0713MM: Hey guys! I welcome you to the 51st chapter of The Silver Valkyrie! I do not own Black Clover, nor its characters, nor the OCs that are used in this chapter. The OCs and spells used in this chapter belong to guardian of the aura Aurasoul and Warmachine375. Chapter start!^^
Chapter 51
Zenon silently walked alone away from the castle before reaching a private grotto. At the end stood a tombstone of polished marble with the name Allen Fiarain engraved as he kneeled in front of the grave. The grave of his best friend. His only friend. The grave of the one he killed with his own hand. The one safe place he could come to with his mask down with none of his family there. He carefully brushed the snow off the tombstone taking a shuddering breath.
"H-Hey Allen." Zenon spoke to the tombstone. He knew an answer wouldn't come, but he figured he'd talk to it anyway. "I… I know I would be the last person you'd ever want standing at your grave; especially after what I did to you… But even still I…" Zenon clenched his hands tightly and hung his head.
"So many times I wish we could go back to when we were young and had joined the academy to enter the Defense Force striving to become mages that would protect our home together." He choked, then weakly laughed. "And every time, I would remember when we were introduced to our precious teacher." Tears fell from his eyes and hit the tombstone. "But now…..I… Those days… They're gone… And in the end, it's my fault…"
Flashback…
"Ciel I want to help these boys as well, but not scar them." A young Zenon and Allen stood nervously in front of the King and Queen of Spade who seemed to be in a somewhat disagreement. Ciel pouted slightly, while rubbing her swollen belly.
"What makes you think she's gonna scar these boys? She's a wonderful teacher to the other soldiers." Ciel replied.
"I know but still." Loyce tried to argue. "Don't you think they should wait to be trained by Ren until after they become mages of the Magic Defense Force?"
"Is this about that one time she scared half the platoon?" Ciel asked.
"Yes!" Loyce stated. "They wouldn't leave their rooms for a month! Imagine for these poor kids."
"Well I already contacted her and she'll be here soon." Ciel smiled.
"Darn it Ciel!" Loyce groaned loudly. The boys looked at one another almost nervously, but Ciel kneeled down in front of the 2.
"Don't you worry. This mage is a wonderful person and teacher. You'll learn many things from her." She assured them kindly.
"I-If you s-say so." A young Zenon timidly replied. Then the doors were suddenly slammed opened, making them jump.
"CIEL!" A woman's voice yelled. The boys looked to see a hooded figure wearing a very fluffy gold and white cloak came in though the 2 could tell the figure was a woman as she rubbed her arms going up to the queen of Spade.
"Just what in the world could be so important for you to trick me into coming here when this country of all countries is in Winter?!" She snapped with a hiss. "You know I can't deal with this cold."
"Ah you made it Ren." Ciel smiled happily, taking the woman's hands. "I need a favor."
"As always. Apparently." The woman, Ren, groaned. Allen and Zenon turned and looked up at Ren, awe on their faces. Ren took notice of the 2 looking at them.
"Does it have something to do with these kids?" She asked.
"Actually, yes." Ciel answered with a light smile on her lips "Allen, Zenon, meet Ren. She's the Elysia Elf Tribe Leader. As such, I called her here because I want her to be the one to train you 2 so you 2 can be ready to enter the Magic Defense Force of the Spade Kingdom." Ren removed her hood to allow her blue hair to tumble down her back as her bright green eyes looked at them both for a moment.
"...Ok what's the issue? You 2 don't have me teach the younger ones." She frowned. "Did something happen?"
"You can say that." Loyce sighed. "Outside of my wife's decision making-" He got whacked lightly by Ciel, which made him stop. Afterwards, Ciel turned her attention back to Ren.
"To be light with it, Zenon was… Let's just say picked on by the other kids because of his magic." Ciel began to explain.
"And by my own siblings, too…" Zenon murmured. Ren looked at Zenon, who was being comforted by Allen before looking at the King and Queen.
"Hold on, picked on for his magic? This kingdom is known for having unique magic types Mr Sun and Mrs Moon." Ren frowned. "What's the big deal with his magic?"
"It's Bone Magic." Ciel answered. At this Ren blinked by Ciel's answer.
"...Come again?" She asked.
"It…..It's true." Zenon spoke softly. "My family isn't exactly…treated well here….. With the exception of Lord Loyce and Lady Ciel. Plus Diamond Kingdom is constantly attacking Spade due to them being low on resources or whatnot." Ren looked at Zenon for a few moments. This made him nervous before he yelled to be picked up easily by the Elf Leader.
"Show me." She said.
"Wh-What?" Zenon stuttered.
"Your magic. Show me." Ren stated.
"U-Umm, a-alright." Zenon stuttered again. "B-Bone Magic: Un-Undead March!" At his command, albeit a bit stuttery, several bone-like creatures slowly rose up out of the floor and began to walk around the throne room, since they weren't given an order to do anything else.
"Whaaa?!" Ren gaped, carrying Zenon as she quickly moved to the bone-like creatures for a closer look. "Amazing…! I have never seen magic like this! Fay check this out!" A ball of light popped out from Ren's Grimoire to reveal Fay who gaped at the bone creatures.
"What the what?!" He gaped.
"I know right?! It's so amazing!" Ren gasped.
"You…..You really mean that?" Zenon timidly asked Ren.
"Of course!" Ren grinned, lifting Zenon high in the air, making him yelp. "Your magic has such potential and many different ways to evolve! No doubt you can make it strong too!"
"Thank you! I always tell him that!" Allen yelled with a grin.
"I… Thank you…" Zenon replied softly, looking up at Ren, then back at Allen. "Both of you. It…It means a lot to me." Ren looked surprised before she cooed and hugged Zenon tightly.
"Aww he's so cute and precious!" Ren cheered.
"Wh-What…?!" Zenon gaped.
"And it begins." Fay sweatdropped.
