The Helmet Family are known to be the top assassins of the Diamond Kingdom. With each coming generation, they are trained in the arts of magic and combat as they are bred for one purpose.
To eliminate a Magic Knight Captain.
Using their tricks and advanced spells, they infiltrate the kingdom under the guise of a different persona. And once they are close enough to the target, they kill them without hesitation and remorse.
As the years passed however, the Magic Knight Captains became stronger and harder to kill, resulting an end to the lives of the assassins that were meant to hunt them down.
The Helmet Family began to look into new ways to hit back hard, and faster than their enemies and put them down permanently. All in effort to keep their legacy and name from dying.
Their researchers found a way to make it so, after they had made a deal with the kingdom that has said to have looked into Forbidden Magic…
...The Spade Kingdom.
In return for their research, the Helmet Family arranged for a child to be married to the ruler of the Spade Kingdom when she came of age if she proved to survive a certain procedure.
Though the child survived, not everyone within the Family--Agreed with the deal.
***
Karasu and Fafanar found themselves both screaming and choking on the water as they were struggling to keep themselves afloat, though they ended up failing miserably as they found themselves nearly submerged. Eventually they found themselves going down hill and into ruins of what they assumed to be an old town as finally the water seemed to have disappeared as they both rolled on their backs coughing out the water they had swallowed.
They each started to catch their breaths.
"Did I ever mention--" Karasu started to say as he coughed, "--How much I HATE Magical Items?"
"Especially if people use it as a crutch instead of working hard to enhance their magic.." Fafnar added.
"Glad we're on the same page." Karasu said, before he took Fafanar back when he practically threw up what looked to be dirt when he sat up, "I am going to MURDER the one that thought THAT would be funny."
Fafanar said as he couldn't help but cringe, "Did you just--"
"What?" Karasu said, "I accidentally swallowed some of that while we were in that typhoon of waters okay?" He soon stood up from the ground before he looked around. He noticed that two certain people weren't with them.
"Where the hell is Yuno and Prism?" Karasu exclaimed, "Don't tell me we lost them while in that craziness?!"
"I think they might've--"
Fafanar was soon cut off as he started to cough and gag; much to Karasu's surprise coughed out a couple of dragonflies, as he couldn't help but give him a look.
"Okaaaay…" Karasu said, "... I'm just gonna ignore that."
Fafanar said while giving him a look, "Wait, didn't you just puke out dirt?!"
"Shut up." Karasu said, he soon looked over to the demon skull, "If we're going to find them we're gonna be heading them in the same direction. We need to save Sister Lily and Feo after all."
Fafanar said as his eyes were filled with determination, as he raised his fist in the air, "Yeah! We can't just sit around!"
With that said, the two of them set out in the direction of the demon skull as they both didn't want to waste anymore time.
***
Yuno found himself coming too as he had been against a large body mass. When he opened his eyes he found that he had been against Adrien as he looked to be tired and out of it; he could hear him let out a couple of huffs as he looked to be in some kind of pain. It wasn't long before he saw why; he saw that there had been a set of gashes on his leg.
"It must've happened while we were caught up in that spell."
Adrien had whimpered slightly when he tried to move; Yuno immediately placed his hand on his head, as to soothe him.
"Catch your breath. It'll be better if you don't move for the time being."
Yuno soon stood up before he used the winds to dry himself off from the water; he did the same to Adrien as in a few short moments it was like the water wasn't even there. He soon looked around the area searching for someone, but he couldn't see them or any trace.
"Prism has to be close by. Hang on a little longer Sister, Feo. I have to find her first."
Yuno was about to leave but soon felt a tug; he noticed that Adrien's tail had been wrapped around his ankle as he whimpered. Yuno soon kneeled as he gave him a pat on the head, "Don't worry." He reassured him, "I'll find help for you. I promise."
With one last reassuring pat, Adrien's tail uncurled allowing Yuno to go forward along the beaten path while Adrien rested his head on the ground, trying his best to stay awake.
Yuno had gotten out of the forest and to the clearing, to where he could see the head of the demon more clearly now. It was then he realized that whatever spell that caused the tsunami, hadn't been too far from where they were trying to go.
He started to look around the area again before he called out softly as he started to walk.
"Prism? Prism? Where are you?"
The minute Yuno stepped in a certain spot, he was soon met with a wall of water that trapped him in a cylinder. Despite this, he remained calm, and didn't panic.
Just then, a voice came from behind.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to kill you or anything."
Yuno looked over his shoulder as he noticed it had been a mage, different to the one prior had been the one responsible for it, as he possessed the same skull brooch.
"But I can at least rough you up a bit." The Water Mage said.
"... I see." Yuno said calmly, "So you were after me all along. And I take it you were the one responsible for that attack just now."
