Pluck along with the triplets, Vandy, Jubei and Karasu had managed to fix up the wall as they finally took a breather. They looked at all the hard work as the entrance looked good as new. Aisling wiped away the sweat off her forehead as she looked over everything.
"Man--" Aisling said, "--It took us all afternoon, but we finally fixed it!"
"Whew man!" Aidan said, "I could really go for some watermelon juice! Anyone want some?"
"I'm there!" Aine said, "How about you bro?"
"Yeah, have some melon juice with us!" Vandy said.
Pluck sighed as he said, "I'll take some to my room. All that unnecessary stress is making me tired. I'm gonna go study."
"Aw but bro, the housewarming party--!" Aisling started to say, "You promised you'd do your--What do they call it now?
"A comedy sketch?" Aine and Aidan said.
Aisling snapped her fingers, "Yeah, that's it! Come on Pluck! You know how much it makes her smile!"
Pluck flinched as he said "Right Right. Party, sketch, then study after."
"Can't you go one day without studying?" Jubei asked. "Mom and Dad always ask this! Even Uncle Yami!"
"No way." Pluck said. "Now that I know that a Silvia of my age is among us, I gotta stay sharp and focus. No way, I'm letting her outshine me even if she left to a different squad."
"Boo, party pooper!" Aidan said.
"Hey Karasu? How about you?" Vandy asked as he turned to him who had been looking down the path, "You wanna have some melon juice with us? You'll love Charmy's special blend!"
Karasu didn't answer as he looked to be uneasy; his body had been tensed up slightly as he looked to be on edge.
"Karasu?" Vandy said as he tugged on his shirt, noticing he was on edge, "Are… You okay?"
"... Somethings wrong." He soon said softly.
"Huh?" Vandy asked, "What do you--?"
"I'll try the juice later!" Karasu said before he took off in the direction which Prism and the others had gone.
"Karasu?!" Vandy shouted with confusion, before he turned to his siblings as he just looked confused, "What's the matter with him?"
The group soon jumped when they heard the door get kicked down and they saw it had been Yami as usual.
"Hey! What the hell's going on?" He said, "Why the hell is our special guest missing?"
"Prism took Adrien out for a run with the newbies, plus Sachiko." Aisling explained, "But, they're not back yet. And Karasu just took off."
Pluck had an uneasy look on his face, as he noticed how uneasy Karasu had gotten before he had taken off.
"Addi, watch over the kids." Pluck told her.
"Quack?" Addeline asked as he went after Karasu, which took everyone back as he went inside the base. He soon emerged with a broom in his hands.
"Pluck! What are you doing?!" Aine asked.
Pluck tossed his broom in the air and jumped on top of it. He stood on both of his feet, as the broom took to the sky before he said, "Isn't it obvious? Something must have happened with Asta, Ice Queen and Prism. I'll be right back!"
He took off with a gust of wind to follow making almost everyone stumble.
"Pluck!" The siblings shouted with Yoshi barking at him.
"Quack! Quack!" Addeline shouted as she tried to fly to reach him but to no avail..
Yami was about to call out to him, but then his body had tensed up. He just stood there as he said "Damn it, just what the hell is going on now?"
***
Something was wrong.
Something was definitely wrong.
That's the only thing that Asta kept on telling himself as he followed the young girl. It especially concerned him when he noticed as Prism walked, she nearly tripped on herself as she stepped forward almost like it had been her first time. Not to mention, she kept on repeating only one word; he wasn't going to lie, he was scared. Feodora had felt the same as she followed close behind him along with Sachiko and Adrien.
"Hungry…" She said softly, her voice sounding almost hoarse, "... Hungry…"
"This is all just too weird--" Feodora said, "--It's like she's under some sort of spell!" She soon looked over to Asta, "I don't think she can even hear us!"
"Prism!" Asta said as he took her arm, as he stopped her; she looked to him as her white eyes stared into his green ones, "Se-Seriously, you're freaking us out! Are you sure you're okay?"
Prism didn't answer him as her head seemed to have limped to the side; her eyes looked at him curiously as she let out some kind of a soft groan while her eyes wandered to Feodora. Adrien couldn't help but let out a worrisome whimper as he nudged her head a little, to which Prism looked at him oddly as well.
"Doesn't she--" Feodora said, shocked, "--Doesn't she recognize him?"
"Look, if you're not feeling well, we have to go tell Captain Yami and the others!" He told her, "Maybe they can--"
Asta had been taken back when Prism looked to him again; she had gotten close to him, which had taken him, and Feodora back. Much to their own shock she started to sniff them, almost like she was a dog.
"Wha--What the--!?" Asta said, shocked.
"Who-Whoa!" Feodora said when she went to her; Feodora pushed her away at arms length. Despite this she still sniffed Feodora as her eyes were focused on her wrist, "Seriously, what's wrong with you!? Why are you being--OW!" She had been taken back when Prism sunk her teeth into Fedora's wrist suddenly which had caused her to jump back, "She just bit me!"
"Huh?!" Asta exclaimed, "Why would she do that!?"
Feodora looked at the wound on her wrist as she was quick to notice something as she saw freshly two puncture wounds, "There's--A scar already?"
"But--She just--!?"
Prism soon looked to Asta before she took hold of his wrist; he let out a sudden cry as he noticed the grip he felt coming from her as she nearly broke it the second she grasped it. "What the heck?!" He exclaimed his head as he found himself instinctively struggling, "She was never this strong before! She doesn't even have the build, like me or Feodora! Where is this strength coming from!?"
She brought his hand up to her face as she soon opened her mouth, revealing that she had a set of sharp fangs. Almost immediately he nearly let out a scream as she sunken them right into his skin. "OW! OW! OW! OW!" Asta yelled, making Feodora and Sachiko jump, "PRI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? THAT HURTS!"
After a few moments Prism released him, as Asta gripped his wrist as he cringed. When he removed his hand however he saw Feodora was right; a scar of fangs had already formed in its place.
"What the--?!" Asta exclaimed, "But she just opened a wound just now, how did--?!"
Neither of them had time to think about it, as Prism started to go forward, nearly stumbling again as she did. "Prism, wait!" Asta exclaimed.
