Narrator: The Clover Kingdom... In this place where the be all end all is magic, there is one boy who can't use it. His name is Asta. His strength, desire, guts and overwhelming determination to best his childhood friends and rivals helped him become a Magic Knight. And no matter how many times he would wind up injured, Asta's relentless nature and motivation due to being alongside his brother in arms, he continues to aim straight for the top. Rich or poor, royalty or commoner, Asta himself believes anyone in this world can shine so long as they put in the hard work!

An image of Tyrus and Yuno in their Spirit Dives with their backs turned appears.

His mission has been to prove that statement true... AND TO BECOME THE WIZARD KING!

We find Grey, let's say arguably the SHIEST member in the corps of Black Bulls, smothering her face with her pillow on the bed as night had crawled and this was the anti-social transformation's mages favorite time of the night to be brutally honest.... but she at the same time hated being in her opinion so damn useless while everyone around her, her friends and trusted squadmates continued to improve each passing day leaving her in the dust.

Grey: I can't stay like this...... Finral's becoming a reliable person, Gordon's improving his social skills, both Luck and Magna have gotten equally stronger. And Noelle and Tyrus are eaching learning one new great spell after another new great spell, in large part thanks to their relationship and intensifying chemistry. Asta's been improving and breaking past every ceiling since the beginning. Even Gauche... has become somewhat more approachable, at least in his own way I think. Everyone around me is getting better and here I am. Still embarrassed to let people to see my actual face. I'm just terrified...

She thinks back to her original form before the fight with Vetto and meeting her trio of rookies.

Grey: I'm not like I was back then. But I want.... no I need to learn how to be more comfortable when I'm in my true form.

She wipes a couple of tears loose while staring at the crescent moon outside of her window and seeing a mirage of all of her friends celebrating and throwing their own private birthday party for Tyrus....

Grey: It's time for me to change too! And I know the exact person who can help me out!

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

It was early the next morning and after a long soak in the women's bath and getting ready for the day's event whatever may come, Noelle Silva had traversed the women's side of the Black Bulls hideout as she was en route to the dining hall ready for breakfast and also to cash in one of those dates in the Castle Town of Kikka her boyfriend, fellow Black Bull Tyrus Hail had promised her as payment during the whole pursuit of the Devil Believers while rescuing Secre and retrieving Asta's Five-Leaf Grimoire from leaders, the recently exiled Dazu Tayak and Bow Nocde... what she hadn't noticed was the rapidness of several footsteps...

Noelle: What the? Grey, are you okay? What's wrong? Did something happen to you?

As per usual Grey, the blue-haired beauty had her hands securing her face to where the Royal could not see her eyes...

Grey: Please excuse me, Noelle!

Noelle: Grey, are you sure you're not sick or anything? Maybe we could take you to Doctor Owen in the Royal Capital if you're feeling under the weather.

Grey: No, Noelle! I'd like for you.... to take me on as your student!

Noelle blinked and stepped back in disbelief at her experience-wise superior's words... surely Grey, the usually shy and innocent was just playing a joke on the sixteen year-old First Class Intermediate Magic Knight.

Noelle: Wait, wait? You want to be my student? Grey... I don't know if you've noticed but you're like eight years older than me, I should probably asking something like that out of you.

Grey: I- I'm hoping to overcome my shyness... every single one of you guys have surpassed me in some way, shape or form but it's my turn... my social barriers are the one thing are limiting me from evolving!

Noelle: Why's that exactly?

Grey: Well um, we're preparing to battle the Spade Kingdom and the devil that resides there? And I just can't in good faith stroll into a fight being scared to use my magic against something that's out of my league. Besides how can I be of any use to you to you all if I'm too embarrassed to fight at all?

Noelle: Well, that's easy. You can just transform.

Grey: Absolutely not, I want to resist from transforming in this upcoming fight. That's a sign of being a coward. I... want to succeed in my true form, and you were the first person I could think of in a situation like this.

Noelle: But why me? You could've easily asked someone like a Vanessa, or someone like a Tyrus? Almost all of our teammates are pretty confident in their own right.

It was at this point Grey sunk to her knees, face completely flushed with redness and tears threatening to spill.

