-Six Years Ago-
The cold had been the only thing little Feodora had felt for the first time in a long time. She never minded the cold before, but now she flew through the sky in a cart made from magic, made by the Magic Knight. She couldn't even feel the warmth from their comrade that had been beside her, or even hear the words of comfort from them. Her parents… Were gone. They were killed right before her eyes. She felt as though her whole world just came apart.
She had been in a complete wreck herself. Her shoulder length hair had been ragged and tangled, almost as if someone had grabbed it. Her dress had been a bit torn and stained with the color of blood; no one could tell that she had been wearing a green dress. Her shoes had been long gone as her socks bore rips and holes revealing a set of cuts. Over her shivering body like a blanket had been a Magic Knight robe.
One that had a bull insignia.
As the plains had been perpetuated in twilight that had reflected off the snow they soon landed in front of what looked to be a church as the windows had been dimly lit.
"Come on." She heard the person--A man beside her said as he held his hand to her. She wasn't hesitant as she took it, before he lead her towards the doors along with another person, his companion most likely, as he looked to have a six point star on his forehead and a set of purple eyes underneath a cloak he had worn.
The man--Julius had turned to her with a friendly smile, after he knocked on the door. "Don't worry little one--No one from the Diamond Kingdom will think to look for you here. You'll be safe."
Feodora looked at him as she appeared to be nervous, despite her not expressing it or showing this emotion at all. The man beside her, could feel her tightened her grip on his hand ever so slightly.
"Can't I--" She spoke with a hoarse voice, as she brought the robe closer to her body with her free hand, "--Go back with you?"
Julius shook his head, "I'm sorry my dear, but I'm afraid it's not that simple."
The man beside her soon told her, "Hey Kid, don't worry. You'll be in good hands now. Besides, if we were to take you with us you'd be in more danger than back home."
"Exactly." Julius said gently, "Since you were once of Royal stature like you told us, your people would probably search for you in a place like the Magic Knights. If you want to hide in plain sight, you'll need to hide in a place where they would never suspect you to be. In your case, it would be among commoners."
The moment they heard a click, before Feodora's very eyes, she watched as Julius had taken the form of an old lady. Though she had stayed silent even when the door opened revealing a young nun with eyes of blue. "Oh?" She said looking at Julius who was now an old lady, "Was it you who sent that message? Chronovala right?"
"Yes Sister." Julius said with an old lady voice, "Would you be kind enough to house his young child? Her family was visiting from the Diamond Kingdom, though I'm afraid Bandits killed her parents and made off with their belongings. Myself and this kind young man happened to be passing through when we found her."
The Sister looked to Feodora as she couldn't help but shrink a little. "Aw--" The Sister--Lily had said as she gasped lightly, "--You must be Feodora." She soon held her hand to her, "Please, come inside."
The man gave her a gentle nudge, "Don't worry, it'll be okay."
Feodora had been hesitant, still though she eventually reached out Sister Lily and took her hand and went into towards the building, though before she entered--
"Oh wait, I nearly forgot." The man said before he rummaged through his pocket taking something out, "Catch."
He tossed something over to her which Feodora had been quick to catch. When she opened her hand her eyes had widened slightly when she saw it had been a familiar jewel that had been in the shape of a square and had a familiar cat logo.
"Don't forget that." The man said to her, "Take good care of it for your folks."
Feodora gave a curious look to Julius and the man, "... Will I see you again?"
"Maybe someday deary." Julius said to her, giving her a pat on the shoulder, "Just work hard to become something you want, not what your family wants."
The man told her, "If you want to be strong like us, Train up to be a magic knight. That way no one will mess with you again."
Feodora's eyes widened in amazement as the man's words resonated with her. With a nod, she allowed Sister Lily to take her within the Church. As the doors shut behind her she only caught a glimpse of them leaving as the man gave her a wave.
***
Morning came once more as Prism had been sleeping soundly as the sun rose and the rays leaked through the windows. She had been insanely tucked into the sheets as a little sand spirit rested next to her. She only started to stir when she could feel something poke her cheek, as she groaned and waved it off. The poking started again as it had become a bit more forceful, allowing Prism to finally stir from her slumber as she had been met with the familiar eyes of blue and purple.
Her eyes widened as she saw the face of a young man who appeared to be fifteen with red shaggy like hair, and a fang poking out the side of his right mouth as she could see that his sharp nails were that of black and he looked to have a familiar looking tail that wagged a little.
The outfit he had worn was that of a dark gray top, similar to her own jacket as he had on a dark blue shirt underneath. His pants had been that of a peach white color as he wore a set of dark brown boots with blue warmers; the band he had around him keeping the jacket closed had been like Prism's normal attire, although there were no wave insignias on it; instead his had thorns. He had had on a set of dark blue warmers along his arms as well.
"Hey there Prism." He said with a smile, despite his tired expression he held, "Long time no talk."
Prism sat up slightly as she looked at him with a shocked expression, before she had a smile of relief, as she placed her hand on his cheek, "... Brenin?"
The young man--Brenin nodded as he himself looked relieved; he took her own hand, "... Yeah. It's really me."
Prism couldn't help but tear up slightly before she hugged him; Brenin didn't hesitate to return it as he patted her back. She soon broke out of the embrace to look at him again as she couldn't help but laugh.
"You haven't aged a day." She joked, before they both hugged again as they couldn't help but laugh.
***
-Later-
Most of the Black Bull members had been a bit shocked when Prism had brought down someone who had been a new face, as they nearly mistook him for a trespasser, though after the way they saw he had interacted with Pluck, his parents and siblings they knew they had nothing to fear.
