Chapter 16
Sharing a Drink
To say Raiden was frustrated was an understanding. There was nothing to eat at the base. Charmy had used up all the food making a feast to welcome the five Black Bulls and their Captain from their battle at Nean. Though he gladly enjoyed it, he now was regretting not saving some for dinner, considering no one wanted to go out to buy groceries. On top of that, had asked Asta about his Grimoire, only to get even more questions than answers.
"Hey, so why does your Grimoire have five leaves?" He replayed the conversation, portraying both him and Asta as chibi versions of themselves.
"I don't know." Asta shrugged, stuffing his face with bread."It's kind of old and dirty but it's really cold! Don't know what the fifth leaf means though!"
And so he said.'I don't know why I bothered asking. Of course, he doesn't know.' Raiden laid on the sofa, hands crossed over his chest.'Well, the four-leaf represents good luck, right? If so, maybe Asta is loved by bad luck. It would explain why he's the only one to not have any magic. Maybe he just isn't loved by mana. Too bad I don't know any other Anti-Magic users to ask for a reference.'
He would ask Captain Yami, but he felt that the man wouldn't know either. He pegged him to be reliable in combat but not the smartest one there is. Not to mention he and Asta had gone to the Capital a few hours ago.
'I wish that Yuno kid would show up today...' Raiden closed his eyes, preparing to take his afternoon nap.'It would make things more interesting.'
He felt someone sit on the couch, touching his feet. He cracked one eye open, meeting gaze with Vanessa."Oh, you're awake. I was considering whether to wake you up or not."
"Why?" Raiden closed his eye again."It's my day off today. Actual day off."
"Really?" Vanessa leaned forward, grabbing a few papers that were scattered on the small table."You're working on everyone's reports? Why?"
"Well, considering the people that were involved, I have to make redactions to make the reports more...shall we say, "professional." Raiden said with air quotes."Gauche wouldn't stop complaining about not spending time with Marie. Asta wrote a few lines before going on a tangent about useless stuff and Abel just wrote a story from his perspective. Those on the table are their original ones. I rewrote everything and made the necessary adjustments in separate sheets of paper."
"Redactions? Wait, isn't what Abel did what he's supposed to do?"
"Well, I suppose so but the problem is is that he missed many things and just wrote what he was thinking. Not what was happening. A proper report doesn't tell a story. It brings an event to life. It portrays the writer's thoughts on the event but also what they witnessed and can deduce." Raiden explained, taking out a notebook from his satchel.
"I see." Vanessa nodded in understanding."Next time I have to write a report, I'll go to you for advice. You're really good at this stuff."
"Well, calligraphy happens to be one of my best subjects." Raiden handed her his notebook."I practice a lot. I record a log of major events or little things that I do on a daily along with a small drawing to help me remember things in detail. Just something I picked up."
"You're full of surprises, I'll give you that. Anyway, the reason I came to you is that the Captain asked me to go get some meat and ingredients so we don't starve today. Charmy is locked in her room until we bring food into the base. And well, Finral is busy at the moment and Magna and Luck are out doing who knows what, you're pretty much the only reliable male in the base. I need someone to help me carry everything."
"What about Abel?"
"Asleep. He apparently took some heavy sleeping pills when he was being nursed back to health at Nean."
"Gauche?"
"Do you really need to ask? Also, not Gordon or Grey."
Raiden grumbled, turning away from Vanessa. She giggled at his reaction, reminding her of how a small child would react."Besides, I'd thought we could use this opportunity to get to know each other better. And you also need to unwind a little bit. It's been mission after mission for you ever since you became one of us. We can take a detour to a place I know to relax before coming back."
"I hope that's not your idea of asking me out on a date." Raiden turned back, amused.
"And is that your idea of flirting?" Vanessa teased, leaning forward and refusing to back down."Relax. Trust me. Besides, you're a little too young for me anyway. And you don't strike me as the type to like women like me."
"You're alright. Anyway, sure I'll go." Raiden finally relented, sitting up from the couch."Where are we going?"
"Just follow me." Vanessa winked, heading for the door and grabbing their brooms from the stand."You'll feel better after today, I promise."
"Somehow you saying that just makes me dreadful."
"Come on, you guys. Pick up the pace."
Johan and Cain were silently following their superior as they made their way down the streets of the capital. The man in question was tall, even taller than Cain but shorter than Johan. He had tanned skin and an athletic built. He had shaggy dark hair and a pair of green orbs complimenting him.
"Yudachi, why are we having lunch with you?" Johan inquired, instantly covering his mouth upon realizing his phrasing."I mean, don't get me wrong. I appreciate the gesture and I'm sure Cain feels the same way." On cue, Cain narrowed his eyes at the giant."But I don't know. I had figured you didn't really like us that much. Or anyone in general."
"Pfft. Don't think I'm doing this because I like your company." Yudachi huffed indignantly."I'd much prefer to hang out with people of my caliber. Nobels. But Captain Vangeance said I should spend time with the juniors in our squad. See if I can get you guys in decent shape."
'Here we go again.' Cain rolled his eyes.'He's not a noble or a royal but sure likes to pretend he is. What's the point in keeping the charade around us when we already know?'
"Is that so. I see." Johan nodded in understanding."Well, I do appreciate your kindness. I could definitely use a meal right about now."
