Clover Kingdom's Champion
"Ugh, I finally lost those Purple Orca creeps again." A black haired young woman exclaimed with a sigh as he sat on the familiar skull of the Demon next to the statue of the first Wizard King, looking out at the fields below. "How long has it been since I've been back home? A year at least."
"WILL YOU PLEASE MARRY ME." A loud voice rang out across the field, originating from the church.
"Now there's a voice I'd recognize, no matter how much time has passed." Kali chuckled taking to the air. "I made it home just in time for the Grimoire Ceremony at the Tower tomorrow. Might as well take my time with walking back through the village."
Down further into the village, there was the Hage Church, with a lot of the people used to hearing Asta's boisterous voice, and just sighed at his antics as the usual result happened.
"Water Creation Magic: Holy Fist of Love." Sister Lily called out, slamming Asta deeper into the ground. "Ah, I'm so sorry Asta. I wasn't thinking, my magic just slipped out." She exclaimed before there was some clapping.
"Nice Sister. Way to go." The redhead girl exclaimed.
"Show him no Mercy." The younger boy, beside her said.
"But… I didn't… mean to." Sister Lily exclaimed.
"We're not done here." Asta cried out, jumping from the pool of water that had formed, before he was slammed down by a gust of wind.
"Ugh, come on."
"How many times does she have to turn you down?"
"AGH. Why are you sticking your nose in this Yuno?" Asta yelled, running up to the taller boy, black haired boy, who had hit him with the wind magic.
"That's simple, really. Because you're noisy, you're short, you lack both composure and tolerance, and there's not really anything about you that appeals to women." Yuno said.
"Hey. Fifteen years of growing up together, and that's how you talk to me?" Asta questioned as Yuno went to offer Sister Lily help with the dishes. "You big, lady killing jerk."
"May I help?" Yuno asked Sister Lily as she held up the basket of laundry.
"Thank you, Yuno."
"You think you can just ignore me?" Asta questioned in frustration.
"Asta. Nuns are women of the cloth, which means they can't marry. Neither can fifteen year old boys, in fact." Yuno exclaimed.
"Think you're so smart. Well, I'll show you. Yeah I will. You and me, right here right now." Asta exclaimed.
"Not today." Yuno stated.
"An' why the hell not huh?"
"It would be a waste of time."
"What'd you say to me?"
"Give it a rest already Asta, there's no way you stand a chance against him, and you know it."
"All right Nash, that's enough picking on him for one day kids." Kali said, breaking up the Torment Asta Party, and letting them know she was there. "He's doing his best and putting all his faith in achieving his dream. You should be encouraging him, not putting him down just because he's weaker than others."
"Kali's back." One of the younger girls cheered running up to her.
"Good to have you back big sis, but why should we encourage a dream that's gonna be crushed? It's not like he's actually gonna be able to get into the Magic Knights, no matter how hard he tries." Nash exclaimed. "C'mon Big-sis, his dreams are hopeless and you know it."
Kali stood there about a head shorter than Yuno, with a full head of black hair, wearing dark blue pants with a black breast band, with a white vest, and a red dragon skull sewn into the fabric on the back between her shoulder blades, with her tail, usually wrapped around his waist, but was currently being used in a game of keep away from the younger children.
Living on the run from the Purple Orcas had actually done wonders for honing Kali's instincts. She'd spent most of the last ten years on the run living in the wild, hunting for wild game, and using the dangers of the wildlife as training, learning which herbs were medicinal, and which berries were safe to eat, the hard way. But every now and then, she'd always find himself back at Hage, where she was always greeted with open arms by most of the villagers.
Those that didn't like it when she came back, were ones who were too afraid to go against the majority of the village to report her location to the Purple Orcas. They mainly didn't like her, because they were really close friends, or family, of the man who's Grimoire she'd burned to ash.
"Just for that, you don't get any hash browns at dinner." Kali said picking up the girl, Aruru, that went running to her.
"What? C'mon that's not fair. You know how much I love your hash browns. Any dish you cook with pop-potatoes tastes like a dish from the Clover Capital that their top chefs made." Nash exclaimed. "C'mon it's your first night back, please let me have some."
"Tough. You also know how I feel about narcissistic little brats who think it's all right to crush someone's dreams." Kali exclaimed. "You do the crime, you pay the time. An' in this case, you go without hash browns at dinner."
Before they could keep arguing the wind began to pick up, and it was revealed that Yuno was drying the laundry with his magic for Sister Lily.
"Look at that, Yuno's amazing."
"This is nothing for him."
"Such a big help, thank you."
Asta was just starring at Yuno in disbelief, before he ran around the corner of the building, and grabbed the axe leaning against the wall.
"All right, leave the wood chopping to me." Asta said.
