Night soon came upon Hage Village as everyone had settled around the table. Prism couldn't help but fawn over that familiar aroma of freshly cooked pot potatoes as her mouth had practically watered over the sensation. "Bime i elena!" Prism said as her eyes practically sparkled, "It looks as delicious as I remember!"
"You and your pot potatoes." Brenin said with a laugh, "You really haven't changed."
"Woah.." Fafanar said in awe, "They smell so delicious!"
"Is that a--" Mowryn said, "--Is that one made of pudding?!"
"Huh, I didn't think that was possible." Karasu said, astonished.
"I am shocked yet intrigued." Arfau said in awe.
"So these are the famous tato dishes I've been hearing so much about." Dak said, "How astonishing."
"I'm not sure if they'll be to your liking." Father Orsi said, "But please help yourselves."
Everyone soon took their own plates before they started to eat; most of them had been taken back by the taste, though Prism, Feodora, Yuno, even Brenin on the other hand had been eating it like it was nothing. "Mmmm~!" Prism said, "And it's just as yummy as I remember it too!"
"Yup, it's like I had this yesterday." Brenin said, eating a piece.
Karasu smacked his lips, "Not bad. I think I detect a hint of butter and rosemary in this one."
"It's like I'm tasting a whole new world!" Fafnar exclaimed.
"Wow!" Morwyn said in amazement, "You got to tell me the recipe!"
"Sister! Did anyone tell you you'll be an amazing wife?!" Arfau asked.
"Nun." Yuno said casually, "She's a Nun."
Arfau said with a pout, "I know that but still-"
Morwyn soon bonked him on the head, "Don't finish that thought."
"They're so dry yet flaky." Salim commented, "I've never had anything that made me so thirsty before. But it's delicious."
"It is definitely out of this world." Dak said.
"Thank goodness." Sister Lily said relieved.
"It would seem that you're a splendid cook, Miss Lily." Salim said with a smile.
"That's about the only thing we can agree on." Karasu said, "You've got a talent for this kind of thing."
Sister Lily couldn't help but look nervous, "I'm not all that good, really."
"Don't be so modest Sister." Feodora said, "If there's one thing that's always surprised me, it's your cooking. It's better then mine anyway."
"Yeah!" Prism added, "As much as I like being with the Magic Knights, I just can't get your kind of cooking! No offense Karasu."
"None taken." Karasu said with a chuckle, "If you don't mind Sister, would you care to share the recipe so that I can share it with my little sister back at our base?"
"Of course." Sister Lily said with a smile.
"Oh? You're a cook too?" Morwyn asked.
"Since I was seven." Karasu replied, "Why do you ask?"
"Maybe one of these days we should have a friendly cook-off." Morwyn said with a smile.
Karasu only gave her a look before he said with the hiss of his teeth, "Yeeeah, that's not gonna happen."
Morwyn shouted, "What?! ARE YOU SAYING I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE YOUR RIVAL!?"
"No, it's just that I'm not interested to have someone as a cooking rival." He said.
Morwyn yelled as she grabbed a hold of the neck of his robe, "Ehh?! What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Mor, easy." Fafnar told her. "You're getting scary."
"Remember your blood pressure." Arfau said.
"And I thought Stuck-Up was the one with a problem." Feodora mumbled.
"Now, now please have as much as you like." Father Orsi said, "You too Klaus, Mimosa."
"Ri-Right." Klaus said before he looked to the plate in front of him. His eyes had been filled with disgust as he looked upon the pie. "Why must a noble such as myself eat this unknown thing?" Klaus thought to himself, "How has the Princess eaten this?"
"Come on guys!" Prism said snapping him out of his thoughts, "You're missing out!"
"Right of course." Mimosa said before taking a piece. She took a bite out of it, before she looked surprised, "Oh my, it makes me so thirsty."
"I know, but that's the best part!" Prism said as her eyes sparkled, "It's pretty good right?"
"Yes it really is Primrose." Mimosa said.
"Just curious--" Dak soon said, "--I noticed that Sister and Father have been calling you Prism. I thought your name was Primrose."