"Pri!" Feodora called out.
It hadn't been long before she had led them to what looked to be a clearing. Asta was able to catch her before she could step out of the bushes, and that's when they saw it had been--Noelle. Asta could see from where he was there were quite a few sets of craters around a tree, as there had been a painted target on it. Feodora soon came into view, along with Adrien and Sachiko.
"Noelle?" Feodora said, shocked, "She's still here? And she's training?"
"Prism?" Asta said, looking to her, "Is this where you were trying to go? Did you notice Noelle was here?"
"That doesn't make sense." Feodora reasoned, "She lost her magic, which means she can't sense others that do have it. So how would she know she was here in the first place?"
Prism didn't answer as she only let out a groan as the spirits around her seemed to have changed to a mix of red to yellow; she was about to step out of the bushes though Asta had stopped her as he put his arms around her. "Prism, don't!" He whispered, "You're gonna scare her!"
Noelle had formed another water ball as she sent it flying towards the target. At least that's what would've happened though it came flying towards them.
"Yipe!" Asta exclaimed.
Feodora quickly acted as she used her magic; it froze the water ball in mid air before it fell and rolled just tapping against a tree. "Thanks Feo!" He said relieved.
"Don't mention Dum-Du--" Feodora started to say, "--Why is she drooling?"
Asta was a bit confused, till he felt something wet hit his arm; That was when he noticed Prism started to drool profoundly as her breathing became labored. "Pri-Prism!?" Asta exclaimed, "What's wrong now!?"
Noelle hadn't noticed them yet as she looked to be getting impatient. "Why?!" She said to herself as she fired again and again only for it to miss, "Why won't it go the way--I want it too!?"
She nearly collapsed on herself as she tried to catch her breath. Tears started to form as Noelle had a sudden realization.
"What's with that flimsy little grimoire? Are you really royalty?"
"It's just pathetic that you can't control your powers. It disgusts me that you're my little sister."
"I will not have someone as shameful as you in the Silver Eagles. Why couldn't you have died instead of our mother? You're a complete failure."
"I guess--I'm just a--"
She gripped herself as she shook her head, "No! I WILL get them to acknowledge me!" She started to resume again, though each time she did she kept on missing again and again. Asta couldn't help but watch as he held Prism against his body as she tried to move.
"Looks like she's having a tough time too." Asta said as he kept a firm hold on Prism as he could swear, she was growling.
"Yeah, not to mention her!" Feodora said, pointing to Prism as she had been reaching to Noelle as her groans continued, "I don't know what's gotten into her, but I don't like it! We need to figure out a way to snap her out of whatever kind of trance she's in!"
"I-I know, but--!" Asta said.
Prism soon managed to get out of his grip as she went falling out of the bushes, getting Noelles attention. "Prism!" Asta and Feodora shouted as they quickly went to pick her up off the ground, as Sachiko and Adrien made themselves known as well.
"You?!" Noelle said.
"He-Hey Noelle!" Asta said with an awkward wave.
"Hi—!" Feodora said, "—Royal Stick in the ass, my bad--" She soon picked up Prism, "--We're just getting our friend here. She's a bit clumsy today! You know how Princesses are."
"H-How long have you been--" Noelle said, "--How much did you--" A thought soon came over her head, "I'm--I'm going to be mocked again."
"Come on, let's go!" Feodora whispered.
"Wait a second." Asta said before he turned to Noelle, "Listen, I--"
"I will not have someone as shameful as you in the Silver Eagles."
"N--" Noelle started to say which took them back.
"N--?" Asta, Feodora and even Sachiko said.
"NO!!"
Suddenly a giant water ball started to form, as immediately, Asta and Feodora had gotten on guard; Instinctively, Feodora placed Sachiko behind her, while Asta went to protect Prism. Though just as it had gotten close to them, it went straight back to Noelle as it had trapped her. She gagged in the water as it started to float above the ground.
"What in the--" Feodora exclaimed.
The water ball started to form a set of tunnels as it began to destroy everything around them. "What's going on!?" Asta shouted.
One soon came heading towards Asta as he had no time to dodge it as he held onto Prism. It would've hit him and Prism, were it not for what looked to be a purple curve like beam that sliced it in two as it made Asta jump.
"This is—!" Asta said, shocked.
"RUN!!"
The three of them were taken back by a familiar voice as they saw it had been Karasu who had been nearby; his sword had been drawn. "NOW!" He shouted.
They wasted no time as they started to run from it as it had started to get bigger; Adrien had lifted Sachiko with his mouth as he started to move. They started to head back to the base however, Asta felt Prism forcibly let go of her wrist making him skid to a halt.
"PRISM!?" Asta exclaimed.
"WHAT THE--?!" Feodora shouted, "--WHY DID YOU STOP!?"
Prism soon stood as she looked to the sphere of water as her grimoire soon floated beside her.
"Shadows--" She soon spoke as her voice sounded hoarse, "--Reveal thy form."
In all but a few words the grimoire glowed violently as the scythe soon came out of it's pages; with one hand Prism took hold of it as they noticed how sloppy she held it. "What the hell is she doing!?" Karasu shouted.
Pluck soon arrived on the scene as he nearly fell off his broom at the sight of the water sphere. "What the?!" he exclaimed. "WHAT'S WITH ALL THOSE TUBES AND TUNNEL--" Pluck soon saw the situation as he said, "Aer Crap.."
"PRISM!" Asta shouted as he dodged one of the water tunnels, "PRISM, GET OUT OF THERE!!"
Prism didn't seem to have heard him as Asta noticed her grimoire's pages turned to a certain page. A set of four sentences soon appeared, as she soon started to recite the words.
"Break and tear
Skin to bone
Ash to dust
Decay and be free"
Asta and Feodora's eyes widened in shock as they had realized where they had heard those words before they noticed the jewels embedded into its eyes started to glow; the scythes blade had grown larger and glowed an eerie white color while the spirits around Prism, suddenly grew demonic and almost shadow like. Their eyes glowed gold as they themselves started to growl.
