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#dorothy x nozel
kcuf-ad · 9 months
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I think the reason why I really like Dorothy x Nozel, is because two reasons. One, she was the only one to tease him that he doesn't speak back to her as if Yami did he would've threathen him and two, she was the only person that knew why Acier died, thanks to Megicula, as not even his siblings knew about it which means that he has immense trust in her.
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bdebruxa · 6 months
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👀
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lyranova · 5 days
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Hi Lyra! How about Nozel x Dorothy for your ship ask? I’ve seen it around a handful of times & am kind of curious. Thanks ^^
Hiya Acacia! I’m so happy to see you and I hope you’re doing well 🥰!
Nozel x Dorothy: A ship that makes sense and compels me! Admittedly I never thought of the two as a ship until I started getting requests for them, and tbh I actually like them! I can see the vibes and tropes, and considering out of all the Captain’s she is the only one who knew about Megicula and why Nozel couldn’t tell Noelle about it, it shows just how much he trusts her! Nozel x Dorothy kind of gives me Zera x William vibes but in a different way 😆! They’re probably tied with Nozel x Vanessa when it comes to “canon character ships” for Nozel 🥰!
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Just wanted to share a Dorothy x Nozel fic I just posted on Ao3, if anyone wants to check it out!
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a-crimson-dawn · 11 months
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Merilliam May 2023 - Day #1 - Realisations
It was a baffling find.
Knowing a person who had only recently betrayed you happened to hold feelings for someone you were related to, that was.
They'd all been sat down at "The Dreavy Hinker" - Sukehiro's idea, naturally -, the men at one table, the women chattering at another. Being the conversations hadn't interested them, the men did not pay much attention, only occasionally trying to sneak a subtle peek at the other table. (Purely out of professional reasons, of course!)
Awkward as they all were, rarely interacting with one another beyond work, it was decided the safest topic of conversation would, in fact, be work. Something which Sukehiro must have found terribly boring because he seemed to make a drinking game out of it and which prompted the Ripper man to try and provoke the rest of the captains at every turn. The Boismortier lad seemed so distracted he'd settled for doodling pictures of some young woman he must have liked in his journal, and, surprisingly enough, not even Vangeance was paying much attention.
Every now and again he'd blink and ask "I'm sorry, what?" or "I didn't catch that, sorry," or "I um… yes…" with all the conviction of someone who had no idea what question they were even answering.
All in all, the evening was going swell, and clearly, no one was desperate to leave the gathering.
A gathering which, naturally, Julius had organised.
Because of course he had. (Hell would freeze over before Nozel would suggest such a frivolous waste of time.)
Regardless, William Vangeance - a person whose "distractions" had lead to mass destruction before - was currently distracted. So could you really blame Nozel for being ever so slightly - or very - paranoid? When his cousin's cousin caught his gaze it was apparent he was not the only one with such opinions and so, they made a point to quietly investigate it. Subtly. Without -
"So, Vangeance, you got a crush or something?" Great. Of course Sukehiro couldn't keep his mouth shut or his mind on the topic if it would kill him not to. "'Cause… you seem to be more interesting in the ladies than our… enlightening conversation…"
A conversation the foreigner himself wasn't even paying attention to!
… Although, he had to admit, there might have been some truth to it, since Vangeance's cheeks seemed to turn a little red. Wasn't from the alcohol either - for once he didn't seem to order whatever Yami had, and so was almost certainly sober.
"Ahaha… my apologies," he responded, nervously. He entirely avoided the question, though. "What was it that you were saying about increasing security?" he turned his attentions to the captains of the Crimson Lion Kings and Silver Eagles. The colour had faded and it was as though he'd never been distracted in the first place. Yet…
"You're not still fantasizing about Sisgoleon are you?" Now Yami had Nozel's full attention. Fantasizing? About Mereoleona???
Faintly he could hear the sound of coughing and spluttering and turned to find a surprisingly inelegant version of Vangeance choking over his juice.
"I-" Cough. "-wouldn't say-" Cough, cough. "- fantasizing…" Cough. Wheeze.
Once the coughing fit was over and he seemed to regain some self-control, Vangeance twirled the juice glass in his hand, looking down at it instead of anyone at the table. "I respect her as a warrior…" he spoke under his breath, clearly no more convinced of that being the only reason for his distract than anyone else there.
Except maybe Kaiser. "Well, I suppose she is an admirable woman," the older man conceded.
"Oh, sure… she's good in a fight…" Yami drawled, nodding. "And I'm sure she's also good in -"
"Please do not speak so crassly about my sister, Sukehiro. Least of all in front of my face, it makes my drink taste sour," Fuegoleon cut him off.
"I agree," Nozel made a point of glaring at Yami.
"Ohoho, I on the other hand would love to know what else this man believes I'm good in,~" a voice boomed, and he could practically hear his relative grin as she approached the table.
At this point, Yami's cocky attitude turned a rigid after he'd flinched at the woman's voice.
"Mereoleona, do not encourage his perverted ideas." He was not about to listen to talks on anyone's sex-life, especially not in a public space. If he was going to talk about sex, it would not be here or with this particular collective of people. There were definitely more ideal people to talk about such intimate things…
And they would never be so crass about it.
"Aw, Nozel-dear.~"
Apparently the ideal person had overheard their conversation too. Great.
"No need to be so shy about physical intimacy. After all, we're all adults here - and I'm sure Yami-dear only has the highest praise for Mereoleona skills in the area of -"
"Lady Unsworth, do not mistake this man's crass words for respect. It is obvious he has zero respect for women," a cold voice huffed, and it was apparent then that even Captain Charlotte had overheard. Wonderful.
Sukehiro shot the woman a grin. "Hmm… I didn't see you complaining about my crassness and lack of respect for woman yesterday…"
Not caring to know about the implications, he instead look to Dorothy. "I am not being shy, Lady Unsworth. I have no desire to speak of such things in public. I was sure you would have guessed as much by now…" He was royalty, after all; he had much more dignity and self-respect than that!
By the time this back and forth had finished, it seemed Vangeance had vacated his seat, sneaking off somewhere.
---
Finally things had resolved themselves. Sukehiro was chasing after the Roselei woman with his own clumsy apologies, Kaiser claimed it was past bedtime for him (and probably had more interest in being around his wife than them), Rill had gotten so drunk he passed out at the table (they would likely have to take him to his headquarters, but for now the two royals figured they could make use of the peace and quiet) and Vangeance was still nowhere to be seen.
"I didn't think he would have such feelings… for my sister no less," Fuegoleon began awkwardly. "Well… I suppose he was always reserved."
