Today was the day.
The first day of lessons with Captain William of the Golden Dawn. Normally Prism would be excited for this kind of thing; although this day… It wasn't like the others. It wasn't that she was scared of William or anything… It was just that practically everything about him reminded her of the one person who made her feel like she could make a difference. It was just overwhelming for her to say the least.
There she sat on the rooftop of the Black Bulls, as she could hear the members calling out her name, as Adrien had his body curled against her own as the little spirits sat by her side. Brenin had been sitting by her side looking at the sky and clouds above. He would often nudge her just to get her to look up, but it was to no avail.
She soon played with the medallion around her neck as she couldn't help but feel melancholy. She turned over the medallion as it looked to have an inscription on it. It read, "Home is where your heart is." She held it close to her as she had calmed her thoughts.
Adrien let out a purr as he nudged her hand; she sighed as she started to scratch his head.
"I don't know what I should do…"
***
-Centuries Ago-
The night sky had been clouded as despite this young Prism could see the stars that were shown in the sky. Her body had been shivering from the cold as she sat atop the hill; her nose was running as she could feel a faint sting on her cheek. The flower crown that sat on her head had been long since thrown off. She had been in a fetal position as she had been sobbing softly.
Not even naming the shapes of the stars could help her take her mind off what had happened. The little spirits that had come forward couldn't even seem to help her to smile. The little ones that glowed like fireflies helped her to ease the pain on her cheek. Three little animals looked to be at her side as it had been the only thing they could do to comfort her at the moment.
One had been a dog with red fur, that had odd eyed colors resting his head in the grass whimpering. Another had been a lamb as it's body leaned against her own. The third and final had been a cub, as it appeared to have the body of a wolf cub and yet it looked to be growing in a set of antlers on its head.
She choked as she rubbed her eyes, looking at the little spirits that glowed like a flame and yet one or two looked to have fur in the color of bronze and gold.
"... I don't know what I should do…"
She could hear someone come up from behind her as despite her tears, she didn't show fear nor did she turn around. In fact she didn't say anything to acknowledge the person's presence--That is, until they did.
"Are you alright?"
It had been a voice she and others knew all too well--Licht.
"Does your cheek still hurt?" He asked, his voice sounding soft and gentle, "If we hurry home we can rest some ice on it."
"... It's okay…" Prism managed to say, "... The little ones helped out with the pain." She rubbed it again as the little ones moved out of the way of her hand, "... I don't think--He hit me that hard actually…"
"He shouldn't have done it regardless." Licht said to her, "Even if he is one of Zeid's advisors he didn't have any right."
Prism only huffed, "Everyone was supposed to be happy today… And--This is supposed to be the best birthday… But they had to come and ruin it because of what they thought… I know father's a king, but--" She sighed again, "... I don't know what I should do…"
"Well--" Licht soon said, "--I wouldn't say today wasn't a total loss."
Prism had been a bit confused at this as Licht kneeled down; her back had still been to her. "Why's that…?" Prism asked as she sniffled again.
"Well--" He said, "--I still haven't given you my gift yet."
Prism was about to speak again, but had been a little startled as he placed something around her neck. She looked and saw a beautiful moon medallion had been hanging by a single string. The spirits and the three animals looked intrigued and just as interested as she had been.
"Bime i elena…" Prism said as her eyes sparkled.
"It's a moon medallion." Licht said, "It took some time, and a lot of mistakes, but--I managed to make it fit for anyone."
"You really made this?" She said in awe.
"It took a lot of work." Licht replied, "Though with some help we were able to get this all fixed up just in time for this day."
She held it in her hands, as the spirit's color changed to that of pink, as she saw the jewel glow in the moonlight, "... It's… Beautiful…"
Prism felt the back of the medallion as it had been a strange bumpy sensation. She turned it over as she saw it had been inscribed. Licht saw that she had noticed the writing on it.
"Go on." He said, "Read what it says."
Prism looked at the writing closely, "... Home is where your heart is?" She looked to Licht with curious eyes, "... What does that mean?"
Licht took a seat just by her, before he picked her up and set her on his lap. "Well--It's quite simple really." Licht said, "It means no matter how far you go, your home and your loved ones will always be with you--" He soon placed his hand over her chest, just over her heart, "—Closer then you think."
Prism seemed to have understood as her eyes sparkled again. She had cried again, though this time it had been out of happiness as she couldn't help but hug Licht; he had no hesitation to return it as he couldn't help but laugh softly. The little spirits appeared along their shoulders as they started to nuzzle their cheeks making them both laugh at the tickling sensation.
"... Happy Birthday Prism."
***
"Hey Pri?"
Prism jumped at the sound of a familiar voice. She immediately calmed herself when she saw it had been Asta, as the Little Miss had been sitting on top of his head. "There you are!" He said, relieved, "You had us all worried."
"Sorry." Prism said, "I just--Needed some time to myself."
"Okay but--" Asta said, "--You better get down here! Yami's tearing up half of the base looking for you! You're gonna be late with your lessons with Captain William."
