Due to the shenanigans of the clover kingdoms wizard king, Asta found himself in a tricky situation. Being located by a diamond mage, things were looking pretty bleak until "Noelle... I can't believe you're here. Wait, why are you here?"
The water mage stood silent as she observed the Golden Dawn.
"It's been a long time since we spoke. The last time I saw you, we were at the Harvest festival," said Asta.
Noelle still gave a sharp look.
"Ummm, judging by your reaction, I probably steered a lot of trouble. Bu-but I can explain, you see..."
"Your arm, how's your arm?"
"What, m-my arm?" surprised look on this face.
"Yeah, how's your arm. Does it hurt?" asked Noelle
The swordsman turned his attention to his right arm and noticed severe scarring and burns.
"Oh, I'll be fi... Aaaaahhhh. No, I don't think fine."
Without a moment to spare, the Royal silva gently started rubbing some ointment around the swordsman's arm. She then proceeded to wrap his arm with a thick cloth, hoping to hold back the swelling and any potential infections.
Asta was amazed. Since when did Noelle learn first aid? Also, why was she quick to help him. Has she stopped being mad at him?
"Thanks, Noelle. I never knew you were good with this type of stuff. I really appreciate it."
Once again, Noelle remained silent as she continued to finish tieing the bandage around Asta's arm.
"It's a good thing you found me. I probably would've been dead if you didn't show up," sparking an angered look from the water mage, "I wonder how long I was gone for? Probably a lot of stuff happened while I was gone."
"Just shut up."
"Huh, Noelle."
"I SAID SHUT UP!"
Noelle pushed herself away from Asta as she began to breathe heavily, "Do you... Do you know how much trouble you caused?"
"Woah, calm down, Noelle. I can explain."
"I SAID DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU CAUSED!?"
The swordsman gulped, "No..."
"YOU IDIOT. Everyone's been worried sick about you," she shouted, "Your squadmates, your Captain, even the Black bulls. We looked everywhere for you, and you have the nerve to make us worry like that."
"Noelle, I can explain!"
"Shut up!" slapping him across the face, "For the last couple of days, everyone's been searching tirelessly for you. Starting from the capital, all the way to the heart kingdom."
"Jeez, you guys went all the way there for me," Asta thought.
"Not a message, no letter. You left without telling anyone! Can you even comprehend what you put us through... You... YOU JERK!" kicking Asta in the stomach.
The swordsman fell on his knees.
"All you ever do is keep secrets to yourself and look where that gets you. You could've died... DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY FOR YOURSELF, ASTA!"
For that moment, the Golden Dawn kept his head down. He remained silent as he couldn't bear the thought of putting his squadmates in such a stressful scenario. He felt terrible. However, one thing was clear.
"Idiot, I saved you, so a thank you would be nice. Let's get out of here while we still can."
"he.. he... haha... haha."
Noelle turned her head in confusion.
"What's so funny? why are you laughing?"
Asta couldn't contain himself from his laughter.
"HEY, I SAID WHAT'S SO FUNNY," shouted the water mage.
The Golden Dawn smiled, "It's you that's funny, Noelle."
"Just what are you talking about," she blushed.
He continued to laugh in amazement.
"This... This is the most you have cared about me for a long time."
The water mages face reddened.
"You couldn't stand my guts... But here you are rescuing me."
"I-I just couldn't allow the clover kingdom to lose an important asset, that's all."
"Oh, come on. I know that's not the reason. Remember, I can read your KI Noelle."
As much as she didn't want to admit it, but Asta was right. That wasn't the reason why she came all this way to the diamond kingdom. Despite her best efforts, she found it incredibly hard to hold that solid grouch any longer. Yes, what Asta said was out of character and absolutely uncalled for. But she couldn't go through her entire life hating someone over a trivial remark. Noelle had to eventually move on, and she was beginning to look past that.
"I know what I said was stupid, Noelle. I still regret what I did to this day. I just want us to..."
