Clover Avatar

Pain, that's all Raava, the elemental spirit of the Avatars, felt as she drifted through realms. Torn from Korra, her latest host, and the most recent incarnation of the Avatar, the Elemental Spirit of the Avatar, drifted through time and space. The tear from Korra's body, had left her weakened, but there was one thing her nemesis, Vaatu, failed to notice when he and his host Unalaq, tore her from Korra in the Spirit Realm.

She was still with her, as they'd only managed to tear off a fraction of herself before sending it through the Ether. Though it would take some time, Korra would come to realize, Raava's main self, was still with her, for light could not exist without darkness, and darkness could not exist without light. The part of Raava that floated through the fabric of reality, was about half of Raava's true self, and in time both halves would regenerate to being whole, and being their own spirit.

Which left this severed version of Raava the question, of where she'd go, and where she would recuperate. Recovering, meant she'd have to fuse with someone, just as her original self had done with Avatar Wan, so she had to choose wisely. Drifting through the vail of reality, she found herself heading for a rift, leading to another world.

Manifesting in the world she was headed for, Raava found herself in a strange land, that was unlike anything she'd ever seen. Looking around as she flew through the air, she found many of this worlds inhabitants, were powerful, and carried tomes with them with clovers on the covers, alongside unique designs.

"This world…" Raava pondered aloud. "It is similar to the one Korra and Wan hail from, but it is different as well. The people here don't seem to rely on chi to control their elements, rather they rely on another energy, that derives directly from their souls." She said, before cringing in pain. "I must find a host, to which I can bond with, and quickly." She stated, flying down to a small village, near what looked like a three eyed demons skull, of titanic proportions.

Flying through the air, Raava found that the village she was in, was known as Hage Village. No one there seemed suited for the task of being her vessel and incarnation, so she went and traveled through to the next village. There, she found many people, and a lot of them seemed tainted, and filled with greed.

"These people… none seem like worthy candidates to carry my power. Is this a result of this worlds monarch and hierarchy?" Raava questioned, before she stopped, as she witnessed a group of children tormenting a helpless wounded animal.

"Take that you stupid mutt." One of the boys said.

"Hey, do you think it can still swim with a broken leg?" One of them questioned, as the small dog yelped in pain.

"Let's find out."

"Truly despicable." Raava said, before she was overcome with surprise, as something unexpected happened.

"Leave that poor dog alone." The boy said, punching the main abuser of the group in the face, and knocking him down. "Can't you see she's still a puppy?"

"Ugh, it's Raion again." One of the kids said.

"He's so pathetic."

"Yet he insists on trying to stand up to us."

"Hmm…" Raava hummed, watching as Raion stood between the bullies, and the injured puppy, his arms out wide.

"If you wanna pick on someone, how about picking on me?" Raion questioned. "What say you? It'd be easy for you to pick on someone, who has no magic, am I right?"

"Tsk, he's taken the fun out of all of this." One of the bullies said.

"Let's go. He's probably gonna drain us of his magic, just like his aunt did to him when he was born." Another stated, as the bullies left.

With the bullies gone, Raion turned around to the puppy, kneeling down to pick it up, before he was knocked forward by a rock hitting him in the back of the head. Raava looked to see the bullies had turned back, and were smiling in amusement.

"Psych." The head bully stated. "You think we'd pass up the chance to beat up on a weakling like you? We'll make it more fun by including that dying mutt."

Raava watched the scene unfold, as the bullies used their magic on Raion, while the boy in question, curled up around the animal, using his own body as a shield to protect it.

"This boy." Raava said. "He has no power of his own, yet he chooses to protect that injured animal, rather then prioritize his own safety, and fleeing to shelter."

"C'mon, this is getting boring."

"Yeah, let's go find something else to do."

As the bullies left, for real this time, Raion fell to his side, looking upset as tears filled his eyes, while looking right at the dog. Raava looked at the animal as well, and saw that it was close to dying, as it was barely moving.

"I'm sorry." Raion cried, as the puppy was licking at his hand, with what strength it had left, showing her gratitude for what he'd done for her. "I couldn't protect you. I tried, but I just couldn't. I am useless, pathetic even."