Grey: Because you're the only person who could help me with this, Noelle! After all you have that royal poise, swagger and assertiveness! I would be so happy if I could from someone like you, so please Teacher Noelle!

Noelle looks blinks, blushes and flips her back.

Noelle: Well Grey, if there's one thing I can say about you, it's that you have great judgement. All right, I'll help you out and cure you of your sickly embarrassment! I suppose I can spare a little bit of my royal time, for just you.

Grey: Whew.... thank you so much, you're the best, really Noelle. You don't know exactly how much this means to me!

Noelle: Aht Aht, I wouldn't go thanking me just yet. Just know right now, I won't be going easy on you. You are my student after all, so it's only fair that I take your lessons, seriously. And I'll be needing a couple assistants.... thankfully I know a couple of people that would be more than willing to help you.

Grey: Ah... yes, of course! I'm ready to learn under your tree of wisdom!

They then stand outside the base, with Grey across Noelle who then sports the rare occasional fit of glasses.

Noelle: All right, Grey. Lesson number one is that you need to stop getting all flustered someone even registers a look your way.

Grey: Um... 'kay, I'll try!

Noelle: Okay, I'm just going to look at you normally, so just try to refrain from getting embarrassed.

Grey adjusts her hands still whimpering as the tsundere looks at her casually but ever so slightly narrows her eyes at her new student.

Noelle: Come on Grey, seriously? You're still covering your face, take your hands off so I can see you unabated.

Grey: I-I I CAN'T HELP IT, NOELLE!

Noelle: Hm..... fine. Tell you what, I'm going to close my eyes, and then you can take your hands off. Does that sound good to you?

Grey: Um... yes.. that actually sounds more delightful.

Noelle: All right... closing my eyes in three, two, one! Eyes are closed, go ahead and try it again.

She takes her hands off, and sees Noelle who then slowly opens her own pink irises which causes Grey to immediately shut down!

Grey: YIPPPPPE!

Noelle: Hu..... let's try again, yes Grey?

They repeat the process, over and over again..... only for Grey to keep failing the very first lesson Noelle had attempted in her playbook.

Noelle: Goodness, she's actually hopeless. I have something else, let's try it, shall we? Stay there. See, now I'm farther away, does that help you?

Grey: No it doesn't, you're still looking!

Noelle: Grey, that's the whole point of the exercise! I really do have my work cut out for me.

Tyrus: Hey, yo!

Gordon: Let us assist you!

They look to find Gordon and Noelle's significant other Tyrus, who of the two was sitting on the tree branch watching the shitstorm devolve and Gordon hiding behind said tree.

Noelle: Gordon! Tyrus! Perfect timing.

Gordon: I'm always acutely aware of what's going on with all my best friends whereabouts and what they're up to.

Tyrus: Coincidentally, he was in my radius while I was training with Vanessa and Finral. And he said you two were nearby and you were actually teaching Grey so I had to see what that get-up was about, cutie!

Noelle: Of course, you were. Anything that includes my suffering my darling will always be there to partake whether it's intentional or purely unintentional, this time it's both.

Grey: I'm so ashamed!

Gordon: There's nothing and I mean nothing more I would enjoy than a chance to help my very best buddy to become an even more wonderful person!

Tyrus: What? Of this actual beautiful day, did I miss something or she blushing more intensely than usual?

Noelle: If you two must know, I'm helping Grey attempt to overcome her shyness.

Tyrus: Ohhhhhhhhh! WELLLLPPPP, SEE YOU TOMORROW, BABE!

He tries to back away but he feels the sudden coldness of a wand being pointed at his back......

Tyrus: I'm.... your teaching assistant, ain't I?

Noelle: How very.... Perceptive.... of you, dear Tyrus, my darling.

Tyrus double gulps at the intensity she displays while Gordon lays out all of the dolls he made in the Black Bulls' likenesses...

Gordon: Now then, a living being creates too much fear for Grey. Start with the lifeless stares of all my dolls.

Tyrus: Somehow mines invoke more life and emotion than I ever could. Crazy.

Noelle: Taking it in baby steps.... Not a bad decision, Gordon.

Tyrus: We'll be right over here, Grey.