"That's good because I have more money than I could care for." Yudachi boasted, laughing by himself."But do be sure to work extra hard. Don't make our squad look like a joke. People are already talking because we let three commoners enter just like that."
"Right." Johan rubbed the back of his head sheepishly."I'm sorry. I come from a humble home so we don't really have a lot of money to spend."
"Yes, I read your file." Yudachi rubbed his chin in thought."You have zero level of offensive spells but your defense is astonishing. I can see why you were recommended. Nice catch, Cain."
"The Vice-Captain already said that." Cain wasted no time in throwing shade, having enough of his senior."Nonetheless, I thank you for your words."
"He did, did he?" Yudachi gritted his teeth."And Yuno is on the Captain's good side. It seems as though...mere commoners are more capable than we thought. Which...is fine. Fine."
Johan coughed in his hand, hoping to change the subject."So...I went to visit my old friend yesterday."
"Another malcontent?" Yudachi muttered but just loud enough for Johan to hear.
"In a way he is." He chuckled in good nature."Hear this. Turns out he and his squad fought the Eye of the Midnight Sun!"
"Say what?" Yudachi stopped abruptly in the middle of the road, causing Cain to crash into him and then Johan.
"A warning would be nice next time." Cain rubbed his aching nose.
"Stop whining." Yudachi chided him, moving over to Johan."Your friend...what is his squad?"
"Black Bulls. In fact, Cain, your brother Abel was there too!" Johan patted his shoulder."He's okay though. I told him you were worried."
"It's the first time I'm hearing of this too, moron." Cain swatted his hand away."And I wouldn't worry about Abel in a million years."
"Wait, your friend and his brother are Black Bulls?!" Yudachi demanded answers, grabbing Johan's shoulders.
"Uh, yeah!" Johan responded, grabbing Yudachi's arms and gently putting them aside."Is there a problem?"
"But they're Black Bulls...how did they survive an encounter with the Eye of the Midnight Sun? They must have gotten help or something. Black Bulls are the weakest and lowest squad. The lowest of the low."
"Make no mistake, Raiden isn't weak." Johan resumed his walk, followed by Cain and leaving Yudachi to trail behind them. The young man bit his lower lip, increasing his pace until he eventually was walking ahead."I've known him since he was a little kid. He's pretty stubborn and determined. In fact, we were given a choice of which squad to join by Abel and Cain. Raiden could have joined our squad instead and vice-versa."
"That's true." Cain backed up his claim."I haven't seen him in action but Johan says he's got incredible offensive capabilities. But other than that, he doesn't have any other types of spells."
"No binding or healing?" Yudachi received a headshake from Johan."Ha! So he's like you except he attacks and you defend. Should you really be in separate squads then? You're pretty much useless by yourselves. Think about it, getting in a fight with you, Johan, can only end on a stalemate."
"True, but that's why I got these babies!" Johan flexed his arms, his muscles constrained against the fabric of his uniform."I might not have as much of attack power as you guys, but I can make up for it."
"Besides, you and I are marksmen, Yudachi." Cain pointed out."We need to remain hidden or afar in a fight. All in all, we've got our own weaknesses. Nobody is perfect. Not even the Wizard King."
"I don't want you out of all people to lecture me." Yudachi hissed."I was the one in charge of training you when the Vice-Captain brought you in. Don't you forget that. You are not better than me."
"I never said anything like that." Cain rose a brow at his sudden outburst."But if that's how you feel, that's another matter entirely."
"You little sh-"
"HELP! HE STOLE MY PURSE!" A wealthy woman cried out in shock as a man with a hood on rushed away down the alley.
"Oh, great!" Yudachi rushed into action, aiming with his finger at the man and shooting sparks of lightning, missing their target as the robber entered the alleys. Yudachi's Grimoire was mustard yellow in color with black lines in a thunder pattern. In the middle of it was a black three-leaf clover.
"Lightning Creation Magic: First Zone Thunder Crossbow!"
A crossbow made of lightning was created in Yudachi's hands as he rushed into the alley."Lightning Magic: Thunder Ball Shot!" Creating an arrow made of lightning, Yudachi swiftly fired his attack, moving at high speeds that caused the thief to stop in his tracks as the arrow landed in front of his feet.
"It's over. Making a scene in the Capital and giving the nobles a hard time. You picked a bad place to do this business."
The man didn't reply, breaking into a sprint again.
"Fine. I'll show you why I'm the best and fasted marksman of the Golden Dawn. Lightning Magic: Third Zone Rapid Fire Spirit!"
Yudachi moved his hand so fast it looked like a blur, followed by arrows quickly shooting around the thief, stopping him in his tracks."Just to make sure you don't run again..." The emerald-eyed man grinned, creating another arrow of lightning in his hand.
"Wait, I'm sorry! I'll-" A high-pitched scream echoed through the alley, scaring the birds that were sitting on the edge of the roofs."Rock Creation Magic: Terra Sphere!"
On reflex, the man cast his spell, creating a wall of rocks that surrounded him completely.
"Damn." Yudachi sneered, grinding his teeth in frustration.
"That was close." Cain and Johan caught up to him, watching the scene in front of them."Good call in shooting his leg, but I guess he must have gotten desperate."
"That defensive spell of his is strong." Johan remarked."He's putting all of his mana into it. It won't be easy to bring down."