Raava could see the pain in his eyes, and the emotions within his heart, as the animal laid dying before him. She saw, how he wanted to be stronger, not for himself, but for those who needed protecting around him.

"I believe, I've found my next vessel." Raava said.

Flowing down through the air, Raava took on the same position as the boy, gently floating down, merging with his body, and soul. A jolt of pain coursed through Raions body, his lungs feeling like they were on fire, before he passed out, Raava's markings, shining brightly on him, like luminescent tattoos, before they vanished.

~Years Later~

"Heya." Raion cried out, throwing a punch forward, resulting in a wave of fire, being sent forward from his fist. "I'd say that's enough training for today." He sighed, breathing heavily looking back to his campsite, within the mountain cave a bit of a ways away from him, on a cliff above. Taking a wider stance, Raion thrust his arms up, then down, shooting fire from his fists, and sending himself up to the cave opening.

His cave home wasn't all that impressive, it had what he needed for survival. A fire pit, a bed, and a nook for storing food in, and even a little corner for books. Ever since he'd developed these strange powers, he'd been outcast by his people, since it was unknown for anyone to be magicless, let alone suddenly developing a fire attribute, that didn't even give off any sort of magical energy.

"It's a pain, but I guess living out here isn't all bad." Raion said, rummaging through his stuff, before he pulled a small bottle with a cork in the top, from his bag. "It's been… nearly ten years, since that day. Hang on cousin, I'll get you out of there, somehow."

Putting the bottle back in his bag, Raion got dressed before he threw his bag over his shoulder.

"Today's the day of the Grimoire Ceremony. I should make it to the tower just before it starts." Raion said as he left his cave, before rolling a boulder in front of the entrance to hide the cave. "It'd normally take a few months to walk the Hage Village from this Strong Magic Region, but I should get there within less then an hour."

Running to the ledge, Raion leapt from the cliffside, before spreading his arms out, with a pair of leather wings sprouting from his pants, connected to rings he held in his hands. Using his flames, Raion propelled himself through the air, flying at a tremendous speed.

"YAHOO." He cheered, swirling through the air.

Raion saved his showboating, for until after he got his Grimoire. He propelled himself further along, on and off with his flames, passing over land at high speeds. As he passed over his village, he glared down at it with disdain, before passing it by and gently floating at the edge of the village, stopping at a marked grave.

"Hey Aunty." Raion said, removing the moss and vines that covered the tomb stone. "Sorry that I haven't been by to see you in a while, I guess I've been pretty busy honing my skills, in the Strong Magic Region, North of us. But I'm on my way to get my Grimoire, it's the day of the ceremony, so wish me luck. Maybe I'll get really lucky, and wind up with a five leaf Grimoire, like the one you sealed Liebe inside of." He stated, sitting down in front of her. "Hage village is less then a five minute flight from here with my method of flying. I wonder if the church there, is where you left my other cousin after he was born? I know he'd understand why you left him there, but I also know he'd be happy to know you died, protecting his brother. I miss you Aunty. It's been hard, going on without you, these passed ten years, and I've had times where I wanna end it all, because of how I've been persecuted, but I know you'd never want that for me, and I know you'd kick my ass, and chew me out for doing that, in the afterlife. So I've been strong, I've been working hard, I've learned how to fend for myself, and I've even managed to make friends with some of the wild life in the Strong Magic Region. They're my sparring partners sometimes. There's even this nice lady I see from time to time, I think you'd really like her."

Raion was silent for a moment, as he expected his Aunt to say something in return, but the headstone remained quiet. Raion was about to speak up again, before someone spoke up behind him.

"Well, if it isn't the little Magicless Brat."

Raion looked over his shoulder, to see one of his childhood bullies.

"What are you doing here? Come to try and resurrect your freak of an aunt with Devil Magic, with the power of the Devil she had with her?" The obese looking teen asked confidently.

"I'm here conversing with my Aunt." Raion said. "I'm sure you'd understand, if you actually cared about anyone other then yourself you fat pig."

