SPOILERS!
HOLY SHIT! The manga is amazing post-time skip, setting up the second arc nicely. LEO MY BOY! ASTA MY BOY! MY GIRLS MIMOSA AND NOELLE! GAH! Anyway, so clearly I was way off also with the Spade Kingdom...oops.
So, just reminding everyone that this is canon divergent, post-chapter 215. I got more stuff to say but it'll be at the end.
SO ENJOY!
Neutral Territory
Outside the Poppy Estate
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
Noelle really hoped that Langris and Lady Prospekt would hurry up. When the Spade Princess had been possessed, she infected the nearby Spade soldiers with some demon energy and currently they were mindlessly attacking. Since there were so many leaders on the field barking orders, there was a bit of a confusion. But Noelle's job was to capture the mind-controlled Spade soldiers. She was in her Valkyrie Armor Stage 2, doing her best to knock the men unconscious.
While Fuegoleon, Captain Mereoleona, Captain Charlotte, Princess Klotilde, Queen Ophelia, King Othmar, and "Edward" held back the demon-possessed Princess Eleanor, the rest of the Prospekt family arrived to build barriers around the battlefield just in case.
"Mimosa, I've got two more for you," shouted Noelle, dropping off two more soldiers to her cousin, who set up a healing station. Mimosa corralled the other healers from the other Kingdoms to help her. What Noelle wouldn't do to have Charmy here with her mana-restoring food!
"Right," said Mimosa, activating another healing pod.
With no time to waste, Noelle rushed back out to the battlefield, as several Diamond soldiers got possessed by the demon energy.
"Damnit," muttered Noelle, under her breath. "Come on, Asta, hurry up."
Clover Kingdom
Forsaken Realm
Black Bulls Hideout
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
The mood was a bit down in the Black Bulls' house. Last night, they had to see Ma Shula off back to Rayaka. She had her work as a blacksmith and commissions to be done. Everyone promised to come and visit her when they were nearby Rayaka. Charmy was already lamenting about missing Ma Shula's cooking. Captain Yami wasn't there, so somehow, Finral was in charge of the Black Bulls that were there.
Did Finral know where Captain Yami went? Finral's best guess was that Captain Yami went gambling and lost track of time. With Noelle away and Asta still holed up in his room (though Asta did come to see Ma Shula off, because Asta was a polite young man), Finral had gotten a list of missions sent to their base by Marx to be done. Grey, Gordon and Gauche were on a mission already.
Of course, Lady Finesse and their two honorary uncles Locke and Styles would stay to keep Henry some company and Finral wasn't sure what to do with Ember the Dragon, who didn't seem to take orders from anyone other than Noelle or Mimosa.
"I'll take any long missions," said Zora, in-between bites of his waffles that Charmy made for everyone. "Stop staring at the work, Finral, and get it done."
"Yes, Vice-Captain," snickered Magna. "Get the work done. What would Mister Yami say?"
"Yeah, yeah," badgered Luck.
Finral rolled his eyes. "Let's finish eating before we worry about missions."
Suddenly, a spatial portal opened and in dropped a strange women, carrying Finral's little brother. Langris was paler than normal and he was out cold.
Immediately, everyone went on the defensive, except Zora, who yelled, "Wait, you fuckin' idiots, that's Lady Prospekt, she's alright."
"Ah, Zora Ideale, I see you found your place in the world," said the woman referred to as Lady Prospekt. "But there is no time. I need the young man named Asta. We have a situation. There's a demon that appeared at the Summit. And…"
Finral thanked Zora's quick actions, as Zora, with unrepentant glee, used his stink bugs to wake up Asta. Asta came barreling down the stairs, with all three swords.
"Langris is in no shape to take the trip back," said Finral. "Charmy, stay here, and feed my brother, alright?"
"Right-o, Finral," said Charmy, as Locke and Styles picked up Langris and brought him to the couch.
"Everyone else, let's get going," said Finral, nodding. "Captain Yami is going to be angry he's missed out on this!"
"I can focus you to the point where we need to be," said Lady Prospekt.
Finral nodded. "Lady Finesse, Charmy, Uncles, and Henry, take care of things here and if Captain Yami comes back, let him know what happened." Lady Prospekt placed her hand on Finral's shoulder and immediately he felt the boost in his energy. Using his magic, he opened a portal, and the remaining Black Bulls rushed the portal, ready to aid their friends.
Finral and the Lady were the last ones through, and he heard Finesse yell, "Be safe!"
It brought a smile to his face.
He hoped Noelle, Mimosa, Secre and the others were alright.