If Sukehiro were to be believed, Vangeance wasn't particularly subtle about his sentiments. So apparently, everyone, including the man's crush herself, had just been completely blind to his constant excuses to be around Mereoleona in any capacity and the other small hints. Not like he would have known about the comic incident, though….
The comic incident, for anyone unacquainted with the event, was a moment in time during the Grey Deer years, when Sukehiro - being the upstanding member of society - had hoarded a particular genre of graphic novels (also referred to as "manga" - that were targeted at the adult audience. They were absolutely filled with obscenities and filth, and yet, he had to admit even he'd once fallen for the dark haired man's goading. So occasionally, a fellow magic knight would hesitantly borrow a book - with some returning for more.
As it happened, Vangeance fell for it too, and - according to Sukehiro's claims, anyway - chose specifically one involving red haired woman that didn't look too different from Mereoleona and just so happened to have a more dominant personality. Sukehiro, apparently teased Vangeance for this "coincidence" and the younger man had denied it, however, considering all the other hints, even Nozel had to admit it was rather suspicious.
Even so, at the time, he'd had no idea.
"… Yes, reserved…" And from there, Nozel couldn't help but feel a little bitter.
The same reservation had Vangeance ignoring his responsibilities and not informing the magic knights of a terrorist right under their noses. The same reservation had cost lives. It was a confusing reminder, but a reminder nevertheless.
"Well, I suppose at the end of the day it is up to my sister whom she does or does not see…" Fuegoleon swirled the wine in his glass.
"Hmm…" But for it to potentially be a traitor?
"… and, it is not as though we know whether she reciprocates those feelings or not," he reasoned.
Nozel figured there was only one way to find out. "Perhaps we ought to ask her." Besides, the straightforward way seemed to work well enough for Vangeance, so, for a straightforward woman like Mereoleona, it would surely work just fine. Not like they could hide it - if simpler, the woman wasn't daft, she was perfectly observant in her own right.
The red haired captain cleared his throat and nodded, seeming to hesitate, as he looked to Boismortier. "Perhaps first we should…"
Well, yes, it would be a bad idea to leave the young man lying around in a tavern. Nozel nodded.
"By the way, you don't happen to have feelings towards Lady Unsworth?" The red haired male asked as he lifted Boismortier.
Taken aback by the sudden question, Nozel stomach twisted. He couldn't very well have the world knowing about his affairs of the heart. Not now, not in the world they lived in. It would only put the lady in danger and would surely affect his reputation or…
"You need not answer if…"
"I apologise for -"
The two of them looked around to find Vangeance re-entering the building, only to look down to Boismortier with a frown.
"He's drunk and unconscious, not dead," Nozel figured he'd clarify.
"Ah…"
Ah, indeed. They wound up standing in silence for a few moments.
"Well, I suppose since you're here, you could make your intentions towards my sister clear to us," Fuegoleon said after a while.
William bit his lip. "I'm sorry- I know it's wrong of me, after everything I have done…" his gaze trailed from the fire mage's arm to the floor. That was as good a confirmation as any, as far as Nozel was concerned. "I-I wish I could change this, but… I can't."
The atmosphere quickly grew uncomfortable, Nozel's insides squirming, telling him to get out of there. He was never good with emotions and clearly, Vangeance and Fuegoleon weren't the best either, considering none of them could hold eye contact right about now.
"If it is any consolation, I doubt my feelings are mutual…" the masked man let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"So… you and my sister are not together?"
Vangeance shook his head. "I doubt that is even a possibility." Beyond the man being a traitor, there was the simple fact that, while well-liked and a noble, he was not a high ranking noble. (A high ranking knight, perhaps, but…) He might have been a lord, but then, so could anyone with a bit of land to their name, or with sufficient merit… and no one really knew of any Vangeance house. It would therefore not do for the two of them to marry - royalty only married into either royalty or the creme de la creme of noble society. And that wasn't where Vangeance came from. Besides, Mereoleona did make it clear she would only get with someone who was strong enough not to die in a deathmatch, the implications of which, considering she was a straightforward person… did not bode well for someone like Vangeance who had different romantic aspirations, clearly.
(Then again, perhaps that statement had come from a moment of obsessive desire to find someone to give her a proper fight… and maybe she didn't mean it as literally as they'd all thought. Still, that did not suggest she would want to be with Vangeance, of all people.)
Fuegoleon and Nozel looked between each other, with the latter hoping the former would say something, because the awkwardness only seemed to grow.
Fortunately, there would be no need for that.
"I can take Rill to the Azure Deer headquarters," the youngest offered, looking to the young man in Fuegoleon's arms. "I did reside there once, so I know where it is… and I am sure the two of you must be tired?"
He seemed almost hopeful for it, though Nozel wasn't really sure why that would be the case. If he were optimistic - like Fuegoleon - he might chalk it up to a desire to make up for his past actions. However, Nozel Silva was nothing if not a cynic.
Even so, his relative seemed to nod. "That would be… nice…"
Just when he didn't think it could get anymore awkward. Still, taking Rill with him, William disappeared.
Once more it was just the two of them… now with a confirmation of their suspicions. And nothing else to talk about. And no, he was not about to talk about his own… romantic interests…
"How the hell does Vangeance claim to know what is and isn't a possibility as though he knows both of us?" a voice exclaimed and the two men whipped round to find that someone had clearly been listening to their conversation the whole time.
When in the world did Mereoleona of all people learn to be this stealthy?
"Maybe you should be asking him that, sister?" Fuegoleon said in an exasperated tone that betrayed nowhere near enough surprise to encourage confidence in Nozel that the two of them hadn't planned this together somehow.
Dammit. He almost felt tempted to drink right now. If only Sukehiro didn't insist that he was an emotional drunk.
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A/N - Okay, so I'm a little over six hours late with my first entry, but hey, I did a thing!
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acacia-may · 1 year
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Requests Will Close Monday Dec. 19th
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Hello everyone! Due to some personal health issues, I have been running behind in completing the requests that have been sent in. I apologize for the delay and promise that all requests be fulfilled--it just might take a little while. Thank you so much for your patience in the meantime! 🥰
In light of this, I have decided to close my requests on the evening of Monday, Dec. 19th!
From now until then, I am opening both the Friendsgiving and Limited Romance Edition requests, and you may send in as many as you like for whatever you'd like within the parameters of the rules which are included under the cut.
All requests must be SFW and can include as much or as little direction as you'd like (i.e. a particular genre or prompt ect., if you have a preference).
For Friendsgiving Platonic Stories, you may choose up to 3 characters.
For the Limited Romance Stories, you may choose 1 or 2 romantic ship(s) from the following list compiled from the bingo game [arranged alphabetically]. (As I recently answered a bingo ask about Dorothy x Nozel they have been added as well 🥰).