"Hmph, I wouldn't bother coming to the Grimoire Ceremony if I were you peasant." He stated. "There's no way, someone like you would be able to get a Grimoire. So save us all the embarrassment, and stay away from the tower, freak."

"You might have been born a Nobleman's son, but that doesn't put you on a higher pedestal based on your rank alone." Raion said, getting to his feet.

"What did you just say?"

"What are you doing here, Jason?"

"If you must know, I'm here to remove that unsightly stone you're talking to." Jason said. "Father and I were thinking of building a new house here."

"I see." Raion said, the ground around him sparking here and there, creating a subtle ring of burnt grass around his feet. "I've only got one thing to say to you Jason."

"An' what's…" Jason began, before a wall of fire erupted around Raion, enclosing himself and his aunt's grave stone in a semi-circle, as the young man turned around to look at Jason, an angered look in his eye, that sent shivers down Jason's spine.

"If you so much, as even move my aunt's gravestone an inch, I'll make you suffer like you never have before." Raion said, each step he took, leaving a trail of blazing footprints. "Understood?"

Jason didn't say a word as Raion got in his face. He just fell flat on his back, unable to move or speak in fear.

"Glad we had this little, chat." Raion said, as he moved around Jason, before taking off flying towards Hage village.

~Grimoire Ceremony~

"Hmph. The day that I'll become a full-fledged mage." Raion turned his head as he heard the voice of what sounded like a nobleman's kid, and saw two boys in fancier clothing then the rest of the teens in the tower, standing all high and mighty with a holier than though, atmosphere to them. "It's about time."

"Look what the cat dragged in. Could they be any shabbier?" The second noble asked. Raion noticed he was pointing to a couple of young men, one short with ash blonde hair, and another tall with black hair and a pendant around his neck. "We shouldn't have to give Grimoire's to anyone who just walks in off the street."

"Makes me sick to my stomach."

"You don't think the pathetic creatures would be foolish enough to attempt the Magic Knights Entrance Exam in six months, do you?"

"Only high-ranking nobles and royalty have enough innate magic power to pass the exam."

"See the shrimpy boy? I heard that he can't use magic at all."

That got Raion's attention focused on the young man with the headband. If he was unable to use magic, then it could stand to reason he was someone he could relate with.

"Oh wow. We'd better take extra special care of him. I mean he's one of a kind! The only person in the entire country who can't use magic."

Without even saying a word, or making his actions known, Raion singed their belts off with his flames, causing their pants to drop in front of all the teens there. Their reactions caused Raion to smile in amusement, as they were laughed at.

"That should teach them to make fun of those who are lower ranked in status then them." Raion smirked, coming up behind the two his attention had been directed towards.

"Welcome to Grimoire Tower, Acceptees." A voice rang out, inside the building as an elderly mage came down on a flying carpet. "On this momentous day, you will take your first step down a new path. I wish you integrity, hope, and love. For those who don't know, I am the master of this Grimoire Tower. Now, never once has anyone from this region distinguished him or herself by becoming a Magic Knight, much less the Wizard King. I pray that one among you will have what it takes to become the most powerful mage in the land. Seriously, I mean it."

"Wow, tell us how you really feel." Raion sighed.

"Ahem, and now, to accept your Grimoires."

After that speech ended, various books around the tower began to glow, and come flying down towards those gathered there, landing in the various hands of whichever element that the Grimoire was created for. Even the tall young man, had managed to receive a four leaved clover Grimoire, outshining the two noble boys, and leaving everyone, even Raion, shocked at what he was actually capable to do. Raion could actually sense malice and jealousy coming from the two Nobles he had humiliated, and knew that they'd be trouble, if the kid receiving the Four Leaf Grimoire, was weaker than he actually was. After all was said and done, there were only two people who hadn't received a Grimoire.

"Hey uh… Is my Grimoire running late or something?" The short young man asked. "Where's my Grimoire?"

"Uh…" The Tower Master began, clearing his throat. "Try again next year?"

"What?" Asta cried out.

"Oh wow, you're kidding!" Someone began to laugh as all the teens there laughed at him.

"That's actually kinda awesome."

"What? That is too funny."

