SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
Just a reminder about SPOILERS for the manga. While I won't be following the plot of BC post-chapter 215 because shit's going crazy in Black Clover right now, I will pull some concepts from future chapters (basically world-building but no new BC characters).
Warnings for this chapter:
There is a lot of coughing, mentions of death and suffocation, blood and almost vomiting.
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
Captains' Meeting Room
2nd Day of the Curse
Morning
Yuno was late for the meeting, but so was Fuegoleon.
It was unusual for Fuegoleon to be late for a meeting, but understandable given the situation. But Yuno was never late for anything, ever, Asta knew this as a fact. Yuno did not like to be late for anything.
As Asta waited with the other captains at the table for the Wizard King and the Golden Dawn Captain, Asta was glad to see Nozel back in action as the Silver Eagles' Captain. Noelle had been terribly worried about her oldest brother. Nozel was still paler than normal, but he wasn't coughing up any bloody petals anymore. He was back to being a stoic paragon of royalty, too.
To Asta's dismay, because meetings went better with her there, Captain Mereoleona wasn't there, despite being told that she was cured just like Nozel. Instead, it was the vice-captain Randall was sitting in her seat, for in the event that a captain was unable to perform his or her duties, the vice-captain would step in to do it. Asta tried not to think about Leo, who was still stuck in bed and suffering. Asta had gone to visit Leopold, Finral and the others earlier that morning. It sucked so much that his anti-magic swords weren't able to help.
Since both Dorothy and Kirsch were out with the curse, one of the higher ranking magic knights of the Coral Peacocks who introduced himself as Levi Roe was there instead. He had wild red hair, freckles scattered across his face, and bright green eyes. Levi was deep in conversation with Rill, although it looked like Levi was just being polite, listening to Rill talk.
Charlotte's younger sister, the Vice-Captain of the Blue Rose Knights Lerola Roselei was sitting in Charlotte's usual seat, having a glaring contest with Captain Yami. It was rather unsettling.
Thankfully, Jack and Kaiser were acting normal, being both weird (Jack) and chill (Kaiser).
Asta grumbled as Yuno finally arrived. Frowning, Asta took in the sight of his tall, lanky childhood friend and rival and knew something immediately was wrong with him. Yuno had rings under his eyes and he was pale. He didn't even have Bell hanging on his shoulder, chattering his ear off like usual.
Before Asta could comment and inquire about Yuno's health, Fuegoleon entered the room, as regal and composed as it were, despite his younger brother being stuck in the infirmary and his oldest sister missing-in-action.
"Sorry I'm late everyone, I got held up with Lady Ruth and Mother with their research into the curse," said Fuegoleon. "As you may see, Nozel and Mereoleona have been cured of the curse. Nozel, good to have to you back."
"Thank you, Fuegoleon," said Nozel, nodding. "Where's Mereoleona?"
"Right, so, Mereoleona left early this morning. She's going on a journey of sorts, but she'll back soon," replied Fuegoleon. Mereoleona would do what she wanted and no one would stop her. Everyone knew this fact. "Naturally, Randall will be filling in for Mereoleona as the temporary Captain of the Crimson Lions. Randall, I'll check up on you all from time to time, but I know you've done this before."
"Of course, sir, it's an honor to hold the fort while Captain Mereoleona is on her journey," said Randall, respectfully.
Asta was glad to hear that Captain Mereoleona was just off doing her own thing like she always does and not suffering or in trouble (not that she would need anyone's help).
"Asta," said Fuegoleon, "I want you to assist the Coral Peacocks since both their captain and vice-captain are out of commission for the time being. Levi, here, will help you."
Asta felt happy that he was given such a big responsibility. Of course being the Captain of the Royal Knights was an honor but they only did big missions (like protecting visiting royalty or destroying a terrorist group). "Yes, sir!"
"I know you will do well, Asta," said Fuegoleon, nodding.
Grinning, Asta said, "Thank you, sir."
"Vice-Captain Lerola, if you need anything, check with Rill or Kaiser, alright," said Fuegoleon, addressing the Blue Rose Magic Knight. Lerola nodded, solemnly. "Now with that all out of the way, let's talk about the enemy, what happened yesterday and what we need to do going forward. Yuno, please summarize what you learned yesterday."
Yuno nodded and spoke. Asta wondered if Yuno having to speak in front of everyone made him nervous, since Yuno was not someone who spoke much. "The enemy is a former Heart Kingdom assassin. He is nameless, as all the assassins in the Heart Kingdom. His magic is flower curses, a hyper-specific magic. He has a grudge against the Queen of Hearts for she discovered that he was basically murdering people for no reason with his favorite curse, the Flower Unrequited Love Curse. She had no choice but to strip him of his job and exile him. This happened five years ago. He's been nursing this grudge and planning for years. Finally he had his shot when the Queen of Hearts left the boundaries of the powerful Heart Kingdom border to visit Clover."
"The Heart Kingdom," interrupted Nozel, "has some of the strongest natural magic barriers that once you leave, unless you have a magic mark of the Heart Kingdom citizen, you cannot enter the realm. It's the ultimate security. This assassin couldn't get back in to handle his revenge it seemed."
"Yeah, that makes sense," said Asta, "but how did he get through our security?"
"That's a damn good question," said Kaiser, arms crossed.
