I'm sorry
Having finally found the specified plant, the group could finally set their sights to go back home. Asta as eager as ever was still astounded with the Captain of the Golden Dawn "Captain Vangance... ah, that was really cool what you did back there, you took out those golems like it was nothing. Your plant magic really awesome," said the short knight.
"Why thank you, but the term is pronounced, world tree magic if you will" correcting the Black Bull.
"Oh ok... sorry about that."
"Not at all," Willam was looked at Asta very fondly. Seeing him reach such incredible heights and become the magic knight that he is, was a real honor. In all his years as a magic knight, he never had a person like him and excel as much as he did... he had only wished he got his hands on him first.
"Asta, may I ask how you are finding living, at the Black Bulls?" Willam Asked.
"Oh ah... well... I mean it's fun, we're all one big happy family, I guess. But um... it could be better," he replied.
The Golden Dawn Captain turned his head very sharply "Could be better you say. Care to elaborate on that"
"Well, it's not like I'm having any issues with the Black Bulls" turning towards Yuno with a determined look on his face "...Like a lot of things it could be better you know" he explained.
Willam closed his eyes, smiling "I see, so I take it, you would consider leaving the Black Bulls."
Sweat started to drip off Astas forehead, he became very nervous and was completely caught off guard by the Captains response "W-what? No ah. I-I didn't mean it like that... I just... um well..."
"I only jest Asta... I'm only joking, I know you didn't mean it like that." putting his arm around the Black Bull. "But I do look forward to seeing you at our exclusive event."
"Yeah me to, can't wait" Asta felt a similar feeling; to be so welcomed and receive such a warm reception from a magic knight captain, was something he didn't get to experience every day. From Nozel and now Willam, it was an extraordinary day for our hero.
He still was slightly cautious of this invite. However, he only had one thing in his mind "So, you know what's going to be served in a couple of days, Captain Vangance. Any ideas"
"Only the finest delights in the clover kingdom" replied the Captain of the Golden Dawn.
"Honestly, I can't wait, this will be so much fun," rubbing hands together. As the group was walking, Yuno was still slightly paranoid at the situation, he always knew Captain Vangance was a kind and welcoming character... but very mysterious as well. To witness his foster brother receiving such treatment was something he struggled to stomach down.
"Hey Asta..." Suddenly a tall stone tower started to crash down on the group. Lumps of stone were heading straight towards the Golden Dawn Captain. Asta quickly sensing the danger with his Ki, jumped head first into the scene. He pulled out both his swords and unleashed a mighty slash, pushing away the stone rubble, saving the Captain in the process. Yuno followed it up with his wind magic and destroyed the remaining lumps of stone falling their way.
"Captain Vangance, are you ok," asked the worried Black Bull.
"Yes, I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me..." assuring the young knight. "This boy... I knew he was fast, but to see it up close... extraordinary. He's much quicker now then he was in the entrance exams, and Yami clearly taught him the wisdom of ki, just how much potential does this boy have"
"Oh, that's a relief. I don't know why I got so worried, you're a Captain, it will take more than that to take you down. How you looking over there Yuno " turning towards his Golden Dawn teammate.
"MY YUNO IS NOT FINE! CAN WE JUST GET OUT OF HERE, WE'RE GOING TO GET OURSELVES KILLED IF WE STAY OUT HERE IS ANY LONGER?!" screamed the raging spirit. Yuno then grabbed the fairy's wings and pulled her towards him "Calm down Bell, really it's fine" shaping up a small smile. Bell took a short pause and had a surprised look on her face, this was the first time Yuno had actually smiled towards her... she was in shock, as this was very uncharacteristic of the wind user and wasn't going to waste a single moment. She shacked off the grip Yuno and gave him a tight hug across his cheeks. "Oh, my Yuno... Don't worry, once we get back home ill make sure that I have you all patched up, I promise" peeking him on the cheek.
"Cut it out, Bell," he replied.