"So you want me to train these boys, right?" Ren asked, walking to place her hand on Allen's shoulder.
"Yes, that's right Ren." Ciel nodded, a light smile on her face.
"And I take it you haven't been getting along with the other kids because you were defending your friend Zenon here, right?" Ren asked Allen.
"Yup." Allen nodded.
"Well in that case, I'll train you both." Ren nodded. "But I'm quite strict; warning you both now."
"That's fine." Allen grinned. "I just know that me and Zenon will work hard regardless! Right Zenon?"
"H-Huh? O-Oh! R-Right!" Zenon replied, albeit stuttery.
"Then it's decided!" Ren grinned. "As Ciel said before, I am Ren Ombra. I am an elf-human hybrid and leader of the Elysia Elf Tribe. And this is my partner Fay! Pleasure to meet you both!"
"Hope you boys are ready cause Ren terrified even grown men with her training." Fay grinned.
"Oh, I'm ready!" Allen grinned.
"I…. I'm ready, too." Zenon spoke softly.
"Now that's what I like to hear. I'll train you both to be proud members of the Mage Defense Force and guardians to your kingdom." Ren smiled, squeezing Zenon. "And give you a confidence boost."
"U-Umm… H-How come you're holding me?" Zenon asked Ren.
"Hmm? Well it looked like you needed a hug." Ren remarked.
"He does!" Allen agreed.
"And that's what he'll get!" Ren grinned. Zenon's face turned dark red out of embarrassment.
"O-Oh okay." Zenon murmured. Ren smiled, setting Zenon down and patted both of their heads.
"Well then come along boys, we got a lot of work to do." She grinned. Allen smiled excitedly while Zenon, albeit nervous, smiled back as they quickly followed Ren who looked over her shoulder at Loyce and Ciel.
"Don't worry. I'll keep a close eye on them both." She assured them.
"Thank you Ren dear." Ciel smiled. Ren grinned, ruffling the boys' hair before leading them out the throne room, a grinning Fay on her shoulder as they left.
"Once I look over your magic, we'll do some drills and exercises to test the strengths and abilities of your magic and then we'll train for fighting styles that'll suit your magic." Ren listed.
"A-Alright." Zenon remarked.
"You got it, Teach!" Allen grinned.
"Teach?" Ren asked.
"Well yeah." Allen remarked. "You are teaching me and Zenon, yes? So I thought it'd make sense to call you that."
"Huh, well alright then; if that's what you wanna do." Ren replied.
"It is." Allen remarked, turning to look at Zenon. "What about you?"
"H-Huh?" Zenon snapped out of it. "Oh, umm… I'll just call Ren whatever she wishes to be called…"
"Ah, I don't mind. You can call me whatever you want. I'm not one for formalities as you clearly saw with me and your King and Queen." Ren snickered.
"True." Zenon agreed.
"How long have you known the King and Queen?" Allen asked curiously.
"Heh. I've known them for years since they were teens." Ren smiled. "I met Ciel first, who later introduced me to Loyce and I've been friends with them since. Sometimes they'd ask me to train their soldiers if I ever have the time. Though apparently I ended up scarring them." Zenon began to twiddle his fingers, his nervousness rising.
"I'd rather not get scarred…" Zenon murmured. "At least moreso than I already am…"
"Ah don't you worry Zeny. I'll be careful with you guys." Ren assured with a smile. Upon hearing Ren call Zenon "Zeny", Allen couldn't help but laugh, while Zenon's face became red with embarrassment again.
"Pfft! Zeny?" Allen snickered.
"Hmm? Is that not ok?" Ren asked.
"H-Huh?" Zenon stammered. "Y-Yes, that's fine."
"Great." Ren smiled. Once they were outside Ren turned and kneeled to properly face the 2 with a serious look.
"Now listen up, both of you. I want to make a few things clear before I begin training you." She told them. "Understand here and now that I disapprove of all types of discrimination, insults, and mockery. I despise such things with my very being. For I do not care about a person's background, history, or magic. Only the very being they are. I will teach you both equally and fairly so you both can become proud soldiers of this kingdom. Not just for Loyce and Ciel, but for you 2 as well. I'll come off as strict and maybe even a bit harsh. But that is only because I see great things for the both of you and know you can do great things with your abilities. But you must first have the will and drive in order to succeed and to never give up. If you can do that then we'll be able to go far. Am I clear?"
"Yes!/Y-Yes." Both Allen and Zenon said. Ren smiled, patting their heads before she stood up.
"Alright let's get to work." She smiled.
Flashback end…
Zenon choked up in small sobs, leaning on the tombstone.
"I-I missed you both so much…" Zenon cried softly. "I'm sorry Allen… I'm sorry Ren…"
Eva easily blocked Vanica's and Dante's attacks with her sword before knocking them both away for them to gasp and fall on a pile, Vanica landing on top of Dante.
"Ugh…! Get off of me!" Dante groaned.
"Stop whining like a little shit!" Vanica snapped. "Besides, you can just use your Body Magic to escape being pinned down! Ugh! Such an idiot!"
"Me?!" Dante retorted.
"Yes you!" Vanica snarked. As the 2 bickered, Eva watched them with a deadpanned expression before pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I'm surrounded by idiots…" Eva muttered in exasperation. "Makes me wish that Allen was alive right now…"
"You can't mean that idiot Zenon was friends with." Vanica huffed childishly.
"That's exactly who I mean." Eva remarked. "Unlike you 2, Allen and Zenon actually have competent brains to speak of."
"Wha?!/I resent that!" Vanica and Dante yelled.
"I know." Eva hummed. "So get your acts together and act like the adults that you are supposed to be! Am I clear?!" Dante and Vanica looked up at each other, then back at their Mother and nodded. "Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go check up on something. You 2 have fun sparring with each other for a bit."
