-Centuries Ago-
The moon had been full as it had reflected upon the water of the little village. Many of the people in Airedale had been sound asleep or enjoying the peaceful and perfect night as both humans and elves were chatting with one another. One of the houses in particular a young elf had been reading to her child as the little one had been listening well.
Alma had enjoyed it as her young child Prism as she was listening well.
"--The frog looked to the young princess with eyes full of hope--" Alma had read, "--Oh please my lady, only a kiss from thy lips can break this spell that was bewitched upon me."
Young Prism's eyes sparkled as she sat forward while Alma laughed and turned the page, "And so--The young princess was so moved by his desperate plea, she picked up the little creature and raised him to her lips and kissed the little frog."
"What happened then?! What happened then?!" Prism asked with eagerness in her voice.
Alma chuckled again, as she turned the page, "In but a blink of an eye, the frog had transformed into a handsome prince. They were married, and they lived happily ever after."
Young Prism had sighed with relief, "Thank goodness."
Alma had soon shut the book, "I'm glad you liked it. This is one of the gifts your father gave to me when we saw each other. He said he snuck it from the library which made your grandfather very cross."
"Did he put on his scary face like father?" Prism said doing an impression. Alma laughed as she tickled her, causing her to giggle, "You bet he did!"
Prism's smile soon fell from her face as she looked to be saddened which her mother had been quick to notice. "How come--Father can never stay?" Prism asked, "Why does he have to go back to the capital?"
Alma sighed as she gave her a pat on the head, "It's because of the first rule as leader of an entire country. And that is a King's duty is to his people."
"But I miss him." Prism said as she hugged her, "It's really lonely without him."
"Well, just because he's away doesn't mean he stops thinking about us." Alma said, "I'm sure back in his castle, he's missing us too. Though--Between running a group of individuals, and a whole country are two different worlds." She soon placed her arms around her, "Understand that they're people that have it worse then you and I, and outside of this village, and even around the dark corners of the other kingdoms… There lies an even greater darkness in the hearts of others. One which would threaten to destroy the kingdom."
"Darkness?" Prism asked curiously, "You mean like father's magic?"
Alma shook her head, "It's a different kind of darkness. It's one that exists in the hearts of other humans, and even us elves." She soon adjusted it so that Prism had been sitting on her lap, "The darkness can be tricky you see, and quite convincing too. It'll tempt you with words that you would want to hear, and thoughts you may have had before. Greed, vengeance, power… Anything of the sort really."
Prism couldn't help but shiver at this, "It sounds scary--"
"It is." Alma said, "They're unfortunately people that give into those temptations. And those people can threaten the livelihood of everyone. The capital, the other villages, even the animals and spirits."
"Like the--Bad people that try to take me…?"
Alma had only nodded, "But--That's why your father is there in the capital right now with his brother. He protects everyone from the people that were taken by the darkness. Those that were infected often will think the best way to get what they want is to hurt other people. That's never a way to do things. All life should be valued no matter how small one's life is."
"Don't worry mom!" Prism said as she looked up to her with a smile, "I won't let the darkness tempt me! I'll help father protect everyone here and in the capital too!"
Alma had smiled at her child's enthusiasm as she kissed her forehead, "I know you will--My little primrose. We'll make a warrior of you!"
Prism only nodded as she giggled before hugging her mother again.
***
"... Ism… Pri… Sm… Prism…? Prism, wake up!"
Prism let out a groan as she opened her eyes, as at first her vision had been slightly fuzzy. She found herself looking over someone's shoulder as she could see the village had been in front of her. She had soon come to realize that she had been on Asta's back as he had been looking back at her; beside him had been Feodora, Karasu, Noelle, Pluck and Magna as they all had a look of worry.
"Hey!" Asta said with relief, "You woke up!"
Prism groaned as she shook the strange fuzzy feeling she had gotten, "Ugh--My head… It feels like bumblebees are buzzing around…"
"Geez, you freaked us out!" Magna said, as he pointed over to Pluck who had been visibly shaking, "You almost had him die of fright!"
Pluck had said while stammering, "Y-yeah! Quit it!"
Addeline added as she shivered, "Q--Q-Quack!"
Prism climbed off of Asta's back as she nearly stumbled though he helped her to stand; Adrien had been at her side as he allowed her body to lean on his, "Wha--What happened?"