The Water Mage chuckled, "You're brighter than you look. I had to get you away from your comrades just now. Granted the Magic Item I used was a one time use only but it worked like a charm."
"A friend of mine got hurt because of you." Yuno soon told him, as he gave him a sneer. "I'll make sure you pay for that." his Grimore began to glow as his eyes screamed rage.
The Water Mage told him with a smirk, "And how will you do so?"
Yuno didn't answer him as he said his move despite the fact he had been imprisoned, "Wind Magic, Crescent Sic--"
Before Yuno could finish his spell, the Water Mage had suddenly jumped from behind--Literally. His eyes widened in shock as the attacker started to claw at him and even bite his shoulder. With a scream the Water Mage managed to get the person off of him as he was quick to toss them. They landed right in front of Yuno's makeshift prison. That's when he realized who it had been as they looked to be completely soaked and not to mention, a hook sword had been right through their left leg.
"Prism?" He said, shocked.
The Water Mage said with a glare, "You damn bitch!" His eyes soon widened when he noticed that there had been a set of small points on her ears, as her hood had been long since removed; she recovered from being thrown through much to Yuno's shock, she was on all fours like a dog.
"Holy--" The Water Mage said, "--You're the halfling on that bounty poster?"
Prism didn't answer, rather she… Growled from what Yuno could hear. Moving low and fast she charged at the water mage at an incredible speed ignoring the fact that the blade hadn't been in her leg. The Water Mage immediately conjured up a spell as a water blast came hurtling towards her. Though she moved at the last second and continued to advance towards him.
"STAY BACK!" The mage shouted
Before he could conjure up another attack, Prism soon tackled the Water Mage to the ground. Yuno could hear the mage let out a scream as he struggled to get free when Prism pinned him. He could see in the reflection of the moonlight, Prism bared a set of claws, before she dug them into the skin of his arm and neck causing him to scream bloody murder as he struggled harder.
Yuno's eyes widened when he saw that from her arms all the way to her neck, her veins glowed a blue glow.
"It's just like how Feo described it in her letter. She really can suck away someone's mana."
The water cylinder soon collapsed around him as the Water Mage's scream ceased; Prism soon stood as Yuno approached her slowly and cautiously, she seemed to let out a breath of relief as he could see the Water Mage looked pale from his face to his whole body.
"... Prism?" He said as he readied himself just in case.
She soon turned to him, revealing that her eyes were of a familiar white color and yet there was something else different from what he could see. The arm which bore the burn scar had been replaced, with what looked to be a patch of scales, in the same color as her own hair, which made Yuno jump and freeze in place.
He could see the scales glow in a shade of blue but soon vanished along with the glow of her veins. Yuno took a deep breath as despite the situation, he remained calm.
"That mana you took from him--Did it cause that?"
Prism soon stepped closer to him; she had been limping due to the blade in her leg. Even so, Yuno didn't even move, "Do you recognize me? It's me--Yuno."
Prism flinched at the name, but soon had gotten close to him as she started to sniff him which took him back. Before he could ask she suddenly took hold of his wrist and brought it close to her as he could see, she bared a set of small fangs.
"Prism? What are you--"
He soon flinched slightly when he felt a slight pinch in the pulse of his wrist. Out of instinct, he tried his best to pry himself from her grip but had no such luck. Eventually, she pulled away from him as Yuno shook out his hand.
"Ow--!"
When Yuno looked at the wound on his wrist he was surprised to see that there was already a scar there already. Prism soon sat on the ground as he could see she had gotten more docile. He could hear started to let out a pained whimper as she had been gesturing to her own hook sword in her leg.
"Damn--" Yuno said, "--This must've happened back in that wave too."
Prism soon reached out and touched the handle though Yuno was quick to stop her. "Don't." He told her, "You'll make it worse if you remove it so recklessly."
Yuno didn't find her struggling or anything of the sort; instead she pulled her hand back as she looked as though she was waiting for something. "Hang on--" Yuno soon said, "You just--"
"Yuno!"
Yuno soon turned to the sound of a familiar voice, and noticed that it was Fafanar and Karasu running towards them. Though he was startled when Prism stood suddenly and dashed away before he could stop her. "Prism!" He called out.
"Yuno!" Fafanar said as he and Karasu approached, "Thank goodness you're a--WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY HAPPENED HERE?!"
"That's a bit hard to explain." Yuno replied.
Fafanar pointed to the down mage as he shouted, "What the heck happened to him?!"
"I just said, it's hard to explain." Yuno told him.
Fafanar couldn't help but yell as he clinged onto him, "No kidding!"
Karasu soon examined him as he placed his ear against the Mage's chest. Though it was faint he could feel a heartbeat. "He's still alive." Karasu said, removing himself, "Barely."
