."
The words sent a chill down Azure's spine. She lost her balance, and her knees gave in. Her face turned bright red, and she quickly placed her hands over her blushing face.
She squealed and planted her knees on the marble floor.
Aqua leaned over her and poked her cheek. "Are you okay, Azu?"
She shook her head. "I… think my heart almost gave up."
After a moment of gathering her wits, she pushed herself up. "Ahm! How about we sneak out of the academy and take a walk through the forest? There is a very old monument nearby," She hummed.
Aqua curtised. "I don't see why not, please, Azu, lead the way."
"Usually we wouldn't be allowed to leave the academy grounds without a good reason, but it's not like they could stop us hehe~."
Azure quickly grabbed Aqua's hand and pulled her after her. Instead of going to the front gate, the duo made their way toward the back of the academy. It was surrounded by large walls, and it hosted no important facilities, which made the teacher's presence much lower than in other parts of the institution.
The two girls jumped over the immense wall and landed in the open field outside the academy premises.
Azure stepped away from Aqua and then swiftly turned toward her. "Alright, my star. If we just go straight into the forest, we should reach an old monument hehe~."
In response, Aqua merely nodded. "Lead the way, Azu."
"Let's not rush. I prefer to spend as much time with my Star as possible."
Aqua's face gained a slight blush. I like that nickname a lot.
She was not sure if it was the nickname itself or the fact that it was something that Azure thought of her.
Whatever the reason was, it made her like her knight even more.
She hopped over to Azure and grabbed her under the arm. "No need to rush, I am glad to spend some time with you."
Azure turned her gaze away, intending to hide her blush, yet her ears gave away her true feelings.
Aqua reached toward them and pinched Azure's ear, which made Azure snap back toward her. "Hey!"
The heroine let out a chuckle. "You were just too cute, don't mind me."
Her heels dug into the ground, pulling Aqua back with the sudden stop. "Thank you…"
"There is no need to thank me, Azu. I really enjoy your presence." She said, tugging Azure. "Come on, you wanted to show me that monument, did you not?"
Azure quickly nodded, and the duo headed deeper into the woods.
They moved through the thicket. A soft rustle of leaves and chirps of birds reached their ears. It was a state of peace and serenity that rarely ever happened.
Aqua hummed softly.
Soon, the thick woods cleared, revealing a large clearing. The old stone was nearly reclaimed by nature, and in front of them stood a large circular structure of stone.
It resembled a sunflower, its flat surface facing toward the east, welcoming the rising sun.
Four rings of old mossy stone spread from its base.
She wasn't kidding that it was old. Aqua separated from Azure and approached the outer ring, her fingers dragged over the moss and brought it before her nose.
Azure stepped closer, leaning over Aqua's shoulder. "This monument was here before even Soleah's birth."
"What does it represent?"
The silence descended upon the duo. Azure hummed, deep in thought.
She then quickly shook her head. "I do not know. However, there are some theories."
Aqua raised her brow and took a seat on one of the old stones. "Please tell me more. I am all ears."
"There used to be a legend. It spoke of a great last stand. A battle where a single elf held his ground against a horde of southern marauders." She spoke reverently, her gaze stuck on the large circular plate.
Aqua nodded along, absorbing the information. "Please continue."
She shook her head and turned to Aqua. "Unfortunately, we do not know much. But I really believe that this rumor was true."
The heroine hummed, This place seems to mean a lot to her.
She kicked her legs before pushing herself away from her seat. "What if I let you witness the scene as it truly was?"
The champion's word stuck in her throat, and she slowly panned toward Aqua. "Huh?!"