9. Brings back memories

Acheron and Milim left the kingdom in a cloud of quiet sorrow. Milim, her small dragon trailing behind her. Milim was still heartbroken over her parents' departure. Acheron, though not the most best in bringing up themood, did her best to comfort the young girl.

"Milim, look at the stars," Acheron began awkwardly, pointing to the night sky as they walked. "They remind us that even in darkness, there's light."

Milim glanced up, her eyes still brimming with tears. "But Auntie, the stars can't hug me. I miss Mom and Dad."

Acheron frowned, struggling to find the right words. "I know it's hard. But you're strong, Milim. Stronger than you realize."

Milim wiped her eyes, looking up at Acheron. "Do you think they'll come back?"

Acheron hesitated. "I'm not sure. But until then, I'll be here for you."

Milim nodded, sniffling. "Okay, Auntie. I'll try to be strong."

...

As the months passed, the landscape around them changed, and so did Milim. Despite her tender age, her strength and prowess became evident. She fought monsters with a crazy smile, effortlessly tearing through them with her raw power. Acheron watched in awe and concern, realizing just how formidable Milim was becoming.

One fateful day, during their journey, Milim accidentally unleashed her breath attack, annihilating an entire city. In the eerie silence that followed, Acheron surveyed the wasteland of ruins that had once been a thriving kingdom. She turned to Milim, who stood amidst the destruction, wide-eyed at her own strength.

"..."

"..."

"This will be a secret between us," Acheron said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on Milim's shoulder. Milim nodded

---

Time passed, and Acheron and Milim continued their journey. They eventually arrived at another kingdom, one that felt vaguely familiar to Acheron. She couldn't quite place why, but something about the place tugged at her memory. They made their way through the city, Acheron navigating with her usual determination.

"Auntie, we're supposed to be going to the center, not out of town," Milim pointed out, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

Acheron, ever stoic, realized that she had indeed taken a wrong turn. Despite her formidable combat skills, her sense of direction left much to be desired. Milim giggled, her innocent laughter a stark contrast to their recent experiences. It was a sound that brought a rare, faint smile to Acheron's lips.

"Whahaha. Auntie Acheron, why do you always get lost?" Milim asked with a playful grin.

Acheron sighed, shaking her head. "Navigating is not my strong suit. I'm better at fighting than finding my way."

Milim's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Maybe I should lead the way next time!"

Acheron raised an eyebrow. "And how would that go?"

Milim puffed out her chest. "We'd go straight to where we need to be! No getting lost!"

Acheron chuckled softly, a rare sound that seemed to surprise even her. "Alright, Milim. I'll let you guide us next time."

Acheron didn't know why, but this kingdom brought her some little of warm feeling a happiness.

---

They finally reached a plaza and found a small restaurant. As they ate, Acheron's gaze wandered. She noticed someone familiar at a nearby table, but couldn't quite identify them.

The individuals were guards she had trained rigorously in the past. When they noticed Acheron, their faces paled to an almost unhealthy degree – even for vampires. 

Milim looked at the pale guards and asked innocently, "Auntie, why do they look so scared?"

"I have no clue."

Acheron's eyes widened slightly as the memories rushed back. "The training?" she murmured, finally placing them. "You were the ones from that training regimen."

Another guard nodded, still visibly shaken. "Yes, we remember you well, Acheron-sama. You pushed us beyond our limits."

Milim's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of training, Auntie?"

Acheron remained silent for a moment, contemplating how to explain. "It was just... ordinary training."

One guard, barely able to contain his anxiety, added, "It was monstrous. We felt like we were being trained by a demon. It was a battlefield, live or die."

The guards began to visibly tremble, their eyes darting nervously between each other and Acheron. One guard's breath became ragged, his skin paling further as panic set in.

"A-Acheron-sama?" another guard stammered, his voice quivering, "Are you... Are you back to train us again?"

Acheron shook her head, her gaze softening slightly. "No, we're just passing through."

Milim, picking up on the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Don't worry! Auntie Acheron is nice. Well, sometimes. And she's teaching me too. It isn't that bad. Whahahaha"

Despite Milim's cheerful attempt, the guards' anxiety didn't fully dissipate. Their hands shook, and one even passed out, while the others were hardly breathing, clearly remembering the grueling training sessions they had endured under Acheron's command.

As Milim, her innocent curiosity undeterred by the tense atmosphere, eyed one of the guards with a mischievous glint in her eyes, Acheron swiftly intervened.

"Not now, Milim," she said gently, placing a firm hand on the young girl's shoulder. "You can spar with them later."

The guards visibly tensed at the suggestion, their unease palpable as memories of Acheron's rigorous training sessions resurfaced.

Turning her attention back to the guards, Acheron made a request that seemed to catch them off guard.

"Could you lead me to Luminous?" Acheron asked, her tone calm but insistent.

The guards exchanged nervous glances before one of them nodded hesitantly. "Y-yes, right away."

With a nod of gratitude, Acheron followed the guards as they began to escort them through the city towards the palace. Milim, ever the curious one, couldn't resist asking a question.

"Who's Luminous?" she inquired, looking up at Acheron with wide eyes.

Acheron's gaze softened as she glanced down at Milim. "Luminous was my first and best friend," she explained quietly. "She's... special."

As they continued, the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor echoed through the corridor. A figure emerged from the shadows, clad in elegant gothic attire. It was Luminous.

With an air of haughty grace, Luminous swept into view, her regal demeanor evident in every movement. She regarded Acheron with a mixture of curiosity and feigned indifference, though there was a subtle warmth in her eyes that betrayed her true feelings.

"Humph. I trust you have a good reason for seeking an audience with me, Acheron," Luminous said, her voice tinged with a hint of joy.

Acheron couldn't help but smile inside at Luminous's familiar antics, her haughty nature shining through even in this formal setting.

'Huh? I am smiling? That's new?'

"Of course, Luminous," Acheron replied, in her classic stoic tone, but there was a hint of happiness. "I wouldn't dare disturb you without a valid reason, friend."

At that, Milim's jaw hit the floor. She had never seen anybody make her auntie that happy. "Auntie, I am not dreaming, am I?"

Acheron looked questioningly at Milim.

Milim pointed her finger at Acheron like a great detective. "I saw that you smiled, just for a second, but that didn't escape my [Milim eye]"

After Luminous showed her haughty demeanor, she began to smile. "It's good to see you again, friend."

(End of a chapter)