Neutral Territory
Outside of the Poppy Estate
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
Nickole knew she was going to be called to the battlefield as the miasma from the possessed girl grew stronger with every passing second. Langris needed to get back with Asta as soon as possible. The demon was getting stronger and while Nickole knew the best way to defeat the enemy would be to kill the host, it would just cause more problems as the Spade Princess' life must be saved.
Going into the battlefield to fight alongside Noelle was an experience, it was almost like having Acier back. Noelle looked so much like Nickole's beloved sister. Noelle had that same passion and fierceness.
Nickole wore actual armor as her regular battle gear, so when her own Valkyrie armor was active, she was double shielded, but the downside was that it made her more noticeable and a target. In this case, it was not a bad thing, since the mindlessly possessed plebes from the other Kingdoms went for Nickole.
"Send them to Mimosa," ordered Nickole, eyes not taken off the battlefield, as she handed another unconscious soldier to Lord Prospekt. "Noelle! Your six!"
"Thanks, Auntie," said Noelle, turning quickly in the sky and knocking another possessed soldier to the ground. "Best take him too."
Nickole scowled. "Noelle, go to Mimosa too. Get a healing, quickly."
"I'm fine," argued Noelle. There was that Black Bull stubbornness, Silva Royal pride, and the Steele family inability to give up shining in Noelle's eyes. But Nickole saw that Noelle had been using her mana constantly for that last hour and the strain was evident.
"Now," barked Nickole, harsher than intended. There was no way that Noelle or Mimosa were getting her on her watch. Softer, but loud enough to be heard over the clashes of magic and the roars of the demon, she pleaded, "Please."
Noelle nodded and flew over to Mimosa to rest for a spare moment.
"This could be going better, eh, Auntie," roared Mereoleona, as she had just gotten pushed back towards Nickole's position.
"Well, no shit," retorted Nickole. "Switch positions, so you can gather yourself?"
"Please, I don't need an old lady to spare me time to rest," grinned Mereoleona.
Leveling Mereoleona with a stare, Nickole used her magic to propel her to join the group of monarchs holding back the demon. Just because Mereoleona and Fuegoleon had far more battlefield experience and were older, it didn't mean that Nickole worried any less about them than her children or Acier's children.
Mereoleona cursed at her, while Nickole assessed the situation with the demon up closer.
"The demon works on rage and pride," muttered Nickole to herself, as she grabbed the back of Julius/Edward's shirt to throw him next to his godson, who was arguing fiercely with the Queen of Hearts. "Fuego, we have to calm the Princess down, it might stall until Asta arrives!" Fuego, the Diamond Princess, and King Othmar were attempting to block the attacks, while the Queen of Hearts physically and magically shielded her son. Captain Charlotte was busy fended off any of the mindless victims attacking them.
"How?"
"Othmar, what calms your daughter down," demanded Nickole.
"Unless we have chocolate, we are fucked," grunted the Spade King.
Too bad Charmy wasn't there, that girl always had chocolate.
"Fine! I can get close enough to knock her out but that won't stop the demon necessarily," said Nickole.
"Hey, can you make a big box with that nickel magic," asked the Diamond Princess.
Nickole smirked. "I can. Captain Charlotte, back me up!"
"Yes, Lady Nickole!"
Neutral Territory
Outside of the Poppy Estate
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
"Mom, I'm fine! I can help," argued Jules.
"It's my duty as your mother to protect you. It's not your job to protect me," retorted Ophie to her belligerent son.
"Can you two stop arguing and focus," demanded Julius. Ophie hated that she had to refer to him as Edward when they spoke to each other, but it was what it was. "That box that Nickole made is only to going to hold for so long."
When Mereoleona had gotten basically punted away, Ophie worried because she was the strongest one there and hoped that the woman hadn't been hurt. But Lady Nickole Vermillion arrived in place. Ophie knew the woman from reputation only and from Julius' perspective. The royal woman was holding the possessed Princess in a box of nickel and being supportive by Charlotte Roselei's own magic, rose vines helping keep the box shut.
"I think I need a vacation after this is all over," mumbled Ophie to herself. Between almost dying, the threat of war, her son fighting, and this, Ophie really wanted to go home and sleep.
"Oh thank the Heavens!"
Ophie's eyes looked up, at Julius' proclamation. It drew a long sigh of relief from her.
A portal had opened above them and reinforcements arrived in the form of some of the Black Bulls squad, but what was more important that he saw a black figure fly towards them. She remembered Asta from her time in the infirmary when the anti-magic boy came to visit the wind wizard Yuno. Asta immediately had his swords and talking with Fuego, Nickole, and Charlotte about the situation. There was a lot of yelling.