"Alright that's enough." Raion exclaimed, creating a ring of fire as he made a circular motion with his body, shocking everyone. "Wanna laugh at someone, laugh at me. I've got magic, yet I didn't get a Grimoire either. An' you know what? That's actually fine with me, because a Grimoire doesn't determine ones worth. It's the heart of the warrior that determines ones true value."

With his piece said, Raion made his way out of the Grimoire Tower, leaving the others speechless about what he'd just said, and done.

~Later~

"Jeez, can't believe they had the nerve to laugh at him like that." Raion sighed, sitting on the edge of the Grimoire Tower roof. "Someone's true worth, isn't determined by ones magic, or Grimoire. It's determined by ones character."

Looking at the setting sun, Raion sighed as he realized there was nothing he could do about the fact that he didn't get a Grimoire.

"Looks like I'm gonna have to resort to using Plan-B, for getting into the magic knights." Raion said, hopping to his feet, and stretching, before patting his satchel. Looking down the height of the tower, Raion raised a brow, when he saw that tall black haired kid, being confronted by the two Nobles he's humiliated, and it looked like one of them was about to attack the kid. "Looks like they're pissed that kid stole their thunder when he got a Four Leaf Grimoire, while being lower on the social status ladder then them."

Before Raion could interject in the fight, his eyes widened when he saw the two nobles become wrapped up in chains.

"The hell?" He questioned, as he saw the black haired teen get restrained, with the mage who was most likely responsible for this mess, stepping up to them. "Who the hell is that guy?"

Deciding to wait to see how this panned out, Raion watched with baited breath as the chain wielder did his thing. The fire wielder was about to step in, before he heard the sound of someone shouting, and looking to where it came from, he saw Asta running through the air, before he slammed into the wall on the other side of the path, leading to the Grimoire Tower.

"What is he doing?" Raion questioned.

Raion watched as the situation, continued to devolve. His eyes widened in horror, when he saw the chain wielders bladed chains, attack Asta, before he was knocked to the ground. Gritting his teeth, Raion leapt from the roof of the Grimoire Tower, and using his flames, slowed his descent, before he landed on the ground, shocking those around them.

"Oh, it's you." The chain man said. "The magical boy, who didn't get a Grimoire."

"Just what the hell, do you think you're doing?" Raion questioned, dropping his bag.

"Like it's any of your business." The man said, sending attacks at Raion. "Do you even know who I am? I'm Chain Mage Revchi, formerly Second in Command of the Purple Orcas Magic Knight Squad."

"That supposed to impress me, somehow?" Raion questioned, dodging attacks with his flames, before he grabbed one as it wrapped around his forearm. "I'll ask again, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Nothing that concerns you." Revchi said, before his eyes widened and he smirked as he looked to Raion. "Then again, you're just as much a rarity as this boy."

"What are you talking about?" Raion asked.

"These chains of mine, are able to sense the amount of magical power that is within someone." Revchi stated. "Yet here you are, the both of you. One completely magicless, unable to fight back with anything but his brute strength. An' then there's you."

"Me?"

"Another magicless pebble, without a single drop to speak of, but still somehow able to use fire magic." Revchi smirked. "Both of you, will sell for quite a few high prices on the black market."

"What?" Raion questioned. "How is that possible? How can I use these flames, when I don't have magic?"

"I don't know. But you're certainly one of a kind. A rare bird indeed. I think I'll be taking all three of you, to the Diamond Kingdom and sell you to them to use in their military experiments." Revchi smirked.

Raion looked at Revchi, before he let his flames burn, and sent himself flying at the man with his control of the flames he produced.

"Hey kid." Raion said, looking to Asta, who looked defeated. "Don't listen to anything this guy says. Just because you don't have magic, doesn't mean you can't fight for the right to achieve your dream."

Raion looked back to Revchi, before flipping back to avoid an attack of chains sent at him.

"Stand up. Get back on your feet. You're not done yet. Your story hasn't been told, so don't you dare give up on your dreams, until you've said you actually tried. Show the world, you're not someone to take lightly!" Raion exclaimed, using flames to push Revchi's chains back. "Show the world, you're true strength."