Fafanar asked as his body shook, "B-Barely?!"
"Hey--" Karasu said, "--Was that Prism that just took off just now?"
Yuno only nodded, "She must've been startled when she heard Fafanar since she doesn't remember who he is. She ran straight to the forest."
"So Feo told you about what happened, huh?" Karasu said with a scoff, "Of course she would. She wasn't a fan of the Cap's decision after all. Just take care not to make sure he knows it."
"Noted." Yuno said.
Fafanar asked with a nervous smile, "What are you guys talking about?"
"I'll take care of the Prism problem--" Karasu told him, "--You and Fafanar go help Sister Lily and Feo."
"Adrien's not too far from here." Yuno soon told him, "He's injured pretty bad."
"Her raptors hurt?" Karasu said, shocked, "Damn it--Alright I'll go see to him. Wouldn't want the tater tot to get upset."
Fafanar soon asked, "No seriously, what are you talking about?"
Karasu soon took off in the direction where Adrien was, leaving Fafanar to ponder on what had just occurred. Fafanar couldn't help but ask Yuno as he was struggling to process, "hey Yuno could you just simplify what's going on?"
"Trust me--You wouldn't believe me if I told you in the first place." Yuno told him, "Now let's go."
Yuno soon took off ahead, while Fafanar was still trying to process what had occurred--Though eventually he followed behind as he said, "Might as well."
***
Her heart was beating so fast, almost as though she had been running a race; she could almost swear that her heart would've popped out through her chest. She could feel that her body had been aching, almost like she had been burning. She couldn't see where she was--All she could see was a black abyss she had been running through. She couldn't see what had been around her, as the only thing she could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat.
In all honesty… It frightened her.
"Don't be afraid, my precious primrose. Just because you can't see, doesn't mean you're alone."
"... Dad…?"
Prism found herself awaking with a gasp, as she noticed she had been standing in an area she had never seen before as it had still been night. She could feel a chill as the clothing she wore stuck to her skin as the wind blew past her. She tried her best to warm herself up though found it pointless as she could see how soaked her clothes had been. She winced in pain as she soon noticed her own hook sword had been stuck in her leg.
"What am I doing here?" She wondered aloud, "Wasn't I just--?"
She soon started to panic as she looked around the area. "Yuno! Karasu! Fafanar! Adrien!" She cried, "Where are they!? Did something happen to--"
She suddenly jumped when she could feel something hard and rough against the palm of her hand. That was when she saw it--It looked as though she had grown a set of silver scales. At this--She had a look of horror as her face paled.
"Wha-What is this?!" She exclaimed as she tried to scratch it off but couldn't, "Why is this on me?!"
She soon jumped when she saw a set of claws had grown, replacing her own nails as it had been darkened in black.
"W-What!?" She exclaimed, "What's this?!"
She could feel her head had started to throb as she let out a groan and stumbled as she nearly lost her balance. She couldn't help but let out a cry as the pain seemed to have increased; some of the spirits that had appeared around her pushed against her back, as to keep her from falling over the ledge.
"I-It hurts! It hurts!" She cried as some of the spirits started to change color, "So-Someone! Anyone please! Please tell me what's happening! I'm scared! I'm scared!"
She could feel the energy in her body leave as she felt her vision started to worsen; even the pain in her leg started to increase. She thought she had just imagined it, but she could almost swear, she could feel something wet dripping down her eye.
Finally she felt a sudden weight, as she found herself falling over just as the world became a blur. The spirits were quick to rush to her aid as instead of hitting the ground hard they made her float like a feather as they settled her on the edge of a pond as she laid on her side.
She could feel her eyes start to close shut, as unbeknownst to her, her white eyes changed back to lavender purple; her consciousness soon left her as spirits of fire settled around her as to keep her warm.
"... Asta…"
***
Yuno and Fafanar continued along the path as they kept their eyes on the demon skull. Two mages were already down for the count though they still kept their guard up as they weren't sure what it was they should expect. As they walked through the trees, they noticed that there had been a set of footprints that looked to go in every possible direction they could think of.
"What in the world is this?" Fafanar wondered aloud, "A false trail?"
"Looks that way." Yuno said before he mumbled to himself, "They're not even trying at this point."
Yuno and Fafanar soon dodged what looked to be a dagger made from ice; at least from what they could see. "Get to cover!" Yuno told Fafanar as he saw more of them coming.
"Crap! Crap! Crap!" Fafanar exclaimed as he ran with Yuno.
They both managed to get behind the trees as they were quick to catch their breath. Soon enough they heard a voice.
"Looks like you completely fell for the footsteps I made." They heard him say, "You should have seen the look on our faces."
Fafanar growled as he said "Darn you."
"TAKE THIS!" They heard the Ice Mage shout.