Now here they sat in the common room as Brenin had sat next to Prism and Adrien, while he petted Karasu and Sachiko's dog Yoshi as he had been happy to see him while Adrien occasionally nuzzled him while he purred.
The others had a look of awe as they had been waiting for Captain Yami to arrive.
"W-wow!" Asta said in awe, "That's really Brenin! In his human form!"
"She really wasn't kidding about that…" Feodora said, stunned.
Pluck said with a sigh, "Welcome back. You're a sight for sore eyes."
"That's a compliment?" Brenin smudged, "Now I know things have changed."
Pluck had said with a grumble, "And there it is."
"Huh, I like him already." Karasu said as the Triple A's snickered.
Addeline came out of Pluck's bag as she waddled to Brenin while wanking him with her stick, "QUACK!"
"Yeah, yeah Addeline--" Brenin said, nudging her off, "--Good to see you too."
"You can understand her?" Magna asked.
"Sort of--" Brenin replied, "--I've always been rusty on fowl creatures like Addeline."
"QUACK QUACK!" Addeline shouted at him
"Language." Brenin told her.
"So he can really talk to animals?" Noelle asked Prism as she went by her side.
"Him, Liam and Saorise can." Prism answered, "It's one of their natural gifts among their people since they're closer to nature. It really helps that he can be their spokesperson."
"Brenin, that's so cool!" Asta said as his eyes sparkled.
Brenin couldn't help but chuckle as he scratched Yoshi's ears, "Yes it is a good way to speak on their behalf. Though at least in this form I can actually have the chance to thank you for saving me in the Market, and for finding Prism." He soon looked over to Feodora, "And you as well. You have my gratitude."
"Oh no it's fine!" Asta said with a smile, "I'm just glad that we were able to help out."
"Think nothing of it mutt, it's the least we can do." Feodora said with a wave of her hand.
Luck couldn't help but say as he had suddenly been in front Brenin nearly making him jump, "Hey! Wanna spar?!"
"Uhhh--" Brenin said
"NO!" Pluck said as he used his Gum-Gum Stickler to wrap him up. "Stop trying to fight everything that moves!"
"Aww, you're no fun, Pluck." Luck said with a sigh.
Gauche had said, giving Brenin a glare, "You better not use your doggy charms to take Marie away from me, you hear?!"
Brenin couldn't help but give Gauche an odd look before he turned to Prism, "I've been meaning to say--You have associated yourself with an odd bunch--Other than Pluck that is."
Prism gave a sheepish laugh, "It's the kind of thing you'll get used to, Brenin, trust me!"
Pluck had said, giving Brenin an angry look, "Who are you calling Odd, Flea bag?"
"QUACK!" Addeline shouted as she hit Breinin's hand making him give out a yelp as he whimpered. "Well--" Brenin said, "--It's nice to see some things haven't changed."
"Where have you been anyway Brenin?" Aisling asked, "When we woke up--Even mom and dad thought you were dead!"
"How in the world did you survive all this time?" Aine asked, "Did someone put you and the others under a spell?"
"Do you know where Liam and Saorise are?" Aidan asked.
Brenin looked at the Little Miss that had sat on Prism's shoulder before he gave a calm look, "Don't worry, I'll try my best to explain our story once your Captain arrives."
"Your best?" Prism said, a bit taken back.
"Explain what exactly?"
The group looked over and saw it had been none other than their Captain, Yami Sukihero. Yukiko, and Cadfan had just been behind him as they looked completely worn out.
"It took us thirty minutes to wake him up…" Yukiko said with a groan.
Cadfan said as he fanned himself, "Seriously… You need a better schedule."
"Yeah yeah." Yami said as he waved it off.
"Hey Uncle Yami, perfect timing!" Jubei said, before she gestured to Brenin, "Check it out! Prisms Familiar's wounds heal and he's human now!"
"Well if you don't count his dog nails, tail and fang." Vandy said.
Brenin soon stood as he bowed his head, "Hello Captain Yami. It's a pleasure to finally speak to you."
Yami had told him, "So you're Brenin, huh? Hard to believe you looked like a dog a few days ago."
Brenin nodded, "As Prism has told you, I'm a Therian and one the Familiars she bonded with when she was a child. I thank you and your comrades for looking after her for us."
Yami merely replied with a puff from his cigarette, "Of course no problem. Question is do you have an idea where your other friends are?"
"I do." He answered without hesitation, "And if I'm right, they are due to appear in the next seven days--Along with the dungeon we were forced to be prisoners of. We will only have a small window to get them out."
At this the group's eyes had widened in shock and horror. "You--Were really trapped in a dungeon?!" Asta exclaimed.
"How is that possible?!" Feodora said, "How could you have survived in a place like that for the last five centuries?!"
"No one can even survive in a dungeon, even if it was only for a few months!" Noelle added.
Prism soon had a thought come over her, "I remember--My uncle told me about them. Rumor has it the dungeons go to a place where time and space doesn't exist, so the rules don't apply for anyone trapped inside, not even the Therians. It'll basically feel like only a few days but a few months and even years can go by like a blink on the outside."
"Are you serious?!" Asta said, confused.
Prism nodded, "I guess the rumors about the dungeons were true after all."
Pluck had said with shock and realization, as he started to take down notes, "A mystery, dungeons can be. There's so much to learn from them!"
"Let's not get crazy sword boy—" Yami told him before he turned his attention back to Brenin, "—How did you and your buddies end up in a dungeon in the first place? Those places are unpredictable ya know?"
"Tell me about it." Brenin said before he explained, "It happened purely by chance. Quite frankly we were lucky we found it when we did." He's eyes soon softened, "It happened the day Licht and her aunt were to be wedded. Prism failed to return from her morning run with Adrien."
