Chapter 21
Be Yourself

Author's Note: Still playing Master Duel. I finally made my orcust deck and my raidraptor deck so all the effort was worth it. I don't play the game IRL but I do play it online on other platforms such as TDOANE. In fact, before I started writing stories, I used to be part of a team, and surprisingly there were team wars and such. Crazy to expect that from a card game.

On another note, I've decided to add voice actors to my OCs so people can have some idea of how they would sound like along with some characters they have voiced just in case you guys are familiar with some characters and not with others. First, I'll do it with English voices, and then if everything goes well I'll make a list with the Japanese voices. Without further ado, I'll start things off with Raiden.

Raiden Zareth (Todd Haberkorn) who voices Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail, Death the Kid from Soul Eater, Jin Kuwana from Lost Judgement. Ling Yao from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Gaston from Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

"We need to talk." Came the stern voice of Johan, who was squatting down to Raiden's level as the latter tried to get his breathing under control after a direct blow to his stomach.

"Talk to me...I think you left off the part where you beat the shit out of me." Raiden grunted, wiping the saliva on his lips.

"What's going on?" Asta and Cain rushed to the scene, but Yuno stood in the way, blocking their path."Yuno?"

"This is between them, Asta. Let them solve their problem."

Raiden hissed, jumping back on his feet."That hurt...you asshole!" Lunging in the air, he spun in the air, delivering a spiral kick to Johan's shoulder. This, however, did not affect him in the slightest. Raising his arm, Johan prepared to knock some sense into his lifelong friend.

"W-wai-" Raiden's words were cut off once Johan backhanded him, sending him rolling on the ground, crashing against a tree.

"He's just...tossing him around..." Asta couldn't believe what he was seeing. The guy he and Abel had so much trouble to fight against was being treated like a child.

"Yeah. Johan might not have any offensive spells, but his physical strength is out of this world. It compensates." Cain stated, not at all surprised.

"Done?" Johan folded his arms, tapping his foot."Or do you need to release some more steam?"

Raiden growled, slamming his fist on the grass before sprinting towards his friend. Johan flexed his muscles, putting his arms in front of him, and blocked the barrage of punches coming his way. Despite the punches not breaking through his defenses, he was being pushed back slowly.

"Hey, he's actually pushing him back," Asta noted, but the Golden Dawn members knew better.

In a swift motion, Johan took a step back as Raiden went for a punch, causing him to lose his footing due to his momentum. He went behind him, wrapping his arms around his stomach. With a battle cry, Johan went for a backdrop Supplex, slamming him on his back. Satisfied with his work, Johan let him go, earning a pained moan from the smaller male.

"So...had enough?" Johan asked, sitting crossed leg in front of him.

"Ugh...yeah..." Raiden grumbled, closing his eyes as he regained his bearings."Shit, Johan...you didn't have to slam me like that..."

"Ah, walk it off. You'll be fine." Johan waved off his concerns, much to Raiden's dismay."So, are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Raiden clicked his tongue."I should be asking you that. You interrupted our fight. Why?"

Johan gave a loud sigh, expressing his frustration."Because Noelle told me everything. And I mean everything."

"Oh." Raiden's voice lowered a few decibels.

"Yeah. "Oh." Come on, Raiden, that's not like you at all." Johan said, his features softening."You're a nice kid. Caring, sometimes stubborn, and a bit of a rebel, but not like this."

"Does it really matter, Johan?" Raiden huffed, annoyed."We have a million things that are more-"

"This isn't about that. It's about you." Johan insisted."You remember what I told you when we first got recruited into the Magic Knights?"

"Yeah," Raiden murmured, barely audible enough for Johan to pick up as he avoided his gaze.

"And? What is it?"

"That I can't always rely on you and I have to act on my own judgment. Use my head."

"And this isn't using your head." Johan stated with a matter-of-fact tone."You're not thinking, Raiden. From the things I've heard, you're using your head, yes, but you're letting your temper cloud your judgment. What's this about you going around trying to kill people?"

"God, Johan, you're making me sound like him!" Raiden hissed, staring at Johan as if he had grown a third head."Not just any people. Evil people. We're talking about people who don't hesitate to manipulate children, people who are trying to bring about the end of the world, people who kill others for hire and get to walk free? It's justice. It has to be done if we ever want this world to have true peace."

"But this isn't the way, Raiden." Brown eyes staring into amber ones."We can't just go around dictating justice by killing people like that. It's a good thing you haven't done it. But only because they've stopped you. Those who seek justice are at the greatest risk of losing sight of it. Your first course of action shouldn't be trying to take justice into your hands. It doesn't work like that."

"Really? Are you sure about that?" Raiden growled under his breath."You know we both have a timer on our heads that's ticking down every single fucking day. Do you think I don't stress about it every day? Do you think I can just pretend like I'm not running out of time? No. I think about it every day. Every second. And it scares me shitless how...how fucking powerless I am to stop it. All this waiting...it's killing me. And you think I can go around being an exemplary Magic Knight and beings friends with everybody? Besides...if I let that stop me, there won't be any justice at all."

"I'm in the same boat as you are." Johan grabbed Raiden by his shoulders, keeping him from lashing out."I'm worried about Amber too. She's my friend as well. I'm worried sick about my dad. I'm worried about everyone back home. But we can't be letting that prevent us from living a little, Raiden. You're going to go crazy like that. Is that why you've been in this constant behavior?"

Upon hearing those words, Raiden lowered his head, avoiding gaze."Raiden...I get how you feel. Out of anyone here, I do. We've been through the worse together but we've also been through the good. We made memories. Remember when we used to go to Ms. Adler's yard to steal from her lemon tree?"