Prism soon started to get nervous as she sweated a little, "We-Well that's uh--"
"Prism is her middle name." Yuno soon said calmly, "Sometimes she likes to be called that here."
"It's kind of their thing." Feodora added.
Dak nodded in understanding, "I see, well I can't argue with tradition." Prism couldn't help but sigh with relief. "Thank you." She mouthed to Yuno and Feodora.
"I must say it's been a long while since I had a pot potato dish in general." Brenin said, "It must be a real treat for the children to feast like that of royalty."
"Yes it really is." Father Orsi said, "We couldn't have done it without Yuno, Feo, Asta and Prism's help. They were kind enough to send back some of their first pay as Magic Knights. We were able to buy so many potatoes, we can feed the children as much as they want every day."
"Actually--Couldn't you feed us something other then pot potatoes?" Nash asked curiously.
"Wait--You've been feeding these kids nothing but pot potatoes?" Karasu asked before he looked at Yuno and Feodora, "That's all you've been eating?"
"Pretty much." Yuno and Feodora replied.
"That's REALLY unhealthy." Brenin said, "Ana latta as me, even Alma wasn't that insane."
Prism couldn't help but laugh sheepishly at this, "It's not so bad."
"It is, and you know it." Brenin said.
"I get they need protein--" Morwyn said "--But don't you guys have any other food? We can help you know? We can give you meat, vegetables, and fruit. Even cheese. I'm greatly concerned."
"Curb your tongue!" Father Orsi said, "The children are just fine with it! Look how big Yuno has gotten from eating potatoes."
"I'm RIGHT here." Feodora said, giving him a look.
"Yuno--" Salim soon said, "--You, Feodora and Primrose are truly kind to send money to your home."
"It truly is a selfless act." Dak added.
"Please, we just like to help." Prism said before she thought as she looked over to Adrien as he was happily eating from his own dish, "It's the least I can do for them since they let me and Adrien stay with them."
"These guys took me in when I had nowhere else to go." Feodora said, "They could put the money to good use."
"Yeah--" Yuno said with a nod, "--It's nothing really."
"Really thank you all for your hard work." Sister Lily said to Prism, Feodora and Yuno, "You've really helped us a lot, and not just with the tatoes."
"Really?" Prism asked curiously.
"Yeah!" Recca said, "We were able to plug a whole in the floor of the church!"
"And we even dug up a well!" Nash added.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Prism said with a bright smile, "I'm so happy for you all!"
"Oh yeah, I did notice that when we came in." Feodora said, "Good to know you guys can have fresh water close by now."
"We don't have to go for a far walk now!" Recca added.
"Thanks so much!" Aruaru said.
"Thanks!" Hollo added.
"Asta was right, they are good kids." Karasu said with a smile.
Yuno couldn't help but smile at the children's enthusiasm, though soon came to realize something. "Asta's been sending money too?" He asked, looking at Feodora and Prism.
"Yeah." Prism said, "When we got our first pay he sent most of it back."
"He sent a letter and everything." Feodora said.
"To think he'd be able to do that." Father Orsi said, before he started to cry.
"How much of it did he send?" Yuno asked.
Prism and Feodora had an awkward look as they each recalled. Prism soon motioned Yuno to lean over, which he did and she started to whisper in his ear. His eyes widened in shock as his comrades were quick to realize he had a look of shock.
"That much!?" Yuno said, surprised.
Prism nodded, "I was just as shocked as you are Yuno. It was a miracle he still had some left for himself."
Yuno couldn't help but grit his teeth before he turned to Sister Lily and Father Orsi, "Starting next month--I'll be sending all of my pay."
Everyone couldn't help but look shocked at this sort of thing. "That's reckless even for you." Feodora commented.
"W-wait, are you sure?!" Morwyn asked. "There's a saying about leaving some for yourself right? What will you buy to eat or clothes?"
"That won't be a problem." Yuno replied,
"No no no no no no!" Arfau retorted. "That's a big problem. At least save some for a rainy day."