And then she saw a sight, Ophie never thought she would see. A fully grown, clearly ancient dragon flying above the battlefield, near the medical area were Lady Mimosa kept everyone intact.
"When did you get a damn dragon," demanded Ophie, offended that Julius didn't tell her.
Julius shrugged, grinning. "I dunno. I clearly missed some things. Oh Hello, Miss Vanessa!"
"Hey, Edward," said the voice of the witch that had been on Ophie's protection detail, "And Your Highnesses. Don't you worry, just stick by me, young Prince Jules, and I'll protect you, no problem."
"Ah, Noelle told you that Jules was the target," said Julius, sighing in relief.
"Rouge will divert any attacks," said Vanessa, nodding.
Ophie knew that Vanessa's abilities were amazing, so she shoved Jules into the witch's arms. "Don't let him go. Let's go, Edward, and see what Asta needs."
"Mom! I can help!"
"Nah, nah, little Prince, your momma said stay put," said Vanessa, ruffling the hair of Jules but having him securely held back.
Ophie smiled as she and Julius found Asta still yelling.
It seemed he was arguing with someone, someone that wasn't there.
Neutral Territory
Outside of the Poppy Estate
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
Asta's anti-magic demon was being a rightful pain in the ass. Nelchael had immediately starting screaming in Asta's head as soon as Asta flew through the portal. Something about not wanting to meet the demon there.
"Shut up! We have work to do, Nel! Stop bitchin'," roared Asta, out loud, and angrily. He got some concerned looks from Fuegoleon, Julius, Queen Ophie, and the others there. "Sorry, the anti-magic demon is bein' difficult. Something about not wanting to meet this demon."
"Maybe it's because the demon is activated by pure rage and pride, like the Steele girl said," said an old guy that Asta didn't recognize.
"Hey! Let's just put it all out there, since me and Char can't hold her for much longer," yelled Lady Nickole. She and Captain Charlotte were using their combined magic to contain the demon-possessed Princess. "And King Othmar, I'm a Vermillion, not a Steele anymore."
The old man made a rude gesture at Kirsch and Mimosa's mother.
A woman, who Asta also didn't know, sternly looked at the old man. "Yes, King Othmar, tell us, what you know about this demon who took over your daughter?"
"It's the Wolfgang Spade Royal Family curse," said King Othmar, apparently the old man was the King of the Spade Kingdom. "My grandfather ran into this demon possessed grimoire and the demon in it cursed the main line of my family—if we gave into our rage and pride, we'd risk releasing the demon to the world. Myself, and my son Aric almost let the demon out, but Margie stopped me and Wynda stopped Aric."
"That's because in order to stop this particular demon's curse, an act of true love is required. Asta and I can stop the possession but it won't break the curse on the girl. I don't want to tangle with this bitch, Asta, please."
"What?" Queen Ophie exclaimed.
Asta shoved the demon back down.
Suddenly, the nickel box and the vines contained the Princess burst, debris and shrapnel flying all around in a big gust of dark mana. The Spade Princess was nearly fully possessed, more demon than girl at this point. Asta winced.
"Did I hear your voice, Nelchael? I've missed you, darling! Come here, so I can RIP YOUR FUCKING FACE OFF, YOU ASSHOLE! HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME?!"
Nearly everyone was blown back from the amount of power behind the words.
Asta cringed. What did his demon do this other demon?
"I'm not your darling, stalker! WE WERE NEVER TOGETHER. I HAVE A MATE! AND IT SURE AS FUCK AIN'T YOU."
"This is so weird," commented Julius.
Asta had to agree it was weird, as the demon was using Asta's mouth, while Asta was in his black form, to argue with the other demon. Asta didn't know that Nel had a "mate." It was nice to know what Nel wasn't just being annoying not wanting to help, but actually didn't want to run into his stalker.
"I WAS BETTER FOR YOU!"
"Let it go."
While the two demons bickered back and forth, Asta overheard the others speaking about plans. At least, they were taking things seriously.
"Question, does the act of love have to be romantic in nature," asked Ophie. "Because then, it will be up to King Othmar. Do you think you can summon enough paternal love?"
"Hilarious, Ophelia," said King Othmar. "What do you have in mind?"
"Hug your daughter and tell her you love her," said Ophie, arms crossed. "It's all any child wants from their parent, especially when they are cold and calculating most of the time."
Taking his mouth back over, Asta said, "Let's go, King Othmar, I can get you close."