Charlotte and Yami
Charmy and Rill
Dororthy and Nozel
Finesse and Finral
Finesse and Langris
Grey and Gauche
Vanessa and Finral
Vanessa and Nozel
Requests can be made anonymously, and you may send in as many as you want before they are closed on Monday. 💖Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Thank you so much for your requests and support!! 🥰
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Hey😊
Can you do a fanfic for nozel and dorothy on a date🧡
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Hiya, I wonder if you're one and the same ^^` but in any case:
Ooo, I haven't tried writing for them before, so sure!
Pairing: Dorothy x Nozel
Genre: Fluff
Fanfic type: Oneshot
Length: ~0.7k
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Nozel’s throat felt dry. As if it was a desert, a beach on a scorching summer day. There was a weight in the bottom of his stomach; perhaps caused by the weight of the butterflies that didn’t have space to flutter in his chest from the storm that already swirled around in there.
He considered himself a brave man. At least to an extent. But this, this made him nervous beyond compare. Even if it felt ridiculous. He had known her for years. And he had confided to her in his hour of need, once upon a time; so many ‘once upon a time’s.
So, by all logic, he shouldn’t have been nervous. After all, she knew him, better than anyone else. Hell, for all he knew she might have known him better than he did. And still, he could feel his hands sweating under the table.
Dorothy was giggling away, telling a story about something that had happened last week. Kirsch had decided on holding a fashion show, and it had yielded unexpected outcomes.
He tried to focus on the words that flowed from her, accompanied by that bubbly laugh, but all he could focus on was the sound of her voice. Her gentle voice that was lulling like the quiet flow of a summer stream, more cheerful than a songbird in springtime. All he could think, was how lovely she sounded.
The dinner had been delicious. But that hadn’t been what had made him wear the almost smile that decorated his lips. Which… he was hoping that she hadn’t noticed; for some reason hoped that she wouldn’t have noticed.
“Awww, is that a smile Zelly?” She laughed with a wide smile.
She was teasing him. She was always teasing him. Even at meetings, lately. But if it was her, he didn’t mind. Not even if it made his lips quiver, as he tried to swallow the tugging of the corner of his lips, because he had a reputation to uphold.
His eyes turned to the side, because he tried to compose himself.
Why was the trying to hide just how happy he was? He didn’t know. Maybe he wasn’t ready to be happy, as ridiculous as it was. Because was this happiness supposed to be for him? To look at her eyes, flickering with the wonderful combination of turquoise and pink that swirled around like something impossible.
Maybe it seemed like something impossible, because it was. She was impossible in his books; someone that might love him. And though it had been just one dinner, one date, he already hoped for some divine grace, even if the last thing he might hope to gain while on this earth, that she might love him with all the days she had left.
“Is that a blush?” She taunted, but this time there was no laugh. There was something better.
His eyes turned to her, as if guided by her voice alone.
The dinner was done. The candles between them were almost burnt out, and there was only a sip left in his wine glass; the same as hers. They were free to leave.
But… he didn’t want to leave. He did and he didn’t.
His fingers climbed from under the table, and settled at the base of the glass, as he tried to think of a reply. Even if his pride wanted him to deny it; not caring if it was true, or obvious, or not.
“It is,” she replied in his stead, reaching over the table, and placed her fingers over his.
This time… this time her voice… Her voice was sweet as nectar, rich like honey and soft like… something he didn’t know. No feather pillow could compare to its softness. And thus, he couldn’t name it. He didn’t need to name it.
It was enough to feel it; the tender way in which the tips of her fingers were placed over his.
She was much braver than he was.
She was better than he was.
She was something holy. To him, at least.
“Yes…” he replied, even if only with a whisper, as his eyes averted again. And oh what a tragedy it was to him, for he missed the tender smile, accompanied with widened eyes, that passed over her expression.
Perhaps he’d see it… some other time.
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mouxesaint · 2 years
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bluebrella · 10 months
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Black Clover ship edition
inspired by : Mimidorika
1. Fave Ship
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2. First Ship
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3. First Ship You Went Crazy For
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4. Ship You Like But No One Else Does
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5. Ship you wish to have more screen time
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6. Ship you wish to be canon
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7. Ship you wish more people to know
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- PS. I hope none will get offended lmao since it's not the motive the post -
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kurooblossom · 2 years
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Who Confessed First?
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He/She confessed first, but it was 100% an accident. Whether they were talking about their feelings with someone else or he/she just blurted it out, their confession was not planned at all. They are an blushing mess. 
↳ Asta, Charmy, GREY, Magna, Sekke
He/She confessed first. It was done with a lot of thought and care to your interest and overall comfort. He/She is nervous when he/she asks you out and it’s noticeable, but you don’t say anything because it’s honestly really adorable.
↳ FINRAL, FUEGOLEON, Julius, Kahono, Kiato, Licht, Marx, Solid, William
He/She confessed first. He/she realized their feelings for you and told you soon after. The confession was nothing fancy. He/She probably done it one day while you two were just doing something casual. 
↳ Dorothy, FANA, Gordon, Henry, Ladros, Sally
You confessed first to him/her as he/she had no intention of ever mentioning their feelings for you until you made your feelings clear.
↳ Jack the Ripper, KLAUS, Langris, Luck, Nozel, Raia, YUNO
You confessed first, but they were getting ready to confess. You just happen to get the confession out first. They were visibly frustrated at first, but their mood quickly shifted when they fully came to terms with what had happened. They’re very happy afterwards.
↳ Leopold, RILL, Sol
You confessed first and he/she acted nonchalant about it, but was internally freaking out over it and was overall super happy that his/her feelings are returned.
↳ CHARLOTTE, Gauche, Mimosa, Nobra, NOELLE, PATRY, Vanessa, Zora
No one confessed. Your relationship just sort of naturally evolved into a romantic one and neither of you really ever bothered to discuss it. There was never really a need to, your relationship was mutually understood, and that’s all that matters. 
↳ En, MARS, Nacht, YAMI
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♡ A/N: I wanted to try something like this out and I’m not too sure how I feel about it. 😅 I do apologize if some of the characters are incorrect. For the most part, I’ve been introduced to every character on this list, aside from Nacht. I’m on episode 112. Hopefully this isn’t too far off.  😅 😅
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hehedraws · 9 months
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Could I request u draw Nozel x Dorothy? 👉👈 And if u can't do both, then just pick ur fav of those two? I love that ship but can't draw to save my life
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here you go! it took a while to draw nozel, i hope he fixes his hair soon
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yeonsclover · 1 year
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How the captains would react to yamichar dating. (Nozel - fue - Dorothy - William)
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This is my first head canon so go easy on me😀
So if I mis spell something
William
I think he would be overall very supportive.