"Don't even think about it Mr. Golden Child." Kali said, stopping Yuno from raising his arm before he could steal Asta's thunder. "Asta deserves to prove his worth. An' you constantly stealing his thunder, is lowering his self-esteem and degrading his belief in his abilities, less and less. An' it doesn't help that Father Orsi…"
The doors to the church slammed open, causing Asta to jump in surprise, dropping the axe. Kali put Aruru down, and caught the sharp object before it could land, blade first on Asta's head, and gently laid it against the pile of wood that needed to be chopped.
"Yuno is the hope of this church." Father Orsi cried dramatically.
"All right that's it old man. I think we need to re-evaluate some stuff Pops." Kali said, pulling Orsi into a headlock.
"Kali, you're back... when did you get here?"
"Just this morning." Kali said. "But about that chat, for starters, stop playing favorites with Yuno, and treat him equally like all the others."
"But… I do treat them all equally…"
"Really?" Kali asked, tightening her grip on his neck. "Let's recap on all my visits shall we? Out of all the children in this church, Yuno gets the nicest clothes, gets the most portions at mealtimes, gets his own space in the sleeping chamber we all share, and it ain't a small amount he gets either. Not to mention, he gets an allowance while the rest of the kids, don't. Now, explain to me again, what you said."
"Okay, okay. I admit, I might have been playing favorites, but that's only because I know Yuno will go far in the Magic Knights and…"
"An' nothing. Saying that is basically comparing the rest of us to him, saying there's no hope for our futures. That we're worthless pieces of coal, while Yuno is a diamond." Kali exclaimed as Sister Lily walked past her, to Asta who was bunched up, sitting on the ground in the fetal position. "An' you wonder why, I hardly visit while I'm on the run from the purple Orcas."
"All right I get it. I haven't been fair, and I've been playing favorites. I promise I'll change that habit." Orsi exclaimed.
"You swear on your Grimoire?"
"I swear on my Grimoire."
"Good." Kali said, letting go of Orsi.
"Getting into the Magic Knights isn't just a silly dream for Yuno. He'll make it for sure, unlike the hopeless case over by the firewood." Nash exclaimed.
"Just for that you little comment Nash, you're only having baked potatoes for dinner with Father Orsi, while everyone else gets to enjoy my cheesy bacon potato casserole." Kali said lightly punching Nash in the back of the head. "An' I'll be handing out the serving sizes to make sure Father Orsi keeps his promise."
"Oh come on that's not fair. Your casserole is your best dish ever." Nash exclaimed.
"It's true. It's miraculous how you're able to develop recipes while on the lamb from the Purple Orcas." Sister Lily said.
"It's your own fault Nash. An' thanks for the praise Sister Lily." Kali exclaimed. "I'm going out to buy some groceries from the next village over, who wants to come with me?"
"I do." Aruru cheered.
"Okay, but you promise to hold on tight this time? I don't want you falling off again like last time." Kali exclaimed.
"I promise Big-sis Kali." She smiled.
"Good girl. Hop on." Kali smiled.
"Wait, where'd you get the money for buying the ingredients?" Father Orsi asked.
"I do have a job you know. I'm a bounty hunter. It's how I pay for inns and food for developing my recipes." Kali said, before she began to ascend into the air. "I'll be back in a couple hours, and then I'll be ready to start making dinner. Sister Lily, mind washing the potatoes for me before I get back?"
"Of course." Sister Lily waved off. "Be careful." Turning back to Asta as Kali left, Sister Lily began to try and console the upset boy. "The awarding of the Grimoires is coming up. Once you have yours, things'll change. Just wait and see Asta. You'll be able to use Magic in no time at all."
"Thank you so much, Sister Lily!" Asta cried tears of joy.
"Well, probably, anyway." Sister Lily said.
"My Grimoire… I'll have it soon. Finally… Finally… That's right! I'm gonna get the most awesome Grimoire ever! I'll join up with the Magic Knights, and once I make a name for myself, I'll follow in your footsteps and become the Wizard King!" Asta called out to the statue that was atop the giant demon skull at the other end of the village.
"He'll never give up this nonsense, will he?" Nash questioned.
"Keep talking like that, and Kali will be sure to send you to bed without dinner." Sister Lily exclaimed, causing Nash to cover his own mouth.
"An' then I'll come back and rebuild this crumbling dump of a church." Asta called.
"Crumbling dump? That's taking it too far." Orsi exclaimed.
"Oh shut it Father Orsi. Kali would say the same thing." Asta exclaimed. "Isn't that right, Yuno?" Asta asked, holding out his fist. "Eh?"
Yuno didn't say anything, he just looked at Asta, and turned before walking back into the church. Asta dropped his hand to his side, a dark look of anger on his face.
"I'll show all of you." Asta said, before hopping the fence, and running through the field, and through the town. "I swear. Just watch and you'll see, damn you!" Asta cried out as he ran.
"Asta, wait." Sister Lily cried out.
"Really? How am I younger than him?" Nash inquired.
'Asta, you and Yuno used to get along so well as children, but after Kali came into the picture, things changed.' Sister Lily thought. 'What happened between you two, where do you go every day that you end up covered in mud when returning home?'