Prism's eyes had a look of guilt as Asta and Feodora went to comfort her immediately along with the spirits and Adrien.
Yukiko had added, "I remember that day.."
"I wish we hadn't." Cadfan added. "We were worried about two tragedies that day.."
Prism couldn't help but look perplexed at this, "Two?"
Pluck immediately started to look nervous as he said, "He means looking for our family of course."
"Uh… Okay?" Prism said, noticing how he was acting.
Yami soon said to Brenin as he gave an odd look toward Pluck and his parents, "So you were saying?"
Brenin nodded before he continued, as he too looked rather skeptical "Zeid nor Alma didn't want to cause a panic. They had myself, Liam and Saorise, Pluck, and his family conduct the search alone, only telling a small handful about it in case she went to the wedding. But just when we were getting close to finding out where she had gone, we were blindsided."
"Blindsided?" Finral said, "By what?"
Brenin shrugged, "I'm—Not sure. It all happened so fast, we couldn't tell what it was that hit us. By the time the three of us woke up, we found ourselves in the aftermath of a storm, outside of a wall of mist. It was faint, but we sensed Prism was somehow inside of it."
"The Princess lost in a storm." Karasu said, "Guess that hits close to home for you tater-tot."
"That must've been around the same time Prism was sealed in that tree." Feodora said.
Pluck's own look had softened at this before he said, "Oh...I see."
"Then, how did you end up in a dungeon?" Vanessa asked, "You said you were forced to be a prisoner didn't you?"
Brenin's look changed slightly as the Little Miss soon gave him a certain look like she had been telling him something as she was soon resting on Asta's head. Finally, Brenin spoke again, "... Zeid told us that Prism was in the mist and it would wander until someone who was immune to the effects of its magic could set her free. Soon after however, the people from the very kingdom attacked us in an attempt to take our mana." He soon looked over to Prism, "... Your fathers own people tried to hunt us down."
Prism soon had a look of horror, "My fathers--You mean from the castle, they--!?"
Brenin sighed, "It had been everyone from your father's court. They had planned to take the throne from him and give it to someone who wasn't impure like him. They found out he married Alma, and that you were their only child and they even took care of his advisors. We had no choice but to run when the mist disappeared with you. You should know, your parents didn't want to leave you, but they knew you would be safe inside."
"... Even Grandfather tried to--" Prism said horrified.
Asta couldn't help but feel his anger rising at this sort of thing, "Those bastards--How could they?!"
"His own family--Betrayed him?" Noelle said, shocked.
Pluck clenched his fist as he said, "How? How can those bastards do something like that!?"
"We were shocked when we heard this too." Yukiko said. "Your father was about to go in and put a stop to it, but Alma told us not to."
"She knew not only will it affect the Barbados name--our family members on my side will suffer too." Cadfan said.
"We ended up getting separated from them in the confusion and were nearly cornered." Brenin said, "Secre was the one who found the Dungeon, and put us inside it before it disappeared.
"Secre?" Prism said in shock, "Secre was the one who put you there?!"
"That means--" Pluck said, "--She was with you?!"
"Like I said, we were lucky." Brenin said, "With the kind of magic she had, she was the only one who was capable of performing such a feat."
Prism couldn't help but have a sense of relief to her while the others looked confused. "Pri, who's Secre?" Asta asked curiously, "Is she another friend of yours?"
"She worked under my father, uncle and auntie as a servant in the castle." Prism replied.
"A servant? Seriously?" Feodora said, a bit shocked.
Prism nodded, before her eyes sparkled, "But she's always been a part of the family,and was always helping Uncle Lemiel! Plus she was made my Lady in Waiting—At least that's what father explained. The kind of magic she had was incredible too!"
"Really?" Karasu said, "What was it?"
"Oh it's--" Suddenly Prism felt her head fuzzy as she tried to think back as she started to groan. "Pri?" Asta said worryingly, "Are you okay…?"
"Wha…" She said softly as she placed her hand to her head, "... What was it again?"
"What?!" Asta said, shocked, "You can't remember?"
"Prism, don't tell me you forgot!" Aisling said, "It's--" Aisling suddenly looked to be in a daze, like she had been trying to find a word, but strangely couldn't; for a moment she could've sworn she heard a ring, "--Huh? What was it again?"
"Weird…" Aine said scratching her head, "... I can't remember either."
"Same here." Aidan said while thinking to himself, "How very peculiar…"
"It either started with an S or was it an A?" Vandy pondered.
"Hmm, did it involve locks or keys?" Jubei said.
"Yeah, it's kinda a blur.." Pluck said, scratching his head. "I can't even remember the name of it..or what it does.."
"Wait, not even you?" Noelle asked Pluck. "But you said you knew her, how can you forget? Aren't you supposed to be the smart one?"
"Duh, why do you think i'm trying to remember?" Pluck replied as he thought to himself, "But still..She does has a point..It's obviously it applies to Pri but why can't WE remember Secre's magic all of a sudden?"
"Okay--" Karasu soon said, "--THAT'S pretty weird." He soon turned over to Prism, "But why is she the only one with the headache?"
"We'll figure that out later--" Yami told him before he turned back over to Brenin, "--So how in the hell did you end up in the Black Market, and more importantly, why weren't your buddies with you?"
"That was on me--" Brenin said as he had a guilty look on his face, "--The Dungeons are well known for their traps and such. We had no idea the dungeon we were in had a spatial trap inside. I ended up stepping in one, and it transported me to what I thought was just another part of the dungeon. Though I was quick to figure out I was in a different one entirely when that Treasure Hunter mage found me. I was still in my beast form at the time so he didn't even know I was Therian, though without a grimoire of my own he overpowered easily. I thought that was going to be the rest of my life being sold off to a complete stranger, if Prism hadn't found me."