"Guess we'll have to attack him simultaneously." Cain said, opening his own Grimoire."Yang Creation Magic: Heaven Piercer. Followed by Yang Magic: Explosive Arrow!" He grabbed the arrow made out of white energy, taking aim with his bow."I'll wait for your count."
"Hold up." Yudachi scowled, earning Cain's attention."Let's do this. We'll shoot one at a time to see who can destroy his barrier first. Naturally, I'll go first."
"Why?" Cain asked, confused at his sudden request."And what if you destroy it before I get a turn?"
"Because if I destroy it first, that means you aren't needed." Yudachi shot him a challenging smirk."And I'll be the best marksman in our squad. Now, step aside, peasant."
Cain relented, stepping to the side while keeping his gaze forward."The floor is yours."
Yudachi's smirk drop, raising his bow and creating a lightning arrow. He took a deep breath, keeping his shoulders firm and his eyes on the price. Letting go of the arrow, the projectile crashed against the rock wall, obliterating a small portion of it but not enough to see through."What? But that's not possible!"
"Your shots are astonishingly fast, Yudachi." Johan marbled."But like I said, that barrier is using all of that guy's mana. It'll be tough to crack."
"I suppose you're right." Yudachi chuckled nervously."Then, shall we team up and-"
Cain quickly rose his bow and arrow, shooting his attack. It was considerably slower than Yudachi's, but the attack successfully blew away half of the dome of rocks. The man was revealed, his eyes wide in horror upon seeing his last resort blown away."I give up!"
"How...?" Yudachi breathed, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
"I'll go ahead and restrain him." Cain made his way past Yudachi."You can turn him in, Yudachi. You cornered him, after all."
"Way to go, Cain!" Johan cheered, running after him and leaving Yudachi, astonished.
'That...that commoner...he couldn't...That can't be!' Rage filled his mind at the moment, prompting him to tremble in anger.'I must have weakened the barrier...it's the only logical explanation! Someone like him...could never be superior to me!'
After restraining the man, the group walked back outside. A crowd had formed around, watching in curiosity what was all the commotion about.
"I have successfully restrained this deviant and got your purse back, madam!" Yudachi proclaimed, roughly pushing the man down and kneeling down in front of the wealthy woman and her husband, offering the bag.
"You sure you want to give him the whole credit? Might just get to his head and be more of a...jerk, I guess." Johan asked the smaller man.
"Meh. I don't care about attention that much." Cain waved him off."Besides, I would never hear the end of it if I did. Besides, he's our superior after all."
"It's funny you should mention that." Johan folded his arms, deep in thought."Where I'm from, rank isn't based on how long a person's been in their position but on how much power they have. That display of power back there? Proves you aren't a pushover as he thinks you are. You and Yuno."
"Yeah, but strength isn't all there is for a position." Cain responded calmly."It's about attitude and knowledge. Besides, in a real fight, I'm pretty sure he can defeat me with ease. His magic is naturally faster than me."
"Is it?" The giant quirked a brow."You have Yang Magic. A rare magic that no one has heard of before and you're telling me it's slower than lightning?"
"You're giving me too much credit." Cain deadpanned."Besides, every time of magic has a weakness. Mine just happens that it isn't fast enough. Unless I reinforce my attacks, which I'd assume he can do as well. Regardless, I don't really care much about competition. Speaking of which, what kind of village do you even come from? What do you mean ranks are decided based on strength?"
"Oh, right." Johan chuckled sheepishly."It's more of an inside joke with my pals over at Suke Village. My bad."
"So. Who is stronger, you or that friend of yours."
"That'd be him." Johan answered without missing a beat."I just don't have any offensive spells. What about you and your brother?"
"I don't think you even have to ask." Cain scoffed, turning his gaze elsewhere. By pure chance, his gaze landed on a familiar Coral Peacock member, who was struggling to carry some bags."I'll be right back."
Luna huffed and puffed, her arms trembling as she felt the heavy bags bring her down the more she walked."Just a little more..."
"Mind if I help?" Cain immediately grabbed the bags from her hands, offering a small smile.
"Cain!" Luna exclaimed in surprise, rubbing her sore arms."Thank you! You're an angel!"
"I try." The brown-haired young man laughed at her remark."So, why are you out here by yourself carrying all these bags?"
"Funny you should mention that..." Luna tilted her head when she saw Johan approaching them."Ah. Is this a friend of yours, Cain?"
"That I am, miss!" Johan gave a slight bow."My name is Johan Axebreeze, with the Golden Dawn! A pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Cain is my friend."
"My, I absolutely would love to be friends with you as well, Johan. My name is Luna. Luna is fine." Luna gave him a nod."As for your question, Cain, our squad has run out of supplies so we decided to hit the Capital. Apparently, the economy is doing so well right now everyone is spending as much as they can. I got stuck with buying a few things here and there."
"Yeah, that casino they have going on is making people have a second chance at life. Maybe I should go there one day." He then frowned, glancing at her bags."Wait a minute, what did you even buy?" Cain stopped abruptly, opening her bags, and to his surprise, he found a bunch of books inside along with weird artifacts."What in the world? You called this essential?"
"How rude!" Luna snatched her bags back, only to almost fall on the ground until Cain wrapped his arm around her."They are essential! They're for my research, thank you very much. I need to study the starts further!"
"Really? No wonder you were out of money that one time and ended up buying apples to eat." Cain snickered, giving her a haughty look."You really need to balance your finances, Luna. You're a growing girl, right? You need your nutrients."