"He was already here well before the event," said Fuegoleon, with a sigh. "The enemy was able to mask his magic, integrate quietly into Capital City as a merchant. We sent an investigation squad to his home and business. This was a pre-meditated, long plan."
"Well, what can we do about it now," asked Vice-Captain Lerola, arms crossed, a scowl on her face, looking like a very unruffled yet messy, younger version of Captain Charlotte at that moment. "We already do searches of every person at every realm entrance and the entrance to Capital City. It's not like if we order a special provision for proper identification of citizenship would work, because the King would make it cost money. Those in the Forsaken Realm wouldn't be able to get them as easily, you know."
Asta's opinion of Lerola Roselei went up, despite having never met her once before. Perhaps, the lessons of Julius and Fuegoleon were getting through to some of the nobles and royals. And maybe even Asta and Yuno's actions over the years help sway opinion about lower-born people.
"And there are a lot of orphans who don't always have proper paperwork to begin with, orphanages at the churches only have so many resources," added Levi Roe. "But we do have to do something. We can't continue to have foreign witches and wizards sneaking into our Kingdom and causing chaos."
"It is a lot to think about," said Fuegoleon. "I want everyone to think about this and come up with solutions. We'll have another captains' meeting in two days, same time, same place. Hopefully, everyone will be better by then. Now I have a meeting with the Magic Parliament and the King, so wish me luck."
"Good luck, sir," said Asta, wincing at the memory of the Magic Parliament. It was not a pleasant time, not at all. He didn't like any one of them in the least.
Everyone else chorused, "Good luck, sir."
"Excellent, everyone dismissed," said Fuegoleon, before speeding off to a horrendous-sounding meeting.
Asta knew that he needed to go with the Coral Peacock Magic Knight to the headquarters to help, but Asta needed to check on Yuno, first and foremost. He knew that Mimosa and Klaus look after Yuno, but Yuno did not like to seem weak in front of anyone. Yuno easily was able to hide any problems from mostly everyone. "Hey, Levi, give me like ten minutes, and then we'll head out together, alright?"
"Sure thing, Captain Asta." Levi left the room.
While the other captains and temporary captains filed out of the room with plenty of work to be done, Asta caught Yuno by the arm. It was just Asta and Yuno in the Captains' Meeting Room. "Are you feeling alright?"
Before Yuno could get out annoyed "I'm fine," Asta pulled Yuno to his level and put the back of his hand against Yuno's forehead, checking for a fever, like Sister Lily used to do when they were younger.
"Asta, I'm alright, stop," said Yuno, face flushing red. He hissed. "I'm not a kid."
Asta glared. "No fever, but you look like you didn't sleep."
"I swear I'm good, Asta. Don't you have work to do?"
"You had better not be lying to me, Yuno," said Asta, eyes narrowed, glaring at his rival. Before Asta could pester Yuno so more, a familiar hand grabbed Asta by the head and lifted him up off the ground.
"Captain Yami!"
"Kid, I got to talk to you before you run off to run Dotty's squad, now."
Yuno looked relieved and Asta was not going let this go. Something was wrong with Yuno, Asta knew it in his gut.
But Captain Yami was demanding Asta's attention, so Yuno would have to wait.
Edge of the Clover Kingdom
Grand Magic Zone Gravito Rock Zone, Neutral Territory
2nd Day of the Curse
Evening
Mereoleona Vermillion needed some quiet time after the events of the yesterday. She needed some intense training by herself without anyone hovering. Thankfully, Fuegoleon was understanding and let her go without much fuss with the promise from her that she wouldn't be too long. Before she left, she visited Leopold in the infirmary. He looked absolutely miserable, but he was a good, understanding little brother too. Mereoleona lucked out in the little brother department, not that she would admit it to them.
She was not the type to sit around and do nothing. There was nothing in her abilities as a warrior to help with the sick and injured.
The Grand Magic Zone Gravito Rock Zone was where the Eye of the Midnight Sun hid themselves. The last time she was there was three years ago when she took the newly formed Royal Knights to take down the group. It hadn't gone well for the Clover Kingdom at first. In all honesty, it was one of the toughest battles she ever fought. The fallout was rough but everyone managed to survive.
"Damnit," muttered Mereoleona to only herself and maybe God. She had excess energy from her worry about Leo.
It was nightfall, and she finally reached the remains of the Eye of the Midnight Sun's old headquarters. Instead of stopping, she kept walking right by the ruins. She needed to just keep going, despite not having a destination in mind.
"Well, the fighting pits of the Spade Kingdom might be fun this time of year," mused Mereoleona.
Out of nowhere, she sensed something off, multiple types of mana in the area nearby. Thankfully, her training in these Grand Magic Zones all these years allowed her to sense others in the area. A newbie wouldn't be able to sense anything, but she was Mereoleona Vermillion, one of the most powerful Clover Kingdom wizards, a Royal and a Magic Knight Captain. She smirked, as she met a sharp right towards the magic. Were people hunting around here? It was rather dangerous for them to do so. Or perhaps there were enemies from the other kingdoms or witches from the Witches' Forest were searching the remaining dungeons for anything of value?
Mereoleona was itching for a fight, after all, so there was no time to waste.
