Chapter Text
“Wow.” A gruff voice from behind startles you, your hands still engulfed in a thin layer of flames as you turn away from the makeshift targets to face him. “Ever thought about trying out for the Magic Knights?” He draws a long tug of his cigarette, then allows a steady stream of smoke to lazily part his lips.
You eye him silently before allowing the flames to subside.
He’s large, both in height and in build. His frame muscular and oozing power, and yet, you sense no malice in his body language, no malevolence in his mana.
“You know…” He shifts his weight, tossing a black garment not entirely unlike the one hanging across his broad shoulders. “If you ever wanna push past your boundaries and put those powers of yours to the test, I’d love to have ya on my squad.”
You straighten the fabric in your hands, revealing a golden bull’s skull emblem to match his own.
“Name’s Yami Sukehiro.” He draws another puff from his cigarette before donning a wide grin. “Put that on and come find the Black Bull’s whenever you’re ready. I’ll be waiting for ya, kid.”
You give only a curt nod in response as he chuckles and turns on his heel.
He raises a casual hand to wave loosely without looking back. “Don’t make me wait too long, though. You got it?”
The edge of your lips twitch slightly, biting back the threat of a grin as you watch him leave before risking another glance down at the robe.
3 Days Later:
“What the hell is all this noise abo- Oh.” Yami’s agitation is cut short, his features softening into a welcoming grin as his eyes land on you. They flick down, making note of your robe before stepping forward to greet you. “Hope the squad didn’t give you too much trouble?”
“Not really.” You shrug.
“Yami.” Magna groans. “You gotta tell us when we’re expecting new members! We can’t just have all these random people showing up on the doorstep wearing our emblem! We could’ve killed her!”
Yami chuckles and shakes his head. “I don’t gotta tell you shit, you got that?”
Magna grumbles but gives up, leaving you with the impression this was a recurring issue, as if Captain Yami wandered about with extra robes on the regular just looking for random new recruits. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, welcome to the team, I guess.”
“Hey.” Yami’s voice deepens, commanding authority as everyone stiffens to listen. “How about you heathens show some respect and welcome our new fire mage, hm? Unless you’d all rather die?”
You bite back another grin as they all scramble to introduce themselves to you, their demeanors much friendlier than before. Albeit a little overwhelming… the brief glimpse you catch of Yami smiling makes it feel worth the social discomfort.
“Fire mage?!” Magna finally seems to catch on, his shock a bit delayed.
“Wanna spar?!” A young boy who is apparently named Luck bounces giddily, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
“Buzz off.” Vanessa drapes an arm across your shoulders, swigging straight from a wine bottle. “Let’s let the lady unwind in peace, we should all toast to our new squadmate!”
“Have you seen my sister, Marie?” A photograph is hastily shoved directly in front of your face before you have time to respond, an admittedly adorable little girl smiling broadly on the paper. “She’s my angel, my little goddess.”
You clear your throat and move to sidestep them, but the group shuffles with you.
With a sigh, you make another attempt, only to have them squeeze in tighter around you.
A strong arm slips through and around your waist, pulling you free from the mob as you’re pressed to the side of Captain Yami himself.
“Alright already!” He calls out over them, hushing their overlapped voices instantly. “I said to welcome her, not to suffocate her. Sheesh…” He glances down, your eyes meeting as he realizes he still had his arm around your waist, keeping you flush against him, and quickly releases you from his hold. “Right, uh… you good newbie?”
“I’m fine, thanks for the rescue, Cap.” You take a half step back, still remaining close to him.
“Can just call me Yami, y’know.” His eyes flick over you again before he turns his attention back to the squad. “Anyone here even think to ask her name or were you idiots all too busy talking about yourselves?”
“Do you know her name?” Magna mutters under his breath, folding his arms across his chest with a subtle roll of his eyes.
“You got a fuckin’ death wish today?” Yami locks eyes on him immediately, making Magna seem to shrink under his gaze alone.
You can tell this is just their usual banter, but still, it makes you smile with a soft chuckle.
They all seem to soften, eyes landing on you again with curiosity.
You elect to introduce yourself rather than risk them swarming you again, still staying close to Yami, just in case.