Raiden's stone expression broke, revealing a small smile that turned into a chuckle."Yeah...she used to chase us around with her broom in her hand. Didn't you trip once and she caught up to you?"

"And she forced me to hunt down the rats in her basement." Johan mused, visibly cringing upon remembering the incident."But it wasn't as bad as when you dirtied the white shirt your grandma gave you when you running in the mud."

"Don't even..." Raiden grabbed his head, shaking his head."I never heard the end of it. She forced me to go to school with that shirt for a whole day. Amber wouldn't stop laughing about it. Good thing she let me use her jacket to cover it up. Otherwise-"

"You wouldn't have gotten into more fights because kids would make fun of you." Johan finished for him, grinning when he received a nod."Always the one who ends trouble. Boys never learned though. Always thought they could gang up on you. Which sometimes it worked. But you protected the weak. Didn't you have a fan club? All those girls looking over to the wanna-be-tough guy and the other boys wanting to be like you."

"You know it wasn't always like that." Raiden stayed humble."If it wasn't for Raymond-sensei's training and his teachings...I wouldn't have made it very far. Didn't learn much at school until...after that..."

"Raymond was a great guy. Always had a sense of humor, that one." Johan continued, not wanting Raiden to fall back to negative thoughts."I'm glad he picked you up from your lowest point and built you into who you are today. In exchange for that, you keep Amber and little Annie safe and protected. You're a sly dog, Raiden. Earning points from the father and the sister...all to get to Amber's heart. Not bad."

"It wasn't like that." Raiden groaned, covering his blushing cheeks with his bandana."I could never. Besides, they were the only people aside from you who were there for me."

"That's not true. Perhaps not all of them are... likable, for lack of a better word. But our peers were there for us as well."

"Right." Raiden trailed off, staring at the grass"I guess that's true. But Johan...what are you rambling on about? How is this relevant to what we were discussing?"

"Because I want you to realize that just as you had memories, both in the good and the bad, they are still part of who you are. And you can still do that today." Johan glanced over his shoulder, eyeing the Black Bulls that had gathered around Yuno, Asta, and Cain, watching from afar."Those people are now your squadmates. For how long that may be. But I can say they care about you. Their worries, their concerns, and more. This is the perfect time for you to have the life you never had. A normal life. No conflict, no fighting. Just being surrounded by friends and fighting for what's right." Johan scooted closer to Raiden, grabbing the back of his head and pressing his forehead with his.

"Johan..."

"You're like the brother I never had." Johan spoke in a warm, gentle tone."And I've always wanted the best for you. Always looking out for you and Amber. If there's a small chance for you to at least be happy for a while...I'd say take it. And if you do, it's not because you're forgetting about what's at stake or the people we left behind. It's because we owe it to them that we're here. We have to live for them. Besides, stressing over the matter won't help right now. It'll take time, they told you. I told you. So for now, all we can do is live normally until the time is right. And we can go back home once we're ready. Together. We'll get rid of all the evil in this world the right way. But we won't do it by ourselves. We'll work together with our teammates and make memories with them. This is our moment. Plus, I know you have a big heart. That Grey girl? The one that transformed into you to talk to me, said great things about you. You helped her in her time of need."

Raiden remained speechless, his eyes wide after hearing everything Johan had to say. But he wasn't done.

"And Asta...you ought to treat him better. You can say he's loud and think he's a little naive but...he's been through a lot, like us. I heard everything from Noelle. How he's been magicless ever since birth. I can't even imagine what that must have been like, especially for a peasant, raised in an orphanage. A lot of people would have broken down. I know I would. But not him. Because he's just as determined as you are. You both went through great struggles. Life always tried to bring you down. But here you both are today. Which is why...out of everyone here...you should understand him the most. You both have the gift is perseverance and courage. The one thing that transcends magic. You're both special."

"I know...I know that." Raiden fell on both knees, grabbing a fistful of dirt."But...I can't accept it...I can't accept it, Johan!"

"But why not?" Johan flinched, taken back by the sudden rise in volume."Why can't you just be nice to him? I heard he's friendly with you, right? So why?"

"Because...he reminds me of me...back then." Raiden clenched his eyes shut, forcing himself to not shed a tear."if I admit that he's the same as me...if I even concede that he...can even be remotely compared to me...it would mean that I'm still the same as back then...it would mean that nothing has changed! And I...I could never..." He couldn't keep his tears in anymore and sobbed."If I haven't changed...what hope do I have to change things...none..."

"Raiden, Raiden..." Johan patted him on the back soothingly."Who said you guys are the same? There are indeed similarities, but you guys are very different as well. And yes, a lot has changed. We're not the same as who we were back then. We have the means to fight back now. And we'll have the means to protect this world and save humanity. You'll see. We'll find a way to make it. So stand proud, Raiden. You are the hope of mankind. You're Amber's hope."

"Sheez...you can say the dumbest shit sometimes. So damn cheesy" Raiden wiped his tears, sitting up once more, his lips curving to form a smile."You're right. We have a long road ahead of us. We have a lot to fight for. But even if we've suffered...people around us have also suffered."

"That's right. It doesn't matter if it seems minuscule to you. People are all different. We all have our struggles and our skeletons in our closets. We all suffer at one point in our lives. But that doesn't mean we can undermine them and think they haven't suffered as much as us."

"Yeah...you're right." Raiden nodded slowly, slowly getting up to his feet. Extending his arm, he offered support for Johan to stand up as well."We'll save everyone from evil. No one else has to suffer as we have."

