Hello everyone! Kamen Rider Duelist here! I'm pleased and excited to begin our Season 2 of Silent Magi's Apprentice! After recovering from the events of Season 1, what kind of adventures will Kuromu have now with Shizuka and the others? Well, the only way to find out is to read! So come along as we continue our journey with Kuromu to becoming an accomplished mage!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! All creative rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.
Deep within the underground of the Magical Citadel exists a dungeon. This dungeon was made for the worst of the worst criminals. Those who abused their magic for their own selfish agenda are sent here, never to see the light of day ever again. Though for one particular criminal, it is a temporary holding place. For they are awaiting trial. They will stand before the Magic Council, then be judged and sentenced according to the egregious crimes they committed. As a safety measure, the entire prison had a magic nullifying seal, meaning that prisoners can't escape using their magic.
Krona sat there in utter rage. His heavy breaths of anger alongside his faint glowing eyes sparked a fire from within ever since he lost to Kuromu's power. He didn't expect him to have such an ability when Darkbishop came to him with his plan.
He was lied to… And now here he sits, awaiting 'trial'. He was the reincarnation of The Progenitor! He deserves to be praised and worshiped! Yet here he was… in a dungeon. He'd rather be a peasant over this humiliation! But one thing was clear to him… He will escape and gain the power he was born to have, even if others have to die.
But his plans for revenge would have to wait. The sounds of footsteps echoed in the darkness of his cell, before a loud cranking noise was heard, indicating that the door to his cell was opened. The light from outside was dim enough for Krona to see who was visiting him: Endymion.
"Ah… come to give me my proper due and let me become the true master of mages?"
"You know that is not why I'm here." Endymion frowned. "I'm here to inform you that your trial will come the moment Kuromu awakens and recovers from the atrocities you've brought upon him."
"Do not speak that thing's name!" Krona hissed. "He is nothing! He is beneath me! And I will have my revenge!"
"How can you be so close-minded? You are a mudblood too!" Endymion frowned.
"Wrong! I have been of noble blood my whole life! My birthright was only stripped away from me the moment I was born into this world!"
The lord of magic sighed, shaking his head as the delusion of the boy truly was lost.
"At first, I thought you were misguided… But the moment you killed Darius, I knew then and there that you were a lost cause…" Endymion sighed with a heavy heart. "Which is why I'm telling you this, so that you may prepare yourself…. I intend to use Obelisk's Horn on you. Henceforth, you will be stripped of your magic.
Krona's eyes widened, "Y-You! You wouldn't dare!"
"You not only caused the death of a mage, your own master, but plotted with the Darkbishop. You have nearly killed more spellcasters for the sole delusion of being above us all. I would've settled with you being sentenced to life in prison. But you caused two unnecessary deaths with your plan. Therefore, this is the only way to repent and ask forgiveness from their spirits."
"No! No, I will not allow you!" Krona shouted, raging within his chains and fetters.
"It will be executed by tomorrow at noon. Enjoy the last ounce of magic you have left before its gone…" Endymion said before walking away from the cell, closing the door behind him.
The darkness embraced Krona once more, who was seething, before finally letting out his ignored rage.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Chapter 13: Healing with Closure
Kuromu slowly opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was that he was back in his room. He turned his head left and right, examining it slowly, processing that everything looked normal. But then memories of what transpired came back to him. The appearance of Dreadscythe, Elesia turning into the Dark Elf killing La Jinn, meeting the Darkbishop Archfiend, being tortured by Krona, and Krona killing Darius. But… everything after… he couldn't remember.
"Ungh…" Kuromu groaned, slowly sitting up, while holding his head.
"KURO!" The familiar voice of Nia could be heard as she actually tackled him back onto the bed and pillow, crying heavily. "I-I-I-I-I…"
"Ow, Nia… that hurt…" Kuromu groaned again.
"I… *sniff* I thought… *sniff* You'd never come home again…" Nia whimpered and cried, trying to calm down and catch her breath, but to no avail.
"I'm okay, Nia. Really, I am." Kuromu sighed, stroking her back with his finger. "I'll be okay."
"But… But…" She choked up, still scared about what had happened…. As well as the reminder of who they lost…
"I know…" Kuromu muttered. "La Jinn and Master Darius are gone. And Elesia's nowhere to be found…"
"I'm sorry… I couldn't fix the lamp… I'm so sorry…" she weeped, truly upset that her friend was gone.
"It's not your fault… it was never your fault…" Kuromu said, before slowly sitting up and cupping his hands to hold Nia, now kneeling on her knees. "What matters now is we rebuild what we lost and not dwell on the past."
"O-Okay…" She sniffled, trying to wipe away her tears, yet it was too much even for her to wipe away.
Just then the door swung open to reveal Shizuka, Mahad, Mana, Minerva, Selene, Doriado, and the Charmers.
"KURO!" Mana smiled brightly, suddenly flying over to him and, with Nia dodging out of the way, pounced him back on the bed.
*POW!*
"Oof! Mana…!" Kuromu grunted in pain.
