Hello everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Silent Magi's Apprentice! Today we continue where we left off last chapter. It's the end of the festivities and now Kuromu's life as a full-fledged mage will now begin in earnest. It's a bit on the short side, but I'll make it up to you guys in the next one. So for now, enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! All creative rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.
A few days have passed since the Thaumaturge Trial celebration. It was nothing short of fun back then. Kuromu and Shizuka were the stars of that night as they danced while the other attendees watched on. It was only after the song ended, that they finally noticed that they were the center of attention, much to their embarrassment.
Now that the festivities were over, things were back to normal for the most part. Now that Kuromu has become a mage, he has to work and study harder than ever. He can't slack off now that he has bigger responsibilities. One of them being…
"Eh? I have to register?" Kuromu blinked.
"Yes, it is important to register. You cannot simply roam the Continent and claim you are a mage. People may think you are scamming them."
"Ah, I guess that makes sense." Kuromu sighed. "And I'm assuming that will involve a lot of paperwork…"
"Sadly, yes."
"Wonderful…" Kuromu groaned. "That would explain the festivities a few days ago. If we did the paperwork before then, it would've sucked the joy out of the festivities."
"Correct. Luckily it will be sent to, via a spell. So you will not have to wait once it is ready. And when you do complete the necessary paperwork, you will be given an identification credential to show that you are who you claim to be."
"I see. So then… where do I go?"
"You will have to go to City Hall in the Capital. The clerks there will assist in whatever you may need and answer any questions you have."
"Got it."
*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*
"I got it!" Nia said, as she flew over to the door. She pushed down the door handle with her small body before grunting and pulling with all her might to open the door. Kuromu and Shizuka went over to said door and their visitor was none other than…
"Lady Minerva?" Kuromu blinked.
"Good morning, Kuromu. I'm here to take you to get registered." Minerva smiled.
"Eh? How did you-" Kuromu began, wondering how she already knew.
"I've been doing this thing for awhile, dear. I would know this." She playfully winked at the boy. "And besides, I'm here for that other thing we discussed."
"Other… oh… oh! Ohhhhhhhhh, right that." Kuromu remembered.
"Hm? What is Minerva talking about?" Shizuka asked.
"Just a little errand that I need Kuromu's assistance with. Surely, you don't mind, do you Shizuka?" She pleaded with a wink and hands put together.
"W-Well… he is his own mage. And I trust you enough. Just… please be careful?"
"Oh don't you worry. I'll be sure to take good care of him!" Minerva winked.
"I'll be back before dinner, Shizuka-sensei." Kuromu smiled a bit.
"Heh~ that's something a husband would say to their wi~fe." Nia teased.
"Oi…" Kuromu said dryly.
"Be safe…"
"I will." Kuromu nodded, before turning to Minerva. "Shall we?" He asked, to which Minerva gestured him to take the lead. With a smirk, he held out his hand and his Eclipse Staff appeared. Waving it, he made a portal appear, the other side being the Capital. Kuromu and Minerva then walked through it before the portal closed.
Chapter 15: Crystal Bond
"Phew… that was a close one." Kuromu sighed in relief as he and Minerva walked through the streets of the Capital. "I didn't want to spill the beans about that in front of her."
"Agreed. Now, about what the Primordials quest they gave you…" Minerva reminded him.
"Yes that…" Kuromu frowned. "I have to seek the Crystal Beasts, as coincidental as it is for that other thing I wanted to do, and have them summon the Rainbow Dragon."
"To think that it truly does exist…" Minerva sighed, "Even more so with them telling you to revive it and forge a pact with the dragon… And here I thought Mana having a pact with Timaeus was nigh impossible…"
"Timaeus? Who's that?" Kuromu asked, confused.
"A powerful, legendary dragon who fought against an evil entity that sank Atlantis…" Minvera grimaced, "They're just as powerful as the Egyptian Gods…"
"R-Really… you don't say…" Kuromu stuttered.
"And now, they're giving you one with such an ancient and unique beast that hasn't been seen in a millennia? This might be more than we thought." Minerva noted before looking at the young mage, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Of course. It's for Elesia and Shizuka-sensei's sake after all."