2 Months Later:
The Back Bulls already felt more like a family than you’d had in a very long time, your adoptive parents having died a few years prior.
You powers are growing stronger, as is the bond between you and Yami, easily slipping into an effortless friendship. Though, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the others – the occasional joke about being the Captain’s favorite would still get thrown around here and there. Still, it was all in good humor (mostly).
The new recruits after you, two teenagers named Asta and Noelle, had been sent along with Luck to clear out a dungeon nearby in hopes they would secure the treasure before the nearby Diamond Kingdom could get their hands on it. You had only trained minimally with Asta, but still, the mission’s success and Luck’s shift in attitude upon their return came as no surprise. The magicless boy had a power all his own that seemed to motivate everyone around him, and bring them together.
Yami had gotten a request to debrief at the Capital, along with the Golden Dawn Knights that had also helped to clear the Dungeon, especially given that they had in fact run into some peculiar Diamond Kingdom troops.
However… he was a bit predisposed with some issues of his own, opting to send you along with them instead, trusting you to keep them in line while they also attend the Decoration Ceremony.
Even with Asta and Noelle’s grumbling, as well as running into the trio from the Golden Dawn, you still manage to enjoy the trip, finding yourselves at the Capital’s door in no time at all.
Much to your surprise… and Asta and Yuno’s ignorance, you’re all greeted by the Wizard King himself, who wants to hear all about the Dungeon firsthand.
He isn’t at all what you had expected, his eyes lighting up like a giddy child as he fawns over the boy’s powers and the new writing in their grimoires. His failed attempt at holding Asta’s sword making you giggle, which you hastily attempt to stifle.
A soft smile warms his features, his attention falling on you. “I’ve heard great things about you as well.”
“Her flame magic is insane!” Asta exclaims, his energy still running high from the excitement of meeting his idol and having conquered his first Dungeon.
“Yami has told me all about it.” He nods, grin broadening as his eyes sparkle brilliantly. “I’d still love to see it for myself sometime.”
“I’d be honored.” You return his enthusiasm with a genuine smile of your own.
“I wish we had time now, but the Decoration Ceremony will be starting soon. Perhaps afterwards?” His interest and curiosity remind you of a child, yet he still retains that commanding aura of authority and respect, his intelligence clear and leaving no question as to how he had come to hold his title.
You nod and think back on the little Yami had told you about him, quickly understanding more about the Captain’s high regard for the older man as you speak with him the entire way to the ceremony.
As you part, you remind yourself of the difference in status, allowing only a small smile rather than embracing him as friend. It had felt so easy to lose sight of who he is and the rank he holds, with how effortless and real his conversation had been.
He seems to read your mind, casting a playful wink before finding his spot at the head of the room to make his speech and hand out the awards. He goes on to invite everyone to the feast they had prepared in the next room, and to mingle amongst themselves to strengthen the bonds between squads.
It’s something you’re actually looking forward to, since you’d had so little interaction with any Knights outside of the Black Bulls so far.
Julius’s eyes meet yours again with a subtle smile, but it fades briefly as Marx mutters something to him.
“I apologize everyone.” He calls out, a less genuine but still warm smile spreading across his features as he waves a sincere hand. “I must attend to something, but I do hope you will enjoy your time without me. I hope to join you soon.”
He gives you one last glance, as if apologizing to you directly before he follows Marx out.
Asta is pumped up though, jumping face first into devouring all the fancy food he’d never had the opportunity to try before as you chuckle and shake your head. The majority of the others were in their little groups, a clear hierarchy established amongst the squads.
A quick glance to Noelle confirms her discomfort as she attempts to avoid the snide comments of her siblings from across the room.
Asta, however, stiffens and drops his food. He didn’t care when they were snickering about him, but when they dared to speak of you or Noelle, he just snapped.
He hops up on the table, surprising everyone in the room. “Commoner, rat, disgrace, failure. Do you think I care if I fit in with you people?!” He clenches his fists. “Watch! Because I will –“
A large burst of sand envelopes him before he can finish, one of the higher ranking members of the Golden Dawn glowering with his grimoire out. “That’s enough out of you, you little rat. I will not be spoken to in such a manner by your kind. Now quiet!”