"You don't have a grimoire?" Asta asked, surprised, "But you're like the same age as me right?"
"While he can't remember the tribe he and the others came from--" Yukiko soon said, "--They remembered their customs. Though their nomad tribes were different, the one thing they had in common was that possession of a grimoire was forbidden."
"That was a rule among you guys?" Feodora said.
"Pretty much." Brenin replied, "Even though we came of age we weren't permitted to go in the tower with the others. While the Elves gave us a home, the Elders thought it would be best if we kept up that tradition. So we did since they won that vote. Guess it's there way of telling everyone we're still outsiders."
Yami said while taking a puff, "Sounds like your elders are pretty senline for someone in charge."
Cadfan had commented, "Yeah we weren't a fan, and not even Licht was. Though like Brenin said, they won the vote, and we couldn't exactly go against them. Especially me, since at the time Zeid and Lemiel were still working on the treaty"
"Well your Elders aren't here anymore right?" Yami soon said with a smile, taking all of them back, "So, guess what? You and your friends are getting Grimoires. Starting today."
Asta, Feodora and even Prism's eyes widened in shock while Brenin looked especially surprised.
"But it's--" Brenin started to say before he was cut off by Yami.
"Hey, this is not the old times anymore." Yami told him. "Since your the Princess's Familiar, you're one of us now."
Brenin's eyes couldn't help but widened in shock at this sort of thing, before he looked over to Prism who gave him a smile. Though just before Brenin could say something--
KNOCK, KNOCK--Went the door making everyone jump.
Vandy quickly hopped over to the door after putting on his earrings to hide his appearance, before opening it revealing it had been a mage wearing a teal blue robe. "Message for Primrose Vera!" The man said before he handed the envelope towards Vandy.
"Thanks for your hard work!" Vandy said, giving him a tip as he shut the door.
"Primrose Vera?" Brenin said, confused.
"It's an alias Pri uses to keep her cover." Asta said, "But--It's a bit of a shock."
"Yeah--" Prism said, "--I don't get that much mail. Unless it's from Yuno or Sister Lily."
"Do either of their letters come with their own messenger?" Feodora asked.
Prism gave a sheepish laugh, "Good point."
Vandy handed off the envelope to Prism as she looked it over and that's when she noticed the marked seal. "It's from the Golden Dawn!" She exclaimed.
"What?!" Asta, Karasu, Feodora, Pluck and the Triple A's exclaimed.
""T-T-T-T-The Golden Dawn?!" Pluck exclaimed. "Again?!"
"That's twice in one week." Karasu added.
"Open it up, and see what it is." Vanessa said.
Prism opened up the envelope getting the letter out, as she looked over the contents. "It's from Mr. Vangance." Prism said surprised.
Pluck choked on his own spit at this "THE--WHAT?!"
"Wait--Captain William sent you a letter?!" Asta said, shocked.
Prism nodded, "He signed his name and everything."
"Holy--" Feodora said, "--I guess he's taken a liking to you."
"Maybe he's considering making you join the Golden Dawn." Vandy said
"HE'LL HAVE TO TAKE YOU FROM MY COLD BARE HANDS!" Jubei exclaimed.
"Jubei." Cadfan said as he motioned to her to surrender something, "Knife please?"
Jubei pouted as she handed Cadfan a knife she had hidden in her dress pocket.
"We know you have more." Yukiko added.
Jubei groaned as she took one out of her sleeve and handed it to her mother with a grumble.
"Ahem!" Yami added. Jubei groaned as she took one from out of her hair, "You guys are killjoys."
Brenin said with a sigh, "And of course she hasn't changed either."
"What is wrong with this family?" Magna wondered aloud.
"What does it say?" Noelle asked.
Prism had looked over the letter, as she looked shocked by what had been written. "Yuno, Klaus and Mimosa have an escort mission with Fafanar and his siblings. He says he wants me to accompany them."
Pluck couldn't help but choke on his own spit again before he shouted, "WHA??!"
Asta's eyes couldn't help but sparkle, "YOU'RE GOING TO GO IN FOR BACKUP!? THAT'S SO COOL!!"
"And sudden." Prism said shocked.
Yami had said, swiping the letter from her so he could look at it himself, "Huh, Seems like you're getting popular. At least he knows not to steal you from me."
"Where did that come from?" The Triple As asked.
"Jack still fights over me…" Prism said awkwardly.
Yami added, "Like that mantis freak has a chance."
"Ah, now it makes sense." Aisling said awkwardly.
"I'LL DEAL WITH HIM TOO!" Jubei added.
Pluck noticed Jubei handing him something as he motioned her while giving her a look.
"Aww! Even you too?!" Jubei asked.
"Today Jubei." Pluck told her.
Jubei pouted as she took another knife out from her other dress pocket and handed it to him. "Still though--" Karasu said, "--What could benefit you from going on a mission with a different squad?"
"Well from the letter--" Prism said, "--Mr. Vangance said I could learn about the way a different squad works on the field, and build trust with some of his members."
"Well, at least he's not putting you in mortal danger with an escort mission." Feodora said, "Still though, is it really okay to go with the Know it All? Not that I say he can't protect you or anything, but you know."
"But that escort includes Faf and knowing--yeah no." Pluck said as he crossed his arms, "I agree with Feodora, No way she's going"
"Hold on, who died and made you the tater-tot's spokesperson?" Karasu said.
Pluck said with a huff, "I'm just being honest!"
"I would feel bad if I turned down Mr. Vangance after he took the trouble." Prism said as she went to take the letter, "I should go with--Plu-Plu?!"
Prism had been taken back when Pluck swiped the letter from Yami as he immediately stuffed it in his pocket before he told her, "yeaah bad idea, you're not going!"
