Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter!

Enjoy and let me know what you guys think!

Don't forget, that submissions are due on January 31!

Submission Restrictions:

1. Blue eyes.

2. More serious characters

3. No more Male OCs

2. Seize the Opportunity

Three months after Spade War

A Forest on the Northern Border of the Ace Kingdom

Laughter floated through the air as Idalia flipped back, avoiding the large and jagged inky black blade of a humanoid monster; its body was bulky, and muscles rippled under corpse-colored skin, back mist radiating from its flesh.

"You missed me!" She laughed, settling on the branch of a tree. She was wearing a deep crimson robe-like jacket that almost seemed too big for her smaller build, the edges of the robe reaching her mid-calves and the sleeves oversized and flaring out when she moved her arms. She had replaced the sash around her waist with a dark brown metal waist cincher with gold trimming, and her boots were now knee-length and were covered with a thin layer of armor she added on dark brown fingerless gloves and gauntlets.

"Missed again!" She laughed, jumping from the branch and swinging the large crimson, silver, and black scythe through the air as she did so, slashing clean through the torso of the grotesque monster and causing it to dissipate into black smoke.

She landed with a soft thud on the ground next to another mage. The mage had smooth peach-toned skin with thick curls or dark red-brown hair that flowed down her back and charcoal gray eyes with lighter flecks of gray near her pupils.

She wore a low-cut, long-sleeved dark gray blouse and a sleeveless dark red mesh shirt under a black-and-red lined lace-up corset. She also had on a black pleated skirt that was split at the side, had a small brown belted strap across the gap, and gray shorts under it. On her arms, she wore black bracers with large brown buckled straps around the wrist and black fingerless gloves; on her shoulders, she wore dark gray pauldrons. She had on brown stockings and thick-soled black military boots with red laces. Lastly, she wore a tattered, rich burgundy cloak with the hood flipped up, covering most of her hair and casting a shadow over her features.

"You're having too much fun, Idalia." Her fellow mage said, thrusting out a rapier and stabbing another one of the monsters through the heart.

Idalia laughed, nudging her companion, "There's no such thing as too much fun, Kleoné," She took a look around them, looking at the carnage that their enemies had left behind, "But man, the Blights did a number here." The greenery was all starting to wither away.

"She's right," Their third companion agreed. He had artfully tousled black hair that reached the collar of his shirt, rich olive-toned skin, and his right eye was a gleaming burnished gold, his left eye being covered by an eyepatch. He wore a rich, expensive black three-piece suit; the jacket, shirt, and pants were black, but the vest he wore popped out, being a rich maroon instead. He also had polished black shoes and black gloves and had a thick shoulder pauldron on his left side. Such elaborate clothes seemed out of place on the battlefield, but somehow he made it work.

The man quickly and fluidly cut through the waist of the two large Blights that surrounded him with his longsword, expertly swinging it through the air, up and over his head to shake the black blood off. "If we have to enter battle, we should have as much fun as possible while also being stylish." He dusted off his clothes as he spoke, making sure there wasn't a speck of dirt on him.

"Is it okay to goof around?" The youngest and newest member of their team asked uncertainty. He had straight chin-length silvery-white hair and deep purple eyes. he was wearing a deep navy blue uniform that had silver trimming with a white belt along his waist and a black pauldron and a matching black gauntlet on his left shoulder and arm.

He quickly blocked the large blade of a Blight with his short sword, pushing the hulking monster away with surprising strength before leaping forward and stabbing it through the chest. He then twisted to the right to avoid another Blight, his sword arm swinging out as he did so and smoothly cutting through the enemy's neck.

Idalia let out an impressed whistle as she watched his movement, for a newbie, he was certainly strong and talented, though she guessed she shouldn't have been so surprised with the family he was from.

She then felt a presence behind her and, without looking, sliced backward with her scythe, cutting through the head and upper torso of a Blight that had been trying to sneak up on her.

"Sheesh," the man with the eyepatch said, making his way over to her when the Blight disappeared. "What if it had been one of us sneaking up on you?"

"I know your aura," Idalia shrugged carelessly, twirling her scythe in her hand and almost sliding the man's face. "I would never accidentally stab you, Remy."

