The sun had set over the horizon of Saussy Village, as the villagers had been in their time of mourning. Their village chief Seyhe, had been buried just at the top of a hill nearby, as they all had to mourn for their loss. Seyhe had given up his life to protect the people he cared about most; his sacrifice wasn't in vain.
Prism could understand that much at least.
As the sun set over the horizon, the young boy--Nick and the young little girl had been the only ones left at the Seyhe's grave. Along with him, had been Prism, Magna, Asta, Feodora, Karasu, Pluck, and Noelle. Adrien stood beside Prism as she was holding the watch from Heath.
"Hey Nick?" The little girl said, "... Let's go home."
"Grandpa really loved the view from up here…" Nick said.
"Yeah…" Magna said, "... Nick, I heard that Old Man Seyhe was the only one to stand up to those guys." He soon smiled, "Your grandpa… Was a real man."
"Grandpa sounded really happy." Nick soon said, "He said that even though it was just gambling he beat Magic Knights.
"Yeah." Magna said.
The little girl soon held up the doll, "He even gave this to me as a gift. He bought lots of yummy food for everyone in the village."
"It's a noble thing for anyone to do." Karasu said as Noelle gave the young girl a pat on the head.
"He never got to be one--" Nick soon said, "--But Grandpa always admired the Magic Knights, but… They were also his regret."
"His regret?" Asta said, confused.
"He always regretted not working harder when he was younger." Nick explained. He soon wiped his tears before he turned to them, "But, he seemed really happy about the fact that Magna was working hard for both of them."
The group looked a bit surprised before they each looked at Magna. Magna himself had the same reaction as he soon had a smile on his face, "Yeah."
"Hey--" Nick soon said, "--Do you think I can become a Magic Knight too?"
"Of course!" Magna said with a wink and a smile, before he gave him a thumbs up, "Nothing is ever impossible! Your future is something you decide for yourself!"
"He's right!" Asta added, "Not only am I a commoner, but I don't have any magical powers, and I still made it in! But you've gotta work super extra hard!"
Prism gave a small smile, "It's the same with me. I'm not exactly like other people in a way, but you shouldn't listen to what other people think. Someone really smart told me that."
Feodora gave a smirk, "I was born in the Diamond Kingdom, but I had to leave that place. Let's just say what they had to offer wasn't for me--" She soon placed her hand on Asta's shoulder, "--Not only was it his doing, but someone else important to me and someone who inspired me saved me. Both figuratively and in a literal sense. I owe it all to them, and despite me being born in an entirely different kingdom I was still given the honor to become a Magic Knight. Believe you me, it wasn't an easy task."
"Stuff like that, if you truly want it, you gotta show for it." Karasu said, "And most importantly, you can't ever give up."
"Give it your all!" Magna added.
"Do your best." Noelle said.
"Remember you have to pick the best strategy in order to prosper as a magic knight." Pluck said."Work Smarter, not harder."
Nick's eyes brightened before he nodded, "Yeah!"
"And by the time you join the Magic Knights--!" Asta said, "--I'm going to be working even harder, doing even more missions and I'll be closer to becoming the Wizard King!"
"Of course you'd say that." Feodora said with a small chuckle.
Pluck said while shaking his head, "He really is that ambitious, huh?"
"Jeez, there you go talking nonsense again." Magna said, "But you need to dream big, that's what it means to be a man!"
"It's gonna take more than words just to prove that." Pluck added
Asta soon went over to Nick as he placed his fist against Nick's chest, "I'll be waiting for you kid."
Prism smiled as she went over and placed her hand on his shoulder, "Me too. You become a strong Magic Knight, alright?"
Nick gave a smile, "Right!"
Asta gave a smile and laughed along with Prism. The others' expressions brightened as Adrien let out a happy noise along with Addeline as she was still safely tucked away in Pluck's bag. "Come on!" Magna said to Nick and the young girl, "Let's get you two back home, alright?"
The two kids smiled and nodded before they walked with Magna. The group soon followed behind Magna, all except for Prism as she looked for the watch in her hand; Adrien had stayed by her side as he let out a purr.
Prism rubbed her eyes as her gaze softened, when she looked at the object in hand.
"Hey Pri?" She heard Asta call out, "You coming?"
"I'll just be a moment." Prism replied with a wave of her hand, "Don't worry."
Pluck had told her, "Let us know when you're ready."
Addeline added as she waved her stick, "Quack!"
With that said, Asta and Pluck left Prism alone, alongside her partner. When she knew for a fact she was alone she finally removed her hood as she turned to the cliffside. She looked at the watch and saw it had finally stopped ticking as the look in her eyes changed again.
"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--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."
The words of her mother echoed through her mind as she approached the cliffside not too far from Seyhes gravestone. She proceeded to dig with only but her hand as the little spirits, in the form of gerbils and weasels each in unnatural colors appeared as they started to help her.
"I know you tried to hurt people to get you wanted, and I still can't forgive you for putting them in danger--But… I'm still truly sorry that the darkness took you. Maybe if I had woken up before… I could've helped you."
