-Present; Castletown Kika-
Everyone in the group had been enjoying themselves when they had arrived in the spa, and thankfully Feodora managed to come to Earth by the time they had gotten her warmed up in the water. Prism, Aisling, Aine, Jubei, Vanessa, Noelle along with Feodora had been relaxing in a sauna as they had been wearing robes as their hair had been wrapped in their own set of fluffy white towels. Thankfully it had been a private sauna as it allowed Prism to not only have her ears out as plain as day as well as the set of scars she bore along her neck, chest and arm, but the sprits both big and small had been relaxing with her.
A familiar little water salamander had been heating the coals within every so often to keep the steam going as they gave a relaxed sigh.
"This is the life…" Aisling said as she practically sank into the chair.
"Jubee-bear happy right here." Juebei said.
Noelle said with a relaxed sigh, "So satisfying."
"So this is what a sauna is like…" Prism said, "... It almost feels like I'm in heaven…"
"Glad you enjoy it." Vanessa said, "It's nice to have a relaxing time after all that craziness this afternoon."
"Here, here." Aisling said as she sighed, "Whew, I can sit here forever."
"Yeah--A witch can get used to this." Aine added.
Prism soon slid over to Feodora as Feodora herself looked to be just as relaxed as the others had been. "You doing okay Feo?" Prism asked, "Are you feeling any better?"
"Better now shortstack." Feodora said, "I just needed a second to cool down my head--Literally." Feodora and her couldn't help but snicker at this. "Though in all seriousness--" She soon said to Prism, "--Sorry if I ended up scaring you. I haven't gotten that pissed off in a long time."
"Oh, believe it or not I've seen worse ones." Prism said, "And it wasn't just from my parents and the other Captains. It did surprise me, but--I wasn't scared."
Feodora sighed, "I don't doubt that. Forgive me if I insult your taste, but how do you even make friends with a guy who's honest twenty four seven, and not to mention, he overstepped a line with me? It's just--"
Prism placed her hand on her shoulder, making her flinch a little, "I know Plu-Plu can be--Too honest at times, but, he's a really good person. I know it's hard to see that though he has everyone's best interest at heart. I never did have a sibling growing up, but I always saw him as the brother I never had."
"Yeah--It's REALLY hard to see that, and that ain't just a quote on quote family feud talking that's for sure." She said leaning back in the chair.
Prism's look softened slightly at the word, as she couldn't help but think about what had been said earlier. The way Feodora snapped when Pluck had talked about her very own. In fact, now that she thought about it, she didn't know much about Feodora's life before she was brought to the Church in Hage. She remembered how she spoke about her parents, how they were killed by people they once called friends in the Diamond Kingdom. It was upsetting for her because Prism had thought at that moment.
"Can… We talk about that?" Prism asked as Feodora's look changed, "About why you were so upset before?"
Feodora had been silent at this as she had her head turned to the ceiling; Prism placed her hand on her shoulder, "I know, it really upsets you but--Whatever you have against your parents I--"
"No, it's nothing like that." Feodora soon said to her calmly, "What I said about my parents earlier, I did mean it. I still love them, even though they're not here anymore."
Prism seemed to have gotten the idea now as she held a look of solemn, "... Then… Is it about your grandfather?"
Once more, Feodora stayed silent again, though she noticed the change in her eyes. "I remember--Yuno and Asta mentioned him after we met--" Prism said before she cleared her throat, as she looked over her shoulder. She noted that neither of the others had been in earshot or had picked up on their conversation.
She turned her attention back over to Feodora, "You should know they didn't tell me much about him, or your aunts. They just told me you don't like talking about them much. And during that misunderstanding with the captains, you told me that he's someone you won't miss from the Diamond Kingdom. Is it because… You hate him?"
"Hate him would be a definite understatement." She replied, "I DESPISE that asshole, to the core. Him and both of my aunts."
"But why?"
"Let's just say he did A LOT of things my dad and mom aka his daughter never agreed on. It's another reason why we ended up leaving that awful place. I know it was different for you way back when but--"
"--Times change? Yeah, I figured that out already."
Feodora chuckled softly, "As you can imagine, there's always been a thin line between that old man and my folks. In fact--I don't think my mom ever agreed with him on anything, even when she was growing up with him. Even when my grandma split from him, he somehow managed to worm his way into every family dinner or official event in the Diamond Kingdom. What's worse--He tricked me into going to that assassin training on several occasions. He actually made me think I was doing the right thing, it was sickening."
Prism looked surprised by what she was saying as the look in her eyes changed drastically. "You… Didn't want to be an assassin… Did you?"
"I know I said, our blood runs through as assassins--" Feodora soon told her, "--But I never said I liked it. That bastard old man, on the other hand, treated it like it was a religion. Granted it's tricks came in handy once or twice, but I hated every second I spent on it. And that smile he wore whenever he spinned his web--Irritated me."
Feodora soon flinched again when she felt Prism rest her head on her shoulder. Feodora looked over and noticed that Prism had her eyes closed shut as she had a peaceful look on her face.
"You don't have to say anything more if you don't want to--" Prism said to her, before she saw a smile on her face, "--Just know, that despite everything you went through, you have people that love you. Like me, Asta, Yuno--And everyone back at the Church."
Feodora couldn't help but think of them as her gaze softened, though she had a smile on her face when she did think of them.
"Yeah…" Feodora said, "... I have it pretty good."
Prism had giggled as the little spirits came and sat on her lap. The two of them enjoyed each other's company, though she looked above her head as she thought of something.
"... You know what--" Feodora soon said, "--I think I can go for a haircut."
***
It had been almost an hour before Asta along with Pluck and Aidan as they all looked more relaxed then they did before. Pluck especially as he had a peaceful look on his face.
"That felt really nice." Asta said, "It was really nice of your mom to give us the yules to pay for the spa; not to mention I've never been to a sauna. It kind of sucks she couldn't join us."
"Yeah, she really had to help Yami with Karasu and Sachiko's shopping--" Aidan said, "--But it still felt really nice."
"I'll say--" Asta said, "--I've never been to a sauna before."
Pluck said with a nod, "I guess even bookworms like me need some time to relax."
"See?"Aidan said, "Told you it did you some good."
"Hey Pluck, can I ask you something?" Asta said to him
"Hmm?" Pluck aid. "What's up?"
"I'm just curious, why do you hate Noelle?" Asta asked.