The two of them were soon taken back when a set of ice shards flew at the trees they were hiding behind rapidly; It caused the tree to fall over. Though just as it did Yuno had gotten out his grimoire as a barrier of wind surrounded both him and Fafanar, just before he could react.
"Wow! So cool!" Fafanar said as his eyes sparkled.
"Not bad--" The Ice Mage said, "--In that case--!"
Fafanar soon jumped at the fact that the ice spears soon formed together to make a large one, making it nearly impossible for either one of them to dodge. "OH CRAP!" Fafanar exclaimed, "HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DODGE THAT?!"
"There!" The Ice Mage said, "Think you can stop that?!"
The tornado that Yuno had formed soon manifested into a spear which took Fafanar back. He thrusted the spear towards him as Yuno tossed it at him as it flew towards the large dagger of ice. Though the moment it made contact, the dagger itself shattered.
"What?!" The Ice Mage exclaimed out of shock.
"So cool!" Fafanar exclaimed in awe.
Yuno soon caught a small debris in between his fingers, "Why is size the only thing that matters to you people?"
The Ice Mage clicked his tongue, "Damn it! If that's the case--!"
"Too late."
The Ice Mage looked confused but didn't realize that the ice he used started to fall as the largest one landed on top of his head knocking him out instantly; soon enough the Mage himself had been buried within the shards.
"That's the third one!" Fafanar said with a smile, "There's only three of them left now!"
Yuno soon noticed the entrance of the demon skull had been nearby; as he could see within the entrance had been illuminated; it hadn't been long before Fafanar noticed this as well. "What's that?"
"Stay close." Yuno told him.
The two of them soon approached the entrance as they each stepped inside cautiously as they were both on guard. It hadn't been long before they saw two familiar figures, but one of them looked as if they possessed only one single expression.
Yuno's expression grew cold at the sight, "Feo--!"
Fafanar had a look of horror as he said, "N-No! T-this can't be real! No! Feodora!"
"Sorry--But she just wouldn't shut up."
The two of them looked over and saw the one who had been responsible for making the flame. "And unless you don't want the same thing to happen to the nun--" The Fire Mage said, "--Then I suggest you don't move."
"You--Killed her?!" Yuno said to the Fire Mage with a sneer.
"Damn you." Fafanar said with a growl as his fist was clenched
"Don't try anything--" The Fire Mage said before he held the flame towards Sister Lily, "--Unless you want her to burn."
Fafanar had been taken back by this as he couldn't help but freeze, "Damn it!"
"Now then Yuno--" The Fire Mage said, "--Why don't you hand over your grimoire, like a good boy?"
"What do you plan on doing with it?" Yuno asked him.
"Maybe I'll sell it, maybe I'll burn it, who knows?" The Fire Mage said, "I honestly couldn't care less. Without your grimoire, you'll be a useless Magic Knight."
"So you did all this just to steal Yuno's grimoire?!" Fafanar exclaimed, "How cold are you?!"
"What happens if I refuse?" Yuno asked.
"Are you going to? I've already killed your friend." The Fire Mage said.
"Bastar--" Fafanar started to say, though was surprised when he was held back by Yuno. Much to Fafanar's own shock, he saw that he removed his grimoire from the carrier. "What are you doing?!" Fafanar exclaimed.
"That's a good boy--" The Fire Mage said, "--Now hand it over. Then I'll let you go home with your precious Sister and your dead friend."
Yuno looked to his own grimoire before he glanced over to Sister Lily and Feodora; The Fire Mage didn't notice as Yuno took a second look at Feodora. He saw that there was ice along the ropes, as he could see her eye had moved, as she looked right at him.
"... I refuse." Yuno said, surprising the Fire Mage.
"What!?" The Fire Mage exclaimed, "Don't you get it!? I already killed your friend! The Sister will--"
"I won't let you harm her either." Yuno said.
The Fire Mage laughed as he seemed to get his confidence back a bit, "Are you going to attack me? No matter how you attack--"
"You know something--" Yuno soon said, "--If any of you amateurs were stronger or clever, then maybe, you'd remember to watch your back."
The Fire Mage had been confused, until he felt the air suddenly grow cold to the point where he could see his own breath. Fafanar couldn't help but jump at the sensation as he could feel himself shiver, "Wait--This mana--!"
"No--" The Fire Mage said, "--That's impossible!"
"Ice Magic--Tiger Strike."
The Fire Mage suddenly found a fist rushed right into his stomach causing him to fly across the way and leaving a trail. When he recovered he saw right before his very eyes, there had been a familiar girl with her head mostly bloodied, and yet she stood as if nothing had happened to her. Her eyes were ice blue and a single white streak was seen on her bangs.
"FEODORA?!" Fafanar exclaimed out of shock and confusion.