"Now wait a minute you can't--" Prism started to say before everyone jumped when Pluck was smacked right into the floor hard. Courtesy of Yami himself as he didn't look the least bit happy with him.
Yami told him, "Hey you know there's a reason why you can't escort her, right?"
"Uhh yeah?" Pluck groaned,
"Just for that, you lost a study privilege." Yami said as he took him, "Now go outside and be a normal kid." He tossed him out the window before they heard a crash.
"YAMI!" Cadfan and Yukiko shouted at him.
"What? He'll survive." Yami reassured them
"NOT THE POINT!" Cadfan shouted.
"We really need to talk to you about endangering our son." Yukiko told him.
"So--You don't think it's a bad idea?" Prism asked Yami.
Yami replied, "Not at all, go for it. Although that doesn't mean you're going without an escort."
"I kind of figured…" She said slumping over a little.
"Who's going this time?!" Asta said excitedly, "Can I go?!"
Yami soon grabbed his head, shocking Asta before saying, "No, you're gonna be with Sword Boy."
"Eh?" Ata asked before he was soon tossed out too as he was screaming right out the window.
"DORKSTA!?" Noelle exclaimed.
"ASTA?!" Prism shouted with worry.
"ASTA!!" Feodora shouted as she couldn't help but panic.
"Another one?" Karasu said, shocked.
"Yami! SERIOUSLY?!" Cadfan shouted.
"What? It's not like he's your son." Yami told him. He soon turned over to Feodora and Karasu before telling them, "You two are gonna aid Prism today."
Feodora suddenly choked on her spit this time making them jump. "OH NO! NO NO NO!" Feodora exclaimed as her face was red which Prism found odd, "ABSOLUTELY NOT! I'M NOT GONNA GO WITH THE KNOW IT ALL ON AN ESCORT MISSION!!"
"Really?" Karasu said, "Do you hate him?"
"IT'S NOT THAT!!" Feodora shouted, "Though it is not that I like him or anything."
"You just said the same thing as hate." Prism said awkwardly.
Yami grabbed her head as he threatened, "Wanna be the next to fly?"
"N-No?" Feodora said, shaking a little.
"Good." Yami said as placed her down, "you're gonna escort Prism with your boyfriend, like it or not."
"Okay--" Feodora said before she turned as red as a tomato, "--WAIT A MINUTE, HE'S NOT MY--I MEAN I NEVER SAID I--I MEAN--"
Yami merely told Feodora while giving her a look, "What's that? You wanna join Shorty and Sword Boy in the sky?
"Are you okay?" Prism asked as Feodora let out a squeak, "Your face is getting red again."
Feodora immediately hid the red on her face as she tried to regain her composure, "No-Nothing, I'm fine."
"Good." Yami said before he turned to Karasu. "Better not chicken out too or you're gonna be in the sky too."
Karasu groaned, "It's gonna be one of those days."
"Well--I might as well get Adrien ready." Prism said, "Brenin, would you mind?"
"Sure." Brenin said, "I'll have to take a rain check on getting that grimoire anyway."
With a click of her tongue and a snap of her fingers Adrien stood up from the floor and followed her outside while the rest of the Black Bull members dispersed. Feodora sighed, "We might as well get going too--You can ride with the mutt and Pri."
"While I'm not a fan of the idea, I'll be at least closer to the ground." Karasu said.
"Hang on a second--" Yami said, stopping them just as Yukiko and Cadfan left the room.
"Something wrong Cap?" Karasu asked.
Yami replied, "Just in case we run into you-know-what retaining to the lizard girl, use these."
Yami soon handed the two of them what appeared to look like pocket watches, and yet they didn't show the hands nor did it have roman numerals, instead it seemed to have a button at the center as it looked to be sealed shut.
"These are magic items." Feodora said, a bit shocked.
"Hold on, I've seen these before." Karasu said, "It sends a signal to the Captain of their given squad on their communication devices.
"How would you know about these?" Feodora asked.
"How do you think? I was chased around with Magic Knights that carried this. Had to flee a number of jobs since they called on a Captain." Karasu said before he looked at Yami, "Why would you give us this?"
"In case the Lizard Girl ends up falling into a trance." Yami replied softly so as not to get the attention of the squad members that might be nearby, "All you have to do is hit the button on the center of it, and I'll come get her before someone sees her."
At this Feodora and Karasu had looked skeptical by this sort of thing. "You really think she'll fall into a Trance out there?" Karasu asked.
"Yeah, what makes you so sure she will?" Feodora added.
Yami replied, "It's a hunch. Besides you said hunger triggers the Trance, and now we know she gets hungry for mana. Watch how she behaves, and if she ends up reacting to anyone, then tell me exactly what you saw when you return. Got it?"
Feodora and Karasu looked to one another as they each had their own concerns, though they decided to keep their mouths shut about it. The two of them gave their salute, "Yes Captain Yami."
***
They soon left the Black Bulls base just as they planned to meet with the other members of the Golden Dawn just within the capital. Prism rode on Adrien, along with Brenin and Karasu as Feodora rode on her broom just above their heads. Brenin hadn't been in his beast form like before, though he had been wearing a jewel to help cloak his tail and nails to keep up his appearance so he can officially pass as a human.
She had followed Feodora above as they soon found themselves at the Golden Dawn's base once again. There they found that Yuno had been present as well as Klaus, Mimosa, Fafanar and his older siblings Morwyn and Arfau. Adrien soon slowed down, as Feodora set herself down.
"Hey Prism! Ice Hair!" Fafanar sauid with a wave. "Nice to see ya again!"
Feodora's eyebrow twitched as she growled, "You gotta call me that?"