"But Dante's boring to spar!" Vanica groaned.
"Does it look like I care?" Eva deadpanned. Vanica only groaned while Dante scowled at Vanica. "Get to sparring. I'll be back in a bit. Maybe I can even get Zenon to spar with us later." Before Vanic and Dante could say more, Eva left them alone.
Once Eva returned to the inside of the Spade Kingdom Castle, she went to the throne room, where the black armored figure awaited her. Once she sat on the throne, she turned it around and waved her hand.
"Now, time to "illegally" spy on Ren Ombra." Eva grinned. "Thanks to me enhancing the magic stone, I can now see where she is and what's going on. So please! Be a Dark Elf!" Upon the magic orb coming to life and showing what Ren's doing in Elysia, Eva, much to anger and frustration, Ren's not a Dark Elf. "Oh come on!" She pounded the armrests of the throne. "That magic stone should have made her a Dark Elf already!" The black armored figure said nothing as it watched its Master having a fit.
"This is outrageous! It's unfair!" Eva continued to complain. "All that hard work…gone to waste!"
Ren walked out of Asta and Noelle's hut after checking on them and their children for Gradielle.
They're thankfully doing well. And Noelle is staying in bed. Ren thought as she walked. Which is good. Though I'm still reeling from what Yuno said… Ren groaned, rubbing her flushed face. She knew that Yuno loved her and she loved him. But she never guessed he would go so far for her.
He truly is a star… She thought with a small smile. As she walked though, she overheard some of the tribe's women talking with Yuno not too far from where she was. She blinked, looking to see them as the women smiled at Yuno, actually making her twitch. The women laughed while Yuno chatted with them.
Why am I getting annoyed? It's good that Yuno is getting along with the tribe. She thought with a frown.
"You truly are amazing, Yuno-san." One of the women laughed. "It's no wonder you're a Magic Knight."
"Indeed. You must be quite popular in your kingdom." Another agreed.
"Heh. I may be a Magic Knight, but I wouldn't call myself popular." Yuno chuckled.
"Eh? A handsome and dashing man like yourself? I can't believe it~." One of the women teased, making Ren twitch more.
"Handsome and dashing?" Yuno repeated. "I think you're talking about Asta. I'm just me. Nothing special."
"You're being too modest, Yuno-san." One of the women smiled. "I'm sure you have many admirers back in the Clover Kingdom."
Ugh…. She isn't wrong, given how Yuno is…! Ren thought with a scowl.
"Does my family back in Hage Village count as admirers?" Yuno questioned, not seeing what they were trying to do. The women giggled while Ren twitched in agitation.
"My you are just too sweet, Yuno-san." One of them cooed.
"What?" Yuno questioned. "I'm mostly told that I'm cold and distant. As well as just a neutral standpoint on things overall. Mainly because I wanted to achieve my goal of becoming Clover Kingdom's Wizard King before Asta. But now… I can't exactly do that."
"But you would make such a great King~." One of them cooed. Yuno just stared at the elf women in front of him, unsure on how to react.
Just how does he not see what's happening here?! Ren thought in annoyance.
"I would?" Yuno questioned. Moreso to himself than to the elf women surrounding him.
"Oh yes. Especially with how regal you look." Another of the women smiled. Ren was twitching now, rubbing her temple. Yuno blinked, confused.
"Uhhh…how does my appearance have to do with being a ruler?" Yuno questioned with uncertainty in his voice.
"Well if we have to be honest~." One of them began.
"AHEM!" They all quickly looked up to see Ren giving a smile to hide her great annoyance.
"I'm sorry my dears, but I must take my star for some time." She replied 'calmly'.
"Of course!~" One of the elf women told Ren, nervousness within her voice.
"Thank you very much." Ren thanked, taking Yuno's hand. Yuno was blinking in surprise as Ren led him away, pulling on his hand as she did.
"Uhh…Ren?" Yuno began. "What's wrong?" But Ren didn't answer, only dragging him into her hut, nearly slamming the door shut before taking him upstairs and pushing him on her bed, making him yelp.
"R-Ren…!" Yuno gaped.
"You hypocrite…!" She growled, pinning him on her bed.
"Wh…..What….?" Yuno spoke softly.
"You call me oblivious? When you don't even realize the situation with those women?" She demanded with a hiss.
"Well…you are oblivious…" Yuno murmured.
"And you're not?! When you didn't notice those women obviously flirting with you?!" She hissed.
"That's what they were doing?" Yuno questioned. "And here I thought they wanted to simply stir up chatter with me to actually get to know me." She couldn't help the loud groan, feeling her ears twitching with annoyance. Not only at Yuno's obvious obliviousness to the situation, but also because of his denseness!
"Yuno. They. Were. Flirting. With. You. And it's no surprise. You keep saying praise after praise about Asta. But have you looked at yourself in the mirror?!" She demanded. "You're too handsome for your own damn good! That you never notice so many women swoon after you! You call me pretty? Look at yourself first. Because I can tell you right now, it's not just me!"
"Ren I…" Yuno began. "I'm sorry…" Ren looked down at Yuno before she sighed heavily, feeling her nerves give out.
"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled like that." She sighed.
"You had every right to yell at me." Yuno retorted.
"No, it was immature of me. Especially for someone my age." She frowned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I just got so annoyed with them that I couldn't help but explode."
"It's understandable that you did." Yuno replied. "And I don't blame you for doing so."
"Honestly, you really are mature for your age." She remarked with a small smile. "It's no wonder women fawn over you."
"Do you fawn over me?~" Yuno asked her. She flinched, already feeling a blush forming as she turned away with a pout.
"So what if I do? We're courting, so I should have the right." She replied.
"Okay, good.~" Yuno grinned. He then pulled her arm, making her yelp and fall on his chest as he happily held her. "Because no matter what, you're mine and I'm yours.~" She blushed yet smiled shyly, snuggling against his chest. "Though I'm surprised even you can get jealous." He added. She flinched with another pout, looking anywhere but him.