~The Following Day~
"Awesome! Are all these shelves filled with Grimoires?" Asta questioned in awe. "Ooh! Which one is mine?"
"Idiot." Yuno exclaimed.
"Calm down Asta, you'll get yours soon enough." Kali chuckled, amused by Asta's antics.
"Hmph. The day that I'll become a full-fledged mage." Kali turned her head as she heard that voice and saw two noble boys standing all high and mighty with a holier than though, atmosphere to them. "It's about time."
"Look what the cat dragged in. Could they be any shabbier?" The second noble asked. "An' look, they've even got a freak with them."
"Someone better call the magic knights, looks like the circus lost one of its attractions." The first noble joked, as they poked fun of Kali and her tail.
"We shouldn't have to give Grimoire's to anyone who just walks in off the street."
"Makes me sick to my stomach."
"You don't think the pathetic creatures would be foolish enough to attempt the Magic Knights Entrance Exam in six months, do you?"
"Only high-ranking nobles and royalty have enough innate magic power to pass the exam."
"See the shrimpy boy? I heard that he can't use magic at all."
"Oh wow. We'd better take extra special care of him. I mean he's one of a kind! The only person in the entire country who can't use magic."
"You boy's best be careful of how you speak." Father Orsi exclaimed, getting their attentions. "The, freak, as you so rudely called her, happens to also be just as much a rarity as Asta. An' I'm sure you'll see why when she receives her Grimoire."
"Yeah right old man. Are we supposed to be intimidated by that?" One of the nobles asked, as they began to laugh.
Without even saying a word, or making her actions known, Kali sent some small air blades towards them, and cut their belts, causing their pants to drop in front of all the teens there. Their reactions caused Kali to give a small amused smile, as they were laughed at.
"Welcome to Grimoire Tower, Acceptees." A voice rang out, inside the building as an elderly mage came down on a flying carpet. "On this momentous day, you will take your first step down a new path. I wish you integrity, hope, and love. For those who don't know, I am the master of this Grimoire Tower. Now, never once has anyone from this region distinguished him or herself by becoming a Magic Knight, much less the Wizard King. I pray that one among you will have what it takes to become the most powerful mage in the land. Seriously, I mean it. Ahem, and now, to accept your Grimoires."
After that speech ended, various books around the tower began to glow, and come flying down towards those gathered there, landing in the various hands of whichever element that the Grimoire was created for. Even Yuno had managed to receive a four leaved clover Grimoire, which left everyone shocked at what he was actually capable to do. Kali could sense malice and jealousy coming from the two Nobles she had humiliated, and knew that they'd be trouble, if Yuno was weaker than he actually was. After all was said and done, there were only two people who hadn't received a Grimoire. Orsi wasn't surprised about Asta, but Kali was a shock.
"Hey uh… Is my Grimoire running late or something?" Asta questioned.
'Oh Asta. No, I'm sorry man.' Kali thought.
"Where's my Grimoire?"
"Uh…" The Tower Master began, clearing his throat. "Try again next year?"
"What?" Asta cried out.
"Oh wow, you're kidding!" Someone began to laugh as all the teens there laughed at him.
"That's actually kinda awesome."
"What? That is too funny."
Just as suddenly as their laughter started, it came to a stop when the tower began to shake, and everyone began to panic that it was an earthquake until…
"Now hold on just a minute." Orsi called out, silencing the crowd, and marching to the open space between Asta and Kali, his words causing Kali to stop using her magic to cause the quake. "Now I get why Asta didn't get a Grimoire, and I half expected as much for it to happen, despite how painful it was for me to see it happen, but Kali is plenty powerful, and is able to control all four base elements of magic. She should have at least gotten a three leaf Grimoire."
"Father Orsi, it's all right." Kali said, putting a hand on the Father's shoulder. "I was prepared for this. It's most likely because of my magic that I don't have a Grimoire now, this was a possibility."
"But…"
"It's fine. I'm not upset. I'm more concerned for Asta, he's not taking all the teasing and laughter so well." Kali said. "I'm gonna take him outside for some fresh air. An' if anyone laughs at him while we're walking out of here, I swear I will shove your Grimoires so far up your asses you'll be burping shit for a month."
After getting her point across, Kali grabbed Asta by the wrist, and dragged him out of the building, towards the forest, thinking a little sparring session would help him feel better.
~Later~
As the hours passed by, and the sun began to turn in for the night, Asta and Kali were sitting out in a tree, looking out into the sunset. Well Kali was sitting in the tree, but Asta was hanging by one of his legs.
"I was so sure, all this time… I just needed a Grimoire, and then I'd finally be able to use magic." Asta exclaimed. "An' now, to not even get a Grimoire…
"Asta listen…"
"Don't Kali…" Asta said. "It's not your fault. I was the one who got my hopes and dreams raised. The only thing you did wrong, was believe in me, and I let you down."