"That's what I like to hear." Johan guffawed, patting Raiden on the shoulder a little too hard."Oh, right. There's something else I have to tell you...Pay close attention."

"I wonder what they're talking about." Yuno pondered, watching attentively as the pair continued their conversation.

"Whatever it is, it has to have hit Raiden hard if he fell on his knees like that." Asta pointed out, concerned about the older boy."I hope it's nothing too bad. They were fighting each other."

Cain wordless turned on his heel, watching as the others had exited the base.

"That was very brave of you, Grey." Vanessa grabbed Grey's shoulders as she was transformed into Noelle."It was cool how you stood up for Raiden like that. Also, I didn't know you were a girl. Don't tell me you have a little crush on him?"

"Nothing like that!"

"Why didn't you say anything! You've been bathing with the boys this whole time?!" Noelle cried out in indignation before turning to Gauche."And only Raiden and Gauche knew? Why?"

"Don't say it so loud!" Grey cried, covering Noelle's mouth."I won't do it again...but please don't tell anyone else!"

"Only if you show us what you really look like one day." The silver-haired girl responded, her stern expression changed with a tender smile."You don't have to do it now. But we'd love to meet the real you."

"She's right." Vanessa continued."We won't judge you for how you look. We're the Black Bulls. We all look weird in some shape or form."

"W-well..." Grey fidgeted in place."I guess...I could do that in th-OUCH!"

"You little..." Gauche grabbed Grey's ear, twisting it."You bathed with us...you're a pervert. How do the hell do you expect us to be okay with this?!"

"But you knew it already!"

"That doesn't make it better! I'm still pissed off about it!"

"You idiots are too loud." Yami rubbed the bridge of his nose as his words fell on deaf ears.

Arthur observed the lively group interact with each other in fascination."Black Bulls...Yeah. Without a doubt, people are wrong about you. This isn't the worse squad in the kingdom...but the most united of them all."

Back in the other group, Raiden and Johan continued discussing amongst themselves.

"So, he's pretty tough, huh?" Asta asked, nudging Yuno with his elbow."I bet you're glad Johan saved you."

"Not a chance." Yuno deadpanned, not falling to Asta's taunts."I had the fight under control. Right, Bell?"

"R-right!" Bell puffed her chest, but sounding not so convinced."That boy is lucky that they stopped the fight! We were about to kick his butt!"

"You don't sound very convincing." Cain rolled his eyes, much to the Wind Spirit's dismay.

"Just whose side are you on?!" The fairy narrowed her eyes at Cain, hands on her hips.

Cain shrugged, stifling a chuckle."It doesn't matter, Bell. Technically you two count as two separate beings, so it's a two on one situation. Someone has to root for that guy, no?"

"Come to think of it, you were doing pretty good Yuno." Asta admitted to his rival."Better than me. Man, he never used that many spells on me. I still have a long way to go."

"Don't think much of it, Asta." Yuno shook his head, grimacing upon recalling how Raiden was badmouthing Asta earlier."You and I fight differently. Raiden can seemingly fight both in close-quarters and long-distance. The difference lies in the fact that I have greater mobility than you and him, which is why he can't hit me with brute force. You, on the other hand, can only fight him on the ground, and he capitalizes on that, right?"

"Well, yeah. He's faster than me and often chooses to fight without his magic and make it a sword fight."

"What I'm trying to say is, if he were to somehow keep up with me in the air, I'd be in trouble myself, since I can't do anything if he hits me head-on. So don't let something like that get to you. You're better than that."

"Yuno..." Asta had sparkles of happiness in his eyes.

"Not better than me, of course." Yuno finished, closing his eyes with a triumphant smile."But you'll catch up. Maybe if you grow wings."

"How am I supposed to do that?!" Asta cried out comically."Please don't just grow wings! And I don't have any magic to do that!"

"I'm sure you'll find a way to fly." Yuno chuckled, amused by Asta's facial expressions."If anyone can make the impossible possible, it's you."

Asta was taken back by that statement. After all that teasing, he wasn't expecting for Yuno to say that about him."You bet. I'll find a way to surpass you and Raiden and leave you in the dust!"

"You wish." Yuno shot back.

"Hey, they're coming back." Cain pointed at the other duo approaching them.

Raiden and Johan were making their way back, finishing up their conversation.

"I see. Shit...Thanks for the heads up, Johan." Raiden bit his lower lip."You saved me from a shit show."

"No problem. Just looking out for you. Besides, if that were to happen, things could go ugly. On another note though, how are your nightmares?"

Raiden rubbed his forehead, sighing."Still have them. Guess in this case that's a good thing. It's a reminder...I can't fail. No matter what."

Johan playfully ruffled his already messy hair, giving him a thumbs up."We won't fail. We got this. By the way, you don't have to apologize right now. No pressure."

Raiden ignored his words, simply choosing to walk faster and leave Johan behind."I'll let my actions speak for themselves."

"You guys okay?" Asta asked, tilting his head."You were talking for quite a while."

"Are you guys going to keep fighting or what?" Yami approached the group with the other Black Bulls and Arthur."That wasn't even a warm-up. You can't be done already."

"Everything is fine." Raiden cleared his throat."Just...had a conversation with Johan, that's all."

"Conversation?" Noelle asked incredulously."He was tossing you around as if you were a ragdoll. If you ask me, that's more than just conversation."

Johan clapped, whistling in an attempt to change the topic at hand."Alright. Now that that's done, why don't you guys pick up where you left off?"

"Huh? Really?" Raiden was taken back by the sudden suggestion."I mean, if Yuno is down to fight, I don't mind."

"I had enough rest." Yuno fixed his uniform, although it was covered in blood."And I'm not bleeding out. I'm ready whenever you are."