Daisy
(Meaning) loyal love
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
Inside the Infirmary
3rd Day of the Curse
Mid-Morning
Finesse Calmreich was beyond glad that there was some quiet in the infirmary during the day. She envied Lady Mereoleona and Lord Nozel, who were able to somehow find the secret to overcoming unrequited love. What she would give to be back at home among her gardens and library, but she was unable to do so as she ungracefully had a constant flow of daisy petals falling from her lips.
The quiet helped Finesse keep herself calm; she wasn't much suited for chaos that first day in the infirmary brought in with the extended families, parents, and squadmates. Whenever Finesse had a health scare, she was always given privacy, but due to the nature of the curse, the doctors wanted all the curse victims in one place. She understood the necessity of situation, but the amount of people coming in and out was startling.
Captain Charlotte Roselei was either attended by her Aunt Ruth or a member of the Blue Rose Magic Knights squad. (No parents in sight). Leopold Vermillion had the constant visitors of his brother Fuegoleon, his parents Solace and Aldebrand, any of his squadmates, friends from other squads like the short, loud blond boy called Asta, his cousin Mimosa, and his second cousins, the Silva siblings. Captain Dorothy Unsworth was sleeping most of the time, but Coral Peacock squad members visited their captain and their vice-captain.
Speaking of Kirsch Vermillion, he also had his sister Mimosa and his father Sazerac there. Kirsch and Mimosa's mother Nickole was on a scholarly sabbatical trip and got caught up in a storm in the south. Kirsch was the worst person to be in a sick bed, even Finesse with her mild-manners wanted to wring the dramatic man's neck in the last three days.
The poor Queen of Hearts had it the worst, barely able to sit up or interact with anyone. Her visitors were her guards only, though Fuegoleon spoke to her, as did the Black Bulls that visited Finral.
Her lungs lurched at the reminder of Finral Roulacase, causing the slow stream of daisy petals increase. In pain, she reached for the bucket to stick under her face. Undignified and embarrassing, Finesse just wished she didn't have to be on the other side of the room in full-view of the person that she knew full well was why she had the curse in the first place.
"Please stop looking cough cough so morose, Lady Finesse," commented Kirsch from the bed next to hers. "It's not all bad. Cough cough cough cough At least I'm finally getting my vacation."
Finesse sighed. "Perhaps it is not so bad, Lord Kirsch, cough cough however, I do not work as hard as the Magic Knights here, cough cough and therefore, I don't need the rest. Cough cough"
Kirsch gave her a half-smirk. "At least, your parents and the King stopped crying cough cough over you like you were dying. My father cough cough cough is still dramatic about it."
"But Lady Mimosa can get him to be silent cough cough and you're no better than him when he's here, cough cough Lord Kirsch," said Finesse, without missing a beat. Her vision moved over once again to Finral as his short teammate Charmy tried to get him to eat some soup, while Vanessa messed with Finral's hair. The Black Bulls squad really did love Finral. He was never alone. If it wasn't Vanessa, the beautiful witch, or Noelle Silva, or the anti-magic boy, there was a guy with a Mohawk, a little scary blonde boy, the creepy guy that always whispered, a nervous girl with transformation magic, a man who was way too obsessed with his little sister, or the scary, intimidating Captain of the Black Bulls at Finral's side.
"Touché, Lady Finesse," replied Kirsch. Kirsch had a momentary coughing fit that lasted a few minutes. She dared not look at him with pity. "At least you talk to me, cough I swore that cousin of mine, Nozel, would have found a way to murder me with his eyes. Cough"
"Hmm," said Finesse, agreeing. Lord Nozel's glares were practically cutting to one's soul.
"I am glad cough that your folks cough decided not to come again," said Kirsch, absentmindedly trying to change the subject, "because they cough would have eventually ran into that ragamuffin cough cough Asta and gotten an earful about respect."
Finesse winced. Her parents' view of commoners hadn't changed despite the events of the past three years, while it was slow going for the majority of nobles and royals, the majority of the Magic Knights have attempted to move past class differences to work to make things better for everybody. Her father was one comment away from getting thrown out the window by the combined magic of Kirsch and Mimosa Vermillion yesterday.
"People don't cough change so fast," said Finesse, knowing that it was not a good defense, if one at all.
"Cough cough Suppose that's true for those that can't see past their own world," said Kirsch. "If I can be more open-minded about commoners in the Magic Knight squads, cough cough after having fought alongside many of them on the battlefields against elves and demons, cough the others can make the effort."
Finesse said nothing. "I agree. Cough cough cough You are unexpectedly kind-hearted, Kirsch."
"Well, not-so-much, cough not really," he replied. Then in a whisper, "You should go over and talk to him, cough Lady Finesse."
Startled, she looked over at Kirsch Vermillion nonchalantly sitting on the bed next to hers in the infirmary of the Magic Knight Headquarters, and felt the panic and pain bubble up inside. How did he know? Did he know? Who else knew? Was she that obvious? Holding her chest, unhelpfully, she coughed heavily and heaved. Her heart was beating out of control.
Eyes finding Finral again, she wanted to cry out of pure frustration. Why did she even think she was good enough to be in love with such a kind-hearted soul like Finral when she was a useless, royal, sick woman who couldn't take care of herself?
She coughed daisy petal after daisy petal out, rapidly in succession, trying to steady herself in the bed with her weak arms.