"You tell us!" Feodora told her, "You're the one that freaked us out!"
"One minute, you were mumbling something we couldn't understand--" Noelle told her, "--The next thing we know, you just collapsed."
"Mumbling?" Prism said as she shook her head again, "I was mumbling something?"
"Seriously?" Karasu said, shocked, "You don't remember that?"
Prism could only shake her head, "All I remember is, talking to Magna--Then we were outside of Saussy, and then my stomach started to hurt and it felt… Empty."
"Empty?" Asta and Feodora said before they looked at one another in shock and realization.
"Wait,what? Didn't we all eat food for lunch before coming here?!" Pluck asked.
"Yeah, you had like 12 servings last I checked." Magna said.
Prism shook her head, "This--Didn't feel like regular hunger. I think… It's hard to say."
"Eh?!" Everyone excluding Asta and Feodora exclaimed.
"Asta--" Feodora soon said softly, "--It's like at that time, when Noelle's magic--"
Asta only nodded, "There's definitely something going on." He soon looked over to them, "Don't you think we should tell them?"
"No, not until we know more about what's happening." She told him before she played with her jewel around her neck, "I've got a hunch on what it might be… But honestly, I REALLY hope I'm wrong."
"But even so, we're supposed to be a part of a team!" He told her, "We have to tell someone!"
Feodora saw the look in his eyes as she had given it some thought. She soon let out a groan as she slapped herself in the face, "Damn, you can be so stubborn sometimes." She said, "We'll talk it over with Prism tonight. Let Karasu know."
Asta had given her a hug, nearly surprising her, "Thanks Feo!"
"Yeah, yeah, don't wear it out Dum-Dum." Feodora said as she looked away embarrassed while pushing him out of the hug.
Prism soon looked to the wall of mist that had been in front of them as she couldn't help but give a curious look to it. "This mist…" Prism said, as she found herself in a familiar tree, staring outside of it "... It doesn't seem natural." The look in her eyes changed, "... This is someone's spell isn't it?"
"You're right." Magna said, "It is. A powerful mage must've conjured this up. It's not from anyone in Saussy Village."
"It must be someone of noble stature." Karasu said, "To conjure up a mist of this size, it's the only other explanation."
"It looks nothing like the Wandering Mist." Asta had commented, "It is pretty thick though."
"Once we enter it, we probably won't be able to get anywhere." Noelle said, "We'll lose our sense of direction and end up wandering in it."
"Yup, nothing like the Wandering Mist." Feodora said.
"This isn't a competition!" Noelle told her.
Feodora only held her hands up, "I'm just saying, when a person enters that place they go crazy and never return to civilization. The Wandering Mist was even said to house your deepest, darkest fear." She soon gave a wave, "Though you don't have to worry about it anymore. It disappeared the second we found Prism."
"Wait--" Karasu said, "--If it's supposed to show people's fears the second they step in, then didn't you and the other guy Yuno see anything?"
"Nope, nothing like that." Asta replied, not even realizing there was a reaction from Pluck, "We were okay. We didn't see anything horrifying."
"Huh--" Karasu said, "--How about that."
"Anyway--" Magna said, "--A mist of this size is bad. We have to get through to see what's up." He soon turned over to Asta, "Hey! You cut through the mist with your sword!"
"Sure thing!" Asta said before he had come to realize, "Ho-Hold on, that's a dumb thing to say." He soon waved his hand, "You can't cut through the mist with a blade."
"You're the dense one Dum-Dum!" Feodora yelled as she smacked him on the head, "You have an Anti-Magic sword remember?!"
"OH YEAH THAT'S RIGHT!" Asta exclaimed as he pulled out his sword from his grimoire and went to use it in the mist.
"DID YOU JUST REALIZE THAT NOW?!" Karasu yelled out of confusion.
"QUIT FORGETTING CRAP LIKE THAT!" Feodora yelled.
"You're kidding us right?' Pluck asked. Before he turned to Prism as he asked. "Tell me he's joking right? Did he just forget his grimoire?"
Prism only laughed awkwardly, "He can be forgetful."
"I can see that." Pluck said in awe.
Addeline simply said, "Quack.."
In one swing, Asta had made a pathway for them as the others followed behind him as they entered the village of Saussy. He continued to make a path for them as they stayed close to him; Prism had her hook swords armed and ready while Adrien had been on guard as he growled. Pluck had his grimoire floating beside him as he had one of his blades out, and Karasu's sword had been drawn. Feodora had manifested her clawed gauntlets as she looked around her.