"Yeah…" Prism said in a soft tone, "... I'll be down in a second… Or… An hour… Maybe never…"
Asta soon noticed the tone of her voice; the little spirits had a bit of blue mixed with all sorts of shades. He soon stepped over to her as his face had been written with worry, "Hey? Is everything okay?"
"I don't know…" She replied as she fidgeted a little, "... I just don't feel like going today, that's all."
Asta soon sat next to her as Adrien was happy to make room for him, and even the little spirits sat along his lap and shoulders; there were even some that had been beside the Little Miss as they looked at her curiously; not that she seemed to mind.
"Pri come on--" He said gently, giving her a pat on the shoulder, "--You know you can tell me what's bugging you."
Prism sighed, as she said nothing as she looked to the horizon. "Are you nervous about today?" He asked her, "I know before you said Captain William had the same appearance as that guy you were telling me about."
Prism didn't reply as it only seemed to have answered his own question. "I know it's been really difficult for you, but--Maybe it's not all that bad. I mean he didn't seem like a bad guy when we met him and it's not like he's the same person as--"
"I know that." Prism said softly, "I know Mr. Vangeance has his face, and it doesn't mean that he's the same person, but--Everything about him, it seems like I'm talking to Licht again. His words, even his kindness to others, just makes it seem like that he's not gone even though I know he truly is gone. It makes everything hurt more." She turned to Asta, as he could see that she looked like she had been ready to cry again; Prism could feel her head throbbing again at a certain thought, "... I don't know what happened, or for that matter, why I was sleeping in a tree for the last five hundred years, but since you and Feo told me--They're many days where I wished… I could've at least said goodbye to him… My parents… Everyone I cared about back home, since--I'll never see them again."
At this, Asta seemed to have understood, "... You… Feel guilty for leaving, don't you?"
She nodded, "Whenever I see him, it just reminds me of everything I left behind, and--I don't even know why this all happened in the first place. That doesn't mean I think Mr. Vangance is a bad guy, and it's not his fault, but--It's just the feelings I get whenever I see him."
Asta soon gave it some thought, as he took what looked to be a spirit resembling that of a turtle that looked to have a beak like mouth with its wings made of a cloud and wind as he held it like a toy, "Well--Maybe this can be an opportunity for you to, you know talk to him normally."
Prism looked confused at this as she rubbed her eyes a little. "It's okay to have your feelings right now--" Asta soon explained, "--If anything---It's understandable. If I had slept for five hundred years like you have and seen someone have the same face of someone I cared about I would have the same thoughts. But one thing I do know is that, you're not gonna accomplish anything by just running or hiding from the problem. It just makes things worse for everyone else."
Prism's eyes widened slightly, as she didn't even seem phased at the fact that Asta started to give an awkward laugh, "But you know that's the way I kind of see things! I mean I know it doesn't work for everyone but--It's sort of a suggestion really!"
She couldn't help but laugh a little, as Asta blushed with embarrassment, "He-Hey don't laugh! I really mean it!"
"It's not that--" Prism said, "--It's just that--You're really cool Asta."
Asta had been taken back by this as Prism couldn't help but have the warmest smile on their face, "It doesn't matter what other people say about you, because by the end of the day--You're still really a good guy. And, you always seem to know what to say."
Asta couldn't help but turn red at this as he could feel his heart skip a beat, which he couldn't help but find strange. "Huh--Huh?" Asta said in his thoughts, "Why does my chest suddenly feel heavy!?"
"Thanks a lot Asta." Prism said.
He jumped slightly when he could feel her lips on his cheek as he turned even redder; he could've sworn that Prism's own cheeks were slightly pink too. "That's how I express gratitude." She said.
"There you are, Lizard Girl."
Asta and Prism looked up as they saw Yami had been on his broom as he had been floating right in front of them. "Hey Yami." Prism said with an awkward wave.
"Now if your done socializing, let's go to your next lesson already." He told her, "Hopeful it'll be less chaotic than the last one."
"Right--" Prism said as she stood, "--Sorry for all the trouble."
"Wait a minute--" Asta said as he shook his head to get rid of the odd feeling, "--Are you going as her escort?"
"What? No, I got other plans today." Yami told him, "Instead, Magna and Feodora are coming along with you."
Prism looked a bit shocked to hear this sort of thing, "... Feo again?"
***
The Golden Dawn Base hadn't been located in the capital as Prism had been used to since she had started taking the private lessons. Instead it had been isolated from the capital yet it hadn't been too far; the whole building structure had been that of the size of a palace as it had taken Prism and Feodora back just from the sheer size. Even Brenin had his whole body tilted back so he could see it's true height.
"Bi--Bime i elena…" Prism said as her head was all the way back, "It's even bigger than the Blue Rose…"
"It makes me think these guys are trying to compensate for something…" Feodora said as her eye twitched.
"Not really." Magna told her. "It's just that they have the best magic knight squad of the whole kingdom, no biggie."
"No surprises there." Feodora said before she clicked her tongue, "I can't believe the Know It All stays in a place like this."
"Now that I think about it--" Prism said looking to Magna, "--You said Mr. Vangance is from Noble stature right?"
"Oh yeah." Magna said, "It's pretty huge."
"Then that would mean most of their budget comes from him?" Feodora asked.
Magna said with a laugh, "Good guess."