"YOU'RE ALIVE?!" The Fire Mage exclaimed, "BUT--THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE, I KILLED YOU!"
Feodora groaned as she cracked her neck before wiping away the blood. "You've really gone and done it now, asshole." Feodora said as she winced, "I didn't want anyone to find me out like this, but that recovery took a lot longer than I thought, considering you hit me with that spell of yours. I swear--Magic attacks are always the most bothersome."
"YOU WERE DEAD!" The Fire Mage yelled, "HOW CAN YOU BE ALIVE!? WERE YOU JUST PRETENDING?!"
"Pretending? Yeah, let's go with that." Feodora told him, before she looked over to Yuno, "Sorry Yuno. I didn't want you to find out--At least, not like this."
Yuno shook his head, "It's fine. But you owe me an explanation for it after this is over."
"Well it's not like I can come up with a lie now." Feodora said before she turned back to the Fire Mage, "Now then--I'm gonna give you payback for hitting me on the head like that smart ass."
"Do--" The Fire Mage said, at this point, he was paralyxed before he yelled, "--DON'T MESS WITH ME YOU DAMN BITCH!" he began to charge at Feodora at rapid speeds as he shouted "I KILLED YOU ONCE SO THE SECOND TIME'S THE CHARM!"
Feodora dodged an attack from the Fire Mage before she ran at him at an incredible speed as her hand formed an ice gauntlet.
"Take my advice you damn amateur--" Feodora said, "--DON'T SCREW AROUND WITH A MAGIC KNIGHT!!"
Feodora and the Fire Mage had gotten close enough in range, though he ended up missing while she landed a hit on him, across the face causing him to stumble and hit the ground hard.
Fafnar exclaimed as his eyes sparkled, "Woah! So cool!"
Feodora took deep breaths before she fell to her knees suddenly, causing Yuno to rush over to her. "You alright?" He asked her.
Feodora clicked her tongue; her streak vanished as her eyes reverted to a familiar green color, "You realize who you're asking, Know it All?" She hissed through her teeth, "Damn it, this stings. I'm gonna be feeling this for a good long while. Not to mention that trick takes a lot out of me."
"You damn little bitch--" The Fire Mage said as he stood; his mouth had been bleeding profusely. He soon readied an attack, "--THIS TIME I'M GONNA MAKE SURE YOU DON'T COME BACK!!"
"Duck!" Yuno soon told Fafanar, which he was quick to do, while he ushered Feodora to do the same. At first they were confused as to why until--
"STEEL CREATION MAGIC: FIERCE SPIRAL LANCE!"
Klaus thrusted his hand to the ground as a lance soon came out from the ground as it flew right towards the Fire Mage. It hit him dead on as he was knocked out instantly. The three of them looked over and as they looked relieved to see Klaus, along with Morwyn, Arfau and Mimosa.
"GUYS!" Fafanar exclaimed, "You came afterall!"
Morwyn said with a smile, "Well, knowing you, you're either risking your life again or something happened."
Arfau added, "Besides, you didn't think we'd leave family, right?"
Fafanar couldn't help but say in tears, "You're the best siblings I could ever have."
"Mimosa, if you would--" Klaus said.
"Right." Mimosa said with a nod.
She soon went over to Sister Lily as she checked her over, "Don't worry she's not hurt." She said.
"Good." Klaus said, "Morwyn, could you help Miss Feodora please?"
Morwyn said with a nod, as she went over to her, taking her from Yuno, "I'll take care of her."
"Thank you." Yuno said.
"Touch my hair and I'll punch you." Feodora told Morwyn, making her flinch.
"N-noted." Morwyn said with a nervous look.
"Did you take care of them all?" Klaus asked Yuno in particular.
"There should still be at least two of them left." Yuno replied.
"Yeah, if we hurry we can still catch them!" Fafanar said.
"No." Klaus told Fafanar before he could make a move, "It doesn't matter now. They're probably too far from our reach." He soon fixed his glasses before he turned back over to Yuno, "What would you do if I hadn't showed up?"
"... Why did you come then?" Yuno asked.
"Do you think I'm some kind of fool?" Klaus asked.
This time, Yuno didn't reply as he merely turned his head. "He does!" He thought in his head before he cleared his throat, "Listen well, our duty as Magic Knights is to protect the people. I thought it was strange that these men were after you, not Salim nor Dak. Do you really think a noble would come to this village, and eat tatoes? As much as the princess likes it, I most certainly wouldn't."
"Plus, we thought it was weird that Salim asked you specifically to escort him and Dak, considering that you not only beated him, but Feodora here exposed Dak for cheating." Morwyn said.
"So I used my Plant Creation Magic." Mimosa said, "The Flower of Truth."