"Not a chance." Yuno replied.
"But what if you need supplies like magic items?" Fafanar asked.
"Don't need them." Yuno repiled
"But what if you want to buy a gift for your gir--"
"FINISH THAT SENTENCE AND YOU'RE DEAD!" Feodora shouted, smacking Arfau hard in the face, causing him to fall over.
"That was a lot of punch." Karasu commented.
"Too much of it if you ask me." Brenin added casually.
"Ow.." Arfau groaned. "Why did you hit me? I was making a point."
"Though he does make a point, Yuno." Prism said before she added in a low voice, "What if you want to buy a gift for Feo? You know, like a birthday present?"
"DO-DON'T GIVE HIM IDEAS PRI!!" Feodora shouted as her face turned red.
Yuno gave it some thought before he said, "You know you're right, that's not a bad idea."
Feodora screeched as she turned away as her face turned red completely. "Wow--It took just that much to convince him." Karasu said nonchalantly.
Morwyn exclaimed as her jaw dropped, "wow, that actually worked."
"Hey, is it normal for Fi-Fi to be steaming?" Fafanar asked as he pointed out at Feodora.
"WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT THAT DAMN NICKNAME!?" Feodora yelled, making Fafanar squeak.
"So-sorry." Fafanar aid with a gulp.
Prism only sighed as she said, "At least Feo's less hostile with Yuno here."
"Yeah there's a HUGE difference." Karasu added with a nod.
"There's a difference?" Fafanar, Morwyn and Arfau said shocked.
Klaus soon cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, "Lord Dak, Salim, we should be on our way."
"Oh, we don't have to leave so soon." Dak said.
"He's right." Salim said, "It wouldn't hurt to stay a little longer. In the future it'll be important for nobles to have more knowledge of the world."
Dak went to get some more water from the pitcher but noticed something. "Oh? It looks like we're out of water." Dak said.
"Hang on, I'll get some." Sister Lily said.
She went over to the vase that was in the corner of the room, but noticed that it had been empty. "Looks like we're all out." Sister Lily said before she picked up the vase, "I'll get some more."
"I'll do it." Yuno said.
"Oh no please." Sister Lily said, "You can stay seated. It'll just be a quick walk over to the well."
Feodora soon stood, "Hang on! I-I'll accompany you! I need to cool my head."
"Are you sure?" Sister Lily asked.
"Oh yeah, it's totally fine!" Feodora said, "I need the fresh air!"
Sister Lily soon noticed the red on her face as she couldn't help but smile. "Alright then. Thank you." Sister Lily said with a smile.
"Oh, one moment." Salim said as he stood.
Sister Lily and Feodora stopped as Salim approached them; much to their own surprise, Salim placed his robe over Sister Lily's shoulders. "It's chilly at night." He said.
Sister Lily bowed her head, "Thank you very much."
Feodora couldn't help but give Salim an odd look before Dak had gotten her attention, "Would you like me to lend you my robe Feo? Wouldn't want you to catch a cold."
Feodora's eye twitched before she scoffed, "No. The cold never bothered me in the first place."
With that being said, they soon went outside to retrieve the water. "Huh--I guess you're a gentleman afterall." Nash said.
"Oh it's nothing!" Salim said, "My body just acted on its own. It's just the proper etiquette for a noble."
"Indeed." Dak said.
Prism couldn't help but look worried at this, while Karasu, Yuno and even Brenin had a skeptical look on their faces as they couldn't help but feel that something was off.
***
Feodora had been grumbling the whole time as she had gotten the water from the well; the blush of red had still been on her face as she was trying to get rid of the embarrassment she had to go through. Sister Lily noticed this as she couldn't help but look amused.
"I take it you haven't told Yuno that you actually like him, huh?" Sister Lily said.
Feodora sighed as she set the bucket down, "It's that obvious?"
"You're not gonna get anywhere if you're not honest." Sister Lily said to her. "You should tell him, I'm sure he'll like you back."
Feodora groaned as she hit herself in the head, "Speak for yourself. It doesn't help that everyone around teases me about it."