"No," He rolled his one eye good-naturedly, "If you stabbed me, it would be on purpose."

"Will you two pay attention?" Kleoné asked, jumping back to avoid having her head bashed in by the spiked club of a large Blight. Cepheus is taking this seriously."

Both Idalia and Remy turned back to Cepheus, watching as he parried the blade of a Blight, pushing it back before turning on his heel and striking at a Blight to his left, cutting through that one before going back to the first opponent.

"Not bad at all," Idalia nodded.

Kleoné scoffed and rolled her eyes before lunging at the Blight she had been fighting, flipping over its head and stabbing down, impaling it. "Don't leave all the work to him, idiots!"

"Hey! Is that any way to talk to your Captain?!" Idalia demanded, jumping over the blade of Blight as it swung low, trying to cut her legs off. She thrust out with her scythe, planting the curved blade into the corpse-colored flesh, and using that as leverage, she swung herself up into the air, slitting the Blight's head open.

Remy charged at the Blight to his left, swinging his large sword out and slashing deeply through its stomach before slicing up and cutting through its heart just as it tried to swing its blade down at him.

"Was that the last one?" He asked, cleaning his blade of blood and seamlessly sheathing his sword.

"It was," Cepheus said, joining them. "Is anyone injured?" He asked, looking at the other three, eyes neutral, but there was a hint of concern in his voice.

"I'm alright," Idalia said, looking him over, glad to see that he was uninjured, too. She then looked at Kleoné and Remy, noting that Kleoné had a small cut along her arm, but Remy was fine; it was the best outcome, with no casualties and only one slightly injured. "Good job everyone," She smiled, "Shall we go home?" She reached into her robe and pulled out a magical communication tool, turning around to speak quietly to someone on the other side of the device.

"I could use a hot bath and then a meal," Remy agreed, stretching out leisurely. "Ceph, what's your favorite meal? I'll make it once we get back."

Cepheus quickly shook his head, "There's no need to bother yourself. I'll eat whatever is in the dining hall." His tone was polite and slightly guarded.

"Don't be like that," Remy said, he looked at Kleoné instead, "What about you? I can make your favorite."

Kleoné looked away, pulling her hood tighter over her head so that it would cover her face as she looked away "There's no need to fuss. I'll eat what's given."

Instead of looking put down by two rejections, Remy just laughed, "Then we'll have a feast. I'm sure Her Majesty would enjoy it too."

As he spoke, a shimmery portal appeared out of nowhere, and a man with short blonde hair and blue eyes popped his head through, "It's all clear, let's get you guys home."

Kleoné and Cepheus hurried to the portal, hoping to escape Remy and his… social plans, but he grabbed them with a confident smile. "Let's go to the kitchen. You guys can help me cook!"

"What? Let go! Leave me alone!" Kleoné struggled in his grasp. "Someone like me shouldn't be around people with your status!"

"Don't talk like that, Kleoné! Everyone is welcome!" Remy said.

"I-I've never cooked before," Cepheus stammered, his calm facade slightly broken as Remy started to drag them through the portal.

"I'll teach you," Remy reassured him, "Now let's go, that feast won't cook itself!" He laughed as he dragged his two prisoners after him, both slumped in defeat.

Idalia laughed as she watched the two anti-social knights sigh and made to follow them, but before she could, the blonde spatial mage stopped her.

"Lady Idalia, I have instructions to send you back home," The blonde mage said.

Idalia raised a brow, "I thought this was the portal back to the Citadel, Izar."

Izar nodded, "It is, but you've been summoned by High Lady Kiran."

She sighed, so he meant home to the Solar Courts. She wondered what Kiran needed; it was rare for her to summon her back so suddenly, "Fine."

Hopefully, it wouldn't take too long. Remy's feasts were always fun, and it would be a shame to miss it.

Three months after Spade War

Clover Kingdom

Common Realm

Kikka

"This is a nice place," Adriane said, looking around at all the merchant stalls, from the rich fabrics to the various foods that vendors were trying to sell. She stopped next to a stall with soft, vibrant colored silks, gently running her fingers through a purple silky scarf. "It reminds me of the markets back in the Lunar Courts."