Her hand shook a little at the thought of what looked to be a snake with dragonfly wings wrapped around her arm as it was comforting her along with the other little spirits around, "No… I guess even if I did… It would be too late, wouldn't it?"
When she was finished, she placed the watch inside. She pushed the pile of dirt on top of it before she gave it a couple of pats as the little spirits followed her movements. Once that was done, she put her hands together as she closed her eyes.
"May you and the others find peace in the Heavens."
Adrien went to her side as he nuzzled his head against as he let out a purr. Prism let out a giggle as she gave him a hug.
"Thanks bud."
She rubbed her eyes a little as she looked to her hand as it shook a little, recalling what she had done earlier that day as she placed her other hand on her grimoire, safely tucked away in the back of her carrier. She rubbed her eyes again as she yawned a little.
"Still… What I did back there…That incantation saved them. Where did that power come from?"
It wasn't long before felt a set of small claws on her shoulder; she looked and saw it had been the same little droopy face bird.
"Hey, I was wondering where--Huh?"
Prism soon noticed something had been in her mouth; from what she could see, it had been a pink stone, and yet it looked oddly familiar.
"Little Miss? What's that you have there?"
The Little Miss flew to her hand as Prism found herself opening her palm to her. The Little Miss soon dropped the stone as her eyes widened in realization and shock. It wasn't just any stone in her hand. It was one that was in that of a square and bore a familiar insignia of a crescent moon with three stars. She had to rub her eyes twice to make sure she wasn't dreaming, or that it wasn't an illusion.
"This is--A Magic Stone?! No… Is this why they were--"
She looked to the little bird as the little spirits looked to the stone in her hand, "Little Miss--Where did you find--"
"Miss?"
Prism jumped as she immediately placed her hood back over her head as the spirits quickly hid themselves; Adrien stood with her as she saw it had been Nick while the Little Miss settled herself on her head.
"I was wondering why the little bird was holding Grandpa's charm." Nick said, "I guess she must really like it."
"A charm?" Prism said, a bit shocked.
Nick nodded, "He said that he found it in a river when he was on his way back to the village one day. It was like his good luck charm so he decided to keep it in the church."
She looked to the stone in hand before her eyes softened again. "Then--" She said before she went over to him as she went to hand it back, "--You should take it back. It's something to remember from your grandfather and I couldn't do that to you."
Nick looked to the stone in her hand before he gave her a smile as he shook his head, "You can have it miss. Apparently your bird likes it."
Prism looked at him shocked, "Are you sure? This is something precious to you, isn't it?"
"It is--" Nick said, "--But it's the least I can do since you saved us!" He soon held out his pinky towards her, "Just promise you'll take good care of it?"
Prism looked to the magic stone in her hand once more as she couldn't help but think of a certain someone. She clenched it in her hand before she gave Nick a smile; she allowed her pinkie to intertwine with his as she placed it safely inside her jacket.
"You can count on it." She said to him as she gave him a reassuring smile.
***
-Later that Night; Black Bulls Base-
Prism didn't very much like hiding things. Though she felt like in this case, she had to when it came to something as important as the Magic Stone. She didn't want to think about it, but she had a hunch that it had been the very reason why Heath was willing to kill a whole village. She had planned on telling them, eventually, but for now, she just had to think about how she was going to break the news. Or at least think of one until she had gotten some sleep since she felt strangely tired.
For now she would have to keep a secret, and hopefully it wouldn't be for long.
They had returned to the Black Bulls base after Magna had gotten Finral and Vanessa to investigate the people that attacked while they reported to Yami.
Much to their own surprise--He was laughing.
"Sounds like you guys went through hell!" Yami said as he gave another laugh.
"Why does he sound happy about that?" Noelle thought, "Someone just died."
"Is he just secretly insane?" Feodora thought.
"This captain is weird." Karasu couldn't help but think.
Pluck had told Yami as he facepalmed himself, "We ALMOST died"
"But you're still here are you?" Yami asked, "And look at ya! You got a couple of cool new scars! Now you're a real chick magnet!"
Pluck shouted as he raised his fist, "THAT'S NOT THE POINT HERE!"
Yukiko added as she was nearby, "This is not a laughing matter, Yami."
"Um--" Asta soon said, "--Is this really the time to be laughing?"
"Ye-Yeah." Prism added, "Magna just lost someone important to him. Is this really the time for that?"
"Being depressed ain't gonna bring Old Man Seyhe back isn't it?" Yami said.
"You're absolutely right!" Magna said, "Old man Seyhe would've liked to see everyone back to their energetic self!"
"Huh?" Asta, Feodora, Karasu and Pluck said.
"Come on guys!" Magna said, "You should laugh too!"
"WHAT?!" Asta, Feodora, Karasu and Pluck shouted while Prism gave only a tired look in her eyes.
Magna soon gave a laugh before he gave Prism a pat on the back, "Come on Pri! Laugh it up!"