...
"I'm sorry."
The response left Asta in a state of shock, did Noelle really just...
"Huh, sorry? What are you saying sorry for?"
The water mage took a big sigh, "I'm sorry for everything that has happened."
He tilted his head in confusion, "Arent I, the one that should be apologising."
"Do you need me to spell it out for you?!. I'm sorry for lashing out at you as I did. I'm sorry for not acknowledging you at the harvest festival... I'm sorry... I'm sorry for not being a good friend," crossing her arms whilst looking away. "Yes, what you said was very infuriating, but seeing how remorseful you are and the amount of effort you put in, I just can't stay mad at you forever."
The water mage loosened her collar.
"Wh-what are you doing, Noelle?" Asta blushed.
"Don't get any funny ideas, pervert. It's hard to get off sometimes... here."
"That's!?"
Once Asta had permanently left the Black Bulls, he gave each and every one of his former squadmates a special gift. He took precious care in searching for an appropriate gift for all of them. Somewhere cheap, some very expensive and some... were hard to find.
"I've kept wearing it ever since you left. This is actually the first time me taking it off."
What was held before Noelle was a silver necklace with an amulet shaped like an eagle. The accessory was held together with a silver chain. The amulet was made out of platinum with small diamonds around the edges. Even by Noelle's standards, this was an expensive gift.
"At first, I thought it was fake. So I went to a trusted jeweller to confirm my suspicions. But he told me it was real, which shocked me. I remember looking at this in the jewellery store, but when I went to pick it up, it was nowhere to be seen. Not to mention it was a one of a kind. After all that had happened between you and me, you still found a way to look past that and get me such a marvellous gift. I guess all that's left to say is... thank you."
A smile... a smile was the only way Asta could react in such a situation. He never thought he'd see the day. His eyes were slightly teary, and there was a sudden glow about him. Happiness.
Asta's body moved on its own, and he only had one thing on his mind.
"THANKS, Noelle," wrapping his arms around her, "Thank you so much. Thanks for accepting my gift. It means a lot."
"Aaah, hey, who said you could touch..." noticing the Golden Dawns teary eyes, "n-no problem. Hey, are you crying?"
"Ummm... a little bit," rubbing his runny nose, "So do-dose mean we can go back to the way things were? Please, Noelle."
The water mage sighed, "Wasnt that obvious," she thought.
The Royal Silva glared at Asta's puppy dog eyes, "Yes, Asta, things can go back to the way things were. I forgive you."
The Golden Dawn smiled again as he embraced her. He wrapped his arms around Black Bull and pulled her in ever so tightly.
"I-I missed you, Noelle," sparking a wild blush from the water mage.
Usually, Noelle would push anyone who tried to get close as the swordsman. But today was the only exception.
"I... I missed you to Asta," she grinned.
The pair hugged for a few more seconds before finally detaching from one another. It may have been slightly awkward, yet they both managed to shape smile at each other. Things were finally beginning to look up.
"Say, Noelle, it got me thinking if you really felt this, then why didn't you acknowledge me in the harvest festival. I was also there when the Black Bulls hosted a Barbeque. I would've loved you seen there."
*sigh*
Royal held an embarrassed look about her, "Well... to tell you the truth, there was a part of me that was still mad at you back then. When I saw you at the harvest festival, it was a massive shock. After not seeing you for such a long time, my first memory was what happened between us when you left the Black Bulls. All I felt was anger at that moment, and I mistakenly let it all out."
"Noelle..."
"The Barbeque that we had, I was also present. But when I saw you, I couldn't even look you in the eye. A lot of emotions were going through my head. Things just felt so awkward and weird. I didn't know what to think. I guess a simpler way of putting it, I wasn't emotionally ready to see you again."
The water mage gazed her head down as she sat on a nearby log, "I'm soo pathetic, arent I?"