"Huh. Guess they're fighting again." Yami hid a smirk behind his hand."You better not lose, Raiden. Show the Golden Dawn what we can do."

"Alright! Go Raiden!" Vanessa cheered loudly. She noticed Charmy had been quiet, which was out of character for her to do."What's up? Aren't you going to cheer for that Yuno kid?"

"Well..." Charmy fidgeted, her gaze going from Johan to Yuno, her cheeks flushed."I just want to watch the fight."

This did not go unnoticed by Vanessa, who lowered herself to her level and whispered in her ear."Hard choice to make, isn't it? Take your time."

"W-w-what?" Charmy exclaimed, a little too loud."It's not like that!"

"What's not like that?" Vanessa feigned ignorance, her index finger touching her chin."Oh? Are you having weird thoughts, Charmy? My, I didn't expect that from you."

"You're the worse!" Charmy ran ahead to where Yami was, hiding in front of him.

"What's up with her?" Arthur inquired, a hand on his hip.

"That's for you to figure out, I'm afraid." Vanessa responded with a wink."Seriously? You can't notice? I can't believe this. Are all Golden Dawn males this dense? Then again, we do have some pretty dense members."

"Well..." Cain cracked his neck, calling his broom over."I'm going to head out."

"Wait, really?" Raiden, perplexed, stopped walking and turned on his heel."That's weird."

"What is?"

"I just thought you'd want to fight me as well." Raiden shrugged."I mean, Abel is not here, and he's the reason you came, right?"

"No." Cain shot his theory down."I came here to watch the fight, and because these guys wouldn't leave me alone. But no, I don't want to fight you if I don't have to. If we ever have to fight, I'd rather it be for a significant reason."

"Hah. Like what, a battle to the death or something?" Raiden said sarcastically, waving his hand around, marching towards him."Just kidding. You can do what you want. But really, we're peers. Comrade in arms and all that good stuff. Don't be a stranger."

Cain observed with interest as Raiden extended his hand towards him."What's this?"

"I don't think I've thanked you before. For having Johan join you guys. You were a great help."

"It wasn't really my decision." Cain shrugged off his thanks but went for the handshake."He proved to be-"

Simultaneously, both youths felt as if they were electrocuted once their hands connected. Pulling back, both of them stared at their respective hands before staring at each other.

"What was..." The Yin-Magic user started, baffled at the unexpected event.

"Woah, that was like, the lamest handshake ever." Johan chuckled, approaching the pair."Something the matter?"

"I felt like something shock me when we grabbed hands." Raiden explained, still observing his hand with great interest."It's weird."

"Well, it's not uncommon for that to happen." Yuno supplied."It's probably static shook. Try touching each other again."

Once more, Raiden and Cain went for a handshake, but this time, nothing happened."Guess that settles that. That was weird. Hey, Cain, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost?"

"Oh..." Cain realized he had his mouth open."Sorry. That little incident just made me remember something. Anyway, I should probably get going. Thanks again for your hospitality, Black Bulls."

"Remember to talk to your brother! Luna would want that!"

With a scoff, Cain turned to the Black Bulls, bowing slightly before taking off on his broom. After he left, Yuno and Raiden nodded to each other, running back close to the forest. Yuno and Raiden went on their way to their positions, leaving the rest to spectate.

"Well, that was weird. Say, Johan." Yami addressed the second tallest male in the group."Those moves you used against Raiden...what are they? Raiden uses a similar fighting style as well. Did you come up with them yourselves? I've never seen them before."

"Oh." Johan jumped in place, adverting gaze from the Captain."No, sir. We were trained together. It's basic hand-to-hand combat we were taught. Although Raiden barely uses it, since he specializes in weapons. But as you saw right now, you could easily stop him if you know the right move to make."

"That was so cool! I never thought I'd see Raiden being manhandled like that! You gotta teach me!" Asta excitedly exclaimed invading Johan's personal space.

"Sure. With your built and the way you fight, this will help you against any opponent." Johan pushed Asta away gently."I'll teach you some moves some other time."

Yami hummed to himself in thought, his slight frown not going unnoticed by Finral.

"Something wrong, Captain?"

"Nah. Maybe it's just my imagination...but I don't recall anyone from Suke Village who teaches that kind of stuff. At first glance, you'd think these two had some sort of special training. But maybe I'm just overthinking things."

Finral folded his arms."Well, I guess it seems a bit odd that a small village in the Forsaken Realm can produce two strong mages like those two. But then again, that Yuno guy seems way stronger than he should be. Maybe they're all just prodigies. After all, they've shown us what hard work can do for someone."

Yami pondered over his input for a bit, deciding to let it go for now."Maybe you're right."

Meanwhile, the combatants were ready to reconvene their fight"Now I'm going all out." Yuno stated, his sprinting stopping once he and Bell were in the air."Let's go, Bell!"

"Right!"

Raiden clicked his tongue as he watched Yuno go higher and higher."I'll have to find a way to bring him down again." As he flipped through the pages of his Grimoire, he noticed new writing in one of the pages."This is...a new spell? I guess you never stop learning. Now that my mind is clear, I know I can keep getting stronger. With everyone. Alright then! I'll continue moving forward and fulfill my promise! I'll go back home and make her better! Inferno Creation Magic: Blaze Control - Wings!"

Black fire emerged from Raiden's Grimoire, taking the shape of a pair of flame wings, which began flapping and helped him up in the air.

"No way!" Yuno cried out in shock, watching as Raiden flew closer and closer to him.

"I got you now!" Raiden began twirling his blades in hands at great speed."Inferno Magic: Twin Circle Blade Formation!"