There was no hesitation as Asta grabbed the old King by his arm and flew towards the man's daughter and threw him at her. Mid-air, Asta used his Demon-Slayer Sword to cut through the demon's mana in order to let the King latch onto the floating form of his daughter. Asta grinned, as the old king hugged his daughter.
"Nora, sweetie, I love you. I can't lose you too."
Summoning the Demon-Destroyer Sword, Asta knew that it was near the moment to get the rage demon. He watched the Princess as the mana of the demon began to recede, and the eyes went back to normal. Asta reached the father and daughter.
He used the sword to lightly tap her on the head.
And the demon was gone.
"Her personal curse is gone, but I don't know if the family's curse is gone."
"Well, it's better than nothing."
Asta helped the Spade royals to the ground, where things significantly calmed down. He was glad it worked out and that no one got seriously hurt.
"Good work," said Julius, smiling.
"Thanks, uh, Edward."
Neutral Territory
Poppy Estate- Poppy Manor
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
It took some effort but everyone got to Poppy Manor in a timely fashion. Jules was hunkered down in the corner with his cousin. He and Con were unharmed in the battle, so they were left alone while the healers scrambled to help those injured. The monarchs were huddled together, working out a way to detail this incident, if at all.
Othmar and his mother weren't at each other's throats, though things were tense. He heard the implications during the battle while Othmar explained himself. If an act of love was needed to stop the curse from overtaking Othmar and Aric in the incidents, it meant things were a mess between the Heart and Spade Kingdoms. It meant that Othmar and Aunt Margie were in love. It meant that Aric and Cousin Wynda were in love.
It was why Othmar insisted he didn't kill Margie. Because technically he didn't.
It was why Othmar insisted that Aric didn't kill Wynda. Because he didn't.
Tragedies for everyone, Jules mused to himself, bitterly.
On top of everything else, there were even more Clover Kingdom Magic Knights there and they were just as weird as Uncle Julius. The chaos was getting to Jules.
"You are really strong, Jules," said Con, softly. "You did really well in your fight."
Jules grinned. "Thanks. I'm still working out some things, but I'm getting the hang of my magic."
"I hope that I can get the hang of my magic," Con said. He inherited the normal Kira Clover family light magic affinity.
"You will, especially when you join the Magic Knights. You're joining right, soon? At the next exams?"
Con nodded. "Father wants us to participate in the exams, so we can show up "the common folk.""
"Right," Jules said, sarcastically.
"I don't care about that, I'm just hoping that I won't have to face my sister."
Jules was mildly concerned. "Maybe, I can take a trip to Clover and see the Magic Knight Entrance Exams this time."
"Really," asked Con, brightening up considerably.
If it meant supporting his cousin, Jules would just have to deal with Uncle Julius' weirdness. "Yeah, of course, Con."
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
The Wizard King's Office
38th Day of the Curse
Morning
"And then, we should send a squad to this town and check out that mayor," said Nozel, pointing to a town on the map in the Common Realm. He and Kaiser were reviewing things around the kingdom so that they could give the Magic Knight squads more missions. "Why the hell hasn't that buffoon gotten back to us about his squad? He should have given them their assignments by now."
"Yami does what he does," said Kaiser, sighing.
Marx burst into the room, using his magic to communicate with Fuegoleon. "Captain Nozel, Captain Kaiser, Lord Fuegoleon needs to speak with you!"
"Nozel, Kaiser, we had a situation. The majority of the Black Bulls arrived to help us."
Fuegoleon moved so that Nozel and Kaiser was able to see the room at the Poppy Manor was packed with people of four kingdoms.
"Is Noelle okay? And Mimosa? And Aunt Nickole?"
"They are fine. Mimosa overworked herself healing. Noelle is hovering her bedside. Aunt Nickole saved the day, pissed off Mereo while doing so. Anyway, the Spade Princess had been possessed by a demon, so we had Langris and Lady Prospekt of the Poppy Estate retrieve Asta. Langris should be at the Black Bulls hideout, as Finral took his place, but now Finral is over-exhausted. Can you send some spatial wizards to get us for tomorrow morning?"
"Of course," said Kaiser. "We'll call the strongest ones, other than Langris and Finral. So you never said, did things work out this time?"
"The Heart and Spade are no longer in war. Thankfully. And we found out a few things. The demons are becoming a problem. I think we need Asta to get as much information as he can out of the anti-magic demon."
"We already tried that after the war against the Elves," said Nozel. "The demon, no matter how friendly to Asta, is not forthcoming with a lot of information. But I suppose it won't hurt to needle them some more."
"Oi, what the hell do you keep calling me for," snapped another voice. Yami entered the room. "What's this?"