Prism yawned as she rubbed her eyes, "Ha… Ha… Ha… Ha…" She said drowsingly with a tired smile as the spirits seemed to have the same energy as she did. Adrien even did his part as he started to chortle.
"Not that I'm a fan but, good job!" Magna said before he patted Asta on the back, "Go on Asta, you try it!"
Asta soon gave a forced laugh as he forced himself to smile.
"Uh--Are we really doing this?" Feodora said, shocked.
"Again...WE. ALMOST. DIED!" Pluck shouted. "Another thing—SOMEONE BLEW UP!"
"Come on Plucky!" Magna said, "Don't be so stuck up! You'll end up getting crow's feet!"
"One, don't call me that." Pluck said. "Two, laughing like you is an insult to my knowledge.
Magna shouted, "HEY! MY LAUGH ISN'T STUPID! RESPECT YOUR SENIORS!"
"Not if they're a moron." Pluck told him
"I'm not gonna laugh like that, it's creepy." Karasu said.
Noelle added, "I agree with them."
"YOU GUYS TOO?!" Magna yelled.
Pluck walked out as he said, "I'm gonna read a book before bed. Chatting with you is wasting my brain cells."
Magna drew Pluck black with Flame binding magic as he expression didn't change.
"You know your jokes don't make me laugh, Swing." Pluck told him.
"Come on, you gotta laugh for old man Seyhe!"
Pluck had started to argue, "CAN'T YOU AT LEAST LET ME MOURN FOR THE GUY?!" Pluck soon froze up when he noticed the look Yami gave him.
His face paled before Yami told him in a threatening tone of voice, "You heard the Mohawk. Laugh or die."
Pluck groaned as he said "Ha. There."
Yami soon grabbed his head as Pluck turned ever more white, "DEATH IT IS."
Immediately Pluck gave a forced smile as he started to laugh loudly and a bit obnoxiously.
Noelle walked back as she said, "That laugh is obviously worse than the princess."
"S-SHUT UP!" Pluck shouted to Noelle while Laughing, "EVEN YOU SILVAS DON'T KNOW A GOOD JOKE WHEN YOU SEE ONE!"
"Well I'm not acting like a fool, now am I?" Noelle asked.
Magna soon shouted in Feodora's face who wasn't phased, "YOU! COME ON GIVE A LAUGH!"
"If I laugh will you stop shouting in my damn ear?" Feodora said, giving him a look.
Magna told her, "YES FINE WHATEVER!"
Feodora sighed before she gave a forced laugh. "YOU TOO THIEF, COME ON!" Magna shouted to Karasu.
Karasu started to give a monotone laugh, while Magna laughed along with them. Yami looked into his squadmates, particularly with Magna as through his shades, he noticed a tear at the corner of his eye.
Yami gave a satisfied smile as he dropped Pluck when the laughter died down. "That's how it should be." He said, "What happened to old man Seyhe is a real shame, but you were able to protect the villagers. Be proud of that." He soon looked over to Prism, "As for you--Props on learning a new trick, you're getting good with that grimoire of yours
Prism yawned as she gave a smile, "... I wouldn't say that, but thanks." Though she soon jumped when Yami gave her a flick on the head making her cringe slightly as the Little Miss moved, "However, I would appreciate it if you didn't risk your life next time, okay?"
"Ye-Yes sir." She whimpered as the Little Miss settled down on her head again while Adrien lowered his head.
Yukiko added in a scolding manner, "Honestly Prism. You could have died out there or worse! Need I remind you, you're the future of this kingdom!"
Prism sighed as she said, "Sorry Aunt Yuki."
"And speaking of--" Yukiko said as she pinched Pluck by the ear. "—I would also appreciate it if you don't go in with swords next time!"
"Mom, really!?" Pluck groaned.
"No buts!" Yukiko told him. "If people were to discover our secret, the Barbados Family would be executed on the spot! Plus your role is just as important as Prism's teacher/bodyguard/friend!"
Pluck sighed, "Ma, they didn't go for my earnings at least."
"You're missing the point young man!" Yukiko told him.
"Above all else--" Yami said, "--Great job you idiots."
"Thank you sir!" Magna, Asta, Feodora, and Karasu said while Magna had saluted.
"Although--" Yami soon said, as he looked to Feodora in particular.
"Why--Why are you giving me that look?!" Feodora exclaimed out of confusion.
Yami had told her while he was giving her smacks on the head, "Tell me, did you go on another killing spree?"
"WILL YOU STOP HITTING ME?!" Feodora shouted, "ALSO, I DIDN'T!"
"Oh it's true, we saw." Pluck told him.
"YOU DAMN LITTLE RAT!" Feodora shouted as her streak of white appeared on her bangs.
"Would you rather me lie?" Pluck said, giving her a look.
"YES!" She yelled.
"No way." Pluck said with his look and wave, "Only morons lie to hide the truth."
"So blunt and honest.." Asta and Magna said.