The older mage sighed, taking in his resolve before nodding, "Very well then. We'll first of course need to tell this to the young one who has those gems. It is important after all, and I don't want you stealing already."
"O-Of course not! I would never!" Kuromu stammered, waving his hands frantically.
"After that, we will need to request Mana's help. With such a big task, having Timaeus with us, will solve most issues. Ah, here we are. City Hall."
Kuromu looked forward and saw a large white building made of marble and stone, something akin to that of a Romanesque pantheon with a Greek-temple architecture at the front with a pediment and columns holding it up. Across the bottom of the pediment were the words 'CITY HALL' that were chiseled into the marble.
"So… this is City Hall, huh?" Kuromu mused.
"Yes it is."
"Kuromu-dono~!"
Kuromu blinked when he saw a familiar green-haired girl of a magician with orange robes, and a familiar grumbling Dark Magician imitator.
"Adores. Athar." Kuromu recognized.
"What brings you to City Hall, Kuromu-dono?" Adores questioned with a smile.
"I have to get paperwork done to get my ID card." Kuromu answered.
"Oh! Well, don't let me stop you, Kuromu-dono. Please, proceed without delay." Adores smiled, as she stepped aside, only to see Athar remain still before she dragged him over to her.
"Wait, aren't you here because of Lady Minerva?" Kuromu blinked.
"We are here, because this idiot had to get the limited edition, 'Dark Magician's Orb'. Ugh…" Adores groaned as they saw the young mage look at the orb with utter delight and awe.
"Uhhhhhhh…" Kuromu looked absolutely confused.
"With this… I'm one step closer to becoming my master's true apprentice…"
"It's just a regular orb that Dark Magician signed… It doesn't even do anything…" Adores whispered, "He just wants anything related to Mahad…"
"Aha, no wonder…"
"So please! Don't let us keep you away for much longer!" Adores smiled, before tugging on Athar's collar, "Come on you… I've already had enough with your pitstops…"
"Oh fine…" Athar groaned before the two siblings left.
"Well now, shall we?" Minerva asked, to which Kuromu nodded, before they went up the steps and into City Hall. Upon entering they were met with a sight of the interior similar to that of the Citadel, being made of marble, but the main difference is that there were many podiums and desks that littered the floor with hundreds of clerks assisting the thousands of clients.
Minerva walked ahead to lead Kuromu for his license before reaching one of the desks as the two took a seat to speak with the clerk. "Hello, we are here to register Kuromu with his ID."
"Hm?" The clerk looked at Kuromu. "Ah, yes. You're one of the successful apprentices that passed the Thaumaturge Trials. Certainly." She said, before pulling out a form for her to write. "Full name?"
"Kuromu Kururugi."
"The name of your Master?"
"Silent Magician."
"And your title?"
"Eclipse Alchemist."
"Age?"
"18."
"Birthplace?"
"Uh…" Kuromu trailed off, unsure how to answer, "Earth?" He winced. The clerk looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "I'm sorry, my memories are still a blur…"
The clerk said nothing as they wrote away for a bit, the silence growing around before a small plaque appeared, "Place your hand on the plaque, please."
Without missing a beat, Kuromu did as instructed and a line of green light scanned his entire hand. After a few moments, a green transparent card formed in front of him, showing his identification fully made from his own magic.
"Remember the rules well. Keep this with you at all times. Don't dabble in the dark arts, don't abuse your power, and remember to obey the laws of reality. Otherwise you can have your ID and status revoked."
"Y-Yes… understood." Kuromu nodded, quickly taking the card and seeing it for the first time. It even had his picture. "Wait… wasn't there supposed to be a lot of paperwork to fill out?"
"Oh indeed. This was just the first thing to get through." The clerk said before a mountain of paper appeared on the desk and in front of him, "Please, fill everything out."
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
Several Hours Later…
"I am never… working for a cushy government job… ever…" Kuromu grumbled, shaking his arm rather hard to get any feeling back, as he and Minerva walked out of City Hall. Now he understood why people's brains are mush, because of the paperwork that was piled in front of him, which would lead to corruption, laziness, lack of fortitude, and then some. It's why government officials don't bother helping the masses they govern, because of the damn paperwork that went along with it.