Pluck sighed as he said, "What's there to hate, she's spoiled, brash, insulting and to top it off a Silva!" He soon held Addeline as he added, "Our family and hers had this big feud even before when I was born, I witnessed the reason why our families hate them so much. And I just can't bring myself to like her, even if she wasn't a Sliva."
"But, that doesn't sound like a feud--It just sounds like you're labeling her." Asta said, surprising Pluck, "I mean, if it really was a family feud like you said, then your parents and siblings would've had the same feelings you have. But from what I've seen--They don't have that. It's just you."
Pluck looked away as he said, "Well--i'm just the only one in my family that takes it seriously."
"Yeah no, it doesn't seem like that." Aidan said, as Pluck gave him a look, "I'm just saying."
"Then--Why did you say those things to Feo?" He asked Pluck freeze, "Even after she told you she hates being called a royal, you still called her that and she got really upset, especially with what you said about her parents. You didn't have to say it, you could've just ended the argument by saying nothing at all."
Pluck soon told him, "well she--the way she acts, she's even worse than a Silva! Like I could be minding my own business and she will start something! Even if it's none of her business! She could have just left me alone! Is that so hard?"
"That's… Not her fault." Asta soon said softly, making Pluck flinch at his tone, "There's a lot she went through in the Diamond Kingdom. Not to mention--She told me and Yuno once, she hated her life as a royal."
Pluck looked shocked at this as well as Aidan. "Wait a minute--She's a royal and she hates her life as one?" Aidan asked, "Why?"
"Well, I didn't really pry but--" Asta said, "--When I asked her one day, the only thing she told me was she hated people that wore a mask."
Pluck was shocked before he thought "So that's what she meant--?!"
"What do you mean masks?" Aidan asked.
"I'm not sure exactly but--" Asta said, "--After that she told me she was really glad to have someone as real as me and Yuno. She said, we're her real friends, and it really made me happy to hear that! Whatever she went through I can tell was a lot of things, but she's trying real hard to change things for herself and to make her folks proud of her." He soon gave Pluck a pat on the shoulder, as he gave a smile, "Maybe try to make things easier for her, and Noelle too! They're trying to make it work in their own way! Don't be so quick to judge them by the cover of their book, kay?"
Pluck had said just plain shocked, "Y-you mean--"
It hadn't been long before the women of the group stepped outside to meet up with them. "Hey Asta!" Prism said as she went over to him, "That place was really fun right?"
"I'll say!" Asta said, "This place was so cool! I'm still so happy that Yukiko was able to pay for the spa for us!"
"We should save up and bring the others next go round!" Aisling said.
"YEAH!" The two of them cheered.
"Alrighty then--" Vanessa said, "--As much I would love to continue the shopping experience, we gotta go over the list Cadfan gave me."
"Oh yeah, in all the excitement I nearly forgot." Aine said, before she gave Noelle a pat on the shoulder, "Maybe we can finally get something for Noelle, since she didn't actually pick out anything!"
"W-wha?!" Noelle asked.
Aine soon gave a wink over to Prism as she gave a sheepish laugh, "Y-Yeah! You didn't pick anything yet, right Noelle? We can both look together okay?"
Noelle turned red from embarrassment before she replied, "Su-Sure, if you insist."
"Then let's go, shall we?" Vanessa said.
"Sure, why the hell not?" Feodora soon said, "It might do her some good if we can find a magic item."
Asta, Pluck and Aidan froze up when they noticed how Feodora had looked. They saw that her hair hadn't been in short bobstyle, instead, it was an asymmetrical bob style as most of her hair had been on its right side.
"What?" Feodora asked, noticing the looks she was getting from Asta and Pluck in particular.
"Fe-Feo, you're hair—!" Asta said, just shocked.
"What about it?" Feodora asked him.
Pluck had shouted, "it-it's short! Well even shorter then before!!"
"Yeah and--?" She said
"It's just you--you look--!" Pluck said as he stammered.
"Easy Sword boy." Feodora said with a smug smile, "You're not my type."
"What no!" Pluck said. "You just look nice that's all.. Just saying as a squadmate."
"Feo I—" Asta said, "—I didn't expect you to get it cut so soon. Not to mention, you've always had Sister Lily do it for you."
"I didn't punch the barber if that's what you're thinking." Feodora said, "I gave him my permission."
"Feo thought she could change it up a little, that's all." Prism said.
"So—I ended up suggesting a hairstyle for her." Vanessa said, "It suits her doesn't it?"
"It really does!" Aidan said, "Wait but who ended up paying for it?"
"Believe it or not—It was actually Noelle." Aisling said, giving Noelle a pat on the head.
Noelle said as she turned her head to the side, "She is technically of my status, so of course she deserved some treatment."
Pluck groaned as he said, "you could have just said you paid for it because you wanted to, Stupid Silva."
Pluck had been taken back when he was suddenly flipped over on his back; it had been courtesy of Prism as she had brushed her hands. "Sorry Plu-Plu, but you were asking for it." Prism said.
"YOU COW SULE! I JUST RECOVERED! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" Pluck shouted,
"We don't want a repeat of what happened this afternoon now do we?" Prism said, "Besides, Noelle was being nice, and we very much appreciate it." She soon gestured over to Feodora, "Now--I think you have something to say to Feo."
Pluck turned to Feodora as he said "Right, Hey..I'm sorry I talked smack about your family. I had no right to overstep my boundaries. I'm not saying forgive me but I'm just letting you know."
Prism soon snapped her fingers and Adrien gave him a nudge. Pluck groaned before he continued, "And I really want to get along with you as well. I feel like we got off the wrong foot. So...let's start over?" He soon held his hand out towards Feodora, as she herself had been processing.
Though after a few moments, she took his wrist and pulled him in for a hug, "Apology accepted."
Pluck sighed with relief as he said, "Thank-"
"But--" Feodora soon said in a low voice, making him freeze and pale at her aggressive tone, "--If you ever talk shit about my folks again, I'll put the meaning of a COLD day in hell." She soon pushed him out of the hug before she said as her demeanor changed, "Alrighty, now let's get over that list shall we?"
"My thoughts exactly!" Vanessa said, "Let's go!"
With that being said the group went to head out, although Asta was a bit taken back when he noticed how Pluck looked. "Uh--Are you okay?"
Pluck had replied in a shaky voice, "I'll live....for now."
"Huh?" Was all Asta could say with a bit of confusion.