"How has the Lunar Court been?" Valance asked, curious. Even though she was from the Celestial Court, she had always been close to Adriane, visiting the Lunar Court whenever she could, she'd always visit the Solar Court, too, so that she could see Idalia; the three of them had been close as kids. It was one of the reasons why her grandmother hated her, she didn't like that she had such strong bonds with people outside of the Celestial Court, especially when her grandmother's relationships with the other courts had been failing.

"It's been good," Adriane laughed, "Qrow is busy as usual. The last time I saw him, he was grumbling over paperwork and how he had no time." She remembered the scene as if it were yesterday, her walking into Qrow's office and papers flying all over the place as Qrow frantically signed everything, stack after stack.

"I don't think he reads what he signs anymore," Adriane laughed, remembering the flustered look on Qrow's face. "He yelled at me to get out when I sat down, so he's as rude as usual."

"Well, he was busy," Valance tried to defend the man, she knew the horrors of overwhelming paperwork; after all, when she had been the vice-captain of Aqua Deer, it had felt like the paperwork was never-ending. "Did you at least help?"

"I requested tea to be brought to his office and just watched." The silver-haired woman smiled, laughing a bit at Valance's disbelieving look. "He didn't ask for help, all he did was scowl at me."

"Could have offered," Valance said, wondering if she'd be left to do all the paperwork when their squad was fully formed.

"I already helped in the morning. I set the schedule for the staff and made sure the supplies in the castle were all up to date." Adriane defended herself, "I'm not some slacker, Val-Val."

"Don't call me Val-Val," Valance grumbled; she hated nicknames. "... I'm glad you're not a slacker."

Adriane laughed, "You can rely on me, Valance, I'm going to take this seriously. I won't let anyone down."

"I know," Valance smiled back. Despite how playful Adriane was, she had always been reliable when it mattered most. She looked around at the stalls, while Adriane continued to look at the silks. "Are you going to send gifts home?"

Her co-captain was now looking at a rich crimson scarf, the color shifting to a bright orange near the ends of the scarf.

"Maybe. I think Idalia would like this one. She's been looking for something light to wear when not in her armor." Adriane said before looking around again. Her eyes landed on the large colosseum. "So this is where the magic knight exams are going to be?"

Valance nodded, "In a few weeks, hopefully we can get a few recruits. Have you heard anything from the Ace Kingdom? Is anyone interested in joining?"

"A few. But remember, I'm only hearing from the noble houses. I'm sure we'll have a few commoners from the Ace Kingdom attempt to join. Hopefully, some of the other squads will accept a few Ace Kingdom mages, and they won't all come into ours."

"I hope this works out," Valance said. She wasn't as optimistic as Adriane, "The Clover Kingdom has never done this before."

"And the Ace Kingdom hasn't opened up like this before. We have to believe this will work. If you worry too much, it'll just add to the stress." Adriane shrugged. "It's new for everyone."

"You're right-" Valance sighed, looking around again, her eyes catching on a familiar figure, but something seemed off, his shoulders were slumped and there was an uncertain look on his face.

Hearing how Valance had abruptly cut off, Adriane turned and followed her gaze, spotting a man around their age walking by. He was tall and slim with fair skin and shoulder-length black hair that was pulled into a low, short ponytail and warm dark brown eyes. He wore a white, long-sleeved tunic robe with a brown lining along the wrists and collar. He also had on a pair of black, fingerless gloves that covered his forearms with fur on the hems, and dark brown pants, tucked into a pair of black, knee-high boots with three buckled straps.

"Who's he?" She asked, curious.

"His name is Eisen, he helped me when I first got to the Clover Kingdom," Valance quickly explained before calling out to him. "Eisen!" She waved her hand, trying to catch his attention, but he walked past, not hearing her due to the crowd that separated them. "I'll be back." She said, moving to catch up to him.

The silver-haired mage watched her friend disappear into the crowd, following Eisen, a thoughtful look on her face; she wondered what type of relationship the two had, but whatever it was, if he had looked after Valance when she had first gotten to the Clover Kingdom and they were still friends, then she already liked him; Valance needed more friends who watched her back, she knew that there hadn't been many back in the Ace Kingdom. With a final look towards the direction Valance had disappeared to, Adriane shrugged and went back to looking through the scarves, choosing a few to send back home to her family and friends.

