The Tale of the Redeeming Villain

[Day Five]

[7.02 PM]

Blake was reading a book related to wind spells and their origin in his room while a small whirlwind danced on the table in front.

This small whirlwind was naturally something Blake had created and maintained to increase his efficiency with the Wind Element.

Thanks to the crash course that Catherine made possible, his rank has developed from D to C. And now, Blake can also conjure a single C-rank spell without worrying about bursting his cords.

Last night he had been practicing with Catherine's assistance until three before they both went to bed—just because the nun was concerned that Blake might turn lunatic after breaking down and getting healed up so many times.

That's why they slept until afternoon and after having lunch, Blake continued the training until evening.

Now he was focused on learning a basic spell of C-rank which can help him camouflage and escape. His only chance at victory against Carlson is to prolong the battle so two things might happen;

First, someone from the church or the headmaster stops Carlson from pushing himself in fear of Overheating.

Second, Blake somehow can escape from the Academy and take refuge for some time until Catherine persuades Carlson to let go of the matter.

Either case is possible but quite risky. However, Blake, in his previous life has faced numerous situations quite tougher than this one. As such, he still could be seen relaxed and focused.

*Knock*

Hearing the knock, Blake didn't reply before the other person opened the door and walked in without hesitation.

Even though they have been living together only for just five days, Catherine and Blake have become quite comfortable and have started to understand each other like a family members. Like, if Blake had been doing something or had been in some position that wasn't appropriate for Catherine to see, then he would have immediately called out. However, hearing no response allowed Catherine to just enter without a single moment of hesitation.

"Blake...I was searching the store room for a new broom when I found this picture...." While extending a photo that was hand drawn and had no colors, she asked, "Who is she? She looks so pretty...."

The stars in her eyes and the way her voice trailed off clearly signified that she was fascinated by the woman in the picture.

Blake rested the book on the table and the whirlwind disappeared the moment his eyes landed on the picture.

With a complicated swirl of emotions surfacing within, he responded, "She's my mother...."

Catherine blinked in surprise, which urged Blake to add,

"I know we don't look alike at all. I didn't get her looks...nor her qualities." With a soft smile extending his lips, he added, "She was a really nice woman who can help someone in need even though she might have to face consequences because of that."

"Seems like she was really a nice person."

Blake nodded with that smile still on his face.

Catherine sat down opposite him and asked in a curious tone, "What about you Dad? How was he?"

The smile from his face slowly faded as Blake replied while looking away from her, "Well...I don't remember much about him. But if I have to tell, then he was a very cruel person and a backstabber."

Catherine sobered up hearing that as concern filled her eyes. She could sense the animosity and sadness in his voice which made her regret asking him about his father.

Blake heaved a sigh before he got up from the seat and spoke slowly, "You can say I have received traits of my father. He has always been so cruel to me and my mother that I never actually perceived the meaning of an actual father."

Going through the memories, Blake found himself unable to control himself as he spoke further, "He used to beat me for every single thing, even if it was my fault or not. It was like, he actually didn't want me in the family or something..."

Catherine's heart fell hearing that. Although she had lived with her parents for not so long she knew that they both loved her more than anything. And as such she couldn't even think how much it has hurt Blake to feel unneeded.

With a helpless smile, Blake turned his focus on Catherine and said, "You know...after a time I became so traumatized by his presence that whenever he came home I either locked myself in my room or hid in a cupboard or under the bed."

Blake remembered those days of horror and pain when he couldn't do anything but suffer at the hands of the person whom he used to call, 'Dad'.

"How cruel and selfish he was, I knew that my mom loved that man more than anything. Even though I was just a kid, I could see in her eyes how much she awaited his return and rejoiced on those small occasions when he praised her."

With his voice turning a little heavy, Blake continued, "And in exchange for that love and care...what did my bastard Dad do?"

With his eyes turned red and that smile now nowhere to be seen, he looked at Catherine and uttered, "He sold her to someone."

"---!!" Catherine's eyes parted wide as she covered her mouth in horror.

Blake helplessly smiled after that, and said, "And you know what I did?" Pointing toward one of the corners of the room he said, "I remained hiding in one of those dark corners back in that house."

Blake remained staring at the corner like he was still seeing his past self standing there and sealing his mouth with his own hands. Those tears...Blake could see them even now and the utter terror in those eyes.

The room turned silent after that before Blake took a big breath and turned towards a weeping Catherine.

Although he couldn't see himself Blake knew that tears had formed in his eyes as well.

But that didn't stop him from adding something as a confession, "You wanted to know why I never touched you even when I had the chance right?"

Crouching a little to match their eye levels, Blake uttered in a whisper, "I didn't touch you that day because your crying face reminded me of my mother."

Blake stood back up and not so long after he left the room to sort out his feelings.

Catherine remained seated while tears continued to flow down her eyes.

She wanted to listen to his answer about why he never touched her that night...and now upon realizing the reason all she could feel was grief and remorse.

********

A/N:- Kinda heavy? Drop a comment.