Gordon: And we'll do our very best not to look at you. You've got this!

Noelle: Why don't you try having a chat with them?

Gordon begins to clear his throat and immediately imitates Magna.

Gordon: Hey Grey!

Grey looks up at Magna.

Noelle: It's only a doll! You shouldn't even uncomfortable around something lifeless!

Tyrus: It's not even the real Magna, don't even think about it that way, ya dig what we're saying!

Grey breathes in and out.

Grey: Right, right! Good Morning, Magna!

Noelle: Oh come on, say it like you mean it!

Grey: I can't! Magna's doll counterpart looks creepy and he's peering into my soullllll!

Kuraokami: Is there anything that doesn't scare the blue-haired woman, you guys?

They all answer with a resounding no.

Tyrus: All right well try Asta and I, ours don't look THAT creepy, I'll even do the both of us!

Grey: R-right!

Tyrus then takes over for Gordon.

Noelle: This will be fun.

Tyrus: Ah, shut up, babe. MHM! Good Morning, Grey! Ya sleep well, or hardly sleep at all?

Grey: I- I!

Noelle: TOUGHEN UP, GREY! Whatever happened to wanting to be more like me?!

Grey: Be... more like Noelle!

Smoke immediately bursts where Grey and she transforms into a fake Noelle!

Noelle: I'm not afraid some dumb doll, even if he is my darling Tyrus!

He develops a snarling expression showing all of his chompers in a fit of over the top rage.

Tyrus: What the- THAT IS NOT WHAT SHE MEANT, GREY!

Noelle: And it defeats the whole purpose if you just transform into me!

Grey: You're right, I'm sorry!

Tyrus: Don't be sorry, just do better! Like we know you can!

Noelle: And try to keep that same confidence you had as me, but as Grey and only you! Like you transformed but it was only in your mind!

Grey: I- I dunno that sounds super hard! HMPH, I am way too sophisticated and royal to even partake in something so... childish!

Noelle: Baby steps, just don't accelerate above your pay grade so soon. I'm royalty y'know.

Tyrus: Same applies to me, since you know.... nobility and all that shit.

Grey: Mmmm.... WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!

Gordon: Maybe you'd produced better results if you started with Asta or Tyrus, like Tyrus suggested? He did say they're a lot easier to imitate.

Noelle looks at her boyfriend.

Tyrus: What? It wouldn't hurt to try.

Grey: Right.... Asta... Asta. Hey Charmy! How's it goin', you pack anything good for lunch today?

Tyrus: Shit, now's our chance! I'll take Charmy, follow my lead! Well of course did, and you're right on time, first come, first serve, Asta!

Noelle: You're doing it, great work, Grey!

Gordon: Stellar impression!

Tyrus: All right now go for Noelle's doll, double time, Grey!

Grey: Noelle, you're such an awesome fighter! It's always great knowing you and the Black Bulls have my back in a fight, especially when I'm kickin' all sorts of butt! We're going up against something tough guys, so you, Ty and I have to be at our absolute best!

Tyrus: Well obviously, someone's gotta watch you two idiots and make sure the devil in Spade doesn't kill you!

Noelle growls with Tyrus putting his hands up.

Tyrus: Oi, blame it on the lesson, I'm doing it for Grey!

They all emerge from the tree, as she immediately covers her face again.

Grey: Anyway, I appreciate all of you, but I should probably stop talking!

Tyrus: Bullshit, Grey! You totally crushed this lesson, how can you not see it?

Gordon: And it can be hard to change, when that's all you ever known.

Noelle: I'm sorry Grey, I've done my best and even with Gordon and Tyrus's help, I don't know what else I can do or any more useful advice I could give you right now... I can't say I understand what it's like getting embarrassed constantly when somebody looks at me.

Tyrus: I'm sorry I can't give you more advice Grey, I wish I could but as confident as I am, this is about as far as I can go as a mentor on something like this.

Gordon: I regret I wasn't a better teacher for you, friend. I only hope you and I's friendship can weather this storm it's currently enduring

She begins tearing up and whimpering.... Gauche is seen perfecting his doll-size Marie when another Gauche pops up.

Gauche: Hey.

