Asuka POV:
Two weeks have passed since Ichigo and I had our talk. I returned to Ichigo's house after saying goodbye to everyone at the orphanage. Since then, Ichigo's been putting me through intense anima control training.
All the training involved continuously using anima for long periods of time until I was nearly depleted. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of the day. While I wouldn't have bruises or cuts, my body felt several times heavier and my muscles refused to do any more work including the journey back to the house. Luckily, Mei was always there to heal me enough so I could move but not enough to forget.
Ichigo didn't mention it to me, but I know he probably asked her to do so.
Today, though, was rest day. Typically on days like this Ichigo would go on his own missions the emperor gave him. I always asked about his travels and what crazy things he's seen, but each time he would turn me down.
"Stories for when you're ready," he would say.
It frustrated me but I understood. Some stories weren't meant for a child's ear no matter how strong they are. Or how strong they thought they were.
But rest day didn't mean free day.
Ichigo had asked Mei to teach me about the religion of our world, Aeonara. She would teach in the mornings and in the afternoon for only a couple of hours.
It's a good thing I pick up on things quickly, because this was by far the most boring thing I've ever had to sit through.
Some of the stories and lessons were cool, sure, but an overwhelming majority of them were just praising the Aeons for how their power, knowledge and benevolence was never ending and how they should be revered and adored by all. Story after story. The lesson remains the same. Like serving the same dish on a different plate.
But... maybe it was not boredom I felt.
Each time a story ends with that same lesson, I thought about the genocide of the Nephilim. The lie they told about the purpose of the Seraphim. Even the vision I had a while back. That Aeon holding the severed head of that woman, not even trying to hide the pride in her eyes. Almost like it was something to be proud of.
What benevolent creature would be so proud of that? What benevolent creature would approve of the destruction of an entire race? How many lies have been spread through this book?
I can't help but question it all.
But for the sake of the mission, I'll sit through each teaching. No matter how much crap is in it.
Besides... some of the stories were interesting.
I already knew the things everyone knew. Things like how the Aeons, demons and humans were created from the great being named "Magnavi" and how there was peace throughout the world until the demon king tried to rebel against Magnavi with help from powerful demons and rule all alone.
But I never knew some of the demons fought against the demon king as well. Some of the demons had grown to love humanity and had many children with them.
"I guess that's how so many Nephilim existed," I thought as Mei was speaking.
It was a bit of a shock to learn that.
"And lo, the war was short, for it came to pass that the Demon King lifted his eyes and beheld the army of the enemy, and his heart was sore afraid. Great was his trembling, and deep was his cowardice, for his spirit failed within him. He turned and fled from the day of battle, and in his fear he did fashion a realm not known among the sons of men. A dark dominion did he create for himself and his hosts, and he called the name of that place Tenebrae, for it was shrouded in shadow and dread," Mei finished.
I sat quietly listening to Mei end the story. As she finished, I stretched my arms and legs letting out a tired sigh.
"By the Aeons, I wish these things weren't written so out of order. Would make things much easier to follow."
"Maybe so," Mei said, "but I think it makes things more interesting. Reading is much more fun when the mysteries of the world aren't solved right away."
"I guess. But this isn't some story book. It's historical."
"Yes. Maybe the Aeons just have dramatic flair," she said with a small chuckle.
I couldn't hold back a small laugh.
For a moment we sat in silence, but then I noticed something.
"Hey Mei. How come you know so much about Aeonara?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I noticed that you didn't have to read for most of the lesson. It's like you have these stories memorized already."
Mei's thoughts drifted and I noticed the light in her green eyes dim a little. Mei closed her eyes and let out a sigh.
"When I was a child, I was very religious. My parents took me to church every week. We prayed, worshipped and did charity work to help those less fortunate than us. We weren't exactly fortunate ourselves, but I'll never forget the smiles of the children who drank sweet tea for the first time."
Her voice softened when she began speaking. The nostalgic tone in her voice let me know these were pleasant memories.
"Really? What was it like?"
"...Peaceful. Or at least, to a child it was. Now thinking back, I know it was only an illusion."
I tilted my head in confusion.
"In the Land of the Phoenix, while religion is permitted, the emperor was to be praised above all other beings. Including the Aeons. If this rule was disobeyed, even if it was only a single man, the emperor would send an army and destroy that entire village."
I felt a chill crawl down my spine. That wasn't just cruel. That was tyranny.
Her gaze became distant as she finished that sentence.
"Did... did that happen to you?"
She didn't respond immediately. She slowly touched her left wrist gently then took a deep breath.
"Yes. But don't expect me to go into detail. You may be strong, but you're still a child."
"Right. I'm sorry. I was being insensitive."
"No. It's quite alright. I know you're a curious child. But do remember that some memories can be quite painful. Try not to pry too much and wait until they are ready. Alright darling?"
I nodded with a bit of shame. Seeing this, she grabbed my hand.
"How about we stop with the stories for today. Let me try to teach you how to make an easy dinner from my country."
My look of shame quickly shifted to one of fear.
"Uh, I don't think that's a good idea. Last time didn't go so well."
"Oh, you don't have to worry. The meal will be really simple. Even a newborn could make it."
I was still a bit worried.
"If it'll help, I'll be there every step of the way with you."
I felt a bit more reassured hearing that.
"Okay then. I suppose nothing could go wrong like that then."
I took a deep breath, stood up and confidently walked into the kitchen. I grabbed an apron and tied it just like how Martha taught.
"This time for sure, I'll knock everyone's boot off."
Naturally of course, it all went wrong.