Prologue 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Black Clover, The anime, characters, and all rights to Black Clover belong to Yuki Tabata and Shonen Jump.
"Dipstick"-Dialogue
'Dipstick'-Inner monologue
Dipstick- Spell casting
"I'll never get those 2". A 10 -year-old boy with dark black hair and white-centered eyes grumbled. He was wearing hand-me-down clothes from his orphanage in Hage Village. Struggling to drag a bag of potatoes back home. "Especially Asta! It's Wizard King this! Magic Knight that!".
As he mocked his fellow orphan, the boy's voice attempted to match Asta's by getting significantly louder. Following this, he sighed and looked upwards. "But at least he acknowledges me, Yuno barely talks to me nowadays. Some foster brother he is". Feeling his arms ready to give out he sat the bag down and slumped against a tree.
Thinking back to the day Yuno and Asta had dedicated their lives to competing for Wizard King was painful. The boy remembers them walking back home with bloodied and battered faces. Yet for whatever reason, both had a smile and unmistakable determination in their eyes. As much as Dante hated not being there, he hated it, however since he felt like a third wheel in their rivalry.
All 3 of them were the same age, heck he technically is the eldest of the three (he doesn't really know, but assumes so being the most mature in his opinion). Yet at this point, he seems like a side character in their lives constantly. When Sister Lily and Father Orsi aren't praising Yuno, they're berating Asta. Meanwhile he more times than not just fades in the background, as if they barely care.
"What's so cool about Magic Knights anyway?". As the 10-year-old said this, his hands started to make his palms go ice cold. However, he stops after hearing two men whisper behind his back. "You sure we got away? They were pretty hot on our tail?"
Intrigued by the conversation, the dark-haired child peeked behind the tree. To his surprise, he spotted 2 men breathing heavily with their grimoires in hand. Beside them was a similar sack to his, the only major difference being filled with jewels instead of potatoes.
"Are you doubting my Magic?!". The taller crook's voice was demanding, causing the other to flinch. He was dressed in a red and black t-shirt with dark pants. "My Illusions are top-notch, it'd take a genius to figure out a tree from a boulder!". As he finished bragging he stroked his goatee.
"Now all we need to do is lay low, only question is where?". This gained a nod from the shorter of the two men currently wearing blue baggy sweats and a large hat. He then gains a wicked smile before turning back to his accomplice. getting a bad feeling, Dante's eyes suddenly widened. "Ya know there is an Orphanage nearby?".
Almost out of instinct, the boy ran from behind the tree and threw a nearby rock. Since neither was turned to him, Dante hit the smaller jewel thief in the back. As a 'THUNK' sound was heard, both turned to the young kid. "STAY AWAY FROM MY HOME AND FAMILY! YA DIPSTICKS!".
Dante screamed this with rage and bravado, which immediately vanished after the two older men surrounded him. The shorter of the two seemed the angriest, nursing the lump the rock left after impact. Realizing his error, Dante gulped and fell butt first on the dirt beneath him in fear. Only allowing him to whisper one thing. "Why do I do things".
15 minutes later, the 10-year-old was tied to the tree by a rope. Trying to fight his restraints, Dante couldn't help but yell for help which both men only snickered at. "Keep on screaming kid, just like ya heard earlier my magic is pretty foolproof". His smile vanished when his accomplice groaned near him, rubbing his head.
"Oh for the love of… YOU'RE STILL HURT MORON?!". This shout gained a wince from his partner in crime. His ire then turned to Dante with a slight glare "For your information! Kid must have a rocket for an arm, I swear that rock felt like it was frozen or something". The shorter robber then gained a smile again as his eyes turned murderous "But since he's an Orphan, No one will mourn him when we ax him".
As the two thieves opened up their grimoires, Dante couldn't help but shed tears of fear. Having his life flash before his eyes, he remembered enjoying life with Nash, Asta, Yuno, the other orphans, Sister Lily and Father Osiris. Seeing as he had no other choice now, Dante decided to yell one last time as a late Hail Mary.
"SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!". As his shriek reached the heavens, he opened his eyes to what seemed like a miracle. Both men who had been ready to end his life turned away from him with widened eyes. The shorter of the two began to tremble and the larger one had a mouth agape in shock. "IMPOSSIBLE! I thought you said no one would locate us?!"
Grinding his teeth the taller robber whipped his head in anger. "SHUT UP WILL YOU! I TOLD YOU MY MAGIC IS UNDENIA.." He didn't finish as a lightning bolt knocked into him with insane speed. Seeing his accomplice down, the shorter robber pointed his hands in the air before casting a spell
SHIELDING MAGIC! Cowards Cocoon!