"You didn't let me down little brother." Kali sighed. "It was I, who let you down. I was so sure that if I helped you keep a positive mentality, you'd finally be able to reach your dreams, and make them a reality, but I guess I was destined to crush them instead." Kali sighed. "I guess I failed as a big sister huh?"
"No way." Asta said, swinging himself up, and landing on both feet on the branch. "You didn't fail at anything. You're an awesome big sister, and I won't give up that easily. You're not winning this round, fate. Don't underestimate me. It doesn't matter if it takes a year, or two, or ten, or a hundred. I don't care. I'll work till I get that Grimoire. I will become the Wizard King, I'll prove anyone can be great, even a poor commoner who was abandoned at birth. Take that! Ha, ha. An' just you wait, Yuno."
'Speaking of Yuno, I'm sensing he's in a bit of trouble right now. An' it's not just those two Nobles either.' Kali thought. "Asta, I'm gonna head back to the tower, there's something that's been bugging me, and I'm not liking it."
"I'll come to." Asta said.
"No you stay here. I'd feel better if I knew you were safe." Kali exclaimed, before she jumped down from the tree, and began to fly off, without even landing on the ground first.
Flying towards the tower, Kali felt the energy of the two Nobles, and they were scared. Of what, she didn't know, but it was obviously something, or someone, that had more experience than Yuno, when it came to combat.
As she approached the tower, the sound of screams echoed out, and that gave Kali cause for concern. Kicking it up a notch, she got to the front of the Grimoire Tower, faster than before, and saw the two Nobles were mummified in chains. He turned towards Yuno and saw he too was tied up in chains, as his Grimoire was grabbed and taken to the chain caster.
"So if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking this Grimoire of yours." He smiled. Kali recognized him, he'd been part of the original team that came to kidnap him from the church a decade ago. It was Chain Magic Revchi, and last she heard, he'd been exiled from the Magic Knights, for crimes that were less than humane against Magic Knights, and Enemies of the Clover Kingdom, alike.
"Hey asshole." Kali called out, rushing him from behind. Revchi turned around, only to be slammed into the ground by her knee hitting his face, and knocking him off balance. "Let my brother go now."
"Aw, and there's my second target. Such a rare and unique magic. You're the only one in the world, who is able to naturally use all four base elements." Revchi exclaimed. "I'll have your weight in gold this time you freak, and I won't have to split it with anyone."
"I don't think so, you psycho." Kali stated firmly, before she gasped in shock, as she was bound in the same chains that Yuno and the Nobles were tied up in. 'Damn it, these chains are blocking my magic from being usable. Guess that is his specialty, since his main weapon has always revolved around chains.'
"You know, the Diamond Kingdom, would pay me twice your weight in gold if I were to offer to sell you to them. They'd force you to pop out baby after baby, to make the perfect army with the offspring you'd produce. Just think about it, an army of Magic Knight Soldiers, who can use multiple elements. Oh, they'd probably buy you off me for a wagon full of gold. An' your friends Grimoire would be a nice bonus." Revchi exclaimed.
Kali glared and spat in his face, not at all interested in whatever plans he might have for her.
"I can promise you. If you take me to the Diamond Kingdom, I'd destroy it from the inside out, the second these chains are off me. So you'd actually be doing the Clover Kingdom a favor, by taking me to their worst enemy." Kali exclaimed, pressing against her chains. "I will not bow, and I will not break. I will stay strong and I will keep fighting on."
Kali forced herself to her feet, fighting, and pushing against the chains grasp they had pulling her down, as a milky white aura enveloped her, with her hair waving about in the aura.
"Impossible, my chains should be draining her of any and all her magic energy." Revchi exclaimed, shocked at Kali's ability to fight against his chains.
"Hey." Yuno called to him. "You said that your name is Revchi? Why bother stealing my Grimoire and kidnap my sister? You know the book can't be used by anyone but the caster, and Kali will destroy the Diamond Kingdom like she said."
"Grimoire's must be used by their chosen masters, blah-blah-blah. Yes village boy I'm well aware. An' your sister is all bark and no bite." Revchi said. "Now that I got a look at the girl after her little speech, I see it's taking everything she has just to remain standing. However, there are plenty of black market collectors, who would pay a small fortune in exchange for such a unique specimen such as your four leaf. The four leaf clover may have chosen you, but you only just received it. Untrained novice, mere hatchlings."
"Well one of us, hatchlings, as you put it, actually happens to be a master martial artist." Yuno smirked. "An' she happens to have a personal grudge against you, and the rest of the Purple Orcas, as well as an eye on the bounty on your head."
Revchi's eyes widened and turned around, just as Kali threw her arms to her sides, breaking the chain bindings, and shredding the vest she wore. Thankfully, her breast band was made from her old armor, and could be changed for any design of clothing she'd want. It was ideal since it seemed to have no growth limit when stretched out.
"Impossible." Revchi exclaimed.