A light seemed to gleam in Asta's eyes as he looked up, at the young man who was fighting for him, fighting to keep him alive, and protecting the others. He watched Raion fight, before he realized that he was doing more then defending himself. Raion, was using his fire, to protect those behind him.

"Show this bastard, why it is you get up every morning, AND NEVER BACK DOWN NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS!" Raion shouted, causing an eruption of flames to send him forward, before he landed a solid kick into Revchi's chest.

Despite being in his weakened state after taking that hit, Revchi managed to use his chains to grab Raion, wrapping up and restraining his movements.

"There, I've finally managed to snag my final prey." Revchi smirked, picking himself up.

Before the former Magic Knight could grab Raion, a pulse of energy washed through the air, and everything seemed to go dark. Raion turned to his bag as he heard it rustle, before the sound of something shattering came from it. Looking to his bag, and then to Asta, Raion's eyes widened when the silhouette of a familiar devil appeared in Asta's shadow. The ground at Asta's feet lit up, before the familiar presence of the five leaf Grimoire appeared in the air, and turned around to face Asta.

"No way." Raion gasped.

Opening its pages, the Grimoire produced what looked like a rusted sword, as it floated into the air, before falling and imbedding into the ground right in front of Asta.

"REVCHI. YOUR FIGHT IS WITH ME." Asta shouted, as flashes of a demon or a monster, replacing Asta, shook Revchi to his very core, as Asta took the rusted blade and held it tightly in his grasp, before sending a barrage of chains at Asta as he removed the blade from the ground.

'What is this feeling? It's not magic, but it's… it's something else, something unholy. It's so familiar.' Raion thought as memories of the day his only remaining family, his aunt, had been taken from her. 'The five leaf Grimoire Aunty had sealed Liebe in. I remember what's said 'bout a five leaf clover. In the first three there's integrity, hope, and love. In a four leaf clover there's good luck. But in the fifth leaf…'

"But you don't have any magic." Revchi cried out. "How could you get a Grimoire, and that sword?"

'In the fifth leaf of a five leaf clover…' Raion thought.

"What kind of freak of nature are you?" Revchi shouted.

With a swing of his sword, Asta took Revchi's spell, and turned it into his own power. Taking a single step forward, Asta went running at Revchi, kicking up dirt, and letting off a shockwave of force and pressure left behind.

"Even without traditional magic power, I will be the Wizard King." Asta cried out as he swung his blade forward, slamming it into Revchi's torso. "My Magic is never giving up."

'Lives, the Devil…' Raion finished, just as Asta sent Revchi flying into the wall, knocking him out, and freeing the others that had been restrained by the chains.

Running to his bag, Raion fished into it, and pulled out the shattered bottle, that had been in perfect condition, up until a few minutes ago.

"Hey."

Raion looked over his shoulder, to see Asta, holding his new Grimoire.

"I wanted to thank you, for fighting for me, and for believing in me, even though we don't know each other." Asta said, with a smile.

"Don't mention it." Raion said. "That's what family does, right?"

"Family?" Asta asked.

"Your name is Asta, that correct?" Raion asked, throwing his bag over his shoulder again. "You were left at Hage church?"

"Yeah, how'd you know that?" Asta asked.

"My aunt, was your mom." Raion said, turning to look at him. "You're her son, and my cousin."

"Wait hold on, is that true?" Asta questioned.

"It is."

"Seriously?"

"The name's Raion." He said, as he began to leave. "It was nice to finally meet you Asta."

"Wait, hold up a minute there. You can't just drop this bomb on me, out of the blue, and then suddenly leave like nothing happened." Asta stated.

"If you're wanting to know more, get into a Magic Knight Squad in six months." Raion said, looking back at Asta.

"Hold up, I need to…"

"You know, aside from the fact that you're a guy, you're almost the spitting image of your mom." Raion said. "I'll be waiting for you in the Capital, Asta. Bye."

Without giving Asta a chance to say anything else, Raion produced his human made wings and took to the air, with flames spewing from the soles of his feet, unaware of the dark and tainted page in his bag that was wrapped around his Magic Knights Plan-B.

~6Months Later~

"Raion, mind helping a bit over here?" A young woman asked, pulling his attention to the next table.