Gauche: Hey, Grey. Wanna tell me why you're impersonating my ass again?

Grey: I have... a favor to ask of you.

Gauche: It's best be real important to pry me away from finishing Marie in all of her wooden likeness....

Grey: Please.... be my mentor!

Gauche: What could I or would I possibly teach you, though? Shouldn't you be asking something like that outta I don't know Vanessa or Captain Yami? Not to mention our magic styles are in two completely different realms.

Grey: If I'm in my true form, I'm too embarrassed for people to see me as I am. I wish to learn how to be... bolder like you are, Gauche.

Gauche: Before I say hard pass. Why exactly is this my job? Better yet, go ahead and skedaddle, I am busy!

Grey: Don't be selfish, I need your help!

Gauche: Yeah but see, fixing your problems doesn't really benefit me, does it? We're not dating like Noelle and Tyrus are, so buzz off.

Grey: All right then how about this, if you help me, you get to ask me to do something for you.

He continues stroking his paint brush across the wooden Marie doll when he suddenly gets an idea..... and scribbles a list of demands for Grey to read through....

Grey: Um.. what's all this for?

Gauche: Shut up. I want you to turn yourself into Marie and read this script verbatim, word for word, sentence for sentence. First...

Grey: I love you, Gauche!

Gauche: All right that one is a keeper. Next!

Grey: I worked really hard to make you this meal, I hope you love it, Big Brother!

Gauche: Okay this next is super crucial, you can't mess this up. Go!

Grey: Let's be together forever big brother!

Gauche stops his nosebleed in sequence while still looking at his impostor..

Gauche: It's a long list but I want you to say each one of them conviction and in the vein of my darling little sister!

Grey: You mean even hearing it from a Fake Marie is enough to drive you overboard?

Gauche: DO YOU WANT ME TO TRAIN YOU OR NOT, GREY?! I only get to see her once a damn month so as long as you look AND sound convincing, it should be all I really need.

Grey gulps, starting to regret the decision and deal with the devil she seemingly made with.

Gauche: Good, now follow me. So let me get this straight, you just wanna be fine with being seen by people, right?

Grey: Correct.

Gauche: All right, change back for me.

She does so, and immediately begins cowering as he activates his grimoire.

Gauche: All right, Mirror Magic-

He begins summoning mirrors every which way as Grey begins screaming her head off, looking into the mirrors with Gauche's face all staring at her.

Grey: H-How is this helping me! I'm being scrutinized from every side.

Gauche: Push through it, I'm not mentoring a damn coward!

Grey: R-r-right! I can just transform inside of my mind again like Noelle encouraged me to! Yeah, yeah, I'll be Asta! H-hey Gauche! Warm weather we're having lately, right!? OH NO, I'M STUMBLING!

Gauche immediately gives up, knowing he still gets something out of her.

Gauche: She's a lost cause. Stand up and open your eyes, Grey.

Grey: Sorry, no can do.

Gauche: Relax, Grey. My back is turned. My mirrors aren't even staring at you anymore.

She looks and finds him to be telling the truth....

Gauche: All right... what do I do now?

He watches a butterfly enter his cage of mirrors, and it enters through Grey's line of vision.... and she just slumps her shoulders.

Gauche: Huh... talk about convenient. Grey, let me know if you can hear me voice.

She simply nods.....

Gauche: All right... now stand up.

She does as told.

Gauche: Raise your right hand. Cool, now lift up your left leg.... I see... She fell into a trance when that butterfly came into her line of sight. THANK YOU MOTHER NATURE, YOU SIMPLE BITCH! What's the most relaxed thing I can think of right now. A turtle.... All right Grey, listen up from this moment on, you're a turtle, ya hear me? Big, sluggish turtle at that! You ain't worried about nothing, not the rain, wind, or any predators and what anybody thinks at all! You don't simply care at fucking all.

She slugs downs and he immediately pushes his mirrors back..

Gauche: All right, I can see you, are you scared at all Grey? Good it actually worked! Hello Grey, say something back to me!

Grey remains a motionless mess.... when he suddenly facepalms.