"Oh it's possible all right Revchi. Your head is mine." Kali cried out, charging at him.
Thinking fast, Revchi shot out four chains, from the wall, and stopped Kali's advances on him to collecting her payback, and an easy payment. But the drawback, was spilt all over the cobblestone pavement.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH." Kali cried out as the bladed tips of the chains pierced her arms and legs, before pulling her back against the wall, and wrapping around her torso. The chains in her arms had pierced right between the spaces of the radius and the ulna's, and the chains piercing her legs, barely grazed by the bones in the calves. Each chain link coursing through her, was causing more and more pain, with each link that passed through the wounds openings.
"That was a close one." Revchi exclaimed with a sickening smile, as Yuno starred in horror at the blood pooling down the wall, with Kali in a crucified position. Revchi turned back to Yuno and spotted something he hadn't seen before. "Oh-ho, I bet that pendent would fetch a good price. Don't mind if I do."
"HOLD IT."
Kali's tear filled eyes widened when Asta's voice rang out and she turned her head upward to see him leap out from the trees, screaming, before he slammed into the wall opposite of her, and landed on the ground painfully, and comically.
"What the hell is going on here?" He shouted, instantly on his feet, like he didn't just land face first into the ground. "I've come to rescue… eh?"
"We're over here Asta." Kali groaned. "Jeez you idiot. I told you to stay put, maybe even head back to the church. But did you listen to me? No."
"Kali?" Asta asked, horrified at seeing how bloodied her arms and legs were. "Hey creep. What's your deal?" Asta asked, turning to Revchi, seeing a familiar Grimoire in his hand. "That's Yuno's Grimoire you've got. What are you doing with it, you dirty rotten thief?"
"Why look, it's the sad little boy who waited so long, but never got a Grimoire."
"Oh you've heard of me." Asta said.
"He was at the Grimoire Receiving Ceremony Asta. It was his hunting ground, and he caught the two of us as his prey." Kali exclaimed. "He's also the guy you headbutted in the groin when we were kids when he tried to take me away from the church."
"Oh, so this is the guy I freed you from when we were kids?" Asta asked. "Now I've got even more reason to beat you up."
"See this is why I don't want you sticking your neck out like this. You have zero clue on how to read the room." Kali exclaimed. "You could have at least gone to get some help from Father Orsi, or Sister Lily, but no, you just had to do this on your own."
"Yeah, you're right. The poor, empty-handed kid. The only place a Grimoire belongs, is with its true master. Now give that back to Yuno and let both of them go."
Revchi began to laugh, as if he'd just heard the funniest joke of his life.
"You really are a sheltered creature if you believe that kind of reasoning will get you anywhere with the likes of me." Revchi exclaimed.
"Oh trust me, I knew it wouldn't." Asta smirked, seeing Kali's smile as a dim light began to form in her mouth. "But my sis always taught me that a good strategy, is one that's never seen coming."
Revchi's eyes widened as Kali powered up an attack behind him, and let it off before he could do a thing about it.
"Elemental Magic: Hellfire Dragon's Breath." Kali called out as the dark red fiery attack left her mouth, barely hitting Revchi in his shoulder, as he jumped out of the way of the attack, leaving a flesh wound on his shoulder.
"You little bitch. You intentionally argued with him just so I would let my guard down." Revchi growled, dropping Yuno's Grimoire.
"With each visit I made to Hage, I've been preparing my siblings for all sorts of different scenarios of danger. Practicing the counter measures to them, is what we do on a bi-daily basis." Kali smirked. "My scream of pain, from when you pierced my arms and legs, was the signal that told Asta to get his ass over here as soon as possible. Though that landing of his, wasn't exactly part of the plan."
"How was I supposed to know that's where the treeline was?" Asta questioned.
"Well I hope you're proud of yourselves, because you've just signed your brother's death warrant." Revchi exclaimed, the pages of his Grimoire flipping to the proper spell he needed.
"Asta run." Yuno cried out as Revchi used his magic to send chains towards Asta.
"From a waste of space like him?" Asta questioned, taking a runner's start. "NOT A CHANCE IN HELL." Asta cried out, running towards Revchi.
The Chain Magic user sent the chains at Asta, but the ash blonde boy proved to be quick and agile, dodging each of the chain's oncoming attacks, before he jumped past Revchi and skid to a halt, twisting around to throw a punch that would have knocked him to the ground, but the attack was stopped, as some chains managed to wrap themselves around Asta's body, keeping him from advancing.
"I'll get you." Asta growled out, taking a step forward, as he used brute strength to fight against the pull of the chains.
"No boy. You're finished here." Revchi exclaimed, a page in his Grimoire turning, as he prepared another attack, that hit Asta dead on. "Dance of the Pitless Viper."
"ASTA." Kali cried out, seeing her brother get torn and sliced by the bladed chains, before he was slammed into the stone wall, bringing up a cloud of dust and rubble. 'This isn't good. He doesn't stand a chance. This is something mages outside the village are capable of, and he's getting a firsthand taste of what that power is like, while I've been dealing with it since I was six. I have to fight on, I have to protect my family' Kali thought before a voice echoed in her head.