They would've for sure lost their way were it not for Magna guiding them through it, since he had a mental map of the village. It wasn't long before most of the group tensed up and the spirits grew more restless around Prism and Adrien bared his claws.
"For them to act this way--" Prism thought, "--There must be something dangerous up ahead, or--Something terrible has happened."
"We should be near the square by now." Magna said, "But this magic--"
"It's gotten stronger." Karasu finished.
Pluck added, "Be on guard." His grimoire glowed and he got out one of his signature swords, Katagiri.
"Asta, straight ahead--" Magna told him, "--But be careful."
"Yes sir!" Asta said.
"Prism--" Magna said, "--We're going to enter the square, get your hood up."
Prism nodded as she pulled the hood over her head while the little spirits took refuge inside her robe and jacket while some of the larger ones made themselves transparent. Asta soon cleared the way just as the last one turned invisible; just up ahead they saw it had been a crowd of people all gathered in one spot as they looked to be terrified and praying.
They soon looked above them as their eyes widened in realization as to why. There, they had seen ice shards just hovering above them and they looked to be shaking.
Then, came a voice.
"This--Is your execution."
Soon enough, the ice shards came towards the people causing them to scream.
"No!" Prism exclaimed.
Magna and Feodora were quick to take action; she leaped high into the air and sliced away the ice shards for one half of the crowd while Magna prepared a spell.
"EXPLOSIVE SCATTERSHOT!"
In a blink of an eye the ice shards had broken apart and turned the ice into nothing more than mist. The whole crowd of people recovered and looked to see the kind of robes they wore as they had a sense of relief come over them.
"The Magic Knights…!"
"They've come to save us…!"
"Thank goodness!"
"Magna? Is that you?"
Magna soon approached two young kids and it was ones he had been familiar with as far as the group can tell. "Nick!" Magna said, "What happened here?"
The boy named Nick had started to cry as he couldn't bring himself to speak. It hadn't been long before Prism could feel a sudden chill in the air as the little spirits on her shoulder started to whisper in her ear. From within the mist, she saw a familiar tall slender figure dressed in a dark robe with blood drenched skulls as it's necklace as their face was covered as all she could make out were red eyes in the shadows of the hood. On their back was what happened to be a long double edged sword with engravings on it, although she couldn't make out the words, and yet she recognized the characters
They held what looked to be a lantern that didn't look to be lit in their pale emancipated hand.
"... The Spirit of Death…" Prism said softly, as it had drawn Asta, Feodora, Karasu and Noelle's attention
"Did you just say what I think you said?" Asta said, a bit shocked.
The Spirit of Death had bowed towards her as Prism repeated, "... There's a Spirit of Death here."
Asta and Feodora looked over to where Prism's eyes were and saw an empty space. "But there's nothing there." Feodora said.
"That's because she's an exception to them." Pluck told them. "She was touched by a spirit when she was a baby, so she attracts all kinds of rare ones. Though it also means she can see the ones that guide souls to the great beyond and sometimes--" He shuddered, "--Bad ones come too."
"You mean to say--" Noelle said as she shook a little, "--She can talk to them too?"
Pluck had told her, "No, and I hope to God one of the bad ones never comes our way for our sake."
"Why would one be here then?" Karasu asked
"They're only two answers." Pluck told him, "Either they await for death to come to someone, or--"
"... Someone has already died." Prism soon finished which made their eyes widened.
She saw the Spirit of Death kneel down to someone as it held the lantern close to them as it's where most of the people had gathered. She moved through the crowd as she let out a soft gasp which drew Magna's attention. His eyes widened in shock as he saw it had been a familiar old man with a wound on his side; his face had lost his color as his eyes were closed shut.
Pluck's eyes widened as well, "Wait, that's--"
"Old Man Seyhe!" Magna exclaimed.
He ran over to his side as he started to shake him, "Old Man Seyhe! Old Man Seyhe wake up!"
Prism watched as the Spirit of Death's hand passed through Magna and had gone into Seyhe's chest. In just a few short moments they had taken out what looked to be that of a dull gray flame in the palm of his hand. The lantern had opened as they placed the flame inside before closing it shut again.The moment they did, the gray flame transformed into that of blue, and she saw a man had appeared beside them, in the same color as the flame as he looked to have a relieved smile.