"Flower of Tru--What the--?!" Feodora soon said, shocked.
Feodora jumped at the fact that Salim and Dak soon came forward; though they didn't come forward specifically, instead she saw it had been a walking plant as a flower looked to have a mouth.
"THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE?!" Feodora shouted.
"One of Mimosa's special spells." Morwyn told her, "It forces people to tell the truth."
"It does?" Feodora said, shocked.
As if on cue, the plant spoke with the voice of Salim, "It's your fault I wasn't able to join the Magic Knights Yuno! Who cares about your four-leafed grimoire damn it! I'll steal it from you! I'll get my daddy to hurt you! I'll get my revenge!"
"I'll make you pay for what you did to me!" The flower yelled with Dak's voice, "I should've been the one to take the title as Magic Knight! Not that damn outsider! She's the one that's the rat, not me! Her and the peasant will pay!"
"Well, how about that?" Feodora said, impressed.
"They ended up confessing everything." Arfau said, "Which is why we came out here to find you guys."
"How did you even know where we were in the first place?" Yuno asked.
"It was thanks to Mimosa's abilities." Klaus replied, "She used her magic to find you all here. That's why we were able to back you up."
"Thank you--" Yuno said with a bow of his head, "--We--I very much appreciate it."
"Well that's rare if you know it all." Feodora said with a laugh as Morwyn healed her with her magic, "I don't think I ever heard you say thank you to someone other than me or Asta or Pri."
"Though it's strange--" Mimosa said, "--I thought Karasu and the Princess would be with you."
Yuno's look softened at this while Fafanar looked strangely nervous to them. Feodora soon stopped Morwyn as she looked worried, "... Where is Prism?"
***
The two mages had made a hasty retreat after what they had witnessed from the Magic Knights; especially who their target had been. They were lucky enough to have snuck away without anyone noticing that they had slipped away.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it all!" The Mage said, "How could this have happened?!"
"Screw getting paid by a noble, I didn't sign up for this crap!" His Comrade added, "Let's hurry before any more of them show up!"
As the two mages ran through the forest, they soon noticed what looked to be a body, near the edge of a pond as they could see a hook sword had been right through her leg. "Hey--" The Mage said as they approached her, seeing it had been a familiar silver haired girl, "--Wasn't this pipsqueak with that four leaf grimoire guy?"
"She has to be, she's got the robe and everything." His Comrade said, "She dead or something?"
The Mage soon took her ponytail as he could feel it slightly wet, "Hey--Get up."
All the two men could hear was a groan from Prism; they could see a faint trail of blood, running down her eye to her cheek. "Nah--" The Mage said, "--She probably fainted or something."
His Comrade soon noticed something from her, as he saw a set of small points on her ears. "Holy shit--" His Comrade said, "--This is the halfling on that bounty poster!"
"What?!" The Mage exclaimed, "You mean the one worth seven-hundred million yules?! It's this pipsqueak?!"
"Hey--" His Comrade said, as he soon hatched an idea, "--We can get a bigger score then selling the four leafed grimoire! Let's take her instead."
"Hell's yeah." The Mage said, as he went to throw Prism over his shoulder, "You read my mind."
"Dark Magic: Dark Cloaked Lightless Slash."
The two mages were startled when what looked to be a dark beam came flying towards them, forcing the man to drop Prism as they both jumped back.
"The hell--?!" The Mage said as he got out his grimoire, "What was that?!"
"Damn it, grab the kid, hurry!" His Comrade said.
The Mage went to do just that, but before he could--
"Dark Magic: Black Cocoon."
A black sphere soon formed around the girl before he could even place a hand on her; they couldn't see through the dome as it looked to be thicker then any fog.
"What the--?!"
"HEY! WHO DID THIS?! YOU BETTER LET US TAKE THE BRAT!"
Soon enough the person who had casted the spell stepped out of the trees and bushes nearby. It had been the Captain of the Black Bulls, Yami Sukihero.
"Whew, just made it." Yami said as he took a puff, "Now that I casted that, there's not gonna be any more problems."
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?!" The Mage shouted.
"The devil." Yami said sarcastically.
"Wait a minute--" His Comrade said, "--He's Captain Yami of the Black Bulls!"
"What!?" The Mage said, "So what?! A Dirty Magic Knight wants the bounty too?!"
Yami soon told them as he drew his sword towards them, "Bounty? That's what you think she is? Just another payday for you guys?"
"That kid's got seven-hundred million yules on her head!" The Mage said, "And once we sell her off we'll be set for life!"
"She'll make a hell of a lot more than selling off a grimoire." His comrade said.
The blade in Yami's hand soon shimmered with black, as he soon told them with a threatening aura, "You're gonna wish you never said that near me."