"Why do you hesitate? You have the power within you to beat this useless sack of meat." The voice of a woman echoed within her mind.
"I don't have the strength. I don't even have a Grimoire to harness my full potential with." Kali spoke aloud.
"Kali?" Yuno questioned.
"I can give you the Grimoire you desire. In return, I only ask one thing of you." The woman's voice asked.
"Anything…"
"Never use it for evil. Always use its power, to defend those you love."
"I swear to you, I will never use its power for evil." Kali said, as a dark magic circle began encircling the space in front of her.
"Then, I entrust you, with this Grimoire, in hopes you will keep your word, and never use it to fulfill your own agenda." From out of the hole in space and time, floated a Grimoire that was comprised of black leather, with white adornments on the cover, framing the edges, while inside the white framing, was a feral dragon on a skull, with its tail wrapping around it, and a five leaved clover, below the skull and dragon, as the dancing shadow image of a large feline demon, formed against the wall behind him, with a dark red and black light dancing around his body in its eerie glow, with its general size being 8"-6" in height and width, with a girth of 3", meaning it might have been small, but it had plenty of room for powerful spells.. "Never forget, your Saiyan Pride. Always remember, you are of the Elite, the Proud, and Noble Warrior Race, and you are the daughter, of the royal family."
'My Saiyan Pride?' Kali questioned, before her brow knitted together, as she flashed between her normal form, and a red fur covered primate creature, for a few seconds, forcing herself to fight against the pain, of the chains running through her arms and legs. The chain links began to creak and snap one by one, all the while Revchi was unaware of it happening.
"You see, boy, it's no use." Revchi exclaimed, stomping his foot on Asta's shoulder. "Thanks for playing though."
"It's not over. I'm not done." Asta exclaimed. "I will be the, Wizard King."
"The Wizard King? You're joking." Revchi laughed. "The thing is, these chains can measure the magic power of anyone they come in contact with. An' you have none. Not a single drop of magic. You were probably born that way, I guess that explains why you didn't get a Grimoire. Your siblings on the other hand, well. Yuno has quite the vast reservoir of magic in him, but your sister, her reserves aren't as vast, but if he had gotten a Grimoire, it'd be a four leaf clover like Yuno's, well if I wasn't gonna sell him to one of the opposing Kingdoms. But my chains did detect something else within her, something locked away, something her body is not ready to handle." Revchi said, smiling as if he'd already won. "But, to possess not the slightest bit of magic in a world where magic is everything? Why that makes you a rare and precious bird indeed."
"Then I guess you know how rare of a bird I am to."
Revchi turned and ducked, evading a swing from Kali, as she had broken her bonds, and was now fighting as strong as she could with her current injuries. To Revchi's surprise, Kali was sporting some rather heavily forged looking gauntlets that looked like they had claws, and even more shocking, was the Grimoire floating next to her.
"You're still fighting against me? Just give up and obey like the good little monkey you are." Revchi exclaimed. "Dance of the Pitless Viper."
"You know…" Kali began as she started to bob and weave through the chains being sent in her direction. "It might be the fact that I have an actual monkey tail, but for some reason, being called a monkey, makes me feel really, really offended." She glared, as she got closer to Revchi.
Kali kept weaving and dodging Revchi's attacks. But she was getting slower, as the pain from her legs being pierced was starting to get to her. Just before she was about to jump back, she lost her footing and fell forward, her tail getting sliced off at the base with a sickening squelch as the blade sliced through flesh and bone.
"Oops, oh well. Your missing tail won't change your value." Revchi exclaimed, before Kali began to laugh as she picked herself up.
"Well, now I can go on moonlit strolls during the full moon whenever I want." Kali smiled. "Thanks, you just removed my curse."
"What?" Revchi questioned, before he was socked in the jaw by Kali.
"I was cursed to turn into a giant ape monster, whenever I looked at the full moon, and my tail was the source of that curse. No matter how many times I removed it, my tail would always grow back. But now, since your chains drain magic from everything they touch, I should be thanking you for removing my curse."
"Damn it." Revchi growled, fighting back against Kali using his signature move, and a few others.
Asta looked up from where he was seated, and up against the wall, and saw Kali fighting against Revchi, and barely holding off the one armed Mage's attacks.
'Kali, is fighting, to protect us. She's strong, but… she put her faith in me. She believed in me when no one else would, she still does, and… I can't let her down… not again…' Asta thought as he grit his teeth, and got on one knee, forcing himself to his feet, an angered expression forming on his face as he was surrounded by a red and black light, the same red and dark light that had enveloped Kali. "REVCHI. YOUR FIGHT IS WITH ME." Asta shouted, as flashes of a demon or a monster, replacing Asta, shook Revchi, distracting him enough for Kali to land a hit.