"You pervert." Luna scowled, covering her chest and causing Cain to take a step back."I eat properly every day! Three times a day!"
"I wasn't referring to your chest but your height." Cain rubbed his face in exasperation."Whatever! You need to take better care of yourself. In fact, I'll make sure you do exactly that. Are you available the day after tomorrow?"
"Huh? Well, yes." She nodded meekly.
"Good. I'll be coming over to your base at noon. We'll hang out and I can make sure you buy things that you know, you ACTUALLY need."
"W-what the-?!" She squeaked, her cheeks turning crimson."Y-you're asking me out on a...d-d-date?"
Cain paused, realizing what he had just said. He turned to Johan, who gave him a toothy grin."S-sure? Unless...you don't want to hang out-"
"NO!" She yelled, quickly covering her mouth."I mean, I don't mind. I've been meaning to invite you for some lunch for some time. You seem like you could use a break."
"Right back at you." Cain smiled as they followed her where a carriage awaited. Some members from the Coral Peacocks were loading some boxes into the carriage but an extravagant man was giving them directions while playing around with his hair.
"Luna, dear, there you are." The man put the mirror in his hand down."Just in time too. We were about to depart. Oh? And who may these people be?"
"Hello, Vice-Captain Kirsch." Luna saluted her superior."These two are members of the Golden Dawn I happened to stumble upon. This is Cain and the taller one is Johan Axebreeze. Guys, this is Kirsch Vermillion. The second in command of our squad."
"Woah! The Vice-Captain of the Coral Peacocks! I can't believe we get to meet one of the higher ranks in your team, Luna!" Johan jogged towards the man, extending a hand."How are you doing? As Luna said, I'm Johan Axebreeze. Nice to meet ya!"
Kirsch remained motionless, his relaxed expression turned sour in a heartbeat. He scanned Johan from head to toe, glaring at him in disgust.
"My, what an eyesore." Kirsch took a step back, doing his signature pose."I'll thank you kindly if you do not address me so casually, my crude friend. That is no good for one such as I, who radiates nothing but astonishing beauty all around. Also, tour muscles are way too grotesque. Simply far from being even considered a worthy sight of yours truly."
"Uh...sorry?" Johan gave him a slight bow."I'll mind my manners next time."
"And did you say, Cain?" Kirsch's demeanor changed immediately."So, he's the orphan you can't stop talking about? For a Golden Dawn, he seems like he doesn't fit it quite there but I suppose I can see why he caught your attention. His hair needs some major makeover though."
"It's nothing like that, sir!" Luna's cheeks flushed in embarrassment."J-just let me put my bags away, okay?!"
"Okay. But remember, I can make you pretty enough to be able to charm him upon sight. Just let me know and I'll take care of you."
"I'll keep it in mind." Luna huffed, taking her bags from Cain's hands and giving them to other members of her squad."I have to get going. Thanks for helping me carry my bags. You two are so kind."
"It was nothing." Johan waved his hand dismissively."We are happy to be of assistance. Ain't that right, Cain?"
"Sure." Was all the brown-haired teen said, looking away."So..."
"I'll wait for you the day after tomorrow?" Luna asked, a tint of hopefulness in her voice."You know where my base is, right?"
"I'll ask Mimosa." Cain replied."She should know where he brother's base is located. I hope. Anyway, take care of yourself."
Before the boys could be on their way, Luna grabbed Cain by his arm."Hmm? What is it?"
"Have you talked to your brother, like I suggested?" She asked him, a slight pout on her face.
Cain rolled his eyes, flickering her witch hat and nearly knocking it off her head. This caused her to release his arm with a yelp, grabbing her hat and securing it."I'll talk to you later."
"That's not fair! You better makeup with Abel by the time we hang out got it?! Or I'll be really mad! I'll make you buy me tons of sweets and clothes!"
"Women and their shopping." Johan chuckled humorously."If you don't want to lose all your money, I suggest you talk to Abel. I know it's none of my business, but I think you guys should work out whatever happened between you. It's tragic to see brothers fall apart like this, is all. I don't have any siblings, but Raiden counts as one. I couldn't phantom the possibility of me and him arguing and not being on speaking terms."
"It's complicated." Cain supplied, hands in his pockets."Frankly, it's more complicated than what I could even explain. I'll take my chances with Luna. I think I have enough money to spare. Maybe."
"Well, if you ever change your mind, let me or Yuno know. We could get in contact with Asta or Raiden and set up a meeting. We can be your mediators. But enough about that, let's go see what our superior is doing."
Back with Yudachi, the crowd of people was still surrounding him.
"Why, what a wonderful job you have done!" The woman joyfully cried, her stolen purse back with her."What a nice young man, isn't he, darling? And he's from the Golden Dawn! A mage like you must come from a prestigious family!"
"Indeed!" He proudly stated, hands on his hips."My name is Yudachi Scarmonty! We are a noble family from afar, practically we live in isolation. But rest assured we are people of high class, high values, and above all, high-"
"There he is!"
Everyone immediately stopped, turning to the source of the voice. An elderly couple pushing down a wagon full of vegetables came to a halt, slowly making their way to the crowd.
"Oh, no..." Yudachi dreadfully whispered.