Mana was nuzzling and hugging him a bit tightly out of relief to see him awake. "Ooooh, we're so glad you're awake! We thought you'd never get back up!"
"Er-hem Mana, need I remind you that you're engaged?" Mahad cleared his throat.
"Hey, nothing says I can't hug a friend!" Mana huffed, "Or do you dislike me now, Kuro?"
"I… shouldn't answer that…" Kuromu muttered, before gently pushing Mana off as he sat up once more. "What happened? The last thing I remembered was seeing Master Darius dead and… the next thing… nothing…"
"You passed out. Most likely from the stress and anxiety." Mahad noted, "But it gave us time to work against them to stop Krona and his schemes. He will be standing on trial."
"I… see…"
"That being said, Kuromu." Minerva began. "I'm afraid that Master Endymion has requested your presence at the Magical Citadel's Court as soon as you have woken up."
"H-Huh?"
"Wait, hold on. He just woke up!" Wynn protested.
"Yeah, he needs to rest!" Lyna agreed.
"Due to Kuromu being the victim, he is the final key witness to convince the rest of the Council of Krona's punishment. Otherwise, Krona could be let free." Shizuka stated, even if she did agree with them.
"Are they… going to probe my mind and look into my memories?" Kuromu winced.
"No, they will ask you questions about the incident." Mahad informed. "All that you do is answer truthfully, as best as you can."
"I'll… try my best to remember." Kuromu answered slowly.
"Of course. They'll understand should it be too much for you." Mahad nodded.
"Are you sure you can get up?" Aussa asked.
"I think so…" Kuromu said, slowly getting out of the bed. But the moment he stood up, his body crippled, prompting Hiita and surprisingly Dharc to hold him steady.
"Hey, easy." Hiita chided. "You just woke up and your body needs to recover."
"Might as well put you in a wheelchair." Dharc commented.
"Dharc," Eria huffed, slapping his shoulder.
"He's handicapped, whaddya expect? He's gotta get around somehow." Dharc rolled his eyes.
"Well, I'm just happy you're finally being a bit more open with him." Doriado praised her dark mage, who blushed in response.
"Heh, somehow I'm already an old man." Kuromu chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Please, I'd date you." Selene admitted as everyone looked at her with shock, "Oh so when I make a joke to lighten the mood, I'm the one who looks strange!"
"Master, you are already betrothed to Master Endymion, are you not?" Shizuka asked.
"Yes, but I wanted to make Kuromu smile!" She huffed.
"Well, that plan certainly backfired." Mana quipped, causing the group to laugh.
"In any case, I actually wouldn't mind the wheelchair right now. I don't think I can walk in this condition anyway." Kuromu said, before looking at Shizuka. "You don't… mind pushing me around, do you?"
"Of course I do not mind." Shizuka smiled softly.
"Then it's settled." Doriado smiled. "Wynn, you and Lyna make the fluffiest pillow there is for Kuromu to sit on. Aussa, you, Hiita, and Eria help with the construction of the wheelchair."
"And what about me?" Dharc huffed with a pout.
"I mean, you're already helping him by being his aid, no?" Doriado pointed out with a giggle.
"Sorry, but you're stuck with me…" Kuromu smirked.
"Ugh…" Dharc rolled his eyes again.
Endymion oversaw the removal of Krona's belongings, as workers of the Citadel had arrived at his abode and packed up any and every thing that belonged to him. After that, they will be cataloged and categorized then he will decide how to divide said belongings. Most of Krona's belongings were books, notes, and artifacts pertaining to the Progenitor, while others were odds and ends that weren't related. Said odds and ends will be auctioned, while the former will be sealed in a restricted zone of the Royal Magical Library.
As they kept removing Krona's belongings, Endymion picked up a particular book, one that explains everything about the Progenitor and the many notes and clues that Krona has tucked between the pages.
"Well… given how this all started because he read this? Maybe it would be better put to use, to one who truly had the same blood as him?" Endymion noted, as he pocketed the book to give to a certain someone else.
"Master Endymion." A worker said, approaching him. "I have received word from Silent Magician. Her apprentice has awakened and is en route to the Court as we speak."
"Ah good. Let us get ready for the trial. I shall meet with them shortly. Please continue your work here." Endymion said, with the worker bowing before the Master Magician teleported out of Krona's residence.
Once the wheelchair was made to accommodate Kuromu as best as possible. The group all transported to the Magical Citadel. Once they arrived, Shizuka and Kuromu separated from the group while Nia and the rest went ahead to the Court where they will take their seats in the spectator area. The Master and apprentice then made their way towards a waiting room where they will await for the Trial to begin.
"I'm sorry you had to get involved in this, sensei." Kuromu sighed.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Shizuka shook her head. "If anything, it is Krona's fault that led to these events."
"I just… I don't understand him. I did nothing wrong to him and yet… he blames me for his misery."
"He believed in his own power and might so much, he only sees others beneath him. It is not the fact that you did not do anything wrong, it is that he believes you are trying to take him off his 'throne' so to speak."
"I'm just an apprentice learning magic."
"And yet, the moment anyone he sees, even tries magic, is seen as a threat. Do not blame yourself."