"Hey! Eisen!" Wait up!" Valance finally caught up to him and pulled him to a stop.

Eisen blinked in surprise at her touch and looked down, a soft smile forming on his face when he realized who stopped him, "Oh, Valance, sorry I didn't hear you." Even as he spoke, she could tell that he was still distracted, his brows furrowed, showing that he was deep in thought. "Congratulations on your promotion to Captain." His smile turned a bit more genuine at those words.

"Thanks." She smiled back before studying him, "How have you been? How are things at the Crimson Lions?"

"It's going fine. The amount of missions we've been getting has increased, but that's no surprise with the number of the Magic Knights lower and us having to rebuild some parts of the Kingdom again." He let out a tired sigh, "with the increase of missions, the infirmary has been busy."

Valance frowned at him, yes, he sounded tired, and if he had a constant stream of injured squadmates, then it would be a good explanation for his state. But they had known each other for eleven years now, and she just knew there was more. "Anything else?" She asked, when he hesitated, she pressed on. "How have you been?"

"I've had a lot on my mind lately," He confessed. "A lot has happened from the Elf invasion to the War with the Spade Kingdom. It feels like preparing for one event after another and no time to breathe." As he spoke the two of them wandered away from the thick crowds of the market, settling into a secluded corner where no one could easily hear them.

"You're right," Valance nodded, "It's been tough, but we got through everything, we'll get through this rebuilding too. I'm sure that when the Magic Knight Exams come around, the Magic Knights Squads will be able to replenish their numbers, though we'll never forget the ones we've lost. We're still here because we all worked together to push through the conflict."

"But at the end of the day, we weren't able to do much." Eisen sighed, looking down at his hands, "The Kingdom would have been destroyed if it weren't for Asta, the Captains, and the rest who infiltrated the Spade Kingdom. When that large demon appeared in the center of the Kingdom, none of us could do anything. Only Asta with his anti-magic could." Eisen finished, sounding depressed.

Valance was taken aback by his words, but could only agree, in the past few years, they have had to rely on Asta's anti-magic which was a bit disheartening, but she had never heard Eisen sound so depressed. She opened her mouth to comfort him, but he continued.

"I wasn't able to do anything at all. I wasn't able to fight, and I wasn't even able to work fast enough to help tend to the wounded Magic Knights during that time."

"You did your best," Valance argued, but she knew it must be weighing him down. Eisen had shifted from being a combatant in the Crimson Lions to focusing his full attention on being a restoration Magic Knight. Of course, he would blame himself for the ones he hadn't been able to save and didn't think about the lives he did save.

"It still wasn't enough… so I've been thinking of resigning." He admitted.

"Resigning?" She asked horror in her eyes. She had never thought Eisen would stop being a Magic knight, she had only ever known him as one. Sure, they hadn't been in the same squad, but they had always been there for each other.

"Captain Fuegoleon is amazing, he's admirable, that hasn't changed. But, I don't think I fit with the Crimson Lions anymore. It doesn't feel like I have a place in the Magic Knights anymore."

"Of course you do!" She blurted out, meeting his surprised dark brown eyes. "You still want to protect people right?" When he nodded she continued, "Then you'll always have a place with the Magic Knights."

"But I'm holding the Crimson Lions back." He argued.

"I doubt you are, and I don't think anyone in your squad thinks that. I know Fuegoleon doesn't." Valance said honestly. "You nurse them back to health. If anyone thinks you're holding them back it's their problem, not yours."

Eisen laughed lightly, "Thanks. You always know what to say," he smiled at her.

"But now that I think about it…" She looked at him thoughtfully, "I meant what I said, you're not holding your squad back, but if you need a change of pace…" a smile was starting to form on her face. "There's always room on my squad."

Eisen looked at her in surprise. "Your squad?"

Valance nodded, "It's just me, Adriane, and Glacien right now. And before we get more members, I think it would be good to establish a vice-captain."