"That's my boy, Yu!" The older man moved past the crowd. He engulfed Yudachi in a hug, much to the boy's dismay."Doing good, I hope? Judging from the size of this crowd, you're doing your very best as a magic knight."
"What a wonderful son we have." The old lady clasped her hands together."A Golden Dawn member no less. We were blessed to have you in our lives."
"Wait, this boy is your son?" The wealthy woman from before was flabbergasted."A son of mere commoners? Peasants?"
"The Golden Dawn is letting nobodies into their ranks now?!" Her husband was outraged."So he was lying when he said he was a noble. You fooled us!"
Their cheers changed to heckles, the crowd dispersing and leaving Yudachi alone with his parents."No...wait...I'm...Come back!"
"So, we were right." Johan and Cain were observing what had occurred from afar."He is the son of commoners."
"Farmers I'm assuming. Judging by their wagon, they are trying to sell those vegetables here." Cain deduced."Still-"
"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Yudachi sneered, rage evident in his voice."I told you MILLIONS of times not to talk to me or approach me while in public! Look at this! Now they know I'm the fucking child of nobodies!"
"Yudachi..." His mom covered her mouth in shock.
"We just came by to give you this." His father took something out of the pocket of his overalls."Remember when you told me your watch had stopped working? Before your entrance exam? I'm sorry it took so long but we finally got around to being able to afford the piece that was damaged. We thought you'd-"
"You came all this way FOR THIS SHIT?!" He slapped the watch out of his hand before stomping on it."I don't need this! I don't want this! Just stay off my business, okay?! That'd be plenty!"
With that, Yudachi angrily marched away, ignoring the various stares he received from the leftover bystanders.
Yudachi's mom picked up the now battered watch, receiving a supporting hand on her shoulder from her husband."I don't understand, Jimmy...Are we really that much of a hindrance to him?"
"He's...had a lot in his mind I would imagine, Brenda." Jimmy rubbed his wife's back."Being a member of the Golden Dawn, the most prestigious and strongest squad in the kingdom must put a lot of strain on him. He'll come around..."
"Are you guys okay?" Cain rushed to their side, Johan kneeling down to pick up the pieces of the watch.
"Oh? Yes, we're okay, thank you." Brenda quickly wiped her tears away."Just our son going through his rebellious phase. You are his squadmates, correct?"
"Right you are, ma'am. My name is Cain and this here is Johan. At your service." Cain gave a slight bow."We came here because Yudachi invited us for lunch but...things got out of hand, as you can see. You are his parents, right?"
"Oh, Lord." Brenda lowered her gaze."Please don't think any less of my Yu because we are simple farmers. He's a good boy and is plenty capable."
"What my wife said." Jimmy held her close."He won't drag the squad down. I guarantee you that."
"You got it wrong, sir." Johan rose his hands, trying to ease their worries."We are in the same boat as Yudachi-senpai. Cain and I are peasants as well. Matter of fact, a friend of mine, Yuno, is also a peasant and is part of our squad. And he has a four-leaf Grimoire!"
"That's right. Just because we're not of the high class doesn't mean we can't aspire to be just as good as the others." Cain stated, folding his arms."But that's the thing with Yudachi...sorry I'm saying this but he can be a handful mainly because...well, he pretends he's something he's not."
"Yeah, he acts like he's a noble or even royalty and sometimes people buy it. But everyone in our squad knows. You see, we sometimes get mistreated because of our status but we don't let that get to us. Yudachi, on the other hand, takes everything personally." Johan supplied.
"That sounds like our son, alright." Jimmy chuckled, stroking his bear."He's always wanted to be like the people in his books. A prince living in a castle, having whatever he pleases."
"Ever since he was a little boy, he would pretend that he was a prince. It was so simple. He was a little boy. But as he grew older, he became bitter. And ever since joining the Golden Dawn..."
"You don't need to say anymore." Johan stopped them."It's not our place to judge Yudachi. We'll talk to him and see if we can get him to feel better. In the meantime, how about I help you carry that wagon and let you rest?"
"Would that be alright, young man?" Jimmy asked, surprised at his offer."Well, my back could use a break. Tell you boys what. If you're ever around the Capital and see us, come to say hi. We'd love to have Yu's friends over our humble home. As a thank you for looking after him."
"He looks after us too. In his own way." Cain voiced his opinion, closing his eyes."Sorry, Johan, I gotta go. Langris needs me for something."
"Definitely don't want to keep him waiting of all people, eh?" Johan joked, earning an eye roll from his friend."Sure thing. I'll see you back at the base later."
With that, Cain waved goodbye to the Yudachi's parents and Johan, who proceeded to push the wagon for them through the streets of the Capital.
"So, how much meat are we getting?" Raiden, who was carrying a bunch of bags with various supplies, asked Vanessa.
"Do you really need to ask?" Vanessa giggled in response."Good thing I preordered it, so it's all reserved. All we gotta do is pay and take it with us."
"Shit." Raiden cursed, following the older woman through the streets of Kikka."Vanessa, I appreciate you trusting my ability to carry things but even I have limits. I'm pretty sure I can't fly on my broom with all of this plus the meat."
"Don't be silly. Finral will open a portal for us, two hours from now." Vanessa explained."We can leave the bags in the butcher shop and go have a drink. You could use one."
"Inviting an underage boy for a drink." Raiden couldn't help but smirk."Daring, are we?"