***
Karasu had been looking around the forest after he had picked up Adrien. Though the poor raptor had been injured and weak he had been able to shrink himself into his own robe, as he was able to tie into that of a pouch like a kangaroo would to a baby. He had been having trouble however as he could tell where Prism had gone, despite the fact that he was pointed in the right direction.
"Damn it all." Karasu said, "It's gonna take me all night to find her. After that spell sensing her the easy way put me off."
He soon took a deep breath as he pushed his hair back; he soon could feel his bandaged arm start to throb, "I got no choice now."
He shut his eyes as the throbbing seemed to have gotten worse as he couldn't help but groan.
"Just stay focused--Clear your mind--Ignore the pain--"
Karasu soon took a sharp inhale as he ignored all distractions, including the agony he felt.
He could smell the various scents around him, from the trees to the grass, to even the animals that might've passed through; it hadn't been long until he had gotten a scent in particular.
"The smell of primroses and apples." He thought, "There's no mistaking it, that's definitely her. It's faint, but she's close by."
He started to follow the scent that his nose had picked up like a bloodhound searching for its criminal. The scent had gotten stronger the deeper he went into the forest despite the pain in his arm had increased.
"She must be in an isolated area. At least that makes my job easier since no one would be around. I know she won't attack me or Adrien, so I can keep her there till the Cap shows up. The hard part though is getting her to sit in one place. I'll have to improvise if worse comes to worst!"
As Karasu had gotten close to the area, he could pick up a new scent, which was… The smell of tobacco? He couldn't help but find it odd, as it had soon clouded the scent of primroses and apples. As he had reached the clearing of where he could clearly see the pond he had been taken back when he saw two mages down and bloodied as a set of trees were knocked down.
He soon noticed someone familiar, having just removed a hook sword from his comrades leg as he had her rest on her back. The little spirits had been around her, as they looked to be examining her.
"Cap?" Karasu said, a bit surprised.
Yami had taken notice of Karasu as he wrapped Prism's leg in a makeshift tourniquet he had gotten from his own pouch, "Oh hey bad luck boy"
"You got here faster than I expected." Karasu said as he was quick to rush to their side, "Were you just near the area?"
Yami told him nonchalantly, "Where else would I be?"
"Is Prism okay?" He asked.
"She's still breathing thankfully." Yami replied as he took a puff from his cigarette, "Even after she said she wasn't going to risk her life, she does this. It's gonna be extra chores when she wakes up."
"Seriously?" Karasu said just plain shocked.
"It's called being responsible." He said after taking a puff.
Sure enough Karasu was on guard when he heard a branch snap; he had been about to draw his blade, but pulled his hand from its handle when he saw it had been Nozel and Jack that made themselves known. "Honestly--" Nozel said seeing the damage, "--You had to make a mess foreigner?"
Yami said to Nozel, "Hey, you're the one that cleans them up after."
Nozel gave a scowl before Jack added "KEKE--Her highness can't spend a day without going into the fire, huh?"
"She ended up turning feral, what was she supposed to do?" Karasu argued.
"KEKE--WHY ASK ME?!" Jack asked.
"Do you know if she attacked anyone?" Nozel asked Karasu.
The look on Karasu's face changed slightly as his grip tightened slightly on Adrien as he whimpered a little, "I don't know exactly what happened--" He soon answered, "--But one of the mages that attacked us, she ended up taking his mana. I don't know how much she took, but she left him in a comatose state. "
Each of the Captains looked a bit shocked at this. Yami had commented as he rubbed the back of his head, "Well, this got more complicated."
"Let's take her back to the capital." Nozel said, "We'll tend to her injuries there."
"Hang on--" Karasu said, "--She's still in the middle of an escort mission, if she ends up not showing up the others are gonna--"
Jack told Karasu as he had cut him off, "KEKE-Right now her well being is a top priority over anything else! I can't have my student going all animal on those other pests!"
"But--" Karasu started to say.
Yami told Karasu, as he picked Prism up, as he held her bridal style, "Don't worry, I'll give the news to Goldielocks. He'll get the message."
Karasu couldn't help but let out a sigh before he handed off Adrien to him, as he set him in Prism's arms, making sure he was secure.
"At least take him back too. He was injured in all the commotion." Karasu said, "He'll stay small as long as my robe's around him."
Yami said with a sigh, "Of course, The Lizard too."
"We'll take it from here." Nozel told Karasu, "You may return to the others."
"Alright." Karasu said.
Before he turned to make his exit he felt an odd sensation underneath his foot; it was almost piercing through the material of it really.
He removed it and saw what looked to be a silver scale that seemed to have shined like a diamond in the ray of the moon. "What is this?" He couldn't help but ask as he held it in the palm of his hand, "A scale?"
