Asper's Past.

16 years ago…

Heavy drops of water rained down on the ground as dark gray clouds were present in the cave's roof. An occasional thunderclap could be heard above the cave which was considered the city of Zalpha.

It was raining in the cave. Such a thing was thought to be impossible, no short of a miracle considering they were underground and there was a severe lack of people with water affinity who were trained in using spells.

During this miracle, where crops were being nourished and the people were resting at home, a Small box could be seen placed in front of the church inside of the slums.

The box was closed off, but the water from the rain was still managing to make it's way in through the gaps, most likely damaging whatever was inside.

Suddenly, from the inside of the box, a cry could be heard. It was a weak cry, being in no way able to overlap the sound of the rain. However it didn't stop. Although weak and quiet, it continued to cry, as if refusing to succumb to it's fate.

Again, another miracle seemed to happen a young nun from the church could be seen opening the doors of the church and walking outside, barefoot into the rain before grabbing the box and rushing inside.

Soaked by the rain, she inspected the box, slowly opening it whilst being wary of what dangers could lurk inside. However, once she opened it, her eyes widened.

Inside of the box, a young baby boy with scarlet red eyes and small patches of white hair could be seen doing all he could to muster out a fake cry.

Alongside of this, there was a nameplate which read the name: Asper Antes.

***

Growing up, Asper was a rather unique type of baby. He learned things at a pace which was much faster than the average. His ability to adapt to his surroundings and to learn things was out of the ordinary.

By 6 months of age, he was able to understand the words of the common language and walk.

As a baby, the curiosity he had was all-growing. He would always try out new things, unaware of the dangers behind them. Because of this, the nun who took care of him, would always set a restriction for him when he wasn't there and keep him in bed so that he wouldn't get hurt.

But due to his curiosity, he would always find a way to escape the restriction the nun had set for him to keep him in bed.

Whenever he'd try to escape however, he'd be caught.

"A… su… per…!"

A female voice would always call out to him and light from the outside would fill the room, whenever he'd be close to escape.

"Honestly…? *Sigh*, I wonder if I was as troublesome as you when I was a kid?" She asked as she grabbed him before sitting down on a nearby chair with him on his lap.

Asper who would be caught, as always would start to tear up, preparing himself to unleash a cry like no other but would be stopped as she'd pull out a bottle of milk in time.

Understanding it's true value, Asper would always stretch out his hands towards it with sparkles in his eyes.

"I know, I know~" Said the nun as she got him into position, moved him in closer to her chest and placed the bottle

This was Asper's favorite time of the day. He would quietly drink his milk as he stared at the wooden ceiling and his mother's face.

She was young, seemingly no older than 9, her cute round green eyes would always hold so much gentleness as she'd look at Asper. She would always be wearing a nun's habit and kept her silky black hair neat and tidy.

Days, months and years would eventually come to pass and Asper had turned 3. He had grown accustom and tired to seeing the same sight everyday.

As far as he could remember, he had always been inside of this small wooden shelter with nothing inside except for a bed. The nun would usually spend most of her day here, but when she'd go, she'd only come back the next day, leaving Asper very lonely.

"Hey, Alice… Why can't I go outside?" Asper asked

"That's…" The young girl seemed truly troubled by the question. "Because it's dangerous." She replied

"Why? Alice is always going out. If I go out to, I'll be able to spend more time with Alice." Added Asper.

"W-Well…" Cold sweat began to flow down her face as Asper stared at her with puppy eyes. Eventually, she gave up and let out a sigh.

She picked up Asper and sat down with him on her lap at their usual spot.

"You see Asper… Asper is really smart so you'll probably understand. Alice is hiding you, you see… Where we are right now… You're… Not allowed to be here." She muttered with a saddened look. After noticing that Asper was watching however, she quickly forced out a smile as she tried to cover up.

"B-But it's fine! One day, I promise that I'll find us a place and we'll be able to eat, drink and sleep and-"

Alice was interrupted by Asper who suddenly grabbed on to her hand and asked.

"Why… Are you crying…?"

Before she had even realized it, tears had started flowing down her face. She quickly wiped the tears away and formed another smile as she said.

"Ah- Something probably got on my eye. It's gone now, so don't wor-"

She was interrupted by Asper again who, while seated on her lap, turned and gave her a pat on the head.

"Pain, pain, go away~" He said with a smile

That was the same act she would do to him whenever he was in pain. Upon seeing this, she broke down into tears.

Asper waited patiently and did as he was told. The following days, months and years. He would spend indoors and would make sure to never step outside.

He continued this in hopes of making life easier to Alice who always took care of him.

On his sixth birthday, however...

Alice disappeared.

***

Asper's eyes opened wide and he found himself laying down on the hallway, staring at the ceiling. There was a soft sensation on the back of his head which he couldn't recognize. After looking to the sides, he noticed that his head was laying on someone's lap.

He looked down and noticed that his wounds were all healed, his limbs reattached, everything. He couldn't believe it.

He was forced however to squint as strands of silver hair suddenly ended up hitting his eyes as a face moved in closer. Long silver hair and crimson red round eyes.

An angel? No, that wasn't the case. It was simply Stella. Or so he thought.

"Asper… Why are you crying?" Stella asked.