Seconds later, the Captain of the Golden Dawn brushed himself off and then continued to lead the group out of the dungeon. Once exiting the area, the dust of wind came flying their way, the air became very breezy and began to get very cold of a sudden. The Captain was not fazed by the sudden change in temperature nor did Golden dawn and his fairy; in fact, since having a wind attribute, they began to feel a lot more at ease. Wind flowing through their body, it was a simple breath of fresh air which they happily embraced.
Asta however "Wow since when did it get so cold out here" wrapping his arms around his body.
Yuno looked towards him shaking his head "That's what you get for not wearing a coat, didn't sister teach you better than that."
"Shut up, Yuno," replied the angry Black Bull.
"Now, now you two, settle down its time for us to leave," said the Golden Dawn while pulling out his broom. "Yuno will you be ok in your current state to ride, or should call for help."
The wind user held his arm very tightly, he still felt a reasonable amount of pain around the damaged area but was nothing that he couldn't manage to take on. "I'll be fine sir if we hurry, I can get this wound all healed up. So, we have no time to lose," he replied.
"Very well then..." Willam then stood on top of his broom and started to float in midair. "Asta since you have no magic hop on and make sure that you hold very tight," he demanded.
"Yes sir... um, I have been on these before with my squad members, ah so no biggy" hopping on to the Captains broom.
The three mages and fairy proceeded to their soar through the skies. Asta couldn't sense it, but he knew the Captain was a powerful mage, judging by how fast they were going. He tightened his grip and position himself more firmly on to the broom. "Is this too fast for you, Asta, should I slow down?" asked the Captain.
"No this is fine; this is nothing but a walk in the paaaarrrkk" Noticing Asta was in slight danger of falling, Willam eased the breaks of his magic and began to travel a lot more smoothly. "We will travel at your pace Asta" shaping an annoyed look on the Black Bull. "How are you two doing back there" turning to his Golden Dawn subordinates.
"Were fine sir," replied the Yuno and Bell.
A couple of minutes later the group had finally arrived at Astas destination, the young knight jumped off the broom and skipped happily towards the Black Bulls hideout, before quickly thanking the Golden Dawn for the ride home. Before he could enter, he was suddenly stopped by a call from the Golden Dawn captain "Asta wait... there's something I need to give you" pulling out a small piece of paper and quickly writing some notes. "Here take this" passing on the letter to the Black Bull.
"What is it?" catching and looking puzzled at the paper.
"This is your invitation to the event. Be sure to bring it with you, but I will still give the word to the guards regarding your arrival," Willam replied.
The Captains words formed a massive smile on the knight's face, he lifted his invitation in the air and started jumping around in delight "oh I need to stop saying it, but THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME" he shouted.
Astas joy was then followed by a small giggle from Willam "Again I'm thrilled you're excited" resting his hands on the shoulders and smiling down fondly at the Black Bull. "Very well then, your squad is waiting for you at the back, please arrive on time in the afternoon... I will see you in a couple of days."
"Yes, of course,," nodding his head. Despite taking note of all the Captains requests, there were still some slight concerns that were spiraling through his head. "Excuse me, Captain Vengeance, if it's not too much to ask, is ok if you could send some of your buddies to come to pick me up... if-if that ok" scratching the back of his head.
Astas strange request sculpted a very puzzled look on the Captain's face "Don't you have a spatial magic user in ranks Asta?" he questioned.
"Well yeah but, he's going to be busy that day, plus I don't know where your hideout... also, uh I don't want to be a bother to anyone in my squad. They can um... get quite angry when asking them to carry out erons like this" carrying a worried look on his face
"I see... For some reason, I get the feeling you are very fearful if you told your squad mates about your invitation Asta" sparking a guilty look on the young knight.
Before the Captain could finish off his sentence, he was suddenly cut off by his Golden Dawn subordinate "Wait, sir, I can pick him up. I don't mind."