He definitely noticed how Charlotte acts around yami.
She’s not good at hiding it at all. And since yami and William have a past together and he views him as a friend he would want yami to be happy and if charlotte does that then so be it!
Maybe a little surprised In the beginning that yami even knew Charlotte liked him in that way .
Because we all know yami is clueless.
Nozel
The most shocked out of all of them. Didn’t expect that duo at all.
He probably didn’t pay attention to the way Charlotte acted around yami. He would say something like he doesn’t have time to worry about stuff like that.
He doesn’t care because it doesn’t involve him.
He doesn’t have any real opinions on it.
Fuegoleon
Doesn’t really have an opinion either. But unlike Nozel he’s congratulates them and wishes them the best.
He notice Charlotte blushing around yami but didn’t think yami knew because he clueless.
Dorothy
If she’s even awake for this .
She’ll congratulate Charlotte the most and talk to her about it.
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bdebruxa · 1 year
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lyranova · 8 months
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Hii! I love your fics!! May I please request a oneshot where yami's squad member (y/n) turns into a baby / child (whichever is better), and brings her to the captains ' meeting as he has no other choice? (y/n) calls everyone dad / mom and it makes them all super soft for her? like yami is first annoyed then softens up, nozel is straight up rude as usual but everyone glares at him for that (cause they're so protective of her already uwu) and he ends up being soft for her too. idk, this was a 2 am thought im sorry!! thank you for taking requests 😭💞
Hiya anon! No worries 2am thoughts are always fine and fun, tbh I tend to get them a lot myself 😆! Aw thank you so much I’m so glad you like my fics, and you’re welcome, I enjoy taking requests! It gives me something fun and different to do 🥰! Of course you may and I hope you all enjoy~!
Word Count: 1,325
Warnings: None
———
Yami didn’t know how this happened, she was fine when she left on a mission with Asta and Noelle, but when they all came back she was a baby! When he asked them what the hell happened Asta and Noelle explained that it was the bad guys magic; he could make people really old, or really young!
Yami had ordered them to take her back to the mage and force him to change her back but Noelle explained that they tried, but the mage said his spell would only wear off in 24 hours. So for now…they were stuck with her being a toddler!
She was still able to walk at least, talking on the other hand…well she was only able to say a handful of words, mainly ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy’. Which kind of bothered Yami since he didn’t want to be called ‘daddy’ by a member of his squad, but she wasn't really eager to learn ‘Yami’ at the moment he would have to deal with it for now.
Yami fully intended to leave her at the squad as he went to a Captain’s meeting, but when Yami began to ask who wanted to be in charge of their toddler squadmate every single Black Bull scattered like leaves in a gust of wind.
Which was how he ended up in his current situation; in the Captain’s meeting room, with his toddler squadmate sitting in his lap, as the other Captain’s ‘oohed’ and ‘awwed’ over her.
“ Aw look how adorable she is! I didn’t know you had a baby Yami!” Dorothy said as she began to use her Glamour World magic to create small toys to keep her entertained. Charlotte crossed her arms as she looked at the child.
‘Yami had a child?! Why didn’t he say anything? Does that mean he’s married or has a committed partner? Or is the child a product of a one night stand? Yami doesn’t seem to be the type to do that though, so he must have someone! Why didn’t he say anything, I’m so jealous of her, why didn’t I confess to him sooner?!’ Charlotte’s mind raced as she stared at the little girl, she didn’t look like Yami, but that could easily be explained away. The girl looked at Charlotte with wide eyes before she smiled brightly and reached her arms out towards the Briar mage.
“ Mommy?” She asked cutely before her smile widened. “ Mommy!”
Charlotte and Dorothy’s hearts quickly melted and they both couldn’t help but say ‘How Cute~!’. Yami sighed and shook his head.
“ The Prickly Princess ain’t your mom, and I’m not her dad. She’s a member of my squad who got turned into a toddler on a mission earlier. The other brats took off running when I asked them to baby sit her.” Yami explained as he held the small girl still. She looked up at him with a pout but did stop moving.
“ I see, so how long will she be like this?” Fuegoleon asked as he placed a thoughtful hand under his chin, the girl looked at him for a moment before her bright smile returned.
“ Daddy!” She shouted brightly and with a giggle, Fuegoleon’s brows raised in surprise and a small smile appeared on his face.
“ I’m sorry to say that I’m not your father little one.” Fuegoloen told her gently as he patted her on the head, the little girl pouted.
“ She seems to only be able to say ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy’, which makes sense since she’s only like 1 or 2.” Yami said in an unsure tone, Rill tilted his head.
“ I think she’s closer to a year and a half! Babies are generally able to walk by the time they’re one, and can talk in short sentences by the age of two, so logically she should be somewhere in between since she can walk but not really talk!” Rill said thoughtfully as he stared at the young girl.
“ How the hell do you know that kid?” Jack asked with a frown and Rill suddenly laughed sheepishly.
“ Me and my squad sometimes volunteer at the orphanages in the city and the sisters explained it to me when I tried to have a group of kids tell me about their paintings.” Rill explained and the others nodded.
The little girls eyes moved to Nozel, who was sitting in his seat with his eyes closed and arms crossed, ignoring her effectively.
“ Daddy…?” She asked hesitantly and Nozel’s eyes shot open and he glared coldly at her.
“ I’m not your father, and I wish you would refrain from calling me that.” He told the girl, his tone as cold as ice, the little girl jumped for a moment before her eyes welled up with tears.
The girl began to cry and wail at the top of her lungs, everyone glared openly at Nozel.
“ What the hell did you do that for braid boy?!” Yami asked as he and the others tried to console the toddler and Nozel’s eyes widened a bit.
“ Geez Nozel she’s just a baby, can’t you be just a little nicer with her?” Dorothy asked as she put her hands on her hips and had a angry look on her face. Nozel’s cheeks turned a shade of pink and he looked away.
“ Don’t listen to him brat,” Yami said to the toddler as he gently patted her head. “ You can call of us ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ as much as you like. And ignore him.” Yami instructed them as his hand moved away from her head and began to wipe away her tears.
“ Yeah! Nozel’s just jealous because he doesn’t have a cool baby of his own!” Rill said as he crossed his arms, and Jack looked over at the Silver Eagles Captain.
“ Even I’m not that big of a jerk to kids bird boy.” He muttered with a shake of his head, Nozel sighed loudly before turning to look at them all.
“ I’m not jealous and I’m not angry at the child!” Nozel shouted accidentally, causing everyones eyes to widen. “ It’s just…” He glanced over at Dorothy, and she suddenly realized why he was acting the way he was.