Jack in a instant took the scale from his hands much to his surprise
"KEKE--Another one!" Jack said
"H-hey!" Karasu exclaimed.
"We'll be taking this as well." Nozel added, "We'll send for her Familiar too."
"Brenin?" Karasu said, surprised, "What do you need him for?"
Yami merely replied "Why else, he needs to be safe too. If she's targeted, so are her familiars. Now go back to the others, that's an order."
Karasu had been hesitant but soon said with a sigh, "Yes sir."
With that Karasu made his exit without another word. Yami soon asked as he turned to Nozel, "how are you gonna do this anyway?"
"I only told a few about the Princess as well as her Familiar within my squad--" Nozel said, as he had taken out his magical item, "--I'll send word to Solid and have Brenin escorted to the capital."
Yami couldn't help but give him a look, "Really?"
"Do you have a problem with it Foreigner?" Nozel asked, giving him a look of his own.
Yami told him with a shrug, "No, no problems here."
"Just take her back to the capital before someone sees the spirits ." Nozel said, "I'll take care of her attackers meanwhile."
"Calm down Locks, I was getting to that." He said before he hopped onto his broom.
"Hey meathead--" Jack said with a glare, "--If you end dropping that kid I'll slice you up!"
"Hey Beanpole, do that and you'll lose an arm." Yami said with a threatening aura.
"Is that a challenge?!" Jack said while drawing his blade.
Yami said with a glare, "You really wanna start something with me?"
"Just go." Nozel told them both with a look, "Quit acting like children."
Yami had Jack both say with a click of their tongues, "Fine."
The two of them soon took to the skies as they headed straight for the capital, with the spirits following close behind them both.
***
Brenin had remained calm about the whole situation at hand. He knew it would be problematic if he himself ended up panicking, unlike the Father had been. Still he couldn't help but feel like he should be doing something instead of just sitting and waiting.
No he would think--He needed to keep his word to Prism. He was more needed here then he was out there, especially since he still didn't have a grimoire yet.
There he sat within the church, awaiting for them to return, as he couldn't help but hum. Though he had drawn the attention of the younger ones.
"Hey mister?" Hollo asked, "What's that you're humming?"
"It's a lullaby." Brenin replied with a small smile, "It helps put my mind at ease."
"Does your mommy sing that to you?" Aruru asked.
Brenin's expression softened a little, "I don't have a mommy, at least I don't think. But Prism would sing it to me."
"Wait--Prism can sing? Really?" Recca asked as her eyes lit up.
"Can she?" Hollo asked.
"Of course." Brenin replied, "I bet if you ask her, she'll sing to you too." He soon pretended to look around like he expected someone to listen. He soon whispered to the children, "Though she's a bit shy when it comes to performing in front of people. So you have to be sure to encourage her, alright?"
"Yeah! You got it, mister!" Hollo said.
"Got it!" Aruru said.
Just then they jumped a knock at the door as it nearly made Father Orsi shriek a little. Though he quickly calmed himself, "That must be them!" He said, "They're finally back!"
Father Orsi quickly rushed to the door with quick haste while the children seemed to follow as they were just as eager as they had been. Brenin soon looked at his wrist, as he didn't see the familiar holly branch along his wrist.
"No--It's not her." He thought.
"You there. Your name is Brenin, right?"
Brenin nearly jumped at the sound of a new voice, as saw a man with silver-colored hair and a pair of blue eyes, wearing a Silver Eagle robe over his entire outfit at the entrance. He seemed to recognize him by appearance as he could see certain features off of him.
"You're--A Silva?" Brenin said, a bit surprised.
The man--Solid said as he approached him, " Yes, I'm surprised you know who i am. Well, our family is one of the most well known Royals in the Clover kingdom after all. Am I right to assume your Brenin Vera?"
"Vera?" Brenin thought before he was quick to answer, "Yes. That would be me. Is there a problem?"
Solid replied, "No, the opposite in fact. I was tasked by the captain of the Silver Eagles to escort you to the capital to meet with Primrose."
Brenin's eyes widened slightly as he stood, "Has something happened to her?"
"We'll discuss it on the way." Solid replied, "If you'll please come this way."
"Something happened to Prism?" Father Orsi asked worryingly.
"Is she coming back?" Nash asked.
"Is Big Sister okay?" Hollo asked.
"Okay?" Araru asked.
Brenin didn't answer right away as he saw the looks of worry on their faces. He soon gave them a smile, "Don't worry, I'll sort this all out and let you know as soon as I can."
"Promise?" Recca asked.
"Do you promise?" Hollo asked.
Brenin nodded, "I promise."
"Come now Brenin." Solid said as he ushered him out the door, "There's not a moment to lose."
Without another word, Brenin went out the door with Solid, though not before he gave a silent wave to the children and to Father Orsi as the doors closed shut.