In one wrong moment, Finesse fell out of bed on the floor, getting everyone's attention. She wanted to fall into a hole and never be seen again. This was so devastatingly embarrassing.
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
Inside the Infirmary
3rd Day of the Curse
The Very Moment that Finesse Fell Out of Bed
Finral was across the room in an instant that he saw Finesse have trouble, despite Vanessa and Charmy yelling at him to get back in bed, despite the pain in his lungs. His own curse left cherry blossoms in his wake, as he reached Finesse, who had fell to the floor in a heap. Kirsch moved out of bed, too, to help Finral get Finesse back into bed.
Lady Solace rushed over from her fussing over Leo to use her soothing magic on Finesse. Being a fine healer, she also used her magic on Kirsch and Finral, who were not supposed to overexert themselves, especially as the days wore onward being affected by the curse. Finral's pain eased slightly.
"Back to bed, Kirsch, Finral," said Lady Solace. Kirsch immediately did what he was told, but Finral planted himself in the visitor's chair by Lady Finesse's bed. Finesse finally calmed down and the coughing eased, while her cheeks were stained red and not looking anyone in the eyes.
"I can sit cough cough up for a bit," said Finral.
Lady Solace gave him a look that reminded Finral that she was the mother of three ferocious wizards, but despite sweating bullets at invoking her ire, he stayed put in the seat. He was worried about Finesse, his little brother's fiancée.
"Very well, you have ten minutes," said Lady Solace, going back to her youngest child's side. "I'm sure your squadmates will force you back into bed at that time."
He could feel the calculating stare from Kirsch boring into the back of his head, but Finral was more concerned for Finesse. "Lady Finesse, would you like me to get Langris for you?"
She cutely startled. "What? Cough cough cough cough cough cough cough cough Why would you get Lord Langris…?"
Ignoring the snort of disbelief from Kirsch (this infirmary really needed some privacy), Finral gave her a funny look. "Um, cough why wouldn't I?"
Finesse's face was flush from overexertion, embarrassment and a hint of anger. "It's not him, Finral." She was quite adamant.
His face turned red, apologetically he said, "Sorry for assuming." Unfortunately for his heart, hope bloomed in his chest. He had been in love with her for years, but he gave up before he had a chance. The love he held for Finesse didn't cause the curse to act up, so it meant that the cherry blossom petals were not for her.
Finral knew they were Langris, a familial unrequited love for a younger brother, he guessed it when he felt hurt that Langris hadn't visited him. And he thought they were, at least, on speaking terms and they didn't argue when they met on missions or meetings anymore.
Pouting, which was completely cute on Finesse's face, she looked rather cross. Then she in a high-pitched irritated tone, Finesse said, clear as day, "Why would it be him, when there was someone else the whole time, when it was you the whole time that I love, Finral, God!"
Finral froze. "EhHH? What?"
He blocked out the cooing from others in the room and the sass from Kirsch and focused on the earnest gaze of Finesse and her big purple eyes.
Finral smiled, brightly, while his felt his face warming.
"W-well, I l-love you, too!"
It didn't ease the ache in his chest, however.
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
Inside the Infirmary
3rd Day of the Curse
The Very Moment that Finral Finally Confessed his Feelings
Vanessa Enoteca had to cover her mouth from laughing at the absurdity of the situation. It was absolutely delightful that Finral was finally getting some romantic love. She always knew that his flirtatious behaviors was just him looking for someone to love him, even if it never worked because Finral loved Finesse too much.
The black haired royal and Finral were both blushing, stuttering messes as they talked. Kirsch was laughing while coughing up his own set of flowers, but at least, Vanessa had the decency not to laugh outright. She was surely going to tease the hell out of Finral later.
She shook her head, amused.
Charmy looked happy. "His ten minutes are up."
"Aww, he looks so happy, right now, but I don't want to piss off Captain Mereoleona's momma," said Vanessa, grinning. She and Charmy went across the room. Charmy hopped onto Finral's back, while Vanessa dragged him up and away. "Back to bed, Finral. I'm sure Lady Finesse must get medically cleared."
Finral gave Vanessa a pleading look, but she would not be swayed.
"Once Lady Finesse is cleared, you two will have all the time to talk," said Vanessa, gently reminding him of his possible new relationship.
Finesse nodded, no longer coughing petals out of her lips now that her love was requited. "Yes, Finral, please go rest! I'll take care of you from now on."
Finral's face turned so red that Vanessa feared he would pass out.
Sighing, she got him back across the room and in bed, while Charmy went back to forcing him to eat something. Truly happy for Finral, who deserved all the happiness in the world, Vanessa was glad that the curse was slowing being undone. There were only nine people left affected—four civilians and five Magic Knights.
"You got yourself the love of your life, huh, Finral? How cute~!"
"Shut up, 'nessa," mumbled Finral, trying to hide his face in his hands.
"Oh, I'm going to recount in detail to everyone the confession scene," laughed Vanessa.
"Me too!"
"Ugh."
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
4th Day of the Curse
If Nozel was a different man, he would have been grumbling under his breath as he made his way through the Magic Knight Headquarters to the infirmary. He originally had been at the Silva Eagles Headquarters doling out missions and assignments to everyone in his squad and working on retched paperwork. He also had a meeting with Fuegoleon later to discuss Fuegoleon's meeting with the Magic Parliament and the King the previous day.