Seeing that little girl was bringing up a lot of painful memories for him, so all he knew to do was lash out in order to hide his true emotions.
“ It’s just that a Captain’s meeting is no place for a child as young as her. Here, we talk about and see so many terrible things that it could easily traumatize someone as young as her for life. Don’t you think it would be better for her to remain innocent to the horrors of the world just a little longer?” Nozel asked with a sigh.
“ Uh, she’s already seen the horrors of the world remember? She’s actually a Magic Knight?” Yami pointed out in confusion, causing Nozel’s face to turn a brighter red.
“ Nozel does have a point. A Captain’s meeting is no place for a young child,” Fuegoloen agreed before he reached out to take her from Yami. “ So I suggest that she stay with Marx for the time being, and once the meetings over Yami can take her back. Alright?” He watched as all the others nodded and he carefully carried the child through the doors and to Marx.
The meeting ended fairly quickly and now Yami was heading back to the Black Bulls Hideout. After being full of energy all day she had finally wore herself out and was sound asleep in Yami’s arms. He chuckled a bit as he looked down at her, as much as he didn’t want to babysit her at first, he had to admit it was a nice change of pace and he was actually going to miss her being this small.
At least until she woke up and began to torment everyone again, then he wouldn’t be able to wait until she transformed back into her normal self again.
———
Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!
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phoenixnoxx · 6 months
Text
Winter Party for the Captains! (=^.^=)v
Julius just had a great idea on how Yami & Charlotte could get along. He's getting tired of their bickering...
... that idea was called the Paper Dance! It's a game where two people would step on a paper until it gets smaller each time!
The reason why Yami was carrying Charlotte.
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Partners:
Yami and Charlotte
Dorothy and Nozel
Fuegoleon and Jack (This is FUN! They eliminated first)
Mereoleona and William (in my mind, Mereoleona was the one carrying William) fufu 🤭
Rill and Marx (Rill really wanted to try but no partner, so Marx volunteered)
Julius - the facilitator
Kaiser didn't join (He prefers to watch and oh boy! He did enjoy it!)
Unfortunately, Yami and Charlotte didn't win. Charlotte ran away, AGAIN! Leaving Yami's little sensitive heart break into pieces.
Luckily for Nozel and Dorothy, they were the ones who won!
Congratulations to Nozel and Dorothy! (^_^)v
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simpingforthisonedeer · 9 months
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Chapter 15: Mercy, Mercy
Summary:  Aika and Evan are gone for an indefinite period so the story turns to Julius. A ghost from the past and painful memories for the failed protagonist and a new chapter in his life.
Notes: 
- Manga and Movie Spoilers from here on out! - 5k words - We’re going to touch more on Ellie’s power later but you do get to see some of it here. - Relationships are really important in this fic. Not only Aika and Julius’s but the other characters' relationship to them and others as well. - Read endnotes for more info and commentary
Tagging: @t-f-t @funky-sea-cryptid @loosesodamarble @lyranova @thoughtfullyrainynightmare
“Then what about her grimoire?” Julius moved his gaze to Ellie’s grimoire pouch but it was not there.
“Where’s my grimoire?!”
“Gods don’t need grimoires, Ellie,” Arthur said wryly as he plopped down in an armchair. “You’re a part of The Pantheon now, and you draw your power from all your fellow Gods.”
“I—Okay…” What? She sighed deeply, begging the tears to stay away. She needed some private time to come to terms with all this. “I did not ask for this…”
“We know you didn’t.” Arthur grinned. “No one asks for Godhood. You achieve it or in your case, stumble upon it. I’m sure Aika saw this coming since she met you. You were, after all, enlightened since you were born, right?”
“Yeah,” she answered meekly. She was born with eyes that burned her mother, father and midwives out of existence. She lived her life blindfolded until Miss Aika reached a hand out to her like a lifeline and taught her how to bring her strange powers under control.
Ellie didn’t like all the attention that the room was giving her. Most of them she doesn’t even know. And Miss Aika was not here to guide her through this. No one would know more about divinity than her or her master.
“That’s why she took you along, you know?”
“What?” She looked up at him. What was he saying?
“What are you implying?” Jayce growled beside her.
“I’m not implying anything! I’m saying that she only gives the time of day to people who she sees potential in, or has business with.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, but not everyone has a wrinkled prune for a heart. She actually likes the people she spends most of her day with. She has friends.” Jayce cocked his head as he stuffed his hands in his pockets in a blatantly arrogant pose. Julius, Jien, Fuegoleon and Dorothy shared a look crossed between amusement and concern. “Something you clearly don’t have even after thousands of years!”
Arthur leapt out of his seat and Jayce flinched when he closed the distance and smiled down at him, gleeful.
“Ah, but that’s where you are wrong.”
“I’m the keeper of Aika’s secrets,” he turned to look at Julius dead in the eyes. “And she’s mine.”
Julius stared back impassively, tamping the ugly jealousy that was welling up in him.
“Look at me,” Jayce bared his teeth in a mocking grin. “Do. I. Give. A. Shit.”
Ellie threw up some portals where fists flew.
“Stop it!” She turned to Jayce. “Have some respect for your elders! He’s not wrong!”
“But—”
“Zip it.”
She pointed an accusing finger at Arthur.
“And you! Responding to schoolyard taunts is beneath you,” she snarled. He pursed his lips and looked away. “People would be nicer to you if you didn’t portray the most benign things so negatively!”
Arthur clicked his tongue but said nothing.
“Okay, well, if we’re done talking, I need to take you to Aika’s old Temple. The High Priest is waiting for you.”
“Wh—”
“No.” Jayce placed himself between Ellie and Arthur. “You are not taking her away too.” He hung his head, fists shaking by his sides.
“Too?”
He exploded on Arthur.
“Aika and Evan are gone! And you didn’t even realise because your head is so far up your ass, you self-serving prick!”
“I’m going to ignore the last half of what you said.” Arthur narrowed his eyes. “But what do you mean they’re gone?”
“Evan’s dead, and Miss Aika had gone berserk so she activated her Shadowed Star spell which Ellie had to transport using impossible means which is why you are here in the first place!”
“Evan is dead?” Arthur whispered, eyes widening. “But Aika brought him back, right?”
“Yeah, but it’s not going to matter because,” Tears fell as he looked up at the older man. “Because what use is it to be alive when you can’t feel happiness, grief, anger, love, all the things that make us alive. He’s going to wake up in a month, a shell of what he is.” He buried his face in his hands. “Why the fuck do you care anyways?”
“Why do I care about Aika’s oldest child, my daughter’s beloved brother, a young man whom I have known way longer than you have?” Arthur grit out. “Where is he?”