Sister Lily told her as she picked up the vase of water, "Don't worry. I'm sure that's your friend's way of supporting you."
"Emphasis on the word--"
SMACK!
Feodora felt a blunt object hit her in the back of the head, as her vision had soon gotten fuzzy, and the world became distorted.
The last thing she saw before everything turned black was Sister Lily about to let out a scream, but was foiled when someone had covered her mouth.
***
Everyone had been chatting with each other, as most of the children were making friends with the members of the Golden Dawn, even Klaus much to his own surprise. Prism herself had been enjoying catching up with Yuno, but the little spirits in her hood had suddenly become alert, and even Adrien started to growl which had gotten her attention.
Brenin had stood up from his seat suddenly while the expression on Karasu's face changed.
"Bud? Brenin?" Prism said as she stood and went to calm the raptor down, though he still growled, "What is it?"
"This smell--" Brenin said softly before--
CRACK!
Everyone had jumped at the sound of something breaking nearby, though Prism and Yuno immediately stood up in alarm. They had been taken back when they both ran out the door, as Adrien had been quick to follow them both outside.
To Prism and Yuno's horror, they saw the vase had been broken leaving the ground mostly drenched, as Sister Lily and Feodora… Were both gone.
"No!" Prism exclaimed as she ran over to where the broken vase had been. Immediately she started to look around the area, "Feo! Sister Lily! Can you hear me?!"
"Prism--" Yuno said, placing his hand on her shoulder, "--Calm down."
"What could've happened to them?!" Prism said as he saw her face had been written with fear; he could see the spirits had started to change color "Did someone take them!? Was it bandits?! Or a rogue knight?!"
"Take deep breaths." He said to her calmly, as he got her to face him, "You're not gonna help them by panicking, alright?"
Prism had been taken back by this but she knew he had made a very good point; she took a deep breath as she placed her hands over her chest. He could see the spirits had reverted back to normal.
"Good." He said with a reassuring smile.
"Yuno! Big sister!"
They both turned and saw the group had caught up to them, as they were just as shocked as they had been. "What happened!?" Father Orsi exclaimed.
"Where's Sister and Feo?!" Nash asked.
"We don't know yet. We'll figure it out." Prism replied calmly before she looked around the area, this time with a calm and open mind. She noticed below her feet there had been a set of footprints; two that belonged to Feodora and Sister Lily, and others she hadn't seen before.
She kneeled onto the ground as she examined them more thoroughly, "Three?" She thought, "No, there were two of them. There are no signs of magic in the area, or a struggle. Not even bandits could do this kind of job, so--"
"Hey!" Brenin said tapping her shoulder, he soon whispered in her ear, "Adrien says he found something."
Prism looked at her raptor as he approached her. He had been holding something in between his teeth as he showed it to her. Prism took the item and upon further examination, she could see it had been--
"A brooch?" Prism said as she could see the skull design.
"Let me take a look." Klaus said.
Prism nodded before she handed the brooch off to him. He looked at the design as he was quick to recognize where he had seen it before.
"This is the same one from the men that attacked Lord Salim and Dak from earlier." Klaus said.
"They must've taken Sister Lily and Feodora." Karasu soon concluded.
"H-How awful!" Dak exclaimed, "How could they have done something like this?!"
Salim's eyes soon widened in realization, "Of course! It must be because I put my robe on her! And when Feodora accompanied her--" Salim soon collapsed to his knees, "--It should've been me!"
Adrien soon let out a couple of noises getting Prism's attention. He soon pointed towards the demon skull like he had been a hound on the hunt.
"That must be where they've taken them." Karasu said.
"Good boy Adrien." Prism said, patting him on the head.
"Will Sister Lily be okay?" Aruru asked while hugging Yuno's leg.
"Is Feo gonna be alright?" Hollo asked as he sniffled.
"Don't worry little ones." Prism said to them with a reassuring smile, "We'll get them back, I promise."
Yuno soon patted Aruru on the head, before he had a thought, "Prism--Adrien can track them can he?"