"Fafanar, I told you Feo doesn't like names that relate to ice." Yuno told him.
"Oh sorry." Fafanar said, "But I can't just find a good nickname for her, I was able to give one to Plucky."
"You know how he hates that one." Arfau told him
"Then call me by my damn name, Dragon Breath." Feodora said as her eyebrow twitched, "Or is that too hard for you royal?"
Morwyn got between them as she told Feodora, "Can you not today? We have too much to do and we don't have time for your idle threats either!"
Yuno soon noticed Karasu, "Oh it's you. Karasu, right?"
"Good to know you still remember me." Karasu said with a wave of his hand, "Hadn't had a chance to talk to you properly since you know that misunderstanding with the Captains."
"So you really did join the Black Bulls then?" He said, "Good for you."
"I wouldn't say I joined willingly, but this kind of life beats living in the streets of the city. Plus I actually get money without making it look like I'm gonna kill a guy." Karasu said, "Looking forward to seeing you work officially."
"As am I." Yuno said with a nod.
Klaus said to Prism as he bowed his head, "An honor to see you again, your highness."
"Ye-yeah, it's a pleasure seeing you too." Prism said, "I'm looking forward to working with you." She soon turned to Yuno, "And I'm looking forward to seeing you in action Yuno."
"You've improved on fighting with your scythe right?" Yuno said, "You better not hold anything back."
Prism chuckled, "Trust me I won't."
"So this is Yuno? The one you told me about? I remember seeing him the last time we came here." Brenin asked Prism curiously. She nodded her head in reply before Yuno noticed Brenin as well. "Prism--Is that who I think it is?" Yuno asked.
"Yup." She replied, "Brenin finally shifted back to his human self. Normally he would have his tail but Yukiko lent him some cloaking items to help hide it and his claws."
Brenin soon stepped over to him before he bowed his head, "Thank you for finding Prism. Had it not been for you, Asta and Feodora I'm not sure what would've happened."
"It's no trouble. We're just glad that she's safe." Yuno replied.
"Uhh Pri?" Fafanar said as he pointed to Brenin. "Whose this guy?"
"He's Brenin." Karasu said, "She did just say his name."
Fafanar's jaw dropped as he shouted, "WHAT-YOU MEAN YOU'RE THAT DOG WE SAW THE OTHER DAY?!"
"H-He looks different." Morwyn said as she blushed.
"I thought he was a cute dog before--" Mimosa said, "--But he's more handsome then I could've imagined!"
Brenin started to get nervous as he immediately retreated behind Prism as they could hear him whimper a little, shocking Mimosa and Morwyn. "So-Sorry, he gets really nervous around women, unless it's me or Plu-Plu's family." Prism said while rubbing the back of her head.
"I see, so he's shy." Mimosa said.
Morwyn said with a kitten-like smile, "That just makes him even cuter!"
"Hey!" Klaus said, "They're here."
The spirits immediately hid in Prism's hood as the group looked over to see who exactly they would be escorting. Immediately Feodora couldn't help but have a glare when she saw one of them had a familiar set of aqua green eyes and short brown hair.
"That's Salim and Dak!" Prism said shocked.
"Hey wait a second--" Karasu said, "--Aren't those two from the Magic Knights Exams?"
"They also happen to be of royal stature, and of very high status, other then yourself your highness--" Klaus said to Prism in a low voice, "--So I advise you and your comrades not to do anything rash."
"Gotcha." Prism whispered back, giving him a thumbs up.
"Good afternoon." Salim said with a bow of his head.
"Hello!" Dak said with that same unsettling smile from before, "Nice to see you all again!"
Feodora had a cold hard look towards Dak as she couldn't help but think back to what Dak had put her through in the exams. Her hand shook as she could feel her rage building, "You mean to tell me--We're meant to protect THAT piece of trash?"
Dak had given a laugh as he said to Feodora, "Hey, let's have bygones be bygones, okay?" He held out his hand to her, only for Feodora to hit his hand away. "Like I'm gonna get friendly with someone who poisoned me in the exams!" She said to him in an aggressive tone.
"You can't be serious." Yuno said, turning to Klaus as he held Feodora back.
Klaus had told him while fixing his glasses, "While I know this is not the best idea, I'm afraid we have no choice."
"Look Salim I have no problem with--" Karasu said before he pointed to Dak, "--But this asshole poisoned Feo here in case you can't recall!"
"Yeah, and if you think I'm gonna risk my life for this d--" Feodora started to say as a streak of her bangs started to turn white.
Morywn had argued, "Regardless, we have a job to do!"
"I'm sorry, but we're gonna have to deal with it till we get to the Heart Kingdom." Arfau added.
"The Heart Kingdom?" Prism said, a bit shocked, "They're going to the Heart Kingdom?"
"To study over there, yes." Mimosa replied.
"THAT'S WAY TOO LONG OF A TRIP!" Feodora shouted.
"Ar! Mor!" Fafanar told them. "That guy is a jerk! How can we defend someone like him?! I was there when her match was going on! He tampered with a weapon to cheat!"
"Fafanar please." Arfawu said "This is not the time to argue."
"Feo, Karasu--" Prism said, "--I know how bad this looks but you have to at least give this a chance." She soon whispered to them, "Though you can also use this opportunity to show Dak off. And he won't try to take me hostage again since he doesn't have any memory of what happened thanks to Marx."
"You make a good point there." Karasu said as he gave it some thought.
Feodora growled, "Fine--I'll tolerate it, but I won't like it!"
Prism soon turned over to Salim and Dak, "You two won't have to worry about a thing! We'll make sure nothing happens to you!"
Salim said to Prism with a friendly smile, "We'll be counting on you, Primrose is it?"