He was so busy, but even Nozel had to cave when his grandmother summoned him. His Silva grandmother was a fearsome woman, the heavy-handed, opinionated matriarch who took over from her deceased husband. She wanted a family dinner and it was Nozel's responsibility to make sure that his three younger siblings were there on the day she wanted. Solid and Nebra was easy enough as they were in his squad, though he knew Nebra had a mission so she would get out of it. However, he knew that Noelle would do everything in her power not to have to sit through the awkward, demeaning family dinner they were all about to endure.
Nozel was sure that his father would have an anxiety attack and leave the siblings to fend for themselves.
Noelle, like the rest of the Black Bulls, were cycling through turns helping out in the infirmary. Noelle having two family members and a squad-mate there, she would always want to help. His youngest sister had come a long, long way from the girl she used to be and he was very proud of her. It chaffed Nozel to know that Yami, of all people, provided a place where Noelle could thrive as a Magic Knight.
He entered the infirmary, spotting his aunt Nickole, who had arrived recently from her own mission, and uncle Sazerac sitting with Kirsch. Kirsch waved at Nozel, but Nozel was thoroughly annoyed with his cousin after talking too much while Nozel was stuck in the infirmary, so Kirsch got ignored. Leopold still had his mother at his side, and Nozel was happy to see Fuegoleon, Mereoleona and Leopold's father, the well-respected Grand Magic Knight, the Magma Wizard, Aldebrand, there too. Nozel was honestly a little envious of Fuegoleon with having such wonderful parents.
"Brother, what brings you here," asked Noelle, smiling, actually happy to see him. His sister was at the desk with Ruth Roselei, Dr. Owen and Fuegoleon with a bunch of books and scrolls out. His sister's teammate (Finral, was' it?) was attended by the Black Bulls witch and Lady Finesse.
Nozel was not one to mince his words. "Grandmother has requested we join her for a family supper tomorrow evening."
Noelle immediately shut down. "I see. I may have a mission to attend."
If it was at the request of any other elder of their family, Nozel would have let her get away with such a blatant lie. "Noelle, you know you cannot deny Grandmother."
Noelle pursed her lips and he knew that stubborn set in her jaw, but also knew that she knew that he was right. "Fine. I'll be there."
Nozel almost sighed in relief.
"Awww, Noelle, I wanted you to come with me into town tomorrow night," said the cheerful, mocking voice of Vanessa Enoteca, the Black Bulls witch. The pink-haired woman launched herself from where their cursed teammate was and attached herself to Noelle in a big bear hug. "No, I wanted to go shopping with you. Stupid family dinner." Enoteca wasn't addressing him, but Noelle.
Noelle looked a little confused, but didn't reject the hug from the older woman or deny the plans.
Nozel felt a spike of irritation in his chest. Almost on instinct, he glared. "It won't be a long event, Noelle. I'll come and pick you up."
"Of course, Brother," said Noelle, unruffled by the display of affection from her squad-mate.
"Hopefully, your squad-mate won't smother you before then," said Nozel, wondering where his brain-to-mouth filter was at the moment.
For a moment, the room was silent as Nozel had a stare-down with the pink-haired witch, who gave a glare as good as his. The moment passed when Aldebrand Vermillion came over to Nozel and clapped Nozel on the shoulder to get Nozel's attention.
"Nozel, my boy, I've been meaning to catch up with you, if you are finished speaking with Young Lady Noelle and Miss Enoteca," said Aldebrand, who was an older version of Fuegoleon. Or rather, Fuegoleon was a younger version of Aldebrand. Most of Fuegoleon's personality traits came from his warm-hearted father. Nozel nodded, and followed the older man out of the infirmary after giving Noelle a parting nod.
He wouldn't worry about Noelle's witchy teammate, not when he had to prepare himself for dealing with Grandmother.
Purple Lilac
(Meaning) first love
Clover Kingdom
Golden Dawn Magic Knight Squad Headquarters
4th Day of the Curse
Captain of the Golden Dawn's Office
"Yuno, are you paying attention," asked William Vangeance, in a concerned tone.
Yuno snapped out of his blank stare at the papers sent by the Wizard King about the new restrictions on travel that the Magic Parliament passed down. He was trying very hard to keep the flower spewing at a minimum. The flowers changed from yellow primroses (he looked up the names of the flowers that have been hindering his breathing) to purple lilacs. These were worse.
The purple lilacs started that morning after a very rough night of sleep. "Yes, I am. Continue."
The masked former Captain of the Golden Dawn William just stared at Yuno. "Patri, he's lying, don't you think?"
The elf, the former leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, Patri nodded. "Clearly."
Yuno glared at them both. William Vangeance and Patri had been on a modified house arrest, living in the Golden Dawn headquarters for the last 2 years. Of course, William stayed as the captain for another year after the war against the elves, as the Kingdom dealt with the fallout. They were his closest advisors, though Yuno tended to do what he wanted or took Mimosa or Klaus or even Langris' opinion into account. "Enough. I'm fine. Let's just continue to talk about the fools at the Magic Parliament."
Stifling the coughs had become more and more difficult.