"I'm on it Rebecca." Raion said, moving through the crowds of people with trays in his hands. "Sorry for the wait, here's your order. Piping hot."

"Thanks so much kid."

"Not a problem."

"Raion." The red head Rebecca called to him.

"I'm coming." Raion said, moving his way to the kitchen, before he stopped when Rebecca set off a popper.

At the entrance to the kitchen, Raion stood in front of Rebecca and her siblings, all of them with smiles on their faces. The popper noise drew the attention of everyone in the cafe.

"What's all this?" Raion asked.

"Well, you've been working here for six months now, and you've gone above and beyond with your duties, and have helped to not only keep this place safe, but protect my siblings, and the church kids as well." Rebecca said. "An' since today's the day of the Magic Knight exams, we thought we'd give you a little gift before you headed off for the Capital."

"Here." One of Rebecca's siblings said, holding up a box for him.

"What's this Marco?" Raion questioned, taking the box in hand.

"A present."

"Sorry, but we got the measurements of your Grimoire, when you were sleeping a few nights ago." Rebecca said. "Everyone in the village, chipped in the money they could spare to get this for you. We hope you like it."

Raion took the box and opened it, his eyes widening in shock, when he saw it was a holster for a Grimoire, one the size if his as well.

"I… I don't know what to say." Raion said, tears forming in his eyes. "Thank you, would be a good start, I guess."

"You don't gotta say anything." Rebecca smiled, giving him a hug. "Just be sure you do your best, and if you don't get in this year, then you can try again next year."

"But you better get in this go around Raion." One of the patrons said.

"Yeah, that thing wasn't cheap either. So you'd better get in." Another stated.

"Sister Theresa blessed the holster herself. So I'm sure you'll get into the Magic Knights." One of Rebecca's siblings said.

"An' Marie even gave it a good luck kiss." Marco said.

"I'll treasure this holster, always." Raion smiled.

"Well, better get going. An' when you return, we'll have a big spread ready for you when you get back to congratulate you getting in." Rebecca smiled. "Because I know, you'll get in."

"Thank you." Raion said. "I won't let any of you down, I promise."

Strapping the holster around his waist, Raion looked around himself, seeing the holster was made of some rather nice leather material, and even had what looked like a gem encrusting lining the center of the material that wrapped around his waist. There was a golden belt buckle on the front that was blank, ready for an engraving to be carved into it.

"What do you think?" Raion asked, putting his Grimoire in the holster. "Perfect fit?"

"It's perfect." Rebecca smiled.

"Thank you all, so much." Raion smiled, bowing to them before bowing to the patrons. "Wish me luck, and I'll do my best to keep my promise."

The cafe cheered as Raion made his way to the door. Once out and out of ear shot and eye sight, Raion crouched down and had a look of guilt on his face, as he hugged his legs.

'My Grimoire is nothing but a sketch book I purchased in case I didn't get a Grimoire at the ceremony. That's what my Plan-B was. I doubt it'll even be able to get me into the exams.' Raion thought, tears threatening to run down his face. 'I feel so ashamed. They spent so much money on this for me, and I'm here trying to get in with a false Grimoire.'

"Getting some nervous jitters?"

Raion jumped, before he saw Sister Theresa from the church, looking at him.

"Yeah, I guess." Raion said, pulling his 'Grimoire' from the holster around his waist, and looking at it. He couldn't remember if he bought it like this, but the book was black and had a five leaf clover on the cover outlined in red, with flowers made of fire in the top right corner.

"I see you got our gift to." Sister Theresa smiled.

"I did." Raion said, a little sad.

"What's wrong, do you not like it?" Sister Theresa asked.

"That's the thing. I love it, but I don't feel like I deserve it, because I'm probably gonna let everyone down, and fail." Raion said.

"Now you listen here young man." Sister Theresa said with a sigh, before pulling on his ear. "I've been tutoring you on creating constructs with your flames, and while you still could use some work, I am positive you'll be able to get into the Magic Knights. Take it from someone who once was a Magic Knight."

Raion rubbed his ear after she let go of it, then looked at her, before he sighed.