The Spirit of Death stood as they took the lantern with them before they disappeared into the mist after they bowed their head to Prism again as he guided the man through it. Though she could see he bowed his head too as he gave her a wink.
Though Prism had only smiled in greeting, her gaze softened as she knew what this meant, having seen it many times before as she placed her hand on his shoulder, "Magna… I'm sorry…"
"No…" Magna said in realization, "... It can't be…"
"The mayor…" One of the citizens had said tearfully, "... He tried to protect us…!"
"Grandpa…!" Nick sobbed, "... The Magic Knights came… ! Your prayers were answered…!"
The others couldn't help but silently mourn as Asta had gritted his teeth. Karasu's expression hardened as he looked over in a certain direction as his grip tightened on his sword which the others were quick to notice.
"Hey!!" He called out, "--I take it your the asshole that started all this fuss!?"
The group soon turned over as they saw a man had been sitting on a broken wall. He looked to be skinny, which was seen from the tone of his face, and also has a large chin. Additionally, he has short grey hair combed backwards. One of his most prominent features is the scar at the right-hand side of his forehead, which is elongated across his face all the way to his left cheek.
He wore a military uniform, which is also worn by his three subordinates standing beside him. A black jumpsuit covers his entire body with two belts strapped around his neck. On top of it, he wore a light blue shirt that had elbow-length sleeves that extended down to his knees. The shirt also has a short cape that only covers his chest area. The cape had circular ornaments at the circumference and a hood and had on a pair of black boots. He also wore a three-way belt, which is strapped around his torso. In addition, he wears three more black belts around his waist, where he also had a pouch that held his grimoire.
He held a silver pocket watch as he looked to be crossed.
"How dare you put me behind schedule." He said to them, "You'll be executed in ten seconds."
He had gotten out his grimoire as a large ice shard formed in front of him which made the group cower fearfully as it gave everyone else little time to react.
Immediately Asta had acted as he drew his sword, before he let out a cry and sliced the large shard in two which left the crowd in awe. He landed on the ground just in front of the mage as he glared.
"... I won't forgive you for this!" He told the mage, "How could you do something so cruel?! Who the heck are you guys?!"
Neither of the mages seemed to have an answer as it only seemed to have sat there calmly which seemed to have only irritated the Magic Knights.
"They don't seem like they're spies from the Diamond Kingdom or the barbarians here that trash the village." Magna thought, "Who the hell are these guys?"
"I don't recall hearing anything about Magic Knights showing up." One of the mages said, "Could they be on an unofficial mission?"
"How did they get through the misty barrier?" Another asked.
The man soon stood as he looked at them, "The Black Bulls… Crude heretics that don't fit in with the rest of the Magic Knights. Dealing with them would be a waste of time." He looked at his watch, "Five minutes--We'll get rid of the useless villagers that didn't know anything and seek what we came here for."
"DON'T IGNORE ME!" Asta yelled as he charged.
"HEY!" Feodora yelled as she charged at the man with the watch as she was close behind him, "DON'T HOG ALL THE FUN TO YOURSELF DUM-DUM!"
"Asta, Feo, don't!" Prism called out.
"Mist Magic--" One of the mages said, "--Whirlpool of Illusory Mist!"
"Hey! Look out!" Pluck shouted.
The mist suddenly came around Asta and Feodora as it caused the group to gasp. "I think they flat out ignored you." Karasu said to Pluck.
Pluck couldn't help but say annoyed, "Yeah I can see that, captain obvious." He got out his grimoire as he used "SWORD C--"
"Wait." Prism said to Pluck as she took hold of his grimoire, "They're gonna be okay."
"You're a fool to think you could get near Lord Heath so easily." The mage said, "Be lost in the mist."
"THINK AGAIN ASSHOLE!"
Asta and Feodora came through the mist as it had seemingly broken apart. "Wha-What?!" The mage exclaimed.
"Ice Magic--" Feodora said as the ice formed what looked to be a lion's head, "--LION'S ROAR!"
It soon fired a familiar blue beam towards the man as it had knocked him and two others over instantly. "That boy cancelled the magic!" The mage exclaimed.
"We shouldn't let him get close!" The other said.
