Chapter 4 - Becoming the Norm
A/N: I do not own the Black Clover Franchise or any canon characters mentioned below.
I do own Lucia Flurris, and any other OCs mentioned.
WARNING: This story will contain death, violent, blood/gore, angst, loss, trauma and mentions of sexual themes.
Hey guys, I had a bit of trouble with this chapter for some reason. None of the words flowed well and there were a LOT of grammatical errors in my sentenses. I'm pretty sure I got most of them, but feel free to point any out of you see them!
Enjoy!
Night came and went in the quiet streets of Hecairo, and the sun peeked its head over the darkened horizon, sending bright beams of light into the windows of the church, where the Magic Knights were staying until their mission came to an end. Lucia, sadly, happened to have the futon closest to the window, and was all but blinded behind her eyelids as the silent, yet vivid rays of light surprised her sleepy senses.
With a groan, Lucia opened one eye slightly, flinched at the sun's brightness hitting her sensitive corneas, before she rolled over and buried her face in her pillow, hoping for just a little more sleep. However, it seemed fate was not on her side that morning, as at that exact moment, Celeana stepped into the room, clearing her throat before bellowing out to her troops. "GOOD MORNING!"
Immediately several of the sleep-deprived knights shot upright, while some whined and tried to hide under their blankets. Thankfully, the icy noble was one of the few that immediately sat up, so she knew she would not be on the receiving end of Celeana's punishments.
The water-attribute witch for the Grey Deer looked at the less-compliant members of her squad and huffed, pouting visibly as she lifted her hand. "Okay, have it your way!" With a snap of her fingers, small bubbles of cold water appeared above the heads of all the ignorant members, before dropping onto their once dry bed sheets, leading them to yelp and sit upright as well.
Celeana, in her cruel glory, giggled at their soaked appearances and placed her hands behind her back. "That's better! C'mon, it's time for breakfast, then we've got to get to work, Hecairo isn't going to rebuild itself, after all!"
Lucia and the other compliant teammates saluted tiredly, which Celeana nodded at before she turned and left the room, closing the door so they could all get up. Thankfully the female and male members of each side were separated and slept in different rooms, so some of the female members who wore less than appropriate sleeping attire just got up and got dressed without even trying to hide their near-naked bodies from the other women.
The icy mage that was quick to wake, sluggishly got out of bed and did just as her comrades had done, she slipped out of her night clothes and changed into her uniform, all the while the rest of the women in the group started conversing among themselves. Of course, once she was decent, she tossed her robe over her shoulders, tying it shut so the clover symbol rested perfectly over the indentation at the center of her collarbone.
"Oh yeah!" One of her fellow teammates exclaimed, looking over at Lucia as the others in her group followed suit. "You're Flurris, right?"
The cold woman hummed and looked up from her uniform inspection to see the small band of mages staring at her curiously. "Yes, why?" She asked curtly, not wanting to spend more time than necessary conversing with them, she had a job to do, after all.
"I've wanted to ask you this for the past week, but I never got the time..." The woman continued, hearing the others in her group shushing her, which she swiftly ignored. "So I wanna ask now...Where'd you get that scar from?" She pointed to her right eye, which lacked a scar, while Lucia's hand mirrored her action, touching the rough flesh of her long-time injury.
She had a large red-tinted scar across the whole of her right eye, which caused the skin there to bump and ridge, like the rippling waves of an ocean. It was no longer sore to touch, but the skin was far smoother than anywhere else on her body, it was a mark she would bear for the remainder of her days. In response the ice mage bristled with a sharp scowl and scoffed, tugging on her tied robe once more before she started walking towards the door. "I don't have time to answer these foolish inquiries."
She could hear the other women in the group react to her statements, some gasping from her rude response, while one mage, a timid woman, apologized for her friend's question. Meanwhile, the asker herself huffed and shrugged, not caring if Lucia was offended. "Geez, sorry. It was only a question. Just because you're a newbie doesn't mean you have to be so stiff all the time!"
Lucia did not even bother to respond to the quip, since it made very little sense to begin with. That woman had joined the Grey Deer at the same time she had, therefore they were both of equal status. She had no time to dwell on their piddling intelligence. She had far more important things to be doing than humoring their dull conversations, and she intended to get to work immediately.
