(A/N)

Hello and welcome back to another chapter of OKAT!

Feels like forever and it's good to be writing again. Things have been rather rough. While I did have fun at Fan Expo.. the rest of July up to October has been a mixture of ups and downs, both at my job and in real life. Especially since my Grandma and Great Grandmother passed away in July… Thankfully things are calming down bit by bit.

I'm glad you guys love the extra scenes involving the phantom thieves and their new squad. I want to make sure we get more focus on the other squads and that won't be the only time. It's because that's my main nitpick with Black Clover: We don't get to see the other squads that much and it's sad because there's a lot of potential.

To recap what happened last time, The Phantom Thieves, Asta, and Yuno were introduced to their new squads. Some welcomes were good such as Yusuke finding common ground with Rill and Makoto getting a lot of attention from the Blue Rose members. However, some like Yuno and Morgana got some unpleasantries. For Asta, Ren, and Sumire, the three must pass a test to prove their worth to the Black Bulls. After some struggle, the three are given robes and are officially welcomed into their new chaotic home.

What will everyone's first day be like? To find out the answer, let's get started because it's showtime!


The Disgraced Noble

Black Bulls Headquarters, Nighttime

After the Black Bulls celebrated Asta, Ren, and Sumire becoming new members, everyone decided to hit the sack and call it a day. However, Magna decided to take the newbies to their new bedrooms. Eventually, the four arrive at two wooden doors.

"Here it is: Your rooms." Magna said as Asta and Sumire opened the doors, revealing a rather dull room. Both rooms have two beds, desks, and cabinets. "Dank, don't ya think? Not to mention oppressively cramped and filthy."

"I've gotten used to sleeping in these kinds of rooms." Ren admitted, remembering the times he stayed in the attic of Sojiro's cafe.

"Really?" Magna asked, surprised by Ren's words. "You seem like the kind of guy who would sleep in a room like mine. I mean, it's twice as big as-"

"No way! I finally got a room!" Asta cries with joy.

"Wait, you're actually happy about this?" Magna was even more surprised by Asta's reaction.

"It's the first time in my life I get to sleep in an ACTUAL room! Back at the church, we were crammed into one room like we're a bunch of sardines!" Asta explains as he starts crying more.

"I see..." Magna said with a sweatdrop before looking at Sumire. "What about you?"

"I'm not used to these kinds of rooms, but I'll manage." Sumire answered with a smile.

With that, the three began cleaning their rooms. While Sumire is folding up her blanket, she notices a bag on the other bed. "Hey Magna?"

"What's wrong? Found a spider?" Magna teased with a grin.

"No, there's a bag in here." Sumire points at the bag, which Asta and Ren poke their heads out of the corner and see the item. "Do you know whose bag this is?"

"It's probably from the other newbie." Manga answered. "We've tried to find her, but Captain Yami said not to worry about it."

"There's someone else like us?" Ren asked.

'I wonder if it's the girl I saw at the exam?' Sumire thought before realizing the guys are still there, prompting her to gently shove them away from her room. "Anyways, let me continue cleaning by myself. A girl still needs her privacy."

"You sure you don't need help? I like to clean a lot back at the Church." Asta offered before he and Ren were shoved into their rooms.

"I appreciate it, but I got it. Good night, guys." Sumire smiles and waves before entering her room and closing the door.

"Well, better respect her privacy. We're free until the next mission, anyways." Magna said as he began to leave. "By the way, Asta. Ren."

"Yes, Magna?" Ren asked.

"Make sure you take some time to write." Magna said in a surprisingly mature tone. "Your folks deserve a letter, so be sure to keep them updated on what you're doing and make sure to let them know you're okay."

"We will!" Asta promised with a determined tone.

"You can't go making everyone worry. That's what being a real man is all about. Later. And just hit me up if you need anything." Magna waves as he leaves the boys to finish cleaning.

'If I could let Boss and my parents know what happened, I would.' Ren thought, clenching the napkin in his hand.

"You okay, Ren?" Asta asked in concern.

"O-Oh, I'm fine." Ren reassures nervously as he goes back to cleaning. "So, you plan to be the Wizard King one day?"

"That's right." Asta answered with a determined smile. "It's because of a promise I made to Yuno. One day, one of us will be the new Wizard King. And I don't plan on losing. What about you?"

"Me?" Ren raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, don't you have a goal?" Asta asked.

"Not really. I haven't quite figured it out yet." Ren admitted while scratching his cheek with his index finger. He wants to tell Asta the truth, but he remembers what he and the other Phantom Thieves promised.

"I'm sure you'll find one." Asta said. "I mean, everyone has a purpose, right?"

"That's true." Ren said with a small chuckle before the two headed back to cleaning.


Golden Dawn Headquarters

Akechi and Klaus lead Yuno and Mimosa down the hallway before opening two doors, revealing fancy rooms with an elegant bed, a gold desk, dresser, and oak table.

"These will be your new rooms." Akechi explained to the two new recruits.

"Thank you." Yuno simply said as he and Mimosa entered their room.

"It's better than you deserve." Klaus told Yuno coldly. "A room like this is wasted on the likes of you."

"It's better than having them sleep outside." Akechi said. "Mimosa, how is this room compared to the one back home?"

"It's nothing different really." Mimosa admitted with a small giggle. "Though there is a lot more gold than usual."

"Well, we are the Golden Dawn, so we have to live up to the title somehow." Akechi jokes with a small chuckle.

