Chapter 33: Armand Creel
Name: Soren
Age: 25
Birthday: 3 November (happy birthday Soren!)
Personality: Dedicated and serious warrior with a calm confidence, values discipline and strategy, which can make him seem uptight, but he is fiercely loyal to friends and allies, has a keen intuition for reading situations and strategizing in combat
Strengths: Experienced warrior, loyal to his friends
Weaknesses: Sometimes overly serious, denies necessary help
Favourite things: Training, spending time with nature, his friends
Soren walked into the Silver Eagles base. The place looked different, smelled different (not that it was a bad thing, he was getting bored of the smell of antiseptic), almost like his senses had been warped by his extended hospital stay. He looked different now, his usually well tanned skin marred by burns, especially quite a large one on the side of his face.
"A face only a mother could love," a voice rang out. It was Kian, leaning against one of the grand stone columns in the entrance hall of the squad headquarters. He walked up to him, and unexpectedly to Soren, hugged him. "Welcome back, buddy," Kian said, a solitary tear of gratitude ebbing down his face. "Glad you didnt die on us."
Soren chuckled, and returned the hug. "I have unfinished business in life. I need to live… it's what Dad would have wanted."
Kian smiled, wiping his eyes. "Everyone!" he called, his voice echoing through the hollow halls of the base. "Soren's back!"
Lyra, who was in her dorm room reading, immediately heeded Kian's call. She was the first one to come down the stairs to the entrance hall, hugging Soren tightly. She was stronger than she looked, and soon, her hug began to constrict Soren, causing him (more than) minor discomfort. "Hey! Be careful!" he yelled. "You'll crack a rib!"
The Nocturne blushed, releasing Soren from her vice grip, and scratched her head. "I'm sorry," she apologised sheepishly. "Sometimes I don't know my own strength.."
More members of the Silver Eagles came to congratulate Soren on his recovery.
A girl with light blue short hair and a small smile, who Soren recognised as the smoke mage Erin, gave him a light punch on the shoulder and hugged him, congratulating him on his return.
A guy with long black hair in a bob style and a serious expression, who Soren also recognised as the ice mage Nils, shook Soren's hand and congratulated him.
"Soren!" another voice yelled. This time, it was his vice-captain's. She, uncharacteristically, had a large smile on her face, and as she walked towards Soren, there was a spring in her step. "Nice to see you again!" She hugged Kian and skipped off to her office.
Soren, who looked quite spooked at this point, whispered to Kian. "Is she okay?"
"She's changed since the Royal Capital attack," Kian whispered back. "She's doing this weird thing with her face, and she's been nicer to everyone lately."
A/N: Yes, this is because of Kirsch. She's crazy in love (like Beyonce - I'll see myself out).
"Whatever the reason," Soren said, "I'm still glad to see her. She did give me my first opportunity to join a Magic Knights squad, after all. She changed my life, and I'll always be grateful for that."
Kian yawned. "I think-"
"I would choose your words carefully, if I were you, Voss."
The door opened, and the Silva siblings, Captain Nozel, Nebra and Solid entered the now slightly busier than usual entrance hall. Each sibling walked with purpose, Nozel leading, and the two younger siblings trailing behind him. Nozel shook Soren's hand and grabbed his shoulder lightly. "Nice to see you again. I assume you leaving the Royal Hospital means you're at peak fighting condition; you wouldn't leave your recovery half done."
"You know me all too well, captain," Soren smirked.
Nozel looked around, seeing the assortment of Silver Eagles gathered in the entrance hall. "Now that I have your attention," the Silver Eagles captain said. "I need a few volunteers for a mission."
"Ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me!" Kian said. "I know we just got done missioning but I'm kind of bored!"
"Silence, Voss," the Silva patriarch said, shooting a glare that could kill at Kian, and the force mage shrank back. "You're on border duty at Kiten again. The Purple Orcas need quick help maintaining the border while they attend to a border elsewhere. Now, normally I wouldn't be concerned with mundane missions like this for my squad, but seeing as it's you, I made a special exception for our little deviant."
Kian groaned. "I'm being targeted…" he protested, and slumped off to his dorm room, presumably to get ready for the mission. In reality, he would just stay
In the midst of all of this, Soren whispered to Lyra. "So, how's it going?"