Julius cleared his throat. This was going too far in front of people who are completely unaware of what they are even talking about.
“This discussion is getting out of hand. Evan is in the infirmary. Please continue there.” Julius all but glared at them in disappointment. His tone made no room for argument so Ellie made a portal and before she walked through it after Jayce and Arthur, she locked eyes with Julius, looking for something, permission or assurance, he wasn’t sure. His expression softened and he nodded curtly. She pursed her lips and frowned as she walked away. Julius had a sneaking suspicion as to why.
It was 2 a.m.
“What the hell just happened.”
Julius stayed quiet as discussion exploded along with his head. It felt like there was a raging storm inside but he kept calm and restored the room back to its previous state and walked over to the desk where his gifts were. He plucked the gold ring Aika left him out of its box and slid it down his pinky finger as he stared at the wisteria trees glowing outside the giant arched window that the long desk faced. He shuddered as a warmth washed over him, and hugged him like a weighted blanket. 
Julius closed his eyes and for a moment, pretended it was Aika hugging him from behind. He smiled at the fantasy but the voices behind him were only getting louder.
“The Pantheon? Does that mean she is one of—”
“Who is she anyway? I haven’t seen her around before.”
“Agreed. I would remember a dark-skinned foreigner like her.”
He turned around as he took off his cloak. It seemed like he didn’t need this giant blanket for warmth anymore.
“Enough.”
A word alone brought the room to silence in an instant.
“It was unfortunate that you all had to witness Miss Aika’s troubles throughout the day but please be professional. Go home, get some rest, write a report if you can’t sleep. Prepare for the Captain’s meeting tomorrow. We’ll discuss everything then.”
Everyone quietly mumbled “goodnights” and “goodbyes” as they left. Marx and Jien gave him worried looks but understood that he wanted to be left alone with his thoughts right now. They needed time to reflect on the day too.
Julius laid back on the armchair and laced his fingers on his lap, closing his eyes with a sigh.
What a long day.
A deep laugh echoed in his head as his stomach fell.
An apparition of his mirror image sat in the sofa in front of him, legs crossed in an arrogant pose and a bemused smile. The man was his twin, looked exactly like him except for his dark hair, deep as the night sky.
“Lucius.”
“I have to applaud your restraint, Julius.”
The memories came roaring back, a migraine pounding in tandem with each glimpse and tidbit of information.
A childhood in a cold country, two brothers and a sister who were ever so relieved to see him. His real family, not the fake one his brother masterminded in Clover Kingdom. The grief, the pain, the guilt, the shame. Blood dripping down his chin and a half eaten heart in his hands. Visions of the world ending, a cataclysm of his own design. Monsters encased in crystal. The wheelchair.
Lucius kept talking.
“There is no greater story than your life,” he laughed. “And I have enjoyed watching every single moment of it. You definitely keep it interesting.”
The fear, the pain. And a reprieve. Watching swordsmanship practice. An eager friend with a beautiful smile. The only person ever brave enough to befriend Lucius. Someone his siblings looked up to with awe and affection in their eyes. The only touch Lucius didn’t flinch at as she picked him up and ran. Explosions that left bells ringing. A pact made from mercy and a new lease on life.
“You and I have disagreed on some things, but I have never taken you for a fool—”
“She knows.”
Lucius dropped his head to the side.
“Knows what?”
“Our father was her mentor. She studied at the War College. She babysat our siblings for free and our father favoured her,” Julius’s voice rose with each word in panic. “Lucius put your arrogance aside and remember! The Oath she made with Arthur broke that made people forget that she ever used Time Magic but you were so obsessed with the fact that she used Time Magic that the Oath made us forget her entirely. But Arthur and Aika never forgot as they were the ones that cast the magic. She knows about us, Lucius.”
“She—” Lucius' eyes widened.
“I desperately want to say she doesn’t remember because she has never seen me but she has always remarked how Zenon was ‘Mini-Lucius.’ She has an eye for appearances and a long memory.”
“In one of your conversations with her, she mentioned that she hasn’t been to Spade Kingdom since she had left. She hasn’t seen Zenon and she most definitely doesn’t remember us. She would have said something if she did.” Lucius touched his chin in thought. “Was it only the pact that was broken?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve never taken this tone of voice with me,” he scrutinised Julius. “I never allowed you to.”
Julius felt the hairs raise on the back of neck.
“I wouldn’t know if your spell is there or not because I’ve never felt it.” He glared at him coldly.
“That’s right. You wouldn’t.” Lucius only smiled. “I was just wondering because it would be a problem if my spell on our siblings also vanished.”
“Even if that did happen, you won’t be able to do anything about it.”
“After all these years, you’ve finally developed a rebellious streak.” Lucius stood up and placed his hands on Julius’s armrest, caging him. “I really do wonder where this confidence comes from. Is it from her?”
“You can’t even bring yourself to say her name,” Julius spat, his eyes glinting in anger.
“She’s not even worth mentioning.”
“Lies.” His heart was in his throat as he ran his mouth. “She just foiled your plans and it spells the end of you if she did this on purpose. And I can’t say she was your friend, but she meant something to you and you can’t reconcile with that and your delusions of grandeur.”
“Now where is this resistance coming from? This,” he grabbed Julius’s head, searching for his resolve so that he may squash it before it turns on him. “Determination.”
Julius faltered as Lucius poked around his head but he gathered his courage and grit his teeth.
“Is it, again, from her? You were feeling particularly inspired earlier in the dungeons.”
“Just because she has affected you so much when we were teens doesn’t mean the same for me. My determination comes from years of experience and rising above my station to become Wizard King.” Julius glared up at him. “Not trauma and obsession.”
He flinched and gasped when Lucius began choking him, that smug expression gone and his eyes wide in that all-so-familiar insanity.
“My, my,” he grit out between his teeth. “Where did you acquire that silver tongue of yours? You’re so quick to hurt your brother.”
Julius grabbed his wrists and gasped for air. Blood roared in ears as Lucius’s magic lashed out at him. He heard the muffled screams of souls he had consumed and Julius made a decision. Enough was enough.
He took them to the infirmary with the last of his strength and to his relief, Jayce was there. And so was Arthur and Ellie. It was two too many people but he was out of options and didn’t have space for “Plan B.” They all leapt to catch him as he fell to his knees and the moment they touched him, they felt an evil unlike any other. They stared at the warping silhouette of a demon, not unlike Aika earlier, who pressed on their hearts, as if directly  stepping on it to squash it.
“Seal…Him!” Julius gasped. Jayce set to work as Ellie held the dying king. Arthur used all of his strength to pry this poltergeist’s arms away, growling as it barely budged.