Asta had stars in his eyes, he was thrilled by how this was all turning out. "PERFECT!, just meet me in the forest over there, Yuno." pointing in an exact location.
"You got it" he replied"
Willam was surprised by what was just happening, in fact, he was very amused with Astas change in character. The Black Bull would typically be very confident and upfront when it comes to these types of things, but today he was acting secretive and somewhat sketchy. Despite these concerns, the Captain had no issues with the outcome. "Well, then I... I mean we, look forward to meeting you. Yuno get ready we're leaving now."
The Golden Dawn members set their sights and flew away from the Black Bulls hideout. Willam had a sharp grin on his face, him finally taking a closer look at Asta and seeing his worth was precisely what he wanted... not to mention giving Asta an invitation to meet at the Golden Dawn. He knew exactly what he was doing and couldn't to take the next phase of his plan. "Well that was easier than expected, setting that trap back then, he was able to quickly anticipate what was going to happen and destroy the bolder. There is also the chemistry between him and Yuno, one of which will make the Golden Dawn a formidable force. He is truly an exceptional magic knight."
Moments later the three finally made It back to headquarters, Willam still concerned with Yuno injuries ordered him to quickly find Mimosa to heal his wounds. The wind user quickly galloped forward in search of his healing mage. "Hey Yuno"
"What is it Bell" he replied.
"I think I'm gonna head out for a bit, I need to do some stuff" turning her back and moving away from the Golden Dawn.
Yuno had a confused look on his face, from hearing his sprite always scream, complain about wanting to get out of the dungeon and head home, to only then say she was heading out again was very surprising. "ok then, just don't head out for too long. I won't like it if you keep me waiting," he said worryingly.
Bell took a slight pause and smiled, from being with Yuno for nearly two years, this was the first time Yuno actually expressed even the most minor of concerns. She felt very appreciated and fulfilled hearing the anxious words coming out of the Golden Dawns mouth. Bell showed her gratitude by turning around and giving Yuno a tight hug on the cheek, "Don't worry Yuno, I won't be gone for too long."
"Ok..." petting his wind sprite. Bells face started to glow, to have herself being gently stroked from a person she really admired the most, was like a dream come true "Ok bye Yuno" she said, flying away. "Honestly what's gotten into Yuno, he's never this kind before. Whenever that kid is around, he's like a completely different person. I wish wed bump into that guy more often."
After releasing his sprite, Yuno quickly ran through the corridor to find Mimosa room, he still felt an immense amount of pain, so he knew he had to be quick.
Finally reaching her room, Yuno saw the door was slightly opened, he edged closer to knock on her door but found Mimosa lying on her bed with a small flower in her hand. "I tell him... I tell him not, I tell him... I tell him not... I tell him." pulling away from the final petal. "Ok Mimosa, no going back now. When you see Asta you're finally going to tell him how you feel... OOHHHH WHO AM KIDDING, ASTA WOULD NEVER WANT TO GO OUT WITH SOME LIKE ME" holding her head in her hands. "if I tell him and he rejects me, I don't know what I'd do" throwing away the remains of the flower
"Excuse me, Mimosa" a knock coming from her door.
The sudden sound stunned Mimosa, she jumped off her bed and fell to the floor "Oh uh, com-come in" she replied.
To Mimosa's surprise, it was Yuno who stepped through the door, she became slightly distressed seeing her teammate after the recent argument they had, but her head was quickly turned when seeing blood dripping down from his arm "Yuno ar-are you ok" she said with a distraught look on her face.
"Yeah could help me out here... please" holding his arm firmly.
Mimosa hurried and cleared out her room, to make space for Yuno recovery. "lay down here," she demanded. "PLANT RECOVERY MAGIC, DREAM HEALING FLOWER BASKET"
A large flower cradle started to form around the wind user, and dust started sprinkling bits of dirt from the top. Mimosas magic began to quickly take effect, the deep cut started to close up meaning blood stopped dripping down his arm; Yuno could no longer feel that immense paid that he was feeling a couple of minutes ago.