After all, the sooner she and the others repaired Hecairo, the less danger the children of the village would be in.
~CR~
Lucia stepped out of the church once breakfast had been served, letting out a soft sigh as the warm sunlight bathed across her pale skin. She had to admit, the open air of the Commoner Realm was far crisper than Raquey's had been. Perhaps it was the lack of tourists, or even the open forests surrounding them. Whatever it was, it soothed her stress and prepared her for anything that came her way.
With that in mind, shen started walking towards a construction sight she had been assigned to. She had been helping with the restoration of the village for most of her time in Hecairo, and she knew the houses of all the citizens had to be repaired so that the townsfolk felt safe in their beds at night, otherwise their job would be deemed a failure, rather than the success they felt that previous week. She smiled ever so slightly when the young girl from the night of the bandit attack ran past with her precious dolly, giving her an excited wave in the process, which Lucia mirrored, albeit far more calmly than the child herself.
As she neared the collection of dilapidated buildings, a few of her teammates greeted her, some holding large beams of wood, while others held food and water supplies for the people of the village. She had gained a small sliver of respect from her comrades due to her brave actions during their dangerous fight, and honestly, despite not caring what others thought, it was nice to know she was not deemed a fool for jumping into battle so brazenly.
If her father had found out, she would have been scolded for weeks over her reckless decisions. Of course, the head of House Flurris was known for his cool, collected battle style and how easily he could form strategies. She always vowed to take his teachings and make them her own one way or another, so to know she had acted so impulsively, made her want to hide her face in shame.
However, that thought was quickly forgotten when she arrived at the construction sight and was greeted by several of the Magic Knights assigned to rebuild the many homes damaged by the bandits. Some were slacking off and complaining, but at least one or two of her allies did their tasks without question, genuinely happy to do their part for the people of the Clover Kingdom.
Roark, who was overseeing the repairs while Celeana healed the sick and injured, and Dante collected supplies to aid their reconstructions; nodded silently at her as she approached. "Good morning, sir." Lucia greeted politely, though her tone was still as cold as the ice she conjured up. "Do you have a task for me?"
The silent intermediate knight glanced at her, then pointed to a pile of lumber and other materials nearby. "Take them over to Evan." He gestured towards a man who was hammering nails into the support beams being built to serve as the house's foundation.
Lucia nodded and saluted sternly. "Yes sir!" Despite her title as the heir to the Flurris family name, the rather frigid, young woman was quick to do as her senior in rank, yet junior in age, said. She lifted heavy materials into her arms or on her shoulder, depending on the size and length, and took them over to Evan, who graciously accepted them, then distributed them among the others who actually did their duty and helped in the repairs.
Meanwhile, the lazier of the group, one being a nobleman with long blonde hair, sneered as she past for the fourth time. "I don't see why you'd lower yourself to their level." He scoffed, crossing his arms as he and his friends snickered when she came to a halt as she went to pass a fifth time. "You're a noble, yet you're willing to let your title be tarnished by taking orders from a filthy commoner? Why should we stoop to their standards and fix houses when our magic far surpasses their own?"
This made the lilac-haired mage spin to face them, shooting daggers at them with her burnt orange eyes. Unlike the last time she disapproved of their statements, she spoke up, snarling at them as her voice came out in nothing more than a bitter, venomous hiss. "Unlike you useless mongrels, I plan to uphold my duty as a Magic Knight, whether I believe the commoners deserve help or not." She snapped, causing them to falter with uncomfortable frowns and awkward laughs. "If you truly refuse to work, even when ordered by our captain, Julius Novachrono himself, then you may as well hang up your robe and go home now, because you do not belong in any of the squads, let alone the most powerful in the Clover Kingdom."
"Who do you think you're talking to?!" The man barked, glowering back at her as he stepped down from the doorway, now at eye level with the young woman, well, nearly eye level, despite her being three years older, he was still far taller than she was. "I will not be spoken to in such a vile-!"