"How's what going?" Lyra asked, quite confused.
"You and Kian," Soren smiled cheekily.
Lyra turned a deep shade of crimson, then tried to regain her composure. "I have…no idea what you're talking about…"
"You can only lie to yourself, my friend…" Soren said.
"Since you two feel the need to talk while I do, you've volunteered yourself to go on the mission. Erin, you're going with them as well."
"What happened to the Captain today?" Erin whispered to Nebra. She gave a shrug to her squadmate, replying, "I'm not sure. The mission went off without a hitch."
"Get back to work!" Nozel snapped. Everyone immediately returned to what they were doing. "And you three, come with me!"
…
The three magic knights now stood in front of Nozel Silva's office as the captain sat down on his chair. On the wall behind him was a portrait of his late mother, and the former captain of the Silver Eagles, Acier Silva.
"Now, to get down to business. There's a fugitive who recently escaped from a prison not too far from here. I want you to find him and take him back in."
Nozel Silva sat back in his chair, his usual steely gaze locked on the three knights before him—Soren, Lyra, and Erin. For a moment, he seemed to study them, as if weighing the words he was about to say.
"This fugitive," Nozel began, "goes by the name of Armand Creel. He's a rogue lightning mage with a particularly troublesome skill set and a history of eluding capture. He's managed to slip past the Magic Knights on more than one occasion, and I do not intend to let him escape this time."
Nozel paused, his expression as cold as ever. "Creel's last known sighting was near the outskirts of the Hossford Forest. He's been hiding in and around towns close to that area, but he's slippery, using both civilians and terrain to his advantage. Your task is to locate him, contain him, and, if necessary, bring him down by any means that ensures he won't escape again. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Captain," the three chorused in unison.
"He may have had time to gain support or rally allies. He's clever, and I suspect he'll be expecting interference from the Silver Eagles. It's likely he has magical tools or traps set up to deter pursuers," Nozel continued, leaning forward slightly. "Which is why I am assigning Voss to join your team."
At the mention of Kian, the three knights exchanged curious glances. They had witnessed the brief back-and-forth between Nozel and Kian earlier, and none of them had expected the captain to reconsider.
Nozel's voice was controlled, yet begrudging as he spoke again. "I don't appreciate Voss's flippant attitude, nor his tendency to act against protocol. However, his adaptability is something this mission could benefit from, especially against an opponent as unpredictable as Creel. Voss may be undisciplined, but I can't deny his competence in tracking and detainment."
He looked directly at Lyra, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Lyra Nocturne, you will inform Voss of his involvement in this mission and of his orders. As much as I would prefer to overlook his demeanour, I will acknowledge that he has his uses." Nozel's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "And when you inform him, I expect you to convey to him a message on my behalf."
The three knights looked at each other, taken aback by the captain's unusual choice of words.
"A… message?" Lyra asked, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Precisely," Nozel said stiffly. His gaze flickered away from her for a fraction of a second. "Tell him that I acknowledge the value he brings to this squad. And that… I apologise." He barely managed to get the last words out, his tone still carrying an air of reluctance. "It's not in my nature to say it directly, but I know my stance has often been harsh toward him. Let him know that I understand the strength he brings to the Silver Eagles and that I'll be expecting a more disciplined effort from him on this mission."
Lyra blinked, clearly stunned by Nozel's request. She nodded, fighting the small smile threatening to form at the edge of her lips.
"Yes, Captain. I'll deliver the message," she said, her voice steady.
Soren gave an approving nod, while Erin, always quick with a grin, couldn't help but give Lyra a conspiratorial look as they left the office.
After making their way down the grand hallway, Lyra found Kian, who had his back against a pillar, pretending to be napping while waiting. He cracked one eye open as he heard them approach and gave them a half-smirk.
"Are you ready to save the day again?" Kian asked, stretching. He looked from face to face, finally focusing on Lyra's serious expression.
"Captain Nozel wants you on this mission with us," she said simply.
Kian raised an eyebrow. "Didn't he already make it clear I was banished to border duty?"