'What is this feeling? It's not magic, but it's… it's something else, something unholy.' Kali thought as the light around Asta intensified until a black and red Grimoire with a five leaf clover on it, appeared in front of Asta, and opened up, producing what looked like a rusted sword, as it floated into the air, before falling and imbedding into the ground right in front of Asta. 'A five leaf clover? But, it's just like mine, that can't be. In the first three there's integrity, hope, and love. In a four leaf clover there's, good luck. But in the fifth leaf…' Kali thought as Asta took the rusted blade and held it tightly in his grasp.
"But you don't have any magic." Revchi cried out. "How could you get a Grimoire, and that sword?"
'In the fifth leaf of a five leaf clover…' Kali thought, seeing the shadow, dancing behind Asta in an unholy way, similar to the large beast that had danced as her shadow, moved and acted.
"What kind of freak of nature are you?" Revchi shouted, before sending a barrage of chains at Asta as he removed the blade from the ground.
With a swing of his sword, Asta took Revchi's spell, and turned it into his own power.
Taking a single step forward, Asta went running at Revchi, kicking up dirt, and letting off a shockwave of energy left behind.
"Even without traditional magic power, I will be the Wizard King." Asta cried out as he swung his blade forward, slamming it into Revchi. "My Magic is never giving up."
'Lives, the Devil…' Kali finished her thought, just as Asta sent Revchi flying into the wall, knocking him out, and freeing Yuno, and the Nobles.
"I always figured if I can't use magic, I can use my body. I trained to build up strength, and it looks like it's paid off." Asta exclaimed.
"Asta, you did it." Kali smiled, just as the blood loss and pain, and the lack of adrenaline rushing through her system caught up to her, causing Kali to pass out. The last thing she saw before passing out, was Yuno and Asta running for her with worried expressions on their faces.
~Some Time Later~
"Ow, oh man. I feel like I was hit by a herd of cattle, head on." Kali groaned as he woke up in a familiar room. "Wait, am I in Father Orsi's bed?"
"You are." The familiar voice of Sister Lily said. Kali turned her head to see the Sister Lily standing in the doorway, with a basin of water and a few cloths hanging on the edges of it. "Father Orsi has been in the chapel ever since your wounds were dressed, praying for your recovery. He hasn't left there once, not even for mealtimes."
"How long was I out for?" Kali asked as Sister Lily laid a cloth on her forehead.
"A couple days. You lost a lot of blood, so Asta, Yuno, and myself, have all been taking shifts watching you during the day, making sure you were still breathing." Sister Lily exclaimed. "I of course made sure to handle your baths personally. Asta and Yuno weren't comfortable with being the ones to give you a sponge bath."
"Thank you." Kali said, trying to sit up, only to fail, stopping in a bit of pain. "Ow, guess I'm not getting up for a while."
"No, your spine was hit pretty hard when Revchi slammed you against the wall with his binding spell. Such a horrible man." Sister Lily exclaimed. "Yuno explained to us what he had planned to do with you. I'm glad you're safe. Your spine will be stiff for a couple days, but I've been making sure to give it proper treatment to speed up your recovery."
"That's good I guess." Kali chuckled.
"More good news, your tail hasn't grown back yet, we think it's finally gone for good." Sister Lily smiled.
"What about Asta and Yuno? Are they okay?" Kali asked.
"Asta and Yuno will be fine. They've always had strong wills. Asta was really excited about his Grimoire though." Sister Lily smiled. "It seems you both got Grimoires similar to each others."
"Yeah, we finally got ours." Kali said, a hint of worry in her eyes. 'Was that all in my head, or did I really see the shadow of the devil, dancing behind Asta?'
"So once you're recovered enough, what are you gonna do?" Sister Lily asked.
"I'm going to head for the capital, get a lay of the land, and make a name for myself before applying for the Magic Knights in six months. I'm sure I'll see Asta and Yuno at the Magic Knight Entrance Exams." Kali exclaimed. "I'm sure that I'll be able to find employment for myself at least until then. Besides, I can't stay in one place for too long, otherwise the Purple Orcas might actually catch me."
"I've got a surprise for you, I'll be right back."
After Sister Lily left, Kali used his arms to force himself to sit up and leaned back against the headboard, before the children came running in, all of them happy to see Kali was awake.
"Kali, you're awake." Aruru cheered. "I was so scared you wouldn't wake up."
"We all were." Recca exclaimed. "Are you okay?"
"You feew bettew?" Hollo asked.
"I'm feeling much better." Kali smiled warmly, pulling Hollo onto the bed, the other children following suit and sitting around him, while Hollo sat in his lap.
"So you really fought against a former Magic Knight?" Nash questioned, being the only one not to climb up onto the bed and sit around her in a semi-circle.
"I did. Wasn't my first time, but I'd say he was the toughest to face since he's the first Magic user I fought whose magic could drain others of theirs." Kali said.