"Well, it's the only way they'll legalize your credibility." Minerva shrugged.
"I hope this won't be a recurring thing whenever I get promoted…" Kuromu said dryly.
"Only if you decide to be a Grand Master." Minerva snickered. "Last time I had it, it took me 5 hours to finish it."
"Yeah, no thank you…" Kuromu deadpanned. "Well, now that I finally got my ID, let's find those Crystal Beasts. Where do we start?"
"Right, we'll need to talk to Adores first, since she has the only lead to them."
"And they're probably back home by now." Kuromu said. "One moment." He said, before taking his staff and waving it. A portal appeared, the other side showing Adores and Athar in their living room, to which they noticed.
"Eek! K-Kuromu-dono?!" Adores squeaked.
"Hey uhhhhh… mind helping me out? I'm looking for the Crystal Beasts." Kuromu requested.
"Y-You what?!"
"I-I mean, since you got to meet them, umm… can you lead the way?"
"Why would the Crystal Beasts want to meet a nobody like you?" Athar huffed.
*WAPISH!*
"Ow!" Athar cried out, after Adores hit him on the head with the harisen.
"Please ignore him. Come, come in! M-Maybe the gems will respond to you?"
"Uh… sure." Kuromu said, before looking at Minerva who merely gestured to him to go on. Kuromu and Minerva then walked to the other side of the portal and into Athar and Adores living room and the portal closed. The Card Ejector then grabbed the jewels and placed them on the coffee table. "So~ what exactly do I do?"
"Honestly? We don't know. I only know that I have to get them to accept me and show me to the Ancient Rainbow Ruins to summon the Rainbow Dragon." Kuromu informed her.
"Haaah? Why would such a powerful creature want yo-"
*BAA~AM!*
Athar was now six feet in the ground, "Please don't listen to him." Adores smiled sweetly, "Though to talk to the Crystal Beasts will be… difficult."
"How so? It can't be that bad." Kuromu raised an eyebrow, but then thought about it. "Wait… Rainbow Ruins?"
"You know about it?" Adores questioned.
"I don't know if it's the same but… there's a Pocket Dimension at home where I trained to learn my first magic. I was in the ruins of some amphitheater and there was a rainbow overhead."
"But… that location should be secret, only the Crystal Beasts truly know!" Adores gasped, "Could… They have been telepathically messaging you about it?"
"Well… only one way to find out."
"Hm? You have returned already?" Shizuka asked, after answering the door, revealing Kuromu, Minerva, Adores, and Athar.
"Sorry sensei, I need to go to the Pocket Dimension with the Rainbow Ruins." Kuromu said. "You know… where I did the Light Sphere training?"
"Hm? But I do not have a pocket dimension for that… That location is kept hidden even from Master Endymion."
"Huh? But… those ruins we went to for training…"
"For me, it was another set of ruins. Maybe… this means someone was contacting you through magical means and lets you see it?"
"I… guess?" Kuromu said, before taking one of the gems into his hands, the cobalt that was shaped in an 'old mine' cut. He closed his eyes to concentrate. And to everyone's surprise, the cobalt crystal glowed.
"Hey! It's glowing!" Adores noticed.
"Is he actually summoning a Crystal Beast from such a small fragment?" Minerva gawked.
Moments later, the cobalt crystal enlarged, causing Kuromu to open his eyes. Everyone, including him, backed away as the crystal grew in size and became as tall as Shizuka, before it suddenly cracked and eventually shattered… revealing an eagle! The eagle in question looked like a bald eagle with its white-feathered head and brown-feathered wings and body, and yellow-colored talons. But the key difference was the plumage on the eagle's head was orange and long and that were cobalt gems on each wing and on its chest.
"Feerrruuuuuuuooo!" The eagle cried out, shivering off the glimmers from its wings before it looked around until it turned to Kuromu, "Ah, so it's you."
"Telepathy…" Adores gawked in awe as the creature was communicating with them through such means.
"No way!" Athar gawked.