"I can practically smell the envy off of him…" Feodora thought to herself as she couldn't help but make a face. Brenin could only let out woof as he nudged Prism slightly to get her to move forward. She let out an awkward groan, "No time like the present I guess."
They stepped up towards the door as it had been a set of double doors that had been a beautiful brown mahogany color. Prism lifted her hand, though she couldn't make contact with it as she could feel a little anxiety building up in her chest.
"Everything good, Prism?" Magna asked.
"I--" Prism started to say as she looked to the ground, "--I--Haven't actually properly talked to Mr. Vangance since the day they presented my father's will."
"What? You're getting chicken feet all of sudden?" Magna asked.
"That's not it--" She said as she tugged the hood over her head, "--It's more complicated then that."
"You're not gonna accomplish anything just by standing here." Feodora said.
Prism soon took a deep breath as she recalled Asta's words from earlier that morning. She reached for the door knob that had been hanging. She banged on the door twice as the sound of it echoed, causing the little spirits to jump and even Brenin.
"Alright, that's not ominous at all." Feodora had commented.
They could hear the door open with a click as it had been revealed to be a familiar young man with an orange spiked long haired boy whose appearance is fourteen. He had a blue v-shaped shirt and pants with a golden headband and his height is up to Prism's level.
"Hey-aren't you--" The boy said, before his eyes sparkled, "Yeah! You're Plucky's girl, right?!"
"Wait--" Prism said as her eyes widened in realization, "--You're the guy with Dragon Magic!"
"Didn't I freeze your legs?" Feodora said.
The young boy started to shake Prism's hands at a rapid rate as he said, "It's nice to see you again! I can't believe how much time had passed since the Magic knights exam!"
"Ye-Yeah, it's nice to see you too." Prism said.
"Hey Prism. You know this shrimp?" Magna asked.
"He was at the Magic Knight Entrance exams, though he was watching with the others." She said,
"Fafanar Dermline!" The boy--Fafanar said, "Though everyone calls me either Faf or Faffy since we're already friends!"
"I DEFINITELY froze your legs the last time I saw you." Feodora said as she couldn't help but recall.
Fafanar said with a laugh as he started to pat Feodora's shoulder, "nice to see you too, Ice Hair!"
Feodora's eyes twitched before she asked "Ice Hair?"
"Captain William said you would be coming!" Fafanar said as he hooked Prism's arm, "I'll be happy to take you right to him! Any friend of my bestie Plucky's might as well be a friend of mine!!
"Tha-Thanks." Prism stammered.
"How does that Stuck up know so many weirdos?" Feodora asked before she said. "Oh wait, I forgot he's a Barbados."
"Hold up a second shorty--!" Magna said to Fafanar, "--Just out of curiosity, do your other squad members know about Prism's identity?"
"Oh no, the Captain only talked about Prism to a small handful of us!" Fafnar replied, "The Vice Captain knew in the first place, plus myself, but a few senior Knights know and of course my new bestie knew about you even before the Exams, but then again you already knew that Prism! Since you stayed in the same village with him!"
"Vice Captain?" Prism said confused, "There's a Vice Captain?"
Fafanar said with a wave of his hand, "Yep! His name is Langris, but I call him Langri, which he hates. I don't know why." Fafanar soon looked surprised, "Wait--You didn't know there's a Vice Captain?"
Prism only shook her head at this. Fafanar soon laughed, "Well, normally I'd be more than happy to answer but that's more of Captain William's speed! Now let's go!"
Prism soon found herself being dragged inside, as Feodora, Magna and Brenin followed inside. Just as the doors closed shut, a familiar young man, with his hair now of a cyan blue emerged from the bushes nearby along with his duck.
It had been of course--Pluck Barbados with his companion Addeline.
"Oh geez, I don't know what's worse. Fafanar and Prism in the same room or the fact that his still unstable magic will hurt her!" Pluck said. "I gotta do something quick!"
"Quack, quack, quack!" Addeline said in a scolding manner as she waved her stick.
Pluck told her. "I know I'm banned from escorting Pri, especially during my disciplining with Aki. But think of it, Faf's 14 and Prism's technically around 14,000 years old yet together it could be dangerous for my mental health! Their friendship can be the end of me! And even worse… Forced matchmaking!" Pluck soon had a mental image of what it would like to find himself screaming internally, "I gotta stop this before it's too late!"
"Quack quack?" Addeline askled.
"Well I'm not just gonna knock, Addi." Pluck said. "But I can use the technique ma taught us before we came here." Pluck took a deep breath as he soon speed sneaked his way through the golden dawn base.
***
Prism and the others found themselves going through what she had assumed to be the courtyard as she noted how spacious it was as she could see the other Golden Dawn members pass by them. She kept her head down as the little spirits hid in her hood and some had stayed transparent.
"All these members from the Golden Dawn--The atmosphere is definitely different then it is back in the Black Bulls and even Blue Rose." She thought, "Everyone here, seems high standard and headstrong, like they were bred for it and yet--" She noticed the people around them all bore familiar faces as she could feel her anxiety rise again, "--It really is the work of fate. Everyone here… They all look like everyone back home."