Asta didn't hesitate as he to sat down and placed her hand on her lap. "Don't say that about yourself, Noelle. You're not pathetic."
"Hm, thanks... It was soon after I started to realise that I can't stay mad at you forever. It was hard for me to admit to myself but, I care about you a lot Asta," she blushed, "That's why I came here to find you and to try and fix everything that has happened between us," the pair locked eyes "Do-do forgive me, Asta."
"I-is that even a question, of course, I forgive you, Noelle."
The water mage smiled gracefully. The burden Noelle had been carrying has finally been lifted.
"I'm not too sure why do I need to forgive you? But if it makes you feel better, then sure."
"hi hi, now how did I know you were gonna say something like that."
Asta's face reddened, "Well, you always did know what, I was thinking about half the time. Finral did tell me a woman's intuition is very dangerous."
"Maybe we're more compatible than you thought," Noelle giggled.
"Haha, maybe your right," the swordsman smiled.
The pair locked eyes, gazing fondly at one another. It, most unusual for both of them. Despite Asta remaining hopeful that this day would eventually come, he was still surprised by this sudden turn of events.
"We should probably get going now. Remember, we're still in the diamond kingdom," said Noelle.
"Agreed," replied.
"Hope on, we cant get out of here while security isn't hot," pulling out her broom. "What are you waiting for? Get on."
The Anti-magic user was itching to get on a ride, but there was one thing he had to do "We can't go yet."
"Huh, what do you mean we can't go yet" bewildered look.
"We have to wait for Julius. I didn't get a chance to explain why I was here," scratching the back of his head, "But, we have to wait for Julius until he comes back."
"What?! Are you serious right now, Asta? We're gonna get into some serious trouble," gripping his collar, "Where is he," Noelle demanded.
"D-don't worry, he's not too far from here. If we hurry, we can grab him and run."
*sigh* "Never make things easy, do you, Asta."
The pair ran to the coordinates of where the wizard king was last seen. Running through enemy territory was dangerous. Luckily Noelle had a cloak to cover her manner. Asta, on the other hand, was born without mana. This made it easy for them to sneak their way through the diamond kingdom.
"How long left Asta," said Noelle.
"Not too far," he replied, "He should be right about... GET DOWN!"
Within an instant, Asta and Noelle ducked in cover in some nearby bushes. Doing so allowed them to stay hidden by some nearby patrollers.
"Great, now what do we do?" moaned the swordsman.
While Asta was plotting, Noelle jumped out of cover, "NOELLE?! WHAT ARE YOU!?"
She shot two dense water balls straight into the faces of the guards. The impact left them stunned and eventually knocked them out onto the floor.
The Anti-magic user was jaw dropped. Who knew Noelle this much stronger once he left. "WOW, THAT WAS AMAZING, NOELLE!"
"Shhhhh, be quiet you, idiot. This cloak conceals my mana, not my voice."
"Oh, sorry, Noelle."
"But I appreciate the compliment", flicking her gorgeous silver hair.
The water mage was hoping to attract Asta's attention, but she was left ignored, "Hey, I'm talking to you!"
"Somethings wrong," declared the swordsman.
"Huh... what's wrong?" Noelle replied.
"Julius, he's... he's not here."
The sudden disappearance left the Golden Dawn in a slight panic. He was convinced this was the last place he left the wizard king. He checked the marking and everything.
"Julius is not here, figures", Noelle crossed her arms, "I mean, he is the wizard king. He could've just took off."
"Julius wouldn't just leave me, Noelle... Would he?" Asta, giving it a second.
"Well, whatever it is. We ain't finding him out here and we're definitely not gonna go searching for Julius inside enemy base. We should head back to the clover kingdom and regroup. You never know he, probably might already be there."
As much as Asta didn't want to admit it, but maybe Noelle was right. He's caused enough trouble as it is. It was time to head back.
"Come on, Asta. Let's go home," pulling her arm out.
"Yeah, let's go ho..."
*COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH*
"Noelle! Wh-whats wrong!?"
It was sudden, but the water mage immediately found herself collapsed onto the floor.
"Noelle, are you ok?!" shouted Asta, "Say something."
Shortly after, Asta's body started to feel heavy. His vision was blurred, and he began to get weaker by the second.
"Crap... Did I... let my guard down?"
...
2 hrs hours later
...
Eyes opening followed by excessive blinking.
"Woah, wh-what happened. Where am I." The Golden Dawn had woken up from his short slumber only to find himself in the most unusual circumstances. He had steel chains around his wrists whilst being held up against the wall. Bars to his right-hand side. It was apparent the situation he was in.
"Dam it", he struggled, "I'm in the diamond kingdom's prison."
"No shit, Asta."
"Noelle!"
Fortunately for Asta, he was not alone in these circumstances. As his former squadmate was hanging on the opposite side of the wall.
"Would you give it a rest Asta, you're not breaking these chains," yelled Noelle.
"Yes, I will! I won't give up until I break out of these chains."
"Ah... you're such a child. They even took our grimoires as well."
The swordsman continued to struggle but eventually gave in.
*sigh*
"I'm thirsty. You reckon they'll still feed us?" stomach growling.
"No! We're prisoners, remember."
"Figures..."
The pair continued to hang against the wall for a while longer. Heads were filled with panic, fear and uncertainty. Hoping someone would swoop in and save the day felt more doubtful by the second. How will they get home, they wondered? What will happen to them in this dangerous prison? They wondered.
"Hey Asta..."
However, one thing was for sure.
"You said you were thirsty."
Is that they still had each other, and that's what kept them going.
"Yeah... I'm a little thirsty still."
The water mage took a slight pause, followed by a deep breath. With that, Noelle focused the remains of her mana and conjured up a small ball and floated it towards the swordsman.
"Wow, Noelle! That's amazing," slurping the remains of the liquid. "You've gotten so much stronger since I left. That was great mana control."
Asta was amazed. To think Noelle increased her mana control drastically since he left. He could only feel happy for her.
"Thanks. Stuff like this comes a little easy for me now. But it was difficult to get the hang of it. I still had to work super hard."
"I can always tell you work hard. You're getting stronger by the day. I'm happy you're the one with me in this cell."
Noelle blushed.
"Say... can I have another water ball, please?"
"Sure."
The Black Bull repeated the same procedure and formed another water ball towards Asta. However, it suddenly splashed right in front of his face just as he was about to take a sip.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Asta. I miss controlled it that time. Here let me make you another one."
"No need," he replied.
Without hesitation, Asta licked the remains of water around his mouth.
"Ewwww, that's gross."
"What? Come on, Noelle. You know it's not good to wastewater."
On a regular day, this would have utterly disgusted the Black Bull. Guess it helped, they were a few meters apart, but today, Noelle smiled fondly on this occasion. Being with Asta now in his current state brought back some wholesome memories between the two of them. She missed his loud and obnoxious voice, she missed the adventures they would have with each other, she missed his positive attitude to make the most out of everything he had, she missed...
"Say, um... Asta."
"Yeah, Noelle."
"I-if we ever get out of this place. Would you well... would you consider going out with me sometime?"
The swordsman tilted his head up, "Go out? What like on a mission?"
The water mages intuition was correct. Asta was still as dense as a rock.
"No, not like a mission. Just a day where it's just me and you," face starting to bloom, "I thought maybe we catch up in a place that's a little more appropriate, maybe go for a dinner or something. You in?" she asked.
Asta jumped enjoy, "YEAH! TOTALLY! I'd love to go out with you!"
"Perfect! Um... I haven't thought about where to go exactly. But we can go anywhere you like, how about we go visit the heart kingdom. We can spend some time in the hot springs and eat some delicious fruit."
"Sounds like a plan to me!" shouted Asta.
Noelle responded with a joyous smile, things were going better than expected between the two.