***
-A Little While Later-
The group had been walking through the castletown once more. Most of the time they had stopped and looked through some of it, buying a little here and there. Though Asta and Prism weren't quite sure why she had looked a bit excited of what seemed to be only small items; the triple A's and Jubei looked just as excited as she did. Whenever Asta asked, all Prism would respond with, "You'll see." In a teasing manner.
By the time they had gotten towards the downtown area they had been towing several bags, most of them had been carried by Adrien and Addeline thankfully.
"Now let me see--" Vanessa said going over the list, "--We got the healing herbs, as well as some shique ointment, which acts as a poison antidote. That should do it."
"I'm hearing a but in there." Feodora said.
"Don't worry honey--" Vanessa said, "--We have everything we need, so how about we go somewhere a bit more quiet?"
"Somewhere quiet?" Noelle said curiously.
"Oh don't worry!" Aisling said, "We know just the place!"
"Fair warning though--" Jubei soon said, "--This is gonna get REALLY iffy, REAL quick."
"Though the good news is, it's just around the corner!" Aidan said.
Just as he said this, the group had turned the corner only to find that they were staring at a wall. "Come on!" Aine said, "It's just over here!"
"But--It's a dead end." Feodora said.
"Ah, that's just what they want you to think." Vanessa said.
Pluck looked oddly nervous at this as he fidgeted slightly, "oh crap, here we go.."
Vanessa, the triple A's and Jubei stepped forward towards the wall. Though much to Asta, Feodora, Noelle and Prism's surprise they seemingly went through the wall. "Hu-Huh!?" Asta exclaimed.
"Did they just--?!" Feodora started to say.
Vanessa soon came back through, "Come on, what are you waiting for?" Just as she did, the other quickly went through the wall, eagerly and with excitement; all except for Pluck who looked strangely nervous.
When they did, they were taken back by such a sight. They looked to be inside somewhere as it looked like they were standing in; they could see various stands and what looked to be shady looking characters. Though needless to say it still looked rather lively, as they could see many people walking through it as they had been looking through various items.
"Welcome to the Black Market!" The Triple A's cheered.
"The only place where you can get all the good stuff, for a reasonable price!" Jubei said, "That's how adults put it."
Pluck gave Jubei a smack on the head as he said, "Never repeat that again!"
"That's what Uncle Yami told me and Vandy!" Jubei argued.
"Again, Never say that again!" Pluck shouted
"But Uncle Yami--"
"--I don't care!" Pluck retorted
"Now I won't lie--" Vanessa soon said, "--It is a bit sketchy around here, but they have some very effective Magical Items."
"Welp, when you wanna know a city you gotta ask the rats." Feodora said, "This is probably the only place I enjoy in a city in general."
"Well aside from that--" Prism said as her eyes started to sparkle, "--This looks amazing!"
"I'll say!" Asta said, "There's so much cool stuff here!"
Prism's eyes soon wandered over to a stand in particular as it contained all sorts of assortments of what looked to be toys of sorts. "Bime i elena, look how cute those are!" Prism said, "I wanna go--Huh?" Prism found her arme linked with Pluck suddenly.
"Now Prism I know how curious minds are but the last thing we want is trouble." Pluck said, "I'm not just saying that for me but for everyone else so...we have to stick together.." he gave a cringe look as he said, "yes even you Silva."
"But Plu-Plu, look how adorable those plushies are!" Prism said, before she whispered, "I think Noelle would like that as a gift."
Pluck shook his head vigorously, "TRUST me, i've been here more times than i can count. You DO NOT want to buy these plushies from here."
"Hey Prism!" Asta soon called out, which the others were quick to realize that he had been way ahead of them, "Come on over here, they got all sorts of weapons!"
Prism gasped, "Weapons!?"
Pluck tugged her back as he said, "No you don't."
"Oh lighten up Plucky." Vanessa said, "It's not like she's gonna be unprotected."
"Please don't call me that." Pluck told her.
Vanessa soon whispered to Pluck, "Don't you think it would be good for Prism to know every part of the kingdom?"
"I mean yeah but not the dangerous parts." Pluck said, "But like it or not I'm not gonna--"
"Adrien, get him." Prism quickly said before he could finish.
The next thing Pluck knew, Adrien had tackled him to the floor allowing Prism to go free as she went to catch up with Asta. Feodora laughed, "That lizard of hers really comes in handy."
"ADRIEN NO!" Pluck shouted. "THAT'S GROSS!"
"QUACK!" Addeline shouted as she came out and processed to bite his tail.
Adrien let out a screech before he scooped her up in his mouth, shocking most of them; Pluck especially as his jaw dropped.
"Adrien! She baby! Spit her out!" Pluck shouted as he tried to get Adrien to cough her up.
Feodora couldn't help but chuckle at Prism's enthusiasm as even the little spirits that hid in her very robe had been just as happy as her. "No matter how you look at it, she's still just a kid." Vanessa said.
"She is still a year younger." Feodora said, though she had a smile, "It can't be helped."
"Welp! We're gonna go check out what they got up ahead in the stands!" Aisling said.
"Let's see what they got for our tricks!" Aine said.
"Ooo, I wonder if there are any new items from any dungeons that were uncovered!" Aidan said.
"I'm there!" Jubei said.
They started to go on ahead which had shocked Pluck as he tried to get Addeline free as they were happily checking out what each stand had to offer.
Pluck had yelled at them as he tried to get Addeline free, "H-Hey! Where are you guys going?!"
Soon Adrien felt Addeline bite his tongue as he yelped, and ended up spitting her out, hitting Pluck deadcenter in the stomach. Pluck groaned as he said, "Why...me.."
"Try not to start any trouble!" Vanessa said.
It hadn't been long before Feodora and Vanessa noticed that Noelle hadn't looked as enthusiastic as the others were. "Oh? You don't seem too excited." Vanessa said.
"Well no." Noelle replied.
"There's no surprises there." Feodora said, "You royals and nobles avoid places like this like they're the damn plague."
"But aren't you--" Noelle started to say before Feodora immediately shushed her.
"Hey, I just had a thought--" Vanessa soon said, "--You're still having trouble controlling your magic, right Noelle?"
"Ye-Yeah, so what?" Noelle said as her face turned red.
"They have magical items here that can help you." Vanessa explained, "They can help you repress your magic like Feodora's necklace can."