Inferno came out of Raiden's Grimoire, engulfing his blades and shooting two rings of black flames

"They're fast!" Yuno noted, immediately going to the offensive." Wind Magic: Towering Tornado!"

Once more, Yuno created a tornado that was big enough to protect him from the two attacks, dispersing the flames. Or so he thought. The flame rings came out of the tornado, closing in on Yuno.

"Grab on to me, Bell!" Yuno ordered, the spirit grabbing on his hair as Yuno flew over to the rings."Nothing I throw without a considerable amount of mana can destroy those homing attacks. But if I can go through them...!"

Yuno bent his body, narrowly going through the fire rings. But that's when he noticed Raiden's smirk as he closed his palm. It was too late when Yuno felt the ring tighten around his body, preventing him from moving his arms.

"I got you now." Raiden's Grimoire flipped through its pages."Inferno Magic: Halo Hurricane Turbine!"

A pinwheel of black fire emerged from one of the pages, firing at Yuno while he was unable to move. The attack hit him head-on, causing him to fall back to the forest below them. Raiden smirked, realizing that this fight was as good as over with the next attack.

"Yuno! Are you okay?!" Bell asked, concerned about Yuno who was on the grass. The four-leaf Grimoire user shakily stood up, glad that his binds had disappeared and were free to move.

"He got me pretty good with that attack...He never used those spells during the first half of our fight...was he holding back?"

"Yeah, you got that right." Raiden's voice came from above. Yuno desperately tried to find him, but he was moving too fast and the leaves on branches were blocking the vision from further above."I'm still holding back, but you've pushed me further than anyone I've fought have."

Raiden began cutting branches with his inferno-clad blades, igniting the leaves as they began to fall.

"He's coming." Yuno grimaced, preparing for whatever was coming. He knew that Raiden was using the ignited branches as a distraction. The real attack was yet to come."Bell..."

"Yeah, I sense him." Bell nodded, tracking Raiden with the flow of mana. He was preparing a powerful spell but the branches falling prevented them from seeing him."He's going to attack us straight on."

"Then let's respond in kindly. Wind Spirit Magic: Sylph's Breath!"

Meanwhile, Raiden had amassed enough mana, ready to attack."Inferno Magic: God Hand!"

Once more, their respective spells were launched against each other. However, this time, they came into contact, creating a strong gust of wind that shook the trees around them.

"Finral." Yami looked down at his subordinate.

"Yes sir! Everyone, get in! We're too close!" Finral opened a portal, allowing the spectators to go further away from the battle. The wind was causing some of the flames to disperse, falling in different parts of the terrain. Ultimately, the wind began engulfing the flames, almost as if absorbing them.

"We did it!" Bell cheered, although Yuno knew this was wrong. The flames erupted in one good, destroying Yuno's spell and causing them to be sent flying due to the strong shockwave created by the attack. Yuno clicked his tongue as he fell on a branch, hissing in pain. A cold sensation against his neck made him freeze in his tracks. He didn't dare move his head, but he knew Raiden was right behind him with his blade against his neck.

"So...do you surrender?"

Reluctantly, Yuno rose his hands, shocking Bell."Yeah...I can't beat you. Right now, that is."

"Hah. Talking shit even when you're bested." Raiden mused, removing the blade and sheathing it back. Both of them jumped to the ground, Raiden assisting Yuno when his feet threatened to betray him."Then again, it's not something I'm unfamiliar with. You did great."

"Better than Asta?" Yuno sarcastically asked, wrapping his arm around Raiden's shoulders as both youths helped each other back.

"He'll...do better." Raiden didn't hesitate to say. Funny, he thought. Just a few hours ago, he would have made fun of Asta for his performance against him. But he knew he had to stop doing that. It wasn't who he was, after all.

"Really could use Finral's help right now," Raiden whined as they limped, giving the small fairy on Yuno's shoulder a glance. Bell seemed to be exhausted as well, judging from her sleepy look.

"It's fine. I don't mind. Besides, we have a chance to talk for a bit." Yuno didn't miss the roll of his eyes."How did you get so strong? I mean, you're a commoner like the rest of us here but your mana...and your abilities...not to mention the way you fight. The tactical mindset. You never waste a single movement and when you do, you do it for show."

"You're giving me too much credit Mr. Four-leaf Grimoire." Raiden snorted."You're certainly one to talk. You had me pretty good back then. And to think you were also chosen by the Wind Spirit. If you ask me, that looks better than whatever I could offer."

"Going by impressions alone." Yuno countered without missing a beat."But on the battlefield, you run laps around me. You must have had some experience before becoming a Magic Knight, right?"

"A little, I guess." Raiden scratched his cheek."I had a good mentor as well as good teachers. I started early, so there's that. But..." His tone got lower until it was barely a whisper."I guess I didn't have a choice."

"Huh? What was that?" Yuno quirked a brow after mishearing the last part.

"Nothing. Just rambling."

"Hmm. It's weird. But after your talk with Johan, you seem...a bit different." Yuno hummed in thought."Calmer, I would say. Did something happen?"

"Not in particular." Raiden answered vaguely."Just...I realized I can't be stressing over everything. About things that I can't change right now. I can work towards them but...I can't be taking my frustration out on everyone around me because I feel like I haven't made any progress."

"I take it that's why you've been like that to Asta?"

Raiden cringed at how blunt he was."That's not...inaccurate. I just..."

"I get it. You don't have to tell me." Yuno eased his worries."What I do know is that they don't hold it against you. And neither does he."

Raiden, puzzled, looked up ahead of him, his eyes rounded in surprise when he saw his squadmates waving at them."Why..."