"He did," she replied, folding her arms. "But he's changed his mind. We're dealing with a rogue lightning mage, and he believes your adaptability will help. He wants you there to lead the containment." Lyra took a breath, mentally preparing herself for the next part. "And he… also wanted me to pass along a message."
Kian leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? Now this sounds interesting."
"He said to tell you that he… values what you bring to the Silver Eagles and… apologised for being too harsh," she said, choosing her words carefully to convey the sincerity behind them.
Kian's grin faltered, his usual playful demeanour replaced by a surprised silence. "He actually said that?" he asked, looking at Lyra as if he wasn't sure if she was pulling a prank on him.
Lyra nodded. "Every word. And he expects you to do your best on this mission."
Kian chuckled softly, a spark of pride in his gaze. "Well, when you put it that way, how could I refuse? Let's catch ourselves a lightning mage, shall we?"
The group exchanged determined nods before heading toward the exit, ready for the mission that lay ahead.
…
"Armand Creel, huh?" Kian said, adjusting his glasses as the four rode on Erin's Smoke Magic: Free Cloud. It was quite a large cloud of blue smoke that floated towards their location surprisingly carelessly, but it seemed to get the job done. "What a weird name. Never heard of anyone named Armand before,"
"Large world," Soren simply remarked. Nothing was said for a while before Lyra finally broke the silence.
"I still can't believe that the captain put me in charge of this mission," she remarked quietly, slightly blushing from the high praise she had received from the captain.
"I can't either…" Kian said. Lyra hit him over the head with her mantis arm.
"Guys, I think we're here," Soren stated, seeing a small village below where they were.
Erin and Kian smiled. They had been waiting for an opportunity to play a prank like this on their friends. Erin put her hands on the cloud, dissipating it, and the four Magic Knights were falling through the sky.
"Erin!" Lyra yelled. "What the hell!"
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Erin replied, feigning surprise. "I must have lost focus!"
"We're going to die!" Lyra wailed.
Soren sighed. He knew his squadmates well enough to know that Kian would just stop them with Air Resistance, so he wasn't bothered.
"No worry!" Kian said, holding back his laughter. "I'll save the day! Force Magic: Air Resistance!"
Their descent slowed massively, and the four magic knights landed safely on the ground just outside the village.
"Pranked you!" Erin laughed.
"You should have seen the look on your face!" Kian laughed. "Guess our fearless leader isn't so fearless after all."
Lyra knocked Kian over the head one more time, and this time, he hit the ground with a groan and lay there, out cold.
Soren raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I see you're enjoying your new leadership role."
Lyra's cheeks flushed. "I wouldn't need to be if Kian didn't make it so easy to knock some sense into him."
Erin chuckled as she helped Kian sit up. "He's resilient enough. And, considering we're here now," she glanced around at the village, "maybe we should get down to business. Captain's orders, right?"
Lyra took a deep breath, straightening her posture. "Right. The first thing we need to do is cover ground fast, so I'm thinking we split up and search each corner of the village. This Creel guy has been on the run for a while, and he's probably figured out a few ways to stay hidden by now."
Kian rubbed his head and grinned, back to his usual self. "So you're saying he's a slippery type?"
"That's one way of putting it," she replied. "But don't worry; I'll keep us all linked together." Lyra took a step back, focusing her magic, her grimoire glowing as pages flipped open to reveal a new spell. "Insect Magic: Hive Mind."
Around her, small, dark beetles and shimmering, translucent insects began to form from her magic, spreading out and hovering around each of her squadmates. A faint, buzzing hum echoed around them, and Lyra's voice followed in each of their minds.
"Can everyone hear me?" she asked mentally.
Soren's voice answered smoothly through the link. "Loud and clear."
Erin, slightly surprised, grinned as she responded. "This is awesome! Can't wait to freak out Kian every time he so much as thinks of a stupid prank."
"Don't push it," Lyra's voice playfully warned in their minds. "Let's keep the chatter to a minimum. If anything feels off or you spot Creel, just call through here, and we'll regroup."