As he shouted this a yellow cocoon-like shield covered his entire body. Closing his eyes in fear, the robber clutched his loot to his chest. "I…. I don't know who you are! But you'll r.r. regret messing with the Concord Cousins!". His declaration was met with what seemed like a demonic child's laugh before another lightning bolt knocked into his shield, shattering it.
As the younger Concord brother hit the floor. He opened his eyes to see their attacker, a small yellow-haired kid with a black Bulls Robe and lightning aura. Gazing at the cowering mage, the young Magic knight sighed in disappointment.
"AWWW MAN! It Broke after 1 hit". The lighting mage then had an idea before jumping up and down in excitement "Hey! Can you rebuild it stronger? That way I have a real challenge? Can ya?".
'Am I saved or screwed?' Dante's unvocalized thought was accompanied by tears still rolling down his cheeks. His savior (which he's still not sure of yet), was someone who looked like a hyperactive child. However, Dante gained a sigh of relief as the robber made his feet again and graveled for forgiveness.
"You're no fun". The words of the young magic knight made Dante's eye twitch. What in the world is this guy's problem? Here he was tied up and scared, and this idiot was worried about having fun! Dante's hyperactive knight then moved quicker than he could see, avoiding a blast in the process. "Hey! You're back up. Maybe things will get fun!".
Recovering from the earlier strike, the taller Conrad cousin rose. His wounds were clear as he had a very noticeable gash on his head. Along with ripped and slightly singed clothes to match his bruises and forehead gash. "YOU DARE MOCK ME! I'LL KILL YOU!".
Illusion magic! Masquerade barrage!
As he unleashed the attack, the older cousin's grimoire glowed bright purple. He then pointed his hands at the cheery knight and let off an onslaught of purple blasts. Yet the black-bulled knight dodged every single one with a smile on his face. The entire display left Dante astounded as he could only keep track of where the blonde was by the failed blast attempts.
'How can anyone this young be this fast?' Dante's amazement soon ended when the other cousin began to rise to his feet again. He then flipped to a page in his grimoire before unleashing a sinister smile. "Keep him occupied Cuz, Once I use this next spell, the kid is a glorified punching bag". Dante stomped his foot repeatedly in hopes to undo his bindings.
Instead what happened surprised all 4 men involved. Dante's last stomp caused a small trail of ice to form in front of him. This trail ended at his kidnapper's feet, freezing his black boots in place and causing the robber to shiver. "Y. shit! I knew that r.. was…"
Before he could finish that sentence, the magic knight came back from evading the blast and kicked him square in the head. Sending the younger cousin into a tree, knocking him out. Realizing he was in dire strength the older Thief gulped before opening his grimoire once more "ENOUGH! WE END THIS NOW! Illusion Magic!".
Lightning magic! Thunderbolt Destruction!
The crook was then swallowed in a gigantic lightning bolt attack straight from the blonde's hand. Leaving him electrocuted and steaming from the impact. Once the attack faded, the man fell to his knees before letting out a quiet "Shit" and falling face-first to the ground. Seeing both adversaries down, the energetic boy groaned. "Man, even Magna can stand that. I was hoping for more of a fight".
Then he turned to the tied-up Dante with a sadistic smile. "Hey! Would you like to..", "NO WAY IN HELL! NOW GET ME OUTTA HERE!". The 10-year-old's shout was eventually listened to, as he cut the ropes and helped Dante to his feet. Finally feeling the situation wash over him, he hugged the young knight with tears in his eyes.
"THANK YOU! THANK YOU!". His shouts of gratitude were met with a laugh from the blonde. "No problem. But if you really wanted to repay me, you'd fight me!". Such a request caused Dante to rub the back of his neck with a sweat drop before answering. "Even if I actually thought I stood a chance, I'm not old enough to have a grimoire". Dante's question was met with a look of surprise from his savior and an even bigger smile than before.
"NO WAY! You have that much bubbling Mana without a Grimoire! I only found you because I followed the source for a fight!". Dante wanted to be surprised, but after everything that's happened, he could only sigh. However, something that Luck said registered in his mind. "Wait? My Mana was that big? Really?".
Answering with an emphatic head nod, the young magic knight again bounced on his toes in excitement. "You really have to fight me when you get your grimoire. Besides you owe me.". The blonde then clasped his hands together in a begging manner "Please! Please! Please!".