Kuromu looked away in silence, still unconvinced.
Shizuka then walked around and knelt on one knee in front of him, holding his hands with her own. "Kuromu, look at me. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are a proud mage, seeing the beauty of the world you are thrown in, even though you did not ask to be here. You took it in stride and discovered a side of yourself that you have not known before through magic. Your earnestness and willingness to learn with such joy serves as an inspiration to everyone. Never have I seen such happiness from someone such as you. And it fills me with great joy knowing that I, your sensei, have been given the honor to teach you not just magic, but how to stay true to yourself in spite of the trials that have passed or will await you."
Kuromu looked surprised, "You… really believe that? About me?"
"Of course. And as your teacher, I promise that I will defend you from those that say otherwise. You have my word."
"Sensei…"
Just then, the door to the waiting room opened revealing the Master of Magicians.
"Master Endymion." Kuromu acknowledged.
"How are you feeling?" He asked the young mage, "I apologize that you had to come here rather than resting as you should. Especially after that ordeal."
"It's alright. I understand that this is necessary." Kuromu sighed. "That being said, I'll feel a lot better when it's over."
"I see."
"What's going to happen to Krona?" Kuromu couldn't help but ask.
"We will be officially stripping him of his magic and he will be banished." He revealed, "We should be glad I chose not to send him to the Colosseum. I'd rather not feed him to them."
"Them?"
"The Gladiator Beasts." Shizuka answered. "Warrior slaves who to this day, fight to the death as entertainment. They lavish in the spectators' cheers while satisfying their bloodlust. It was sealed for a time, but the Gladiator Beasts unsealed the Colosseum and resumed their fights."
"And… you didn't stop them?" Kuromu asked incredulously.
"How else could we? At that point, they had made the Colosseum their home." Endimyon explained, "Thankfully, they have sworn an oath of brotherhood and chose to be the executioners of those whose crimes are punishable by death."
"I see. So… how exactly is Krona going to be punished?" Kuromu asked.
"We are to use Obelisk's Horn." Endymion answered.
"Obelisk's… Horn?"
"It is a powerful relic, one removed by the god himself, Obelisk The Tormentor." Endymion informed him. "It is to be only used in dire circumstances when a mage has done something nigh unthinkable. It'll strip him of his magic, forever."
Kuromu shuddered, "That doesn't sound like a friendly god, given the name…"
"Only to those that it deems as an enemy. Much like other gods, it does have a code of honor to follow. Especially as one of the three Egyptian Gods, that are nigh unstoppable." Endymion responded.
"I see…"
"Obelisk gave it to us, under his master's orders, as a gift for us to use for those who must be stripped of their magic."
"But… is there truly no way that Krona can be given a second chance?" Kuromu asked, much to Endymion's mild surprise.
"He has gone too far. His actions caused two deaths, and would've brought an unknown horror onto our world from it. He cannot be trusted to remain with his magical prowess."
"I know and yet…" Kuromu trailed off. "It's just… I cannot bring myself to hate him. All he wanted… was to be accepted."
"Kind hearted as you are, Kuromu, as long as his magic remains, he will continue to try and profit off of your life and suffering. Could you honestly go on, day after day, wondering if he'll storm back in and do the same thing? Could you protect yourself or others should he do it again? Or watch as he kills your master for simply existing?" Endymion questioned the young mage.
"Well… when you put it like that…" Kuromu sighed.
"We gave him many chances to redeem himself for his previous actions. But we can no longer tolerate his lust for power."
"I… understand." Kuromu muttered, as Endymion placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You are a kind-hearted soul, and I am glad that you would forgive him for his actions. But his chances for redemption have run out and now he must suffer the consequences for it." Endymion said, before a mage entered.
"Master, it is time."
With a nod, Endymion led Kuromu and Shizuka into the court. There he sees not only a row of seats, including places for spectators and witnesses to see the court case, but also a large, blue horn. Large enough to be considered a literal mountain or skyscraper, pulsating with such power, that it almost made him hurl from not just its presence and aura, but the overwhelming might it was pulsating out from the horn.
"Easy now. Steady yourself." Shizuka said. "We do not want you feeling ill and vomit."
"R-Right…" Kuromu nodded as they took their place at the plaintiff's side. He looked to the gallery and saw everyone of his friends present, waving at him and showing him assurance. Kuromu smiled weakly at this and waved back, thanking them for their support. In front of the Horn was the judge's bench and sitting at it were five judges, or rather the Skilled Magician Brothers: Skilled Dark Magician at its head, Skilled White Magician, Skilled Red Magician, Skilled Blue Magician, and Skilled Brown Magician.
"Are those the judges?" Kuromu asked Shizuka.
"Yes. We need judges who know the elements and attributes, no?"
"Fair…"
"This trial before the Horn of Obelisk is now in session!" The Skilled Dark Magician declared. "Send in the accused!"
Soon the doors opened as being levitated in by magic, was Krona. He was fully wrapped in a magical straight jacket that made sure any magic or spell he attempts to cast would be negated. Though the moment he looked around, upon viewing Kuromu he thrashed and fought against his restraints, enraged and wanting to attack the crippled mage.