The four split up, each moving to a different section of the village. Soren headed toward the rocky outskirts near the forest, his lava magic simmering under his skin in case he needed to react quickly. Erin wandered toward the narrow alleys between buildings, her Smoke Magic swirling around her fingers as she carefully inspected each shadow. Kian moved toward the village centre, keeping his senses on high alert for any flicker of movement, while Lyra walked along the perimeter, using her insects as scouts.
Minutes passed in silence, each of them sweeping the area carefully. The village seemed quiet enough, but something about it felt too still, as if the locals knew to keep their distance. Finally, Kian's voice echoed through the Hive Mind link.
"I think I spotted something near the well in the centre of town. Looked like someone ducked into an alley."
"Everyone, move in slowly," Lyra instructed. "We don't want to spook him if that's Creel."
One by one, they converged on Kian's location, keeping to the shadows to avoid drawing attention. Just as they reached the well, a flash of movement drew their gaze toward a nearby alley.
"Wait, look." Soren nodded toward the alley's opening. A figure, barely visible in the dim light, darted from shadow to shadow, his stance tense, muscles coiled.
Kian grinned. "Looks like our guy isn't quite as stealthy as he thought."
They followed the figure carefully, fanning out to cover his escape routes. Soren's hand glowed with a faint reddish light, his Lava Magic ready to spring into action, while Erin prepared her Smoke Magic to obscure his vision if he tried to bolt. Finally, Lyra closed the gap, whispering a soft command through the Hive Mind.
"On my signal, we'll corner him."
The figure's movements became more erratic, his head turning as if he sensed he was being hunted. Before he could react, Lyra's voice echoed through their minds.
"Now!"
Erin cast a wall of smoke to block his path as Kian used Force Magic to reinforce the ground, pinning him down briefly. But the figure reacted faster than they expected, his arm flashing as arcs of electricity sparked to life around him, dispersing the smoke and breaking Kian's hold.
"Lightning Mage," Soren muttered, his eyes narrowing. The figure spun around, revealing a face marked with jagged scars, his gaze wary but defiant.
"Well," the man said, his voice crackling like the energy around him. "Looks like the Silver Eagles are here to play. But I'm not going back so easily."
"Lightning Magic: Volta!"
Armand Creel's lightning magic flared in a surge, casting the alley in blinding light as arcs of electricity danced around him. Brass knuckles made of pure lightning magic began to appear on his hand. Lyra blinked against the brightness, her mind racing. The crackling energy in the air was almost tangible, prickling her skin and tightening her throat. Her teammates shifted beside her, tense but resolute. They were here to bring Armand in, but something about his raw power was unsettling.
"Kian, be ready," she whispered through her Hive Mind spell, her voice echoing in his thoughts.
Kian's voice came back to her, tense but controlled. "Always am. Watch yourself, Lyra. He's on a whole other level."
She sensed his worry, a faint pulse in the Hive Mind link she'd set up. As composed as Kian normally was, she could feel his focus sharpening, his attention zeroing in on her safety. It wasn't like him to show much concern, but this was different. This rogue was dangerous.
Armand's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Think you can take me in? You're welcome to try." He raised a hand, his fingertips crackling with blue-white bolts of electricity. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
Before anyone could respond, he launched himself forward, his speed almost blinding.
"Lightning Magic: Voltaic Nova!"
Electricity danced along his arms as he struck out, each move a controlled burst of power. Kian lunged forward to intercept, summoning his Force Magic and projecting a wall in front of him, but Armand cut through it with a swipe of his hand. Sparks showered across the cobblestone as Kian staggered back, quickly regaining his stance.
"Too slow," Armand taunted, his voice almost playful. He didn't seem malicious, just defiant—like a cornered animal refusing to go down without a fight.
Lyra caught her breath, her fingers tightening around her grimoire. Her own magic, Insect Magic, surged through her as she activated her Hive Mind link again, keeping them connected. "Everyone, stay coordinated," she instructed, glancing at each of them in turn. "If we can split him off, we might have a chance."
Erin moved to Lyra's right, a cloud of Smoke Magic swirling around her. "On it," she whispered, her voice steady despite the danger.
"Smoke Magic: Deciphering Mist!" She exhaled a plume of smoke, sending it wafting toward Armand to obscure his view.