He looked even more shocked at her offer, eyes widening. "Isn't Adriane your vice-captain?"

"Co-captain," Valance shook her head, looking a bit uncertain. "Since we're trying to welcome mages from the Ace Kingdom we both figured they would be more comfortable if we were equal."

He frowned, "I don't like that some of your members from the Ace Kingdom will treat you like an outcast because you were forced out."

"I'll handle them if they get out of line, so will Adriane," Valance reassured.

"Are you sure she'll have your back? He asked, and Valance couldn't blame him for being worried. He had been the shoulder she had cried on in the beginning when she had been exiled. Heard the stories of her family's mistreatment, so of course he'd be cautious of any mages from Ace.

"She's one of the few people who has always had my back. She and another friend of mine were my biggest advocates to not be exiled. She's also the one who tried to keep in touch when I had to leave home, I trust her to have my back when it comes to the mages from Ace."

Eisen still looked uncertain, but he nodded. She knew he'd have to meet Adriane herself before deciding if she was good or not.

"And I trust you to have my back regarding the mages from the Clover Kingdom. You were my first friend here. You comforted me when I'm sure you had another million things to do." Valance continued. "There's no one else I'd like as my vice-captain. So what do you say?"

"Shouldn't you consult your co-captain?" Eisen asked, still a bit uncertain, but there was no denying the new spark of excitement in his eyes though his face remained mostly calm. "Won't she be mad you just asked?"

"She's the one who told me to choose the vice-captain because she thinks it should be a mage from the Clover Kingdom," Valance explained. "So what do you say?" She asked, eagerly.

Eisen laughed at the excited smile on her face, "I'll have to settle some things with the Crimson Lions and talk to Captain Fuegoleon, but, I accept the offer, Valance. Maybe a new start is what I need."

"Great!" She surprised him by hugging him and after a moment he hugged her back. "Thanks, Eisen."

"Thank you for the offer, " he said softly, squeezing her gently. When he pulled back, he saw a silver-haired woman standing behind Valance, looking amused. He jumped a bit, and Valance sighed annoyed; he hadn't heard her arrive.

"Is he your partner?" The woman asked curiously, dusk-blue eyes glittering with amusement.

"No," Valance said, facing her, "This is our new vice-captain, Eisen Beaumont. Eisen this is Adriane Valeryon."

"The co-captain," He nodded, standing up and offering her his hand, a polite smile on his face, though his eyes were cautious and a bit mistrustful on Valance's behalf. "It's nice to meet you."

She took his hand, shaking his hand firmly, "It's nice to meet you too, let's work well together." She said lightly. If she noticed his caution, she didn't say anything, after all, she was also sizing him up. "Shall we return home?" She asked, turning to Valance, who had been looking between the two.

"Yeah, let's go." She turned to Eisen, "So I'll see you soon?"

He nodded back, "I'll let you know once I've settled my affairs with the Crimson Lions." With a final farewell nod in Adriane's direction, he left.

"Good choice," Adriane said as they watched him leave.

"Just make sure to play nice," Valance said.

"I always play nice." She shot back, sounding slightly offended.

Valance scoffed, they both knew that was a lie, but she couldn't help the smile that was forming on her face, slowly, their squad was growing, and she couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

Three Months After Spade War

Ace Kingdom

Solar Court

Helios Castle

Illyea Talisiere strode confidently through the halls of Helios Castle; it was a grand, three-story structure made up of flawless, white-gray stone set at the very center of the town, the residence of the de'Sauveterre High Noble family.

She had fair skin, light purple hair that cascaded down to her mid-back in loose curls, and rich dark blue eyes. She was dressed in an off-shoulder white tunic with ruffled long sleeves, and over the tunic she had on a midnight blue underbust cincher that was trimmed with dark purple on the edges, and gold buttons, a ruffled dark blue skirt that went to her calves and knee-high dark brown boots that matched her gloves. Lastly, she had a ruffled dark blue headband with white lace.

As she walked to the High Lady's office, she tried to remain optimistic. This would be the second meeting she was having with the High Lady about her request and it made her nervous. She knew her request wasn't a small one, and while she didn't need Kiran's permission to leave, she would like her blessing at least, even if she knew it was unlikely.

