Mimosa and Asta

Chapter 1

'I'm ashamed to be seen like this.' Mimosa said weakly from within her Dream healing flower basket. 'You were totally right, and I really did mess up this time.'

I was out before I could support and help my team. What good am I if not for my healing plant magic? She recriminated herself, thinking of the many times she was praised for mana as an example of a real royal.

'It's true. You rather lack in the sense department.' Noelle told her as bluntly, but Mimosa grimaced in agreement.

'But that's alright because I'm here now.' Noelle pulled out her wand can casted her Water Dragon's Lair around Mimosa and herself, creating a formidable water dome to protect themselves from the battle raging on in the Dungeon.

'And I will protect you.' Noelle said with a determined finality.

'Thanks, Noelle'. Mimosa said with a weak smile.

I've always known you were stronger than me. And judging by this powerful spell, you're finally tapping into your true potential. Mimosa thought with pride at her cousin, as well as feeling a bit envious at Noelle being able to contribute to while she had to still recover from the attack launched by Mars.

Those diamond-like shards had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, to fast and subtle to be sensed, and pierced through the Golden Dawn Defensive Mantel. The sharp points gouged through the material like paper, although thanks to her short, slender limbs her injuries were not as threatening as they could have been. Rather than puncture her, the sharp crystalline stalactites cut deeply around her legs, torso and arms, the majority of the attack deflected by the mantel just enough to prevent life-threatening damage.

Mimosa didn't notice the pain thanks to her spell, healing the damage. She couldn't move though. Otherwise, she'd risk interrupting the spells guidance of mana to repair damaged tissue. So she had to remain still and watch in worry as events unfolded.

Watching as the Black Bulls took over the situation, protecting their fellow magic knights (even though they were on different squads) filled her chest with a warm hope. Rather than the cold dread that had previously taken hold as Yuno struggled to fight against this monstrous opponent. Now the one facing their enemy was Noelle's team-mate, as well as Yuno's childhood friend, Asta.

The boy had come off rather unremarkable to Mimosa at first. She had first seen him back at the Magic Knight's Entrance Exam, standing out among the large crowd with his loud personality and the flock of birds swarming him more so than any other student. She had felt amused by his antics and was disheartened to see someone so full of vigour fail at every test assigned.

It was at the final stage of the Exam's Sparing test, where he was one of the first contestants to take centre stage. Everyone watching seem to assume the fight to be a foregone conclusion as Asta's opponent had created a quite potent defensive spell that could allow for offence usage too. Yet everyone's opinion changed quickly as, instead of a powerful bit, Asta retrieved a large sword from his Grimore. Then in the blink of an eye, he'd sprinted across the courtyard and smashed through his opponent's spell, knocking him out in the process.

Mimosa had gasped, as many in the crowd had too. Until Asta's declaration of becoming the Wizard King brought about laughter and mocking. Even she was surprised at such a bold goal to reach, not even her famed and powerful brother had such a dream, although all noble houses vied for the title as a symbol of power, respect and honour.

And to already be stating it before he'd even become a Magic Knight? That showed either unbreakable self-confidence or arrogance above even Kirsch's big head.

Now seeing Asta slicing through Mars' powerful spells, and even sending him flying into the Dungeon's waterfall-fed lake, Mimosa was beginning to see the potential that the Black Bull's Captain had seen that day. Looking at how Noelle could now control her mana to the point of funnelling the energy into the defensive spell was breathtaking.

After all those years of struggling with the taunts of other nobles, to have the will to continue to try and improve when everyone else saw you as a failure and disgrace...I only wish I had as much strength as you, Noelle. You're incredible, to have come so far in a short couple of months...was it just joining the Black Bulls, or was there someone in particular that helped? Mimosa pondered, watching Noelle's tongue-lash the Golden Dawn's team leader.

'He just happened to be born under the right star. He was lucky to have that power.' Klaus Lunettes said smugly while adjusting his glasses.

'See for yourself, whether or not he is just lucky.' Noelle muttered irritably, concluding the exchange with her gaze drawn to Asta's rigid stance.