A couple of seconds into the recovery process, Mimosa was very curious about how he ended up like this. Seeing Yuno in his current state was no familiar site. "Mission didn't go all your way did it Yuno, what happened?" she asked
"Just shut up and focus on healing me… and make it quick," Yuno replied. The response shaped a very vexed look on the flower mages face, she sharpened eyes, gritted her teeth and was utterly distraught with her teammate's attitude towards her; she couldn't wait to see the back of him.
"When I finish healing you, you can the hell ou…."
"I'm only joking Mimosa" smiling graciously at his teammate. "Really thanks for helping me, I appreciate it…. and yeah, it was just some big plant that got me, but it was nothing I couldn't handle."
Mimosa suddenly had an unclear look about her, not only did she see Yuno all beaten up, but she also witnessed him being more kinder and appreciative to his teammates. It was too good to be true; she asked herself. "Well…. Ok then. Hold still on nearly done".
After a couple more minutes Yuno has finally decided to break the ice and for a while apologize for his recent actions "Mimosa I'm… I'm sorry for what I said earlier today, I didn't mean it. You were only trying to help, and I tried throwing you under the chariot, I so, so sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know that I feel terrible and want to put things right. I'll try and be more honest with you guys" showing a very regretful look on his face
"No Yuno it's fine, I-I forgive you really. We're teammates after all. Here I'm nearly finished" after a couple more seconds Yuno was finally in the clear, he felt zero pain and was relieved he could use his magic more comfortably.
"Thanks again Mimosa, you're a big help. I can't express how sorry I am. Guess I don't need this anymore" wrapping Asta Black Bull rope around his arm.
"No, it's fine really, ah what's that you got there Yuno" taking note of what was in his hands
"Oh this... this is just Astas rope, he let me use it to stop the blood loss when I met him in the dungeon" Yuno explained.
"Oh ah, I see" turning away in jealousy that he got to spend time with the Black Bull.
After a couple of minutes of small talk regarding the mission, Yuno stood on his two feet and brushed himself off. "Thanks again Mimosa, I'm just going to put this in the cleaners and then give it back to him tomorrow… see ya" waving goodbye to his teammate.
Before he could exit the room, Yuno suddenly felt a firm pull on the back of his arm. "Wait Yuno allow me, I-I can give it to him... an-and I can give to the cleaners. Um, you need rest, so-so just go to your room."
"Sure, knock yourself out," passing the bloody Black Bull rope. Mimosa caught the robe with the utmost delight, sure it was covered in a lot of blood and stains, but an excuse to see Asta was all she needed.
"Hey Mimosa so... you like Asta, right?" he asked.
Mimosas body started to freeze, her face began to blush uncontrollably and was caught entirely off guard by Yuno's question. "Wha-what Asta and me... um, don't be silly. He's just a friend, I-I would never look at Asta in that way" flicking her hair back.
Yuno started shaking his head "Didn't you tell me that we need to be more open with each other" capturing Mimosa attention "Besides there is no point hiding it, I heard everything through your door."
The flower mage folded her arms and looked towards the wind user, she felt incredibly embarrassed and was really annoyed with herself that her secret was out.
"Ok fine I... I like him so what" turning away blushing "Ju-just don't tell anyone ok, I don't want other people knowing about it... an-and, please don't tell Asta, I'll never forgive you if you do that me."
"haha don't worry, your secrets safe with me" assuring the distressed mage. "But good luck with that, Asta can be quite stubborn."
"oh ah, how so."
"You'll see," replied Yuno, exiting the door.
Next morning
The sun was up, and Mimosa was up on her feet, she quickly dressed in her uniform, combed her hair dabbed some make on her face-concealing any bags or spots would show. She flew out of her room, rapidly grabbing Astas washed up robe before heading out of the hideout in quick succession. "Ok, Mimosa, no going back now you're going to face him head on and tell him how you feel... and so, what if he rejects you. You won't know until you try."