Noelle looked shocked by this sort of thing, Feodora especially as she took the necklace in her hand. "How did you--?" Feodora started to ask.
"It wasn't that hard to figure out." Vanessa told her, giving Feodora a pat on the shoulder, "All that magic you have, especially your rage magic, had to have come from somewhere right?"
Noellle noticed the look on Feodora's face changed slightly as she sighed, "Yeah. That's one way of putting it."
"The point being--" Vanessa said as she turned back to Noelle, "--If you can find an item that's a good fit for you and adjust your powers you might be able to control them."
"Control my powers?" Noelle said, a bit confused.
"Take it from someone who's had a magic item since they were five--" Feodora said, as she pointed to herself, "--They'll be of big help. Not to mention, you won't have to worry about it going haywire like last time."
Noelle's expression brightened slightly at this. Vanessa soon gave her a wink and a smile, "Shall we take a look around then?"
"Su-Sure!" Noelle said with a smile.
Neither of the group realized that nearby there had been a familiar young man gambling away his money away with a short elderly woman. Though it looked as though he had lost once again as he stood up and tossed the cards onto the table.
"Damn it--!" The young man, Sekke, had said, "--I lost again, bah-ha."
The elderly woman chuckled a little, "Too bad young man, I can see into the future."
Sekke tossed a few coins onto the pile as he walked towards the alleyway of where the stands had been. "Bah-ha!" Sekke said, "That old lady's strong. Though then again, I really shouldn't be wasting time here anyway. I have work to do." Sekke couldn't help but look a bit annoyed, "Well the job's just to catch purse snatchers. Is that even a job for a Magic Knight?" He soon looked distressed as he thought, "But the captain would get really scary if I refused."
He shivered, "Bah-ha! I finally managed to join the Magic Knights but it's the Green Praying Mantises. I'm a praying mantis! A frickin' bug! All I ever do is run errands! When I finally get put on an actual mission, I got used for bait and almost died, I'm constipated and my hair's thinning--"
Sekke soon spotted Vanessa, Noelle and Feodora nearby as they had been looking at what appeared to be an assortment of jewels. Almost immediately his eyes had lit up, "Hello! They look cute!"
"How about this doohickey?" Feodora said as she held up a large golden necklace towards her, "This might be able to help you control your magic."
"It looks REALLY cheesy." Noelle said with a cringe look on her face.
"Well just give it a try." Vanessa told them.
Noelle gave out a sigh before she set it around her neck; she took a deep breath before she started to form a water sphere. She sent it flying towards the wall, or at least it seemed that way until flying right towards Sekke.
"BAH-HA?!" Sekke exclaimed as he was hit, causing Vanessa, Feodora and Noelle to jump. Though Noelle had maintained her composure, "You shouldn't have been walking there."
Sekke seemed to have recovered from the fall, as he maintained his own composure, as he changed his tone of voice, "Bah-ha! Well, well what brings you three down here? The Black Market is no place for lovely ladies, bah-ha! Did you get lost? As an elite member of the Magic Knights, I shall guide you out of here."
"Get lost, insect." Noelle said.
"You think about touching me and I'll freeze off a finger." Feodora said with a cold look. Vanessa could only yawn as it made Sekke flinch. Feodora soon noticed Sekke's appearance, "Hold on, you look familiar…"
Pluck soon approached the three of them as he had been dragging his siblings behind him with Adeline's help. He groaned as he said, "There you are.
"And where were you, stuck up?" Feodora asked, "Killing your siblings is fun?"
Pluck replied with a pout, "If you mean being a good older brother than yes."
"You have no appreciation for creativity!" Aisling told him as she kicked her legs.
Pluck had scolded her, "Creativity does NOT include using pop rocks to blow the person's feet away."
"It's just a prank bro!" Aine argued.
He soon noticed Sekke as Sekke himself noticed Pluck's appearance, "Ba-Ba hah!?" Pluck only tilted his head as he asked, "Hey isn't that-"
"Guys! Guys!"
The group looked over and they saw Asta and Prism approach them; they looked to be holding strange looking toys though Asta looked a bit more strange than Prism herself had what looked to be a black orb plush with cat ears and golden eyes.
"We found something really cool!" Asta said.
"We got these for only a small amount of yules!" Prism added, "Aren't they cute?!"
Sekke had been taken back when he saw the two of them, as he had been quick to recognize them. "I REMEMBER! YOU TWO ARE--"
"Did you two seriously buy those?" Noelle asked.
"What even is that?" Feodora asked.
"I'm not sure but it talks, watch!" Asta said before pulling on the eye of his toy.
"TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER." It spoke, making them flinch.
"It looks so creepy--" Jubei said, giving a look before she said with a smile, "--I LOVE IT!"
"Right!?" Asta said.
"What about yours?" Aidan asked Prism as he managed to pry himself from Pluck, "What is that supposed to be?"
"It looks like a cat but--" Aine said, "--At the same time, it doesn't seem like one."
"I don't know, but it's cute right?" Prism said as she hugged the plush, "I think I'm gonna name him Abe! Short for Abraham!"
"You name your plushies?" Feodora asked, a bit shocked.
"Aww, that's so adorable!" Vanessa said.
"S--So cute." Noelle said while covering her face.
"Don't name your plushie!" Pluck told her, "You're fourteen now! That's embarrassing!"
"But it makes them feel lonely if they don't have a name." Prism argued, "You used to do that too with your plushies. You even named that fox plushie you got from Fana, Fluffy."
Pluck immediately turned red as he choked on his own spit, "H-Hey! What does that have to do with anything?!"
"I think it's a good name!" Asta said as he gave the little plushie a pat, making Prism giggle, "Hey there Abe, it's nice to meet ya!"
"DO-DON'T ENCOURAGE HER!" Pluck shouted as his face was still red.
"Huh, and here I thought you were the eldest one and yet you participated in a childish behavior like that." Noelle said to Pluck.
Pluck had immediately retorted, "says the one gawking over a cute plush, Stupid Silva!" the two shot daggers at each other as they glared.
"Ba-Bah ha?!" Sekke exclaimed out of shock before he had a thought, "Tha-That's those two are--!"
Asta and Prism soon took notice of Sekke as they had immediately recognized him. "Hey, I remember you!" Prism said.
"Oh yeah!" Asta said, "You're Bah-Ha!"
"It's Sekke, bah-ha!" Sekke immediately corrected.