"Of course I can get jealous. I just never had a reason to feel that way until I met you." She admitted, embarrassed.
"Mm…" Yuno hummed before something came to him. "Ah. How are Asta, Noelle, and their kids doing? I would have gone to see them myself, but I was training, and then I ended up in that mess earlier. So yeah."
"Perfectly fine and resting; as they should. While the triplets are very healthy." She remarked.
"I'm happy to hear it." Yuno hummed. "Not just for Asta and Noelle getting the rest they absolutely need, but also the fact that the triplets are healthy." He paused, then added. "Though if they weren't healthy, they'd have to be in the infirmary."
"Thankfully they're doing well. Though of course Gradielle still wants them to stay the first few months just to be safe." Ren hummed, purring softly to feel Yuno stroke her hair.
"Makes sense to me." Yuno spoke, continuing to stroke Ren's hair lightly. "Though that doesn't mean we all have to stay during those months.~" Ren hummed softly, enjoying Yuno's touch before moving up to kiss his neck. Yuno's mouth made an O shape, but he said nothing as he continued to stroke Ren's hair.
"My star… My precious star…~" She cooed softly as she kissed his neck.
"My angel…~" Yuno smiled lightly. Ren reached up to kiss up his neck and jaw kissing his devil mark and looked at him. Amber meeting green.
"I love you Yuno, my precious star." She smiled softly.
"And I love you Ren, my precious angel." Yuno added. She smiled and laid on his chest.
"But there is one thing I have to agree with those girls." She replied. "You give yourself too little credit. You're an extraordinary mage in your own right. And whether it be as a Wizard King or even a King to a kingdom, the citizens would be grateful to have you as their beacon of hope." He was silent, which worried her before she felt his arms tighten around her, making her gasp softly.
"Thanks Ren." Yuno remarked. "I needed to hear that."
"Anything for you my star." She smiled.
"Mmm…~" Yuno hummed softly. "Gonna keep me here?~"
"Mm… I shouldn't keep you cooped up. But at the same time." She hummed, giving a small smirk. "I just want to make sure everyone remembers that you're mine~."
"Oh?" Yuno wondered aloud. "And how will you do that?"
"Well, either get you your own necklace like you gave me yours, or give you a love bite on your neck where you can't hide it." She replied. "Though I think the love bite might be a bit much~"
"Oh no, please do it.~" Yuno grinned semi-seductively. "Far easier to do compared to some necklace I could just buy. Plus, love bites don't cost anything. So what say you, Ren? Will you give me a love bite?~" Ren chirped with chills lightly hitting Yuno's chest. Though he shivered, he couldn't help but laugh lightly.
"God, you are a temptation in human skin Yuno…!" She crooned.
"I know.~" Yuno snickered. Ren then strokes Yuno's neck, making him shudder.
"So then you really wouldn't mind me giving you a love bite?" She asked in a low purr.
"I would not, no." Yuno replied. "So go ahead and do it. Give me a love bite.~"
"Want one that bad~?" She asked with a purr and smirk.
"I do, yes.~" Yuno grinned. "So come on. Give me it. Please Ren.~"
"Hard to say no when you ask me in such a lovely voice." Ren purred, nuzzling his neck.
"Mmm… Good.~" Yuno smiled lightly. He then shuddered to feel Ren's lips on his neck. Giving a light kiss with a purr, her hands grasping his. Before he could get any more impatient, he finally felt the graze of her teeth on his neck. He shuddered lightly, but said nothing in response to it. Well, not a worded response, more like an excited moan.
"Unnn…" Was Yuno's response. That spurned Ren on as she properly bit Yuno's neck before moving back admiring the mark she left with an excited shudder.
"You did it…?~" Yuno asked Ren.
"Yes. And fighting every instinct not to jump you this second~" Ren purred with a smirk.
"Aww c'mon Ren.~" Yuno replied. "You can do that to me if you want.~"
"Don't. Tempt. Me. Yuno." Ren purred. "You don't know what you're asking."
"Oh, I think I do.~" Yuno grinned.
"Yuno my instincts are just begging me to do unspeakable things to you on this bed and I think you know what they are." Ren stated, nearly amused.
"Oh I know.~" Yuno tried again, still grinning. The two looked at one another and laughed as Yuno hugged Ren closely.
"But… Do you honestly think you're ready for that next step?" Ren asked, looking up at Yuno. "Don't get me wrong, I do want to as well. But I know it's a pretty big step for most in a relationship." Yuno then went into deep thought, taking in what Ren just said and asked him. In truth, he wanted the next step for his and Ren's relationship. Though instead of saying that, he says this (Remembering what Queen Acier had told him whenever he gets into a relationship.):
"To be honest, I'd like to go for the next step in our relationship." Yuno admitted. "But only if you want to. If you'd rather not go into the next step now, then we can wait." Ren looked at Yuno before smiling, sitting up and pulled Yuno up with her so she was properly sitting on his lap.
"Ok, let's make a few things clear in regards to our courtship: I love you and you love me and marriage, we can both agree, is something we want in our future. Yes?" She asked.
"Yes, that's correct." Yuno nodded.
"And while this is self explanatory, we can both agree that we don't wish for anyone else but each other, right?" She asked.
"Of course." Yuno agreed. She smiled, reaching up to cup his cheeks and laid her forehead on his.
"I know it hasn't been that long since we started our courtship. Heck, most would think we might be rushing or going too fast. But you and I, in my opinion anyway, we just seem to fit together so easily that it feels right. That we're meant to be, and I don't want to give that up no matter what. I don't want to give you up. For you're my northern star who leads me in the right direction." She smiled softly. "I was meant to find you and be with you." Yuno looked at Ren awed, holding her tightly; thus making her blink stroking her cheeks and up to her ears.