*CLING*
*CLING*
*CLING*
*CLING*
"Hey, you little shit. Knock it off. You're being way too loud," shouted a nearby prison warden.
"Oh ah... sorry," apologised Asta.
The Black Bull gasped in annoyance. How dare the warden address, Asta, in such a tone. "HEY, ARSEHOLE! Talk to him like that again. I won't hesitate to snap your neck understand!"
"Pretty big talk for a little girl," replied the Warden, "I should execute right now."
"Yeah! Go on, do it. Open this gate, and we can settle it right here and now."
"No-Noelle, wh-what are you doing?" stuttered the swordsman.
"Shut up Asta," she shouted.
The water mage continued to provoke the warden. Noelle was agitated. It didn't look like she was gonna stop any time soon. "Open the gate so I can kick your arse."
"Alright, now you've done it! I'm coming in!"
As soon as the guard entered the frame, the water mage immediately splashed a water ball into the face of her attacker.
The guard was knocked off balance, eventually landing on the floor.
"That will teach you to mess with us. How about you unchain me so we can settle this once and for you, coward."
The guard, got up holding his nose, stopping the sudden burst of blood from his nostrils. "So, you like playing with magic, do ya?!"
The guard focused some mana into the palm of his hand, producing a fearsome flame.
Nevertheless, Noelle was quick to extinguish the fire. However, upon impact, it caused a sudden burst of smoke into the cell. Both parties were blinded as the steam stretched throughout the whole corridor.
*Cough*
*Cough*
"Are you still there Noelle, I can't see!"
"Don't worry, I'm still here, Asta," she replied.
*Cough*
*Cough*
The smoke was beginning clear. However, the actions of the water mage provoked an angry response from other inmates. Resulting in a severe backlash.
Prisoners were chained similarly to mages, started to howl their frustrations. They began to make more noise, slam their chains against the wall.
"Dam it, Noelle. Why did you do that?!"
"Umm... I-I'm sorry," embarrassed look on her face, "I-I just didn't like the way that arse hole was talking you," looking away pridefully
"Yeah, and look where that got us."
Noelle felt taunted, "Y-You should be grateful I stuck up for you," she shunned.
Asta rolled his eyes in frustration, "What are we gonna do about this riot?"
"What can we do?" questioned the water mage, "It's not like we can..."
"ENOUGH!"
Suddenly a loud cry penetrated through the hall of the prison cells, sparking an immediate silence from the captives.
Everything became so quiet, prisoners went back to their usual routines as if nothing had ever happened.
Everyone's eyes were drawn to a man as sweat began to slowly drip from their heads.
"Guard status update."
The guard quickly picked himself up as he retreated hastily to his superior.
"General, I do apologise." he saluted, "I just had some troubles with a few prisoners. It won't happen again. I promise."
What came before the guard was one of the great shining generals, Ragus. He had light blue hair and was the most prideful of all the generals.
The general responded to the guard with a punishing glare and then immediately electrocuted him to the floor.
"Yes, I do hope you won't make the same mistake again."
He passed the guard and promptly made his way to the cell hosting the clover mages. Asta and Noelle were terrified. The position they found themselves in, they were made even more vulnerable. They struggled to let loose, but again their efforts were futile.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my lucky day," said Ragus.
"Two mages from the clover kingdom at my fingertips. How the gods have blessed me today."
Fearing the escalation of the situation, Asta and Noelle remained silent.
"What's the matter? Cat got your, tong?" he laughed.
"Wh-what do you want with us?" asked Asta.
Catching a glimpse of the swordsman's robe, Kagus immediately had a flashback on his last encounter with the clover kingdom.
His last battle ended in defeat, of which a certain Golden Dawn member named Yuno triumphed. Haunted and embarrassed by the memories, Kagus rested his hand on Asta's chest and electrocuted his whole body.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH"
Noelle watched in shock, "ASTA!"