Asta slices through his spell with ease. “Not a chance!”
Someone in the crowd mutters incredulously, “How dare he?!”
Asta pays them no heed, your own gaze flicking around the room as everyone takes defensive stances.
“Now you better listen up, because I wasn’t done talking!” Asta swings his bland for emphasis. “I’m gonna get results like no one has before! I’ll do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King! And prove you wrong!”
Everyone stares at him in silent shock, a few continuing to chew their food as others’ mouths fall open.
Yuno chuckles and smiles up at his friend, relaxing a bit as he mutters lovingly. “Not a chance.”
The Golden Dawn Knight from before scoffs. “You? The Wizard King?”
The older Silva sister smirks, muttering about Asta only being a commoner, but you’re distracted and don’t pay much attention. A slight tickle at the back of your neck prompts you to tilt your head, meeting a curious and unwavering pair of purple eyes from across the room.
You recognize him from description alone, knowing him to be Captain Fuegoleon Vermillion of the Crimson Lion Kings. Though you can’t imagine why he would be –
His eyes flick to your hands, answering the question before you had even had time to ponder it.
He’s a flame mage himself… his entire family is.
It only makes sense for him to be curious.
Your gaze meets again, but is quickly interrupted as the younger Silva brother sends his Sea Serpent spell towards Asta.
He deflects it with his sword, but still. How could they attack him? And in the Capital building of all places? At a feast meant to celebrate the Knight’s accomplishments as a whole?
The sister attacks next, using her mist magic, but again Asta dispels it.
But the sand guy summons his armored guard to clutch at Asta.
Klaus speaks up, but the Sand guy and the Silva siblings gang up on Asta, intending to teach him a lesson.
Noelle attempts to plead with her siblings, but it’s of no use, they’re enjoying their little game and their show of power.
You feel the warmth of flames reflexively coating your hands again as you clench your fists, readying yourself to jump in, but Asta summons his sword again.
“I’m not done yet!” He smirks, breaking free of the sand guard and blocking the water spell before sending it back, bringing the Silva brother to his knees. “Now apologize!”
“You’ll pay for striking back at me!” The royal brat declares. “This time I won’t show any mercy!”
He and Asta square up again, and you plant your foot, readying to rush forward when an intense wave of aura fills the room, freezing everyone in their place.
The eldest Silva brother, Captain Nozel steps forward, telling his brother “enough.”
The room is cold, like an empty void, and yet oppressively heavy at the same time.
“A commoner who dares to defy royalty?” He ponders, making your jaw clench as he so casually disregards anything Asta has accomplished just because he was born as a so called ‘commoner’. “I wonder how I should punish you.”
You muster your strength and take a step forward, but feel a brief yet firm hand on your shoulder as Captain Fuegoleon moves past you.
No one else seems to take notice, their attention all set on Nozel and Asta until Fuegoleon’s deeper, commanding voice takes control of the situation. “This has gone far enough.”
The aura disappears, Nozel turning to face the fellow Captain.
“What are you thinking ganging up on a lone youth like this?” He questions flatly, his features calm but clear disapproval shining through his violet eyes. “Where is your sense of honor?”
The younger Vermillion brother catches Asta’s attention, bursting into laughter as he proclaims that Mimosa was right about him being “one entertaining kid.”
Asta couldn’t be more confused, his arms falling slack as his sides without dropping his swords.
“And today is your lucky day! Because I, Leopold Vermillion, have just made you my rival!” He starts laughing enthusiastically before stepping forward to stand in front of a still very uncertain Asta. “Now what was your name again?”
They go on for a moment muttering about ‘celebrating’ their rivalry as the others mumble something about how Mimosa is related to both the Vermillion and the Silva families.
You catch something about Leopold wanting to arm wrestle Asta, but your attention goes back to the two Captains.
Nozel seems disgusted. “A royal as recognized a commoner as a rival, truly?”
Fuegoleon remains patient, but firm, not standing down. “Remember, the Wizard King himself invited this young man to attend the ceremony. He is a commoner, but we can still extend him a measure of acceptance.”