"We're almost there." Fafanar said, "It's just around the corner to the right."
"This kind of crowd is intense." Feodora said, before looking at Magna, "Is it always like this here?"
Magna replied, "Yep, pretty much."
"Well--I can see how the Know It All can fit right in perfectly don't know about--"
Feodora suddenly bumped into someone causing her to trip and nearly fall, were it not for someone catching her before she hit the floor.
Prism's eyes brightened as she realized who it had been, while Feodora's face turned red.
It had been their friend, and someone Prism had been staying with since her time in Hage--
"Yuno!" Prism couldn't help but say with excitement.
Yuno gave a rare smile as he said, "Hello, Prism, Feo. It's been awhile."
Soon Feodora's face had heated up as she suddenly got free from his grip. She managed to stand herself up. "Do-Don't go grabbing people like that out of nowhere, Know It All!" Feodora exclaimed, "I was just fine thank you VERY much!"
Yuno soon told her, "I missed you too, Feo."
"We-Well too bad I didn't miss you!" Feodora said with a huff, "Since I don't like you very much."
"Yuno!" Prism exclaimed as she gave him a hug, "I missed you so much! It's just not the same talking to you with letters!"
Yuno returned the hug, "... It's the same for me too."
"Whoa hang on, you know this guy?" Magna asked.
Feodora didn't answer as she had been too busy trying to hide the red on her face. Prism on the other hand had been more than happy to reply as she had gotten out of the hug. "Magna, this is Yuno--" Prism said, "--He's another resident in Hage, and a really good friend of mine. He grew up with Asta and Feo too."
Magna did a double take as he took off his glasses, "Hold on, you mean the same village out in the boonies you and that shorty grew up in?"
"Ye-Yeah, so what?!" Feodora said as she was still trying to hide the red in her face.
"So wait, that means--" Magna said, "You mean to tell me a peasant like him can get in?!"
Fafanar said "yeah, isn't Yuno cool?!"
"He has a four leafed grimoire." Prism said.
"A WHAT?!"
Most of the group had been taken back by a strangely familiar sudden outburst. "The hell was that?" Feodora said.
"Don't know." Fafanar said, "Anywho, let's go over to Captain William shall we?! You can come too if you want Yuno!"
Feodora flinched at this before Yuno gave his answer, "I don't mind."
"Yay!" Fafanar cheered before they continued onward. Though what they didn't know was the fact that Pluck had been nearby trying to keep himself internally from screaming.
"How?! How can a human of this era earn a four-leaf clover?! That's impossible!!" Pluck shouted in his thoughts, "The last two people that had it were Prism's uncle and Licht--!" He started to pull on his hair as he screeched internally, "Seriously! This is so messed up damn it! That's how he managed to get the attention of every Captain in the Exams!"
"Hey!" A Magic Knight said, making Pluck flinch, "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Uh-oh!" Pluck said. "Time to bail! DISTRACTION SPELL!"
Pluck tossed down what had been just a bag of coal, just confusing them and even Pluck. He laughed awkwardly before he said, "Uhhhh---Bye!"
Pluck began to zip out of there with magic knights on his tail just as the others entered the next room.
***
The group had entered what Prism would assume had been a waiting room of some sort as it had beautiful furniture that had the combination of white and gold. There had been a beautiful golden chandelier that had hung above their head as she had been in awe. Never before had she seen anything so beautiful in her entire life. Sure, she had seen the drawings her father always drew of the palace in the kingdom, but this had certainly been a sight to behold.
She couldn't even sit still as she found herself exploring the room.
"This is amazing!" Prism said with a smile, "I still can't believe this is one of your common rooms!"
"Yeah--" Feodora said, "--Is this really where you've been staying, Know It All?"
"I think it's pretty normal." Yuno said.
"Of course you'd say that." She said as she groaned, "Still the same old you."
"Isn't it cool?" Fafanar asked.
"I've never seen anything so beautiful, not to mention shiny! It's a mystery how you guys keep it all so clean!" Prism said, "You really do have your own private castle!"
"It's nice to see that you're still as enthusiastic as ever." Yuno commented as he had chuckled at Prism's enthusiasm.
"Everyday with her and Asta is basically an adventure on its own." Feodora said.
"I'll bet." Yuno said with a chuckle.
They were soon taken back by the sound of a slap just outside followed by a set of voices.
"OW! What was that for?!"
"What else?! You tried to flirt with her again! You should have been focused with your magic training!"
"Now calm down you two, you're about to meet the Princess, you need to make a good first impression!"
"That voice--" Prism thought, as one of the voices belonged to a man.
"Just make sure Lover Boy doesn't try to woo her first."
"Ha ha, Very funny, Muscle Gi-OWOWOWOWOW!"
"Say that again."
Fafanar soon looked strangely excited as he said to Prism, "Oh yeah you'll love these guys!"
The doors soon opened to a set of four people, one of them had been Klaus. One of the three had been a young man with spiked black hair and green teams and a headband wearing green tunic shirt and pants with the same cape as Fafanar, the other being a girl with an orange shirt with slightly exposes her midriff and pink pants and long pink hair tied into a bun with orange tips
The fourth had been a young girl with a strikingly familiar appearance that had put Prism into mere shock at the sight. She wore a fancy attire that consisted of a puffy cream-colored sweater with long sleeves, white puffy short pants, and a brown corset. Below the corset, she also wears another lighter brown-colored piece of fabric that has frilly edges.