Klaus clears his throat, causing the two to stop chuckling and giggling. He beckons them to come out, prompting them to follow his order before standing outside of their room. "Anyways, we'll be explaining your duties as a Magic Knight tomorrow. I don't see any reason to be both of your tutors when you got Goro and Letoile."

"Remember, Captain Vengeance's orders." Akechi told Klaus, knowing he will face consequences if he were to disobey the captain.

"Yes, I know." Klaus sighed as he adjusted his glasses. "I sure hope the two of you listened to what I said. I hate to repeat myself." He then turns to Yuno. "Especially you, boy."

"My name is Yuno." He said bluntly. "My name is Yuno, Klaus. Not boy."

"Y-Yuno!" Mimosa panicked in concern. "P-Please don't cause any trouble! It's your first day!"

"I was just telling him what my name is." Yuno explained. "There a problem with that?"

"N-Not really, but you could at least be a bit nicer." Mimosa said.

"That's enough." Klaus spoke up, causing the two newbies to stop talking. "Don't forget I outrank both of you. You are to address me as sir."

"Yes, sir." Yuno relented with a straight face.

"We're sorry, sir." Mimosa bowed.

"No need for apologies." Akechi said with a smile. "However, we expect you two to get along. Not just with each other, but with your squadmates as well. I believe that's all we have to say for today. I suggest you get some nice sleep."

"He's right. You both will have a busy day tomorrow." Klaus said as he and Akechi started to leave. "Don't be late or I'll be displeased." With that, the two of them left.

"I'll see you in the morning, Yuno." Mimosa said, only to get a simple nod from the wind user as he entered his room before closing the door. "This is going to be more tricky than I thought."


Silver Eagles Headquarters, The Next Day

The morning sun rises up in the sky, shining down on the city of Kikka. At the Silver Eagles headquarters, Morgana finishes getting dressed and looks over at his new robe on the coat hanger. Like the Golden Dawn, the Silver Eagles' bedrooms are fancy, consisting of silver and white furniture, so Morgana was able to get a good night's sleep.

'Today is my first day as a member of the Silver Eagles. I better not disappoint.' He thought as he put on a black cape and the robe before leaving his room.

As the former cat walks down the hall, he sees a few more Silver Eagle members, who just got up and dressed.

"Is that the new recruit?" One member asked.

"What was Captain Nozel thinking, letting a commoner join?" Another member added.

"I bet he'll be bait for our enemies." A female member jokes.

"What a joke. He should quit while he's got the chance."

Morgana can hear the negative comments from his fellow squadmates. It'll be a huge challenge to win the approval of his squad.

"You're here earlier than I expected." Morgana looks up to see Nozel, Solid, and Nebra standing in the middle of the hallway.

"Good morning, Captain." Morgana greeted.

"I'm assuming you're ready for your duties as a Magic Knight?" Nozel questioned with a stern look.

"Yes, I'm ready." Morgana answered.

"Good. Be sure to follow Solid and Nebra's orders." Nozel said as he turned around and walked ahead.

"Do you really think you got what it takes to be one of us?" Solid mocked with a grin.

"I hate the idea of training someone as worthless as you." Nebra confessed with a scoff. "But if our brother insists, then I guess we have no choice."

"Let's go." Solid said as he and Nebra start to leave with Morgana trailing behind them.

As they exit out of the hallway and into a big room with various paintings, Morgana can see a huge portrait of the Silva siblings. However, he would notice a little girl in the painting.

"I hate to bother you, but who's that?" Morgana spoke up. "You've never mentioned having another sibling."

"You mean her?" Nebra and Solid looked at the painting before the two began to laugh.

"Did I say something funny?" Morgana asked, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"I wouldn't get involved with her if I were you." Solid suggested with laughter.

"He's right. That little girl is nothing but a stain on the Silva family name." Nebra added. "In fact, it makes me wonder if she's really related to us."

Hearing those comments made Morgana feel disgusted. However, he does his best to keep his composure as one wrong move means he's done for, so he decided to keep following the two Silva siblings.


Crimson Lions Headquarters

"Man, I haven't slept like that in a LONG time." Ryuji yawned and stretched his arms over his head as he and Ann were walking down the hall to meet their squadmates.

"It feels like we were in a fairy tale." Ann admitted. "And I definitely feel like a princess now."

"You as a princess?" Ryuji asked with a snort. "Yeah right. You still look like a dominatrix."

"D-Dominatrix!?" Ann gasped with a blush and glare. "At least I don't look like some street punk wannabe."

"Street Punk wannabe!?" Ryuji exclaimed before the two bump heads with each other, grinding his teeth a bit.

"You two definitely make a good couple." Ryuji and Ann froze for a moment and saw Leopold, who was grinning until…

"YOU MUST BE CRAZY!" Ann and Ryuji shouted simultaneously.

"Relax, I was joking." Leopold laughed awkwardly. "Anyways, how did you guys sleep?"

"We slept pretty well." Ann answered with delight.

"Damn right we did." Ryuji said with a toothy grin.

"Great. Now let's get started!" Leopold motivated with boisterous energy.

"With what?" Ryuji asked.

"Your first day as members of the Crimson Lions. My brother assigned me to train both of you." Leopold explained.

"In that case, I'll be looking forward to working with you, Leopold." Ann smiled.

"We'll make sure you and your brother won't be disappointed/" Ryuji promised as he and Ann followed Leopold.