"Yeah." Prism replied.
"Then--" He said as he stood, she could see his eyes filled with determination, "--Lead me to them."
Prism's eyes had been in awe before she nodded, "Of course."
"I'm coming too." Karasu soon said, "You'll need someone to watch your back tater tot."
"Thank you Karasu." Prism said as her expression brightened, before she turned to Brenin, "Can you stay with them, to keep them safe?"
"You have my word--" Brenin said, "--I'll protect them with my life."
"Wait--!" Father Orsi soon protested as he held his broom, "--We're coming too!"
"So am I!" Recca said.
"And me!" Nash said.
"No." Yuno told them, as he had gotten his broom, "We need you to stay here. We'll take care of this."
"I'll come along!" Fafanar told them as he held his broom, "You'll need all the help you can get!"
Mowryn soon said, "Yeah! Besides, you ain't gonna have fun without us!"
"Don't write us off, Yuno!" Arfau said.
"I said you're staying here." Yuno told them, shocking them.
Before they could make an argument, Klaus soon stepped in. "Wait!" He said to them, "Have you all forgotten the mission we were given? Our mission is to escort Salim and Dak. We don't know when the enemy will attack and come after them again. We must leave at once."
Prism's eyes widened at this before she was met with a familiar scene; for a brief moment she found herself in her village holding the hand of a terrified Brenin, as well as two others as a crowd of people had been around her as a man stood in front of her and them.
"Boo." Fafanar said. "Four-eyes this is no time to be a jerk."
"How--" Prism soon said to Klaus as her voice shook, "--How could you say something so cruel? How could you be so heartless?"
The group jumped as they hear here say those words. Klaus sighed, "I know you're worried about them, but as Magic Knights we have to focus on one goal only. We should leave this to the authorities who have jurisdiction here. I'm sorry."
"So you're basically saying we should abandon them?!" Karasu exclaimed before he gritted his teeth, "And to think--I thought I saw hope in you damn royals!"
"Well regardless--" Klaus said as he held his grimoire, "--We're leaving immediately."
Soon enough the metal cart had appeared in a flash as the group couldn't help but have mixed feelings about the whole thing. "Lord Salim, Lord Dak, let's go. Mimosa, Fafanar, Mowryn, Arfau, Yuno--" Klaus soon said, "--Grab your brooms."
"Ye-Yes sir." Mimosa said hesitantly as she went to get her broom.
"Y-yeah." Arfau added. "Co-com on guys."
"O-of course." Morwyn said
"No." Yuno soon said, shocking them, all except for Prism, Karasu, Brenin and Fafanar, "I'm not leaving."
Fafanar soon said with a huff, "me neither! I'm helping Feodora, and Sister Lily!"
"Need I remind you we have to fulfil a mission." Klaus said, "Disobeying it is a crime."
"For your crew, maybe--" Karasu said, before he had a confident smile, "--But we're not a part of YOUR squad, now are we?"
Prism said, "Mission or not it shouldn't matter! We can't just sit by and do nothing!"
Prism soon ran over to Adrien as she hopped up on his saddle along with Karasu. "Wait--!" Klaus called out trying to stop her.
"Adrien--Seek!" Prism soon commanded.
And just like that, Adrien took off running towards the direction of the skull; Yuno quickly hopped up on his broom and was quick to follow behind them.
"Hey! Come back!" Klaus called out.
Morwyn shouted, "You'll get hurt out there!"
"Dragon Magic-Dragon's flight." Fafanar said as he began to jump up and flew to follow Prism.
"Fafanar!" Arfau shouted.
Klaus clicked his tongue, as he watched them disappear at a distance, "I can't believe this…"
***
"Wakey, wakey Diamond scum."
Feodora could feel a splash of water on her face as she started to cough; her vision had been somewhat of a blur as she could feel her head throbbing. The very first thing she noticed was the fact she had been in a different place entirely, rather she had been in a location she had been all too familiar with as she found her arms and legs tied up; her grimoire removed from her person though it wasn't too far from them. The faces she had been met with had been a familiar set of mages wearing dark colored robes and having a skull brooch.