"Yup!" Prism said as she had been holding back Adrien who was growling, "Primrose of the Black Bulls at your service!"
"Lovely to meet you." Dak said as he held her hand.
Though before he could give it a kiss, Feodora immediately pulled Prism away from him as she growled at him. Dak only held his hands up as he laughed.
"I'm REALLY not gonna like this." Feodora thought as she glared at Dak.
***
-Later that Day-
Before anyone knew it the mission had started up as they had taken to the skies. Prism had been riding along with Yuno as she had been holding onto him for dear life since she never stood on a broom before. Karasu had been riding with Feodora, though he kept his head buried in the back of her shoulder as he tried not to think about it; Brenin had been riding with Mimosa as he couldn't help but have a look of awe, since he had never been in the skies before.
Dak and Salim had been sitting in a metal carriage that had been conjured up by Klaus's magic as he had been the one making it fly. The rest had been around the carriage to make sure no one had come to attack it.
Though had stayed silent with the exception of Fafanar humming to himself as the sun had already started to set. Klaus couldn't help but look over who they had on the mission.
"The Golden Dawn's new recruit--" He thought to himself, "--Yuno, the candidate every Magic Knight Captain wanted, and the other new recruits. Mimosa Vermillion, Fafanar, Morwyn, and Arfau Dermline each from the royal family." He looked below to Prism as she had been ahead of them, "Accompanying us is the Lost Heir, Princess Prism, her Familiar Brenin, and her escorts from the Black Bulls the outcast from the Diamond Kingdom, Feodora Helmet and the foreigner thief, Karasu Arai. Their first mission with us is acting as bodyguards for Salim de Hapshass, and Dak Harperson to the Heart Kingdom. I remember during the exams, Salim lost to Yuno, and Dak did poison Feodora during their match. For Feodora to come to protect her Highness is all too convenient, but why would they want Yuno as one of their bodyguards?"
"My first mission--" Mimosa said, "--I'm so nervous."
"I know the feeling." Brenin said as he couldn't help but look shy since he had refused to hold onto Mimosa's waist.
"Same here." Fafanar said, "But I'm sure it'll turn out alright! It's a pleasure working with all of y'all, even you Ic--I mean Fi-Fi!"
"Fi-Fi?" Feodora said, a bit surprised, knowing that nickname was directed at her.
"Well yeah!" Fafanar said, "Since I can't call you names related to ice, I'm gonna go with Fi-Fi!"
"Please don't." Feodora said. "In fact, don't ever call me nicknames unless I give you my permission."
Fafanar said with a duck face, "Boo."
Morwyn had said to her younger brother while giving him a pat, "There there, Faffy."
Arfau added, "Nicknames are a hit and miss with some people."
Fafanar still pouted as he said, "Yeah, but she could make a bestie though!"
"Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to working with you all." Mimosa said.
"Sure." Karasu mumbled.
"Whatever." Feodora said.
"Yeah." Yuno said.
"Mimosa, Fafanar, Morwyn, Arfau. Don't let your guard down so easily." Klaus instructed.
"Yes sir." The four of them said.
"The same goes for the rest of you." Klaus said.
"I know." Yuno said.
"Don't tell me twice four eyes." Feodora repiled
Klaus couldn't help but groan as his own eyebrow twitched, "You insolent newbie…" He thought, before he looked over to Feodora, "... More importantly--What does he even see in that Assassin?"
Prism nearly tripped off the broom though was quickly caught by Yuno. "You know it's okay for you to sit down if you're having trouble standing."
"N-No no it's fine." Prism replied, before she whispered, "I think it's the kind of thing I have to get used to when I get my magic back."
"Just try not to trip alright?" He told her as he steadied her.
Salim soon waved Yuno down which he was quick to notice as he flew up to the cart. "So how have you and your friend been?" Salim asked.
Yuno didn't answer as he gave him a certain look; Prism on the other hand couldn't help but look nervous. "Even though I said Feo and Karasu should give them a chance--" Prism thought as she tightened her grip on Yuno as she noticed his expression, "--I can't help but feel this intensity."
"Now, now, no need to look so scary." Salim said, "And for you to look so nervous. I requested Yuno as my bodyguard since I wanted to apologize. I heard that you plan on becoming the Wizard King."
Prism couldn't help but look surprised, "He's pretty good."
"How did you know that?" Yuno asked.
"You were chosen by all the captains." Salim said, "You could've joined any other squad, even to the same squad your girlfriend is a part of--" Yuno and Prism looked a bit surprised as they both had the same thought, "--Though you ended up joining the Golden Dawn so I had a feeling. The more you achieve from now on, the more your name will spread throughout the kingdom… Yuno, the one who bears the four leaf grimoire."
Yuno only huffed as he turned his head from Salim; though Prism nearly fell off again as he was able to keep a firm grip on her arm this time around. Prism read his movements as she took his hand keeping a firm grip this time around.
"Make sure your dream of being a Wizard King comes true." Salim said, "And then I'll be able to brag to my future children that I once fought the Wizard King. And then they'll say 'Daddy you're so cool!'"
Prism soon gave a sheepish laugh when Yuno didn't respond, "Sorry Salim, but--Yuno and I aren't together-together. We're just fr--Family really."
Yuno looked at Prism surprised though he gave a rare smile as he patted her head for the term; Prism couldn't help but give a giggle.
"Really?" Salim said a bit shocked, "I'm sorry I assumed that--"
"No, that's okay." Prism replied, "It's not your fault."
Fafanar soon said, "Yeah right."
"Fafnar." Morwyn said in a stern voice, "Behave."
"Kay--" Fafanar said, giving Salim and Dak a skeptical look, "--But I'm still watching those two like a hawk."