"Ah, Yami, I was wondering why you weren't with your team when they showed up."
"Did those dumbasses really go off to do some fighting without me?"
"Yes," chorused Nozel, refraining from rolling his eyes.
"Good for them, getting off their lazy butts. So, what's happening?"
Neutral Territory
Poppy Estate- Poppy Manor
39th Day of the Curse
Morning
"Are you sure that you don't want to come back with us," asked Fuegoleon, softly to Julius.
"Yeah, me and Ophie have a few things to talk about," replied Julius, shaking Fuegoleon's hand. "I wanna convince Ophie to let Jules come and visit us in time for the Magic Knight exams."
"Ah, you overheard the boys talking too," said Fuegoleon. "Well, we shall welcome Prince Jules with open arms if he does come to visit."
Julius grinned. "Get back safely. I don't think I'll be too long. Let me know when Yuno gets better."
"You think it'll be soon," asked Fuegoleon.
Julius looked over to Asta. Asta was talking excitedly to Princess Klotilde and Ophie with both women smiling at Asta. Ophie already given Asta something for his help, as well as Miss Vanessa. Princess Klotilde was impressed with Asta and wanted to talk about Fanzell, as she noticed the way that Asta fought with swords reminded her of her old classmate. Mars, the most trusted general and a friend of Asta, was nearby, looking like he wanted to talk to Asta himself, probably about the young man's childhood friend Fana, who lived with Fanzell, his wife, and Mariella. "Asta looks to have come to some sort of decision, it seems."
"I'm glad that the Spade left first," said Nickole, appearing by Fuegoleon. "Things were awkward. It was worse than the tenseness."
"Agreed," replied Fuegoleon. "How's Mimosa and Finral?"
"Still sleeping. Hopefully the spatial magic users arrive in time," said Nickole. "It looks like we'll be the last ones out of here, despite the fact that we were the first ones here."
It was time for the Diamond Kingdom wizards to leave shortly after Asta embarrassed Mars, by saying "I'll tell Fana you said hi". Princess Klotilde respectfully shook Ophie and Augustus' hands before she left. And even the old king woke up from his nap long enough to say goodbye.
"Let's go, Edward," said Ophie, once the Diamond Kingdom wizards were out of sight. "We have a trek back to Heart. I'll send you messages when I get back to the Red Palace, Lord Fuegoleon."
Ophie and Fuegoleon shook hands. "Take care."
"You as well. Jules, let's go!"
"Alright, alright, Mom." Jules rushed over to them, after saying goodbye to his cousin. "Wait, are you coming with us again. Can't you just go home?"
"Don't deny you'll miss me when I'm gone, Prince Jules," said Julius, grinning.
Prince Jules glared at him.
Julius laughed at his godson.
Clover Kingdom
Outside of Magic Knights Headquarters and Clover Castle
39th Day of the Curse
Morning
Fuegoleon was happy to be home. Once everyone was through the portals, the spatial wizards who had come for them escorted the Clover King, the servants, and Prince Con back inside the Clover Castle. It allowed Fuegoleon and the other Magic Knights to relax for a hot minute before Fuegoleon realized that he needed to call a Captains' meeting to update them. And then he was going to need to talk to the Magic Parliament, because Damnatio snuck off as soon as he was through the portal. Damnatio had been on his best behavior throughout the trip and it scared Fuegoleon because the other royal was surely up to something.
"Mimosa, please, take Finral to the infirmary," said Fuegoleon. "Mereo, Asta, Charlotte, Sal, Rill, Bennett, please come with me. We have to have a meeting. The rest of you either go to the infirmary if you need it or go to the communications room to contact your squads."
"Yes, sir!"
Finral was immediately whisked away to the infirmary by Vanessa, Mimosa and Noelle. Secre turned back into Nero and sat herself on top of Asta's head.
"Clarity, tell Mackenzie and the rest what happened," asked Rill.
"Of course, Captain Rill!" Clarity sprinted inside to find the communication room. She was followed by Klaus, Alecdora and Xerx.
"I think I'll sit in the meeting," said Aunt Nickole, walking with Fuegoleon and the Captains inside, towards the Captains' meeting room.
"Of course," said Fuegoleon.
Once in the meeting room, Fuegoleon found Nozel, Yami, Kaiser, Jack, a sleeping Dorothy, and William (meaning Yuno was still cursed). Kaiser must have called Jack, Dorothy (or really Kirsch), and William already.
"You all look like shit," commented Yami.
"None of that now," said Fuegoleon, sighing tiredly. "We have a lot to go over. This is going to be a long meeting."
"Oh fuck, really?"