Armand grinned, barely phased by the smoke. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a crackling arc of lightning cutting through the mist, dispersing it in an instant. "Lightning Magic: Shockwave Blade!"
Erin jumped back, her expression tight, narrowly avoiding the blast.
"Gonna have to do better than that," Armand said, his eyes flashing with the thrill of battle.
Kian clenched his fists, summoning his Force Magic again, this time trying to create a concentrated pressure aimed directly at Armand's core. "Lyra, stay back," he ordered through the link, his tone firmer than usual. "I'll keep him distracted."
Before she could respond, he charged forward. "Force Magic: Gran Peso!" he yelled, launching a concentrated sphere of compressed air toward Armand. But Armand dodged with ease, twisting to the side and sending another bolt in Kian's direction. "Lightning Magic: Sniper Bolt!"
It struck the ground near his feet, and he stumbled backward, his gaze darting toward Lyra.
"Careful, Lyra," Kian said again, concern evident in his voice. "He's aiming for the weak spots."
Lyra's heart beat faster at the thought. Kian wasn't one to show worry in the middle of a fight, but this was different. She knew he was right to be cautious, and she could feel his focus in the Hive Mind, his thoughts laced with the instinct to protect.
Armand spun, his lightning magic flaring in fierce arcs as he fended off both Kian and Erin's attacks, his speed and precision leaving little room for them to get close. Soren tried to move in from the side, his Lava Magic bubbling around his hands, but Armand twisted around and sent another Sniper Bolt in his direction, forcing him back.
"Persistent, aren't you?" Armand said, a flicker of admiration in his gaze despite the fierce resistance.
Lyra tried to manoeuvre behind him, preparing her next spell. She could sense Kian's attention on her even in the midst of his struggle with Armand, a subtle thread of worry that tugged at her. The tension in their shared link made her hesitate for a split second, and in that instant, Armand spotted her.
With a burst of lightning, he was upon her, moving faster than she'd anticipated. She threw her hands up, summoning a swarm of glimmering insects to shield herself, but he cut through them effortlessly, the lightning scattering her magic like dust.
Lyra gasped as she stumbled backward, feeling a sharp jolt through her shield. Before she could react, Kian was there, his magic flaring as he shielded her from another strike. His expression was fierce, his gaze flicking between her and Armand.
"Get back, Lyra!" he shouted through the Hive Mind, his voice laced with urgency. "Let me handle this part."
But Armand's attacks kept coming, forcing Kian to brace himself as he intercepted each strike with calculated precision. "Don't you dare get reckless," Kian murmured, and she could feel the worry threading through his words.
Lyra felt her cheeks flush. "I'm not the reckless one," she shot back, her tone firm despite the tension.
Kian's lips twitched in a fleeting smile. "Debatable."
Armand, watching their exchange, raised an eyebrow. "Cute," he said, smirking. "But I don't have time for your little heart-to-heart." With a sudden surge of power, he raised his hands, electricity flaring in an arc that swept through the alley, forcing them all to scatter.
Soren let out a low growl, his Lava Magic pulsing as he launched a counterattack, sending molten globs toward Armand. "This guy's too quick," he muttered. "We're not even scratching him."
Lyra's mind raced. They couldn't hold him off for much longer at this pace, and they needed to close the gap somehow. But Armand's lightning was too fast, his movements too precise.
Just then, a faint shimmer caught Lyra's eye from the edge of the alley. Frida was standing there, her Amethyst Crystal Magic softly illuminating the shadows around her. She stepped forward, her gaze calm and assessing as she took in the scene.
"Enough," Frida's voice cut through the tension, cool and commanding.
Armand paused, his lightning dimming slightly as he turned to face her. He seemed to sense the shift in the air, his expression wary.
"Who…?" he began, his voice uncertain.
Frida smiled, her dark hair falling in a graceful cascade around her shoulders. She exuded a calm authority that made even Armand hesitate. "Frida Mertens, Vice-Captain of the Silver Eagles. And I'm giving you a chance to end this fight peacefully."
Armand narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering in his gaze. "Why should I trust you?" His voice was wary, and the electricity sparking around him was like a warning—a last defense he wasn't ready to lower.