She reached the ornate double doors that led to Kiran's office and knocked a few times before taking a deep breath. Everything would be alright.

"Come in," A soft melodic voice floated through the door and a second later Illyea opened it, holding her breath.

The first thing she saw was the High Lady of the Solar Court, Kiran de'Sauveterre sitting at her desk, sunlight streaming through the large, clear glass window behind her, her face set in a neutral mask as her eyes landed on her.

Kiran was a small yet intimidating woman, she had creamy pale skin, straight burnt orange hair that went just past her chin, and large, stern bright orange eyes that seemed to piece into Illyea's soul. She was also dressed modestly in crimson and brown scholar robes. "Illyea, I'm glad you could make it, we'd like to talk."

"We?" Illyea asked nervously and that's when she noticed two other people in the room, sitting on the couches where Kiran liked to entertain with tea and she gulped.

The first was a young man with fair skin, neatly tousled pastel orange hair, and kind, yellow-gold eyes. He wore a white tunic under a high-collared double-breasted dark maroon jacket and black trousers. The other was a woman she knew too well; Kyros and Idalia de'Sauveterre, what were they doing here?!

Idalia laughed at the look on her face, "Surprised?"

"Of course I'm surprised," Illyea said, feeling her nervousness spike, "Not that I'm not happy to see you Idalia, but why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the Citadel with her Majesty?"

"Kiran called me back for a situation," Idalia smiled, hopping to her feet and walking over to Illyea, "She wanted to make sure she wasn't being irrational. I reassured her she was."

"Idalia," Kiran scowled, brows furrowing. She motioned for Illyea to move closer, "Illyea, I think you're making a mistake."

"I wouldn't say it like that," The man said, joining them at the desk and leaning against the side. "She's doing what she thinks is right."

"Going to the Clover Kingdom, going to where that woman is Queen..." Kiran's jaw clenched in anger as she thought of Celande Novalic. "It's not safe for anyone in our family. Her family betrayed us."

"And suffered the consequences," Idalia finished, looking disinterested. "But the Queen didn't do any of it. It was her father who acted because of his greed."

"Don't you remember that you were the one who suffered the most?!" Kiran turned her hard eyes on Idalia, a scowl on her face. "You were taken from us for years-"

Idalia quickly cut her older sister off, her own anger sparking in her eyes, "Of course I remember. But I stand by what I said, Celande had nothing to do with it."

"But if Illyea goes to the Clover Kingdom, she may find it fit to retaliate. Celande is the Queen of the Clover Kingdom, if she's half as clever as her father, was, she could find a way to throw our sister into prison." Kiran said.

Illyea blinked, wondering if Kiran knew how paranoid she sounded, but she knew that Kiran had some good points. "I know the risks, but Adriane will be there, and Queen Celande can't do anything unless she wants to ruin the budding relationship between nations.

"I just can't trust Celande won't do everything. We executed her entire family for treason after she left for the Ace Kingdom. And I can't trust Adriane because she has her issues with Celande too, so she may not be able to think clearly if push comes to shove." Kiran argued.

"Can't you stay here and join the Solar Court branch of the military? Aurora and Aeliana are serving here along with me. And the younger siblings will miss you if you go." Kyros asked, looking at Illyea.

"Yes, don't you want to stay here with the family? If you want to move on, you can also try the Paladins when you're twenty." Kiran reasoned, "Just like Idalia."

Illyea bit her lips. The Paladins, the elite unit that resided in the Citadel with the Queen. To even be considered as one, a mage had to have been in military service for four years under one of the Courts and then pass a series of tests; only the best and strongest were allowed into their ranks, which was why she admired Idalia.

"I'd have to be here for four years before I can join." Illyea pressed, "And there's no guarantee I'd make it into the Paladins when I turn twenty.

Idalia snorted, "Don't sell yourself, short Sis, you're a strong mage, in four years, I'm sure you'll be even stronger."

"Even if you go to Clover, you'd still be starting at the bottom within the Magic Knights," Kyros said, "It's the same as here. As far as I'm concerned, you can stay here."