Blue Rose Knights Headquarters

"You want to spar with me?" Makoto had gotten up and finished breakfast a few minutes ago and now she's standing in the middle of the courtyard in front of Sol.

"Of course." Sol answered as she cracked her knuckles. "Since Char picked you, I want to see what you can do."

"Well…" Makoto hesitated until noticing the looks on a few more blue rose knights. She lets out a small sigh before responding- "Alright, I'll spar with you. Wait, are we using our grimoires?"

"No grimoires." Sol answered as she took off her grimoire pouch and set it to the side. "I want to see your skills."

"That's fair." Makoto removes her pouch off her waist and sets it down before doing small, but quick stretches.

"Now don't feel bad when I beat you." Sol said with a smirk. "I don't wanna brag, but I am one of the strongest fighters in the kingdom."

Both girls got into a fighting stance before Sol made the first move by leaping towards Makoto and throwing a right hook. However, Makoto caught her arm and moved around with a spin before elbowing her back.

"Oh? You know defensive fighting styles too?" Sol asked with an interested tone as jumped away before kicking Makoto. "Way different from how you fought yesterday."

"I like to mix up my fighting style." Makoto admits as she blocks it with her own kick. The two girls lowered their legs as they took a step back.

Not bad." Sol said with a grin, cracking her knuckles. "You better give everything you got."


Aqua Deer Headquarters

Futaba sits up in her bed with a yawn. She rubbed her groggy eyes before grabbing her glasses from the counter and putting them on. She definitely feels weird sleeping in a room without her featherman and anime figurines, manga collection, and electronics.

"Hope Sojiro's doing okay." She sighs, already missing her adoptive father until she hears her stomach growl. "Well, time to eat food to refill my MP." Futaba gets up and changes into her new clothes and squad robe and is about to head out until…

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" Futaba jumped a bit as she heard Rill's shouting. She opened the door and ran down the hall before entering the dining room.

"What's wrong!?" She asked until she saw Yusuke and Rill, who are slightly covered in paint, carrying a paint brush.

"Good Morning, Futaba." Yusuke greeted her with a soft smile.

"Did you sleep well?" Rill asked.

"Yeah, but I have a better question… What the heck are you two doing?" Futaba questioned, planting her hands on her hips.

"We're showing off our painting skills." Rill answered with a small laugh. "Your friend here has a natural talent."

"Why thank you, Captain Rill." Yusuke smiled. "But to be perfectly honest, I'm nowhere near as talented as you. Your artistic skills are way beyond my very own."

Futaba looks over at Yusuke's canvas, which has a painting of one of the statues in the room. Then she looks over at Rill's canvas and sees the same thing.

"They both look the same to me." She admitted. "Anyways, you said you'll be telling us what we'll be doing as magic knights, right?"

"Don't worry, I didn't forget." Rill answered as he set his brush and palette down on the table. "Yusuke, get yourself cleaned up. I want you two to meet me in the dining room."

"Y-Yes sir!" Futaba nodded as the three exited out of the room.


Coral Peacocks Headquarters

Haru is currently looking at the flowers in the garden, clearly fascinated by the different kinds of flowers and plants.

"I've never seen so many flowers flourishing like this before." She admitted in awe, writing down notes.

"There you are." Haru yelps a bit and turns around to see Kirsch standing by the doorway. "Sorry, did I startle you?"

"N-No no, you're fine." Haru reassured. "I'm amazed by the Coral Peacock's flower garden."

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kirsch giggled with pride before posing in front of her. "It was all thanks to the staff members and yours truly."

"You planted these?" Haru asked.

"Of course. It helps me understand my magic better." Kirsch answered, taking out his grimoire and summoning a few flower petals. "Cherry Blossom."

"Wow... So pretty..." Haru gasps, seeing the cherry blossoms flying in the wind.

"Why thank you." Kirsch smiles with pride, closing his grimoire. "But enough about flowers. I want you to come with me."

"O-Oh! I almost forgot about the orientation!" Haru exclaimed in a worried tone. "I-I'm so sorry!"

"No need to apologize." Kirsch smirked. "I can understand you were distracted by a beautiful display such as my magic. Now without further ado, we must attend to our duties." With that, he leaped over Haru and entered the building with grace.

"...I was referring to the garden.." Haru muttered to herself before following suit.


Black Bulls Headquarters

Sumire lets out a soft groan before opening her eyes. She slowly sits up and stretches her arms up in the air. She then grabs her glasses and puts them on, looking over at the bed next to her… only to see nothing.

"Did she even come in at all?" She questioned before getting out of bed, putting on her clothes, and sat down on a stool in front of a mirror to brush her hair. "Magna did say that we're free until the next mission, so I guess it's fine to keep my hair down like this."

Eventually, Sumire finished brushing her hair and exited her room before making her way down the hall. However, she stopped for a moment and took a few steps back before turning to a pillar.

"Wait. This wasn't here yesterday…" Sumire squints before deciding to not let it bother her and go check on Ren and Asta. "I should ask Magna or Vanessa about that the next time I see them."


With Asta and Ren

Asta snores a few times before finally waking up. He gets up and sees his robe on a stool next to him.

"So it's real. I wasn't dreaming." Asta smiled with glee before seeing Ren writing at his desk. "Good morning, Ren."

"Morning Asta." Ren greeted as he looked back. "Did you sleep well?"

"Sleep well? That's the best sleep I ever had in a long time." Asta admitted. "How long were you awake?"

"Not too long ago. I thought I might take this time to finish writing." Ren answered as he put his pen down.