"Yes, really, Jack," replied Fuegoleon. Everyone seated themselves and Fuegoleon sat in the front of the table to address everyone. "War has been averted, thankfully."
"Yeah, I was wondering how that happened, Mr. Fuegoleon," said Asta, confused. "The Heart Queen and the Spade King seemed to be getting along by the time I got there."
Fuegoleon hefted a big sigh. "This is why I said it was going to be a long meeting. And then we have to talk about the rage demon."
"Wait, there was a demon?! And you didn't call me, shrimp?!"
"Sorry, Captain Yami, we were in a rush and you weren't home!"
"Enough," said Fuegoleon, snapping. He breathed and tried to remain calm because he was the Wizard King. A Wizard King who really needed a nap, but that was neither here nor there. "Let's start at the beginning."
Clover Kingdom
Forsaken Realm
Black Bulls Hideout
40th Day of the Curse
Morning
"Oh my God, I missed so much while I was on the mission," said Noelle, complaining, while sitting on the couch in the common area of the Black Bulls' base. Much to Asta's embarrassment, everyone (except Captain Yami, who was on the toilet again) were hanging around to catch up with each other. Gordon, Gauche, and Grey arrived safely home from their mission just last night. And Noelle was surprised to find out that Asta had, in fact, finally confessed to Yuno while she was gone.
Asta sat there, red-faced as their rowdy squad discussed his love life. Noelle almost felt sorry for him. "Come on, guys, it's not as dramatic as you are making it out to be."
"I beg to differ, brat," said Zora, highly amused. "You've been moping for more than a month."
"So, Ma Shula and the anti-magic demon both think that Asta must court Yuno properly so show earnestness in his feelings," Noelle asked. "Wait until I tell Mimosa, she's going to have a conniption at how stupid Yuno's being right now."
"He's just in his own mind too much," said Asta, defensively. Noelle nodded and supposed that Asta knew why Yuno was being so stubborn. But still, everyone was able to see how much Asta and Yuno loved each other. Was it really that big of a deal? "Yuno got like that sometimes when we were younger. It happened less and less but the curse really brought out his melancholy."
"Okay, so do you know what your plan is to make Yuno believe you," asked Finral, who was still pale and tired from using his spatial powers too much, but he was very much invested Asta's success.
"Did you get him a gift," asked Noelle, remembering her own gift to Kahono, when Noelle asked the singer out on a date.
"I did."
"Okay, good," said Noelle. "Do you have your first date planned?"
Asta shook his head. "I dunno. I mean, I figured we can go training…"
"NO!"
"Take him to a beach resort!"
"That's too soon, Finral. They need a nice picnic date," demanded Vanessa.
"Or maybe they should just do something that they both like to do," countered Zora.
"Like you know anything," retorted Vanessa to Zora.
"No I don't know, but its fucking common sense, ain't it? Dating means to be getting know the person, right? Asta and Yuno have been attached at the hip since they were babies. I don't think they need to date like everyone else," responded Zora. "Asta, brat, honestly, just do training once your dumb as fuck man gets better."
"Aww, Zora, you do care," Magna said, teasing, bringing Zora into a headlock. Luck promptly jumped on Zora's back.
"Softy, softy!"
Asta laughed. "You guys are the best! Thanks for helping me."
Noelle rolled her eyes. "Of course, Dorksta, you'd be lost without us."
Clover Kingdom
Noble Realm
Magic Parliament
40th Day of the Curse
Morning
Nozel stood outside the chambers of the Magic Parliament. They were currently discussing the Summit and then, it would Nozel's time. Nozel, with help from Aldebrand and Tarian, petitioned the Magic Parliament and he would give a speech. Then, they were to deliberate—with the end goal being a unanimous decision. It was honestly a long shot, but if Nozel wanted to become the House Head, it was worth the try.
Messing with the status quo was heavily frowned upon by the royals and nobles. Nozel knew it. He knew that this could be bad and not go in his favor. This was going to be one of the hardest things he had to do.
"Don't look so dour, Nozel. You're going to do great," said a familiar voice.
"Aunt Nickole," asked Nozel, as his aunt stayed at the doorway. Technically, she wasn't inside the Magic Parliament, so she wouldn't get in trouble.
"Whatever happens, I'm proud of you. Your mom would be too," said Nickole. "But I noticed that you didn't tell Noelle, Solid or Nebra you were doing this today."
"I need to keep them out of the crossfire. They're going to be mad at me, but it is better this way," replied Nozel. Noelle just got home from a mission and needed to rest. And Nozel needed Solid and Nebra to help Vivian managed the Silver Eagles while he was busy arguing with the Magic Parliament.