"Are you… a Crystal Beast?" Kuromu wondered.
"That's right! Crystal Beast - Cobalt Eagle at your service!" The creature gave a bow, "And you are the one who'll help us. Kuromu."
"Wait, you know who I am?" Kuromu gasped.
"Yes, we have been watching you for some time through our magic. You are destined to reawaken the Rainbow Dragon after eons of slumber."
"Then…" Kuromu looked towards the other crystals that were in Adores's stand. "I think I know what to do."
With this, they all decided to move into the house and into the Field of Beginnings, the first Pocket Dimension that Kuromu had seen. With this, he took the other Crystals from Adores's stand and placed them on the ground, surrounding himself. Then he sat on the grass, crossing his legs, his staff in hand as he closed his eyes and concentrated.
"As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee…"
A magical circle enlarged below Kuromu as the rays of light emitting from its lines and glyphs glowed and the crystals themselves glowed, "Decipher the Laws of Creation. Awaken the beasts that sleep within these crystals! Crystal Release!"
At this, the crystals enlarged much like the cobalt. One by one each of them cracked and shattered revealing the Crystal Beasts from within.
First was a little purple cat-like creature with 4 ears and a red stone on its forehead and a tail with a red orb gem. The second was a large mammoth with gray fur and four curling tusks appeared, with an amber gemstone set in its forehead. The third was a white tiger with a curved horn and yellow stones on its neck. The fourth one had a dark green tortoise shell with emerald pillars sticking out of the top and the turtle itself had pale green skin with a bit of an emerald goatee and emeralds on its legs as it was old. The fifth one was a noble, white Pegasus with yellow wings with sapphires in them and a sapphire horn. And the last of the bunch was a pale pink panther-like cat wearing a brooch that had an amethyst jewel embedded in it.
These were the rest of the Crystal Beasts. Ruby Carbuncle, Amber Mammoth, Topaz Tiger, Emerald Tortoise, Sapphire Pegasus, and Amethyst Cat.
"Kyuu, kyuu~!" Ruby Carbuncle chirped with delight.
"It's about time. I was getting cramped in there." Amethyst Cat yawned, stretching her body to loosen up.
"I could've had another century to sleep though…" Emerald Tortoise yawned.
"That's because you're in your shell most of the time, old friend." Topaz Tiger pointed out.
"But to finally walk on the earth again, brings me such joy." Amber Mammoth sighed with relief.
"Thank you, Chosen mage for releasing us." Sapphire Pegasus thanked the young mage as the Crystal Beasts all bowed. "We are forever in your debt."
"H-Hold on! I-I had the Crystal Beasts with me the entire time?!" Adores couldn't help but gawk. "B-B-But how?!"
"More to say when our gems were shattered, we were put in a deep slumber. But we know one day someone would reawaken us, for even if our gems are shattered and scattered across the world? We can always reform ourselves with our Chosen." Emerald Tortoise informed.
"Your gems were shattered…" Kuromu muttered. "What exactly happened?"
"A war. One against a vile dark entity." Sapphire Pegasus informed.
"Darkbishop…" Kuromu muttered.
"So you faced it as well, young one? Our condolences." Topaz Tiger bowed its head.
"I was a victim of his experiments and Doomstar Magician had a hand in my torture. Luckily, he is exiled from the Continent…"
"So it once again snared a young mage into its clutches…" Amethyst Cat spat in disgust. "Know this… wherever you go, we shall follow."
"Thank you." Kuromu nodded.
"Kyuu! Kyuu!" Ruby Carbuncle cheered with delight, soon hopping on Kuromu's shoulder as it nuzzled his cheek happily.
"Hey, that's my shoulder to sit on!" Nia huffed, as she shoulder tackled the cute fox-like creature aside. "Get your own shoulder!"
Yet before it hit the floor, it turned into a ruby energy before floating back up and reappearing now on Kuromu's head, laying on top of him.
"I don't think you'll be able to argue your way out of this one, Nia." Kuromu chuckled. "Oh right, Crystal Beasts, I'm in need of your help. I've summoned you here in hopes to call forth your master, the Rainbow Dragon."