"My guardian angel who led me to light." He breathed. "And my one and only. Like Noelle is to Asta, you are to me. You saved me from my darkness and led me back to the people who care about me. Thank you for finding me." Ren smiled lovingly, releasing Yuno to properly remove her cardigan.
"Yuno Grinberryall. If you'll truly have me, then I'll give myself to you. Body, heart and soul." She smiled.
"Heh heh. I should be the one saying that to you, Ren." Yuno laughed lightly. "But yes, I truly want you, Ren Ombra." Yuno cupped Ren's cheek, kissing her deeply, making her purr as he laid her down on the bed, moving back slightly before she softly gasped in remembrance.
"Ah please be patient with me." She spoke, embarrassed. "Truth be told, I've never really done this before so…"
"I haven't either." Yuno admitted. She looked surprised, while he smiled and kissed her forehead. "So it's a new experience for us both." She smiled brightly at Yuno with a nod.
"Yes!" She purred. "Now come here my star~" Yuno just smiled as he did what Ren told him to do.
"Alright, I'm here~" He chuckled. Ren smiled happily as Yuno smiled back before kissing her deeply once more, with no intention of letting go.
Koji was wrapping up training with the Diamond soldiers before sending them off to their huts.
"Well at least they're getting better so I can't complain now." He remarked. "Now to see if-?" Koji blinked, catching a scent as he sniffed.
Wait, this scent is familiar; and it's coming from Ren's hut. Last I recall, she went in there with-!
"Ooooh." Koji blinked.
"Something wrong?" Secre asked, walking up to Koji. The wolf elf blinked, looking at his beloved before giving a light smile.
"Nah, it's nothing. Just realizing I got a lot of more work ahead of me." He replied.
"Hmm…True." Secre hummed. He smiled and graciously put his hand out to her.
"Help me along the way my dear?" He asked.
"Sure." Secre replied, taking his hand. Koji smiled, holding Secre's hand as they walked.
You have a bright future for yourself Ren. Time to move forward for yourself now. And don't worry, I promise to protect this place. He thought with a smile. Then he felt a familiar mana surge and looked to see Queen Acier.
"Hmm? And what is Her Majesty up to?" He hummed curiously.
"I'm not sure." Secre hummed. "Want to check it out?"
"Let's." Koji agreed with a nod. As the 2 got closer, they could see the Clover Kingdom Queen training. But unlike last month where she had trained with Evanora, she instead is training by herself.
"Doing solo training, huh?" Koji remarked.
"It appears that way." Secre noted as she watched Queen Acier cast another Steel Magic Spell, cutting through some trees like they were paper. Secre and Koji continued to watch the Clover Kingdom Queen train from a short distance away, but not close enough for Queen Acier to pick up on their presence right away.
"Hmm… I can understand reasoning since to accumulate mana, create new spells, and expand imagination of magic, sometimes solo training is required." Koji hummed.
"True." Secre admitted before she frowned. "But don't you think that she's…oh what's the word? Pushing herself too hard?" She shrugged. "Then again, I suppose it's not entirely my business."
"Same can be said for a grand majority of us." Koji frowned. "Eva Zogratis and her shitty kids aren't to be taken lightly. We have to go far beyond in order to defeat them. Especially to stop their plan."
"That is true." Secre agreed.
"I'll have someone check up on her every so often though just so she doesn't overwork herself. I don't want Clover Mages coming for my rear for their Queen getting exhausted." Koji replied.
"Ha, right." Secre agreed. "I don't think anyone here needs that."
"Thanks. For now let's let her be." Koji smiled.
"Right." Secre nodded in agreement.
"Ok, ok. When he turns 15, then we can reopen this discussion. But only if he wishes it."
"Of course Ren~."
Ren winced slowly, opening her eyes and looked out her window to see the moon already up as she sat up from her bed.
"Who's voice was that?" She frowned, rubbing her head. About to move, she felt an arm around her waist, making her blink and look down to see a sleeping Yuno; making her flush pink but smile.
That's right, we actually did it. She thought, bringing the blanket up her chest, feeling the stone against her chest. Being with him like this…
"Mm…~" Yuno hummed, but didn't wake up. She watched him with a soft smile, gently reaching to stroke his cheek.
In the end, I suppose my future was already decided. She thought with an amused smile. As if knowing what Ren was about to do, Yuno moved his head closer to Ren so she could stroke his cheek a bit better. Despite his subconscious movement, he remains asleep during said movement.
"Heh, how adorable." She smiled softly.
"Mmm…~" Yuno hummed in his sleep again, a smile on his face while he slept.
"Here I'm thinking he's awake." She chuckled lowly, stroking his hair. Then she heard a groan and looked to see Yuno open his eyes, looking up at her.
"Unnn… Hmm?" Yuno looked around before looking at Ren. "Ren?"
"Sorry dearest, didn't mean to wake you." She apologized softly. Yuno only shook his head.
"No no, it's fine." He replied. She chuckled softly.
"You should go back to sleep then, it's still late." She smiled.
"You first." Yuno countered. She blinked before she chuckled while he smiled up at her.
"Ok ok, fair enough." She replied. She laid back down, snuggling close to Yuno and kissed his chest with a hum.
"By the way… I accept." She replied softly.
"Hmm?" Yuno hummed softly, now half asleep.
"I accept on being your Queen. In Spade, I mean." She said, giving a shy smile. "If that's ok." Yuno's lips formed a light smile.
"Yes… That's wonderful to hear…~" Yuno hummed softly.
"I'm sure Ralph will be happy to hear it." Ren giggled.
"I'm sure that he will." Yuno agreed before he frowned. "But we must make it through this upcoming mess first."