"That kind of magic--" The man--Heath said, looking to Feodora in particular; he noticed the amulet that hung around her neck, as he recognized the symbol, "--You're from the Assassin Noble family from the Diamond Kingdom? What is filth like you doing here with Magic Knights?"
"Oooh, filth." Feodora said with a fake pained gasp, "Like I haven't heard that one before. And for the record, what I'm doing in Clover is none of your damn concern Clocky."
"Clocky?" Heath said, confused.
"Hey!" Asta said, "I asked you a question! Why are you trying to kill these villagers?!"
"These people didn't do anything wrong!" Prism added, "You have no right to perform an execution!"
Heath soon stood, "This world is split in different regions. The Noble Realm where royalty lives, the Common Realm where commoners live and the Forsaken Realm."
"Just what are you saying?!" Pluck said.
"Saussy Village is within the Forsaken Realm." Heath told them, "Most that inhabit this place are an inferior race that can only use magic to perform their daily tasks. All they are… Are mindless beasts. I was merely trying to get rid of them, that might steal away our precious time."
"Mindless--?!" Prism said shocked
"--Beasts?!" Asta said.
"Oh you did not just go there--!" Feodora said with a growl.
"You bastard--" Karasu said as he could feel his arm throb.
"All of you--" Heath said, "--You only got into a Magic Knight Squad because you had enough magical power did you not? You're only trying to save them because it's your mission. But in truth--They look like lowly beasts to you, don't they?"
"That's wrong." Prism suddenly said, shocking everyone by the tone she spoke in; she soon stepped forward as her look changed, "... Everything you just said--It's not right! It doesn't matter if they have weaker magic or not! They're still living h--" She stopped herself as she looked to the crowd before she picked it back up, "--People! Innocent people with families who are scared and terrified right now, which is something I will not stand for!" She soon held her blades towards Heath, "I'm a pacifist by nature--But a warrior by name!"
Feodora, Karasu, and Noelle especially looked to Prism just plain shocked; Asta on the other hand looked to her with nothing but awe.
Heath sighed as he manifested his magic towards her, "... What a waste of time."
Prism got herself ready before Asta soon stepped forward and held his sword towards her.
"She's right." He said, "She's absolutely right! Besides--Those mindless beasts you called them are the people WE have to protect!"
"So those filthy beasts are valuable to you." He said before he split the ice into icicles towards them, causing them to go on guard.
"Fudge knuckle!" Prism exclaimed.
"Don't worry!" Asta said, "I can just hit them right--"
They were soon taken back when Asta and Prism were blinded by a sudden blast of mist taking everyone back. They soon realized they were in a tornado of mist before they found themselves barely dodging the ice shards.
"ASTA! PRISM!" Feodora exclaimed before she was hit by one of the mages. Karasu clicked his tongue before he ran in the direction where Feodora was.
"Hey!" He told Pluck, "I've got her, get them!"
Pluck nodded as he said while his grimoire floated beside him, "SWORD CREATION MAGIC, HURRICANE EDGE!" He took out a sword with a wind like pattern on it's big blade he charged forward as he hit the mist tornado with his blade only to be pushed back.
Pluck clicked his tongue before he gave a whistle signaling Addeline to toss his broom to him as he flew up in the tornado of mist and towards the center.
There he saw Asta and Prism standing back to back with each other as they were struggling to destroy every icicle that came their way; Though every one they missed they ended up getting a graze causing them to cry out in agony. Pluck jumped off his broom as his blade glowed light blue as he spun around as he reflected every single one of them while shouting "SHI-YA!"
As he hit the icecle's wind began to follow as they reflected back at the users, causing them to scream in agony as it hit their arms. Asta couldn't help but watch in awe as his eyes sparkled as he said "So Cool!"
Noelle scoffed as she said "Show off."
"Thanks Plu-Plu!" Prism said, not realizing her hood had been crooked due to the tornado of mist.
Pluck said not realizing it either as he had a confident smile, "No sweat."
Heath's eyes widened slightly as he noticed what had been off about the young silver haired girl just as he recovered. He saw she had small points on her ear just as she fixed up her hood as well as a strong little animal that had been healing the wound on her neck.
"That girl--" Heath thought as she fixed herself up hiding her ears and the little spirit before she turned to the mages and held her weapons, "--Could she be…?"
Feodora had rolled onto the floor as she was nearly blasted by the mages magic. She was able to steady herself as she quickly made an ice wall before she was hit with one of their attacks just at the last second. Though not before she had gotten a cut of her own from an attack.