"Who are you writing to? Your parents?" Asta asked as he walked over to get a look at the letter.

"Yes and it's VERY personal. Please don't read it." Ren requested as he immediately put his arms over the letter. 'I can't let him see this letter for Igor.'

"Don't worry, I understand." Asta reassured, causing Ren to let out a relieved sigh.

*Knock, Knock*

"Come in." Ren called out as the door opened, revealing Sumire.

"Good morning, boys." Sumire closed her eyes with a smile. "I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

"You're good." Ren said as he folds the letter and puts it in an envelope. "We were just about to head out."

"That's great." Sumire said before looking at Asta, who is left speechless. "Uhh Asta?"

"Wow Sumire… You look-"

*SLAP*

Asta slapped his face hard to get ahold of himself, but shouted as he held a hand over his cheek.

"Oh my gosh! Are you okay!?" Sumire gasped in concern as she walked up to him.

"I-I'm fine!" Asta closed his eyes and looked away from Sumire. 'Don't say she's beautiful! My heart belongs to Sister Lily!' He thought to himself repeatedly.

"Are you sure? That's one hell of a slap you gave yourself." Ren said with a sweatdrop.

"This is nothing!" Asta shouted as he immediately ran out of the room.

*THUD*

Ren and Sumire flinched simultaneously from the loud thud as they both gasped upon seeing Asta's body slammed against a brick column, which now has a few cracks in it.

"Ouch…" Asta groaned weakly as he stepped back from the inanimate object.

"You're not hurt, are you?" Ren asked as he and Sumire rushed over to him.

"I'm okay." Asta before glaring at the brick column. "Wait a second, this column wasn't here yesterday."

"Hey newbies!" The trio turned around to see Magna walking up to them. "How's it hanging?"

"Oh, we're good, I think." Asta greeted back. "But what's with this column? It wasn't here last night."

"Now that you've mention it, I saw a pillar that wasn't in the hallway yesterday, but now it's there." Sumire brought up.

"Oh that? Don't worry, it's pretty common around here." Magna said like it's nothing new.

"Pretty common?" Ren questioned.

"This building shifts around all the time." Magna explains, surprising the three. "Give it some time, you'll get used to it."

"I thought there was something weird about this place." Asta said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Wow, you look different from yesterday, Sumire." Magna whistled with a smirk. "You actually look very pretty."

"I-I-I do!?" Sumire's face turns bright red and fidgets her fingers in embarrassment. "W-Well, this is what I usually look like whenever I'm not doing acrobatics."

"I get ya. You don't want to end up breaking your specs." Magna nodded. "Anyways, come on. You three are lucky to have me as your tour guide. When it comes to showing off all the secrets of the Black Bulls' Hideout, I'm the best there is."

With that, Magna starts running with the three newbies tailing behind him.

"Are you newbies ready!?" Magna shouted.

"We're ready!" Asta screamed with determination. "Let's go, Mr. Shades!"

"What?" Magna looks at Asta with an offended look on his face. "No, call me Sir, twerp."

"Roger that, Sir Twerp." Ren smirked jokingly, causing Sumire to giggle.

"D-D-Drop the twerp!" Magna yelled in anger.

"Our first stop is the dining hall." Manga said as he brought them to a rather large dining hall, filled with long tables with connected benches and a bar on the right side of the room.

"Whoa, SO HUGE!" Asta shouted.

'It's as big as the cafeteria back at Shujin!' Ren and Sumire thought as they saw Charmy eating cake happily.


Communal Bath

"And this is the Communal Bath." Magna said as he, Ren, and Asta are in a gigantic bath filled with hot water and a few dragon-shaped fountains in the wall.

"Good thing they're separated by gender." Ren said with relief.

"Of course they're separated by gender." Magna said with a grin. "We aren't men if we don't respect the ladies' own private time."

"Hot, hot, hot…" Asta said repeatedly, trying to endure the temperature of the bath.

"Really?" Ren asked. "It doesn't feel that hot?"

"Wow, you're already sounding like a Black Bull." Magna complimented. "Hey Sumire! How's the Communal Bath!?"

"It's great!" Sumire answered from the other side of the wall. "Is everything alright on your end?"

"We're good, but I think Rasta is ready to get out." Magna sang in a mocking tone.

"I'm not done yet!" Asta declared while gritting his teeth.

"I wouldn't mind adding a little cold water." Gordon mutters quietly as he's next to Ren.


Black Bulls Hallway

"Over there is the Women's Room. It's for whenever they want to change before and after communal baths." Magna explains as he, Ren, and Asta still have towels wrapped around their waist. The two male newbies can see a bunch of wires and kunais. "If a guy tries to walk in, the trap magic will kill them."

"Wow, that's some serious security." Ren admitted. 'Definitely reminds me of the Palaces.'

"Is that why Sumire didn't follow us in?" Asta asked.

"Duh. There's a secret path that only females can take." Manga explains.

"Sorry I'm late." Sumire walks out of a corner, but sees the three males semi naked. She then screams and covers her face to not stare and hide her embarrassed face. "I-I didn't see anything! I swear!"

"Oh crap! We forgot to change!" Asta panics as he and Ren scream before running back to the men's room.

"Give us a moment, Sumire." Magna told as he follows the male newbies to change.

Sumire collapses to her knees, still covering her beating red face. It was her first day as a member of the Black Bulls and she saw 3 males shirtless and one of them is someone she knows.

'How am I gonna look at them normally now!?' Sumire whined to herself.