"Well, I have a mission already, so good luck."
"Thank you."
Aunt Nickole left him alone.
"It's time, Nozel."
Fuegoleon came out of the chambers to retrieve him. His best friend clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's do this."
"Yes."
Nozel's fight was about to begin and he was looking forward to winning his House back.
Protea, King
(meaning) change, transformation, daring, resourcefulness, diversity and courage
Clover Kingdom
Golden Dawn Headquarters
Yuno's Room
40th Day of the Curse
Mid-Morning
Mimosa let Asta inside the Golden Dawn headquarters and held his hand as she walked him to Yuno's room. Asta's stomach was in knots. This shouldn't be so hard. He just fought a demon several days ago, so convincing his childhood best friend that Asta was truthfully and irrevocably in love with Yuno should be easy.
"You can do it," said Mimosa, softly, smiling at him, as she opened the door to Yuno's room for Asta.
Asta gave a deep breath and he was not leaving this room until Yuno understood that his feelings were true. Upon entering Yuno's room, the wind sprite Bell made a face and she fled out the window immediately. Asta needed to apologize to the poor dear when things were settled with Yuno. Poor Bell had to be there for all the yelling and snapping at each other. Yuno was still sitting on his bed. He was pale as a ghost, lips stained red from blood, and he stared at Asta incredulously as Asta approached his bed.
Yuno opened his mouth to say something but Asta needed to speak, so Asta said, loudly, "No, you listen. When I'm done, you can talk"
Yuno snapped his mouth shut and gave him a glare, but said nothing.
Breathing in and out, Asta pulled out a small box and handed it to Yuno and spoke, "I know it can't replace the one you lost, but I hope it means just as much to you since it is from me."
Gingerly, Yuno opened the box and found a necklace. Asta was luck that saving lives of monarchs had its rewards. The Queen of the Hearts was so grateful that Asta was able to stop the demon, since the target was her son, that she gave him a precious stone. It didn't have any magic properties, she had told him, not like the magic stones that were lost when the elves attempted their reincarnation, but it was a good luck stone that she had been given by her very best friend. She didn't need it anymore.
Asta knew that Yuno missed his necklace that had been his precious item, which Yuno would clutch in times of extreme stress and to remind himself that there was someone out there that loved him.
Yuno held the necklace, which was not a match for the one lost, but it was a pretty shade of purple and black. Asta thought it looked rather regal.
"Yuno, I love you. Nothing in the world will ever change my feelings for you," said Asta. "I want to be able to love you openly and freely. So, please, just tell me what you're thinking that head of yours? If anything, just give me a chance."
Yuno coughed, some flower and bloods.
Asta reached for Yuno, and grabbed one of the towels at the bedside to clean it up. "Yuno?"
Clover Kingdom
Golden Dawn Headquarters
Yuno's Room
40th Day of the Curse
Mid-Morning
Yuno hated that everyone was right and he was just blinded by his own insecurities and dark thoughts. Of course, Asta loved him. Asta always loved him. There was no mistake that it was the same kind of love that Yuno held for Asta.
"I'm sorry," said Yuno. "I'm sorry cough that I was so difficult."
Asta grinned. "You were pretty stubborn. You're gonna give me gray hair early."
Yuno smiled wryly. "Asta, you have ash blond hair, cough pretty sure you're going to go old gray cough before me." Yuno wiped his mouth with the towel that Asta had at the ready. "I love you too, you know. It's can only be you."
Asta sat on the bed and made a disgruntled face. "Nel basically spelled it out for me. I had time to think about it. I feel so bad that my obliviousness hurt so many people who I care about—Noelle, Mimosa, Leopold, Rebecca, you…"
"Stop. It's not your fault. You are very loveable," said Yuno. His felt his breathing become clearer as they spoke to each other. He was feeling better already. And he even stopped coughing. Was the curse fading? "Asta, you cannot control what other people feel. If anyone's to blame, it's that curse wizard."
Asta sighed. "Yeah. I guess…I just don't like my friends and family to hurt."
"I know," said Yuno. He took Asta's hand in his. Asta smiled at him, eyes shining brightly as always with love. How could have Yuno missed it? They fell into a comfortable silence, holding each other's hands. When they were boys, they held hands all the time. Yuno always felt so safe and protected when Asta reached his hand out for Yuno's. "Hey, so, we love each other. Now what?"
Asta titled his head and grinned. "Anything we want."
"Stay awhile then."