Enraged, the water mage attempted to break free from her chains whilst sending a frenzy of water blasts at her target.
Anticipating the Royal silva's next move, Kagus swiftly dodged her attack with ease and grabbed the back of her neck.
"LET ME GO! BASTARD!"
The diamond general laughed cunningly before placing his entire hand on Noelle's mouth.
"Didn't your mother tell you that it's dangerous to play with water and electricity?"
Kagus tightened his grip causing the water mage to cough and gasp for breath.
"Now that we've got to know each other, I want to let you both know that I'll be asking the questions here. So tell me," pulling Noelle's head upwards, "Why are you in the diamond kingdom."
"Bastard... go to hell," she replied.
"My, my, such a dirty little mouth you have. I recognise this silky silva hair. You're a Royal Silva, correct? Is such behaviour tolerated in your household?"
Noelle gritted her teeth in annoyance.
"Fortunately enough, my subordinates were able to track you down and capture you. But I never knew they intercepted such a big prize, a Golden Dawn and Royal Silva. I am going to enjoy killing both. Why don't I start with you, Silva."
"HEY!"
Suddenly a voice echoed from the opposite side of the cell.
"Hmmm, interesting, even on the verge of death, you still find the will fight, how commendable."
"Don't touch her. You hear me."
"Don't touch her, you say. I'm merely putting this brat in her place and teaching her some manners," pulling Noelle's ponytail.
"I SAID DON'T TOUCH HER!" Asta shouted.
"I'll do anything you want. Just don't kill her, please."
Kagus laughed cunningly, "Are you really in a position to negotiate with me, you fool. I just noticed I don't even sense any mana from you. So you're a bigger low life than I thought."
"Asta, what are you doing?" yelled Noelle.
"Look, we're not enemy spies. We're just mages that got lost. We mean absolutely no harm. If you let us go, we won't come back here again."
The swordsman made a drastic plea to save his friend. Face covered in despair and desperation, he only feared the worst of what was to come.
"You do fascinate me, Golden Dawn. Masking your hopelessness with that confident look is most assuming. Guards front and centre!"
Anti-magic user gulped. Did he somehow get through the diamond general?
"Send these two to the gibbet room and dispose of them at once."
"Yes, sir!" guards saluted.
"NO, WAIT! Didn't you just hear me?"
Before unlocking the pairs chains, the guards immediately cuffed both the mages wrists to add further constraints. To make matters worse, they were each manhandled by several guards to ensure their odds of escaping were null.
"Hey, watch it! I am a woman, you know," shrugged Noelle.
"Sorry, little missy. Boss's orders."
The swordsman didn't even bother to fight. Doing so would only cause more trouble. Asta was embarrassed. He couldn't even look Noelle in the eye. He should've left when he had the chance, he told himself.
"Hey, move it, will ya. We don't have all day."
Exhausted and beaten, the two mages made their way to the gibbet room, walking side by side with each other. Both their heads had dropped, and their spirits were low. There was simply no way of escaping, Had fate had finally been sealed.
"Hey, Noelle."
"Yeah, Asta."
Their eyes locked as they both gazed fondly at each other.
"I-I'm sorry. This is all my fault."
The water mage smirked, "Don't be. I'm the one that instigated all this. I should be the one apologising."
"Oh really? Guess I'll take no responsibility then."
Noelle giggled, "You dummy."
"Hey, stop talking," reminded the guards.
Even in these dark days, they still found a way to smile amongst one another. If these were their last days, they were happy they could spend them by each other's side.
Authors note: Corny, I know
"Oh, sorry," said Asta.
Despite the guards warning, they continued to whisper. "So is this it then," said Noelle.
"I hope not," whispered Asta, "There's still a lot wanna do remember. I have to become wizard king."
"Oh yeah, you and that stupid dream."
"It's not stupid if I make it a reality," he replied "Once I become wizard king, things will be a lot better not just for me but for everyone in the clover kingdom."