The corset is tied at the front with strings. Her footwear consists of a pair of boots that tightly fit her legs and extend above her knees. They are light-colored and have a split at the top which are kept together by strings. The boots also had frilly edges below the collars. On top of it all she had on a dark red mantle, which has a white lining made of similar material as the rest of the mantle.
She had on the Golden Squad robe of course, though it had been short and only covered her torso as the hood had blue-colored fur around the edges. The robe also has a pair of teal ropes coming out of its left-hand side which connect to the button on the right-hand side. The button also holds the robe together. Additionally, the squad's insignia is positioned at the left-hand side of the robe.
Though her hair had been in the color of vermillion and her eyes were of a green--It reminded Prism of someone--That was of her blood.
"Tetia..." Prism had said softly as she had been just shocked. Feodora and Yuno noticed the look on her face as their expressions couldn't help but soften.
"Prism!" Fafanar said, snapping her out of trance though she still held her shocked look, "These are my siblings, Morwyn and Arfau! I call them Mor and Ar for short!"
"Fafnar, please don't give us embarrassing nicknames." The boy-Arfau said.. "You're embarrassing me in front of--woah!"
"Wow!" Morwyn said as she approached Prism, "You really do have small points on your ears! They look so cute!"
Prism let out a squeak as she covered her ears with her hands; The little spirits seemed to have comforted her as they spoke in bells.
"And those must be your spirit friends!" Morwyn said, "It is like how Captain William described it! They really are elements I haven't seen before!"
"Morwyn--" Yuno said noticing how Prism was acting, "--You shouldn't say--"
"Nice to meet you, your highness!" Arfau said as he held her hands. "Anyone tell you, you have the most beautiful eyes in all of the Clover Kingdom?"
"H-HUH?!" Prism asked as she blushed, "N-No! I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Great… You guys have a hopeless romance too." Feodora said with a groan.
Magna had said, annoyed, "Just what we needed, another Finral."
Brenin started to growl as he put himself between Prism; he bore teeth to Arfau as he immediately jumped at the sight.
"Brenin!" Prism exclaimed.
"Woah, Nice doggy!" Arfau said, "This must be your bud, um Adrien right?"
"She just said Brenin, Ar." Fafnar said.
"Adrien's a raptor…" Yuno said nonchalantly.
Arfau said as he went to pet Brenin on the head, "Oh is that so--hehe, you're a good boy are you?
Before Brenin could bite him, Prism gave him a pat to calm him down. "Mind your manners Brenin."
"Okay, that's enough." Klaus said as he held him back, "Can't you see you're frightening the poor girl?"
"Hehe, right sorry Klaus." Arfau said
"We're very sorry for the wait--" The girl with vermillion hair said with a bow of her head with a friendly smile, "--We had to deal with a trespasser."
"You get trespassers in a place like this?" Magna said, "You guys need better security."
"Oh don't worry it's no big deal!" Morwyn said, "Believe it or not this kind of thing happens all the time. We got A LOT of fans. Especially since the new guy Yuno joined us!"
"You don't say?" Feodora said, sounding strangely aggressive.
"It's that big of a deal." Klaus said as he fixed his glasses.
"Sorry--" Prism said putting Brenin behind her, "--I remember seeing you before. Your name is… Klaus, was it?"
Klaus cleared his throat before he bowed his head, "Klaus Lunettes, at your service your majesty. I apologize that we didn't have a proper introduction before."
"I--It's okay." Prism said nervously.
"I never thought I'd see a nerd in the Golden Dawn." Feodora said, making Klaus flinch, "Other then the Know It All."
"That makes me a bit smarter than you, doesn't it?" Yuno said.
Feodora turned red before she took a swipe at him which he was quick to duck, "SHUT UP BOOKWORM!"
Klaus flinched as he shouted, "What did you call me?!"
"I think she called you a nerd." Magna said.
Klaus had said to Feodora, "Hey! I'm technically older than you! We may be in different squads but show some respect towards your seniors!"
"And I should care because?" Feodora said in a monotone voice.
Klaus flinched as he growled. "How does Yuno even know someone like you?"
Feodora turned red at this, "I-He--IT'S NOT LIKE I LIKE HIM BACK NERD, SO THERE!!"
"Feo, are you okay?" Prism asked, "Your face is red."
"I'M FINE!" Feodora shouted, making Prism jump.
Yuno had shook his head as he gave another rare smile, "Never thought I'd miss this."
Magna couldn't help but snicker at this, "I didn't think I would see you like this!"
"DON'T START STREET PUNK!!" Feodora shouted, putting her head to his.
Magna soon glared as he yelled, "HEY! WHO ARE YOU CALLING A STREET PUNK?!"
Arfau said with a sly smile, "Oh you don't like Yuno? In that case why not date me-"
"NOO!" Feodora shouted as she suddenly suplexed him, shocking almost everyone in the room. "Oh my goodness!" The girl with vermillion hair said shocked.