"You're wanting to revive our forefather?" Sapphire Pegasus questioned.
"Yes… they're the key to rescuing a friend of mine."
"We will assist you, young one!" Amber Mammoth gave a howl of triumph through its trunk.
"We know where he is!" Cobalt Eagle added.
"You do?"
"Yes, but the journey is long and perilous. Will you be able to make it through?" Emerald Tortoise noted.
"Yes. Without a doubt."
"Then take us to a map, we will show you where our old home resides." Cobalt Eagle informed.
"Sensei?" Kuromu looked at Shizuka. The Silent Magician nodded wordlessly and waved her staff, before a map appeared in mid air.
Emerald Tortoise returned into its small fragment form as it flew towards the map, yet as it traveled along, it showed it was far away from not just their home, but the continent as well, landing in a small area of the ocean.
"All the way out there?!" Athar gawked.
"Yes, and the landmass has been hidden from view with magic. You won't be truly able to enter it without all of us. Hence why it has been forgotten, to keep our home safe and its secrets out from that vile entity." Sapphire Pegasus informed.
"I suppose that makes sense." Kuromu pondered. "I'm assuming that since it's well protected my magic, transporting there isn't an option either. We'll have to charter a boat."
"Correct. You will have to get there by foot or in this case, by boat." Amethyst Cat nodded.
"Okay, when do we leave?"
"Now, now, let's not be hasty." Minerva reminded the newly promoted mage. "While you are eager to go on this journey, you're not fully prepared."
"She is correct, Chosen one. You must be patient. Know what to take with you on your journey, otherwise you may end up either at the bottom of the sea or by a beast." Emerald Tortoise nodded in agreement.
"I see…" Kuromu sighed, "Very well then."
A sound of a stomach growling came from all of the Crystal Beasts. Seems the moment they were released again, their bodies craved food now.
"Ah… I guess it's understandable that you're hungry after sleeping for so long." Kuromu chuckled sheepishly, before smiling, "Not to worry, just leave it to me!"
"Kyuu! Kyuu!" Carbuncle cheered with delight, nuzzling its head against Kuromu's as it laid on top of him.
"Carbuncle seems to have gotten very attached to you, young one. I believe it wishes to forge a pact." Emerald Tortoise noted with a chuckle of delight.
"As… a familiar?"
"My, my, you've just been promoted to Mage, and now you're about to be a Sage?" Minerva said surprised, a hand over mouth.
"Wait, what? I don't have to take the Thaumaturge Trial to make a pact with a familiar?" Kuromu asked incredulously.
"With a rare magical creature like the Crystal Beasts? No. They practically serve as your proof." Shizuka informed him. "Be proud of yourself, as this is yet another rare case that many will study and learn from."
"Wow… I'm… I'm surprised, and humbled… thank you." Kuromu got out, before facing Ruby Carbuncle. "Alright then, Ruby, if that is your wish, I'll make you my familiar."
The Crystal Beast nodded hopping off of his head and sat in front of him, ready to accept the familiar pact for him.
Kuromu closed his eyes and concentrated as he held out his hand. "As Source of Thy Power, I order thee…" He began, as his magic circle appeared below both him and Ruby Carbuncle. "Decipher the Laws of Creation… forge a bond strong as steel. I, Kuromu Kururugi, hereby forge the everlasting pact with Ruby Carbuncle. Until death do us part, may they serve me faithfully unto the end! Familiar Binding!"
Soon the magic circle lifted off the ground as it encompassed Ruby Carbuncle. The circle shrunk until it turned solid, making a color adorned with ruby gems and the Eclipse Symbol of Kuromu before the magic faded, completing the pact.
"Kyuu! Kyuu! Kyuuuuuu!" Carbuncle cheered with delight as it jumped towards him and into his arms, nuzzling the mage happily.
"Hehe, glad to have you, Ruby." Kuromu smiled softly.
"Now then, how about we feed your friends? I believe they all have waited long enough." Minerva giggled at the sight.
"Right! I'll be right back!"