They soon saw that Prism leaped high into the air as she headed towards the sphere itself. She appeared to have let out a roar as with but a single swing of scythe; she seemed to have cut it in half, which even Noelle was surprised at just as she was able to breathe.
What had been left of the sphere soon turned to ash as a wave of it went towards her. When it did however they noticed that jewels changed to white and it started to glow; Her veins glowed as well but in almost an instant Asta and Feodora had caught a familiar set of white flames along the handle of the scythe.
She let out a shriek as she was forced to let go of the weapon, when the flames had appeared along her arms.
"PRISM!" Asta, Feodora and Karasu shouted when they saw her fall.
Pluck had cried out, "PRISM NO!"
At the sound of her cry, Adrien had taken action; he set Sachiko down before he ran at full speed letting out a roar. He leaped high into the air, using one of the water tunnels to boost himself and caught Prism in his mouth, being careful not to puncture her with his teeth. He landed on the ground though he nearly stumbled as he did as he skidded to a halt.
Asta, Feodora, Sachiko and Karasu ran towards her just as he set her down on the floor as she whimpered; the spirits had changed back and the grimoire hit the ground. The moment the scythe landed on the ground as it vanished in a white flash; the spirits soon gathered around Prism as she started to cry.
"Prism!" Asta said as he slid on his knees, "Prism, are you okay?!"
Prism only sobbed as they saw from up to her elbows and even over the scar that was already on her arm as it looked to be second degree; they saw the color of her eyes had returned to a familiar purple shade, "I-It hurts! I-It hurts! W-What happened?"
"You didn't see what you just did?!" Karasu exclaimed.
Prism couldn't help but cry, as she squeezed her eyes shut "I-It hurts! I-It hurts! Mommy! Daddy! He-Help me!"
"This is bad--" Feodora said, placing her hand on Prism's shoulder, "--She's going into shock!"
"Hey, it's okay!" Asta said as he picked her up, in his arms, "You're gonna be fine! We're gonna get you help!"
The three of them soon noticed that the water sphere started to form again as well as a new water tunnel which made the three of them jump; They heard Noelle scream before she was muffled by the water as she became trapped again.
"Holy--" Karasu said before he realized a water tunnel was coming towards them at an aggressive speed, "--BRACE YOURSELVES!"
The three of them quickly got ready as Asta's grip tightened on Prism.
"ANIKI!" Sachiko exclaimed as she was frozen in place.
"SWORD CREATION MAGIC--KATAGIRI, AVAN, OBAN OBA!"
In a flash, Pluck leapt off of his broom and landed in front of them. He blocked the attack with three of his signature swords, one that had been a thin double edged sword with a blue glow, a curved katana similar to Karasu and Yami's but with a design of green and yellow and a sword whose blade has a thin body but to the tip it was not only double edge but curved as well.
"Pluck!" Asta exclaimed.
"Where have you been, Smart guy?!" Feodora shouted.
"What do you think?!" Pluck told her, "I was looking for you guys! Somehow I knew you three especially Ic-"
"We have no time for this!" Karasu shouted, cutting him off as he hit him on the head, "Just start running!"
Pluck had said as he noticed the water tunnel he hit had gotten bigger, and it had nearly hit him, "Tch! Hi has na n- a joke foeir hi! Damn ha!"
With that the group started to run again; with Asta carrying Prism and Karasu grabbing his sister and Feodora picking up Prism's grimoire just as it stopped glowing. They started to high tail it back to base as the water tunnel had been close behind them.
Pluck had shouted as he ran at full speed just ahead of them, "SINA NA- ILYA ANWA! What the hell happened?!"
"WHY DON'T YOU ASK HER!?" Feodora shouted pointing behind her towards Noelle.
"The Silva?! I knew she was trouble!" Pluck exclaimed.
"No!" Asta shouted, "It went back towards her when she tried to attack us! I think she just panicked!"
"Panicked?! Her?!" Pluck asked. "You sure this isn't on purpose?!"
"Her magic went out of control, you moron!!" Feodora yelled as she hit him on the head.
Pluck had barked back as he did the same to her, "OUT OF CONTROL?! A ROYAL?! THAT'S RIDICULOUS! AND QUIT HITTING ME!"
"Can we focus on NOT dying!?" Karasu yelled.
They had soon gotten the view of the Black Bulls base as they saw all of its members had been outside as they had taken notice of the water sphere. Aishling had been quick to spot them.
"Huh? Hey! There they are!" Aisling said as she waved them down, "Hey Pluck! Karasu! You're just in ti-huh?"
Addeline soon saw this too as she shouted "QUACK! QUACK! QUACK!"
"Hey!" Asta shouted, as he gestured to Prism who was still in tears, "She needs help!"
The Black Bull members soon noticed the state her arms had been in as her gloves were long since burned away; Everyone couldn't help but have a look of horror.
"By the mana--Prism!" Cadfan exclaimed as he was at her side.
"Oyao Oyao!" Yukiko gasped.
"Her hands--!" Aidan said, "--They're all burned up!"
"What the hell happened!?" Manga shouted.
"We don't know!" Feodora said, "Her scythe just started to hurt her when it absorbed drama llama's mana!"
"Drama Llama?" Cadfan asked.
"She means that stupid Silva!" Pluck added. "For some reason, her magic was 'Out of Control' and Prism had to save her! Damn it! Sal nu ill come siin ya!"
"Hey! It's true!" Feodora argued.
"Please! That's just an excuse for a Silva like her to do such a thing!" Pluck added.
"Pluck! Now's not the time to point fingers!" Yukiko said as Pluck couldn't help but huff.
Yami said after examining her arms, "Easy, Sword Boy. It's not that serious. If her skin burned off that would've been another story." He soon said to Prism as he pinched her cheek gently to get her attention,"Try to calm down, it's gonna be okay."
"B-But it hurts so much--!" Prism cried, "--I--I don't know what happened--! I--I--I'm scared! It hurts! It hurts!"
"Pri--" Asta said as his look softened.
"I've--" Feodora said shocked, "--I've never seen her this terrified before."
Yami had told her as he patted her head, "Hey don't worry, it's alright. We'll handle it. Now stop crying--Be strong for your folks, okay?"
Prism sniffled as she took a deep breath, "O-Okay."