"He really does look like a mad man…" Mana muttered to Mahad from the gallery, to which the Master remained silent.
"We will now begin this trial with the recounting crime committed by Krona, the Doomstar Magician." Endymion announced as he slammed the bottom of his staff on the ground to sound off that the trial had begun.
From there, he waved his staff and an astral projection of the events leading to the trial projected in midair for all to see.
"Skill Magicians of the Magic Council, ladies and gentlemen, and to those who are watching… As you can see? Krona has killed a djinn through Elesia the Mystical Elf who had involuntarily reverted to her dark half, the Dark Elf, through Dreadscythe's attack. Krona has also killed his master, Darius, the Chaos Command Magician. He has schemed to gain greater power with our sworn enemy, the Darkbishop Archfiend." Endymion announced, informing all who may not have been aware of the trial.
Another projection then revealed itself, showing Krona torturing Kuromu with the Byser Shock, earning the gasps and murmurs from the audience sitting in the gallery. Kuromu gritted his teeth, his body trembling as he watched, but Shizuka comforted him with a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.
"As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, Krona has used a forbidden magical item, a Byser Shock, which allows one to extract their victim's magical blood through electrical treatment, causing much pain to its victim. In the early days of the Continent, such treatment was used by our own spellcasters during the Great War in order to gain intelligence on our enemy, but has been deemed unethical and has been banned since, until now."
"By the gods…"
"How did he even get that?"
"What a monster…"
Many words and the murmurs of the council could be heard as they listened and viewed the footage of the incident. Needless to say, they were disgusted or appalled at the thought of it.
The Skilled Dark Magician remained silent before looking at Krona and tapped his staff to remove the cloth over his mouth. "Do you deny these charges spoken against you?" He asked.
"Of course I don't deny it! I was going to achieve greatness and become the next Progenitor! It is in my blood that I shall reign!"
Gasps and murmurs echoed amongst the people present.
"Rather forthcoming of you, considering that most would deny their wrongdoings." The Skilled White Magician answered with curiosity. "What drove you to such madness?"
"Madness? This is my destiny." Krona grinned, "I am more sane than you lowly 'council members'. I know what you do behind the scenes! I know what you hide from all! Including what that thing is…" He said, giving a glance towards Kuromu.
"And pray tell, what would that be?" The Skilled White Magician questioned. "Surely, you-"
"Sadly… I have to refrain from that becoming public knowledge." Endymion spoke up, "It is… that dire to keep confidential."
"I see… very well." The Skilled White Magician nodded.
"See!? Hiding it from all! You're just scared of what I could do with that power!" Krona stated, emphasizing that he was in the right. "None of you deserve your positions and are destined to be ruled by yours truly!"
"You will hold your tongue!" The Skilled Red Magician ordered.
"No, you hold your tongue! I am the reincarnation of the Progenitor! I will gladly do this again and won't stop until my ambitions are fulfilled! You all are unworthy of magic, and I swear to The Dark Gods and Sacred Beasts… I will destroy this place and rebuild it to who it belongs to! Za Fali Deru!"
"BLASPHEMOUS WRETCH!" The Skilled Red Magician roared, tapping his staff.
*BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!*
Krona howled in pain as the gag that held his tongue was put back into place, many of the people who were watching or attending this trial were in utter disgust as some either fainted from those vile words being spoken, or quickly left to vomit their stomach contents.
"Uh… do I… even want to know what that means?" Kuromu asked timidly.
"It is… something that shouldn't be repeated…" Shizuka grimaced, "Think of it as… the worst and most vile curse to say, enough even for the gods to be offended by…"
"Wow… talk about having a big potty mouth…" Mana commented.
"For one to even proclaim their vows to the Dark Gods and the Sacred Beasts? He truly is lost to us all…" Mahad frowned, knowing he'll have to return back home, just to cleanse himself from hearing those words again.
"Now then…" The Skilled Blue Magician cleared his throat. "May we request the plaintiff to take the stand?"
"E-Eh?" Kuromu got out, looking at Shizuka worried.
"They just want your words and views on what happened… Don't be afraid." Shizuka reminded him.
Kuromu nodded, then looked at the Magic Council, "I will testify, Master."
"Then please, take the stand young one."
Slowly standing up from his wheelchair, Kuromu was helped by Shizuka towards the witness stand. He was able to slowly sit down and relax himself on the seat. Shizuka stayed by his side so that he could assist him, once he had finished testifying.
"Now, will you please state your full name and occupation for the record?" The Skilled Blue Magician requested.
The young man nodded. "My name is Kuromu Kururugi. And I am an apprentice to Shizuka, the Silent Magician."
"Kuromu, will you please give a detailed explanation of the events that happened from the moment of your attack to your rescue?" The Skilled White Magician requested.
"Yes. I was recovering from passing my Trial of Skill. When I returned home with my master and friends, resting, Dreadscythe attacked Elesia, er, the Mystical Elf, that is. We took her to the Apothecary Lab to heal her injuries while Shizuka-sensei, Master Mahad, and Lady Selene fend off Dreadscythe. When they arrived, Elesia… attacked us from out of nowhere having turned into the Dark Elf from her injury… and… she killed La Jinn…"
"And La Jinn is…?"