Gauche: Yeah, that's on me. Forgot turtles don't talk, they only move freakishly slow.... not good. Actually Grey, turn back into a human for me, now. But maintain that turtle mindset. Go with the flow around you and stop getting embarrassed all the time!

Grey: I'm a human... got it.

Gauche: And... I'm looking at you.

The color in her eyes returns and she begins to stand... but she doesn't immediately for her song and dance.

Grey: Hey... I don't feel the urge to cover my face with my hands anymore.... I'm not afraid any longer!

Gauche: That's great to hear, Grey. I'm happy for you!

They walk around the town as they endure another challenge for her.

Gauche: You doin' all right back there?

Grey: Well, I can't say I'm not a little anxious. But I feel like I'm a whole different person. It's weird.

Gauche: Well that would make sense, seeing as how I did give you the mindset of a turtle. Pretty soon, you won't be giving a damn if people give you a side eye or if they need your help since you're a Magic Knight.

Grey: Yeah.

Gauche: Exactly. Look if you could handle a crowded street, then you shouldn't have any problems hanging around the rest of the Black Bulls back at our hideout.

Grey: Yes. I'm so glad I asked for your help. Thank you so much, Gauche!

Gauche: Don't mention it.... now then. It's your turn to hold up your end of the bargain, Grey.

Grey: What?

Gauche: I- YOU SERIOUSLY DIDN'T FORGET, DID YOU TURTLE-BRAIN?! Transform into Marie, and recite the lines I wrote for you.

Grey: Oh that!

She immediately downsizes into Gauche's adorable little sister, Marie Adlai and begins to pay the price.

Grey: I love you so much, Big Brother Gauche!

Gauche: GEHHHH! TOO PRECIOUS, I DON'T CARE IF IT'S A FAKE MARIE! I LOVE YOU TOO, MY DARLING LITTLE ANGEL!

Grey frightened by the nose bloodied Sister Complex, immediately turns back to herself......

Gauche: The fuck did you change for?

Grey: I'm sorry but that was way too forward and overwhelming. I'm not the Marie you know!

Gauche: NO EXCUSES! GAHHHH.... if it bothers you so much, why not just go back to that old form of yours?

Grey: B-Because... I wouldn't be the real me then..

Gauche looks at her and rebuffs.

Gauche: That's just plain stupid, Grey. No matter who you transform into, you're still you Grey.

Grey: D-Do you really mean that?

Tyrus: Well of course he does, we all meant that!

Grey looks and finds Tyrus and Noelle smiling at the scene on a lunch date as he was eating on a bacon double cheeseburger and the Silva was enjoying a peach-strawberry smoothie.

Grey: N-Noelle! Tyrus!

Noelle: We're proud of you Grey. Who would've thought Gauche would be the one to help you break out of your shy cycle.

Tyrus: Now go on, get out of here, enjoy the rest of your day, Ma'am. We'll catch you back the hideout.

She offers the couple a slight smile, bowing and immediately begins to catch up with Gauche.

Tyrus: You know, you had a lot to do with her breaking her sorry state too, Noelle. Take some pride and credit in what you did today.

Noelle: Oh please, I hardly moved the needle today. Freaky Sister Lover did all the heavy lifting. But thanks anyway. Now maybe you could help me with something.

Tyrus: Sure, I'm always game when it comes to you, Noelle. What's on your mind?

Noelle: What I want or rather need out of you, Tyrus, my sweethearted boyfriend is-

She puts her hand onto her significant other's as they watch the clouds skirt on by the restaurant they were dining at. Meanwhile the Blue Rose Knights had been going through their rigid training session with Captain Charlotte Roselei using her Briar Magic to get the best of some of her best knights including Wainsley, Galgaria, Tyrus's own twin sister Selene and Borja who were all wrapped tightly in her thorny embrace against their wills.

Sol: WOW YOU'RE SO AMAZING CHAR! NOW YOU CAN ACTIVATE YOUR SPELLS WITHOUT HAVING TO USE YOUR GRIMOIRE LIKE AT ALL! AND EVEN FASTER THAN BEFORE AT THAT!

Yet this didn't satisfy everyone's favorite women's empowering captain.