"Uh--" Aisling said, noticing the water sphere started to get bigger, "--That thing is getting bigger! What are we supposed to do about that?"
"That girl's magic has definitely gone out of control." Gauche said.
"Told ya." Feodora said to Pluck with a glare.
Pluck had told her as he got his three swords again, "Shut up, Helmet."
"That is such an immense magical power…" Magna commented.
"What are we gonna do?" Jubei shouted.
"Well, leaving her in that state will kill us all." Pluck said
"But, it's gonna end badly if we don't do something, right?!" Aidan said.
"Maybe I can shoot it!" Aine said.
Yami immediately stopped her before he told them calmly, "If we attack that with magic, she might not make it out alive." He looked over to Finral, "Could you use your spatial magic to scoop her up?"
"Don't be ridiculous, I can't get near that." Finral said.
"Right--" Yami said, "--If only we had someone who could nullify magical powers."
Feodora had a look of realization as she looked to the water sphere then to Asta. "Asta! You can do it!" Feodora said, "You can nullify magic! You don't absorb it like Prism can! Think you can take care of that thing!?"
"Me!?" Asta exclaimed, "Take care of that!? It's too high up! I mean I could but how am I supposed to get up there?! I can't exactly--"
"Quit your yapping." Yami said, before taking Prism from his arms which surprised him; he handed Prism off to Karasu before he picked Asta up off the ground. "Now is the time when you need to go beyond your limits!"
Asta let out a scream as he tossed towards the water sphere; most of the teens' jaws dropped at this sort of thing. "DID YOU JUST THROW HIM!?" Aidan shouted.
Pluck yelled at Yami, "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU! SHE'S GONNA KILL HIM!"
"Wait for it." Yami said.
Asta managed to regain his composure as his grimoire floated next to him; he had taken out the sword from the pages as he put his hands on both handles. He let out a war cry as his blade went through the water sphere; in almost an instant it had exploded with water freeing Noelle instantly. Though they were faced with another problem as they were falling from the sky.
"OH GOD NO!!" Asta exclaimed, "I'M DONE FOR!"
"I GOT YOU ASTA!!" Feodora shouted before she dashed towards them, "STUCK UP! CATCH THE DRAMA-LLAMA!"
Pluck's jaw dropped as he yelled, "WHAT?! ARE YOU CRAZY?! NO!"
Yukiko shouted to Pluck while pinching his ear, "Pluck Barbados! This is not the time to think about our family feud! Your squad member is in danger and you are gonna catch her this instant!" With enough ventricular force, Pluck was launched into the sky screaming, leaving the Black Bulls with the exception of Yami shocked.
"DID YOU JUST THROW YOUR SON!?" Karasu exclaimed.
"S-sugoi!" Sachiko exclaimed.
Feodora had gotten out her grimoire as it had turned to a certain page. Her necklace soon glowed dimly as she soon shouted a spell.
"Ice Magic--" She said as she jumped, "--Bobcat Stampede!"
Just like that an ice path formed as she slid across it; she headed towards Asta just as the ice path melted behind her. She caught him in her arms before they both slid down hill as she flew off the path along with Asta's grimoire; she landed on her feet instantly as she caught her breath.
"Nailed it." She said with a smirk as she set him on his feet,"You good shorty?"
"Yeah!" Asta said with a smile as he gave her a thumbs up, "Thanks Feo!"
Pluck was in the air as he groaned "Jiak'm naka ve regret kigiji."His grimoire glowed light blue as he said in a monotone voice "Sword Creation Magic: Anasi Blade"
Coming out of his grimoire is a sword who's handle had red-green and black designs along with a dark mahogany blade with spider webbing designs on the blade." he then said his next move "Web Trapper." Out of the blade was a spider net that covered Noelle's body all over he gave a whistle as instructed Addeline to get his broom.
"QUACK!" Addeline saluted as she took the broom much to the new members surprise and tossed it at Pluck as he landed on it with ease before ascending down.
"There." Pluck said as he cut the net off the blade. "I saved her."
Yukiko said to him, "Taido o ushinau, Pluck!"
Pluck huffed as he turned, though she ended up pinching his ears as she told him "What did I just say?!"
"Ehh?! Yukiko-san ha Nihongo wo hanashimasu ka?" Sachiko asked.
"You know Japanese too?!" Karasu said, shocked.
Yukiko nodded with a smile. "It was one of the few languages I knew other than our kind!"
"Jeez, now I'm all wet." Vanessa said.
"But that was a lot of fun right?" Luck said.
Pluck yelled as he pointed to Noelle, "NO! THAT WAS NOT FUN! IT'S ALL HER DAMN FAULT!"
"Hey—!" Karasu said to him. "—There was nothing she could have done to control it and you know it!"
Pluck simply huffed as he turned, "My point still stands!"
"Wow. You really do hate her guts." Feodora said before she asked Cadfan "How come you guys aren't hating her right now like he is? Doesn't the feud apply to you guys too?"
Cadfan replies, "It does but Pluck seems to be the only one taking it seriously."
"Well done brat!" Yami said to Asta, "You did good!"
"Thank you sir!" Asta said before he turned to Noelle who had just recovered, "Hey you!"
Noelle had a look of shame as she prepared herself to be ridiculed like that of her siblings. But--
"You have insane magical powers! That's so awesome!" Asta said.
"Huh?" Noelle said shocked as she sat herself up.
Feodora couldn't help but chuckle, "How typical of you."
Pluck just stared at him as he asked, "Tell me this a joke right now."
"No really!" Asta said "Her magic is amazing! I've never had any magical power in my life! I'm SUPER jealous!"
"I get you have no magic at all..But that's a Sliva.." Pluck told him.
"Oh suck it up bro!" Vandy said.
Cadfan added, "Even if she isn't a Silva you have to admit. That talent was amazing! It was like with you when you first had your sword magic! Even if you lost control at first! Heck, you almost cut off my finger! And don't even get me started on Prism!"
Pluck couldn't help but huff as he turned in embarrassment.