“I would never have expected to hear such nonsense being spouted by a royal.” Nozel counters. “I’m sorry to see how soft house Vermillion is growing. You’re a disgrace to the family, Fuegoleon.”
Fuegoleon finally seems to snap at this, his calm eyes sharpening as he allows one chance for Nozel to retract. “What did you say?”
“As an eagle who soars among the skies, how can I ever accept an insect who crawls upon the ground?” Nozel’s eyes narrow, the air shifting again as both Captains glare at one another.
The room shudders and the glass of the windows begins to crack, the room suddenly swirling with a gust of wind as they pit their mana against one another.
Asta can’t even detect mana, but he’s not a complete idiot, knowing these two are serious and getting giddy at the potential to see them dual it out.
Julius makes his return just in time, bursting through the door as though he had sensed the mana himself - which is incredibly likely.
The two captains calm themselves before turning to face their superior.
“Are you two done?” Julius looks so… serious. His features still recognizable, but so unfamiliar at the same time.
The two Captains only nod in response, like scolded children.
Julius breaks out into that familiar grin again, almost making you chuckle at the drastic shift as he clasps his hands together. “Great! Let’s get on with the evening, then.”
The tension remains high, but a sense of calm remains as Julius’s presence is a clear deterrent from any unsavory behavior or snide remarks. Again… like children.
It should surprise you, given how everyone in here is a Magic Knight… but it doesn’t. Your experience had been much the same as Asta and Yuno’s growing up, having been adopted and then spending your childhood and teenage years as a commoner. Even being in your late 20s now, the class system of the Clover Kingdom seemed to be as cliché as ever.
Still… they don’t all seem bad.
You smile at Julius, who offers you a plate of food. “I had hoped we would be able to discuss your magic?”
“Actually.” Fuegoleon’s deep voice sounds from your other side, somewhat startling you. It’s not that unlike Yami’s, and yet it’s entirely different. Where Yami’s is gruff and stoic most of the time, Fuegoleon’s is smooth and rich like honey. His purple eyes contrast brilliantly against the red markings that surround them, making them sparkle as he quirks a curious brow at you. “I was quite hoping I would be able to speak with you as well.”
“Have you ever seen anything like it?” Julius asks him.
“I haven’t.” Fuegoleon admits, his eyes not leaving yours, that intense gaze still tickling at your neck even as you turn your attention back to Julius.
“They started normal.” You lift a single hand, creating a small orb of flickering blue flame hovering just above your palm. “I got really mad one day when I was a kid. One of my friends was being bullied behind the school house, and I ran in to help her. The kids wouldn’t quit kicking her…” You wave your hand vaguely, sending the flame away along with the memory. “They’ve been blue ever since.”
“I’m sorry that happened to your friend.” Fuegoleon’s voice softens, but you still have a hard time meeting his eyes, simply nodding instead.
“I wish I had more to tell you, Sir.” You smile apologetically to Julius.
“Oh,” he waves his own hand vaguely and smiles broadly. “Just Julius. Besides. It’s incredible you had such a breakthrough before ever undergoing any formal training. Had you gotten your grimoire yet?”
You shake your head. “I was only 8 at the time.”
He and Fuegoleon both flick their eyes to one another, if only briefly conveying their shock.
“8? Really?” Julius’s eyes go all starry, his fascination seeming to have deepened tenfold.
“You friend was bullied so harshly at such a young age?” Fuegoleon mutters, almost as if speaking only to himself, but it manages to draw your attention.
You know it’s not his fault, and you know not all royals are alike, but it’s hard to forget everything that had been taken from you. “Some nobles were passing through, their kids thought it would be funny to remind a commoner how little her life mattered.”
His brows knit subtly and a slight twitch almost gives away the clench of his jaw. “A disgraceful misuse of status that I’m sorry you and your friend were subjected to.”
With a shallow shrug, you find your attention drawn across the room where Leopold and Asta seem to be hitting it off quite well. A genuine smile warms your features, as well as your heart.
“I’m sure she’s quite proud you became a Magic Knight then, yes?” Fuegoleon queries, but your quizzical glance prompts him to elaborate. “Your friend? I assume after that you only became closer. She must be quite proud of you.”