Neither believed him, but William continued nonetheless, "Very well. Now, let's discuss the latest mission reports…"
"Of course," said Yuno. He ignored the pain in his chest. He felt the flowers coming up again, which was utterly ridiculous. He tried to swallow it, focusing more on not revealing that he was cursed. It wasn't that he didn't want to be cured but if Asta found out that he got himself cursed, Yuno would never hear the end of it. Asta was completely unbearable when Yuno got sick. For their whole lives, it was that way, especially when Yuno had been much younger and much more prone to bouts of illness.
Then his office door opened and Mimosa came storming inside the room. Being one of his closest friends and the unofficial second Vice-Captain, Yuno didn't scold her. She announced, "Thank God, my mother is back, so I don't have to take care of my brother anymore…and you look pale as hell, Captain…Yuno, are you alright?"
Yuno blocked her out as he coughed and flowers came out of his mouth, heaving as he took in air.
"Yuno," he heard Mimosa call.
"We must get him to the infirmary immediately. Damnit, Langris is on a mission right now," Yuno heard William say, worried.
"I'm on it," declared Mimosa.
Blue Roses
(Meaning) unattainable
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
Inside the Infirmary
4th Day of the Curse
Mid-Afternoon
Charlotte felt the disapproval radiating from her Aunt Ruth, as her elderly aunt check over Charlotte's lungs. Trying to read a book dropped off by her little sister, along with a care package from her underlings at the Blue Rose Magic Knight squad, Charlotte wanted to snap at her aunt. She refrained because she respected her aunt very much and valued her opinion. Charlotte felt disappointed in herself that she had done something unbecoming a noble woman such as herself and brought some more shame to the Roselei family.
"Stop making that face, Lottie dear," said Aunt Ruth, lightly flicking Charlotte on the forehead.
"What face?"
"The face you make when you think that you've let down someone," said Aunt Ruth, knowingly. Then softly, she said, "You should just tell him. What's the worst that could happen, Lottie dear?"
Charlotte felt her face become warm. She snapped, "Nonsense, Aunt Ruth, cough cough I will not tell anyone anything. Cough I am the Captain of the Blue Rose Knights and I have a cough cough reputation." There was no way that Charlotte would ever tell Yami a thing about her stupid feelings about him. She would never live it down after every terrible and mean thing she said to him over the years.
"I'm going to let that go, Charlotte, but do remember that I'm not one of your underlings that you can scare with your ice queen attitude," said Aunt Ruth, scolding. "I'm just saying. Consider the situation is all I'm saying, but it's up to you, as it was years ago with the Roselei family curse."
"Right, sorry, cough Aunt Ruth," said Charlotte, quietly, and properly ashamed. "I'll think about it."
"Now, I have to wrangle young Leo, if you excuse—"
BANG.
The infirmary door was slammed open with a powerful kick and Charlotte barely could believe her eyes, just like the other occupants of the room who all turned to the commotion. The vermillion-haired Mimosa Vermillion had the young Captain of the Golden Dawn, Yuno, in her healing dome, practically strapped down. The Vermillion young woman looked beyond pissed.
"This dumbass needs medical attention!"
Charlotte almost giggled. Vermillion women were known to be the protective type and hell hath no fury like an overprotective Vermillion woman. However she didn't giggle, because she saw that Yuno was coughing up purple lilacs, quite a large amount too. He hadn't been initially effected by the curse like the rest of them, but he was part of the team capturing the enemy at the center of the situation. Charlotte had a bad feeling as her aunt rushed over to Mimosa and Yuno.
As Mimosa and Aunt Ruth got Yuno into the free bed next to Dorothy, Yuno had a look of stubbornness in his face. Once in the bed, Yuno glared at Mimosa, who glared right back at him. There was an argument inevitable between the two friends and Charlotte had enough of the chaos.
"Leopold," whispered Charlotte to the Crimson Lion young man in the bed next to hers.
Leopold was trying not to be idle by doing sit-ups but that was irritating his lungs and breathing more. He looked at her and whispered back, "Yeah?"
"I'm going for a walk," Charlotte said, softly.
Leopold nodded.
If it was four days ago and someone asked her opinion on Leopold Vermillion, she wouldn't have had much to say other than he was Mereoleona and Fuegoleon's little brother. But hard times call for strange bedfellows and Leopold was a very kind-hearted young man. There was a strange understanding between them—unrequited love and all that.
While Aunt Ruth was preoccupied by the young stubborn Captain of the Golden Dawn, Charlotte snuck out of the infirmary. Thankfully, Lady Solace or Dr. Owen weren't in the room, otherwise she would had never gotten away with it.
It was risk, taking a walk, but the constant trail of blue rose petals from her lips was nothing in her mind. The pain wasn't there. She just had to ignore it. She just wanted a quiet place to read her book and get some peace of mind. Eventually, she found a bay window where she could sit comfortably. The stained glass was a scene from one of the kingdom's history.
Sitting down, she managed to read ten pages before she felt a familiar mana approach her. She cursed under her breathe.
"The hell you doing out of the infirmary," demanded Yami
Charlotte internally flailed but her outward response was annoyance. "None of your concern cough. Don't you have a subordinate in the infirmary to bother?"
She barely could look Yami in the eye, however, because she knew that the flow of blue rose petals would increase if she did. It happened when he had stopped by to check up on Finral over the past few days.
"Yeah, and if you die in some corner, who's gonna know, Prickly Queen," replied Yami, with a scoff.