"I have to admit--" Feodora said to Noelle, "--You're not bad for a drama llama. Though, take it from someone who knows--" She soon took hold of her amulet as she played with it a little, "--It's not as embarrassing as you make it sound, and, there ain't no shame in admitting something you can't control."
"She's right!" Asta added with a smile, "Feo trained so she could control her magic, and it all paid off! If you can learn to control them, then you'll be invincible, Noelle!"
Noelle still looked surprised as she couldn't help but blush. She sat herself up, "Inse--I--I mean Asta, Feo--I--"
"Oh, by the way--" Feodora said, cutting her off, "--For the record drama llama, you have a LONG way to go before you earn my permission to call me that. And don't think this means I'll go easy."
"What?" She said, shocked.
"You were about to call them insects, were you?" Pluck thought to himself "Typical Silva."
"I'm gonna keep on doing my best, so I won't lose either!" Asta said.
"Seriously?" Magna said, "You couldn't control your magic? You should've said something earlier, you royal failure."
"Oh that's a good one" Pluck said to him.
"PLUCK!" His siblings and parents shouted, making him flinch, "DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM!"
"Ow." Pluck said as he cleaned his ear.
Magna soon smiled, "We're the Black Bulls! We're a whole group of failures! No one cares if you have a flaw or two, you idiot!"
"Here, you'll need this." Vanessa said as she activated her magic. The Black Bulls robe floated above her head before it had set itself on top of her.
"Anyway, we're just glad you're okay." Finral said.
"Yeah, you really scared us." Aisling said.
"You're lucky I didn't fire one of my arrows at ya!" Aine said, "If Captain Yami wasn't here, that would've been the end."
They were soon drawn to the sound of Prism's whimpers as she was still in pain; Adrien had started to lick her burns to soothe her though she still cried. "Oh gosh, the princess!" Noelle exclaimed as she stood, "Is she--"
Yami had replied, "No worries, she's fine."
"I take it she's never been burned before?" Karasu said, noticing how scared she was as she was trying to take deep breaths.
"Aunt Alma and Uncle Zeid NEVER let her make her own fire." Aisling said, "They were a bit protective."
"Yeah, though they weren't SUPER protective, thank mana." Aidan said, "They'd let her go with us when it came to hunting for food and fighting off the occasional bandits."
Pluck added, "Emphasis on Protective. They even follow her almost anywhere she goes in our home village. They were really strict on her not going to places without them."
Yami couldn't help but comment, "So basically They're not only the parents but her personal bodyguards."
"Pretty much." The Barbados Family replied.
Asta and Feodora looked at one another as they sighed. "Okay--" Feodora said as she took Prism from Karasu, "--This is our department."
"You know how to treat this?" Vanessa asked.
"Oh yeah--" Asta replied, "--The kids that stayed with us got burned sometimes, so we know just the thing to treat it."
"You might need some assistance" Pluck said before he motioned to Addeline. "Go help them."
"Quack?!" Addeline asked.
"Yeah, no." Feodora said, "Sorry, it's just me, but I don't trust you. It's gonna take A LOT for you to earn it."
"Well sorry for being nice, Ice Queen." Pluck grumbled.
Feodora soon came to realize something, "Oh--That reminds me, I forgot something." She soon handed off Prism to Asta as he realized what she was going to do. "Feo, no!" He said as he saw her crack her fist.
"Hmm? What?' Pluck asked.
The next thing Pluck knew Feodora threw her fist right into his stomach making everyone jump. "Call me a royal or Ice Queen again--And it'll be a WHOLE lot worse for you." She said before removing her fist from his stomach as he gagged and fell to his knees.
"Pluck!" His family exclaimed as they ran to his side.
Luck had said with a laugh, "WOW! NOW I REALLY WANT TO FIGHT HER!"
Charmy had commented, "SHE'S REALLY TOUGH!"
"Tch," Pluck groaned. "Yeah, thanks for the notice,Akul witch." He got up and recovered as he dusted himself
"Huh, she sure cracks a punch." Karasu said.
"Bad joke hon." Vanessa said to Karasu, "Bad joke."
Yami said to Feodora as he glared "Oi, save your punches for training!"
"I know." She said harshly, before adding softly, "He was just my punching bag."
Gordon had mumbled, "That's no way to treat a friend! Can't we get along?"
Pluck growled as he said, "Yeah I really don't see how Pri is friends with a Akul witch like--"
Pluck flinched as he blocked an attack which was in but a next second a shard of ice had just missed him and formed an ice sculpture that had been sharp. The Black Bull members even jumped back at this sort of thing.
Luck had been the only one intrigued, as he said, "Wow! Can we spar?!"
She had a cold look in her eye that made him shrink slightly, "Consider that, your ONLY warning."
"HEY, YOU ALMOST KILLED OUR BROTHER!" Aisling shouted.
"WHAT IS YOUR DEAL!" Aine asked.
Feodora's cold look turned toward them as they themselves shrunk. "You got a problem with me?" She said in a low, dangerous voice.
Pluck growled as he was about to use Oban Oba only to be stopped by Yami as he only shook his head to him which only shocked Pluck and his family.
"Feo--" Asta said as he tugged her arm a little, "--Just, come on okay?"
"Yeah, yeah." Feodora said calmly, "Let's get her treated."
Noelle looked to Prism as Asta and Feodora took her inside the base along with Adrien who stayed close to Prism. She couldn't help but have a guilty look. She turned to Pluck as she said "Hey, Is she-"
"Let's get one thing straight,Silva." Pluck said, taking her back. "I don't know what goes on Yami's or the Wizard King's head. But I still don't accept you as a squad member OR a friend! Prism is hurt BECAUSE of you! You can do whatever you want! Just stay the hell away from me, my friends and family! YOU DAMN STUPID FAILURE!"
Everyone gasped at Pluck's insult at Noelle.
"H-Hey! That's going too far!" Magna told him only for Pluck to shove his hand away.
Pluck stormed out as he said "Excuse me, I got some skits to prepare."
"Pluck.." Vandy said softly.
"THAT'S NO WAY TO TALK TO A LADY!" Charmy shouted.
"O-oh man!" Finral said "T-that's not good!"
"I just wish we can all get along." Gordon mumbled.