His retort was cut off when Roark's large hand landed on Lucia's shoulder, directing both their attentions to the silent intermediate mage who shot daggers at the man who insulted his new teammate. The guilty male let out an uncomfortable sound as he faltered under Roark's rock-hard glare before he scoffed and turned, walking away with nothing but a sneer twisting his flawless features.
Lucia did not relax once the argument ended, instead she shrugged out of Roark's grip, turning towards her previous destination. "Imbeciles..." She spat, shooting one last glare at the other rookies, who quickly got to work to avoid the rock-mage's silent anger. Of course, she was the only one that did not fear their superior's hard stare, so she didn't flinch when he looked her way, instead she kept walking. However, When he cleared his throat, she faltered, turning back with little change to her cold, emotionless gaze, though there was still a sliver of heat in her orange irises. "Is something the matter?"
Roark gestured for her to follow him and lead her away from the construction sight. With a sigh, Lucia placed the materials down and followed the man, with some difficulty of course, as his every step equaled four for her. Meanwhile, the rookies scoffed and laughed at her retreating form, glad she was being reprimanded and shown her place in their ranks.
She wished she could have thrown her ice in their faces, but with the chemical compound her magic was made up of, it would have meant causing them permanent injury. It was nice to dream though.
Eventually the two stopped just outside the town's borders, where Dante and his small group passed holding large logs and stones used for construction. The two greeted them quickly before the fire-mage kept going, and after a moment, the two were alone once again, bathing in an uncomfortable silence Roark's stare caused.
After a moment of this awkward lack of communication, Lucia cleared her throat and spoke up. Roark''s intense gaze was making her uncomfortable. "Is there something you need? If not, I'd prefer to return to my duties."
"...Elaborate."
Lucia blinked, huffing as she adjusted her short fringe. "I'm sorry?"
Roark realized he would have to add a little more context and grunted. "Why'd you say that...?" He gestured to the construction site. "...Back there?"
The frosty female realized what the stone-cold commoner was talking about and pouted, averting her gaze as she went silent. She hated the idea of opening up to anyone, even if she did trust them to save her life in the midst of battle.
"...A silent tongue loses trust."
This made her sigh as she closed her eyes. "Fine, but what I'm about to say stays between us, is that clear?" She commanded, she didn't care if he was her superior, she would never allow anyone to hear her true thoughts, not unless she trusted them completely, and right now, no one in her squad had that right. Of course, the three intermediate knights had far more of her respect than any of her squad mates, that was for sure, but it was still too new for her to really want to share anything.
Roark nodded silently, he was the least likely to share her secret, after all, he despised conversation. He was far more of a 'actions speak louder than words' person.
Lucia mirrored his swift nod and crossed her arms, hoping it would keep her cool exterior in tact while conversing with the quiet mage in front of her. "I never wanted to be a Magic Knight, in fact, I had no intention of taking the entrance exam."
His eyebrows shot up to his hairline in surprise. He had not expected that kind of answer from her, given her stance mere seconds ago. She was definitely a closed book that needed to be opened and read, otherwise the cover would really deceive the reader.
Her orange eyes darted from one tree to the other, as if checking for eavesdroppers, despite being able to sense magic. "I only changed my mind once my baby brother and sister were born and I saw how vulnerable and small they were." She kept her icy frown, despite her eyes softening a little at the mention of her beloved family. "That's when I decided I wanted to protect them, I wanted to become someone who was powerful enough to shield them from anything, even if it cost me my life." She tapped her bicep with her finger. "And I realized that I didn't just want to protect them, I wanted to protect all the children of the Clover Kingdom, and the only way I could do that was by joining the Magic Knights and improving my magic power with extended use and training. While I believe commoners are not worth protecting, I will gladly swat away that belief to keep the next generation safe from harm." She finally met his gaze again and scowled, her cheeks dusted pink by a faint blush. "Satisfied?"
Of course, her expression softened with surprise when she saw a genuine smile had spread across Roark's usually blank features. "Thanks." He responded, and she shrugged, not caring about his gratitude, she just wanted to get back to work. "When we're indisposed..." He gestured to himself and then Dante, who was walking towards the forest, out of earshot, thankfully. "You're in charge...okay?"