"Good luck with that," she smirked.
"What about you? Is there anything still on your bucket list?"
The question made Noelle blush uncontrollably because, honestly, there was only one thing that was going through her head over and over again. In this situation, she couldn't hold back anymore. If she was going to go out. She wanted to go out with no regrets. It was time to change. "Yeah, there is."
"Well, let me hear it."
"There's this guy that I like. He's a bit of a loudmouth, and he gets on my nerves a lot."
"Oh, I see", Asta giggled.
"He's made a few mistakes along the way, but I just can't stop feeling so strongly about him. I kept these feelings tucked away for so long, yet I'm still denying how I feel about him. How do I tell him? How do I tell him how much he means to me."
"Hmmm, well, it sounds like to me this guy means a lot to you. I'm sure you probably mean a lot to him as well. If I were you, sometimes it's best to just be blunt about things, especially if you're struggling to express yourself. Regardless of the scenario, I think you should just tell him how you feel."
"Such simple advice, but if he rejects me?"
"Honestly, I'd be surprised if anyone rejects you, Noelle," Asta blushed.
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. What's there not to like about you. You're, smart funny You have a brilliant personality. You're a strong mage and a beautiful one at that. I love the way you present yourself; only you can rock those ponytails the way you do. You're very caring and always put others before yourself. You can get a little wound up and aggressive, but that sometimes comes across as quite charming, haha. You're definitely not the best cook in the world, so a traditional housewife probably wouldn't suit you. But you're royalty, so you'll already have people working under you for that type of stuff. You're gonna go far in this world; you deserve to be happy and above all else... behind that silver-coloured blazer is the kindest, most helpful and most amazing person I've ever met."
Those words, those elegant words, shed a small tear from Noelle's eye line, "Thank you, Asta," gazing fondly, "I never knew you felt this way about me."
This feeling felt familiar, it was now Asta's turn to hold a blooming face.
"Oh, did I say too much? I'm just being honest"scratching the back of his head "you don't have anything to worry about. I don't know a single person in this world that would reject you, Noelle."
More tears started to follow as it was now apparent for the water mage to make her big break. Noelle smiled affectionately as she leaned in ever so closely to the swordsman. "Then I guess I have nothing to worry about then. Asta, I really like..."
"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!"
Suddenly a familiar raw entered the eardrums of the clover mages and guards. Both sets stood still with their heads turned. There was no doubt...
"General Mars. Sir", saluted one of the guards, "Apologies for intruding you. We have orders to execute these prisoners. Please excuse us."
It only took a second for the diamond general to realise he was surrounded by two familiar faces. He still remembers Asta and Noelle from their times in the dungeon and the witch's forest. How on earth did they end up in a place like this, he asked himself.
The Golden Dawn and Black Bull remained silent. Inside, Asta was thrilled. This was the miracle he was praying for. In contrast, Noelle was slightly subdued. There goes her moment.
"And under whose orders are you requested to execute this pair," asked Mars.
"General Kagus. Sir," the guards saluted.
"General Kagus, you say. Interesting, very well then... Please hand the pair to me, and I shall dispose of them myself."
The response sparked a slight grin from the clover kingdom mages.
"But sir, we were specifically asked..."
"That was not a request. That is an order. Please do as I say." gazing menacingly upon his subordinates.
The prison guards didn't hesitate to avoid the wrath of their superior. They swallowed their ego and timidly passed the prisoners to their higher up.
"Please forgive us, general Mars. It was not our intention to offend you."
"If you do want my forgiveness, you shall meet me here within the next 10 minutes with their grimoires. I wish to study and take their magic for my own before I dispose of them."
To retrieve the pair, Mars knew he had to stay in character.
"YES, SIR! RIGHT AWAY, SIR!" Without hesitation, the guards quickly assembled to fulfil their duty. Comparatively, Mars collected the troublesome mages as they hastily made their way through the prison corridors. They took a short pause and tremendous sigh of relief as soon as the coast was clear.