You bite back the emotions, doing your best to offer a small smile to the Captain rather than allowing your memories to overcome you. It had been almost 20 years, and you had processed it long ago, but still… you can’t help but wonder what she would think of all this.
“I’m sure she would have found all this to be a bit stuffy, to be honest.” Your lips twitch with a genuine smile, chuckling to yourself as you imagine her turning her nose up at the formality of it all – all while hiding the undeniable wonder at being in such a place.
He stiffens, the realization donning on him that your friend hadn’t survived the incident. “Oh… I –“
“I think perhaps we should have some dessert.” Julius clasps his hands together, smiling broadly at the two of you. “I’ll be back in just a moment, don’t the two of you go anywhere.”
You nod in agreement, a soft giggle broadening your smile as you watch him attempt to dodge conversation after conversation just to grab a few desserts.
“I didn’t mean to…” Fuegoleon trails off and clears his throat, his brows cinched together as you glance up at him.
“You have nothing to apologize for, Captain.” You can almost feel him relax, the tension in the air gradually easing away. “You seem to be one of the good ones. It’s no wonder everyone thinks so highly of you.”
“Oh?” His brow twitches at the praise, or perhaps it’s just curiosity. Either way. “And what do you think?”
Your own curiosity is piqued, wondering if he was being playful, or if you were just imagining things. “I’ve only met you the once, Captain. Hardly enough to go on.”
He hums and grins. “Perhaps I should arrange some cross training with the Black Bulls then? I’m sure Leopold would love the opportunity to spar with Asta.”
“I’m sure Asta would love that.” You cast a glance over to the two boys, noting a slight flame on Asta’s head that he’s struggling to put out as Leopold laughs himself to the point of tears nearby.
“I must admit.” He chuckles at the two of them before your eyes meet again. “It would be quite a selfish endeavor.”
“In what way?”
He studies you briefly as his smile twitches ever so slightly broader. “You’ve intrigued me.”
“I’ll help you and your squad any way I can, Captain, but I’m not sure I’d be able to help get your flames to –“
“You misunderstand.” He interrupts, though you know he’s not being rude, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I said that you have intrigued me. Did I not?”
“Yes, Captain.”
He chuckles softly. “Fuegoleon.”
“Fuegoleon.” You correct yourself, not missing the subtle twitch of his brow as his name slips off your tongue.
Julius returns, a plate overflowing with desserts in hand as he apologizes profusely for the delay.
Fuegoleon POV:
Perhaps it was a bit too forward, but I can’t help myself. I’ve always been blunt and to the point, and she has in fact intrigued me.
She downright fascinates me.
Not just her magic.
Her.
The way she carries herself, the aura of dignity and honor she exudes just rolling off of her in waves that are nearly intoxicating. And she’s not a royal?
The way my name flows from her lips draws my eyes to them instantly.
She either doesn’t notice, or is kind enough to leave it unmentioned as she turns to greet Julius, who has just returned with a ridiculous amount of dessert and a rather weary expression that tells he had gotten roped into a few lengthy conversations.
I find my gaze lingering on her as the evening wears on, finding excuses to stay next to her, to speak with her, my attention remaining quite fixated as she speaks and using it as a reason to study her. The eloquence in which she speaks, the way she enunciates each word, the way her lips curl and eyes sparkle with every smile.
I swallow thickly upon realizing just how little I had actually paid attention to anyone or anything else during this entire evening. However, before I even have the chance to say anything, her hand lands on my arm.
“Fuegoleon,” she grins. “I seem to have hoarded you to myself, haven’t I? I got so wrapped up in conversation, I didn’t even realize.”
“I confess, I was about to apologize for the same thing.” I admit. “I found the conversation to be quite refreshing.”
It’s true, of course. I had lost track of time myself, even after Julius had been summoned for other duties, and as others came and went, I found myself wanting to stay and continuing talking with her.
Even now, as her squadmates call out for her to accompany them home, I am reluctant to part from her.
“I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon, Captain.” She smiles warmly.
“Fuegoleon.” I remind her with a grin of my own.
“Fuegoleon.” She corrects, her voice sweet as nectar around my name.
And with that, she’s gone.
The curiosity welling inside me tenfold as I gather my own squad to take our leave.