"I'm not sure. Being a Magic Knight is still new to me. But what I do know is that being in a squad is like being part of a big family. For the most part, I guess. It's hard to explain but...there are a bond a squad shares that will never waver or go away. No matter how many times you screw up. And just like a family, they will always be willing to forgive you."

Raiden pondered over his words as they walked. They resonated with him in a way he didn't think possible, all things considered. At first, he thought of the Black Bulls as just another group of people he had to put up with. People he was forced to work with just so he could make his objective come true. To keep the promise he had made to Amber and his grandmother to come back and make a difference. Because at the end of the day, he never really expected much from other people other than the ones he'd known. Every time he'd get in a fight when he was a kid, every blow and kick and every supposed friend stabbing him on the back had made it hard for him to not look past his doubts and suspicions. He'd seen the worse of the world, after all.

He knew what reality was like and how unkind life was. When you tried to embrace it and hug it, it would throw your hopes and dreams right out the window before spitting on you. Ever since the day that changed his life, he's been living in constant fear and stress. Afraid of tomorrow. Afraid of what would happen once time ran out. He was so fixated on his responsibilities that he hadn't noticed the people that he had surrounded himself with. People who didn't give him shit for his status. People who were friendly because they wanted to and not because they wanted something in return. People that welcomed him, even though he was a stranger, and listened to his words. Offered guidance and sympathy. He hated that. Why did they have to be like that? It made things so much harder. But he supposed Johan was right. This could be the one opportunity he would ever have to feel what normalcy is.

He offered a brief smile as everyone came to greet them. And of course, Asta wasn't far behind.

"Raiden! Yuno! That was so an awesome fight!"

"You guys did great." Yami told them, impressed by their fight."You both broke through your limits and gave it your all. You must have gotten stronger in that exchange. I know you certainly did, Raiden."

"No kidding." Gauche folded his arms."Now he can fly?"

"Yeah, that spell was so cool!" Asta beamed with sparkles in his eyes."A new spell and it gave you wings!"

"Actually, I've always had that spell." Raiden handed Yuno to Johan and Arthur, who gave him a brief nod of approval.

"Really? So you could always fly?" Vanessa was intrigued, wanting to know more about Raiden's magic.

"The spell has sub spells." Raiden informed them."Inferno Creation Magic: Blaze Control basically allows me to manipulate my fire at will. Before I could only make an extra pair of arms but now I can make a pair of wings."

"Sounds like you could be a one-man unit." Yami grabbed him by the head, lifting him and squeezing his skull."Mind telling me why you didn't use any of the spells you did back in Nean? You better have a good answer."

"Yeah, what gives?" Gauche glared at him accusingly."We were getting our asses handed to us and you were just throwing those inferno slashes around."

"W-w-well I knew they would have made a difference!" Raiden grunted in pain at the fierce grip the Captain had on him."Besides I was under a lot of pressure, okay?! I sort of forgot!"

Yami sighed, letting go of him and dropping him on the ground."Fair point. Then again, you were going to use something back there, weren't you? Makes me wonder what other tricks you have up your sleeve. Just try not to leave them out in a life or death situation."

"He's certainly more forceful than Captain Vangeance." Arthur whispered to Johan, who gave him rapid nods."Anyway, I think we should get going. We've overstayed our welcome, after all."

"You're leaving already?" Charmy asked, sounding almost disappointed.

"Yeah, we were just here to hang out for a bit and enjoy a good fight." Johan grinned at her."Also to taste that delicious food of yours. You are one of a kind, Charmy. I'm looking forward to eating more of your cooking."

"True. She is a good cook. I tried something of hers back when the Capital was attacked." Yuno winced, his wounds acting up when he talked."You tried some too, Bell."

"It was good." The spirit couldn't help but agree."Hopefully, I'll be able to mix something up for you one day, Yuno~."

"Arent your hands too small for that?"

"Hey! That's mean!"

Charmy was charmed, no pun intended. Her two knights in white armor just praised her food after all. She fidgeted in place, hands on her cheeks."W-well, you're welcome to try it any time! And come on an empty stomach do you don't hold back."

"We'll hold you to that." Johan playfully winked, causing her to fluster more."Let's go you guys. Remember what we talked about, Raiden."

"What are you, my dad?" Raiden rolled his eyes with a grin."I know. I heard you loud and clear."

"Oh, right." Arthur reached for something in his satchel, pulling out a bag and tossing it to Yami as they began to take flight on their brooms."That's for all the trouble and your kind hospitality, Captain Yami! And my knights made sure to leave your place spotless!"

Once they were a considerable distance away, they began talking amongst themselves."Oh, Yuno. You're a lucky one."

"Hmm? Why do you say that?"

"Are you kidding me? It's obvious that Charmy has the hots for you." Johan teased, winking."Seems like girls can't get enough of you."

"What are you talking about?" Yuno rose a brow, his expression unreadable."I saw her glancing at you every now and then."

"Ah, it's nothing like that. Plus, I'm a little too old for her." Johan laughed in good nature.

Arthur scratched his cheek awkwardly."Isn't she too young for either of you?"

"She's actually 19." Johan supplied, earning a surprise gasps from his friends."I'm 23 and Yuno is 15 turning 16. So..."

"There's a four year gap between us." Yuno deadpanned after noticing Johan's goofy expression."So you can't use the "she's too young" excuse."

"It's a good thing Bell is asleep." Arthur flew closer to Yuno, making sure the Wind Spirit was still resting."Otherwise, you wouldn't hear the end of it."

"Don't remind me."