Feodora couldn't help but roll her eyes, "What a lovely sight to wake up to."
The first mage chuckled, "And here I thought you people from the Diamond Kingdom didn't have a sense of humor. Though I'd be careful if I were you, you're not exactly in a position to make jokes."
"I can't help it. I want to be funny." Feodora said smugly, "What did you do with Sister Lily?"
"Don't worry yourself." The second mage said. "We'll deal with her later. Right now. We're talking about you!"
Feodora gave each of them a look before she started to look around the area. "What the hell are you looking for?" The third mage asked.
"Your boss." Feodora replied casually, "I assume he's around barking orders. Or maybe not, though one could never be too careful."
"How do you know I'm not him?" The first mage asked, getting up close and personal.
"Because you don't look like that kind of guy." Feodora replied nonchalantly, "So what's your play? You're gonna ransom us? Call in a trade for the royal and snake?"
"What did you say?" The second mage asked.
"I mean I'm assuming that you guys had the balls to kidnap a Magic Knight and a Nun WHILE other Magic Knights were nearby." Feodora said, "Just know you try any funny business with me I can and will bite off an ear, or a tongue--Whichever comes first."
The second mage growled as he said, "You damn bitch!" he hurled his fist at Feodora as the moment she was hit she could feel her blood drip from her mouth and down her chin. She only clicked her tongue before she spat out some of it to the side.
The first mage told her, "You got a lot of nerve talking to us like that."
"So you thought violence was the first suggestion?" Feodora asked. "Men, always let the hands do the talking instead of your mouths."
She felt another fist go across her face, as at that time she could nearly feel a tooth get knocked out. The third mage soon told her, "Shut the hell up! What do you know anyway?!"
"I do know you're not as bright." Feodroa talked back as it earned her another punch, this time to the gut. She fell to her knees as she coughed up her own spit and blood.
"You'd think we'd trade you and the nun for those two?" The third mage said, "Nah, you both are just the bait!"
The second mage added, "yeah! Once that four leaves from that peasant comes we'll take his grimoire and kill him! Who knows how much that thing cost?!"
Feodora sat herself up as she still held her look, "Just as I thought--You really wanted him in the first place. I knew this whole escort mission smelled fishy from the start. Those guys really are just damn snakes."
The first mage told her, "Yeah, that's what we wanted all along. Trust me you may be cute but you ain't my type!" he kicked her across the face as he let out a cry.
Much to their own shock, Feodora started to chuckle before she bursted out laughing while on her side. "Hey, what the hell is so funny?!" The Second Mage yelled.
"Oh nothing much--" Feodora replied, "--I'm just imagining the look on your faces when you see how outmatched you really are."
"W-what was that?!" The fourth mage shouted.
"As much as I hate to admit it--" Feodora soon said, "--I fought that guy plenty of times when I was a kid, and never once did I ever win against him! Just wait till you idiots see! That peasant ain't gonna let a couple of amateur mages like you get the better of him. After all--He's got himself an already powerful rival! It's so pathetic it's just to die for!"
Feodora continued to laugh as it took the mages back. "Why if he could--He could take on a whole army of you clowns!" Feodora soon laughed even louder. If her legs weren't tied up right now, she would be kicking them right now.
"You damn--" The first mage as his grimoire formed in his hand a hammer made of fire, "--QUIT YOUR DAMN LAUGHING YOU DAMN DIAMOND SCUM!"
The mage soon took a swing as Feodora didn't even have time to see it coming.
SPLAT--Went the sound making them jump. Feodora's head, now entirely covered in blood, fell limp on her side, as her hair had hidden her eyes; she was no longer breathing. A puddle of red soon formed as it drenched her robe and stained her hair.
"Hey!" The Second Mage shouted, "What the hell do you think you're doing!? We needed her!"
"Damn it! Leave it to you to let your anger do the talking!" The third mage groaned
"Tch! Whatever!" The first mage said, trying to hide his pure shock and fear "Just hurry up and get in positions! We'll work with what we got!"