"OH THAT IS IT!!" She yelled as her eyes changed to a crystal blue, "YOU'RE DYING TONIGHT!"
In the next second Feodora had pounced right on Pluck as they started to fight in a puff of smoke. "FEO NO!" Asta exclaimed as he immediately went to pull her off, "STOP THAT!!"
"ARE YOU TRYING TO GET YOURSELF THROWN INTO PRISON?!" Karasu yelled as he assisted him.
Pluck shouted as he was seen in scratches, "SERIOUSLY YOU REALLY REALLY HAVE AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM! WORSE THAT YOU-KNOW-WHO EVEN!"
"DID YOU JUST COMPARE ME TO A ROYAL?!" She yelled as she thrashed, "I'M GONNA KILL YOU SO HARD YOU'RE GONNA BE BEYOND DEAD!!"
"HEY! I SAID YOU'RE WORSE DIDN'T I?!" Pluck shouted as he fought back with his other swords. "PLUS I DIDN'T EVEN SAY A NAME SO THIS IS ON YOU!"
"JUST FOR THAT I'M GONNA RIP OUT YOUR DAMN SPINE AND SHOVE IT RIGHT UP YOUR--" Feodora started to shout before Yami intervened.
He grabbed her head as she started to claw at his wrist. Yami had told her, "Sword Boy's got a point, You have an attitude problem. And that we're gonna have to take care of that because of what you're doing now, they can put you in prison or worse, have you executed."
"WHO SAID I HAD THE ATTITUDE PROBLEM?!" She yelled.
"Feo just calm down!" Asta said as calmly as possible.
Yami had soon told her, "This is the same thing I saw during the exam and even for a few weeks you became a magic knight."
"HUH!?" She yelled.
"This might hurt but not even your folks would like the way you're acting right now."
Feodora froze up at this as she noticed his tone. She could only growl as he set her down; She could only click her tongue as she turned her head to the floor, though her eyes reverted back to normal.
"Whatever…" Feodora said with a grumble
Prism only yawned though she looked to have a look of worry as well as Asta, though it wasn't long before a thought came over her. "By the way--" Prism said as she rubbed her eyes, "--What was that you did with your hands?"
"Yeah, what was that?" Asta asked.
"I guess you wouldn't know about it." Magna said before he held his three fingers close to his chest, "This is the Magic Knight salute! The three fingers represent the three leaf clover! You try it."
Prism and Asta set their fingers in a set of three as they both went and placed them across their chest.
"This good?" Asta said.
"Yeah, that's not bad!" Magna said.
"Yay…" Prism said tiredly.
"Are you sure you're doing okay?" Karasu said to Prism, "You look like you're about to pass out any minute."
"I'm okay…" She said as she rubbed her eyes, "... I've just been… Strangely tired since we came back."
Soon enough a familiar portal had opened, and Vanessa along with the triple A's stepped through. "We're back!" Vanessa announced.
"Hey!" Aisling said, "We heard about what you guys did in Saussy! That was some great work!"
"I wish I could've seen it, but we had to deal with our own mission." Aine said.
"It was just dealing with a missing cat, but it was nothing too bad." Aidan said, "All in a day's work you know?"
Pluck said while shaking his head, "Of course, no surprise there."
"Where have you guys been?" Karasu asked.
"We had to go over to the Magic Investigation Department." Finral replied, "As is by Captain Yami's orders."
"Did you find anything?" Yami asked.
"Who the heck is behind all this?!" Magna said, "I'll find their hideout and raid it! I'll beat the crap out of the guy who got away too!"
"Well--" Aine soon said, "--There's actually a problem with that Magna sir."
"They investigated what he left behind--" Vanessa explained, "--But they still don't have a clue on who they are or what they were doing in the village in the first place."
"HOW USELESS CAN THEY BE?!" Magna shouted before he tossed a fireball at the wall, breaking it instantly.
"You fools--!" Yami said before he slammed his fist wring into the wall, breaking it instantly, "--STOP BREAKING STUFF!!"
Most of them had jumped at the sound as they nearly let out a scream; immediately Magna bowed his head, "SORRY SIR!!"
"The pocket watch you described was pretty nice, though it was a shame they couldn't find it anywhere." Finral said.
"And from what you said about how they were acting they were all very high status." Vanessa said.
"In other words they were royals or nobles--" Feodora said as her tone sounded harsh, "--Figures."
Pluck had said, "Why am I not surprised?"
"Huh?" Aine said before she noticed the little miss on her head. Immediately her eyes sparkled, "Aww Prism! Did you make a new friend?!"
"Oh yeah, the Little Miss." Prism said tiredly, "I kind of forgot she was here."
"How can you? She's on your head." Karasu said.
"Awww, she's so cute!" Aisling said.
"What's so cute about that little pest?" Asta said.
"Um--Only everything!" Noelle said.
Pluck had said, "Even I'll admit. She's adorable..maybe more than Addi-" Pluck was cut off when Addie hit his shin with her stick, "YEOW! ADDI! I WAS JOKING!!"