*ZIP!*
Hours later, Kuromu, with the help of the brooms, managed to whip up a feast fit for the Crystal Beasts. The carnivores were given high quality meats that were cooked to perfection while the herbivores were given the best greens ever. Though all but Emerald Tortoise ate such things as he simply was eating gems and minerals for his diet. Given how he was the oldest of the Crystal Beasts, his body must have it to continue having magical power.
And speaking of, Ruby Carbuncle had its fill as it was now sleeping on Kuromu's lap, resting silently and comfortably.
"Heh, already in a food coma." Kuromu chuckled.
"Such an adorable thing." Shizuka smiled softly, gently petting the small creature.
"Mmmmmm…" Nia pouted.
"Heh, jealous?" Athar snickered.
"Don't make me turn you into a fly…" Nia glared at the teasing young mage, making him flinch and hide behind Adores.
"Ugh… pathetic…" Adores rolled her eyes.
"So~ Kuromu, about that errand we talked about earlier that I needed your help with." Minerva said, with a sly smile.
"Grk!" Kuromu flinched, with Shizuka tilting her head.
"Hm? Ah, yes, you said something about that Minerva." Shizuka remembered.
"Oh yes. Kuromu asked me something that he needed help with. And what he asked was so adorable! You see he-" Minerva was teasing the young mage, almost ready to tell Shizuka what he asked for only for him to stop the older mage from revealing the secret.
"Silence!" Kuromu said, quickly pointing his staff at her before Minerva mouthed off, but there was no sound coming out of her, making Minerva pout.
"Kuromu? Why did you cast that?" Shizuka questioned.
"It's a secret, and she was about to reveal it." Kuromu answered.
"Hehe, scared about us knowing it?" Nia giggled.
"Don't make me do it to you too…" Kuromu said dryly. "But in all seriousness, sensei, please don't worry about it. You'll know when the time is right."
"Well… if you say so…" Shizuka said with a nod, trusting him.
Kuromu then turned to Minerva with a glare, "Will you behave this time?" He asked, to which Minerva still pouted, but nodded. With a sigh, he undid the Silence charm, allowing her to talk again.
"So mean, Kuromu. I was only teasing." Minerva pouted.
Kuromu stared at her with half-lidded eyes, "Really?"
"But of course, I did make a promise after all. Doesn't mean I can't tease."
"What is she speaking of?" Amethyst Cat questioned.
"Uhhhhhhhh…" Kuromu got out, before looking at Shizuka.
"Well, I do believe it is called 'a date'." Emerald Tortoise noted.
"What, no! It's not that! It's-" Kuromu looked at Shizuka again, before comically pushing the Crystal Beasts to one side of the house and huddled over. He then took out a piece of parchment paper and showed it to them and there was a lot of muttering and chattering, so low that not even Shizuka and Minerva could hear them.
"Should I… be worried?" Shizuka asked warily.
"Hmm… maybe? Maybe not?" Minerva shrugged, knowing if she said anything else, her fun would be ruined.
"Very well, we shall assist in this endeavor." Topaz Tiger answered.
"Indeed, a rather promising venture." Sapphire Pegasus added.
"Kyuu, kyuuuu!" Ruby Carbuncle cheered.
"Ahh… young love. It is a beautiful thing." Emerald Tortoise sighed with delight.
"Didn't think you'd have the hots for her." Cobalt Eagle snickered.
"Shhhhhhh! Not so loud…!" Kuromu hissed.
"BWAAAHHH! OUR DEAR MASTER IS IN-"
"SILENCE!" Kuromu casted the spell once more, to silence Amber Mammoth from uttering that one word as it cried and sneezed silently.
"Hm? What was Amber Mammoth about to say?" Shizuka questioned.
"It's best that you don't know… yet." Minerva sweat dropped.
"Ah do forgive Amber Mammoth. He is very emotional." Amethyst Cat bowed her head.
"It's fine…" Kuromu grumbled.
Meanwhile…
"Eyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!"
"Hmmmm… rather interesting that you survived my experiments thus far, Krona…" Darkbishop mused in interest as the former Doomstar Magician was being subjected to more experimental torture, and body modifications that the dark mage had made.