"He was my ward of sorts. I was given the Mystical Lamp from Kata, the Magical Merchant as a gift when I assisted in the arrest of bandits that stole his merchandise. And La Jinn resided in that lamp."
"Continue then."
"The next thing I knew, Elesia knocked me out cold. And I found myself in the Darkbishop Archfiend's dungeon. I… couldn't understand why he had me abducted. Something about… a curse he had? And that… I was the key to it? I really don't understand it all…" He shook his head.
The murmurs of the council were audible. Giving the context for the other masters who were there, they knew full well the reasoning for the 'curse' Darkbishop had. They looked back to the young mage and nodded for him to continue.
"Then… I was knocked out again and… found myself on that Byser Shock. Krona started ranting about achieving godhood and how I was somehow stealing it from him, when I clearly never wanted anything like that in the first place, but he didn't listen to me."
"What else occurred?"
"The torture started… he was doing anything he could to make me suffer for as long as possible…" Kuromu grimaced, gritting his teeth. "And then when I saw Master Darius dead… I… don't remember what happened after."
"I see… Thank you very much, young one. You may return to your seat." The Skilled Blue Magician stated, to let the boy relax before any panic attack settled into him. However, during all of this, only Skilled Brown Magician remained silent throughout the whole thing.
"Hm? What is on your mind, Skilled Brown Magician?" The Skilled Dark Magician asked.
"From all of this… While I don't deny that Krona has indeed gone beyond being a simple criminal in this case…" The Skilled Brown Magician noted, "One thing bothers me… Why this young boy?" He asked, looking at Kuromu, "From what I heard, he is indeed a capable upcoming mage… but that still isn't enough reason for him to be targeted by Darkbishop Archfiend. Let alone being placed on a Byer Shock to have his magical blood taken. Something doesn't seem right."
"I will inform you of everything that cannot be made public, I assure you." Endymion revealed to the council, as much as it would be easier. No more prying ears and eyes must know the truth otherwise more of the same incidents will happen.
"Very well…" The Skilled Brown Magician sighed but nodded in agreement.
"Shizuka, please lead your apprentice back to his seat." Endymion requested.
Shizuka nodded as she walked over to steer her apprentice back to the seat for him to relax.
"Now then… with all the evidence presented to us, we will now hereby conduct our judgment." Endymion said. "All those in favor of conviction."
"Aye."
"And all opposed?" Endymion asked as there was silence, showing nobody was going to deny the conviction of the trial and evidence of Krona's doings. "Let the record show that Krona, the Doomstar Magician, has been found guilty. Your punishment stands, and will be administered to Obelisk's Horn."
The hammer slammed, signaling the case becoming closed. Krona howled under his gag, struggling heavily to break free, but the magical seal activated, making sure that he can't flee. The Skilled Magician Council then raised their staves and slammed the pommel onto the ground, causing the horn to activate.
In moments, an aftershock erupted from the call, making everything and everyone quiet. Kuromu shuddered as he felt the powerful wave of magic and might. But surprisingly he looked up as hovering above everyone was an afterimage of something new. It was a muscular, humanoid with sharp claws, a pair of wings, and a menacing face. One that made even the mightiest of beasts to quiver in fear as his yellow eyes and a blue gem glowed in response to the horn.
This was Obelisk The Tormentor But what made things confusing was the fact that nobody was looking up at the Egyptian God.
"S-Shizuka-sensei… i-is that…?" Kuromu stuttered.
"Hm? Is what, Kuromu?" She asked… as if she couldn't see the god hovering above them all.
"T-That giant…!"
"Giant?" She questioned, looking around and up, but unable to see what he was pointing to.
"Is that… O-Obelisk?"
"You… can see him?" She gawked with surprise.
"H-He's huge…!" Kuromu trembled.
Shizuka was stunned. The only way to see the gods' is to travel to their master's home in the afterlife, something that not many are able to do. Yet alone see Obelisk's might from the horn. Being a Sleigh Beggy still brought many questions about to their abilities and what their purpose even was.
Soon the large spirit of the god looked down, peering at the courtroom. His spiritual image reached out and grasped Krona, and in moments the magical prowess and might of Krona was being zapped away into the Egyptian god. Krona screamed in agony as he felt his magic being torn and stripped away from his body and soul. The Doomstar Magician was becoming another mortal. As the last ounce of magic was stripped from Krona, Kuromu swore he saw the outfit that Krona wore as the Doomstar Magician, staff included being ripped out of the now weakened mage. Obelisk lifted up the magical spirit of Krona before its jaws parted, consuming the magic entity that used to be Krona, erasing his magic for good.
"So that's… an Egyptian God…" Kuromu uttered with shock and terror.
Before the god left, he turned his attention to Kuromu, staring down at the young boy.
"Eek!" Kuromu squeaked in fear.