Ellie took this moment to whisper into Julius’s ear.
“You cannot keep this from her. She will know.”
He turned his quivering head in question.
“You dare? You dare?!” Lucius’s garbled screams shook the room. “After all I’ve done for you?!”
Arthur reared his arm back and punched the apparition.
Lucius’s form went back to normal and looked at him in shock. How did he touch him?
“Anyone who claims to have done something for someone and then tries to choke them has probably done jack shit.”
Jayce’s makeshift seal shook and shook, threatening to break.
“Aim at his soul,” Ellie whispered to him as Julius rubbed his neck in her arms.
“I don’t know how to do that!”
“Yes, you do,” she said gently. “It is like sealing anything else.”
Arthur pinned Lucius to the floor and bared his fangs at him. He tried to fight back by reaching for the man’s soul but it was nowhere to be found.
“Whatchu lookin for?”
“How?”
“You live for over two thousand years, you’ll find a lot of things to do in your free time.”
“Jayce, go for the soul Arthur has grabbed.”
“Oh, gee, yeah let me suddenly learn Soul Magic right now so I can find it.”
“Ugh.” Ellie grabbed his hand and placed it on Julius’s chest. “Everyone has a soul. Meaning we all have an affinity for its magic.” Her eyes shimmered with her newfound powers, and she lent some of it to him.
“Look,” she commanded, and so he saw. He saw what made the king before him: the life, the memories, the atoms—
“That’s too much.” She reeled her power back with a wince. “Sorry. Still getting used to it.”
Jayce blinked quickly and then he saw what he needed to. Two souls crowded in one body, but one was going nuts, as if fighting back.
His magic locked in on it.
“Yes, that one.”
And it snapped into place.
Silence as Lucius disappeared.
“Did it work?” Jayce whispered.
“Yes.”
“Mmm.”
“How?” Jayce jumped with an embarrassing yell when Lucius reappeared in front of him.
“You,” Julius gasped for air. “You sealed his magic.”
“That’s what I am most familiar with so that’s what I did. I-I don’t know how to seal souls!”
“That’s okay,” Julius rasped as Arthur handed him a glass of water. He downed it in heavy gulps. “It was better that way.”
“Why?” Ellie asked him. She had a strange glint in her eyes that made him look away for some reason.
“Because he had granted me mercy not once, but twice. Even when I didn’t ask for it. If you had sealed his soul, he would’ve been stuck in purgatory with nothing to see and no one to talk to.” He looked up at Lucius’s openly shocked face. “He may be a bit prickly, but he’s still my brother.”
“First thing,” Arthur raised his hands. “You have a brother? Second, him choking you is him being ‘a bit prickly?’”
“That soft heart of yours will be the end of you,” Lucius hissed as everyone stood up.
“Yeah, yeah. Okay.” Jayce caught Julius as he nearly fell. “How can all of you see him?”
“Godhood.”
“I sealed him so…”
“I grabbed onto his soul in case he acts up.”
“Godhood,” Lucius scoffed. “How ridiculous.” He gasped when a force grabbed him and turned him around to face Ellie.
“Careful,” she warned lightly. “It won’t be so ridiculous when I erase you out of existence.”
“How do you know what to do with your powers?”
“Instinct. It comes with her Awakening,” Arthur explained quietly.
“Please don’t do anything to him,” Julius pleaded.
“I wasn’t going to. If I wanted to, I would’ve when you first fell to your knees but I wanted to hear the story before I did.” Lucius closed his eyes when she tried to force him to look at her. Ellie let him go and he dropped to his knees. “I simply wanted to remind him of his place.” She picked him up by the collar. “You are a mere apparition now with your magic sealed. Try to hurt Sir Julius who is dear to Miss Aika and even the last vestiges of your ambitions and your memory would be wiped from reality.”
Silence again.
“That was hot,” Jayce whispered and Julius stared at Ellie in shock.
“It looks like she learned from the best, isn’t that right?”
“I’ve never seen you like that.”
“It’s because you’ve never seen me on solo missions with Miss Aika.” Jayce seemed disappointed at that. What Jayce also doesn’t know was that she had been faking it. It took all of her strength to keep her voice from shaking. Arthur had just calmed her down earlier but Gods she was just acting on her protective instinct. That is all.
“Er, thank you. Ellie, was it?”
“Yes,” she smiled. Julius bowed his head.
“Thank you, Ellie.”
“We have to get going. We’ve already stayed for too long.”
“Wait—”
“It’s okay, Jayce. I’ll be back as soon as I figure things out. You know how to take care of Miss Aika’s paperwork and whatnot, right?”
“Yeah…”
“Then you got this.” She laid a hand on his shoulder and leaned it to kiss his cheek. “You are more like her than anyone,” she whispered as she pulled back. “If anyone can do it, it’s you.”
Jayce’s jaw fell as she walked away. Do what?
“I’ll keep her safe and sound. Don’t worry,” Arthur smiled wearily and turned to Julius. “Take care of yourself. We’ll talk about your so-called ‘brother’ next time I see you.”
They disappeared together in a flash of light, leaving some residual magic in their wake.
Jayce led the quiet Julius to a chair next to Evan’s bed and brought him another glass of water as he eyed Lucius’s floating form warily.
“Let’s go to sleep, Sir.”
He nodded but just barely and stood up, lost in thought.
“Are you going to be okay?” He asked as he walked towards the door. Jayce faltered but in a stuttered breath,
“I will be.”
“Will you be okay, Sir?”
He paused and looked down at his feet. The silence stretched for a minute before Julius drew his shoulders back and smiled at Jayce.
“I will be,” he echoed.
 Julius woke up to someone trying to break down his bedroom door.
“Sir! You are going to be late to your meeting!”
Oh, it was just Marx. He stumbled into the room as the doors flew open.
“I’m sorry, Marx,” he yawned as he rubbed his eyes.
“Don’t be sorry, Sir!” He exclaimed as he threw the closet door open. “I already ordered breakfast to the conference room for everyone. All the Captain's secretaries informed me that no one ate so you won’t be the odd one out.”
Julius jogged into the bathroom with half-formed thoughts and did a 3 minute version of his morning routine, which was the whole routine sped up to 3 minutes with the help of Time Magic so he walked out looking fresh as ever.
When Marx looked at him, he paused with a slight frown. Apparently he doesn’t look as fresh.
He helped Julius into the first layer of his clothes with the shirt and pants and when he tried to fit the brown robe over him, Julius stopped him.
“That’s no longer needed, just get me a standard open cloak.”
“You don’t have a Wizard King version of the open faced one, Sir…”
“Order one then.” Julius walked to his bedside table and slid the gold ring down his pinky and sighed as warmth enveloped him.