'WHAT'S THE MATTER BITCH?! YOU DONE ALREADY?!' Asta screamed at the lake's now placid surface, holding his large sword above his head in anger.

That moment of peace quickly ended as Mars emerges from the depths. First, a massive fist of jagged pale blue crystals launches out of the lake, descending towards Asta. With physical strength and speed on his side, Asta can slice through the fist, only to have the two half form into the palms of hands. Asta sees what is about to happen as the hands sprout crystal spikes, but his body cannot move fast enough to dodge or leap away. The two slabs collide together with ground shaking boom.

The other Magic Knights scream for Asta, all shocked by the turn of events, and nobody strong enough to take on Mars without exposing others more vulnerable to an attack. Mimosa is as shocked as everyone else, feeling her heart sink in horror as she fears the worst.

Nobody could survive such an attack, without a spell to protect them. He cast any magic at all, the only protection he has is his mantel, and that is nothing against...

The two diamond-hard hands pull apart with a limp body dropping to the stone floor. Asta's clothes appeared torn, blood seeping from cuts, and scratches seem to cover most of his limbs. But Asta still groans and uses his sword as leverage to pull himself to his feet. His muscular frame on display, forearms and biceps bulging from strain to stand up straight after taking on that colossal impact. Any average human would be killed or crippled.

He is steadily going from being on his knees to straightening his legs Asta gasps. The pain involved creating a difficulty to breathe, but Asta pushes it away to the back of his mind, as he has already overcome the physical problems before. It has no meaning to him when it holds him back against his goals.

To the amazement of everyone, except Yuno, Asta can stand as if shrugging off the attack. He is pointing his sword towards the surging mass. Mars, now encased in a large diamond suite, is seething in a fury.

'WHO THE HELL...ARE YOU?!' He screams in disbelief

Meeting Mars' gaze of burning rage with one of cold anger, Asta replies, with some bitterness, 'I am...the guy who was born with no magic power whatsoever.'

Resolve to enforce his tone he states, 'That being said, I'll still be the Wizard King. I live solely to realize that dream.'

Feeling the drive that has pushed him this far fuel his body, he stands straighter, appearing more vital and more confident. Asta sees the faces of the children from the Orphanage, of the family he grew up with and the people he now counts as family. The memory of them all and having people he cares about to protect, he knows in his heart he cannot give in, and will never give up on his dream.

'I will...destroy everything!' Mars yells, seeming distracted by his thoughts.

'You're going to destroy everything?!' Asta responds, outraged.

'A Wizard King exists to protect his Kingdom and the people living in it!

'SO THERE'S NO WAY A DESTROYER IS GOING TO BEAT ME!'

Mars lunges at Asta, fury, anger and pain fueling his actions. The colossal suite of armour moving surprisingly fast for its immense weight and size. Going in for a bone-crunching punch, he yells. 'Begone, you pebble! You're in my way..'

Leaping at the behemoth, with his sword in a slashing motion to the right, Asta retorts. 'I may be just a pebble...'

His sword cuts through the diamond-like armour, quickly moving through the fist and down the arm. 'But I'm the pebble...!'

Reaching Mars' body the sword's impact launches him out of the armour, dispelling his spells with the sword's anti-magical properties. 'THAT CAN SHATTER DIAMOND!'

The impact on the stone floor, as well as the feedback of the dispelling, knocks Mars completely unconscious with his eyes rolling up behind his eyelids. The surprised looks from everyone, as Asta lands on his feet, causes Yuno to smile slightly. He lowers his head to hide the pride he has in his rival. But at least one person is feeling more than surprise and satisfaction in this boy with no magic. Mimosa, from within her healing spell, stares at Asta with absolute wonder and awe.

He's incredible... She thinks with a blush forming as the lighting in the room seems to highlight Asta's battered body. Only enhancing the view of his muscular back, shoulder and abs as he grins down at his defeated opponent. Then cheering in glee Asta turns to the group of fellow Magic Knights and raises his sword above his head with his right arm.

'The one's who get the treasure...IS US, THE CLOVER KINGDOM!'