Obelisk said nothing before it faded into motes of light, the horn's glow fading away after. It signaled that the trial had ended once and for all, as Krona laid there gasping from his magical essence being ripped out of him.
"Is… Is it over?" Kuromu asked.
"Yes, it is." Endymion nodded.
"What's… going to happen to Krona now?"
"Exiled and banished to the furthest corners of our influence and assistance." Endymion informed. "He can never set foot on this continent ever again."
"I-I see…" Kuromu muttered.
"Hm? Is something the matter?"
"Master…" Shizuka said, before approaching Endymion and whispering into his ear.
"He what?" Endymion gasped, surprised to hear what Shizuka's student had said and seen. "You are certain?"
"Yes…"
"But… that shouldn't be possible…" Endymion noted, pondering on what to do. "I'll look into this as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please take your apprentice home."
"Yes Master." Shizuka nodded.
"Kuromu." Endymion said, kneeling on one as he placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. "It's over. You don't have to worry about anything for now."
"A-Are you sure?"
"Yes. We will also find Elesia and bring her home as well. You have my word."
"Okay." Kuromu nodded.
Endymion sighed in relief, before looking to Shizuka who nodded back and wheeled Kuromu away from the court. Hopefully, he will not come back to this place for a very long time. The Master of Magicians could only hope that from here on out, Kuromu would live out his days in peace.
"GAHHHHH!" Krona writhed in pain as he was literally thrown to the ground, once they had dragged him to the city walls of the Magical Citadel. Now that he had no more magic, he was a mere mortal, much like his younger days before being taken in by his former Master, Darius.
Krona groaned in anger and pain, struggling to stand to his feet but it was a pathetic and futile effort. He had become weak. He couldn't believe that he was reduced… to this! To think that he would be now stooping to a common man's level. It was beyond disgraceful and humiliating!
"Hey, 'Progenitor'! You dropped this!" One guard said, tossing a literally framed photo of Krona himself, but heavily drawn on top in crayon, giving the now ex-mage a clown look as the guards laughed before closing the border so Krona couldn't run back into it and walked away.
"Graaaaagh! Graaaaaagh!" Krona yelled in disdain, punching the ground with his fist.
"Be grateful, Krona, that you would still live." Endymion said, from the other side of the gate. "Being punished by Obelisk's Horn was a mere mercy compared to what I would've done to you."
"…You will regret this, Endymion! I swear… I will come back, and destroy everything! And when you lose your magic, I'll kill you… that is a promise…" Krona declared with every fiber of his being.
"So you say…" Endymion frowned. "It's quite ironic really. Kuromu actually wanted to give you a second chance."
"What?!"
"Yes, surprising isn't it." Endymion continued. "He doesn't bear ill will towards you. In fact, he's even forgiven you for your actions."
Krona soon laughed before it turned into a maniacal cackle. "Oh… for sure… A Sleigh Beggy having such a heart? It proves they were meant to be harvested… Rest assured. I'll still take that power and make him pay for making me his enemy… This isn't the last you heard of me…"
"I highly doubt that. Now begone from these sacred grounds, knave." Endymion said curtly, before turning around to leave promptly.
Krona slowly stood up, still weakened but his anger and resentment still lingered. Luckily, he still has someone to be of use to him. With that, he turned and began to make his way off… to the Dark Sanctuary once more.
This will truly not be the last time they've seen him… Even if he's not a magician anymore? He can still become their Doom.
"Welcome home!" Nia said happily, flying towards Kuromu and Shizuka as the latter had entered the abode.
"Yeah, great to be home." Kuromu smiled a bit.
"So how did it go?" Nia asked.
"Krona was found guilty, his magic was stripped away and, he's banished from the Continent for good."
"Wish I could've seen it. Jerk had it coming!" Nia huffed.
"We all knew it was coming. He brought this upon himself." Shizuka sighed, but smiled softly. "But… At the very least, he is in the past and will stay in the past. We have our present and future to look forward to."
"Still rather him being sent into lava.." Nia huffed, still angry over the trial and how they let him go.
"Now, now. No need to dwell on it. It is over. It is time to move on."
"Yeah, I guess so…" Nia sighed, before sitting on Kuromu's shoulder. "So what now?"
*GROWL!*
"Um…" Kuromu blushed, after hearing his stomach growl.
"Hmhm, I guess we should get something to eat." Shizuka giggled.
"Oh, you've returned?" A familiar voice asked, as they looked to see Selene approaching them.
"Lady Selene." Kuromu acknowledged. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, given everything that happened. I figured a nice meal upon your return would be nice, especially since Elesia has yet to return to you. I know Shizuka can't cook." Selene pointed out.
"Master, you do not need to-"
"Now, Shizuka. This is something I want to do. Don't overlook kindness so easily." Selene reminded her former pupil.
"Um… yes…" Shizuka mumbled, looking away. Kuromu then noticed something else about her.
"Sensei, are you… pouting?" Kuromu blinked.
"Shizuka is embarrassed as she wanted to make you something nice to eat sometime, but she doesn't know the first thing about cooking." Selene revealed.
"Is that why the brooms did the cooking for her when I first came here?" Kuromu sweat dropped.