Black Bulls' Hideout, Lower Level

Asta, Ren, Sumire, and Manga are standing in front of a cell filled with a bunch of shadowy, menacing creatures, growling and howling.

"Whoa, what's in there?" Asta asked, slightly intimidated by the creatures.

"That's the Beast Room." Magna answered. "It's Captain Yami's little hobby."

"Hobby?" Ren asked before looking at the giant beasts. "Actually, I can see him with those kinds of pets."

"Pretty manly, right?" Magna grinned. "Oh yeah, Asta?" He walks up to the magicless boy and places a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be in charge of feeding our furry friends."

"Wait me!?" Asta shouted.

"It's an honor to have." Magna motivated Asta with a smile. "I would put Ren or Sumire in charge, but I gave them other duties."

"How is he supposed to feed them without him ending up being their meal?" Sumire asked in concern.

"It's simple." Magna gave Asta a pair of tongs with meat. "He's just gotta hold out the food and pray for the best. They have to be fed in the morning and the evening."

Asta gulps before he slowly approaches the jail cell and holds the meat out. "N-Nice little beasties."

Before anyone can blink, a giant hound popped its head out and bit Asta's upper body, causing him to flail around and scream while Ren, Sumire, and Magna attempt to free him.


Few Hours Later

Magna spent a few more hours showing the rookies around the headquarters. Rec room, library, storage room, even solo bathrooms. Even if one of them was occupied by Yami, who gave them a death threat.

However, Asta seems to be having fun with the tour as he and Magna are running with laughter with both Ren and Sumire trying to catch up.

"What's wrong, newbies?" Magna looks back with a mocking grin. "Can't keep up?"

"Just wait, you haven't seen anything yet!" Asta shouted excitedly.

"You know, you started to remind me of a friend of mine." Ren told Magna.

"That so?" Magna questioned. "You better introduce me to him sometime."

"I'll be sure to do that." Ren promised before he noticed magna suddenly coming to a stop. "You okay Magna?"

"Wait... Is that…?" Sumire gasped slightly as the four saw the girl from the magic exam and from last night, wearing the black bulls robe.

"Who's she?" Asta questioned.

"Well, what do you know? It's your fellow rookie." Magna informed them. "She's our other new member this year."

"Really? That's awesome!" Asta exclaimed with a smile.

"If she's new, then how come she wasn't with us?" Ren asked.

"She got here way before you three." Manga answered.

"It's nice to meet you." Sumire walked up to the girl. "I'm Sumire. I hope we can get along."

The girl simply gives her a glare before letting out a scoff. "You dare speak to me so casually? And for the record, I'm not here to make friends."

"Come on, she was just saying hi." Asta spoke up.

"Who gave you permission to speak, you little insect." The girl said coldly. "An insect of a commoner who barely has any mana."

"Insect!?" Asta gasped in offense.

"Jeez, commoner?" Magna said with a disgusted face.

"Yes. I'm Noelle Silva, of the royal Silva House." She introduced herself while putting a hand over her heart.

"Royalty!?" Asta's jaw dropped from the information.

"Silva? Silva… Silva…" Ren ponders a bit before noticing the attire. "Does this mean you're related to the Captain of the Silver Eagles?"

"You're quite observant." Noelle sighed.

"We're so sorry!" Asta apologized while getting on his knees and bowing before the royal girl. "An insignificant insect like me should never have presumed to speak so informally to an exalted royalty such as yourself!"

"W-We're not trying to be rude. Honest." Sumire said with an awkward laugh.

"As long as you understand." Noelle said.

"Wait a minute. I have a question for you, if you don't mind." Ren spoke up as he earned a solemn nod from Noelle. "If you're related to the Silver Eagles Captain, then how come you didn't join their squad?"

"That's none of your business, insect." Noelle answered coldly.

"Hold on!" Asta shouted as he stood up. "Why are you still calling us insects!? We joined the Magic Knights at the same time! So who cares if you're royalty!?"

"You tell her, Asta! It doesn't matter whether you're a commoner or royalty!" Magna agreed.

"It does, very much so." Noelle responded, infuriating Asta and Magna more.

"And what makes you so sure!?" Asta and Magna yelled in unison.

"Can't we just talk things out?" Sumire suggested. "Come on, we're all in the same squad. We should try and get along."

"It appears you're still ignorant to reality." Noelle sighs as she holds a hand up, creating a ball of water. "Since words are out of the question, then perhaps the difference between our magic power should get the point across."

"H-Hey…" Asta, Magna, and Sumire stepped back while Ren immediately stood in front of them.

"This isn't necessary." Ren told Noelle with a serious expression. "So just lower your hand and we can still-"

"If you want to get hit, then be my guest." Noelle interrupted as she launched the water ball forward.

"Ren, look out!" Sumire cries out as the water ball is about to hit Ren until…

*WOOSH, SPLASH*

The water ball that was supposed to hit Ren ended up changing trajectory and hitting Magna into the wall, leaving Ren, Asta, and Sumire speechless from the subversion while Noelle simply scoffs in slight embarrassment.

"Using your magic at the last minute?" Noelle asked to cover up the truth. "You sure are one stubborn commoner."

"Uhh… That wasn't my doing." Ren admitted. "In fact, I didn't even move."

"What the hell were you thinking…?" Magna growled as she stood back up. "You entitled brat! You clearly got more guts than sense, attacking your senior member!"