Charlotte glared at him, forgetting momentarily that she was supposed to avoid looking at him. "I can't just lay in bed cough cough and whittle away, Yami, honestly."
He was smirking and Charlotte felt her heartbeat increase, but also the pain in her lungs and more blue rose petals spilled out. The coughing fit began and she almost threw up. She retched, coughing up petals and blood, dropping her book on top of everything. She looked up at Yami, miserably attempting a glare at him.
Why did he always have to see her in such pathetic states? It was like the universe was trying to punish her for falling in love when she had always swore she wouldn't.
"For fuck's sake, Charlotte, you stubborn goddamn brat, you're going to hack up a fuckin' lung if ya continue like this," complained Yami. He sighed.
Charlotte wanted to curse him, but instead, he reached toward her and she was so tired that she didn't even protest. He threw her over his shoulder, as he was a stupid barbarian man, of course. She wanted to scream at him, but instead said, because her sore throat, "I hate you sometimes, Yami."
"Yeah, yeah, well, I hate you sometimes, too, Prickly Queen," responded Yami, automatically. "This time you're staying in the stupid bed until you're better, you got me?"
She didn't respond and he stopped talking as Yami took her back to the infirmary.
Charlotte hadn't been scolded like a child by Aunt Ruth in ages. It was so mortifying, but Leopold shared his apples with her afterwards so it wasn't all bad.
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
5th Day of the Curse
Morning
Asta entered the infirmary, but he knew better not to be disruptive to the people suffering there, so he only walked quickly to Yuno's bedside. He, of course, greeted Finral and Leopold on the way, but his main concern at the moment was Yuno. How could Yuno have possibly kept this from him?
He had been at the Black Bulls' Hideout, taking care of Yami's pets (because he was the only one that could feed them without losing an arm), when Marx sent him a message from Noelle. Noelle was temporarily staying in the Capital to help out in the infirmary. She told Asta that Yuno was dragged in by Mimosa the evening before coughing up purple lilacs. Asta almost didn't believe her because it was Yuno and Yuno was one of the strongest people he knew and who was Yuno in love with so much that it caused him this pain? He briefly thought it might be familial or platonic, but Asta didn't see how since it was Yuno.
Since Asta knew that Noelle was no liar, he begged and pleaded with Magna to drop him off at the Capital. Magna agreed only because of the importance to Asta, but Magna was only waiting fifteen minutes in the courtyard where Asta left him. Magna had a squad cooperation dungeon mission to go on in an hour, so if Asta didn't get the answers in time, he'd have no ride to the Coral Peacock's Headquarters to meet up with Levi at noon.
Around Yuno's bed was the three people in the kingdom that would be able to help Yuno best and they all had solemn looks on their face.
"Are you ok," asked Asta, almost grabbing Yuno's hands. Asta stopped himself. He knew that Yuno was not okay with public displays of affection and Asta didn't want to embarrass his childhood friend. "Doc Owen, Lady Ruth, Lady Solace, is Yuno okay?"
"I'll be fine, Asta, cough you don't have to be here cough," coughed Yuno, as more purple bulbs, no longer petals, came out of his bloody mouth.
At the same time, Lady Ruth said, "This fool thought it was a good idea to hide that he had been affected by the curse at the time when he caught the rogue wizard."
Asta frowned and leveled a look at Yuno's impassive, handsome face. "Really, Yuno?! What were you thinking?" Yuno said nothing. And Asta felt his anger building at the situation, but also a familiar other feeling.
"Not only that," said Lady Solace, gently rubbing Lady Ruth on the shoulders to calm the older woman down, "but it seems that Yuno has been affected by another version of the curse. Not the same one as everyone else."
"It's the worst version," whispered Dr. Owen, sympathetically. "Yuno must confess and get the love reciprocated otherwise…" Dr. Owen trailed off but Asta knew. Asta heard the earlier explanations when this whole mess started and Asta knew.
Yuno was not going to die on his watch.
Asta's heart felt like it dropped into stomach.
"Nonononononono, Yuno, no. This is not going to kill you. You're stronger than this," said Asta, feeling the dread claw its way out of his mouth, the dread and worry that he always tried to keep at bay in order not to seem overbearing. "Isn't there anything else we can do?!"
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
inside the Infirmary
5th Day of the Curse
during Asta's Panic
While Asta panicked-asked a million questions to the three experts on the matter, Yuno laid on the bed absolutely beyond mortified. He was the Captain of the Golden Dawn. He was going to be the Wizard King. Asta was worried, Yuno could tell from the look on Asta's face. Asta never got worried, not like that.
Well, not anymore.
Yuno shook his head and looked morosely at Asta who asked every possible question to try to fix it. Asta was good at fixing things for other people, but this was something that Asta could not fix.
"I'm sorry, Asta," said Lady Solace, in calm, but mothering tone. It looked like the woman was holding herself back from hugging Asta. "We'll do everything we can as this one is so different…"
"Can my swords do something, anything?"
Before another tirade from anyone, Yami Sukehiro was suddenly in the room and putting his large hand on Asta's hand. "Calm down, brat. Let Lady Solace finish explaining."
With the comforting (?) presence of Captain Yami, Asta calmed down enough to shut up and listen. Yuno knew that Asta was ready for a fight, an argument. He prepared himself.