Clover Kingdom
Golden Dawn Headquarters
Outside of Yuno's Room
40th Day of the Curse/Last Day of the Curse
Mid-Morning
"Fucking finally," Patri complained. Mimosa, William, Bell, Patri, and the rest of the Golden Dawn who were in headquarters were being very unprofessional and spying on Yuno and Asta. But let's just say that everyone there was happy to being having their captain back and finally official with Asta.
"As long as Yuno's happy," cried Bell, on William's shoulder.
Mimosa was crying too. She wanted Yuno to be happy for so long and she was equally as happy that Asta came to terms with his feelings that he hid forever. "I'm just so glad that everything worked out," said Mimosa. "You hear that, Noe-Noe?"
"Yes, I heard, Mimosa! I agree with Patri. It's about damn time!"
She had one of the magic communication devices with Noelle on the other side. Noelle was relaying the news to the rest of the cheering Black Bulls. Mimosa was just so excited.
"Oh, great, they are going to be gross in front of us even more," lamented Langris.
"Don't be like that Langris," sniffled Mimosa. "Now they know."
"Yeah, and it's going to be worse. They are already an old married couple at this point," said Langris, shaking his head. "I think I'm getting cavities from the sweetness."
"Drama king, much," responded Mimosa, wiping her eyes.
"Hey! Can you people get out of here?" The shouting was done by Asta, who peaked his head out of the bedroom door, startling everyone into scattering. "Honestly, just as bad as the Black Bulls…"
"Oops, we were caught!"
Clover Kingdom
Magic Knight Headquarters
The Wizard King's Office
40th Day of the Curse/Last Day of the Curse
Afternoon
"We knew that this would happen," said Fuegoleon, sitting in his chair behind the desk. Across from him was Nozel. Nozel looked stoic as ever, but Fuegoleon knew him too well. Nozel was annoyed. "The stalemate was decided before you even said a word. This is going to be a long campaign to get nobles and royals to one choice."
"I'm half-tempted to see what kind of blackmail Zora Ideale has on some of them," said Nozel.
"Let that be our last resort," said Fuegoleon. "You are going to have to tell your siblings. Between the Vermillion and the Magic Knights, we can surely find enough royals and nobles that will be sympathetic to your cause and then they can start convincing everyone else."
"Damnatio is a problem. He didn't like how the Summit was handled, but since it was a higher matter than his position, he couldn't do anything," said Nozel. "You and I both knew he was going to be up to something."
"Yeah, I just hate that this going to take months. And Family Day Festival is in 2 months, not mention the upcoming Magic Knight Exams, and then the Star Festival 3 months after that," said Fuegoleon, sighing. "I think Julius was the smart one, running off to the Heart Kingdom with Queen Ophie."
"He was always the best at getting out of actual paperwork," said Nozel, shaking his head. "We're just lucky that Dorothy finished finalizing everything for the Magic Knight exams before she went to sleep."
"I wish that Dotty was able to be awake more," said Fuegoleon, shaking his head. "I'm just glad that we have Yuno back."
"This curse was a big problem," said Nozel. "Too many of us hide our feelings under the guise of being Magic Knights first and people second."
Fuegoleon nodded. "Always be honest with your feelings is something that my mother tried to teach me and my siblings, but we didn't learn it until we were older. If Sal hadn't said anything to me about her feelings back then, we wouldn't be married right now."
Nozel smirked. "You two do make a cute couple."
"I know we do," said Sal, appearing in the office. Frankly, she probably walked through the door and the two hadn't noticed. "Hey, Fuegoleon. Nozel. So, guess what?"
"What," Fuegoleon asked, hesitantly. What could have Sal possibly found out within two days of being back in the Clover Kingdom from the Summit mission?
Sal grimaced. "There's been whispers about another demon. This time, in Clover. I don't know much else. It might be rumor, born out of fear, but I don't want to take any chances. I'm going to investigate. I'll be back when I can and send updates regularly."
"Where exactly are you going," asked Fuegoleon. While he always worried about Sal, Sal was self-sufficient and strong enough to handle mostly anything that came her way. Sal always had the autonomy to work on her own from Julius and from Fuegoleon (in the capacity as Wizard King).
"Forsaken Realm. There's a town there where the woman who wrote all the fairy tales lived. They've got an old abandoned castle there. I'm sure it's been looted, but you never know," said Sal. "Grimmtowne, I think it's called."
"Alright, let us know if you need backup. Stay safe, Sal."
"Always."
Ch. End
Thanks so much reading! I hoped you enjoyed it!
Clearly, there are only two more chapters left. As I closed a lot of plots in the last couple of chapters, these next ones will build things for the next sections of the universe. I'll have more information for you in the Epilogue chapter about the next stories.