Fafnar shook his head as he said, "You shouldn't have done that Ar."
Morwyn added, "Well saved me the work."
The girl with vermillion hair soon stepped forward as she cleared her throat, "Hello Princess Prism. It's an honor to meet you. Yuno and Captain William spoke about you. My name's Mimosa Vermillion."
Prism had been taken back by the last name, "Vermillion?" She said shocked, "You're… Related to Fuegoleon?"
"Oh you know my cousin then!" Mimosa said with a smile.
"You're cousin?!" Prism said even more shocked.
Feodora had doubletaked at this, "You're actually related to that Lion Captain?!"
Mimosa nodded, "I am. And you must be Feodora Helmet. Yuno sometimes mentions you."
Feodora turned even more red at this as she glared at him. "Don't act like that." Yuno said, "You know you missed me too."
"I did, but not because I like you." Feodora grumbled.
"Then why are you turning red?" Fafnar asked. "You've been acting that way since you came in there"
"QUIET DRAGON BREATH!" Feodora shouted at him as she raised her fist.
"Hey, don't yell at my brother!" Morwyn said as she held Fafnar away from Feodora.
"Mor, it's okay." Fafnar said with a smile.
"It is not Faffy!" Morwyn said.
"You oughta control that little brother of yours so he doesn't go sticking his nose in other people's business!" Feodora said with a growl.
Morwyn growled as she said, "Oh that's it!" she got her first ready as it glowed at Feodora, "You better take that back now or you're gonna have holes in you!"
"Try it you damn Royal." Fedora said as a set of ice claw gauntlets manifested.
"Feo--" Yuno said, holding her back, "--Don't."
Mowryn said as her grimoire floated beside her, "Star Magic--Cracked Fist Volley!"
Just before she could launch her attack the doors had suddenly opened as the two girls stopped. Prism immediately started to get nervous when she saw it had been their very own Captain--William Vangance.
"Hello Captain!" The members of the Golden Dawn excluding Yuno himself said. Yuno only bowed his head in greeting as Prism stood up straight.
"Good afternoon." William said, "I apologize for the wait.."
"It's no problem, it's not like we were waiting long." Feodora said nonchalantly, earning a nudge from Magna.
"Sorry about that captain." Fafnar said. "Mor was about to attack Ice hair when I said it was okay."
"I told you it's not Faffy!" Morwyn siad. "You gotta stop letting people walk all over you, Pluck even told this already!"
"That's alright." William said, "Though--Maybe next time if you think about sparring preferably take it outside."
Morwyn said with a nervous laugh, "Right, sorry."
William soon looked over to Prism as he gave her a friendly smile, "Hello Princess."
Prism couldn't help but back up as she had a nervous smile, "Okay calm down!" She said in her thoughts, "Remember your conversation with Asta! He's not Licht! He's his own person!" Finally Prism spoke up, "H-Hi, Mr Vangance! I-It's nice to see you again!"
William had said with a smile as he replied, "And nice to see you too, Prism."
"You sure took your time for someone who's a captain." Feodora said, "It's pretty shocking."
Magna nudged her again as he said, "Hey hey ease up on the attitude, ice cat."
"Call me Ice Cat again and your tongue is going." Feodora said with a casual smile while Magna flinched.
"There was something that needed my attention." William said calmly, "I hope I haven't kept you waiting."
Prism immediately shook her head, "I-It's really no problem at all! I mean--You have your own people to look--I mean--Squad to look after! I-It's no big deal!"
Feodora and even Yuno couldn't help but give an odd look at this as they exchanged looks. Prism soon bowed her head, "I'm--Looking forward to learning from you!" Though William had a friendly smile on his face, Prism couldn't help but feel insanely overwhelmed by the anxiety she had been feeling.
"Ana latta as me!" She exclaimed in her head, "I probably looked REALLY stupid when I said that! Why do I say stuff before I think!?"
"I'm looking forward to working with you as well." William said as it had shocked her by his tone, "Shall we then?"
Prism only nodded her head at this as she went to follow him to the room that had been connected to the next, as Feodora, Brenin and Magna went to follow. Though Brenin had gone ahead they were soon stopped as a familiar young man with brown hair and blue eyes had stepped in front of them.
"I'm sorry, only the Princess can go beyond this point." The young man told them.
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?" Feodora asked.
"The Golden Dawn Vice Captain." The young man said, "It's nice of the Captain of the Black Bulls to have him provide the escorts, though I'm afraid the lessons with Captain William are private."
"You're--A Vice Captain?" Prism said. The young man turned towards her, as he gave a friendly smile.
"Why hello there. Langris Vaude." The young man--Langris said as he took her hand, before surprising her when he gave her hand a soft kiss. "It's an honor to meet you properly, princess."
Prism couldn't help but blush out of embarrassment, "Ho-How generous."
Feodora couldn't help but gag before she said, "Seriously? That's the oldest trick in the book among royals."
"It's called common courtesy and respect." Langris said, "Something you don't seem to have, Black Bull."
"Correction, I do have it--I just choose not to show it." Feodora said, "It makes me gag."
"No wonder you seemed less ladylike." Langris said.