"Gah!" Feodora groaned, seeing a new wound on her shoulder, "Damn it!"
"Come out and die you Diamond scum!" The mage shouted, who appeared to be using a steel based magic, "Stop hiding like a coward!"
"I'm the coward?!" Feodora yelled as she stood against the wall, "I'm not the one that decided to kill the innocent!"
Feodora had soon gotten out her grimoire as she soon noticed that her amulet started to flicker. "Come on, work with me damn it!" She said as she tried to concentrate, "Don't start with me now!"
Feodora found herself getting grabbed by what looked to be a metal hand before she was pinned against the wall. She suddenly found herself getting dragged through it as she could feel some of the small shards break through the ice.
She nearly found herself being dragged towards the man before--
"Jinx Magic--Crackback Slash!"
A purple beam of light came breaking apart the metal hand which took the mage by surprise. It wasn't long before he felt a foot to the face as Karasu held his sword.
"You good?" He said to Feodora.
Feodora only smiled, "I could've handled it."
Karasu only scoffed as he held his blade towards the man just as he prepared another spell. "You damn little thief!" He said, "You're gonna pay for that!"
"We'll see!" Karasu said before he prepared his spell while he spun his sword, "Jinx Magic--Blackcat Fury!"
Soon an array of a familiar purple light in a circular form flew towards the mage with a howl and scowl.
"W-What the-?!"
With the swing of a sword it flew towards him and it hit the mage, though he couldn't feel any open wounds. The mage said with confidence, "You missed thief!"
"I never miss." Karasu said with a smile as he coaxed him to come for him.
He growled as he said "Why you-" He was about to launch a spell only for his right arm to winche in pain as he groaned. "My arm!" The mage exclaimed, "What is this?! A cramp!?"
He tried to charge at him only to slip and break his knee causing him to scream. "GAH! What did you do, brat?!"
"I took all of your luck, and now you're left with all the bad stuff." Karasu told him, "It won't last long, but it'll be enough time for me to kick your ass."
The mage growled, "Don't underestimate me!" He shot an ice attack at Karasu or so he thought as it hit a tree before reflecting back at him, hitting his other leg. The mage cried out as he fell over on his side. Karasus soon spun his sword, "As long as he's infected with that spell, I should be alright for the time being. I'll be fine--I'll be fine."
Karasu soon charged at the mage as he was preparing another spell. He slid underneath his legs before he could try to attack as he stabbed him right through his knee making him cry out as he removed it; He kicked the mage hard in the face making him stumble.
"This kid--!" The mage cursed, before he had gotten his grimoire, "Metal Magic--Iron Spear!"
A spear soon went flying towards Karasu as he was able to dodge it with ease, though a second one came towards him.
"Jinx Magic--Shattering Mirror!"
Karasu swung his sword like a bat as he sent the spear back towards the mage; he barely managed to dodge it as he tripped on himself. Karasu soon smirked before his blade glowed purple again, as the man recovered, "Jinx Magic--Raining Salt!"
He stabbed the ground as it started to form cracks around the mage. The mage let out a scream as he fell into a pit made from the essence of his magic.
"Whoa…!" Feodora said in awe.
Karasu gave a confident smile as he said to the mage, "Told you."
All of a sudden he felt a twinge of pain in his right arm; he let out a cry as he dropped his sword and fell to his knees. Feodora thought she was imagining it, but she could've sworn she saw something moving right underneath his bandages that covered his whole hand.
"Karasu!" Feodora exclaimed as she ran to him.
The moment Feodora had gotten close to him she could feel a familiar and ominous presence coming from him. Her eyes widened slightly as she looked to his right arm, knowing fully well where she had felt this kind of presence before.
For a moment, she saw herself in a room alone with a monster bearing teeth as they had ice blue eyes.
"Holy--" Feodora said shocked, "--You're--"
"Where's your moxie, now kid?!" The mage said with pride as he was floating out of the pit.
"Crap!" Feodora exclaimed before jumping back as she took Karasu with her. She could sense the mage's magic growing steadily.
"The hell?!" She thought, "It wasn't anything like this before! Why is his magic getting stronger!?"
"Come on! I though you were gonna kick my ass faster!" Ther mage shouted "Looks like Lady Luck's on my side now! Metal Magic--Iron Maiden Barrage!"