"Since when did you become sassy? I kinda miss when you were all moody and grumpy." Vanessa shot back with a playful punch to the arm. After a few minutes, they reached their destination. A small, run-down building with two floors. Various products were displayed by the window as well as cuts of meats, knives, and sauces. Vanessa opened the door, holding it for Raiden since his arms were full, allowing the amber-eyed teen in.
"Welcome to Cut Class." The monotonous voice of the clerk said. She sat behind the register, working on a crossword. She was wearing a white shirt underneath a white, bloody apron. She had tanned skin, short black hair with red highlights combed to the side, almost obscuring her left brown eye.
"Hello. I'm Vanessa Enoteca. I came to pick up my order."
"Oh, right. The Black Bull girl, huh?" The woman put down her crossword, glancing up at the customers. Something in her gaze changed. Going from boredom to fascination in an instant."Black Bulls, huh?"
"That we are," Raiden observed the establishment. As expected, there was a lot of meat. A few mirrors all around and a door leading to a possible storage room behind the register.
"Great, great. I don't get many Magic Knights as customers. After this whole business booming shit, excuse my language, everyone started opening their own shops. Prettier ones." She did air quotes."They can have all the aesthetics they want, but the meat I sell is prime. Name's Rose, by the way. Manager, owner, and the only worker of this fine establishment."
"Yeah, I heard of this place." Vanessa said, accepting Rose's handshake."I have some friends around here in the Black Market. They recommended this place so I decided to check it out. I take it business is doing okay?"
"Sure." Rose scratched her head."I get my regulars and that's as much as I can ask. Loyal people. I think that's worth more than whatever money can give. Besides, like I just said, the meat I sell is the real deal. Not from simple animals, no. I make sure to get the biggest, juiciest, and most appetizing ones to sell."
"Oh? You hunt them yourself?"
"Yep. And cut them up myself." She grabbed a nearby cleave, maneuvering it in her hand with ease."I tried to become a doctor when I was around that boy's age over there. A surgeon. But I decided to use my talents for something else. But enough about my boring life. I have your meat ready. I can help you load it if you wish."
"That's okay. We just want to pay it now and come pick it up later. How much would it be?"
Raiden walked around the store, mesmerized by the variety of meats. However, something else caught his eye. It wasn't on display. Rather, it was on one of the corners of the store. A jar filled with red liquid. So thick he couldn't see inside.
"That's blood." Rose's voice caused him to nearly jump on the spot."I forgot someone came in and didn't want to take it so they left it there. Animal blood can be used to lure certain animals and catch them in a trap. Easy work."
"I see..." Raiden said, staring at Rose's eyes. Something about her was off. But he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.
"I'll be outside when you're done spacing out, Raiden," Vanessa called out as she exited the store.
"Say, boy. You look like you can handle yourself in a fight. Listen, I got an offer for you. Well, more like a favor, but I'll pay."
"What?"
"See, I got a few people that borrowed money from me. I need to collect it, but having to run business by myself makes this pretty complicated, really." Rose explained, grabbing a notepad under her desk."So, what I need you to do is go to these addresses, look for the people I wrote down here, and cash the money out. Then return the money to me and you get paid. There's no deadline for this. I'm pretty lax when it comes to money but taxes don't pay themselves. Oh, and I have prepared a few gifts for them."
"You're giving gifts to the people that owe you money?" Raiden rose a brow in skepticism.
"It's all about business, hun. Business partners need to be happy. But I can tell you're being awfully cautious about this. Let me put something else on the table. For each debt settled, I'll give you information. The type of information that one does not normally find by regular means. I can tell you whatever you want to know and I'll probably know it."
"A butcher offering me some secret information?" Raiden couldn't help but smirk."Just what do you know, lady?"
"In my line of work, you tend to pick up a few things from the streets." Rose matched his smirk."I've lived on the streets since I was a little girl. Practically had to fight day and night to survive. Until I landed here after the opportunity presented itself. I know the underground like the palm of my hand. Go ahead, ask me anything."
Deciding to play along, Raiden coughed in his hand."Okay. I know Clover Grimoires can have up to three leaves. On rare occasions, they can have four. But is a fifth leaf possible? And if so, what does it represent?"
Rose's smile widened significantly at that."Oh? And why would you ask something like that? Does someone you know have a five-leaf Grimoire?"
"I thought I was the one asking the questions."
"Sorry, sorry." Rose rose her hands in defeat."Well, let's get the basics out of the way. The three first leaves represent faith, hope, and love. Some people get a four-leaf Grimoire, meaning they are blessed with mana and good luck. Now, here comes the interesting part. Not much is known about the five-leaf Grimoire. Matter of fact, I'm one of the only two people in the world probably who know. Within the fifth leaf...resides the devil."
"Devil..." Raiden's eyes widened, nearly bulging out of their sockets."W-w-what do you mean?"
"As I said, not much is known other than that. But whoever has this fifth leaf Grimoire...you should keep an eye on them. People tend to be afraid of the sometimes the unknown can be dangerous."
Raiden slammed his hands on the desk, nearly breaking it."You said another person besides you knows...Who is it?! And is this information even legitimate?! How do I know you're not making this up?!
"Calm down." Rose's soothing voice caused the hairs on the back of Raiden's neck to stand up."Are you okay? You look terrible. Need some water, maybe?"
"I'm fine..." Raiden took a deep breath, wiping the sweat that had formed on his forehead."So...about this person..."