Feodora only flipped him off in response as Langris seemed to have only chuckled. "Look, Vice Captain, with all due respect--" Magna said, "--Captain Yami gave us specific orders to stay by Prism's side in case anything happens! So like it or not, we're not going to leave her!!"
"She's perfectly safe with Captain William and I." Langris said, "Don't be alarmed."
Magna told him with a growl, "Gee thanks for the reassurance."
"I apologize, but rules are rules." William said, "I can assure you we won't be long."
Prism looked to Feodora and Magna with worry, before Feodora sighed as she sat back on the couch.
"Fine, it's not like we got nothing better to do." Feodora said, "Though rules are rules."
"Feo--"
"It's fine Pri, don't worry about it." Feodora said with a wave of her hand, "We'll just wait out here for ya."
"Yeah, don't worry!" Magna said, "Just give us a holler if there's anything wrong."
Prism still had a look of worry but after some exchange with the little spirits along her shoulder, she only exchanged a nod. She, William and Langris stepped into the next room and her lesson had begun.
***
Starting with the history with the Magic Knights and the past Wizard King hadn't been any different from her studies in her village, when it came to learning about anyway. Though she had to say--It had been strange learning about the history of well… Her Uncle.
Her father's younger brother--Prince Lemiel.
To learn about him through the words of William and the books that she had been provided in order to follow along and understand how things worked nowadays, had been definitely an experience. Still, when he had spoken of Lemiel, she couldn't help but think back to him and the experiences she had shared with him.
Prism had silently taken notes as William continued on with his lecture, though she could feel her mind had been wandering.
She even found herself drawing a sketch in the notebook that had been provided as by now, she had only been half paying attention.
"... Listening to the lecture--" Prism thought to herself, "--It really does seem like Lemiel is here with me, telling me his story. It's almost like he's catching up with me on all that I missed. Though---I wish he could tell me himself. Though of course, he wouldn't be around after five hundred years…"
She had been so deep in thought, she didn't realize her attention had been drawn by William himself. She had only snapped her out of it, when he tapped the table.
"Your highness?" He said as she jumped, "Are you still with us?"
"Ye-yeah!" Prism said as she tried her best to hide the drawing, "Sorry Mr. Vangance! I uh--Just didn't get a lot of sleep last night that's all!"
William only gave a friendly smile before he took notice of the drawing that she was trying her best to hide. "Seems like that isn't the case." He said as he swiped the paper from her.
Almost immediately Prism started to get nervous as he looked over the drawing, "Wa-wait--That's--"
"Wow--" William said in awe, "--What a beautiful drawing. And of the first Wizard King no less."
"You're--Not mad?" Prism said surprised.
"Why would I be mad at someone that has such remarkable talent?" He asked her curiously, "You and Pluck, have a gift for this kind of thing."
Prism couldn't help but laugh sheepishly as she blushed, as she took back the drawing, "I'm--Not that good. I still draw the faces kind of crooked not to mention it's really lopsided and the eyes they're very, very uneven and not of the same size--Least that's what Plu-Plu told me."
"There's no need to be modest." William said, "Did your father show you how to draw? Or perhaps your mother?"
"A-Actually--" Prism said, stuffing the paper in her pocket, "--I--Sort of taught myself how to do it. Though, people often said I got the talent from both of them. My dad--Mostly drew landscapes, and my mom drew portraits of people so--" She soon gave sort of a high pitch noise as she flailed her arms, "--I mean--No--They--I mean I--" She groaned, before she hid herself in with the Black Bulls robe, "--Why did I say that?!"
William couldn't help but give a chuckle, "it seems like you come from both talented parents, huh?"
Prism had started to twiddle her thumbs, "I--Guess so. Though--I can't say that for just about my own parents. I mean--they always did say everyone has their own talent. It's like people with their magic, but you know it's more--Personal."
"I couldn't have put it better." He said, "And--If I had to guess, they weren't the only things that haven't distracted you today."
At this Prism's own look softened as she removed the hood from her head while the little spirits comforted her; Brenin had placed his head on her lap as she started to scratch his head. William soon had an idea come over him, "I think this is a good place to stop for the day. How about we go and get some fresh air?"
"Re-really?" Prism said, surprised, "Is it really okay?"
William nodded, "Don't worry, we won't go far from here, so we don't worry about your friends in the other room."
Prism looked both excited and nervous at the same time, considering the situation that she had just put herself in.
"Langris--" William said, "--Would mind taking care of our guests for a little while?"
"Don't worry Captain." Langris said with a bow of his head, "I'll take good care of them."
"Shall we then--Your highness?" William asked as he held out his hand.
Prism had been hesitant before she took his hand before she along with William and Brenin walked out the door.
***
Prism had been taken back by the sight before her as she had been in awe by a magnificent sight. There had been fields as far as the eye can see as she had been met with a large yet beautiful lake where she had seen the sunlight reflect off the water, and had been as clear as the oceans itself.
Some wild animals that had decided to stop by for a drink from a forest that had been nearby. Prism looked within the lake as she saw the many fish that swam about and the frogs that sat along the lily pads.