Hearing his savior now begging him for something made Dante chuckle. As he composed himself, Dante then turned to his hero "Look, uh?". Seeing Dante was having trouble with his name the young knight cut him off with a salute and introduction. "Luck Voltia. Cheery Berserker and Member of the Black Bulls". "Cool names Dante". Luck then offered his hand and Dante accepted it, right before Luck sent a mini lightning bolt causing Dante to jump back and yelp.
"Hardy har har". The dry sarcasm from Dante's words caused Luck's laugh to only grow. "But seriously, who's to say I ever become strong enough to give you a challenge?". Hearing Dante's question, the magic Knight thought for a second before snapping his fingers "OH I KNOW! You can join the magic knights".
Almost like flipping a switch, Dante froze in his tracks. The same thing he was making fun of not even an hour ago. Mocking Yuno and Asta for shooting for, now being offered to him by the strongest mage he's ever met in real life. This caused him to clutch his fingers in a fist so hard blood could be seen on his palm.
"Why should I?!" The question gained a confused titled head From Luck. Dante then raised his voice as he continued. "Look, I'm grateful for you. You saved my potatoes, figuratively and literally. But.. I get what's in being a magic knight for you. You're a fight-obsessed noble with crazy magic". He then looked up at luck wiping the brewing tears from his face. "What could it possibly provide a neglected Orphan like me".
"Are you kidding? The Knights were made for you!". Luck's statement caused Dante to look at him confused before he continued. "My squad is full of unwanted pieces. Me included! I kinda almost killed my opponent in my entrance exam". His comment was met with a slight laugh and snicker from Dante as he responded "Yeah I believe it."
Luck then rubbed the back of his neck before continuing his pitch. "But that's the captain's job. To constantly make you better by fighting with you and pushing your limits. Plus the missions are fun!". Dante heard Luck's enthusiasm and was starting to feel infected. He couldn't tell if this was an effective method or not, but Luck was swaying him.
"But that's not the best part". Such a comment surprised Dante. A power and fight-driven guy like Luck has a more favorable side of being a knight than fighting? "The best part is, they become another family to you". As if speaking directly to Dante, he couldn't help but smile.
He truly loved his fellow Orphans, Sister Lilly and Father Orsi for looking after him. But with an entirely new family, he'd never have to worry about seeing him as a burden. It seemed too good to be true, Dante's smile grew as he looked down at Luck's hand extended towards him. "So? What do ya' say!".
Dante just stared at the hand for a few minutes, deciding on whether he should take it. He then remembered how helpless he felt the day after Yuno and Asta's fight and vow. Not only that he didn't do anything to help them, but they had isolated him from being important in their lives. If he was gonna change that it started today, right here! Right Now!
"You got yourself a deal! Ya Dipstick!". This gained a determined look from both boys as Dante looked Luck in the eyes. He then held his finger to the sky and raised his voice to an Asta-level shout. "FROM THIS MOMENT ON! I BECOME A MAGIC KNIGHT AND AIM TO BE THE STRONGEST CAPTAIN EVER!".
"Hey Luck! Where are you? You can't keep running off like this!". The boys were broken out of their declaration as a voice seemed to be calling for the blonde. "Welp that's my ride, I'll see you when you become a magic knight. K?" Dante gave luck a thumbs up before the speedy blonde zoomed to the voice in the opposite direction.
"Hey, Finral!". Luck was now in front of his brunette fellow black bull squad member's face. Causing him to "Eep" in shock before wiping himself off. "Jeez Luck don't scare me like that!". Finral then noticed 2 passed-out people on his back and gave Luck a thumbs up "Hey you found the thieves. NICE ONE!".
"Yep! And you were no help at all". The young blonde then laughed as Finral began to comedically cry with his head down. "You didn't have to say it LIKE THAT!". Seeing Luck only laugh harder at his statement, the brunette Bull sighed before opening a green portal. "Whatever. Let's go home so I can work on my flirting".
"K!" Luck then thought back to Dante's declaration and smiled at the kid's potential. Getting excited thinking about what an actual fight between him and the young upstart would be like. Maybe he'd be more fun to fight than Magma. 'If Dante's going to get stronger, I have to too. I can't wait for that fight' He then leaped through the portal with a sadistic smile.
Once back at the orphanage in Hage village. Dante was met with his younger orphaned housemates sans Nash running up to hug him. The commotion caused sister Lily and Father Osiris to find Dante had finally arrived back from the store with the potatoes. Dante was then given a smack to the back of the head by Father Osiris.