"It isn't my fault that you were in the wrong place." Noelle shot back while looking down at her soaked senior. "I didn't tell you to stand there, so you did that on your own."

"What kind of crazy ARE you?" Magna asked, even more ticked off than before. "I'm your superior here!"

"That's nice, but I'm royalty." Noelle reminded him.

"Well I don't care if you're royalty or the sister of the Silver Eagles' Captain." Magna said as he walked up to Noelle and lifted his shades. "Yami's the ONLY person I know who would ever take in a crazy chick like you! So you might wanna show him some gratitude! I was holding off because you're a woman, but I believe it's time for your baptism."

Noelle simply looked at the four with disgust before unclipping her robe and tossing it off, shocking everyone.

"W-Wait! What are you doing?" Sumire asked.

"What does it look like? I'm quitting this stupid squad." Noelle answered before walking away.

"What the?" Magna picks up the robe and looks back at Noelle. "What do you think you're doing!?"

"I'm leaving before the filth of the Black Bulls has the chance to rub off on me." Noelle answered with a glare. "Everyone knows you're the worst of the worst Magic Knight Squads. This is hardly a place for a noble like me." With that, Noelle began to leave.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Magna screamed with rage. "Get back here and apologize to the robe and Yami!"

"I gave everything to get that robe… And she threw it away like it was nothing…" Asta said in disbelief.


The Following Day

Sumire had already gotten up and went outside the headquarters, wearing a red shirt underneath her robe and black shorts. She never got the chance to do her daily stretches because of the tour and incident, so she plans to make up for yesterday.

"I have to admit, this place does have multiple spots to work out." Sumire said, noticing the wide spacing of the forest. She finds a spot and starts stretching her arms for a moment. "Alright, now to-"

*SPLASH*

"Whoa!" Sumire does a back flip to avoid getting hit by a large water ball, causing it to crash on the ground and leaving a crater. "Wait.. Is that…?"

"Dammit, not again!" Sumire heard a familiar voice, prompting her to follow the sound. She makes her way through some bushes, but stops and moves some leaves out of the way to see Noelle, clearly exhausted and surrounded by a few more craters and a tree with a target planted on it.

'It's Noelle. I thought she left.' Sumire thought.

"I'll prove to them…" Noelle swore as she held her hands out and created another water sphere before launching it, only for it to swerve around the target. She gritted her teeth slightly at the result. "Why won't it work?"

Sumire noticed the water sphere heading her way, prompting her to jump back to avoid getting hit.

"Why can't I ever hit..." Each time Noelle tries to hit the target with a water ball, it always goes in a different direction. "What I'm aiming for!?" Noelle stopped training and placed her hands on her knees, breathing heavily from the amount of times she used mana. "So it's true… Everything they said about me…"

"Have you heard? Apparently, the youngest Silva child has no control over her magic." The first words of the rumors echoed in Noelle's mind.

"Oh dear. For someone like that to be born in the royal family?" Another noble's words echoed.

"That sad Grimoire of yours is truly paper thin! Are you sure you're really Royalty?" Solid mocked in her consciousness.

"Not being able to control your own magic is the most pitiful thing I've ever heard." Nebra added. "And this wretch is my little sister? How embarrassing!"

"You will never be a member of my squad." Nozel told Noelle with a disgusted expression. "There is no room in the Silver Eagles for someone like you. A disgrace AND a mistake. Why wasn't it you who died instead of our mother? What an abject failure."

Noelle was on the verge of tears before she snapped out of her depression. "I am NOT a failure!" She told herself before standing up and creating yet another water sphere. "Somehow, I'll make you accept me!"

Sumire's expression went from shock to sorrow, feeling guilty for the noble. She's been there before, feeling inferior to someone successful and being unable to prove your worth.

"She's just like me back then." Sumire realized before looking back up and seeing the water spheres missing the target multiple times. "Maybe I should help her. No. I WILL help her."

Sumire then stands up and walks out of the bushes, revealing herself to the water mage. "Uhh hello. I hope I'm not interrupting."

"What the!?" Noelle yelped a bit from noticing Sumire. "How long were you here!?"

"Just for a few minutes." Sumire said. "Listen, can we talk?"

'And here comes the mocking.' Noelle thought as the negative words started to flood her mind.

"I noticed you're having a hard time controlling your power." Sumire brought up. "So I was wondering if-"

"N-No.. Please stop…" Noelle begs as she slowly backs up.

"But why? I just wanted to hel-" Sumire started until Noelle raised her hands up and created a massive water sphere.

"I SAID STOP!" Noelle's scream echoed throughout the forest and launched the water ball, only for it to go up in the air and slowly descend down.

"Watch out!" Sumire cries out and jumps to Noelle, causing them to fall and roll across the ground and nearly avoid the water sphere. The two girls cough from the dust cloud created from the impact before Sumire looks at Noelle. "Are you okay?"

"What were you thin- Oh no, it's coming!"Noelle warned Sumire, only for them to be too late as both were engulfed by the berserk magic spell. The water soon grows bigger and rises up in the air before tornados start to shoot out

Outside of the Black Bull Headquarters, everybody rushed out the moment they sensed a massive amount of magic energy. They looked up in the air in complete shock once they saw the out of control magic.

"W-What's that?" Asta asked.

"That's magic power gone out of control." Gauche said with a straight face.

"And a whole hell a lot of it too." Magna said, sweating nervously from the spell.

"Wait a minute." Ren squinted his eyes to get a closer look until widening them in shock. "Oh no… Sumire's in there!?"