Feodora soon had a look of realization, "That's where I've seen you. Asta kicked your ass in the exam, right Bah-Ha?"
"The names Bah-Ha--I mean Sekke, Bah-Ha!" Sekke had argued.
Pluck gasped as he had a look of realization, "Wait, you mean you beat Sameul!?"
"SEK-KEE!" Sekke corrected Pluck
"No, it's Bah-Ha, Pluck!" Asta said, making Sekee groan.
"Wait, you know this guy?" Aisling asked.
"Is he a friend of yours?" Jubei asked.
"No, he's DEFINITELY not a friend." Feodora replied.
"We took the Entrance Exam with him before we had a run in with the Captains." Asta replied.
"Yeah--" Prism added awkwardly, "--I'm pretty sure Feo froze him with one of her spells actually. You know, after we made a break for it."
Sekke looked confused at this sort of thing which had taken them back a bit. "What are you talking about? When did that happen, Bah-Ha?" Sekke asked.
"Huh?" Asta said shocked, "But when that guy was about to--" Prism soon had her own look of realization, as she gasped getting Asta and Feodora's attention.
"Oh, that's right I forgot!" She soon said to Asta and Feodora in a low voice, "The Captains told me since I'm supposed to be kept a secret, the memories prior to when they saw my ears and the Spirits were erased."
"Oh yeah, that would make sense." Asta said as he scratched underneath his chin.
"Man these guys are really thorough." Feodora added while scratching her cheek.
"By that robe--" Vanessa said, "--You must be one of the newest members of the Praying Mantis Squad."
"Ah yes--" Aidan said, "--The one that is lead by the Boogeyman!"
Pluck gave Aidan a smack as he said, "DON'T SAY THAT! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED!?"
"But it's true!" Aidan argued, "Besides it's not like he's here to hear me right now."
"EVEN SO--!" Pluck had argued before he let out a groan.
Sekke had still been in shock just seeing Asta standing before him as he was doing his best to keep his smile on his face, "H-He's with all these lovely girls?! On the Black Bulls no less!? Asta, you bastard! You make me SO jealous! Besides, it's all YOUR fault I was put on the Praying Mantises! Bah-ha! You infuriating bah-astard!"
Adrien soon cocked his head a little before he started to pull on Prism's robe when a sound of a bell could be heard all throughout the market. "What's wrong bud?" Prism asked. Adrien soon pointed just nearby with his tail as the group soon heard commotion as they could see a crowd had started to gather just ahead of them. "What in the--?" Feodora said.
"Never seen that before." Asta said.
It hadn't been long before they noticed a couple of people had passed them by; Feodora had nearly found herself stumbling when someone bumped into her and only offered a quick apology.
"What's going on?" Feodora said.
"Excuse me--?" Asta said, stopping one of the passersby, "--Where's everyone going?"
"Didn't you hear the bell kid!?" The man said, "It's the auction bell! Only the rarest of the rare items are going to be sold! If I were you, I'd hurry up before they're all gone!"
Thus the man ran ahead leaving most of them a bit stunned. "An auction?" Prism said, "What's that?"
"I don't know." Asta replied.
"You two never heard of it, bah-ha?" Sekke said sounding confidant, "Why it's--"
"It's a public sale." Feodora soon told them, "Only instead it's like a competition. The way for a person to compete is with money. And the one to bid the highest amount takes home whatever item is on the market."
"I was gonna say that, bah-ha!" Sekke said, only for Feodora to respond by pushing him over to the side.
"For there to be one in the Black Market is definitely rare." Vanessa said, "It usually means that they uncovered never before seen items dug up from who knows where." She only gave a wave of her hand as she said, "Though it's more of an adult thing, you kids aren't ready for it."
"Aw man--Can't we at least look at what they got this time around?" Aisling asked.
"We promise not to make any bids!" Aidan said.
"And get in trouble with your parents? No thank you." Vanessa said.
"But Auntie Vanessa--!" Jubei pleaded.
Pluck told his younger siblings, "you heard her, that's enough seeing the Black Market for one day."
"Guess that's that then." Noelle said, "Though I'd like to have at least one look around to see if there is a magical item more suited to my standards."
Pluck groaned, "Ugh, fine, but I ain't staying here a second longer." He soon turned to his younger siblings, "Let's go."
"Fine." The Triple A's and Jubei groaned.
"Well I'm just about done with this place." Feodora said, "Let's go Dum-Dum, Shortstack!"
"Aw man, we just got here!" Asta said as went to follow them out. Prism was about to do the same thing, though Adrien soon tugged on her robe again. "Adrien?" Prism said as he continued to tug her in the direction where the people had gathered, "What's the matter?"
"Is he okay?" Asta asked.
"I'm not sure." Prism said as she pried his jaw from the hood, "He's not usually this--"
Prism stopped herself when she noticed something was on her wrist as her eyes widened in shock. On her right wrist, though it had been faint she saw a a holly branch insignia made of a familiar red light. Asta, Feodora and even Noelle noticed that her look changed.
"Pri?" Asta said, "What is it?"
"What's with the look?" Feodora said.
"It--" Prism said softly as the insignia disappeared as she looked over to where the crowd had started to gather, "--It can't be…"
"Can't be what?" Noelle asked, "Are you okay?"
Prism didn't answer them as she turned to Adrien, "Adrien! Pouch, now!" Adrien's body soon shrunk and landed in the brown bag, before they knew what happened and Prism suddenly took off in the direction shocking them.
"Pri! Wait!" Asta exclaimed as he ran after her.
"Damn it, again?!" Feodora exclaimed as she took off.
"Wait a minute!" Noelle yelled, "Where are you going?!"
"Uh guys--?!" Aisling said, getting Vanessa and Pluck's attention, "--Prism just took off!"
Vanessa and Pluck both turned to see Prism gone as they paled.
Pluck exclaimed, "OH SON OF A--" he groaned as he said, "Addi, in the bag."
Addeline jumped up and went inside his bag, adjusting it slightly so she wouldn't fall out.
"Where did she go now?!" Vanessa said.
"Don't know!" The Triple A's replied.
Vanessa sighed, "Nevermind--One of you go and find the Captain!"
"You got it!" Jubei said before she took off before even her own brother could stop her. Pluck shouted to Jubei, "No Jubei! The last thing we need is a pissed off Captain..PLUS Mom and Dad are still with him, you want them to blow a fuse?!"