"Wow, that was close. We could've out there died right, Noelle."
Agitated, Mars lightly slammed the bottom of his fist on Asta's head.
"Fool, do you know how much trouble you caused. You're very fortunate I came. Who knows what could've happened to you."
"Yeah, sorry about that, Mars," replied the swordsman, "I'm still surprised you still remember us."
"From our encounters from the dungeon and witches forest, how could I not remember you. Your name is Asta, and the lady next to you is Noelle of the Silva eagles if I'm not mistaken."
"Yes, that's correct," the water mage smiled, "Thank you again for assistance."
"My pleasure," he smiled, "Now I need you both to wait as I go and collect your grimoires."
"Umm... sure but, we can't stay out in the open," reminded Asta.
"Who said anything about waiting out in the open."
"Crystal magic"
Suddenly a small part of the wall was shattered by Mars's crystal magic unveiling a secret passage. The passage was narrow and had stairs going deep underground with fire torches along the walls.
"Go down these stairs, and there should be a room at the end of it. Wait there until I get back. And don't worry, I'll close off this passage with my crystal magic. This is our little secret," he winked, "Now hurry, we don't have much time."
Without a second to spare, Noelle and Asta made their way into the passage before Mars closed it off with his crystal magic.
From there, they carefully made their way down the stairs staying close to one another. They felt a lot more at ease and could once again catch their breath.
"Jeez, that was a close one," said Asta.
"Just how many times are you gonna keep saying that," replied Noelle.
"haha, you're right. I should probably stop stating the obvious. Say back then, I think you were saying something. It sounded important."
The water mages face reddened, "Oh that, um... well I was gonna that I... AHHHHHHHH"
Suddenly Noelle jumped into Asta's arms as soon as she felt something furry around her leg. She had both her arms wrapped and embraced him ever so tightly.
"Woah, calm down, Noelle. It's only a mouse."
"Shut up! That's easy for you to say, and who said you can hold me."
"You're the one that..."
*GROWING*
*GROWING*
*YARNING*
Suddenly an array of growls and yawns struck fear into the clover mages.
"What was that? Did you hear it?" whispered Asta.
"What do you think?! Of course, I heard it. I thought we were the only ones who know about this place."
"Apparently not."
*YARNING*
*GROWING*
*YARNING*
"Should we head back?"
"Quite, someone's coming."
What followed were footsteps that got louder with every stride. It was too late to head back. To conceal themselves, they had to quickly ambush whoever was approaching them. They remained vigilant and were ready to take on the threat at any means necessary.
However, Asta quickly noticed something very peculiar.
"Hang on, somethings off."
"What's wrong, Asta?"
"This KI, I recognise it."
The footsteps stopped, and from the shadows out came their supposable threat. Asta and Noelle were jaw-dropped.
"Julius?!"
"Oh, there you are, Asta."
Authors Note: Wow, that was a lot to take in. I actually wanna find out what happens next, and I'm the author of the story haha. Guess this shitty author might not go back in hibernation after all. Think this is our longest chapter ever in the whole story. Doesn't justify the long wait, but I hope you guys did enjoy it. I appreciate you guys putting up with me. I do feel a little bit more inspired, ill hopefully fingers crossed get the next chapter out sooner.
Not gonna lie, due to me not being consistent, I had to read my own story just to figure out what actually going on, but hopefully, I've covered all the points.
Once again a massive thank you for reading my story. I read every review. I feel very thankful for this little following this story has generated. We're now on Favs: 287 - Follows 286, which is crazy.
I don't normally do this, but a special mention to JTDB. You have been quite consistent with the reviews, so if you're still reading the story I appreciate you and look forward to reading your review. I honestly read every review the other day, so I acknowledge you all massively.
If you're new, reading the story welcome, hope you're enjoying the story so far.
Finally massive apologies for the wait and see you all next time :)