"She is!?"Asta gasped before looking up. "It's not just her. Noelle's in there too!"

"How did Sumire end up trapped up there?" Finral questioned.

"I don't know, she told me she was going to do some morning stretches." Ren answered with concern.

"Maybe she ran into Noelle and both of them got stuck." Vanessa theorized.

Inside the water, Sumire and Noelle are starting to hold in their breath while the latter tries to contain her magic, only for them to fail as Sumire slowly loses consciousness.

"We need to get them out there, now!" Ren shouted in an urgent tone.

"And fast because it's coming right towards us!" Magna added as the water spell is slowly approaching the Black Bulls.

"Well, attacking the thing with magic's out of the question." Yami said with a sigh. "We'll end up hurting them in the process." He then looks at Finral. "Why not use your spatial magic to pull them out of there?"

"Please, be reasonable." Finral said with a gulp. "There's no way I can get close to that."

"Yeah, okay." Yami said while placing a hand behind his neck. "Man, if only there's SOMEONE who could cancel out magic."

Asta notices everyone staring at him, causing him to get nervous. "W-Wait, why are you all looking at me?"

"You see that, kid?" Yami points at the giant water spell. "Do something about it."

"Do something!?" Asta exclaimed before realizing his sword can cut through magic. "Okay, I'll try."

"I'll see if I can find a spell to get him up there." Ren said, taking out his grimoire.

"Got no time for that." Yami immediately grabs Asta by the back of his shirt.

"W-Wait! W-What are you doing!?" Asta panicked before being lifted up by Yami.

"Get ready to suck it up, newbie!" Yami grins as he winds Asta back, covering himself with magic. "Dig deep, and push past your limits!"

With that, Yami tosses a screaming Asta towards the unstable magic with all his might. Asta then summons his grimoire and pulls out his sword before letting out a battlecry and slashes through the water magic, causing it to disperse and shower the forest… as well as everyone within the range.

Once the water was dispelled, Noelle managed to open her eyes and see Asta in the air. She then looks down at the unconscious Sumire.

'Oh no… What have I done?' She thought in horror.

"Oh no…" Asta muttered before the three started falling, causing Asta to scream- "WE'RE GONNA DIE!"

However, the three fell through a magic portal created by Finral, who created another one to allow them to safely land on the ground.

"YEAH! I DIDN'T DIE!" Asta screamed with relief, earning a loud laughter from Yami.

"Wow, that was so fun to watch." Luck said with delight.

"Seriously? I'm all wet now." Vanessa complained with a groan.

"Thanks for the portal." Asta said as he walked up to Finral.

"I thought you might appreciate it." Finral winked.

"You pulled it off, kid. Good job." Yami praised with a genuine smile.

"Thank you sir!" Asta smiles back before looking back at Noelle, who sat up and held Sumire in her arms.

"Hey.. Wake up!" Noelle begged as she shook the unconscious redhead.

"Oh no… Sumire!" Ren cried out as he and Asta immediately rushed towards the girls, causing the rest of the Black Bulls look over with concern.

"Is she okay!?" Asta asked.

"I.. I don't know." Noelle answered. "She's not breathing… Did… Did I kill her?"

"Lay her down. I know what to do." Ren told Noelle, who complied with a sad sigh and set Sumire down gently.

Ren gets down on his knees and holds her face for any signs of breathing. He then places his hands on the center of her chest, but below her breasts for obvious reasons.

'This might be embarrassing, but I have no choice.' Ren thought with a small blush before he started compressing his hands down her chest a few times before stopping. 'I hope she won't get mad at me for doing this…'

He lowers his upper body down and uses one hand to open her mouth…. Before latching his lips onto Sumire's and starts breathing into her mouth to give her air.

While Ren continues to give Sumire CPR, everyone else simply stares at them with various reactions, but confused at the same time.

"Uhh.. What is he doing?" Asta asked the others.

"Is he kissing her!?" Noelle shouted with a massive blush.

"I didn't know they were THAT close." Finral admitted before crying. "Damn it! Right when I was about to ask Sumire out once she's awake!"

"I don't know, this is rather amusing to me~" Vanessa giggles with a smirk. She'll DEFINITELY have fun teasing them for now on.

"Kissing a woman while saving her life? Now that's a real man." Magna grinned with amusement.

"Come on Sumire, wake up! Please!" Ren begged as he did a few more chest compressions until…

*COUGH, COUGH*

Ren pulled his hands back the moment he saw Sumire coughing out water and slightly opening her eyes.

"Wait, that woke her up!?" Magna exclaimed.

"I'll be damned." Gauche said with a hint of shock in his voice.

"Wha… What happened?" Sumire coughs out more water before sitting up.

"You and Noelle were caught in a tight spot, so we had to rescue you." Ren answered with a smile. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Sumire answered before looking at Noelle. "Hey Noelle."

Noelle's eyes widened before she frowned. 'I bet she's mad at me and the rest are gonna mock me now…'

"You're not hurt, are you?" That question completely caught off guard as the noble girl looked surprised.

"M-Me!? YOU were the one that drowned!" Noelle reminded before getting teary-eyed. "What were you thinking!? You could've died!"

"I know. That was reckless of me." Sumire admitted with an awkward laugh. "But I don't care what happens to me as long as you're okay."

"I umm… Uhh.." Noelle stuttered a bit, trying to think of a way to recover her noble pride.

"What's wrong?" Ren asked.