"CAN'T HEAR YOU BRO, DOING A THING!" Jubei yelled before going out the way they came in.
PLuck groaned before he sighed with defeat, "Well we might as well amke this quick, Stupid Silva, Steven let's go."
"IT'S SEKKE, BAH-HA!" Sekke shouted at him.
"No time, let's go!" Pluck said as he grabbed their hands.
"H-HEY!" Noelle shouted, "Let me go! I'm Royalty!"
Pluck told her, "Don't care."
Thus Vanessa along with Pluck, Noelle, the Triple A's and Sekke took off in the direction Asta and Feodora had gone in.
***
Prism followed the crowd of people almost like they had been a flock of birds flying south, nearly stumbling as she did and with her hood nearly falling off of her head; she almost fell to the floor, as she nearly ran into the people in front of her, though she was quick to apologize to them.
All the while she looked down to her wrist, as she could see the insignia appear and disappear again.
"Where are you?" She said softly, using her own wrist to guide her way as the insignia flickered like a candle, "Where are you?!"
"Prism!" She soon heard Asta call out from the crowd.
She turned to look over her shoulder as Asta had been able to catch up with her as he was able to catch her breath. "What's wrong now?" He asked her, "Is everything okay?"
"Asta!" Prism replied as she sounded distressed, "It's Brenin! I think he's here!"
"Brenin?" Asta said confused, "Who's Brenin!?"
"He's one of my--" Prism started to say before she had been cut off.
Prism didn't have time to finish her sentence as they both didn't realize that the crowd had gotten thicker; the two of them found themselves being forcibly pushed forward as they had no choice but to move. Asta and Prism let out a scream as they soon found themselves trapped in the sea of people.
"Asta!" Prism called out.
"Prism!" Asta yelled before he reached out to her as he managed to take her hand, "Don't worry, I got you--GAH!"
The two of them soon tumbled and rolled onto the floor as Prism found herself underneath Asta as they were nearly trampled; he used his own body to protect Prism as neither of the onlookers seemed to have noticed the two of them on the floor.
"Are you okay?" Asta asked.
"Ye-yeah." Prism replied, as she noticed the state of his hand, "Oh no! Your hand--!"
Asta soon noticed that his hand had been bruised and a bit red, "Don't worry I'm okay! But right now we have to--Where are we now?"
The two of them soon found themselves in what looked to be in an open space as the there had been a crowd of people gathered around; the ceiling had been higher then the Black Bulls base as they could see there had been a stage as they could see various things covered up on the stage; it had been a total of three items covered up on the stage as they could only make out, it had been a set of items.
"Is--This the auction?" Asta had wondered aloud as he stood with Prism.
"Brenin… Are you here?" Prism said softly as she looked to her wrist.
A man soon stepped forward on the stage as a little green orb had been beside him. He spoke as his voice echoed throughout the room, "Hello ladies and gentlemen! So glad you could join us! As always we have only the best items from the most dangerous dungeons that emerged from only the farthest side of the Clover Kingdom!"
"Items? Dungeons?" Asta said.
"He must be a Treasure Hunter." Prism said, "They raid dungeons that emerge here and there. My uncle told me about them. I didn't think they would still be around after five hundred years."
"They can emerge!?" Asta said, shocked.
The man on the stage soon continued on, "As always, we bring to you the finest items from the treasures of the dungeons! And boy, do we have a fine selection--!"
The man soon stepped towards one of the first items that had been cloaked; he pulled back the cover revealing what looked to be a vase that had been embedded with jewels.
"The Bottomless Vase!" The man introduced, "This vase may seem ordinary to you, but it can hold basically everything! If it wanted it could hold a whole house for you!"
The crowd had been in awe by this sort of thing as well as Asta and Prism; their eyes practically sparkled. "That's so cool!" Asta said.
"Bime i elena!" Prism said.
"And for our second item, we have this sword which was believed to be extinct years ago but here it is! The legendary Dorado!" The blade had been glistening in Gold as jewels surrounding the blade and three-ring handle. Prism had gasped, as her eyes widened in realization.
"Whoa, that looks so beautiful!" Asta said, before he noticed the look on Prism's face, "Pri? Is everything okay?"
"T-That's--I don't believe it…" Prism said with disbelief.
"Wait--" Asta said shocked, "--Do you know what that is?"
"You could say." Was all she replied.
Most of the crowd had jumped back when they heard the sound of metal banging, from the third item. "Now for our special item that will be the first to go! He's very feisty but will be a very fine protector of your precious treasures and lives! Ladies and gentleman, I present to you--The Hound of Thorns!"
Thus he pulled back the cover as Prism had a look of horror by what she saw. There within the cage there had been a hound with unnatural looking dark red color as it had been a size of a mini horse; it's fur had been long and curly and looked to resemble that of an irish wolfhound; its eyes were that of an odd color of blue and purple as his teeth looked as sharp as any blade.
The hound possessed a look of anger in his eyes as he growled and thrashed about on the chains on his neck, and ankles as he appeared to be in pain at the same time.
"Now no worries, the chains he has are restraining his magic." The Treasure Hunter said, "But true to his name, he has the power to command thorns at will! It was a miracle that I captured such a beast--And once you tame him, he can make you even stronger then a Magic Knight Captain!"
Asta looked shocked, "Wh-Whoa! Did they really find that in the dungeon?! Pri can you believe--" Asta soon noticed the look Prism gave, as he could see her hand had been shaking. Though before he could say anything he noticed the insignia on her wrist that resembled a holly branch, but it looked to be in the color of red, as it was the same color as the hound.
"Prism?" Asta said, "What is--"
"It's him…" Prism said, as he soon noticed that tears started to form.
It seemed as though something else had been in control of her body as Prism started to step forward, just as the bidding began. "Prism!" Asta called out softly as he went after her, "Prism wait!"
Numbers had been called, each one seemed to get higher and higher, though Prism didn't seem to notice or care as her eyes were on the hound itself as it started to bang against the bars. The crowd soon had taken notice of her, as she stepped up onto the stage as Asta followed behind.
"Excuse me!" The man--The Treasure Hunter said, "You can't be up here!"
Prism soon stepped over to the cage as the Hound soon froze at her presence. The moment his eyes laid on her as he appeared to be docile.
"... Brenin…" Prism said with a relieved smile, making Asta stop in his tracks, "You're… Here."