"We'll clean it right up and help the citizens recover and rebuild." She whispered, flushing pink. "And then… We could have our wedding…"
"Yes…~" Yuno agreed. He held her tightly, making her gasp softly while he kissed her forehead. "Mm…~" After he hummed for a bit, he kissed Ren's forehead again, then he moved down and began to kiss her neck soon thereafter, finishing up on kissing her forehead. Not long after that, he then lowered his head back down to his pillow, a bright smile on his face as a result of such things.
"That happy I said yes?" She asked sweetly.
"I am, yes.~" Yuno answered.
"Heh. I love you my star~." She smiled happily.
"And I love you too, my angel.~" Yuno smiled. "Okay, now we should head back to sleep."
"Heh right, right." She giggled. "Goodnight Yuno."
"Goodnight Ren." Yuno replied before he closed his eyes again; thus falling asleep.
The next morning…
"How in the heck does a baby sneak out of a crib?!"
"Well when the mama is a Silva and the papa is an Asta."
"HEY!" Ren groaned by the commotion hoping to ignore it before hearing taps at her door, making her grunt and sigh sitting up and got out of bed, rubbing her eyes as she reached her door.
"Ok, ok I'm coming." She yawned half asleep, opening the door. "What's-?" Ren blinked, looking down to see a baby carbon copy of Noelle cooing up at her. She couldn't help but sweatdrop and pick up the baby.
"Hello little Aci." She hummed, cradling the baby. "What are you doing here hmm?" Since Aci is still a baby, and thus can't speak or understand English, she just cooed at Ren again, waving her tiny hands excitedly. That is until one of her tiny hands felt/found Ren's elf ears. Curious by the touch, the baby latched her tiny hand onto it.
"Oh geez here we go again." Ren muttered. Aci just babbled in what appeared to be excitement.
"Not too hard, little one." Ren spoke gently.
"What's the commotion outside?" Ren hears Noelle say as she and Asta come outside.
"You alright Ren?" Asta asked her before looking at his daughter in Ren's arms. "Aci, how'd you get outside?!"
"That little punk!" Koji yelled. "Freaking us all out like the heck?!" Aci just laughed while holding onto Ren's ear, albeit being a little lighter compared to earlier.
"I guess she really wanted to come out and explore." Noelle noted before frowning. "But, she's a baby. So I have no clue how she got out of the hut."
"She'd be giving Gradielle a heart attack." Koji sweatdropped.
"Sounds about right." Noelle remarked before outstretching her arms. "Come here Aci sweetie." Aci looked at Ren, then at her Mother. She gives Ren's ear 1 last squeeze before leaping out of Ren's arms and into her Mother's. After being caught by her Mother, Aci made more babbling sounds.
"Ok, how does she do that? She was only recently born, yet can move like a 2 year old!" Fay yelled. Aci just laughed in Noelle's arms at Fay's words.
"I am not sure Fay." Noelle admitted. "Though it's clear where she gets her energy from." She glanced over at Asta when saying such.
"I feel called out." Asta sweatdropped.
"You should." Everyone said.
"Oi!" Asta groaned loudly, while his daughter in Noelle's arms just babbled again. Ren only smirked in amusement before feeling arms around her waist from behind and a chin on her shoulder.
"Hi Ren.~" Yuno grinned.
"Good morning to you too Yuno." Ren smiled, stroking his cheek.
"Can I take you now?" Yuno asked Ren.
"A little early, don't you think?" Ren teased with a giggle.
"I dunno. Is it?~" Yuno grinned. Ren laughed while the others blinked watching them.
"Uh… Does Yuno seem a bit brighter to anyone or is it just me?" Fay asked.
"He does, yes." Noelle hummed.
"They clearly did it." Koji deadpanned, making Noelle choke and Asta gap. "But there's something more."
"What do you mean?" Asta asked Koji after he recomposed himself.
"Say chief, did something happen last night?" Koji asked. Ren looked up before giving a warm smile.
"Actually yes." She nodded. "I've decided that once this is all over, I'll be going to Spade with Yuno."
"That's wonderful Ren!" Noelle smiled.
"So you really made a decision." Fay grinned.
"It appears so." Bell flew up next to Yuno, also grinning.
"When that time comes, Koji, I'll be leaving the tribe in your hands." Ren smiled gently.
"Heh, yeah I hear you. So long as you're happy and sure then I don't mind one bit." Koji smirked.
"Pfft!" Bell snickered, while Asta and Noelle laughed lightly, followed by Aci babbling again.
"Well at any rate, I'm going to get Aci back to bed." Noelle remarked.
"And you stay in bed." Koji stated to Aci. Aci just babbled again. Noelle sighed lightly.
"I'll try to make sure she stays in bed." She told Koji before turning her attention to Asta. "How are Cordelia and James? Sleeping?"
"They are." Asta answered. "They might be awake now since Aci decided to get out of her crib. Somehow."
"I think one of you should keep an eye on there cribs at all times." Bell pointed out. "I mean, it's like the 1 second you look away, poof! One of them gets out of the crib!"
"I know." Noelle sighed. "Anyway, come on Asta."
"One of them? I'm pretty sure it's just that one." Fay stated, motioning at Aci. "We know who she takes after."
"Is that meant to be a trick statement?" Ren deadpanned.
"Hey!" Noelle and Asta yelled.
"Preach." Koji smirked. Yuno couldn't help but laugh, while Asta and Noelle just pouted, Asta crossing his arms as a result.
"Pfft!" Bell snickered.
"Hey all you want, but you both know you 2 are the worst when it comes to staying in bedrest, sickbay, med-bay, mandatory rest, and I can keep going with this list." Ren stated.
"Oh, like you can talk." Noelle remarked.
"Oh sweetie I can." Ren smirked, jerking her thumb at Yuno. "He helps with that."
"Bwahahaha!" Koji howled in laughter.
"Does he?" Bell wondered aloud. "I haven't seen him stop you from working long hours once."
"That's because I lock you in my grimoire during that time." Yuno retorted.