"QUACK!" Addeline shouted
The Little Miss soon flew from Prism's head as she started to peck at Asta. "Gah! Ow!" Asta exclaimed, "You little--" He tried to make a grab for it, "--Get back here!"
"Hey, come here little one." Noelle said, trying to coax her over. Though she felt a twinge in her heart when she ended up flying away.
Pluck said with a confident smile, "It's obvious even the birds know how rotten a Silva like yourself is!"
"PLUCK!" Yukiko shouted, making him flinch.
Pluck soon regained himself as he held his hand out to the little bird, "here here little Miss. Don't pay attention to the mean ol Silva. Come here"
The Little Miss only took one look before she flew away from him, taking him back as he felt a twinge. She landed on Prism's shoulder.
"You were saying?" Feodora said.
Pluck had shouted, "SHUT UP, FROST BRAIN! WHO ASKED YOU!"
The streak on her hair returned as she started to growl. Pluck immediately started to say as she bore ice claws, "OKAY! OKAY! I TAKE IT BACK, GEEZ!"
"Too late, sword boy." Feodora said in a dangerous tone of voice.
"QUACK!" Addeline shouted as she charged at Feodora and whacked her head.
"THAT'S IT!" She yelled as her ice blue eyes returned, "YOU'RE BOTH ON MY SHITLIST!!"
Pluck yelled as he started to make a run for it, "YOU SERIOUSLY NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, HAIRBALL BRAIN!!"
"YOU'RE TRIPLE DEAD!!" Feodora shouted.
"FIND A BETTER INSULT FIRST!" Pluck shouted..
Pluck let out a shriek as Feodora attacked him with a spell.
"BRO YOU'RE JUST MAKING IT WORSE!!" Aidan yelled.
"QUACK!" Addeline shouted as she whacked Feodora again.
"OH NOW I'M ITCHING FOR FROZEN DUCK TONIGHT!" Feodora shouted.
Feodora soon charged at Addeline as she made chase only for her to whack her as she ranran, at the same time causing property damage.
Pluck shrieks as he yelled, "HEY NO! SHE ONLY BABY!" He took out his swords as he tossed them at Feodora. Though Feodora ended up catching it before she tossed it to the ground so hard it created a crater causing Pluck to pale.
"Qu—Quack…" Addeline said fearfully.
Pluck said as he stammered, "Oh crap."
"THAT ISN'T HELPING!!" Yukiko yelled at Pluck and Addeline, "STOP INSULTING HER AND SHE WON'T KILL YOU FASTER!!"
Pluck shouted as he started to panic, "WELL TELL THAT TO MISS AG—!"
Feodora let out a roar of some kind and pounced on Pluck before he could finish, and they started to fight in a puff of smoke again.
"SAY GOOD NIGHT PLUCKY!" Feodora shouted as she used her claws.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT ICE BREATH!" Pluck shouted as he fought back with his swords..
Asta drew his sword, "I'M GONNA FRY YOU UP FOR DINNER YOU LITTLE PEST!"
"Ah, Asta don't." Prism said tiredly.
"YOU WON'T SO MUCH AS LAY A FINGER ON HER!!" Noelle yelled as she conjured a ball of water.
"Seriously?" Karasu said.
"What is happening right now?" Aidan said, looking over what was going on.
"GET BACK HERE!" Asta yelled trying to chase after the Little Miss that had flown.
"I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE HER ALONE!!" Noelle shouted as she blew a whole in the wall.
"STEP OFF!" Pluck shouted as he and Feodora continued their fight.
"I'LL STEP OFF WHEN I TAKE YOUR DAMN SKULL!!" Feodora yelled as she bared her fangs.
Pluck paled again as he said, "I think you're more demon than human."
"NEVER EVER CALL ME A DEMON!!" Feodora yelled as she hated her claws and there two continued their battle.
"Should—Should one of us do something?" Aisling said as she looked towards Feodora and Pluck before her eyes wandered to Asta and Noelle as they were having a quarrel of their own. Prism looked to be struggling to stand as she was nodding off while Karasu just watched with a monotone expression.
"I—Don't know if we can." Aine said.
Yukiko had said while shaking her head, "Ana latta as me…"
Finally Yami had gotten fed up. He shouted as he banged the wall so hard it ended up collapsing causing them to freeze up, "ENOUGH!"
He first took Pluck and Feodora's ends as he gripped them so hard before he shoved them both off of each other.
He soon told them in a threatening tone of voice, "You two, get patched up, You already gave yourselves new injuries and if I hear EITHER of you quarrel again, I'll kill you both myself! Not Sword boy or Ice girl. ME."
Feodora only gulped as she reverted back to normal, "Ye-Yes sir."
Pluck groaned as he said "Yes sir."
"Good now—SHAKE."
Pluck and Feodora immedally shook hands as they said "I'm sorry for my actions, I take full responsibility."
"Asshat." Feodora said as she pretended to cough.