"... Prism…" Asta said as his gaze softened when he noticed her tone of voice.
The Hound--Brenin started to sniff the air as Prism approached the cage. She moved her hood a little bit, revealing the little spirits that had been hiding inside it, "... It's me… Prism." She kneeled down as she showed him her wrist to show him the insignia, as she put it through the bars, "You remember me… Right?"
Brenin soon noticed his left paw had the same insignia around it though only his had been in the color of silver like her hair. He soon sniffed her hand before he started to lick her hand; in turn Prism started to scratch underneath his chin as he let out a pleasant whine.
"Brenin…" Prism said as she couldn't help but cry; she leaned towards him as Brenin himself did the same till his head touched her forehead, "... You're really alive. Thank the Heavens…"
"Prism do you--" Asta started to say before he had been cut off.
Prism found herself suddenly pulled from the cage roughly as Asta himself was restrained by a set of guards. "HEY!" Asta shouted, "LET US GO YOU JERK!!"
"You're hurting us!" Prism exclaimed.
Brenin started to bark aggressively and chew at the bars to get free, but the metal soon shocked him and blasted him back, hitting the bars roughly making him whine in agony; her and Asta could see blood dripping from his body as he tried to stand.
"BRENIN!" Prism shouted out of worry.
"Sorry!" The Treasure Hunter said, "But no chatting with the merchandise!"
"Please!" Prism begged, "You have to let him go! He's my friend and he needs help!!"
The Treasure Hunter told her, "Sorry kid, but he's property! And he's gonna make me millions of yules. So get lost! Get these brats off the stage!"
"No, you don't understand--" Prism said, as she and Asta were dragged off the stage; she reached back to Brenin as he was barking towards her, "--Brenin! Brenin!"
Asta soon let out a warcry as it had shocked the whole crowd. Much to everyone's surprise, Asta managed to plant his feet on the ground before he flipped the man trapping him on his back after he had grabbed a hold of his arm.
"WHAT THE--" The Treasure Hunter exclaimed, "--HOW DID YOU—?!"
"YOU HEARD HER BEFORE DIDN'T YOU?! " Asta shouted, "I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHO HE IS BUT HE'S SOMEONE IMPORTANT TO PRISM, AND WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, WE'RE BOTH LEAVING WITH HIM!"
Prism's expression brightened before she took a deep breath; she turned to the man trappin her, before she let out an ear piercing shriek causing the man to fly off of her as he hit the wall hard. "Brenin!" Prism exclaimed as she ran to the cage; Brenin's tail started to wag, as the crowd immediately started to disperse, "Hang on! I'm gonna get you out!"
Asta's grimoire glowed red as he had gotten out his sword, "Pri, stand back!"
"Oh no you don't!" The Treasure Hunter yelled.
The Treasure Hunter's grimoire began to glow as he used "Water Magic--SHARK HUNTER!" A water attack in the form of a shark began to make its way towards Asta and Prism. Asta let out another warcry as he sliced the shark in two, canceling out the spell.
"Don't try and stop us!" Asta said.
The Treasure Hunter clicked his tongue as he yelled, "WATER MAGIC: SHARK HUNTER!"
Another water made of a shark soon made its way towards them, this time it had been above to get Prism, as Asta didn't have time to react.
"PRISM!" Asta shouted.
Prism got out her own grimoire, though it was coming in too fast for her to recite the incantation. Though just as it opened its jaw--
"ICE MAGIC: LION'S ROAR!"
A sudden blast of energy soon shot through the shark sending it right into the wall dissipating it completely. Asta and Prism looked over and saw it had been Feodora as they had a look of relief.
"Feo!" They both yelled.
"Come on, let's go!" Feodora shouted.
"Got it!" Asta shouted, before with the swipe of his sword, he broke the cage door, and broke the chains that had been attached to the floor.
"Brenin, come on!" Prism said, "You're free!"
Brenin had no hesitation as despite a slight limp he ran out of the cage door and went off the stage to where Feodora had been.
The treasure Hunter looked at this as he screeched, "MY PROPERTY!"
"I DON'T THINK SO!" Feodora shouted as she saw him try to make a grab for them, "ICE MAGIC: TIGER STRIKE!"
In a flash Feodora charged at the Treasure Hunter as she socked him right in the face causing him to fall over and hit the wall hard.
"Time to go!" Feodora told them.
"Right!" Asta and Prism said.
They both soon started to make their way off the stage; though Prism stopped in her tracks when she looked at the sword again. She had a look of determination again as she was quick to come to a decision. She grabbed the cover from the cage as she quickly wrapped it around the blade. She soon picked it up, holding it close before she followed behind Asta, Feodora and Brenin just as the Treasure Hunter recovered.
"NOW THE SWORD TOO?!" The Treasure Hunter exclaimed, "GUARDS! SEIZE THEM!"
The guards immediately gave chase, just as Asta, Feodora and Prism managed to get out of the room. Brenin ran at their side as they could see more mages coming towards them.
"What the hell did you do now?!" Feodora said looking at Prism in particular, "And who is this hound?! And what's with the sword?!"
"I'll explain later!" Prism told her, "But right now I can't let them take him and this!"
"Did you take that--!?" Asta started to say before he was nearly hit with a fireball.
The three of them looked back and saw the guards had started to fire magic blasts on them. "Crap!" Feodora exclaimed as she knocked back one with an ice gauntlet she conjured up, "As if things couldn't get any worse!"
"PRISM!"
The three of them looked forward and saw a few familiar faces just up ahead. "Vanessa! Plu-Plu! Noelle! Triple A's!" Prism exclaimed with relief.
"Prism, over here!" Vanessa called over.
Pluck added, "Hurry! This way!"
The three of them started to pick up the pace, or at least, Prism tried to as she ended up slowly down. Asta Brenin and Feodora stopped when she fell to her knees. "Prism!" Asta and Feodora exclaimed.
"I—Can't run anymore…!" Prism said, trying to catch her breath, as she held out the sword, "Go on without me…! Take Brenin and the sword…!"
Asta ran back over to her as he said, "What?! No! We're not leaving you!"
"Come on Prism, get up!" Feodora said as she took her arm.
Noelle called out, "Please Prism! Don't give up!"
"Prism!" The Triple A's shouted.
Pluck yelled, "you can do it, Prism! Please! You can do it!"
"Earth Magic: Walls of Guilt!"