"What do we do with the body?!" The second mage said.
"Bury it, dump it at sea. I don't care." The first mage said, "We'll take care of it later! Just hurry up and go!"
The other mages didn't look pleased as they soon left the area, while he went over to Sister Lily. He didn't even seem to be aware of the fact, the ropes around Feodora--Slowly started to freeze.
***
Prism, along with Karasu, Yuno and Fafanar had been following the path provided as Adrien had gotten their scent. He had been running at full speed while Yuno and Fafanar managed to keep up the pace. Karasu had been holding on tight as the height didn't seem to bother him as much though noticed how Prism's body shook.
"Prism?" Karasu said, "You doing alright?"
Prism replied as he could see her rub her eyes, "I'm fine! Doing just fine!"
Karasu sighed, as he could tell what had been bothering her. He placed his hand on her shoulder as she kept her eyes forward. "Not everyone is like you." He said to her, "Some will often put a mission before others. Just know--You have people like us."
Prism didn't say anything as she tightened the grip on the ropes as Adrien continued onward. She noticed that he started to slow down.
"Adrien's got something!" Prism soon said.
Yuno and Fafanar immediately descended as Adrien soon stopped in his tracks as he started to sniff around the area. The place they had stopped looked to be surrounded by old ruins as Adrien started to sniff the ground and air. "What is it?" Yuno asked.
"Adrien's been tracking the scent from the brooch." Prism explained, "Whoever he must be smelling might be nearby." The little spirits soon spoke to her, as she and Karasu hopped off of Adrien, "Everyone, be ready."
Yuno and Fafanar had gotten themselves ready as well as Karasu as he drew his sword. Prism took hold of her hook blades as they each stood back to back from each other.
"Where are you--?" Fafanar said looking cautiously, "Where are you…?"
Prism looked cautiously as Adrien bared his claws and teeth, while he growled as the streaks on his body glowed. "Keep calm Pri--" She told herself, "--Deep breathes… You're gonna be fine. Stay calm and collected, like Yuno told you."
Suddenly Prism felt a sudden pulse go throughout her body followed by a familiar sound which seemed to make them all jump.
GROWL, GROWL--Her stomach went. Prism fell to her knees as she dropped her weapons while she let out a groan. "Hey!" Yuno exclaimed as he rushed to her side, as Prism continued to moan with agony.
She placed her hands over her stomach as she had her head to the floor. "M-My stomach--" Prism groaned. The sound of her growls started to get louder as this time she let out a cry; immediately Adrien was at her side at the sound of her distress when she collapsed on her side.
"H-hey" Fafanar said. "Are you okay, Pri?!"
"I-It hurts--" Prism groaned, "--I-It hurts so much."
Karasu soon noticed the color of her eyes as she opened them; they had changed to a familiar white color while her pupils became narrow and silted. "Is that feral side of her starting to come out?" Karasu thought, as he looked around the area again, "Is she reacting to the mage out there--" He soon looked to Yuno and Fafanar, "--Or is it one of them? Either way, if it shows up while she's out here, it won't bode well for any of us."
Karasu soon rummaged through his pocket before he had taken out the Magical Device; once he had generated it with the bit of his mana, he pressed the button in the middle while he had it behind his back and it started to light up in a set of rainbow colors.
As Prism tried to get through the pain she could feel her arm start to throb, "This sensation--" She thought, "--It's just like before. Why?! What in the world is happening to me?!"
Before either one could do anything, Karasu soon became alert before he used his sword to slice an attack with one swing, making Yuno stand and shocking Fafanar. Another attack came as it proved to be too fast for Karasu, though this time Yuno was able to block it with his wind.
"What in the--?!" Fafanar exclaimed.
A mage soon stepped out from hiding as he held his grimoire in his hand. "It seems that you're confusing recklessness with courage Yuno." The mage said.
Yuno couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at this, "You know my name?"
He soon opened it to a certain page, "Take this! MEHA!"