Back with the Black Bulls, Yami continued squeezing the bag Arthur had given him, feeling how heavy it was."That kid...well, guess we won't have any money problems for today."

"He must be loaded." Vanessa guessed, approaching her Captain."How much did he give you?"

"Judging from the size of that bag...quite a lot I would imagine," Finral said, sweatdropping.

"If that's over and done with..." Raiden ran a hand through his hair."I should probably go to my room."

"Oh? Are you going to go rest?" Charmy asked him."You must be hungry after a good sparing. I can make something for you."

"Nah, I'm okay. ANd no, I'm just going to go clean up and get ready. I have somewhere to be tonight."

"Going somewhere?" Asta asked him, and he could swear he notice Raiden's eyes looking at him with less...contempt.

"Yeah. I met this butcher lady the other day when Vanessa and I went out. Turns out she needs some help with something and I'll be helping her out."

"Is she paying you?" Gauche asked."I doubt you'd do any work for free."

"Jeez, your opinion of me is...touching." Raiden narrowed his eyes, causing Gauche to raise his hands up in defense."But yeah. I'm getting paid. And no, I'm not trying to get a date with her so don't even."

"I wasn't going to say anything. I don't know what you're talking about." Vanessa feigned ignorance but her face gave away her intentions."She looked older than you. Probably around my age. And I know you don't fancy older women."

"Is that true, Raiden? You don't like girls that are older than you?" Grey questioned, awfully eager to know the answer.

"I fail to see how that's any of your guys' business." Noelle shook her head in disbelief."Seriously. Just let him be. Not everything has to be about dating or whatever."

"You say that now, Noelle, but wait until you reach that age and you start thinking about guys all the time." Vanessa teased her, hands on the silver-hair girl's shoulders."Or...could it be you're interested in someone already?"

"Yeah? Who is it, Noelle? DO we know them?" Asta, ever the dense one, asked."Is it that Arthur guy? Or wait, is it Yuno? It can't be someone from our squad, right? Ah! Gordon!"

"No, Dorksta!" Noelle slapped him in the face, sending Asta rolling on the floor comically."Mind your own business!"

"Careful Noelle. Your Raiden is showing." Finral joked, immediately regretting it when she glared daggers at him.

"How dare you say I'm anything close to what he is!" Noelle exploded, jabbing her finger at Finral's chest.

While Noelle went off on Finral, Yami noticed Nero, who was watching from afar on a tree branch, staring at the Captain's eyes. He sighed, glancing behind him and noticing Raiden, Gauche, Grey, and Vanessa going inside the base while Asta and Charmy tried to defuse the situation.


A couple of hours later, Raiden had just finished freshening up with a shower and a new change of clothes. At the moment, he was on his bed, writing a couple of notes on his journal as well as checking a few things on his previous entries. He bit his lower lip, recalling the bad calls he had made in his battle with Yuno, and wrote down some ideas on how it could have been better.

"Guess fighting people that specialize in long-distance isn't my thing." He concluded, closing his journal and laying down on his bed.

"Try relaxing a little." Raiden repeated Johan's words."I...I guess I can try. It won't hurt, right? After all, we still got time. Everything is fine. Everything is-"

A knock on the door broke Raiden out of his thoughts."It's open."

Much to his shock, he saw himself going in the room but then he remembered who it was."Grey? What is it? Good thing you came in. I almost knocked out"

"I'm sorry." Grey apologized in Raiden's voice, much to his discomfort."I just wanted to talk to you about something."

"Actually, this is good timing as well." Raiden sat up, beckoning grey to take a seat on his chair, which she gladly accepted."Johan told me you stood up for me. I appreciate that. Thanks."

"Oh, I wouldn't call it standing up for you." Grey shook her head."Noelle saying all the negative things about you...but someone had to say the positive ones, no?"

"I wouldn't blame anyone if they didn't." Raiden closed his eyes."Noelle is justified to say what she said to Johan. I...went out of line at the Black Market. Maybe even before that day. I've been such a pain in the ass, I'm surprised people are still willing to speak to me. But then...Someone told me that a squad isn't that cut and dry. It's like a family. And it's not all black and white. So while I don't understand fully...all I know is that I can make up for what I did. And be a better person for those around me."

"You're being too harsh on yourself." Grey offered some kind words."No one ever thought less of you. Well, not all of us, at least. But you are very kind as well. You've helped me while I was so exposed back at the casino without my magic. You're not a bad person."

"You don't know that." Raiden huffed."I mean, it's not like we all know too much about each other, right? I'm sure we all have our skeletons in the closet. Things we'd rather not talk about. Then again, there's also the people who are like an open book, like Asta, for instance."

"It's true..." Grey trailed off, averting gaze."We all have something we don't want others to know. But isn't it wonderful when you talk about those secrets with people you trust?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that those things come out naturally." Grey continued."When you're surrounded by people whom you consider really close to you, those kinds of things just come out on their own because you feel like you could tell them anything and not expect to be judged for it. I...I confessed today that I was a female."

"What?" Raiden gasped, setting his journal aside and sitting on the edge of the bed."You did? How did they take it?"

Grey smiled warmly."Great. Sure, the boys were a little upset about me having...bathe with them..."

"Go figured." Raiden rolled his eyes, hiding his face behind his bandana.

"But they were very kind to me. No one shamed me for hiding my true appearance and they even said I can show my true self whenever I feel comfortable. But for now, I'm okay with this progress."

"Baby steps." Raiden nodded in agreement. He stood up from his head and sat on his desk, patting Grey on her shoulder."Nice going. I'm glad to see you're beginning to open up more. And honestly, I'm also happy that I don't have to keep that secret anymore. I'm sure Gauche feels the same. Maybe. So, what made you reveal your gender?"