"Mark my worrrrds! I will do anything to kill that abomination of a mage!" Krona snarled, while fighting through the pain of electricity that coursed through his body. "He doesn't deserve to liiiiive! I will not be denied my destinyyyyy! HRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
"Then thrive… thrive and seek out his destruction…." Darkbishop chuckled. "I shall be back to check on your progress."
As the torture went on, Darkbishop moved over to another area of his workshop, a table where the rainbow liquid of Kuromu's magical essence sat. Alchemical equipment were set up on said table as they were being used to siphon some of the magical blood from the beaker for certain experiments he was working on. There were several beakers on the other ends of the equipment as the magical essence broke down to its separate properties.
"One of its properties must hold the key to undoing my curse and giving me immortality." Darkbishop mused, looking at each beaker. "But no matter… his essence will reveal their secrets in due time."
Back at Shizuka's residence, the Crystal Beasts and Kuromu were in the Apothecary Lab as they looked over the parchment of plans that Kuromu was making.
"Okay, how to do this…" Kuromu murmured. "Ah, right. I'd need to make a mold of this don't I…"
"WHATCHA DOING, KU-KU?!" Nia shouted, surprising the mage.
"Gahhhhhhhh! Nia!" Kuromu cried out in dismay.
The pixie giggled as she sat on his shoulder, "Gotcha! Nyehehehe!"
"What are you doing here, Nia?" Kuromu groaned. "We're in the middle of something important."
"I was bored of waiting so I came instead." Nia said, poking his cheek. "Aha! So you still kept that paper!"
"The Master would appreciate it if you didn't spoil the surprise." Amethyst Cat said.
"Aw, he knows I wouldn't! I know how shy he is to tell her, so I'll just let it play out with popcorn in hand." Nia snickered. "So… whatcha need?"
"Well… I gotta make the mold before pouring in the gold." Kuromu said.
"Do you know the proper size, length and materials needed? What if the certain metal you're using causes a bad reaction to her skin?" Nia said, pointing out numerous things.
"Of course. I measured sensei's collar on her robe while doing her laundry without her knowing. And I tested the cloth material on that as well." Kuromu answered.
…
…
…
"…I shouldn't have said that, huh?"
"Be glad I'm not much for gossip like Minvera is, otherwise she would completely squeal." Nia giggled as she patted his cheek, "This must be a very important thing then, huh?"
"It is… she's… done everything for me ever since I came to this world. I wanted to give back." Kuromu answered honestly.
"Well… why not finish it off by asking the Crystal Beasts to create a gem to represent such a feeling?" Nia offered with a smile.
"Eh? You mean… I didn't need their gems?" Kuromu asked, before looking back at the Crystal Beasts.
"Oh well that is one way. But having them trust you, they can also make it too." Nia pointed out.
"What she said is true." Sapphire Pegasus nodded.
"You have saved our lives, and we are forever indebted to you." Amber Mammoth added.
"Hence why we entrust you with our very lives." Amethyst Cat added.
"We can create whatever gem you need. But… We have an idea for the perfect one to create for this gift." Cobalt Eagle offered.
"You do?" Kuromu blinked.
"Yes. But first a question. Your True Element… What is it?" Topaz Tiger inquired.
"Eclipse Magic. Apparently, I have the power of the sun and moon from what the Primordials told me."
"Hoho~? A successor to Celestial Magic?" Emerald Tortoise noted with delight.
"Kyuuuuu! Kyuuuuuu!" Ruby cheered, sharing the same sentiment.
"That's easy then! We make ourselves a Sunstone and Moonstone and presto!" Cobalt Eagle said. "New Gem made! 'The Eclipse Heart' Gem!"
"The Eclipse Heart… That does have a nice ring to it." Kuromu mused. "Alright then, let's do it."
The Crystal Beasts nodded. Soon they gathered around one another as their gems on their bodies glowed. Dust and sand began to fly towards the center as the light and glow of the gems touched it. But of course, they still needed some extra help as Carbuncle looked to Kuromu, gesturing to use his magic on the center.
Kuromu nodded as he then closed his eyes and held out his hand. "As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee…" He began, as his magic circle appeared below him. "Decipher the Laws of Creation, I call upon the Sun and Moon. May this union be forever eternalized in crystal. May time never diminish its beauty. Become one and radiate your brilliance into existence! Eclipse Heart!"