"This is the 10-week curse done by the rogue Heart Kingdom wizard. According to Yuno, he started with yellow primroses and now he's onto purple lilacs. Different flowers will appear according to the complexity of Yuno's feelings," said Lady Solace, clearly still resisting the urge to smother Asta with motherly love. "The petals will go to buds to eventually all stages of a flowers life."
"He'll be hacking up a whole flowers, stems and all, by week 8," said Lady Ruth, frowning deeply. "We have to stop it by then. I'm going to some heavy research but there's only one way, like Owen said. Confess and the love must be returned. No amount of acceptance is going to save you, young Yuno, I'm afraid."
Yuno opened his mouth to respond, but only more purple lilac stuff came out of his mouth.
"Damnit, Yuno, I will go get this person right now. You have to confess," said Asta, with a disgruntled and angry look on his face. Yuno knew that Asta wasn't exactly mad at him, but madder at the situation.
However, Yuno wouldn't risk Asta feeling guilt for not being able to return his feelings. Never. "No."
"Tell the person!"
"I won't," stated Yuno, blankly. He hoped that he was hiding his emotions enough.
For a moment, Asta's eyes flashed black, but back to his warm green eyes. He almost snarled at Yuno, "I can't talk to you right now."
With that Asta stormed out of the infirmary without so much as a goodbye to anyone, leaving the entire infirmary dead silent, guests and patients all awkwardly avoiding looking in Yuno's direction.
Yuno felt like the worst person in the world.
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
inside the Infirmary
5th Day of the Curse
after Asta Stormed Out
Charlotte winced as Asta stormed out of the infirmary. Over the three years that she had known the anti-magic young man, she had never seen him so furiously worried. Yuno looked like he wanted a hole to appear and swallow him into the ground. Sighing, Charlotte looked over at Leopold who had the strangest look on his face.
The rogue wizard really put them in all in a stupid mess, Charlotte thought with a shake of her head. She tried not to look at Yami, who had not spoken to her since yesterday after her attempted breakout. However, out of the corner of her eye, she watched Yami ruffle Yuno's hair before walking towards her.
Why was he walking towards her?
Charlotte schooled herself to be nonchalant. Well, she was nonchalant enough for having flower petals blocking your airways and spilling out of her mouth. "Will Asta be alright," she asked him as he sat in her visitor chair beside her bed.
"That brat? Yeah, once he cools down, he'll be alright," said Yami. The complete faith that he had in the members of the Black Bulls was truly astounding. "He'll…come around."
Then, silence befell them as Charlotte had no clue what to do because this was something unusual with her interaction with Yami Sukehiro. It was always the sniping and the banter, but never him sitting at her bedside attempting not be comforting or openly nice to her.
Charlotte sighed, "Why are you here?"
Yami doesn't respond.
Her nerves were at wit's end and the petals were building up as she tried to control the coughing, until he handed her a folded piece of paper. Curiously, she took the paper and opened it.
She stared and stared at the messy, almost unintelligible words on the paper in disbelief.
When you're done suffocating yourself to death over some dumbass moron, let's get dinner.
Charlotte coughed out the remaining petals, and for the first time in five days, her lungs felt clear.
And Charlotte Roselei, the Captain of the Blue Rose Knights and one of the most badass wizards of her age, burst into tears of relief.
"Yeah, okay," she sniffed.
"You're so lame."
"Oh my God, shut up," said Charlotte, still stifling.
Yami barked out a laugh and she smiled through the tears.
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
One of the Courtyards
5th Day of the Curse
Magna was set to be sitting there for another five minutes, once he finished the chapter in the adventure book he was reading. He actually liked the squad cooperation dungeon missions, since it was a chance to fight alongside people with different magic and varying strengths, so he didn't want to be late. Asta needed to get there soon so Magna would be able to drop him off at the Coral Peacocks' Headquarters on the way to Magna's meeting spot with his temporary mission team.
What Magna didn't expect today was to see Asta running out of the Magic Knights' Headquarters like a bat out of hell straight towards him. And Magna knew his junior well enough to know that Asta was not in a good mood and he wanted to either fight or train until he passed out.
"Rasta, buddy, what's going on," asked Magna, concerned as Asta got to Magna and his broom.
For a minute, Asta looked unfocused and the flash of power from his demonic abilities flared in his eyes until Asta let out a sob.
"Asta?"
Asta never cried, well, he never cried, seriously.
Flinching at the sound, Magna did the only thing he knew and that was give Asta a hug and pat his head as Asta cried, quite ugly, Magna thought to himself. This was quite unusual for Asta, something must have been very bad with Yuno. Magna wondered if he was going to have to go kick the wind boy's ass for Asta.
The sobs subsided almost as quickly as they started and Magna let Asta go. Asta hurried wiped his face and nose, trying to pretend nothing happened.
"You gonna tell me what that was all about, Asta?"
Magna stared at Asta, wondering what he was thinking. Asta was usually so easy to read. This was highly worrying.
Asta opened his mouth, shook his head, but then said, "Can you just take me to the Coral Peacocks' place?"
Magna frowned. But Asta was a stubborn guy and if he didn't want to talk, Magna wouldn't force him. "Alright, buddy. Let's get going."
"Thanks, Magna-senpai."
Ch. End