"...I just thought you guys would make fun of me." Noelle confessed while looking away. "Because I'm royalty who can't control my own magic power."

"Why would we make fun of you?" Asta asked, which caught Noelle off guard even more. "I mean, you got some crazy magic power! It's amazing! I'm super jealous of you because I have no magic!"

"If that's what you're worried about, then it's okay." Ren told Noelle. "All you need to do is train in order to gain better control of your magic."

Noelle is at a complete loss for words. She expected more bad mouthing from multiple people once again. But instead, for the first time in her life, she received positive words and feedback.

"Little in-" Noelle stops herself and swallows her pride with a gulp. "I-I mean Asta.. Ren… and Sumire…"

"I'm screwed." Asta cursed himself. "Man, I'll have to work extra hard to keep up with everyone."

"That's it?" Magna asked in disbelief. "You ran away because you couldn't control your magic power? You should've told us from the start, you royal failure." Magna then smiles and gestures to everyone. "I mean, come on. This is the Black Bulls, after all. We're a squad of misfits and failures."

Vanessa raises her wand up to levitate the Black Bull robe that Noelle abandoned yesterday over her.

"So you got a weakness or three." Magna said as the robe got on Noelle. "It doesn't matter to us, you big dummy."

"Anyway, we're just glad you and Sumire are alright." Finral winked at Noelle. "If you want, I can take you to this place that makes killer pasta. What do you say?"

"Forget about pasta. You need to try this." Charmy said as she offered the noble half of her cupcake.

"That was quite the show you put on. I happened to be an expert at controlling my magic power, so I can teach you." Vanessa offered before a teasing smirk forms on her face. "Along with some womanly advice."

"I'll tell you all about my angelic sister, Marie." Gauche said while looking at her picture.

Noelle starts to cry a bit. It was one thing for her fellow rookies to say nice things about her. But an entire squad, which is considered the worst of the worst and filled with troublemakers, is accepting her for who she is and willing to help her via magic or comfort.

"My sister told me these words before." Sumire stood up and held a hand out to Noelle with a smile. "No matter how many times you feel like a failure, you can always stand back up and work harder. And remember you won't always be alone. There will be those who are willing to help you."

Noelle looks at the Black Bulls, who are all smiling and grinning at her before looking at Sumire. She wipes her tears with her arm before grabbing Sumire's hand, making Sumire giggle a bit as she pulls Noelle back up on her feet before saying-

"I look forward to working with all of you."


(A/N)

And that is it for Chapter 6! Right on time due to Asta being announced in Death Battle as well as on the holidays.

Sorry it took so long, but I'm slowly getting my groove back and hopefully it doesn't die immediately.

I hope you guys enjoy some of the new things added to this chapter such as the other Phantom Thieves with their squad. I'll be sure to have more chapters focused on them solely in the future. Maybe even some new arcs.

It may be odd to have Sumire be the one who saw Noelle training and the one to help her back on her feet instead of Asta. It's because I wanted the two to have a close bond just like Asta and Ren. I know Asta won't be paired with Noelle in this story, but I don't plan on getting rid of their friendship as that is just as important. Plus, they'll still have good moments together. As well as with the other characters too.

Before I wrap things up… I would like to make an announcement: My next two stories in the future… They will be Digimon Zero (Digimon x Eden's Zero) and a temporary title for the time being… Falcon & Winter Soldier: World Heroes Mission (MHA x F&WS)! I'll be planning how they will work on the sideline, but these two projects are what I'm excited for, especially Digimon Zero. Thank you to those that voted on my poll.

Before we officially end the chapter…


Epilogue

After a long day of drying themselves off and bonding with each other, everybody went to their rooms. Sumire and Noelle are now sitting in their beds, talking with each other.

"So that explains why you were outside." Noelle said. "You like to dance?"

"Mhm, but I prefer doing acrobatics." Sumire answered as she and Noelle let their hair down. "My goal is to be a star in acrobatics. That's why I'm constantly training whenever I get the chance."

"That's a very noble goal." Noelle admitted with a smile. "Unlike mine…"

"Hey, don't say that." Sumire comforted her. "You want to prove you're not a disgrace and want to help people. If anything, that's a good goal."

"Thank you, Sumire." Noelle said before remembering something that happened earlier. "Oh right, I want to ask you something."

"Yes?" Sumire asked, raising a brow.

"What was it that Ren was doing to help you breathe?" Noelle asked. "He was pushing your chest a few times and I think he k-ki…ki…" Noelle slows down before blushing hard and screaming. "I didn't know you and Ren were a thing! Oh my gosh, I nearly killed her boyfriend!"

"I told you it's fin- WAIT WHAT!?" Sumire's eyes bugged out and her face started heating up in embarrassment. "B-Boyfriend!? W-We're not dating or anything! Ren and I are just friends! Sure, we help each other and always hang out, but that's what friends do! Yeah, that's right." She laughs awkwardly before realizing something. "Hold on… You said Ren was doing what to me again?"

"I-I said he was pressing your chest a few times and he was kissing you." Noelle answered.

The last two words echoed in Sumire's mind a few times as she's left speechless with a bright red face. She starts to make a few small squeaking sounds before falling on her back with swirly eyes.

"Sumire, are you okay!?" Noelle stood up from her bed with a gasp.

'Did… Did Ren really kiss me!? I know it was CPR, but I can't believe he DID that! First I nearly saw him naked and now this!? Embarrassing…' Sumire whined to herself while still dizzy and stuttering.


Next Time: Rookies' First Mission