Pluck mumbled back, "Ice Bitch."
"WHAT WAS THAT?" Yami said with a glare making them sweat.
"NOTHING SIR!" Pluck and Feodora shouted.
"Good! Now go!" Yami shouted as he tossed them both out causing a crash.
Yami soon grabbed Asta and Noelle's head as he said while the Little Miss settled herself on Prism's head again, "As for you two, You're making too much noise and a mess! It's way too late for either of your nonsense!"
"S-Sorry sir." Asta and Noelle said.
Yami soon took a deep breath, "Okay--Now that that's over with, you all had better listen up. Whether or not those guys were royals or nobles it doesn't matter. Though for the time being, we're going to let the Investigation Department take care of this and wait for the report. Though--" He soon had a smile, "--I have some good news."
"Good news?" Asta said.
"What sort of good news?" Karasu asked.
"Wanna hear it?" He said.
"Of course!" Asta said with enthusiasm.
Yami soon chuckled, "Your actions in the village were acknowledged by the Wizard King himself."
"The Wizard King?!" Asta and Karasu exclaimed.
"Julius?" Prism said a bit shocked though she continued to nod off, "What did he… Give…?"
He soon showed off what looked to be a golden star which seemed to have perked her up a little bit. "You've been given a star!" He said.
"Whoa, seriously?!" Magna said, before he cheered, "Alright!"
"YES, YES, YES!" The Triple A's cheered.
"Congratulations." Finral said.
Yukiko said as she gave Prism a pat on the back, "You did well."
"YES, THAT'S AWESOME!" Asta cheered.
"I don't get it." Karasu said.
"I'm… A little confused." Prism said awkwardly.
"Yeah, what are they for?" Asta asked.
"DON'T GET EXCITED WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE!" Magna shouted in their faces.
"The stars are one of the best parts about being in a Magic Knights squad!" Aisling said, "They're awarded by the Wizard King based on our performance on the field!"
"What are they good for exactly?" Prism asked.
"Well, it's like an honor." Vanessa clarified.
"Well damn." Karasu said, a bit shocked, "I didn't think it would work that way."
"Whoa, really?! An honor?!" Asta said.
"Yup! It's a real honor!" Magna said, putting his arms around Asta and Karasu's shoulders, "It's a badge of honor for us men!"
"And women too, don't forget." Noelle said, gesturing to herself and Prism.
"A REAL HONOR FOR MEN AND WOMEN!" Magna yelled.
"Good save." Karasu said sarcastically.
"That's not all--" Vanessa said, "--The Magic Knights squads compete with the most stars."
"The number of stars indicate how much work a squad has done." Finral said, "So I guess you can say it's a team effort."
"Oh I get it now!" Asta said.
"Makes sense." Karasu said.
A thought soon came over Yukiko, "Now that I think about it--The Golden Dawn Squad has the most stars and is at the top. They've got to let me see--seventy stars under their belt."
"SEVENTY STARS?!" Asta and Karasu shouted.
"Bi--Bime i elena…!" Prism said despite that she was nodding off.
"What about us?!" Asta said, "How many stars do we have?!"
"Well--" Aidan said as he started to rub his elbow.
Yami soon let go of the star as it floated towards what looked to be a wooden palette where they had seen a bunch of black stars on it; the moment the gold star was placed on it, it seemed to have vanished filling in the space.
"With this we have a nice even negative thirty." Yami said.
"NEGATIVE?!" Asta and Noelle exclaimed.
"You're kidding!!" Karasu yelled. Prism could only tilt her head as she let out a confused groan.
"We're only a hundred away from the Golden Dawn." He said.
"EH?!" Asta and Karasu shouted.
"Why am I here again?" Noelle couldn't help but question.
"This means--" Asta said before he started to ruffle his hair, "--It's gonna take us forever to catch up and beat Yuno! Damn it!"
"Yuno?" Karasu said, "Oh right--I nearly forgot about that guy. Wonder how he's been."
"I know I've been exchanging letters with him for awhile--" Prism thought, "--But I really hope I can see him again. Feo would be happy."
"Oh, before I forget--" Yami said before he tossed over what looked to be large brown sacks to each of them, "--Here's this month's pay."
"HOLY CRAP!!" Karasu exclaimed as he opened the sack, "THERE'S SO MUCH YULE IN HERE!!"
"YEAH, THERE'S AT LEAST 20, 000 IN HERE!!" Asta said before he was handed another sack from Yami, "Huh? What's this for?"
"For Feodora." Yami told him, "Give it to her later, would ya?"
He turned to Addeline as he said "Make sure your owner gets this bag."
"Quack!" Addeline said as she held it with ease, surprising Karasu, Noelle and Asta."
"W-wow! That Duck is really strong!" Asta exclaimed.
"Seriously." Karasu added, "What did he feed her?"
"Yes!" Aisling cheered, "I'm gonna get Alan a new saddle with this kind of money!"
"Ooo, I can get a new book, or maybe even better--!" Aine said, before her eyes sparkled, "--A new instrument!"