"Bime i elena--" Prism said in awe, "I didn't even know a lake could be this enormous! It's like the one back at Black Bulls!"
"I like to come out here to help to take my mind off a few things." William said, "I thought this might help you with your troubled thoughts."
Prism placed her hand in the water as she could feel the temperature had been just right. The little spirits, a couple of them having resembled sea creatures, and reptile-like creatures had skidded and hovered over the water as they looked just as relaxed as she had been; even Brenin started to drink from the water.
"I bet even the Sea God himself would be jealous of a lake as beautiful as this one." Prism said.
William looked intrigued at this, "For someone who has spent most of their life in their village, your very well educated."
Prism gave a sheepish laugh, as she looked embarrassed again, "My father--Told me about the Sea God when I was a girl, and about the people who live in the water. He took mom there after they were married, a honeymoon I think is what it was called. They were really welcoming to her despite her being an elf. He said--The Guardian of the Sea honored them with the most beautiful song. It had been like the waves of the ocean carrying its voice, so all the creatures of the sea could listen." Her look soon softened as she couldn't help but have a thought, "I was--Really looking forward to seeing that place with them, and seeing the water become the sky."
"Maybe you will someday." William said, "I'm sure if you ask Yami, he'll take you there."
"Oh no, I couldn't trouble him with something like that!" Prism said nervously, "Besides--I don't even know where I could find that place… Only my dad knows, and… He's gone."
William soon sat by her side as she could see his reflection in the water now. "I can tell, you loved your family very much." He said, "And--I can see how much you miss them, judging from your sketch of one of your family members."
Prism looked nervous again though she had been silent. "I can understand how it is a sensitive subject to talk about given the situation that you were put in." William said to her, "I apologize if it made you uncomfortable."
Prism shook her head in reassurance, "It's okay. I just--" She sighed, "--It's weird learning about my Uncle like this… And the fact everyone knows him as the first Wizard King. Back home… Back five hundred years ago--Everyone just knew him as the Prince, the next heir to take the throne alongside my aunt and I, when my father's time was done. He and Licht were the ones that came up with that title in the first place. I remember how Uncle Lemiel would go on and on about using his devices, and how he would help father too."
Williams' gaze softened slightly at this, "I can understand why you would miss them."
Prism only nodded, "My parents were practically soulmates. Growing up, my mom really loved the culture of humans, and because of that everyone thought she was odd--" She laughed softly, "--Well, almost everyone. My dad… Even though he was a royal, he was an outcast because of the dark magic he was born with. Mom told me, most of the other royals considered him to be of impure blood based on that."
"I remember reading about your father King Zeid. And I often heard Lady Yukiko speak about your mother." William said, "From what I can see--You take after them both."
Prism looked shocked by this sort of thing. "I--Don't think that's the case…" Prism said as she played with the water, "... I just act stupid sometimes, cause trouble and ended up worrying everyone, like I did when I used that new incantation. It ended up knocking me out for eight days, and not to mention--I acted without thinking when I went to save Brenin. I only got lucky because Asta and Feo were there."
She didn't notice that William's look had changed slightly at the mention of her incantation, though he still held his friendly smile, "That's not true. Every decision you made benefited your friends more then it did yourself. Who knows what could've happened if you weren't there."
"But--" She said as she twiddled her thumbs, "--It's not like I made that choice, it's just sort of… Happened."
William soon had a thought come over him, "I--Remember reading the report on Saussy, and I noticed a little detail, about what you did for Noelle. You encouraged her to hold her ground and protect the people, because you believed she could despite her magic going out of control."
Prism let out a huff as she smiled, "... I guess Yami told you about that one huh?" She soon rubbed her elbow a little, "The people needed to be protected, and with the mana she had she could protect all of them. At the very least no one else could get hurt when we fought them. But--I didn't do that on my own--" A little spirit climbed up onto her shoulder, as the animal looked to look like that of a fox-squirrel as it had been made from what looked to be lighting; its ears twitched slightly as it had sparked, "--The Spirits that gather around me, they sometimes give me advice. They know things about people better then I ever could, and they only told me one thing in that moment."
"And what's that?"
"... Trust Noelle. That's all they told me. The credit for the idea should go to them."
Prism had been taken back when she suddenly felt his arm around her shoulders, as he had pulled her in for a hug. She couldn't help but turn red at this sort of thing, though she felt comfort in this action.
"Personally I think you don't give yourself enough credit." William said, "Where you may see flaws, myself and the others see potential. You have the makings of a leader in you, and you showed that in Saussy."
"But--That's because the Spirits told me." Prism said.
"Or perhaps…" William soon said, as he allowed one little spirit in the form of a snake with wings wrapped around his wrist as its body slithered between his fingers, "... They know you see Noelle as one of your friends. They just wanted to help remind you."
Her eyes widened slightly at this as she looked at him; he had a warm yet familiar smile as she took the words to heart. For one brief moment she could see the face of her once dear friend again in his smile; though she didn't feel nervous like she did before, instead she felt a weight lift off of her chest as she couldn't help but smile back. The Spirits around her shifted to a yellow color as she had been happy.
"It's just like Asta said---" Prism couldn't help but think, "--I didn't need to hide--I had to confront the problem."