"Yeah it's true Bell." Fay nodded.
"I highly doubt it." Bell deadpanned.
"Remember that one time when me and Yuno came back from that park date and I was actually planning to return to the Silva House to do some paperwork?" Ren asked. "Yuno locked you in the grimoire before the date."
"And that just proves my point." Bell retorted. "If I didn't see it, how can I be certain that what you say is true?"
"Cause Fay is a witness and I don't need to lock him in the grimoire." Ren stated.
"Not like I wanna watch your foreplay." Fay shrugged.
"Haha!" Koji laughed.
"Oi!" Bell groaned as she watched Asta and Noelle go back inside the guest hut they were using. "Then again, can you really blame Asta and Noelle for wanting to do stuff on their own without much help?"
"We can." Yuno answered his spirit companion's question. "But we just choose not to because it'd be unfair to them."
"Until they're passing out. Then I just sick Gradielle at them." Ren stated.
"Right." Bell nodded. "Well at any rate, you and Yuno have fun now. I'm going to go-"
"Don't even think about going to Dryad's tree." Yuno interjected. "Do so and I'll lock you in the grimoire for a month."
"And when you get out, I'll give you your personal hell." Fay added.
"And I'll let him too." Ren stated. The Wind Spirit looked between her Master, Fay, and his Master. After about a minute, she gave all 3 the middle finger.
"Oh, so it's okay for Ren and Fay to see Carbuncle." Bell began. "But the moment I even think of the idea, everyone treats me like the bad guy. Ugh! I'm going back into the grimoire to cool off before I do or say something I'll regret later." And with that, she went back into Yuno's grimoire. Yuno looked down at it, then back up at Fay, Ren and Koji.
"...Drama queen much?" Yuno muttered.
"Don't you guys think you were a bit harsh on her?" Koji asked, mildly curious.
"Look, Bell is one of my oldest friends. But her problem is that she doesn't have a filter to save her life, way worse than even Mimosa. She doesn't know the thin line between stating facts and being cruel. And we cannot afford that with her and Carbuncle." Fay groaned, rubbing his temple. "Carbuncle said it herself: One bad comment from Bell and we can forget getting help from her. And with the circumstances we're in now, we cannot afford that. And Bell of all people should know the reason and know better given what she said to Carbuncle all those years ago. Of course Carbuncle wouldn't like her even after all these years."
"Wait, what happened? What did Bell say back then?" Yuno asked, and he became curious. Fay sighed heavily, rubbing his temple more.
"It was just after we defeated the Devils in the first Angel-Devil War, and Carbuncle had just lost her master and going through the shock and grief." Fay said with a frown. "We managed to find her and she told us what happened. We tried to console her but Bell… Well, she was a tad insensitive and said some things she really shouldn't have. Naturally Carbuncle didn't take it that well. Really Bell's own fault for saying it when Carbuncle was in that state. And Carbuncle completely lashed out and left. None of us had seen her since. We could feel her mana, but she made it a point that she didn't want to see any of us through her magic. So we stayed away and let her grieve in peace."
"So that's why Bell has a scar over the left side of her face." Yuno snapped his fingers.
"Yeah. We spirits can heal ourselves from ordinary attacks with natural mana or our masters' mana. But when another spirit damages us, that isn't something that can be healed so easily." Fay frowned. Yuno took in the information Fay said and nodded in understanding. He wanted to say something, but Ren beat him to it.
"Is that why you Spirits don't fight each other if given the option?" Ren asked her Spirit.
"It's a given rule. We wouldn't want to attack to the point of killing each other. It'll disrupt the natural balance." Fay sighed. "That's why we try to forgo arguments if we can. But well, you can see it's not that easy."
"Yeah…" Yuno spoke softly.
"Look like I said, Bell is one of my oldest friends. I would trust her with both my life and my master's life if the situation calls for it. But the problem is she doesn't know when to draw a line. It's why I always had to play peacemaker in arguments." Fay frowned.
"That must be, ah, difficult." Yuno remarked with a frown.
"When knowing Spirits like Bell and Undine, I wouldn't be surprised." Koji remarked.
"Don't get me started." Fay groaned. "Look, I'll try to coax Carbuncle and then talk to Bell to try to be civil between each other. I'm no miracle worker, but I'll try."
"Much appreciated. Cause like you said, we cannot afford any let ups." Ren nodded.
"Well good, because you can start with that right now." They all quickly looked to see a pouting Carbuncle, her tail wrapped around her paws.
"Aw Carbuncle, please don't pout." Fay groaned.
"Too late." Carbuncle pouted even more. "Come on now Fay." Fay sighed flying to follow Carbuncle away as the other 3 watched them.
"He's got his hands full." Koji remarked
"Indeed." Ren hummed.
"Will he be okay?" Yuno asked.
"Don't worry about Fay. He may not look it, but he's a firm and kind individual. Helping disputes like this is what he's good at." Ren assured Yuno.
"Well, I'll believe you." Yuno nodded before he couldn't help but lightly frown again. "Though let's say that he is able to help this dispute successfully. Wouldn't Carbuncle still need a Master? Or does she plan to be alongside us during the upcoming battles without a Master? That may sound strange, but I can't help but wonder about that."
"Technically speaking, Spirits can fight without a master, they just help enhance them. Though it would be more effective to fight with a Master." Ren stated. "But I think it's gonna take a lot of convincing to let Carbuncle form a contract."
"That I can't disagree with." Yuno agreed with a light frown.
"We can only hope for the best." Koji shrugged. "For now, best to leave it up to Fay."
"Right." Yuno nodded. "Say, want to spar for a bit Ren?"
"In the sheets?" Koji smirked.
"Koji!" Ren hissed. Koji only laughed and walked off while Ren scowled at her friend before feeling Yuno nuzzle her.