"Welp, I know what I'm using this for--" Aidan said before he gave an evil chuckle, "--Time to come up with some new tricks~!"
"Way ahead of ya!" His sisters said, as they put some of their money into their hats.
Yukiko immediately told them in a scolding manner, "You mean you're gonna save this on a rainy day!"
"Yes mother!" They immediately said, before the Triple A's snickered to themselves.
Karasu looked at the yule as he held some of it in the palm of his hand, "Damn, this WAY more than I imagined. Sachiko is definitely gonna be surprised." He soon thought, "I wonder what I should do with this?"
"For starters--" Yami said as he grabbed his head, "--You look like you and your sister could use a new wardrobe."
"Huh?" Karasu said, a bit shocked.
"First thing--We're gonna fix that." He told him.
"EH?!" Karasu exclaimed.
Yukiko had said with a shrug, "He right you know."
"Hang on, I can do that myself!" Karasu argued.
Yami had retorted, "Nope, we're picking for you. Sides, you said you were only in this country for two years, you need some experts to help you out."
He couldn't help but groan as he slapped himself, "Just my luck…"
"This is all just pocket change if you ask me." Noelle said.
Asta couldn't help but look surprised, "ARE YOU A MORON?! YOU COULD BUY AT LEAST TEN YEARS WORTH OF POT POTATOES WITH THIS!"
"Pot what?" She said.
"Potatoes?" Karasu said, a bit shocked.
"Yeah, Pot Potatoes!" Asta said, "Hey Pri, back me u--Huh?"
Asta had turned to Prism as he saw she had been leaning against Adrien as she was struggling to keep her eyes open. "Hey--" He said, noticing how tired she looked, "--Are you okay?"
"Ye-Yeah." Prism replied, "... I'm just really sleepy."
Asta had rubbed the back of his head, "I guess it was pretty intense for a first mission in all. Not to mention that trick you did to heal us, must've really taken a lot out of you."
"And it is pretty late." Finral said, "Maybe we should all call it a night."
"Aww, I was hoping we could discuss where to shop with you." Aisling said with a pout.
"Well that's okay!" Aine said, "We can talk about it more tomorrow!"
Yami soon told his squad members as he dropped Karasu, "Welp, I guess that means you and I can go shopping in the morning."
Yukiko added with a smile, "And we might as well bring Sachiko too."
"Yay..." Karasu said sarcastically.
Asta soon helped Prism to stand as Adrien took the bag of yules, "I'll get her to her room. Hey Karasu? Would you mind helping me out?"
"Sure." Karasu said before he went to the other side.
They soon helped Prism walk out of the room as they said their good nights. However the moment they were outside of the hallway, Asta soon whispered to the both of them, "Actually--There's something Feo and I gotta talk to you two about."
Karasu and Prism couldn't help but look confused as Adrien tilted his own head.
***
-Later-
Pluck had grumbled as he had adjusted his bandages slightly as he had just been walking away from the library after grabbing another book for his study session.Though he couldn't help but hit his head in the book.
He said aloud, "That stupid Ice Queen, what the hell's her deal with me? She's always starting something. I don't know who's worse, the Ice Bitch or that Silva she defends. Maybe both." He soon crossed his arms, "How did Prism ever end up making friends with her? Hell, even Asta and that guy Yuno!? What do they even see in her?"
Just as he said this he nearly froze and tripped on himself when he saw Feodora not too far from him. He quickly hid himself behind the corner of the wall just as she turned in his direction. Once she saw there was no one there she started to make her way in a certain direction.
Pluck had soon come to realize she was going towards Prism's room. "What is she up to now?" His brain soon remembered something "Oh no! Not another one." He took Oban Oba from his grimoire as he said, "They are NOT gonna ruin my study sleep tonight."
He soon followed Feodora towards the room, finding that she had gotten up the ladder and leaving it open a little to let out some air. Pluck tip toed towards it, as he readied himself. However--
"Are you serious?"
Pluck had been taken back when he heard Karasu's voice within the room. He allowed his sword to disappear before he climbed up the ladder just a bit so he could peek through. He saw Karasu had been sitting on the bed pillow along with Asta and now Feodora, as Prism had been propped against a set of pillows in her bed.
"That really happened?" Karasu asked, "A day after we came here?"
"Yeah." Asta nodded, "It was pretty weird but--Prism just entered some kind of a trance. It was like she was a different person. And for some reason, she was focused on Noelle."
Karasu looked over to Prism as she was still trying her best to stay awake, "You really don't remember that?"
Prism only nodded, "... The last thing I remember was the same thing I felt earlier today… My stomach was hurting a lot, like it was eating itself…And then… It was just empty…"
Pluck's eyes widened as he thought "Wait, she tried to go after Silva? Why?"
"It still doesn't make sense--" He heard Karasu say, "--Why would that warrant you to go and attack Noelle then or at least try to?"
"I think--" Feodora soon said, "--It might have something to do with that weapon of hers."