Suddenly out from the ground, a set of stones from the very earth emerged, as it moved towards them at a quick pace. Yuno, Karasu and Fafanar were quick to act on their part, while Adrien was able to pick up Prism and run with her, minding his teeth. They dodged and avoided the attacks coming towards them as the stone didn't once pierce their skin.
The moment Yuno landed on the ground, he had gotten a spell ready. "Towering Tornado."
The wind soon lifted the shards of rock as they were sent back towards him as they knocked him off his feet and onto the ground knocking him out instantly.
"Well--That was easy." Fafanar said, shocked.
Karasu's eyes widened when he saw what was behind them; an attack, one made from water, soon came up from behind, "HEADS UP!!"
The next thing they knew the whole land was flooded, as the water ended up dragging them through the land; they didn't even have time to reach for their brooms as they found themselves drifting as if they were in a river.
"What the--?!" Fafanar exclaimed as his mouth nearly gurgled, "The land! It's--!"
"Everyone!" Karasu called out as he was nearly submerged, "Keep your head above the water!"
Yuno practically gasped for air as he was struggling to keep himself up; he soon heard a screech from Adrien as it looked as though he had been practically drowning himself. Using the winds he pushed himself towards him and grabbed a hold of the straps as he screeched.
"Where's Prism!?" He exclaimed, noticing that she hadn't been in his mouth anymore.
Yuno soon noticed a shadow casted over him as he was sure enough he and Adrien had found themselves swallowed from a wave, made by a spell itself.
***
-The Tree-
Both Nozel and Jack had been searching within the tree since the afternoon and so far the search had turned up fruitless, much to their own dismay. They know they were ordered by the Wizard King to search for the answer to why Prism had this sudden change and why she had been in some sort of feral state of mind recently. They just needed one clue, one little hint at least as to why.
Though both were annoyed by the results.
"There's nothing here within the roots." Nozel said as he had been within the tree, "Not even so much as a trace of mana left."
"KEKE-This is hopeless!" Jack shouted "We've been here all day!"
"I don't understand what Julius expects us to find in this tree." Nozel said, "Most of the roots have already withered away after the princess emerged from here. Whatever did this couldn't have left a trace of its existence."
"Keke, if you ask me, this is a dead end!" Jack shouted. "We might as well go home!"
Nozel sighed, "I have to agree with you, commoner. We should stop searching for today and try again for the next."
The two captains went to make their way out once Nozel climbed out of the tree with the help of his magic. Though as the clouds showed the moon the two had been taken back when they could see something reflected from within the now dead roots of the tree as the tip of it shined like that of a diamond. The two noticed that whatever it had been, the roots had grown around it.
"What have we here?" Nozel said as he inspected it.
Jack was quick to draw his blades before he said, "KEKE--Whatever it is, maybe it'll serve as a sharpener for my blade!"
Nozel took the object in question as he went to pull it out, but he couldn't move it. "The roots must've grown around it." Nozel said, "I can't get it out."
Jack soon told him, "Stand aside locks!"
Nozel sighed before moving as Jack took a swing; in an instant the roots had fallen apart and the object in question had been revealed as it had fallen out. The object that had fallen into the dead bed of grass had been in the color of black as it had been shaped like that of a teardrop. When Nozel picked it up from the ground it had fit in the palm of his hand, as it shined like that of a gem. It looked to be chipped and damaged as despite its shine it seemed to have faded.
"It's a scale." Nozel said.
Jack said, looking at the object, "huh? But what the hell is this doing here? Keke!"
Nozel had pondered a thought, before he placed the scale within his pocket. "Let's get this back to headquarters." Nozel suggested, "It might tell us about what happened to her highness."
The two of them soon jumped at the sound of a familiar ring. Nozel soon noticed it had been from his magic item. Nozel was quick to answer, "Nozel here."
"Hey Locks, did you find anything?"
Nozel groaned as he recognized that familiar voice before he replied, "We might've found something. What do you want?"
Yami soon replied after he sighed, "We got a problem--By which I mean a princess problem."