"Do you know how late you are?! We were worried sick about you?!". While he appreciated everything father did for him, the hits were a bit much at times. "You could've been seriously hurt out there. Or heaven forbid possibly killed!" Dante couldn't help but sweatdrop while thinking, 'You have no idea'. "Sorry about that, got caught up with a friend".
As Dante said this he was cut off by a very familiar blood-curdling scream. "YOU HEAR ME, YOU BASTARD!". Almost on cue, Yuno walked from the back as stoic as ever. Closely followed by Asta who was screaming his head off, so nothing unusual. "Don't just act cool because you got your magic first! I'm still gonna be Wizard King before you! Got it!".
Yuno met Asta's screaming with an eye roll and turned his head. "Dreams are Nice, but only mine will be a reality". Yuno then turned his head back to Asta with a glare. "Because only one of us is becoming King, and that's me". This earned a growl from Asta and a groan from everyone but Dante. Father Osiris was the first to intervene.
"Asta! stop using Yuno's dream as your own!". This earned him a water-handed smack on the back of the head from sister Lily before turning to the boys. "What father means is, you both shouldn't have this argument every day. Especially not before dinner". Nash puts his head on the dinner table before adding "Besides the likelihood of either of you doing it is slim to none".
Dante grinned as he thought back to his previous promise to Luck. He then walked past the others and up to the resident rivals. "Gotta agree with Nash, the thought of either of you becoming Wizard King. Gotta say it may be a bit too hard of a goal".
His comment was met with a look of dejection from Asta and a glare from Yuno. "Hey I can do it! Besides, how do you know!". Asta's shout in response gained a nod from Yuno as the rest of the foster family watched the 3 bickers with interest. Asta and Yuno fighting wasn't new, but Dante not playing peacekeeper was the newest development.
"Well since you asked. Part of being Wizard King is becoming the strongest Captain in the force". Dante then took inspiration from Luck as his smile grew almost sinister as he looked to his foster brothers with determination "And that's not gonna happen! Because I'm gonna be the strongest Magic Knight Captain there is!".
The declaration was met with silence as everyone seemed in shock. Dante has always shrugged off the notion of such a goal, and now he seemed just as driven as Asta and Yuno. The most shocking are his two foster brothers his age, with Asta having his Jaw wide open and Yuno with a small gasp which is big for him.
"You can't be serious! You too!". Nash's question gained him a head nod from Dante. He then returned his attention to Asta and Yuno who both seemed to be smiling at Dante. "Yeah, that's right, dipsticks! Your rivalry of two just became a rivalry of three! I may not know about being Wizard King, but I'll be darned if I don't become the strongest mage to ever live!".
Surprisingly, Yuno was the first to verbally respond by sticking his fist out. Asta was the second to respond by immediately putting his Next to Yuno's. Both then looked at Dante before Asta spoke up. "Then put your gold where your mouth is. Unless you're all talk". Dante could only chuckle before sticking his fist out to meet the other boys. Felt more connected with them than he ever had.
"Shame though". Yuno spoke still with a smug smile on his face. "Now two brothers will have their dreams crushed by me becoming wizard king". His comment was met with a laugh from Dante as he stared him down to show he was not backing down. "Don't look past me Wind boy, because that dream ain't happening while I'm a captain".
"HEY, ARE YOU TWO IGNORING ME! IT WAS BAD ENOUGH WHEN YUNO DID IT!". Asta's shout was met with two joint eye-rolls from his fellow brothers before the ash-haired boy pointed to himself. "I'm gonna get stronger than both of you! Then I'm gonna become the Wizard King! Just watch! In fact, I'm gonna go train Right Now!".
Just like that Asta dashed past everyone to leave the orphanage. "Wait for a minute dipstick! You're not gonna surpass me while I'm eating!". Dante's shout was met with a nod from Yuno as both left out the same door Asta did. Sister couldn't help but smile at the three boys. Despite the rivalry, they now were United under one goal.
"Come on, let's make these potatoes so you all can eat ''. The rest of the group raised an eyebrow before turning their attention to the now-open door. "What about Yuno, Asta, and Dante?". The question came from Clair, a blonde 4-year-old little girl. Sister Lilly just shook her head as she watched The three train. Asta ran around the house as Dante gave chase, while Yuno was off to the side using his wind magic.
"They're gonna be busy for a while".
One chapter down, and it feels so good. Little note, this is my first fanfiction so be gentle lol. But seriously I've always wanted to write a Black Clover fanfiction and it just kinda came to me. I'll release the second prologue by the end of today. For every other chapter, I'll shoot for one every Tuesday or Wednesday if something comes up. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it!