Feodora saw a set of spears surrounding her as she saw there was no exit in sight. "Ice Magic Cat's Den!" She placed both of her hands on the ground and around her and Karasu formed a dome made of ice as the spears came down on top of them only some of them had managed to break through.
Asta and Prism soon noticed this just as one of the spears pierced the very top.
"FEO!" They both exclaimed before they were about to run towards her. However--
"Ice and Mist Compound Magic: Endless Ice Cage."
Everyone had been taken back when a giant mist cloud surrounded the crowd of people causing them to jump as Asta and Prism could see that it had surrounded them, Pluck, Magna, Noelle and Adrien on all sides.
"Do you think you can protect those beasts now?" Heath said, "I'm not very partial to the term--Gradually. But this seems like it'll be more effective."
The ice shards soon came towards them as Asta and Prism started to break apart the icicles along with Pluck and Adrien who just seemed to have blasted them away. Though Heath looked to be somewhat impressed as he saw that Asta was able to send the icicles away; the group took a breath of relief as they were able to stop the ice shards.
"It seems that you can not only negate magic--" He said, "--But you can send it back as well. But--That is not enough for me to defeat me."
Out from the mist they saw multiple ice spears which couldn't help but shock them.
"Bime i elena!" Prism exclaimed out of shock.
"But that is not enough to defeat me." Heath said, "The blades of ice will come one after another. Now just try and protect them."
The ice spears came at them flying at all sides as they started to move even faster. "It's no use!" Prism exclaimed, before she felt herself getting wounded, "I can't keep this up!"
Pluck added as he was practically flailing his arms, "Damn it! Now what!"
"Just keep it up!" Magna told them, "Do not stop!" Though he couldn't help but grit his teeth as he kept on using his fire, "Damn it! It's going to take everything we have to protect the villagers! Not to mention, I'm at my limit and Feodora and Karasu are in a pickle themselves! And they have guys who are on the same level as a Magic Knight! And that leader is still hiding his true powers! And if they find out that Prism is the Princess, then we're really screwed! Either way this is one hell of a mission for these newbies! This definitely isn't good!"
"But I can't back out--!" Magna soon said aloud, "--I'm a REAL man!" Magna soon tossed another barrage of flames towards the ice spears as they broke apart, "It turns out I'm a lowly commoner myself! I'll protect you all!"
The crowd couldn't help but look relieved at this as Magna continued his barrage.
"I wonder how long you'll last." Heath said.
Heath had been taken back a little when a sphere of water towards him; though it only instead went flying in the other direction which couldn't help but irritate her.
"To think one of you here can't control her magic--" Heath said, "--I guess the Black Bulls were truly desperate for their members."
Prism couldn't help but flinch at this as she felt something go off in her head; for a moment she found herself back in a similar scenario with her advisors as she could overhear them talking about her parents.
Pluck on the other hand, spoke his own mind as he yelled at Heath, "And what makes you think you're better attacking all these innocent people?!" His blade glowed as he shouted "SWORD MAGIC, ORIGIN FLASH -WIND-" He hurled his attack at Heath only for him to use his magic to block.
Pluck clicked his tongue as he charged at him as he added on, "People like you, make me sick!"
Heath only sighed as he told him, "Honestly, you shouldn't talk. A royal like you should mind his own business!" He hurled his attack at Pluck giving him a cut on his left arm.
"PLUCK!" Magna shouted.
Prism soon heard some of the people screaming in pain, as when she looked back she could see that there had been fresh wounds on their shoulders and arms. Her gaze softened before she looked at the little spirits that were just over her head and were transparent at the moment as they were speaking to her. At this, she thought of just one thing as she looked to the people again, before she looked over to Noelle.
Much to Asta's surprise, Prism tossed her hook swords down as she took out her grimoire. "Pri?!" Asta said.
"Prism, what are you doing?!" Magna started to say, "I told you not too--"
"Noelle!" Prism soon said as the look on her face changed; Noelle jumped a little at the tone but noticed that her look had been mixed with worry, fear and yet--Strangely enough, she could see anger.
"Everyone here in Saussy, all of Magna's friends--" Prism said, opening to a certain page in her grimoire, "--I'm counting on you to protect them!"
"Wha-What?!" Noelle said, shocked.
Pluck shouted with confusion, "Huh?! What did you--?!"