"I guess you're right." Raion said. "Okay, I'm off now. Thanks Sister Theresa."

"Not a problem." Sister Theresa smiled. "On your way back, stop by the church. The children are excited to know how the exams went for you."

"Will do." Raion stated, before he sprouted his makeshift wings, and took to the air with flames propelling him forward.

"What an interesting young man he is." Sister Theresa smiled.

~Exams~

"I'm here, somehow." Raion said, standing amongst the crowd of Magic Knight Hopefuls. "I do not know how this managed to get me into the exams, but thank the Gods above." He stated, looking to the book on his hip.

"Hey it's you."

Raion turned around, and saw Asta walking up to him with the tall black haired kid next to him.

"Oh, hey Asta." Raion smiled.

"Don't, hey Asta, me. You owe me some answers." Asta stated.

"Did you make it into a Magic Knight squad yet?" Raion asked.

"No but…"

"Then I don't owe you squat." Raion smirked.

"Fine, I'll join the Magic Knights, and then you'll answer all the questions I have." Asta stated.

"So you're Asta's supposed cousin, correct?" The tall kid asked.

"Name's Raion, nice to meet ya."

"Yuno."

"Hey, so what are up with these birds?" Asta questioned as he and Raion began to get swarmed by the swallows in the arena.

"Anti-Birds. They're a mainstay at the exam area. The lower your magic power, the more birds you attract." Raion explained swatting away a couple of birds.

"Hey, check out that guy." Someone from the crowd said.

"Yeah, there are no birds anywhere near him."

"Look, at those two, they're completely covered in Anti-Birds."

Yuno looked to Raion and Asta, and saw both of them were covered in Anti-Birds. Raion was swatting them away like nothing, but Asta was running around like a chicken with his head cut off.

"Hey get off me you stupid birds, I'm not a perch for you to land on." Asta cried out as he went running by, straight towards a big guy.

Raion noticed as Asta began running around, before his eyes widened in shock, and he went after the boy to try and stop him, as he was gonna run into someone, very dangerous.

"Wait you idiot stop, you're gonna…"

Unfortunately, Asta indeed ran into him before she could stop him, sending all the birds flying away, before the large guy he ran into turned around looking at him, very annoyed.

"Phew, guess they finally had enough." Asta said, seeing the birds flying away. "Hey there, sorry about that."

"Do you wanna die?" The man questioned, looking at Asta.

~After Most of the Exams~

"Onto the next test. The final and most difficult. A display of combat skill." Captain William Vangeance said.

"Prepare to duel." Fuegoleon called out to the examinees. "You will break into pairs and fight each other. Use your Grimoire's to attack and defend. As Knights, battle is our business. We wanna see everything you're capable of."

"The test will end, when one combatant either surrenders, or is unable to continue. We have mages wielding Recovery Magic, standing by for the injured." William explained.

"So don't hold anything back." Fuegoleon said, before his vision went down, and his eyes landed on Raion, with a bit of shock.

"Hey, you know Captain Fuegoleon?" Asta asked Raion. "Because he seems to have taken an interest in you."

"I only him by reputation alone. I don't have a clue as to why he'd take interest in me." Raion said.

"You there, boy." Fuegoleon said, jumping down from the spectator's balcony. "What is your name?"

"It's Raion." He said. "I'm honored you'd approach me, Captain of the Crimson Lions."

"That holster around your waist, where did you get it?" Fuegoleon questioned.

"It was a gift." Raion said. "The people of Nean put in the money to purchase it for me, and it was also blessed by Sister Theresa, and kissed by a child who I believe may have a minor crush on me. It's a bit embarrassing but, I still love that they did something so wonderful for me."

"I'd say that holster suits you." Fuegoleon said with a soft smile. "It has come to my attention, that we do not possess a fair amount of examinees, we are one short leaving someone without an opponent."

"I hadn't noticed."

"Therefore, I shall be your opponent." Fuegoleon said.

"Uh… what?" Raion questioned.

"You and I shall fight. You should feel honored, it's not every day, a Squad Captain offers to be an examinees opponent." Fuegoleon stated.