The siblings turned to Noelle who just shook at his voice before turning her face with a huff.
Karasu couldn't help but ask Yukiko "It's not right..He's just accusing her for something she couldn't control. I hate nobles as much as Feodora, but this is too much. You sure this is more than just a feud?"
Yukiko sighed as she said, "I think I have an idea of this..Soon, Pluck's gonna have to learn to trust his squadmates, even if they are someone who is our family's enemy."
Yami couldn't help but look at Noelle as he knew deep inside as she held some tears, she was hurt.
***
Asta and Feodora had gotten what they needed for Prism after they set her on the couch beside her; all they needed was a tub of water and Feodora used her magic to make it cold. She placed her hands on the metal as the water had been cold in an instant.
"Alright--" Asta said, as he gently took Prism's arms, "--You just need to soak them in here for awhile before we can put the medicine on."
"Wi-Will it hurt?" Prism asked as she sniffled a little.
"I'll be honest, it will." Feodora replied, "But this is the fastest way to cool down your burns."
"You can trust us, okay?" Asta said gently.
Prism had a look of hesitation before she nodded; he soon helped her roll up her sleeves before he set her arms in the water. She winced slightly as she could feel the cold water stinging her; Adrien climbed up on the couch as he curled his body against her own.
"I know, I know." Asta said, "It'll pass, I promise."
"Being burned--" Prism tried to say with a smile, "--Is definitely not fun."
Asta had chuckled a little, "You're right, it's not."
"Pri--What happened back there?" Feodora asked, "What you did--It definitely wasn't like with that chain guy and Magna when you absorbed their magic. This time it was different. Why did it hurt you?"
"That's what did this?" Prism asked, "I--Can't remember."
Asta and Feodora couldn't help but look confused. "What do you mean you can't remember?" Asta asked.
"I just can't." She replied, "I--I remember we were nearly hit with water magic, I saw something strange and then my stomach started to hurt a lot. It just felt… Empty. Then--There was nothing."
Asta and Feodora looked at one another as their faces had been written with worry and concern just as she possessed the same look. Asta soon showed her his wrist where she had bitten him, "Do you remember doing this?" He asked calmly, "You bit me and Feo earlier, when you went into a trance."
Prism only shook her head, "I'm--I'm sorry. But I don't."
"Okay--" Feodora said, "--That's really concerning."
Prism's body started to shake as her expression had a look of fair, "I'm--Scared. I don't know what's happening to me. I don't know where these scars came from--My magic is gone and then my grimoire wrote in the devil's tongue and I somehow understand it."
"Devil's tongue?" Asta and Feodora said, confused.
Prism looked uneasy before she started to explain, "... The elders among my people told us, there was one thing we were never supposed to seek. We called it the Khaor Trads, the Forbidden Arts. The Devil's Tongue is there language."
"What's that?" Asta asked.
"It's magic from a realm different then our own." She replied, "No one has ever seen it, but they're a lot of stories about that place. Some are good and some are bad--" She looked over to the little light lemur on her shoulder as well as another set of tiny little ones that looked at her with curious eyes, "--Though, most of us believe that it's where they come from. That it was the spirits' original home."
"Then why is it Forbidden?" Feodora asked.
"The elders always told us that we would let in a Devil if we seeked the Forbidden Arts." Prism answered, "It is said that the Devils were born from the darkest shadow in the other realm. It drove the spirits who are deprived of only the purest energy away. They said they're dangerous and that if one had gotten through everyone would be put in danger. It wouldn't be just us, it would be everyone." She soon looked nervous, "They even said, once you tap into the Forbidden Arts and give into a Devil, it'll change you into something that's not even a monster."
"But that's something in a story the old geezers made up to scare you right?" Feodora asked.
At this the look on Prism's face changed as she had a solemn look this time. Asta and Feodora didn't quite understand until the thought came over them. "You--" Asta soon said, "--Know someone who used it, don't you?"
Prism only nodded before she took a deep breath, "... My mother's sister, my aunt--Elin."
Their gazes softened when they noticed her tone of voice changed. "... It was before the drought came and I had fallen ill when it happened. Wild Magic isn't common from where I come from, but--When two opposing elements combined, it produces deadly results. Wind and Fire combined created a literal firestorm that threatened to destroy my home and everyone in it. Not even my father, or my uncle could stop it's power. Elin was always looking into the forbidden arts, and learned their spells, even ones that could bring someone back from the dead. She used what she learned to stop the firestorm. She had to make a deal with a Devil to do it. She managed to save everyone… But it cost her life using the Devil's full power."
"It--Killed her!?" Asta exclaimed out of shock.
"Why would she even study that if it was going to kill her!?" Feodora shouted, sounding strangely angry at this information, "Did she even care about what she was leaving behind and how much it would hurt anyone else!?"
"It's because she believed that not all Devils are bad." Prism replied, "She believed that we could work with them and help keep the balance with our world and theirs. As long as we respected that balance, then the Devils would have no reason to hurt us. She believed it as did my mother and father."
Asta soon gulped, "Did--You ever see one before? A Devil I mean?"
"No." Prism replied, "But just because I haven't seen a Devil doesn't mean I'll stop believing what Aunt Elin believed in."
"You're better off not meeting one." Feodora said softly, which Prism and Asta had noticed.
"Hey."
The three of them looked over to the entrance as they saw Karasu had stepped into the room with Sachiko and Yoshi beside him. "How's the tater-tot doing?"
"O-Oh, she's alright!" Asta said, as he helped her take her arms out of the water, "Her burns weren't serious! She just some medicine and they'll be as good as new after a couple of days."
"Good to hear." He said, "Was worried for a minute that if the burns were really serious it would hinder your rematch with me someday."
"Really?" She said a bit shocked as Asta and Feodora started to apply the medicine, "I didn't think you would want one."
"Well for the record, I didn't get in a fair fight when we were taking the entrance exams." He said sitting by her on the couch, "That Captain from the Praying Mantis is gonna train you to use that weapon of yours isn't he? When you know how, you and I are gonna have a rematch."
Prism couldn't help but laugh awkwardly, "You're set on that huh?"
"Damn right." He replied as Sachiko set herself on his lap.