Though her personality and final statement left little to be desired, her actual intention for joining the Magic Knights was noble and inspirational. He knew if he and the others were stranded or wounded in battle, she could be trusted to keep the others on track, and protect those she commanded, even if she did not want to.
She was the maternal type that would demolish unbreakable walls to keep those she vowed to shield safe from harm.
"You want to put a rookie in charge of the other rookies?" She arched a slim brow, then laughed softly; though she did not smile even then. "Fine, but I won't act nice just because you asked."
He knew that. Hell, everyone knew that! But he knew it was wise not to say that out loud.
Unlike that noble who confronted her, he valued his life.
~CR~
"Goodness me, you did all that?!"
Lucia let a rare smile wash over her as she sat in her parents' living room, a full month after the events of Hecairo. Her mother, Gracia, was sat on the armchair beside her with Hailan in her arms, who was being a little fussy; while a maid rocked Hailia back and forth, attempting to get the sobbing child to sleep during the eldest daughter's visit.
"Yes, but I still have a lot to learn." Lucia said, giving Piercely a grateful nod when he poured her a cup of tea, before he bowed and stepped back. She lifted the cup to her lips, but paused as she looked at her reflection in the dark beverage, frowning at the sight that met her. "I made many mistakes during my time there, and I was even bested by commoner knights who outrank me..." She sighed and took a careful sip. "They're younger than me as well. It took quite a while for my pride to recover from that fact."
"Hmm...A noble shouldn't be bested by a commoner, that is true..." Gracia agreed, shushing her baby as he whined and made grabbing motions towards Lucia. "Oh dear, he's not calming down...Piercely could you-?"
"No, no." The rookie knight chimed in, placing her cup down as the butler went to move, only to stop and blink in surprise when his good friend held out her hands for Hailan. "Let me, I think he misses his big sister."
"Oh, are you sure?" Gracia frowned. "I wouldn't want to trouble you after you came all this way..."
Lucia let out a soft laugh, her expression only warming further as she stood up and carefully took Hailan out of her mother's arms and settled him in her own. "It's no trouble...I missed them too, after all." She cooed down at the baby, who almost immediately ceased his fussy tantrum and reached up to play with the clover clip that kept her robe around her shoulders. "See? All he needed was his big sister."
Of course, poor Hailia felt left out as she started to cry and reach for Lucia too, who could only laugh as she and the maid worked together to settle both babies into the Flurris heir's arms. With the twins in hand, she turned to her mother, bouncing in place slightly to entertain her young siblings as they cooed and giggled at her.
Gracia was a little surprised by Lucia's assistance, but as she watched the three interact, she felt her heart melt and she placed her chin in her hand, watching the sweet scene play out. "You've made me very proud, Luci." The elder woman stated, using Lucia's childhood nickname, no matter how much the young adult protested against it. "Not only are you a Magic Knight that'll carry on the family name, but you're a fine young woman with a bright future and a kindness only those who truly know you get to see...I couldn't have asked for a better daughter."
Lucia paused, looking at her mother for a moment, before she let out a soft breath, her smile almost maternal as she looked down at her two siblings, who fought over her clover clip. "I owe it all to these two...I would have never joined the Magic Knights if it weren't for them...They give me the strength I need to keep improving, and I will become one of the most powerful knights in my squad, if it means I can protect all of you."
Gracia laughed as she stood up and held out her arms, which made the younger woman frown. "Darling, I know you miss them, but you've got to get back to the capital soon, right?" She saw the hesitation flash within her daughter's eyes, before Lucia sighed and handed Hailan over, before giving Hailia to the maid that held her previously. Thankfully both babies settled down a little after their sister held them both, so it would be easy to soothe them after she left.
"I wish I could stay longer, but since I'm still so new, I don't want to take more time off than I deem necessary..." Lucia let Hailan hold her finger as she went to boop his nose, and he gurgled, waving it around like a toy as the ice mage chuckled. "I can't protect anyone if I slack off now, can I?"
"Don't underestimate your family, Luci." Gracia teased, booping her adult daughter's nose in retaliation, which caused said woman to pout at the childish action. "I've been a Magic Knight far longer than you've been alive, if anything were to happen, it would be myself and your father protecting you, not the other way around."