"Hey!" Dak said before turning over to Feodora, "Since it'll be awhile before we reach the Heart Kingdom, why don't we--"
"HELL NO." Feodora told him aggressively, making Dak flinch.
Dak said, shocked, "I DIDN'T EVEN ASK YOU A QUESTION!"
"It's best if you don't asshole." Feodora said with a glare.
"Feodora!" Klaus said. "Behave yourself! "
"I am." She told him, "Those are just one of my lighter insults."
"That's a lighter insult?" Mimosa thought.
"Well, perhaps you and Primrose would be up for a little sharing?" Salim suggested Yuno and Prism, "Just so we can get to know each other."
"We're from Hage." Yuno replied with no hesitation, "Primrose, Feo and I."
"Oh, I remember hearing about that village!" Dak said, "It's in the Forsaken Realm right?"
"It is--What of it?" Feodora said.
"Yeah in fact, I heard it's where the first Wizard King who defeated demons comes from isn't it?" Salim said.
Yuno and Feodora couldn't help but flinch slightly at this as they looked over to Prism as they noticed her expression had changed. Karasu and Brenin noticed this as well as they looked over to her as her gaze softened slightly.
"It's not just a legend--" Yuno said, giving Prism's hand a reassuring squeeze, "--The demon skull is still there. I was found in front of the church when I was a baby. I've never seen my parents and I don't know who they are, though it doesn't bother me as much." Prism soon noticed that Yuno took hold of the stone around his neck; her eyes widened slightly in realization when she caught a glimpse of the design.
"No way--" Prism thought, "--The whole time he has a--"
Dak soon asked Feodora, "And what about you? Have you been there since you were a baby?"
Feodora stayed silent for a moment before she found herself answering, "No--I was nine when I was brought to the Church. I came here with my parents to get away from the Diamond Kingdom, but they were murdered by Bandits."
Dak let out a gasp at this as he commented "W-wait! Seriously?!",
Fafanar had said shockingly, "I-I didn't know!"
Morwyn added, "I'm sorry."
"It's fine." Feodora said with a wave of her hand, "It happened a long time ago."
Prism couldn't help but give Feodora a look of worry, "... I guess Yuno and Asta are the only ones that know that people from the Diamond Kingdom actually killed them. But… Why would she say something like that in the first place?" Just then she felt the spirits hiding in her hood give her hair a tug as they started to speak to her softly. She put herself on a guard as she started to look around the area.
At the same time, Karasu's body posture changed as well as the look in his eyes as well as Brenins. "Hey uh--" Mowrynn said, "--What's that?"
The group looked ahead and saw that there had been dark clouds forming in the sky as it had been coming towards them.
"A storm?" Mimosa said.
"That's strange--" Arfau said, as he looked to the sky, "--It didn't seem like we were in for some rain."
"No--Somethings wrong." Brenin said as he gritted his teeth.
"Yeah--Definitely wrong." Karasu said as he pushed himself from Feodora as he took the handle of his sword.
"Those clouds… They're not normal." Prism said.
She started to groan a little when she felt her stomach start to hurt a little. "Huh?" She thought as she felt her belly, "... It's empty again...?"
"Prism--" Yuno soon whispered to her, "--Hang on tight."
Prism nodded before Yuno broke off from the group. "We're gonna go check it out." Yuno said.
Klaus took notice of Prism's expression as he wondered, "What was that just now?" His eyes soon widened in realization, "Wait, no one said to--!"
"We'll back him up." Feodora said before she flew towards Yuno.
"Hey wait!" Klaus called out before he gritted his teeth, "All of you, be on your guard!"
"Right!" Mimosa, Fafanar, Morwyn and Arfau said, while Brenin couldn't help but look alert; the four of them had gotten their grimoires ready. Yuno and Prism had gotten closer to the clouds as they looked just above them. Though Prism no longer had her magic, she could see something was wrong. And yet she couldn't help but feel afraid as she had recalled her dream she had been seeing once or twice. She tried to steady her breathing as she held onto Yuno.
"Calm yourself Prism--" She told herself, "--This isn't your nightmare. It's happening for real, and besides, Yuno, Feo, Karasu and Brenin are here. I know they have my back." She soon looked to the clouds, "Still--None of this seems natural. This has to be someone's spell. But--Why would they make clouds of this size…?"
She could feel her stomach growl again as she felt herself nearly stumble as she groaned in agony; Yuno had been quick to catch her though. "Prism? What is it?" He asked, "Are you not feeling well?"
"M-My stomach--!" She said as she tightened her grip on him. "It's hurting, like before when we first arrived to the Black Bulls, and back in Saussy--" Prism thought, "--It feel empty and yet, it doesn't feel like hunger--It hurts--It hurts--"
Suddenly she felt a pulse go off, as she didn't realize that her eyes had shifted to the color of white, as even her pupils had become narrow; through her eyes she could suddenly see the colors… Were gone.
"What?" She thought in her head, "What is this? What happened to the--"
She stopped herself when she looked to the clouds as she was quick to realize, not all of the colors were gone; she saw the unnatural clouds that had formed above them had been a bluish grey color instead. "What in the world?" She said aloud. Yuno couldn't help but have a look of shock as he saw that Prism's eyes weren't of a lavender purple like before.
"It's just like how Feodora described it in her letter." Yuno thought, "But--She's still acting like herself." He soon spoke up, "Prism?"
Prism flinched at his voice as she looked over to him, "Your eyes, they're--" He started to say.
Prism's eyes soon widened in horror when she noticed something within the clouds. "YUNO! IN FRONT OF US!" Prism exclaimed as she pointed forward.
Yuno immediately put himself on alert when he noticed the distress in her voice. That's when they saw a set of fireballs coming towards them.