Asta couldn't help but laugh softly, "You know--You're not a pretty bad guy. I don't think we would've made it out back there if it wasn't for you. Not to mention--You followed us and freed us from the cells the other day and you even vouched for Feo."
Karasu merely huffed as he smiled while patting Sachiko's head and Yoshi resting at his feet, "You guys may have had a different life then me and Sachi, but as far as I can tell, we're all outsiders. If we don't look out for each other then no one else will. Those are the words I live by."
"How about that--" Feodora said with a laugh, "--Great minds think alike."
"You guys, and that Yuno guy are an interesting bunch." He said, "I'm glad I went with my gut."
"Me too Karasu." Prism said, "I guess, this means we're friends then?"
Karasu couldn't help but give her an amused look that said 'Really?', "What else would you call us? Enemies tater-tot?"
The three of them had laughed at this as Karasu still had a smile. "I think the kids back and home would like you." Asta soon said, "Maybe someday we can show you."
"Show me where you and Feodora grew up?" Karasu said, "How can I resist such an offer?"
Feodora soon had a smirk, before she nudged Karasu, "Feo."
He looked a bit shocked as Feodora soon gave a peace sign and a wink, "It's what my friends call me."
Karasu had huffed slightly before he had a look of acknowledgement, "What an honor."
"H-Hey.."
The four of them had been taken back by a familiar voice as they looked over and saw it had been Noelle. "Miss Noelle?" Prism said, a bit shocked, before she gave a friendly smile, "Hi there."
"Hey, did you need something?" Asta asked as he and Feodora finished bandaging her up; her entire hands were now covered.
Noelle took a deep breath before she said nervously, as she bowed her head, "I-I-I'm S-sorry for how I behaved towards you all!"
"Are you--Actually bowing your head?" Feodora asked, "And apologizing?"
Noelled had blushed out of embarrassment before she said, "S-So?! I-isn't it improper not to apologize?"
"Not really, it's just surprising to see." Karasu added nonchalantly, making Noelle glare.
"Guys come on." Asta said, "Let's just listen to what she has to say."
She soon cleared her throat before she went over to Prism. She soon got on her knees before she bowed, making Prism herself jump. Noelle soon said, "As much as I hate to admit it, but Barbados was right, I did hurt you and I should have never said those words to you. I had no idea who you could be friends with. Forgive me your highness."
Prism started to get nervous again before she fidgeted slightly and tried to say something but couldn't. She soon took a deep breath before she said with a warm and gentle smile, "Miss Noelle? Please raise your head."
Noelle did as she was told as she sat on her knees as she noticed the look she gave. "I--Don't forgive you." Prism soon said, "Because there is nothing to forgive."
"Huh?" Noelle said, shocked.
"It's really okay." Prism said, "I'm not mad about this, in fact I shouldn't even be mad to begin with. If anything I'm the one who should apologize, if I gave the wrong impression."
She couldn't help but laugh a little, "I mean, I'm a princess who was born five hundred years ago and now, I'm going to run a kingdom someday, in a world you and everyone else around me was born in. You could tell I had A LOT on my mind. Even six months after I woke up, I'm still trying to process the fact that I'm living in the future. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up in my home and find this is all a dream, but this is real, and I'm here now. I'm doing my best to learn what I can, and adapt to the sudden new changes around me. I can tell you're the same as me."
Noelle soon said, "H-huh?! The same!? You're not making any sense, your highness!"
"I'm not. Think about it. You're a royal who's never been around who you consider commoners and only had everything handed to you on a plate--" Prism soon said, "--And I'm a girl who was raised in a village, was taught the ways of a warrior, who has never lived a nobles life, and who's never had an experience in other villages or the capital in her own home kingdom. Maybe we can't fully accept the changes around us, but we both know we can't go back to the way it was before, and yet, we want to make a difference however we can. We can't go back, but we can go forward. Though that doesn't mean we can go forward alone."
Prism removed herself from the couch and sat on her knees just across from Noelle, which surprised them. She soon held out her hand as she still had a friendly smile on her face, "What do you say Miss Noelle? How about we learn how to adapt together?"
Noelle's eyes widened in surprise at this as she said , "Y-You mean y-you want us to be f-f-friends?"
Prism gave a nod, "What else would I want you to be? And, you can just call me Prism--I'm not used to being called your majesty and what not. Not that I don't appreciate it, but you know, again, never had a nobles life--"
Noelle hesitated at first before she turned to Asta, Feodora, Karasu and Sachiko as they didn't have any problems with it. Her expression soon brightened and Prism could see a small smile come over her. Noelle sighed as she replied, "Thank you...Prism."
They soon smiled at one another as they took each others hand as they had gave each other a firm grip, but--
"OWOWOWOW!!" Prism exclaimed as she pulled her hand back making everyone jump, even Adrien and Yoshi. She started flailing her arms to get rid of the pain, "HANDS! HANDS! FORGOT ABOUT THE HANDS!"
"WAIT PRI! DON'T SWING THEM LIKE THAT!" Asta shouted trying to stop her, "THAT'S GONNA MAKE IT WORSE!"
"I CAN'T HELP IT, IT BURNS!!" Prism exclaimed as she was panicking.
"CAREFUL SHORTY!" Feodora yelled as she ducked, "YOU'RE GONNA POKE SOMEONES EYE OUT!!"
Noelle had exclaimed, "Seriously Dorksta!"
"WHERE DID DORKSTA COME FROM?!" Asta shouted.
"Now YOU'RE saying a nickname?!" Karasu yelled.
"HURTING SO MUCH! PAIN WON'T STOP!!" Prism yelled.
"PRISM, HOLD ON A SECOND!" Asta exclaimed as he acted.
Soon enough the rest of the Black Bulls and Barbados Family rushed in after they heard the commotion, as most of them tripped on themselves; strangely enough they noticed some of them were carrying supplies, like parts for a barbecue.
"Hey Are you guys alright?!" Magna asked.
"We heard screaming!" Vandy said.
"Did someone break in!?" Aine yelled, as a bow and arrow manifested from her hands.
"I'LL CUT A THUG!" Jubei yelled as she pulled out a knife out of her pocket.
