The Moonlight Swordsman



Inside the potion shop...

As the moon rose in the night sky and cast its ethereal light on the world, Aquarian kept his word and sent Aizel back to the potion shop.

Under Aquarian's watchful eye, he had spent the daylight hours honing meditation. 

He had immersed himself in keeping his mind calm and free of thoughts from dawn until dusk.

As night fell and the land became quiet, Aizel's search for knowledge continued under a different teacher. After dusk, Aizel joined Vespara in the peace and quiet of the potion shop.

Here, amidst the aromatic symphony of herbs and plants, a new chapter in his education unfolded.

"Vespara, I was thinking about something."

"Speak pretty boy. What naughty ideas do you have in your mind?"

"When Leah's grandfather fought another Grade V mage, that other guy used the red flowers that were poisonous. 

"Red Mist Azalea?" 

"Yes, that's the one. I remember Hazel told me that it is so potent that a single whiff from it can kill a mage below Grade V. Is that true?"

"Yes, it is very poisonous, and it can easily kill a mage under Grade V if he is not prepared for it."

"So they can use some kind of potion to save themselves?" Aizel asked.

"Yes, but that should be done in an instant. And mages usually don't have the antidote for Azalea with them all the time," Vespara replied.

"Ummm... I was thinking of using that plant in my fights."

"But you have to be very careful with it, pretty boy. Normally, I would have said no to it, but you need every advantage you can have in the battle."

Aizel's eyes sparkled when he heard that.

"So where can I find it?"

"Don't worry; you focus on your training with Aquarian. In the meantime, I will collect that plant for you," Vespara replied.

"Thank you, Hag. You are awesome."

"You know, pretty boy... I always help you and get nothing in return." She said it with a pout.

Oh boy, here we go," He thought.

[fufu, you can have both of them as your wives, Master]

"I will not do anything lewd with you," Aizel replied.

"I wasn't even going to ask about that," She replied in a weak voice. 

"Then? What can I do for the great War Goddess?"

She closed the distance and grabbed Aizel's hand.

"I want to spend my life with you, Daisy, and the kids." She said that, and her eyes started to tear up.

"Oi oi oi, why are you starting to cry? I never said you couldn't live with us," Aizel replied, getting a little confused about how he should console her.

"I was always alone since everybody from the Bloodmoon family was killed. 

"I never had so much fun and have enjoyed my life with you, the kids, Daisy, and even Shelly. 

"The day you visited my shop... I consider that day the best of my life."

Aizel wrapped his arms around Vespara and pulled her close to his chest. The weight of sorrow hung heavy in the air as Vespara's tears began to flow, their silent cascades dampening Aizel's shoulder. 

Without a word, he gently stroked her back, offering solace in his touch.

"That's why I am scared. I am on a thin rope. The day my relationship with the oldie or motives comes out in front of everyone, the whole kingdom will be against me.

"And because of me.... you and others will be in danger too."

"You don't have to worry about that. It's not your fault, Vespara. 

"I never considered this kingdom my home in the first place," Aizel replied.

"But the ki...

"Don't worry about them either. We will find a way."

"Thank you, Aizel." She said.

Aizel smiled gently. 

His heart was filled to the brim with deep joy, and a light shone from deep within. Aizel loved the strong bonds he had made, which were like a fabric of love and care around him.

He felt warm inside when he realized that there were people all around him who loved and cared about him. Aizel found comfort in the present, even though his memories of the past were still a puzzle. 

Aizel suddenly started to feel Vespara's arms tighten around him.

At that time, she gave a soft smile, which gave her face a hint of shyness. As she spoke, she leaned in close and brushed her warm breath against his ear.

"Now pretty boy... it's time to do some lewd things."

"No no no hag, this isn't what I agreed on. Don't play with my emotions like this...

Vespara licked Aizel's cheek and started to laugh.

"Haha, it's always fun to see you scared like this." She weakened her grip, and Aizel stepped back from her.

"Your jokes are getting old now, hag."

"Hehe, now let's not waste time, and let's find more uses of herbs and plants that you can use,"

Aizel nodded.

As he studied, Aizel went deeper into the world of herbs and plants, learning about their distinctive features and how they could be used in the fight.

His knowledge expanded, and he became well-versed in the rich flora of the kingdom. 

Exhausted from his endeavors, Aizel made the decision to rest within the comforting walls of the potion shop, finding solace amidst the shelves of ingredients and the lingering scent of botanical wonders. 

The Next Day...

Once again, Aizel was standing on the mysterious island. His meditation with Aquarian had cleared the way for a fresh endeavor.

Anticipation coursed through his veins as he brimmed with excitement, eager to glean knowledge from the seasoned Grade VIII mage. 

"So what are we going to do next?" He asked.

"Do you see this ocean?"

"Yeah,"

"Get ready. We are going for a swim, hahaha."

This time, Aizel didn't think much and nodded toward Aquariand without asking questions.

He knew that this guy wasn't stupid enough to waste a month's time on these stupid activities.

As the sun cast its radiant glow upon the shimmering ocean, Aizel and Aquarian shed their garments, baring their skin to the elements. 

They jumped into the ocean without a care in the world, their bodies cutting through the waves with fluid ease. 

Aizel loved the way the cool water wrapped around him and refreshed him without freezing him to the bone. It was as if the ocean had worked together to give him the right temperature, which was both cool and warm.

With each stroke, Aizel gave himself over to the rhythmic dance of the waves and enjoyed the freedom of the wide open space.