Lucia's pout smoothed out and she let her mother's words sink in, before she nodded. "I guess I forget that sometimes...I'll rest easy knowing you and father will keep these two trouble-makers safe."
"That you will...Now, you better get going, hm? I doubt you want to keep your captain waiting."
"Yes, you're right." She picked up her tea and drank it, ignoring the scalding burn it left on her tongue as she tried to keep her manners in tact, even with her pain. She placed the drink back onto Piercely's tray and nodded at him, the two sharing a small smile between them before Lucia walked towards the main hallway. "I'll be sure to visit again soon, I don't want to miss Hailia and Hailan's milestones, after all."
"Yes, If anything exciting happens, I will send word to you immediately. Just be sure not to wait a full month next time, alright?"
"I can't make any promises, I don't give out the missions." Lucia stopped at the large double doors of the manor, pressing a kiss to her mother's cheek as a goodbye. "But I'll make sure Captain Julius knows you won't be pleased if I take too long to visit again."
Gracia laughed and watched as her eldest daughter kissed Hailan's forehead, then Hailia's. "Be sure you do! He's a good captain, but he's terrible at managing his time."
Lucia stepped away from her family and picked up her broom waiting by the door. "I'll see you again soon."
"I know you will."
With a final farewell, the dry-ice mage slipped onto her mode of transport and floated up into the sky, waving down at her small family and their servants before she flew off towards the capital and out of sight, leaving her mother standing on the front porch, watching her disappear into the distance. "You'll always make me proud, Luci...But just like Wintre, you'll push to be the best you can possibly be...And I know you're just getting started...Good luck, my child."
With that, her mother lowered her hand and turned, walking back into the manor with her eyes closed and a small, loving smile on her lips.
~CR~
After a quick, and effortless flight, Lucia arrived at the Grey Deer headquarters. She carefully planted her feet at the bottom of the large staircase and tucked the broom under her arm before she ascended into the large hallways leading to the many dorms and rooms of the base. At the center of the large staircase, where it stopped at a platform, then continued to ascend towards the dorm rooms, stood Julius, along with Dante, Roark and Celeana. They waited there patiently, sometimes for hours at a time, for the other members to return from their missions or family visits to get their next orders.
Lucia nodded to the three intermediate knights respectfully as she stopped a few feet away from her captain, placing her hand on her chest in a salute. "Good afternoon, Captain Julius." She greeted gracefully, her once warm smile replaced by the usual cold frown she adorned outside of her home. "I've returned to continue my duties, just like you asked."
"Excellent." The blonde wizard started, opening his arms in a praising manner. "Your work since joining this squad hasn't ceased to improve, even a little and I've heard many praise your unwavering spirit during your Hecairo mission!" He lowered his arms again and the grey robe he adorned fluttered a little in response. "You truly are an incredible Magic Knight in the making, and I look forward to your future contributions to the Clover Kingdom and its people."
"Thank you sir, it warms my heart to hear you say that." She said, ignoring Dante's small snicker at her choice of words. Though she almost smirked when Celeana elbowed him to shut him up. "I'll be sure to maintain my progress and continue to improve so I can continue to be of use to you and the Clover Kingdom. I give you my word."
"I'm glad to hear it." The sound of jingling coins caused Lucia to raise her head, surprised that Julius had a sack in his hand, not a large sack, but one that barely fit in the palm of his hand. "Now that you've finished your first month's work, here is your wages based on your performance. Use it however you please during your time here, and hold your head up high, you've earned every Yule in this bag."
The young adult took the bag and to her surprise, it was rather heavy. Had she really earned so much in such a short time? Carefully, and without a change in expression, she slipped the sack into the pouch she wore around her waist, before she saluted once again. "I won't let you down, Captain Julius!"