"Correct, and why Elesia took over most of the housework." Selene giggled. "She tried making me a cake once, and she turned it into a chicken."
"Pffffft… pfffffff…. pffffffhahahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahahaha!" Kuromu laughed.
"K-Kuromu! It is not funny!" Shizuka stammered in embarrassment.
"Y-You turned a cake into a chicken?" Kuromu snickered from this reveal.
"She sure did, and she said and I quote, 'I thought the flour was too fowl, so I had to transmute it!'" Selene quoted.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"T-That was so long ago!"
"Dear… that was only two years ago." Selene revealed.
"It still felt long!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHA-OW! HAHA! IT HURTS-OW! HAHA-TO LAUGH! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kuromu said, holding his stomach while shedding tears of joy.
"Easy now, don't overexert yourself." Selene patted his shoulder.
"Oh let him." Nia waved off. "After what he went through, he needs a good laugh."
"HAAAAAAAAA… HAAAAAAAAAAA… ohhhhhhh…" Kuromu sighed to calm himself down. "Okay, I really needed that…"
"See? Told ya." Nia grinned.
"Well, go get cleaned up and ready. It's almost ready to be served." Selene smiled as she returned to the kitchen.
This gave Shizuka and Kuromu time to themselves as they had freshened up by quickly taking separate baths, then changing into new clothes. Though Kuromu had to take it slow since he was still recovering. However, by the time they're done, Selene had finished cooking up a feast. Everyone in the household wasted no time as they dug into the delicious food.
"I definitely needed this after everything." Kuromu sighed in content.
"Then eat up. There's more than enough to go around." Selene giggled, as she got her serving. "Ah, that's right, I almost forgot. Shizuka, your new home is almost ready."
"It better be bigger!" Nia proclaimed.
"Huh? New home?" Kuromu blinked, taking a sip of his drink. Shizuka, Nia, and Selene all had a look of realization as they remembered. He didn't hear about the plan of relocating.
"Yes, due to the attack. Our home is compromised. More assassins and more could come after us if we remain in the same location. Thus a new home and sanctuary has to be made." Shizuka informed.
"I guess that would make sense…" Kuromu mumbled, looking around. "To be honest, I'm going to miss this place… It's the only place I know to call home… at least in this world."
"Well, then you will be making better memories in the new home too… Because that can always be rebuilt." Shizuka reminded him.
"I guess, but… couldn't you give the new home the same layout?"
"Hm? But it will." Selene revealed, confused by his worries.
"Huh?" Now it was Kuromu's turn to be confused.
"Shizuka requested it be the same. She too has too many memories with this house."
"Really? You mean… we don't have to go out and buy new furniture or anything like that?"
"Practically, everything is moving into the new house, the only difference is the location and the exterior." Selene smiled.
"Hehe~ someone's still a sleepyhead~" Nia teased.
"O-Oi! This coming from a crybaby Dreamsprite!?" Kuromu shot back.
"Shush! You cried just as much as I did!" Nia butted heads with Kuromu, "Maybe you should retake the trial and realize you're the 'Crybaby Magician'!"
"HAAAAAAAAAAAH?! Care to repeat that?!"
"You heard me!"
"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"
"Hehehehe… sounds like things are returning to normal." Selene giggled.
"Yes… sooner or later we will have our family back together again." Shizuka noted, as she truly still worried and missed Elesia.
"Hey there! Mind if we join in?" Another familiar voice said. Everyone looked to see Mana, Mahad, Minerva, Doriado, and the Charmers arrive."
"Everyone, you're all here." Kuromu said.
"Of course, silly!" Mana smiled. "We need to celebrate after everything you've been through! Plus, it's a bonus that Krona creep is not coming back ever again!"
"Yeah he was a total creep!" Wynn blanched.
"He was banished from the Continent. So you can be assured that he will not come back." Mahad nodded.
"Here, here!" Hiita said with delight, "Let's just enjoy this and have a party!"
"Big brother KuKu!" Lyna smiled, rushing over as she hugged the older mage happily before sitting on his lap. "Feeling better?"
"A little bit. Still need to rest though." Kuromu answered.
"Ohh~ Okay!" Lyna smiled as she raised her hand before motes of light floated around Kuromu, only for him to drop his head as snoring could be heard. Seems she put him to sleep.
"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…"
"Well, so much for the guest of honor partying with us." Dharc rolled his eyes.
"Hm? But he said he needed rest." Lyna said, confused as to why this was a problem.
"Sweetie, Kuromu didn't mean to rest now." Doriado giggled. "Go wake him up."
"Okay!" Lyna chirped, waving her hand to remove the sleep spell to wake him up.
"Huh? What? What happened?"
"Lyna put you to sleep, cause she thought you needed to rest now." Dharc sighed.
"Oh…"
"Are… you mad…?" Lyna asked, worried.
"Huh? No, of course not." Kuromu smiled, patting Lyna's head affectionately. "I appreciate you helping me."
"Hehe!" Lyna giggled.
"Well, shall we eat?" Aussa asked.
"Yeah, I'm starving." Eria said.