"Spar with our magic.~" Yuno clarified. Ren smiled, stroking his cheek.
"Let me change and we can get started.~" She replied with a coo.
"Great.~" Yuno grinned.
"Alright, we can have the conversation here." Carbuncle led Fay to Dryad's tree.
"Works for me." Fay replied. After Carbuncle sat down in her bed under Dryad's tree, she looked up at Fay.
"I overheard bits and pieces about what you guys were talking about." Carbuncle began. "Mind summarizing it a bit so I can understand what happened before I move onto the next step?"
"Just on you and Bell being civil enough for this whole mess." Fay replied.
"I see…" Carbuncle mused. "So that's what they want…"
"Carbuncle, I know you and Bell don't see eye to eye, but the Zogratis are a bigger issue here. If they succeed in their plan, it's pretty much the end of the world." Fay frowned.
"I know." Carbuncle replied before laying down on her bed. "I just… Ugh… I don't want to pretend to like or be civil with Sylph. Because that's what would happen if I do this. I'd just be…wearing another mask…"
"No one is expecting you to outright like her Carbuncle. But we can't let the arguments stop us from stopping the bigger threat at hand. Especially when Devils like Lucifero are involved in this." Fay pointed out.
"I know." Carbuncle remarked. "But I also…" She put a paw to her forehead. "I…..I want to be able to move on from what happened… But I….I can't…. And as a result, I…ugh…!" She rolled over and buried her head into her synthetic pillow. "Perhaps returning was a mistake on my part."
"It was bound to happen regardless given the status. Especially if the Zogratis knew about you, they would've hunted you down without hesitation." Fay frowned.
"I know." Carbuncle couldn't help but agree. "Though in the end, would me even coming out again make any sort of difference in the grand scheme of things?"
"Better to have come out than not come out at all in the long run." Fay shrugged. "Any number of power, no matter how small, can be an asset." Carbuncle rolled her head back over so that she was facing Fay.
"Are you saying that because I'm short?" She asked him.
"You do realize I'm tiny compared to you, right?" He deadpanned.
"Then why did you say what you said?" Carbuncle asked, with some light chuckling in her voice.
"You're missing the point." Fay sighed. "Bunny." Carbuncle squeaked, grabbing Fay as he yelped.
"And you're staying here for the night. Again." Carbuncle told him as she used her tail to cuddle up with him. "But alas, mind telling me what your point is?"
"That you will be a good help to us. You just give yourself too little credit." He stated, popping his head out from her tail. "But we can't have you and Bell be distracted amongst yourselves in your arguing. The task at hand comes first."
"And pray tell dear Fay, how do you suggest that I help?" Carbuncle asked the Light Magic Spirit curiously.
"No one will force you to make a contract. But you can give our Steel Mages some pointers on their magic for one thing, like Queen Acier for example." Fay replied. Carbuncle fell silent for a moment, as if pondering something or in deep thought. After about a minute, she replied.
"Yeah, I can do that." She answered, lightly laughing. "I didn't remember it when I saw her, Queen Acier I mean, the first time, but now that you said her name again, it made me remember something that I did for her without her ever realizing it." She paused, then added. "And in a way, I don't regret doing it."
"Huh? Wait, you met her before?" Fay blinked.
"Not directly, no." Carbuncle answered. "But what I'm about to tell you should stay between us for now. I….I'll tell Queen Acier when I'm ready." She paused again, then continued. "Do you remember when Queen Acier fought against Vanica roughly around…15ish years ago?"
"Yeah. I recall Ren hearing about it. And when she fought Vanica again she nearly cut Vanica in half for it." Fay deadpanned.
"Heh. Sounds like Ren." Carbuncle laughed before her facial expression became serious. Or was it solemn? Either way… "Anyway, what I'm trying to get at is this: I helped Queen Acier against Vanica that time." Fay blinked for a few moments.
"...WHAAA?" Fay gaped in shock. Carbuncle put one of her paws to Fay's lips to get him to tone it down.
"Quiet!" She whispered. "I don't want the others to know that yet."
"How, why, what?!" Fay hissed, muffled by Carbuncle's paw. Carbuncle soon thereafter removed her paw from Fay's lips.
"To answer your question, I did it because….." She began, then trailed off. Uncertainty ran through her mind, thinking of a way to answer Fay's question(s). "Because she reminded me so much of…..my previous master. As such, I couldn't just standby and do nothing. So I indirectly lent her some of my power so she could gain the upperhand against Vanica. And thus, escape with the child she was carrying. Which just turned out to be that boy who's now married to her youngest and 2nd daughter."
"So that's what happened." Fay remarked. "And Acier has no idea?"
"As far as I know, no she doesn't." Carbuncle answered. "If she were to find out before I tell her myself, she may get the idea to ask me for a contract. Which I don't need or want right now."
"I highly doubt it. Especially when she knows it's a touchy subject for you. If anything, she'll be more shocked if you asked to make a contract." Fay replied.
"Humph. Like I'd ever ask for a contract with any of them." Carbuncle scoffed.
"I'm just stating facts here Bunny." Fay ignored the light thump on his head by her paw. "The point is, Acier would be more thankful that you practically helped save her life all those years ago." Carbuncle stared at Fay for about a minute, taking in what Fay said She made a humming noise.
"Hmm… True." Carbuncle admitted.
"So for now, do what you can and try not to kill Bell." Fay replied.
"Right." Carbuncle nodded. "And I'll try not to kill Bell. But I can't promise anything when it comes to her."
"No one can." Fay sighed.
"You said it." Carbuncle agreed.
0713MM: And that is Chapter 51! We get a flashback in regards to Zenon in the first part of the Chapter, then the part after that is some baby shenanigans in regards to Aci Silva.^^ Consider her shenanigans similar to Jack-Jack's from The Incredibles. Alas, the story is getting ever closer to the upcoming battles against Spade and the Zogratis's.