"When the time is right, you'll know." Rose shrugged nonchalantly."Do more favors for me and you'll know more. Easy deal, right? But as of now, you'll know what you need to know."
"Fine." Raiden held his hand out."I'll do it."
"There's a boy scout." Rose shook his hand, handing him the notepad."Good luck. And give my rewards to that lady friend of yours outside. A little young to be dating such a woman, don't you think? How bold of you."
"She's a...friend." Raiden frowned upon saying that."Huh. Yeah. She's a friend."
"I knew it." Rose leaned back on her chair, setting her legs on the table."Despite how big you look and the face that says "I have little friends", you really are one of the pure ones, ain't ya? I imagine not only do you have little to no friends but you must also be a virgin, right? What, saving your first time for that special girl you haven't met yet? You're so precious~! But a growing young man like you must have urges now and then. Tell you what, I know a friend of mine who owns a strip club. I can get you discount prices for some "ladies of the night" if you know what I mean?"
"Yeah, fuck this. I'm out." Raiden closed his eyes, turning around to hide the imminent blush that appeared on his face."I'll come to pick up the gifts you've prepared when I'm done with my errands."
"You're so precious. Thanks for the help. I'll leave the bag by the door." With that, Rose waved him goodbye, watching him exit the store."Things are about to get fun."
"There you are." Vanessa huffed, tapping her foot."What took you so long?"
"Sorry. The butcher had the sudden urge of telling me her life story." Raiden bowed his head."I'm sorry. So, shall we get going? You said we have some time before we have to head back, right?"
"Let's go for those drinks then." Vanessa marched forward, leading the way."It's actually around here. Don't worry. The drinks are on me. Just as long as you return the favor someday."
"Sure. I like to repay the favors I owe." Raiden nodded, hands in his pockets."Besides, I kinda feel bad being in someone's debt."
"Don't think of it as an obligation. It destroys the whole point." Vanessa giggled."You don't have to invite me for drinks if you don't feel like it. You can do whatever you want, just like how I am by inviting you with me. There's no other hidden agenda or anyone making me do this. I just wanted to get you to cheer up. As your senior, I feel like I have to make sure you and the others are content."
"Jeez, do I really come off like I'm always in a bad mood?" Raiden asked, ruffling his hair."I guess I have to try smiling a little more."
"We can talk about it over drinks." Vanessa abruptly stopped, nearly causing Raiden to bump into her."We're here."
"Guess you weren't kidding." Raiden mused, following Vanessa inside the bar. The place was rather spacious, holding several tables with customers enjoying each other's companies. On the bar itself, the bartender had a few stools available, with some being occupied by lonely drinkers. An old man was playing the piano, a slow tune setting the mood down and making it easy to relax.
"Ah, Vanessa." The bartender smiled."Nice to see you. Brought some company today? The boys will be sad."
"He's my junior. Might as well be my little brother. His name is Raiden." Vanessa introduced him, taking a few empty stools."He is 17 but he drinks. Like crazy. He's turning 18 in..."
"A few months."
"He's a minor?" The man rubbed the back of his neck."I don't know, Vanessa. I don't promote underage drinking."
"Aw, come on, don't be like that." Vanessa tossed him a coin."We'll pay handsomely. We got our wages and we're looking to spend. We won't tell a soul."
"Fine. I'll get you the usual. What about you, kid?"
"Got anything cold?" Raiden asked, resting his chin on his palm as he leaned on the counter."I don't like warm drinks."
"I have some strong stuff with the ice. Hope you can drink because this type of stuff can put anyone wasted."
Raiden waved his hand, prompting the man to get to work and serving them their drinks. Raiden grabbed his cup, immediately gulping it down."Holy shit. The after taste though..."
"Told ya." The man chuckled, pouring more."Take it easy. I'll go tend to the other customers. Call me if you need anything."
Vanessa watched as the man went to one of the tables from afar, taking a sip from her wine."Little brother, huh? I guess you could have said you're my aunt and we would still seem convincing."
"I hope you're not calling me old." Vanessa pulled on his cheek hard."Because I'm not."
"Sorry, sorry." Raiden rubbed his aching cheek, hissing in pain.
"Say, Raiden. I know this might be out of place for me to ask so you can choose not to answer if you don't want to. But I really want to know. Why do you drink? I mean, at the end of the day, you're a kid."
"Mmmm. I guess I can tell you that." Raiden set his half-empty cup down."Still, to think you wanted to get me drunk so you could pry about my personal life. You are one terrifying lady, you know that?"
"Hey, you're hard to approach otherwise. Besides, I said you could just say no. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone else if you're not comfortable. That's why I brought you here alone."
"Mmm. Fine." He twirled his cup around."When I was...I don't know, it started five or six years ago. Things were really rough in my village. Like, bad. Those of us who wanted to be magic knights and make a change in this world while also improving our living conditions had great expectations set on them. I lived under tremendous stress with the hopes of helping my family out. My...former instructor...one day he came to me and offered me a bottle, saying it would help me level my head and clear things out. Albeit temporarily. And honestly..."
He took another sip from his drink."I had a lot to forget...Eventually, I came to come to alcohol to relax for a while and let my mind wander."
"Sounds like this instructor of yours isn't a responsible adult. Then again, I'm one to talk."