The group had been taken back when a wall was suddenly between Asta, Prism, Feodora and Brenin, and the rest as it had shocked all of them. "Damn it!" Feodora shouted.
The Guard had told them as he stepped forward, "Nice try but you brats ain't going nowhere!"
Feodora soon noticed another path just nearby, while Asta and Prism were on guard; Brenin started to growl as he bared teeth. The Guard had said as he didn't notice the path, "just give it up and come nice and slowly."
"NOT HAPPENING ASSHOLE!" Feodora shouted as she thrusted her hand forward, "ICE MAGIC: LYNX BLIZZARD!!"
Before Asta and Prism's eyes, a shroud of a familiar ice mist formed, taking the guards and everyone else in the vicinity to be caught in it, as most of them froze instantly. "Hurry, this way!" She told Asta and Prism.
Asta and Prism wasted no time as they with Brenin made a break for it down the open path beside them; though they were only forced to follow it as they could hear some of the guards. When they had gotten to the next corner they saw it had been a dead end.
"Crap, not good!" Asta exclaimed.
"What do we—" Prism said as she coughed, "—Do now!?"
Brenin soon noticed a manhole attached to the wall, as he quickly ran towards it. He immediately started to scratch at it as the three of them understood.
"Good dog!" Feodora said manifesting her ice gauntlets again as she had a smile on her face.
***
The rest of the group had been having trouble getting through, as the wall to be more tough then they thought. Pluck got out a water sword as he struggled to cut down the wall provided as he shouted, "DAMN IT! WHY WON'T IT CUT THROUGH?!"
"H-hey." Sekee said. "L-let's calm down. I'm sure it'll be okay. I mean they'll make it out right?"
Pluck yelled at Sekke, "NO YOU IDIOT! THEY COULD HAVE BEEN CAPTURED OR WORSE!"
"BAH-HA!?" Sekke shouted out of confusion.
"Well we have to get through somehow!" Noelle said as worried as Pluck was, "Who knows what kind of trouble they got into!"
"The wall is deprived of a strong amount of mana." Vanessa said, "We need something stronger then what Pluck is packing. No offense there."
Pluck replied, "I take offense to that."
"Leave that to us!" Aisling said as she got out her grimoire, "Ai! Ready to show them our new spell!"
"Ready!" Aine said as she manifested a bow and arrow that looked to be in the color of a jade green, "You guys might want to take a step back."
"Seriously though you need to back up." Aidan added.
The group, minus Sekke, did just that as Aisling and Aine's mana flowed around their bodies. Aisling placed her hand on her sister's back as Aine took aim.
"Combination Magic—" Aisling and Aine said, "—BOMB ARROWS!!"
Aine released the arrow as a sphere at the end; the moment it hit the wall it suddenly blasted away a small opening, though Sekke ended up flying back from the blast as he let out a shriek.
"Hey Jerry-Joe. Are you okay?" Pluck asked
"It's Bah-Ha… I mean Sekke…" Sekke groaned.
"The idiot is fine." Noelle said nonchalantly.
Pluck sighed with relief, "Well that's a relief." he turned to his siblings as he patted their heads. "Good job but it could use some work on the execution department."
"Thanks bro!" Aisling and Aine said with a smile,
The group soon looked through the hole, only to find that most of the guards and some bystanders were frozen solid, as it made them gasp.
"Looks like Fedora's handiwork." Vanessa said, "Guess that means they were able to get away."
"But I don't sense her mana anywhere." Aidan said as he looked around as he stepped through it.
"Try sensing Prism!" Pluck immediately suggested.
"Uh—" Aine said before she whispered, "—Magic gone, remember?"
"Oh right I forgot.." Pluck said laughing sheepishly.
"Well what about those Spirits that hang around her?" Noelle whispered, "Can you sense that?"
"Great idea Noelle!" Aisling said with a smile.
"Everyone always mistakes their mana for hers." Aine added.
Pluck turned with a pout, "I could've gone with that."
"Bah-ha, are you actually jealous of her?" Sekee asked Pluck.
Pluck gave an obnoxious laugh, "Why would i be jealous of a Stupid Sliva? She just got lucky that's all!"
"Bro save your silly grudge for after we find Prism." Aidan said.
"IT'S NOT SILLY!" Pluck yelled.
"Actually it is with how you take it seriously." Aine said nonchalantly, making Pluck groan.
The group minus Sekke soon concentrated. They tried to focus on at least one of the spirits mana, but after a few moments each of them looked dejected. "It's not good, I can't feel them either." Aidan said.
"Maybe that's a good thing." Aine suggested, "It must mean they escaped.
Pluck immediately said as he had a fearful look on his face, "or worse! They're kidnapped, tortured or killed!"
"Whoa, you really worrywart." Vanessa said.
"I'm just concerned about my friends, that's all!" Pluck shouted as he turned red. "Especially Feodora."
"Don't panic!" Aisling said, "We can still find them before our parents and the captain show up! Let's get cracking before—"
"Before what?"
Immediately the triple A's and Pluck let out a shriek as they immediately hugged one another; they saw Yukiko and Cadfan standing before them as neither of them looked happy. Jubei hopped just behind them as she gave a wave and a smile as well as Vandy who was still handcuffed.
"Hello!" Vandy said with a wave.
"Aw man!" Aisling groaned.
Pluck had said nervously, "H-Hello mom, dad! Fa-Fancy seeing you he—"
"Don't start with acting like an innocent young man!" Cadfan told Pluck, making them flinch at his tone, "Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?!"
"And not to mention you let Prism go in the black market!" Yukiko added, "What were you thinking?!"
"Okay, Yuki to be fair that was my idea, since she has to know about it at some point." Vanessa said.
Yukiko had retorted, "THAT'S EVEN WORSE! VANESSA! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!"
"What? The kids gotta learn." Vanessa said.
Pluck had said nervously with a gulp, "We're grounded are we?"
"Totally grounded?" The triple A's asked.
Cadfan told them. "We'll talk more about it when we get back to the base." Immediately the teens gulped as their grips on each other tightened.
Noelle soon noticed someone wasn't with them, "Wait—Where is Yami, Karasu and his sister?" She asked, "I thought they were with you."
"Oh don't worry." Yukiko said, still crossed, "Yami is taking care of it."
At this, most of the teens looked confused, while Vanessa didn't look the least bit surprised. "Sorry, what?" Was all Pluck could ask, while Addeline let out a curious noise.