Prism's grimoire soon floated in her hand as it glowed an eerily red glow; Asta could see her eye change to that familiar white color.
"Shadows--" She soon said, "--Reveal thy form!"
In only four words, they were all shocked when the scythe appeared from it's pages and Prism took hold of it which had surprised Heath and the other mages.
"What the hell?!" A mage yelled, "A scythe?!"
"She has a damn scythe?!" Another exclaimed.
"Wait--" Asta thought, as he thought back to when she was in a trance, "--It was like when she was in a trance! She only brought that scythe out just by saying that?!"
"It won't be enough." Heath said as he turned some of the ice spears on Prism. It soon flew towards her, though she had gotten into position; she held the blade downward as she held it at the lower middle of the handle and her feet had been equally apart which shocked Asta, Noelle, Magna, and especially Pluck.
Pluck said in realization, "That technique...! Don't tell me that's--?!"
"Whoa--!" Asta said.
The ice spears flew towards her as Prism ran towards them; She soon had the blade ready as she let out a war cry. In but one swing she sliced through the ice spears were sliced in two before the ice turned to dust. "What?!" Heath said, shocked.
The dust soon flew into the scythe as Prism could feel a sudden surge in her body; the veins in her arms seemed to have glowed a little before the feeling vanished. Prism could feel some kind of power go through her, as her heartbeat seemed to have accelerated as far as far as she could feel.
"That weapon and grimoire…" Heath said, "... Just who are you?"
"I am Prism of the Black Bulls--" Prism said as she looked to have an expression of determination and anger, "--And I will NOT let you hurt one more soul!"
Prism soon charged at the mages as they started to manifest more ice spears towards her. Prism only sliced through more of them as they turned to dust and her weapon ultimately absorbed it and went into her body. Though for the ones she missed it only ended up opening a few more wounds forcing her on her knees.
"PRISM!" Asta exclaimed.
"It's pointless to continue to protect these beasts." Heath said to her, "If you and your comrades choose to leave then I will let you live."
Just as another set came towards her ready to hit her in the back, though Asta had been quick to aid her. "LIKE HELL WE'RE GONNA LEAVE!!" Asta yelled as he started to back her up.
"A REAL MAN DOESN'T ABANDON ANYONE!" Magna yelled as he started to use his fire magic on the ice spears.
Prism couldn't help but give a small smile before she continued to charge towards the mages as her and Asta sliced through the barrage.
Noelle couldn't help but watch as her body shook slightly at what was going on.
"But--" She started to think, "--I'm royalty. And so is she. If she had her magic… She and I would be the most powerful people here. And yet… I'm just holding them back! Even her highness, even though as far I'm told--She lost her magic!"
"I'm counting on you to protect them!"
"Her Highness can't be serious!" Noelle thought, "I can't protect anyone! There's no reason for me to be here!" She couldn't help but think about what Heath had offered them just now.
"If you and your comrades choose to leave… I'll let you live."
Noelle couldn't help but start to have second thoughts as she looked to the ground. "That's right…" She thought as she started to move back, "... I am royalty. I'm not supposed to die in a village like this. I should just ru--"
Noelle suddenly felt something tug on the tails of her outfit. She saw it had been from a child; Her eyes looked to be pleading as she had been in tears. "P--Please… Miss Magic Knight..." The little girl begged, "... Please save us!"
Noelle's eyes widened slightly at this as she looked into the eyes of the pleading child.
"Noelle!" She soon heard Prism yell as she looked in her direction; Prism turned to her as she had a look of encouragement in her eyes, "You can do this! I believe in you!"
Noelle's eyes widened before her expression changed from fear to determination. "Her highness trusts me…! This little girl is asking me for help…!" Her grimoire soon started to glow, "I'm going to protect them!" The grimoire soon turned to a new page in her book as she was taken back by the sight of it; new words started to write itself in as nearly everyone was blinded by a blue light.
"There's no way--I can run now!"
Noelle soon placed both of her hands on the ground as before anyone knew it, a wall of water started to form around the entire people of the village and around Prism, Asta, Magna and Pluck. The ice spears hit the wall of water but it ended up breaking apart the instant it tried to get through.
Noelle soon stood from the ground, as the look on her face changed.
"I'll protect them, I'm royalty--" She said, "--AND A MEMBER OF THE BLACK BULLS!"