"So, are you going to join the Magic Knights?" Aruru asked.
"Yeah, I will. But first I'm needing to distinguish myself accordingly." Kali smiled.
"Here, Sister Lily wrapped these around your chest, waist and hips earlier, don't know why, but she marked them where the ends met." Recca said, handing Kali three strips of flat leather.
"What?" Kali asked, looking at each of the marks on the leather. "Oh come on my measurements changed again?"
"So, which Magic Knight Squad are you thinking of joining?" Nash inquired. "By the way, I want some of your cooking before you leave. I haven't had it for three nights in a row now."
"I'm not sure which squad I'm going to join, that all depends on whichever squad wants me to join theirs." Kali exclaimed. "An' you'll get some of my cooking, if you behave."
"Join the Blue Roses. I'm sure you could make a real good impression on them." Recca said.
"Nah, join the Golden Dawn, it's more prestigious." Nash exclaimed. "Maybe the Crimson Lion Squad."
"Golden Dawn are too uptight for me. An' the Blue Roses are just a waste of my time, all princess, prim, and proper. An' the Crimson Lions are the opposite of the Blue Roses, and is made up entirely of men, since their current captain took over." Kali exclaimed.
"So that just leaves you with the Silver Eagles, Green Mantis, Azure Deer, Coral Peacock, Purple Orcas, and the Black Bulls." Recca counted off.
"Green Mantis's Captain I've heard is a, bit unstable mentally, so that's a no." Kali said. "Azure Deer's Captain is barely old enough to even have a Grimoire, so no, I'm not taking orders from another child. Purple Orcas are rumored to be doing some shady illegal business, so I'm gonna pass on them as well. Coral Peacocks, their captain is always sleeping."
"That just leaves the Black Bulls and the Silver Eagles. You sure you don't want to give Crimson Lions another chance?" Nash questioned.
"Zip it about the Crimson Lions or no hash browns for you." Kali exclaimed.
~Morning of Kali's Departure~
"Are you sure you won't stay to train with me?" Asta asked as Kali was ready to go, Grimoire on her hip in the carrier Sister Lily had personally hand made for her out of the remaining material of the old armor Kali came to them wearing.
"I'm sure. I'm ready to hit the road again." Kali smiled. "I'm pretty sure word about Revchi, the former Purple Orcas Squad Member has already reached the capital, so I'm needing to get going before the rest of the Purple Orcas come. I'll be sure to write often, and send back the money I make once I become a Magic Knight."
"Before you go, here." Sister Lily said, handing her a bag of money. "It's Revchi's bounty. While you were unconscious, Yuno took Revchi to the nearest bounty station and collected it for you."
"Aw, thanks Yuno, that was so sweet of you." Kali said, pulling him in for a hug.
"You be safe now, and remember to keep your guard up in a fight." Orsi exclaimed.
"I will."
"We're gonna miss you Kali." Recca said.
"I'll be sure to visit whenever I can." Kali said with a smile as she slowly ascended into the air. "Take care of each other."
"We will." Yuno said, waving goodbye to her.
"Asta, Yuno, I'll see you in six months at the Magic Knight Entrance Exams." Kali exclaimed.
"We'll see you there, and we'll be stronger than ever before." Asta called out.
"Don't go taking the throne of the Wizard King until we get there to fight you for it." Yuno exclaimed.
"Oh trust me, I have no desire to be the Wizard King." Kali called back. "Take care, and good luck with your training." Kali said before flying off, towards the capital, unaware of the adventures, she would face in the future.
~Elsewhere~
"Goodness. I've certainly outdone myself this time." A blue skinned man with white hair, and a large halo ring around his neck and shoulders, exclaimed taking a bite of his dish. "I simply can't get enough of this flavor. What about you Lord Beerus, how do you like the food?"
"It's adequately done Whis. You did an excellent job." A humanoid cat man, sitting across from the blue skinned man exclaimed. "By the way, do you know what that surge of energy in the vault a few days ago was caused by?"
"I do indeed My Lord." Whis smiled. "Do you perhaps recall making a book of spells that you lost interest in, before you could fill any of the pages?"
"Hmm, yes I do believe it was called a Grimoire, I based it off those silly books on that planet we visited once a few centuries ago. I even trapped a demonic spirit in the bindings of it, because I had used its skin to make the leather for the book itself." Beerus said.
"Well, as it turns out, the spirit of the demonic beast found a host, and the Grimoire teleported itself right too them." Whis exclaimed.
"You don't say. So this being was worthy of a Grimoire created by a Destroyer God? How interesting. We'll have to visit them one of these days, to see what they're really made of." Beerus stated. "I'm interested in tasting those elves delicious cooking once more."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible Lord Beerus. The Elven people have long since gone extinct on that world." Whis sighed.
"Really? Such a shame, how did it happen?" Beerus inquired.
"Well My Lord. It all started centuries ago, with an elven man, named Licht." Whis began.
A/N: Please leave a review. No flames please.