"You sure it's not your cravings?" Dharc smirked.
*BONK!*
"Ow!"
"The baby in my belly needs to eat too y'know!" Eria huffed.
"Alright, alright, sheesh…"
"Speaking of… where's your husband?" Kuromu pondered. "Shouldn't he be with you?"
"Nepty's looking into trying to find Elesia and bring her home safely." Eria revealed. "I'm sure he'll be fine though. So it's nothing to worry about."
"Aaah! Aaah!" Lyna got out, wanting to try the same dish that Kuromu has.
"Wanna try it?"
"Un! Un!"
"Alright." Kuromu said, before taking a spoonful. "Say ahhh,"
"Aaaahhh!"
Kuromu then placed the spoonful of food in her mouth, and squealed in delight.
"Mmmmmmm! Yummyyyyyyy!"
"She truly has grown very attached to you." Shizuka giggled softly from their interactions.
"Yeah, I think I should take the big brother role more seriously now." Kuromu chuckled.
"Yaaay!" Lyna smiled happily, hugging the young mage with utter delight.
"My, my, this turned out to be quite the party." Yet another familiar voice said, as everyone looked to see Master Endymion enter the kitchen.
"Oh darling, you're just in time." Selene smiled, approaching her husband, hugging him dearly. "As you can see, we have enough for everybody here."
"Well, pour me a glass and I'll join you all." He smiled softly.
"Master Endymion." Kuromu said, as he had Lyna get off of his lap and approached him before bowing, "Thank you for everything you've done for helping me thus far. If it weren't for you and the others, I wouldn't be standing here."
"Please, relax Kuromu. No need to be formal." Endymion waved off to the boy. "I was simply doing my job."
"Still, thank you."
"Ah, that's right. I came to give you this." Endymion said, reaching into his cloak and pulled out a large book.
"A tome?" Kuromu inquired curiously, and took it, examining the front and back of it. "Of what? And what's with all these papers sticking out?"
"This was a part of Krona's personal belongings." Endymion answered. "Inside is everything about the Progenitor."
"Eh?!" Kuromu gawked. "W-Wait, hold on. Are you sure I should even have this? This is the same book that corrupted Krona in the first place."
"It is why, I believe it would be better in your hands. You may choose to read it or burn it… It is all your choice, my boy."
"I mean, well… I guess I could hold onto it for now." Kuromu said sheepishly, taking the book from him. "And I guess… I could read so I could understand why Krona went mad with his obsession, so it won't happen to anyone else."
"Just do your best to know, not be swayed by whatever took Krona… otherwise the same could happen to you… something I know, neither of you or your master, would want." Endymion pointed out.
"Understood."
"Good. Now then… with business out of the way, let's celebrate with the good food prepared for us today, shall we?"
"YEAHHHHHHH!" Mana and the Charmers cheered.
Meanwhile…
Darkbishop Archfiend kept his eye on the rainbow-colored magical blood, stored within the beaker. It sat on a table full of alchemical equipment he was using to experiment with the sample he had obtained. All the while, he simply took his time, experimenting with the magical blood in small doses, using different samples of his own flesh and organs thanks to multiple biopsies he did on himself.
"Hmm… yes… this is good…" The archfiend grinned, knowing that even with the amount he took it still gave him more data than what he expected. The doors slammed open as Krona panted heavily, finally reaching Darkbishop's chambers.
"Ah… Doomstar. Welcome back. Seems you've grown weaker the last time I saw you." Darkbishop noted.
"No thanks to those fools using Obelisk's Horn on me!"'
"Well, that was expected. Should've just taken one vial and fled." The archfiend noted, unimpressed by the new ally's mishaps.
"I wanted to make that thing suffer!" Krona snapped.
"And look where it got you… Magicless as a mortal." Darkbishop chuckled in delight.
"How is this amusing?!" Krona shouted. "What are we doing to fix this?!"
"Fix what? I never offered such a deal." Darkbishop revealed, "I only promised you the chance of harming the Sleigh Beggy, as long as you gave me his blood. And you did just that, thus our partnership has ended. You may see yourself out." The archfiend waved off, gesturing to the ex-mage to leave.
"No! Not until you help me kill that thing!"
"And why would I do that? Your usefulness has ended for me."
"What if I told you that he could be the next Progenitor?"
"And? How does that make me care?" The archfiend laughed.
"I've uncovered a prophecy that foretold his coming."
"Didn't you proclaim that for yourself? Besides, once I complete this? I'll be truly immortal."
"I'll do anything! I just want him to suffer!" Krona pleaded as he got on his knees to beg.
The Darkbishop turned to the prostrated ex-mage, a grin soon forming on his lips.
"Anything?" The archfiend repeated.
"Anything! Allow me to be your apprentice! The fool Darius taught me nothing but parlor tricks! I want to learn REAL magic!"
The archfiend grinned as he cackled out, "Very well… But you're not going to be my apprentice." He said, snapping his fingers as the ex-mage was now strapped to a table, "But part of my experiments… If you can live through it? Who knows what you'll gain from it?"
*BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!*
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"