Illyea bit her lip in frustration, "I'm sorry, Kiran, but I've made up my mind, I'm going to the Clover Kingdom."

"Illyea-" There was a hard edge in Kiran's tone but Illyea interrupted her.

"I'd like your blessing, but you can't stop me from leaving." She blurted out. "You are the High Lady of my Court, but I'm not a de'Sauveterre by blood or name. I'm an orphan you adopted into the family on paper."

"We're family on paper by a legally binding contract." Kiran's voice was hard, but there was no hiding the hurt in her eyes, and Illyea felt guilt pool in her stomach. "We are sisters. We adopted you and the rest of the kids in the orphanage into our family."

"But there is a clause that says that since we weren't allowed to take the de'Sauveterre name, we as individuals not born into the de'Sauveterre can act without the permission of the Head of the de'Sauveterre family as long as it doesn't harm the family. I'm just executing that right." Illyea argued.

There was a tense silence before Idalia let out a rough laugh, "Trying to break ties with the family?"

"Of course not!" She protested.

"Idalia," Kyros scolded his older sister before turning kind eyes towards Idalia, "Neither of them bothered to ask so I will, why do you want to go to Clover so badly?"

"It's not like I want to cut ties or anything," Illyea quickly said, "I love you guys. You found me when I had no one. And despite there being eight of you guys, you treat all of us adoptees the same, I'm thankful. I'm always thankful for all the opportunities I've been given because of this family."

"But..." Kyros prompted, voice kind.

"I can't stand on my own here..." Illyea said, "All people see when they look at me is a charity case. I want to be known for my skills and strengths, not under the umbrella of the de'Sauveterre name."

"Even still, going to Clover is a bit much, I can't protect you if you're there," Kiran argued back.

"And I'm saying I can't grow if you keep protecting me. I have to learn without you hovering around me. I can't protect you if I don't get stronger."

Kiran looked shocked at her remark, "The older sibling is supposed to protect the younger ones."

"As siblings, we're supposed to protect each other. It doesn't matter who is older or younger." She shot back before taking a deep breath. "Please Kiran, I promise I'll be careful in Clover, I'll contact you every month."

Kiran leaned back in her chair, "It's like you said, you don't need my permission."

"But I want to know that you're even a bit on my side before I leave." She said. "When you guys found me, I was five and couldn't control my magic. I've grown so much because of you."

"Let her go," Idalia spoke up, looking insistently at Kiran. "You're fears, while valid, are verging on irrational Kiran." She then turned to Illyea and smiled, "I'll write Adriane a letter to let her know you're on your way to join their squad."

"I want to try out at the Magic Knight Exams. It'll be all for nothing if I can't get into the squads on my own merit." She said hurriedly. "You don't need to write her, she'll recognize me anyway."

Idalia blinked and exchanged a look with Kyros.

"I support you," Kyros smiled at her, "Just make sure you keep in touch, our younger siblings will be sad otherwise."

"I support you, too." Idalia grinned, "But man, I'm jealous. I wish I could go too. It sounds like things are going to be fun in the Clover Kingdom."

"You're staying here." Kiran snapped, glaring at Idalia before her gaze once again settled on Idalia. "You're... sure about this?" It was clear she was struggling with Illyea's decision and didn't know what to do. "You'll be so far away from home, in a Kingdom under our enemy's influence."

"I can protect myself," Illyea said certainly. "I need to do this on my own Kiran."

Kiran stared a bit longer before sighing, shoulders sagging as she let out a deep breath. "Fine, you have my support, but I want contact every week. And if Celande does anything strange, you come back home immediately."

Illyea beamed, "I promise! Thank you, Kiran!" She rushed forward and hugged her tightly. "I promise I won't let you down!"

Kiran let out a surprised laugh, "I know you won't." She said, eyes softening as she hugged her back. "Just stay safe."

"I will," Illyea promised, feeling a thrill go through her; finally, she'd be able to prove her own worth to herself and her family. She just hoped everything would go smoothly.

And that's the end of the chapter! As always, let me know what you guys think in the reviews!

OC Created By:

Eisen Beaumont Created by Derekjay2000

Illyea Talisiere Created by QueenNox27