"My scythe…?" Prism said confused.
"I've been thinking about it too actually." Asta said.
"What are you two saying?" Karasu asked.
"That scythe, from what we've seen since the first day she got the grimoire, can absorb magic." Feodora said, "As to where it goes, that's still a mystery. But--Asta and I, and actually Yuno thinks this too based on his last letter, it can only take so much of it. There's a limit to how much it can take from a person."
"And based on how strong Noelle is and from that spell she did accidentally--" Asta soon said as he thought about, "--The moment Prism tried to take it, it just backfired."
Pluck's eyes widened in shock and horror as he saw Karasu gave it some thought. "Then--That explains why her own weapon burned her." He said.
"Those flames..." Prism said looking at her hands, "... Was it really from Noelle's magic?"
"I don't very much understand it, but--" Feodora said, "--Yuno and I have been conversing about it. And it's the only thing we can think of."
Pluck bit his lip as he clenched his fist in his mind right at that moment he remembered when he falsely accused Noelle for hurting Prism and Asta, Feodora and Karasu backed her up. He didn't say a word as he jumped off and walked back with his hands in his pockets.
"And here I thought the Sliva was the cause of hurting Prism." Pluck thought. "Some friend, I turned out to be."
He was ready to leave, however--
"So then--" Karasu soon said, "--I take it this wasn't the only reason why you asked me to come here?"
"... And…You said… You wanted to ask me something?" Prism asked.
"Well--" Asta said, "--We thought it was best if we asked you about it first but, I was thinking we should tell Captain Yami about this."
Pluck nearly fell off the ladder at this though he was able to steady himself. He soon heard Asta add, "Maybe, he might know what's going on."
"Now he says that--" Feodora soon said, "--But I think it's a bad idea. And it's not just a rogue Magic Knight I'm worried about anymore."
Pluck had whispered to himself, just shocked, "Telling Yami?!"
"In other words, you want our opinion?" Karasu said.
"Yeah basically." Asta said.
"Aw…" Prism had said, touched, "... You guys…"
"Look, I'm just saying--" Feodora soon said to them, "--There's just something about this that doesn't sit right with me. All this you keep a secret I get, but--" She ruffled her hair, as she groaned, "--Damn it, I just can't put my finger on it.
"Feo, we've been with these guys for nearly a month now." Asta said, "We can trust them."
"Maybe you can, but I can't." Feodora said as she started to pace, "I can rule out the Barbados family, but no offense, your childhood pal isn't it making it any easier for me."
Pluck's jaw dropped slightly at this, "You're the one that started it!" He thought.
"Why do you say that…?" Prism asked.
"... Let's just say--I hate people that wear masks." Feodora said.
Pluck couldn't help but look confused but notice the look on her face as her tone had changed. He noticed that her expression looked to be distraught and filled with sadness as well. "No way..she's just like me..in a sense.."
"Then you suspect anyone here?" Karasu asked.
"It's not Yami is it?" Asta said, a bit shocked.
Feodora flinched at this before Pluck noticed that her hand had shook a little, "I'm not sure. What he said earlier--" She sighed, "--Anyway, it doesn't matter. I just think we have to be careful."
Karasu soon looked over to Prism, "Alright, let's hear it. What are your thoughts?"
Prism sat up a little as she let out a yawn, "... I… really appreciate you guys asking me about this… Really… But… My honest opinion about it… I don't want to keep secrets from anyone…" She said to them with a small smile, "... I… Want to come forward about this."
They looked at her a bit surprised, even Pluck looked shocked.
"Really?" Asta asked, "You're really okay with this?"
Prism nodded as she leaned back into the pillows, "... I know it hasn't been long since we came here and… Yami is pretty strange for a human, but… I can tell he's a good man… It's strange but… He kind of reminds me of my father in a way. And…" She yawned, "... I think it's better this way… And…I don't know… Maybe he can help with… Whatever is happening to me…"
With that she had shut her eyes as finally she had drifted off into sleep; a little spirit made from sand soon appeared as it settled itself right next to Prism giving her a pleasant dream. The three of them looked at one another as they each sighed.
"I guess that's that then." Karasu said as he stood, "It's about time we turn in don't you think?"
Feodora sighed, "I don't like it, but… If it's what she thinks it's best. Can't exactly go wrong. Time to hit the sack."
Pluck in an instant began to slide down as he quickly hid. Karasu and Feodora came down the ladder, though Feodora noticed that Asta wasn't behind them. "Hey Dum-Dum?" She called out, "Are you coming?"
"I think I'm gonna stay here tonight." Asta said to her, "Just to keep her company, you know."
Feodora sighed, "Alright, see you in the morning."
With that, Asta slid the door closed as Feodora and Karasu made their leave. Just as they disappeared down the hall Pluck removed himself from his hiding spot as he looked to the door of Prism's room.
"Huh, I judged those guys too quickly.." Pluck said as he couldn't help but smile, "They do seem to care about Pri as they let on."