"I know you won't." Julius cleared his throat. "And though I'd like to give you more time to rest after handing you so much work, there're other matters to tend to while you're here." He gestured behind him at the three intermediate knights. "I believe you remember Dante, Roark and Celeana from your mission in Hecairo, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, they've sang your praises far higher than anyone else you've worked with. Therefore, I want to ask if you'll be willing to join them as a fourth member of their little squad? I always prefer to have at least a team of four guarding the streets and partaking in missions, but due to their statuses compared to the other members of the squad, they've struggled to find a fourth knight willing to aid them. Will you accept this opportunity and allow them to teach you what it truly means to be a Magic Knight?"
Lucia's gaze snapped from Julius to the three mages stood behind him, each smiling with a sense of pride and respect towards her. Roark's expression was more subdued, and a little hard to see, while Dante's smile resembled a beaming grin and Celeana held her hands behind her back with her eyes closed in a very innocent, but grateful lift of the lips. She had not worked with them in over a month, but just seeing the three of them before her, each sporting their unique charms, made the image of their amazing battle with the bandit leader come to mind.
She would be a fool to refuse the teachings of three intermediate knights, no matter their status, even if it meant being looked down on by her peers for mingling with commoners.
With a sigh, the woman allowed the corner of her lips to curl up ever so slightly, not enough to be seen, but enough to hear it in her voice as she crossed her arms. "If that is what you wish, Captain, then I will do as you ask."
"Wonderful!" Julius exclaimed. "Starting tomorrow you'll be joining them in a majority of their missions!" He looked at the three behind him with trust shining in his eyes. "Take care of her, and turn her into the Magic Knight she aspires to become."
The three saluted and straightened up with a booming, synchronized hollar. "Yes, sir!" Well, Dante and Celeana hollared, Roark muttered, which only served to make Lucia laugh a little under her breath.
Some things never change.
After the discussion was over and Roark and Dante were sent out to patrol the streets, Lucia and Celeana spent the day guarding Julius as he conducted his duties as a captain. They discussed many things with the powerful mage and eventually the dry-ice mage had to bribe him with promises of showing him her full magical capabilities just to get him to do his work and not sneak away from them to mingle among the civilians in the capital.
Of course, that did not stop Julius making an escape, and much of the late afternoon was spent searching the streets for the up-and-coming Wizard King in disguise as he wandered the streets, searching for new and unique magical attributes to fawn over. Despite the simplicity of the mission, Lucia was sure that it was the hardest one she had ever been tasked with.
After hours of working, she was dismissed for the night and headed out with Dante, Roark and Celeana to relax and eat something after a hard day's work. Lucia walked beside Dante as the three chatted among themselves and she silently opened her wage bag, counting the Yule inside to see if she would be able to treat herself or not. Unknown to her, a smile spread across her lips as she looked at the reward for her hard work, and she knew that the money in her hand was nothing compared to the smiles she had seen on children's' faces when she passed them wearing her Grey Deer robe.
"Oh my God!" Dante cried out, catching all their attention as the fiery young man stared at Lucia in shock. "I can't believe it, she actually smiled!"
Lucia went rigid for a second as the three looked at her, then laughed among themselves when she bristled and stormed off ahead. "Don't be a fool, I wouldn't dare smile around the likes of you!"
"Sheesh, you can't take a joke can you?" Dante sneered before running after her and slinging an arm over her shoulder, despite her protests. "C'mon Ice Queen, crack another smile!"
The group dissolved into fits of giggles as Lucia snarled at the snickering fire-user who merely brushed off her venomous words and threats. Despite the strange dynamic the four had between them, their trust in one another would set them apart from everyone else. At first, the noblewoman would struggle to accept them, due to their statuses, of course. However, she knew if she ever found herself in a dire situation, they would save her before any of the other noblemen and women in her squad.
And for that, she knew the ragtag group of friends were her best bet to become one of the strongest Magic Knights in the Clover Kingdom. Hopefully soon, she could surpass them and show them the true power she possessed.
And then, maybe, just maybe...she could repay them for everything they did for her in Hecairo.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Please drop a review if you want to help me improve as a writer, or even if you just enjoyed the chapter! It really helps keep me motivated!
Also, Mereoleona will be making an appearance soon, I can't tell you when, since I haven't planned that far yet, but it'll be within the next two to three chapters, I'm almost certain! I hope you look forward to it!