"Well...I felt like I had to in order to further emphasize that you aren't as bad as people say you are. Besides, I've always wanted to open up a bit more around you guys. And this felt like a great opportunity, you know? I guess I also hoped that it would motivate you and the others to be more open about yourselves."

"I see. Shit, you guys make me sound like I'm the villain in all of this." Raiden chuckled, shaking his head."You are one strange girl, Grey. But I appreciate your help. I'm glad that you, Gordon, and Gauche always stuck around. Funny. All your names start with G except mine. Wonder what that makes that quartet? Triple G plus R. The G's and R. We'll think of something."

"I-it was nothing." Grey used the bandana in her Raiden disguise to cover her own face."Wait, you said Gordon? You guys talk?"

"Not that often. Sometimes I wake up early to get something to eat and he's just sitting there playing around with those dolls of his. We don't say much except small talk, but it's something, I guess. Back to the other topic, though. I've opened up about a few things. Johan said I should talk about more things as well. And you know what, it's only fair that I talk to you about some things n my life. After all, I was the second one to find out your identity. But not today."

"Not today?"

Raiden marched towards his bed, grabbing his satchel and his broom, which was on the floor."I have to get going. I have to go help that butcher lady do some things. I'll be back probably late at night or tomorrow. Dunno."

"Oh. Okay. Be careful." Grey said, almost sounding concerned. Raiden stopped by the door, glancing over his shoulder and giving her a smirk in response.

"I will. Also, watch out when you exit my room. Knowing your true gender, people might get some ideas if they see us come out at the same time." With that, Raiden exited his room, leaving a very flustered Grey behind as he laughed. Poor Grey had to change back to her giant form, although it wasn't much of a disguise anymore. Before she exited Raiden's room, she noticed his journal, opened on the first page. Curiosity got the better of her, and she peaked at the first page. There was a title colored in rainbows with big bold letters spelling out "FOR A BETTER FUTURE AND A BETTER TOMORROW!"

It was a drawing of six people. She suppressed a giggle upon seeing how sloppy Raiden's drawings were when he first started to write on his journal as well as his drawings. She had seen firsthand Raiden's most recent drawings of things he had found interest in and were rich in detail. This drawing, however, was entirely composed of stick figures. She assumed it was his family, six members in total, including him. The one next to him was what looked to be an elderly person, due to the markings in her face looking like wrinkles.

The next one was a taller female, her hand on a smaller figure's head. She couldn't quite tell whether that small drawing was supposed to be a girl or a boy due to their shoulder-length hair as well as any lack of female characteristics. The second smallest figure was a girl with brown hair tied up in pigtails with black ribbons, hands on her hips. She seemed proud and energetic.

Lastly, the last drawing n the picture was of a girl around Raiden's age, but a little taller from the way he depicted it on the drawing. She wasn't standing like the others. Instead, she was sitting down in a wheelchair.

"This is...Raiden's family?" Grey cautiously moved her hand over the page, tracing her fingers on the drawing. She almost flipped the page, wanting to know more about Raiden and was his thought process was. Perhaps then she could figure out a way to make others understand him better and see him in a better light.

"I musn't..." She grabbed her hand, stopping herself." She made her way out of the room, embarrassed for almost invading Raiden's privacy."If he'll come around...he'll do it on his own. I can't force him."


A young boy sat trembling like a leaf in utter horror in a white room barely lit up by a small light. He could see himself, his bed, and a little bit of the room. The rest was completely dark, but he could make up the silhouette of a person standing outside his door. The person was breathing heavily, almost like a beast. Their piercing red eyes just...watching him from afar without making a move. The person had a similar outfit to his. White pants, a long sleeve shirt, and white shoes. However, due to the poor illumination in the room, their faces were covered by darkness.

The boy gasped as he noticed the lights slowly dying out, making the room darker and darker."Please! Don't turn off the lights! I'm so scared! Please! MAMA! HELP ME!"

Cain was brought back to reality after crashing into a post, knocking him into the ground. The people walking in the busy streets of the Capital paid him no mind, although some would stare and whisper amongst themselves.

"Great...just what I needed." The oldest twin of two grunted, helping himself back up."This is what I get for spacing out. Was I...dreaming? While awake? Is that even possible? But yet...it felt so real. Maybe the whole thing with Luna coming up has me nervous..."

"Hey, Cain!"

Upon hearing his name, Cain turned to see Yudachi's parents strolling around, pushing a wagon on the street."Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Morgan."

"Ah, just Jimmy and Brenda is fine." Yudachi's dad told him.

"I...don't think I can do that." Cain gave a quick nod."Sorry. It would feel wrong if I didn't address you properly."

"Well, we don't mind." Brenda didn't want to make him do it, unlike her husband."We're on our way to the heart of the Capital to sell some of the vegetables we harvested. We still got quite a lot of vegetables ready to sell."

"I can help you push the wagon." Cain offered to help, jogging over.

"Oh, we couldn't ask for your help for something like that." Jimmy was unsure."I mean, you're a Magic Knight of the Golden Dawn. Surely you have better things to do than helping down an old couple."

"I don't mind. Besides, I got nothing to do today. I've finished my duties earlier today." Cain said, leaving no room for argument."Besides, most transit areas of the Capital are quite a walk from here. And this wagon seems quite heavy."

"If you insist." Brenda put a hand on her husband's shoulder, slowly following Cain as he pushed forward.


Disclaimer: IMO Yuno was superior to Asta in this point in the series. Asta only gets ahead of him after he gets his Dark Asta mode.