Frida stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "Because I can see you're not the type to hurt people without reason." She looked around at the Silver Eagles still catching their breath. "You've been holding back against my squadmates. You're strong, but you're not ruthless."
He hesitated, eyes searching hers for any sign of deception. Frida's calm, steady stance was at odds with the chaotic battlefield surrounding them, and something about her gaze cut through his defenses. Her words stung with a truth he hadn't let himself admit for years. Slowly, the electricity around him dimmed, but he didn't lower his guard entirely.
"I don't… want to hurt anyone," he murmured, his voice quieter, almost as though he was speaking more to himself than to her. Memories of fights, of lonely nights on the run, flooded his mind. She's like the others, he tried to tell himself. She doesn't understand.
But Frida's expression softened. "I know. And that's why I'm offering you something different." She stepped closer, still keeping a respectful distance. "Join us. With the Silver Eagles, you'd have a place to belong—a place where you wouldn't have to be alone."
Armand's jaw tightened. The longing in her words struck something deep within him, something he'd buried beneath years of isolation. He forced himself to look away, clenching his fists. "You think I could just… fit in with you?" His voice wavered, filled with years of hardened disbelief. "I've been on my own so long, I don't even know what that feels like anymore."
Frida nodded slowly, her tone understanding yet firm. "It won't be easy. I won't pretend that it will. But you won't have to face it alone." She extended her hand toward him, her gaze unwavering, an anchor against the doubt flooding his mind. "Take this chance, Armand. You don't have to keep running."
He looked at her hand, then back at her face, searching for any hint of insincerity. All he saw was that same, steady resolve, and a quiet understanding he hadn't expected. The flicker of hope he felt startled him, but he didn't push it away this time. Slowly, he reached out, his hand shaking as it met hers. The last remnants of his magic dimmed, the spark fading from his fingertips as the tension drained from his body.
Kian exhaled, glancing at Lyra with a faint smile of relief. "Looks like it's over," he murmured, the concern in his voice finally fading.
Lyra returned his smile, feeling the warmth in their connection even as the Hive Mind spell faded. "Yeah. Thanks for watching out for me, Kian."
He shrugged, his expression softening. "Always, Lyra. Just… don't make me worry like that again."
As Frida led Armand toward the rest of the group, Lyra and Kian shared a quiet, knowing look. It wasn't often that someone like Armand was given a second chance, but tonight, he wasn't the only one who'd found something worth holding onto.
...
Lyra stood by the window, bathed in soft moonlight, her arms crossed as she glanced out. She felt the weight of unsaid words, lingering on the tip of her tongue. When Kian entered, he hesitated, catching sight of her expression before he approached.
"Hey," he greeted, his usual easy smile appearing as he stepped closer. "You look… thoughtful."
Lyra took a breath, her heart pounding. "I guess I am. Kian, have you ever… I mean, is there anyone who makes you feel different?"
Kian blinked, slightly confused. "Different how?"
"Like… someone who makes you drop your guard a little," she pressed, her voice soft. "Makes you feel things you didn't expect."
Kian scratched his head, a small frown on his face. "I mean, I guess there's you." He chuckled nervously. "I care about you a lot, Lyra. More than anyone."
Lyra swallowed, gathering her courage. "Kian, that's what I'm trying to say. I care about you too… maybe more than I should."
He stared at her, realisation dawning slowly, and his eyes widened. "Wait… are you saying…?"
Lyra felt a smile tug at her lips as she nodded, her gaze warm. "Yes, Kian. I'm saying I love you."
For a moment, he was speechless, then his face broke into a grin. "You're serious?" His voice was almost a laugh, full of disbelief and joy, and without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, pressing his lips against hers. Lyra, who was at first taken aback, returned his kiss.
In the doorway, Erin and Soren stifled their laughs, watching the scene unfold. Erin nudged Soren, whispering, "I told you she'd have to spell it out for him."
Soren shook his head, smiling. "Guess we'll call this the end of our 'will-they-won't-they' betting." They quietly slipped away, leaving Lyra and Kian to their moment.
"You owe me 5 silver coins."
"I'll pay you back."
A/N: Romance is so peak.
After this arc, I'm taking a break. Life is lifeing :'(