"Jubei! Again with the knife?!" Finral exclaimed.
They soon noticed what was happening in the room as Asta and Feodora managed to grab ahold of Prism as she was blowing on her arms; Noelle had been holding her legs to prevent her from kicking as well as Karasu. They all couldn't help but have awkward looks.
"Uh--Hi?" Asta said awkwardly.
"Wassup?" Feodora added.
"This--" Noelle said, "--Isn't what it looks like."
"What she said." Karasu said.
"Hey what's all the comm--" Pluck had peeked his head into the room as he had seen this. It hadn't been long before he yelled, "Oh My---GRR, HEY! WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT STAYING THE HELL AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY YOU STUPID SILVA!"
Noelle yelled as she raised her fist, "DON'T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT, BARBADOS! I'M ROYALTY!"
"Huh!?" Asta, Feodora, Prism and Karasu exclaimed.
Pluck shouted as he got his signature swords, "DON'T CARE! STAY THE HELL AWAY OR BETTER YET DIE!"
"WAIT PLU-PLU NO!" Prism exclaimed. "DON'T USE OBAN OBA!"
"WHOA, HANG ON A SEC!!" Asta shouted.
"CAN'T YOUR FEUD WAIT?!" Karasu yelled.
"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US?!" Feodora exclaimed
Before Pluck could attack, he suddenly felt himself getting tackled to the floor which shocked everyone; except for Yami as he ended up laughing.
"YAMETE, PLUCK!" Yukiko exclaimed.
"MA!" Pluck exclaimed. "I wasn't gonna hit them! Only the Silva!"
"That Silva is taking care of the princess right now, Pluck." Yami said as his voice became treathing, "You can fight her later."
"Wasn't he laughing a second ago?" Asta asked in his head.
"Talk about mood swings." Feodora thought.
"I'm intrigued yet terrified." Karasu said in his head.
"He really is a strange human." Prism thought to herself.
Pluck simply huffed as he said got up and dusted himself, "Fine! She can help. I still don't accept her as a squadmate!"
Yukiko soon gave a glare to her son as she pinched his ear, "Pluck Barbados! You've gone too far this time! Apologize!"
Pluck said, "I already said Sorry to Prism already!"
She pinched his ear even harder making him squirm, "You KNOW who I mean young man!"
"The Stupid Sliva?! As if! I already said I'm not gonna be friends with that Royal Bitch and that's that!"
"Woah Seriously!" Asta exclaimed, "Don't call your squadmate that!"
"This is Seriously deeper than a feud." Karasu said
"I changed my mind--" Feodora said, having a cold look towards Pluck, "--I'll freeze YOUR fingers off tonight."
Pluck shouted as his jaw dropped, "SERIOUSLY, NOW I'M THE BAD GUY?! WHAT THE HELL?!"
Pluck soon froze up as Cadfan got out his javelin; he said to him, "That's enough, Pluck. You don't have to be friends with her, But a common respect towards her would be appropriate."
Pluck forze up before looking to Noelle who gave him a leer. Pluck sighed as he said "Fine, it was uncalled for that I called you a bitch. I still don't trust you. TO quote my unruly icy squadmate. You're gonna have to earn it. Good luck with that one."
Noelle said a huff as she said, "Why would you earn a trust from a Barbados like yourself. You should be saying that to me."
Cadfan soon held up a book that read "Notes Property of Pluck". "Another thing since you swore--" Cadfan said before he placed it in a chest and locked it, "--You lost a study privilege."
Pluck had said while he facepalmed himself, "Right… So much for that."
"Huh, the chest of punishment." Prism said, "I forgot you had that."
"Are you still sure that he's your best friend?" Asta asked.
"Yeah, why?" Prism replied casually.
"I hate royals as the next person but he really takes it too far." Feodora said.
"Great minds think alike." Karasu said with a sigh.
Pluck's eyebrow twitched before he said with a groan with a leer, "I can hear you snarks."
"We know, that's why we said it." Feodora said with a glare of her own.
Pluck's eyebrow twitched before he said, "Hard to believe this is who Prism gets along with. What a rude bunch."
Feodora took a deep breath before she dropped Prism onto Asta making them fall on each other, "Okay, changed my mind--" Claws soon appeared on her hands making Pluck gulp as she had an angry smile, "--START RUNNING."
"QUACK!" Addeline shouted as she whacked her with a stick.
"NOPE!" Feodora yelled, freezing her feet before she went after Pluck.
Pluck immediately took off running as he yelled, "SERIOUSLY?! WHY ME!?"
Luck laughed as he ran with Feodora, "HEY! LET ME FIGHT THE TWO OF YOU NEXT!"
"NO!" Pluck and Feodora yelled as it came from down the hall
Soon the sounds of an explosion of Swords, ice and lightning bursted in the hallway. "SERIOUSLY!?" Aidan yelled, "WE JUST FIXED THAT!!"
Yami had shouted, "HEY! YOU THREE BETTER CLEAN UP THAT MESS!"
They soon heard another explosion come again as it made them all jump. "NO!" Vandy yelled, "NOT THE BATHROOM!"
Asta let out a groan as he found himself hovering over Prism, "Well, so much for our first day huh?"
Prism gave a sheepish laugh, "Well, it could be worse."
Adrien gave a chortle before he licked her and Asta, making the two of them laugh. Noelle let out a shriek as she had just realized what position Asta and Prism were in, "H-HEY! DON'T LAY ON THE PRINCESS LIKE THAT!" Just as she said this she gave Asta a hard kick, causing him to fly into the wall, hitting Magna along the way.
"ASTA?!" Prism exclaimed out of worry as she sat up.
Magna yelled as he was quick to recover, "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?"
Addeline broke out of the ice as she whacked her on the leg with the stick making Noelle jump in place "QUACK! QUACK!"
"Addi No!" Aisling exclaimed. "Don't hit her!"
"SERIOUSLY! WHAT'S WITH THIS DUCK?!" Noelle exclaimed as Addeline began chasing her.
"QUACK! QUACK!" Addeline shouted as she continued to hit her.
Cadfan sighed as the commotion intensified "This is gonna be a LONG year."