"Oh, no I do feel honored but… are you sure?" Raion asked.

"I am certain." Fuegoleon said. "Let out battle be the first, and let it commence."

The crowd began murmuring, it was quite the rarity for a Squad Captain to do something like this, and here Captain Fuegoleon was, offering to be Raions fighting partner in the exams. Raion didn't know what to expect, but he was certain the Captain wasn't gonna go easy on him.

"Fuegoleon, what do you think you're doing?" Nozel Silva asked. "This young man failed at most of the other exams, outside of construct creation, and hitting the target. A royal such as yourself, should not stoop so low as to fighting him."

"Pipe down. I will assess his skills myself." Fuegoleon stated.

"Let the match, begin." William said.

Almost instantly, Raion was on the defensive, as Fuegoleon came charging at him.

"Flame Creation Magic: Leo Palma!" Fuegoleon cried out, thrusting his arm out to Raion, and producing a large lions paw of flames.

Raion just took a single step back, bringing both arms up, with his right arm pulled back, and the left stretched forward, hands curled like paws, before he pushed off with his forward foot, and pivoted on the ball of his back foot, twisting around with practiced elegance and accuracy, causing the flaming paw to spin around him, before he slammed a foot forward, and kept the flames circling around him. To Fuegoleons shock, the flames just kept building in size and speed, as Raion continued to circle them around himself.

"Elemental Beast: Dragon Wolfs Flaming Roar!" Raion chanted, thrusting both arms forward, his hands positioned like upper and lower jaws, with the flames flying past him, the lead spark taking on the shape of a draconic wolf.

"What kind of power is this?" Fuegoleon questioned, frozen in shock as the flaming dragon wolf came flying at him.

The Squad Captain was too much in shock to do anything, as the draconic wolf enveloped him, biting down on the Captain himself. With a burst of flames, Raion shielded his eyes from the outward erupting attack, which forced everyone else to do the same. When the flames died down, Raion looked up to see the flames scattered everywhere, with the Crimson Lions Captain, forced to one knee.

"He forced Captain Fuegoleon to his knees." Someone gasped.

"Who is this guy."

"He didn't even pull out his Grimoire."

"How the hell did he do that?"

"He's got to be some sort of monster."

"Look at his clothes, he's just some sort of commoner, a peasant."

Raion looked around, as the whispers and murmurings circled the coliseum. They were right to fear him, he even scared himself at times. The teen was about to forfeit, before Fuegoleon spoke up.

"That's enough." The fiery Captain stated, getting back to his feet. "You may fear this young man, for what he's done this day. But I respect him, for what he's accomplished. In fact, I give him my highest level of respect. It seems as though you've got true talent boy, and I admire that fighting spirit you showed, when you took that fighting stance."

"Uh, thank you sir." Raion said, bowing to Fuegoleon. "I'm honored you'd say something like that about me."

"It would see Sister Theresa wasn't talking you up when she spoke to me of you." Fuegoleon said.

"Wait, Sister Theresa spoke to you about me?" Raion asked.

"How do you like the holster? I do hope you liked the one I picked." Fuegoleon smiled.

"Y-you chose my holster?" Raion questioned. "But I… how, I don't… How?"

"You see, a few days ago, Sister Theresa came to me, asking me a favor I found rather peculiar." Fuegoleon stated. "She came asking, if I could pick out a Grimoire Holster for her most recent student. It surprised me that she took up teaching once more, after she retired from the Magic Knights, and resigned from being my teacher. When I asked her why, she told me it was because she sensed something about this young man, that made her feel like there was a roaring fire within his soul, that didn't burn or cause harm to those around him, but rather provided comfort, and warmth to those who needed it. So, giving me the size of the Grimoire, and the money that was the budget for the holster, I picked one out, while keeping in mind what it is, she said about you and that fire within."

Raion was speechless as Fuegoleon stepped up to him, before poking him in the center of his chest.

"She told me, that you reminded her of me when I was your age. Which is a compliment, depending on how you look at it." Fuegoleon said. "An' so young man, without waiting for the exams to finish. I freely offer you, a place among the Crimson Lions." He stated, holding his hand out to Raion.