“Yes, Sir,” Marx said as he offered him a plain red robe. Julius moved to leave as he threw the robe on him, thinking about how quiet Lucius had been since last night. But he was stopped as Marx tugged at his sleeve. He turned around in question and Marx simply just pursed his lips and dragged him to the vanity. When Julius was forcefully sat down, he saw the problem in the mirror, he understood why his assistant looked like he was constipated.
Julius had bags under his eyes, dark enough to put a raccoon to shame. He did not have any energy left to use magic to elongate the time he slept, hence the bags.
Marx sifted through the drawers looking for something and pulled out a tube of makeup and powder that was surprisingly his shade.
“I ordered stage makeup but also the everyday one just in case,” Marx muttered to himself. “Knew it would come in use.” He showed the tube to Julius. “This is a concealer.” He began applying and blending it under Julius’s eyes. “And the powder is setting powder.”
Julius just sat still as Marx fussed over him as one thing became apparent: Marx really cared about him. He makes sure he eats breakfast, he stresses over his work, he cares that he looks good to the people. He really cares about him. He thought back to last night.
The way Jayce, Ellie and Arthur didn’t even hesitate to help him and ensure his safety just because he meant something to Aika. He wondered if Aika would also help Marx if he needed it because he meant a lot to Julius.
He wondered if Marx knew he meant a lot to him.
His eyes fluttered as Marx brushed the excess powder away.
“Don’t bother walking to the room, Sir. Just teleport.” He stepped back as Julius got out of his seat. “I have your agenda set in your seat and—” He nearly fell back as Julius hugged him.
“I hope you know how grateful I am for you, Marx.”
“Sir, I—”
“You mean a lot to me.” The younger man’s throat closed up all of a sudden. When was the last time he heard that? Heck, has anyone ever told him that at all?
“All your hard work that you put into me, I know you stress over me so much, but it’s never wasted.”
Julius pulled back and smiled warmly. Marx blushed at the emotion on the older man’s face.
“Keep up the good work.” He laid his hand on his head and he was gone before Marx could get a word in.
Julius had praised him before but not like this. This was more of an emotional confession than praise. Marx let a tear fall as he blinked. He began to worry even more now. Why did it sound like a deathbed confession? Can’t be, because Julius’s story has just started. He won’t let it end yet.
Julius sat in his throne-like chair at the head of the table, staring at the omelette in front of him.
He was early for the first time in forever.
“What are you going to do now?” He asked Lucius who stood by the window, looking out at the wisteria trees.
“Watch you, I suppose. I can’t do much when you have such fierce protectors.”
“I don’t believe you’ll just give up.”
He stayed quiet.
“Did you really spare me like I spared you?”
Julius shrugged, opening the folder Marx set aside for him.
“This soft heart of mine is the reason why you’re alive today. But I’ll tell you what? That’s a lie.” He let his head rest against the chair. “I know you wish you were dead rather than be trapped with nothing to do for the rest of our lives but that's exactly why I spared you.” Lucius stared at him in shock but he continued.
”You erased the memories of our pact, the reason why you spared me. You erased my conviction. If I had known, I would’ve acted quicker, I would’ve worked harder but no.” Julius gripped the armrests as anger like never before raged beneath the surface of his skin. “You stacked the odds against me. I never knew the stakes. Now you will get to watch me as a powerless ghost. You will get to watch me fall in love, succeed in our dream without the bloodshed you desperately wanted, and watch me be happy. You took my anger, but now I have it back. I will prove you wrong.”
Knock, knock.
Julius took a deep breath and counted to 10.
“Come in.”
The new Captains filtered in and split off in a ceremonial fashion to stand behind their respected seats. Julius nodded and they all sat.
“Welcome, Captains,” he began, making eye contact with each and every single one of them. The stasis spell over their food broke. “Please dig in while I ramble,” he joked, motioning to their plates. “We will have meetings all week because we have a lot of work to get done. But afterwards, we will have a meeting weekly and sometimes it may be as short as an hour or as long as a day. Plan as if it will take up the entire day.”
“Straying from the agenda you have in front of you, I have to let you know that there was an incident or two yesterday and a report could not be sent to all your offices in time. Captains Dorothy, Fuegoleon and Jien were present when it happened. You three can take this initiative on this.”
They took turns explaining what happened as Julius sat back and ate slowly, quietly listening. One thing that intrigued him in the oral report and the subsequent discussion was that they never mentioned the incident with Aika and Ellie. Perhaps that was for the best.
“Who is Aika Tolliver?” Charlotte, the Captain of the Blue Roses asked, directing the question at Julius directly but he seemed to be lost in his thoughts.
“Sir?” Fuegoleon called out a little louder.
“Julius.” He looked up when Jien called him by name.
“Ah, sorry.” He wiped his mouth with a cloth. “Was the question about Miss Aika?”
Everyone except Nozel, the Captain of the Silver Eagles nodded.
“She was a consultant for the previous Wizard King and is going to be one for me. Miss Aika usually prefers to work in the shadows but decided to be public recently. She is an excellent strategist, fighter, and knowledgeable about all sorts of magic and magic techniques. She was born and brought up here in Clover Kingdom but lived most of her life overseas.”
The Captains who didn’t know about Aika before erupted in silent awe.
“She left the continent? People who leave usually don’t come back.”
“Ke, was it too good for them that they can’t come back? At least she did, I guess.”
“She sounds a bit familiar to me.”
“She is the owner of the merchant and information guild, Eidolon, here in the capital. So I’m not surprised you know, Gueldre.”
“Mmhph,” Julius finished the last bite of his meal. “If that is all, Captain Sal of the Royal Guards is investigating the two assassins. If you wish to work on the investigation, talk to him. Let’s get onto the next piece on the agenda.”
“We don’t know what the next piece is because it only says ‘Surprise!’”
Julius laughed.
“That is because I wanted to let you all know, we will be having two new Magic Knight squads!”
The room blew up in discussion as they all bombarded him with questions. Jien looked utterly betrayed. He mouthed “sorry” and then answered each question one by one.
After what felt like an hour of answering questions, Julius gathered his papers and stood up to dismiss them but then, Marx’s screen popped up in front of his face, with a dire expression that he knew would foil any of his plans to relax.
“Sir! I have some news! The Spade Kingdom has retreated all its troops and our spies say that the Zogratis siblings have stepped down and pledged a Magic Oath of fealty to Queen Ciel of Spade.”
That was very quick.
The room exploded once again.
As Marx’s screen turned around to face the Captains and tell them again and again that he doesn’t know every detail yet, Julius only looked at the one person that mattered.
Lucius looked furious.
And so it begins.
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