"He looked after us. Johan and I respect him. But one day I want to put the bottle down for good. When I go back to my village, I want to look at my grandma and my friend in the face with a clear conscience."
"A grandmother and a friend." Vanessa hummed in thought.
"My parents died a long time ago so I ended up with my grandma." Raiden explained, snorting when he saw Vanessa gasped."Don't worry. It was a long time ago. My grandma is basically my mom at this point. My friend...my only friend, she was the only one who didn't treat me like a nuisance. Her sister is a good kid too and they're all waiting for me back at home."
"This girl...is she your special another half maybe?"
"It's...complicated..." Raiden trailed off, a small smile on his face."I'm not drunk enough to answer that. Now's my turn to ask. Why do you drink?"
"Well, just like you, I drink to forget." Vanessa confessed."I come from the Witch Forest. Not the best place in the world and my mother certainly wasn't the best either...I was locked up all the time, like a bird in a cage. Until the Captain came and broke me out of it. I used to think that it was my destiny to be forever be trapped in there, living under the Witch Queen's shadow. But the Captain said to ignore fate and destiny. That I could make my own path how I wanted."
"I see. Sounds like you had it rough as well. I guess I should have known you were a witch. The hat gave it away, but then again, Abel mentioned one of his brother's friends isn't a witch but she wears a hat."
"Well, it takes more than a simple hat to be a witch."
"Still, you're freer as a bird now." Raiden said, patting her on the back."I guess waiting for that princess charming to save the day actually happened like one of those cheesy fairy tale stories. Then again, the Captain doesn't strike me as a knight in shining armor. He strikes me more of a vagabond."
"Right?" Vanessa laughed at his comment."He looked a bit leaner back then and was less of a mess than he is now but he saved me nonetheless."
"He must have been strong even back then to contend with the queen of all witches." Raiden guessed."I assume she must be insanely strong. Her title wouldn't be just for show."
"You'd be right. She has terrifying power. It's how she manages the whole forest on her own, after all. It is said she has powers that rival even the Wizard King."
Raiden shuddered."Man, I keep learning about strong people everywhere I go."
"I wanted your take on something." Vanessa earned his attention, though his vision was becoming blurry."What do you think about destiny? You seem like the type of person who would ponder about stuff like that."
"What's there to think about? I believe everyone is set to follow an already predetermined script." Raiden answered without missing a beat."If you managed to escape that day it was because it wasn't your destiny to be there, to begin with."
"Really? What makes you so sure?" She then hit her head softly."Right! I forgot you're religious! You believe that a higher force is guiding us. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you if I did."
"You didn't." Raiden waved her off, noticing a man sitting right next to him with a shit-eating grin."God works in bizarre ways. One thing I can say for certain about God is that he's really really jealous. Believe in any diety that isn't him and you'll be on his shit list. Funny, I know someone who thinks they're in control of their own destiny. They're a bit like you, in fact."
"And what is a gorgeous woman doing her, talking about religion with a brat?" The drunkard finally broke his silence."Is he your little brother or something? Certainly not your kid but we can arrange that."
"He's my friend." Vanessa answered smoothly."I thought he could accompany me so I brought him along if you must know."
Raiden lowered his head, feeling the effects of the alcohol get to him. He concentrated on his almost empty cup, watching his reflection as everything around him sounded muffled. He took another sip, but this one certainly didn't last. He eyed his empty cup, turning it upside down and checking that in fact, it was empty. Slamming his hand down, Raiden grabbed the back of the man's head and smashed him on the table."Would you shut the hell up?! Come with me!"
"Get your hands off me!" The man was powerless as Raiden grabbed by him the back of his shirt, dragging him out of the bar and throwing him to a nearby dumpster.
"And we have to go!" Vanessa threw some Yul on the counter."Raiden get back here!"
"No!" Raiden stuck his tongue out."I want to go walk for a bit."
"I told you that was some pretty strong stuff." The bartender shook his head."He might be built like a horse, but he's still a kid. And he took like...four shots. He'll be out like a light soon so just keep an eye on him."
"Seriously..." Vanessa groaned, a small smile gracing her features."I guess I'll just have to babysit him after all."
"There you guys are!" Finral entered the bar, Raiden's arm wrapped around him."I thought you said you were going to get some food! The butcher told me you guys came in this direction when I picked up all that meat you ordered."
"Hey, you be fair, you wanted us to wait for a long time." Vanessa put her hands on her hips."I think it's only fair we got to have some fun."
"Fun?! He's wasted!"
"I'm not!" Raiden protested, pushing himself off Finral."I just...I got carried away and drank from that bottle like it was water."
"It doesn't matter." Finral opened a portal."We have to go back. The Captain has some news for us."
"News?" Both Black Bulls parroted.
"Yeah. We're getting a new mission, straight from the Wizard King himself."
Happy New Years everybody! Hope you get to accomplish all of your goals. As for me, getting this chapter out was one of them. I want to approach the first few episodes before the water temple arc because it has a spend of a few days in which I can expand and work with, so I'll do so in the next chapter and give some characters more development. I'll be starting my final semester in college before going to university so chapters probably won't be coming as often unless I get ahead but I can tell you that the story will get intense this year and probably reach a high point but I'll leave it at that.
Anyway, if you enjoyed this chapter feel free to leave a review or a follow as they motivate me to keep writing and keeping the material fresh and entertaining. Take care!