As the spell was cast, a small eclipse formed above them, as the beams of light rained down like a soft shower, covering the area as the dust and sand gleamed, from the lights of the Crystal Beasts. Soon it began to compress and change before the eclipse faded and hovering in the middle was now a gem, ready to be used and crafted as it already had the shape of a heart. There were colors of orange and yellow, melded with silver and gray for the gem. There was even a small hint of pink in the center.
"It's… It's done…" Kuromu muttered, holding the gem carefully in his hands.
"Wow… just giving it to Shizuka should be enough to make her heart flutter…" Nia said with awe.
"Congratulations, young Master. Your gift was successfully created." Amber Mammoth said.
"Yeah… and… actually… putting this in a necklace won't do it justice anymore." Kuromu said, before going over to the table where the parchment of his plans were and imbued fire magic to burn it. "I know just what to do!" He said, before setting himself to work.
'Looks like he's getting it together.' Nia smiled.
It was now late at night as everyone had their dinners and slept for the night. Though Kuromu wasn't asleep just yet. In his hand was the gemstone but it was embedded… into a gold ring. Now most if not all people would think of this as an engagement ring, but it wasn't. All he wanted was to show his appreciation for everything that Shizuka had done for him. And he felt that this was the best way possible.
Steeling himself, he decided to go towards her room. Upon arriving and standing in front of said room, he found the courage to knock on her door.
*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*
"Hm? Is that you, Kuromu?" Shizuka called out.
"Yes, sensei. May I come in?"
"Of course." Shizuka answered.
The moment Kuromu opened the door, his senses momentarily overloaded seeing the nightwear she was wearing. For one, she wasn't wearing her hat, and her nightgown was light blue with stars on the rims. Whatever doubt Kuromu had for Shizuka as a woman, clearly went out the window. It certainly helped that her curves were right in all the right places.
"S-Sorry!" Kuromu apologized, turning around with a blush. "I-I didn't know you were about to sleep."
"It is alright…" she shook her head. "Did you… need something?"
"Um… yes." Kuromu said, turning around to face and approach her. "I… have something for you."
"You do?" Shizuka questioned.
"Yes." Kuromu said, "Although, I feel a bit embarrassed for doing this. Please, don't take this the wrong way. It's not what you really think, but… here." He said, before presenting his ring to her.
Shizuka gasped softly, a hand over her mouth, "Oh my… this is…"
"I-I'm not asking for your hand in marriage, no, certainly not!" Kuromu briefly panicked. "This is… my token of appreciation for you."
"You… made this? For me?" Shizuka asked.
"Yes, sensei…" Kuromu muttered. "I… couldn't have come this far without you. I wanted to do something for you since you've done so much for me already. I know you're not asking much in return, but… it's because of your generosity and selflessness to help me, that I had to give something back."
"Kuromu…"
"…Do you accept?" Kuromu asked, though the tone of his voice almost seemed fearful that she might reject his gift.
However, to the apprentice's surprise, Shizuka smiled softly. "Yes… wholeheartedly."
"Then…" Kuromu smiled back as he took the ring and held her right hand, slipping the ring into her ring finger. "This ring… is the bond that we share. One that I hope will last forever. If you'll still have me."
"Of course. More than anything." This made the Silent Magician happy as the pair stared into each other's eyes, only to realize they were looking a little too long. Snapping out of their thoughts, the two stepped back, looking away with slight blushes on their faces.
"U-Um… right, uh, I should go to bed. G-Good night, sensei!" Kuromu said, before quickly rushing out of her room.
"Good… night…" Shizuka murmured, watching him leave.
When she was alone, she walked towards the window then looked down at the ring. She couldn't help but smile softly. To think that her apprentice would make something so precious and offer it to her as a sign of their bond. Words couldn't describe how happy she was. Though, this odd feeling of her heart feeling light lingered, as she placed a hand over her chest.
'This feeling… it cannot be… could it…?' Shizuka thought as she looked up at the night sky. It was a question that will have to be answered for another day.