Charlotte: And it still isn't even enough... we're going to need a lot more power if we're to stand even a competent chance the Spade Kingdom and their devil. And their devil that the Black Bulls scouted, it seems to pose more of a deadlier threat than the one we barely managed to defeat the first time around. NOW THEN YOU SIX AT ONCE, COME AT-

She stops her command when she sees her girls all breathing heavily still trying to catch their desperately after being caught in her stamina drain spell for so long. Hell even the likes of Puli, Selena and other knights just from sparring with one another were gassed and on the brink of near passing out.

Selene: No offense... guh... Captain Charlotte... I want to beat the Spade Kingdom too, but can we please take a break? I feel like I'm about to die!

She falls on top of her similar namesake as the two begin fanning one another.

Charlotte: We aren't getting much done right now as it currently stands. It's not their fault though, they just haven't been subjected to something as so hellish like what we're about go through. All right ladies, I'll give you all a break.

They all sit with an array of treats and tea sat to the side with Galgaria a rather easy on the eyes blonde with brown eyes stares at the sky.

Galgaria: It sucks not having anytime off but with the big showdown coming and we have to be at our best if we want the Clover Kingdom to survive and live for another day.

Selena: Yeah, the Kingdom needs us to protect them.... if it comes down to it, I'd be honored to fight and lay my life down for the people.

Wainsley: Captain Charlotte? Feel free to push us even than you have before!

Selene: Wainsley's got a good point. All of us having a burning desire to be near your level when we actually have to fight Spade Kingdom and the devil-

She thinks back to all the instances of having seen Yuno fight during the war against the elves, racing the hot-blooded Asta during their first failed mixer put together by Finral and her initial fight with her long lost twin Tyrus and even combining for a couple unison sibling attacks against the Devil Banishers slash Believers.

Selene: I made a promise to my brother, that I wouldn't be in his shadow for much longer, but every time I make progress he's always one step ahead of me, even though he keeps playing it off. So please push us beyond our natural limits and don't stop because we say need a break!

Charlotte looks at them, slight smirk and all.

Charlotte: I plan on it, just don't go trying to injure yourselves, that goes all for of you. If you feel your body is hurting under any capacity during our training sessions, you are to get tended to by the medical staff immediately in the Royal Capital.

Blue Rose Knights: Right!

Charlotte: I'm relieved they're so enthusiastic. Maybe it's because I eased the restrictions on fraternizing with men.

Blue Rose Knight: When this whole mess with the Spade Kingdom is over with, I'm going to spend so much time with boyfriend!

Charlotte: AH!?

Wainsley: YES, EXACTLY! I PLAN ON GOING A DATE WITH MY GUY EVERY DAY, THAT'S WHY I'M SO MOTIVATED TO GET STRONGER, SO I CAN PROTECT HIM AND MY FAMILY!

Blue Rose: You're not playing fair, my boyfriend and I just called it quits!

Blue Rose Knights: What?! Which one of you broke it off, we need details!

Blue Rose: It w-w-was his choice! He said he didn't want to get in the way of my training for the upcoming fighting!

Blue Rose Knight: That honestly sucks, but he had a valid point, you two have been both incredibly busy for each other.

Wainsley: We're so sorry, girl. But the best thing to do, is get on the rebound! Selene, does your twin brother have any single friends on the Black Bulls?

Selene: EHHHHH?! Why are you asking me, all I know for certain is that he's with Princess Noelle, there's Asta who while passionate, is a total dunderhead, there's that kid Luck who's a battle maniac so he'd definitely protect his lady with no hesitation but is just as prone to harm her.... wait how old are you, Jessica?

Jessica: I'm nineteen, why?

Selene: There's Gauche, who seems to be only interested with doting on his little sister. Magna, total hothead but you have a thing for bad boys.....

Blue Rose Knight: Tell you what, come out drinking with one of my boyfriend's pals and we will get you a new man!

Charlotte: Well.... regardless of their motives... at least they're all fighting for something or someone I guess. I'll have to lead them on the straight and narrow though.

Sol: You guys are getting a little too giddy about romance again? What's so exciting about men, anyhow?

Galgaria: OH! OH! We can't about forget about Captain Charlotte, maybe she'll finally go on a date with Captain Yami!

Selene: Great.... set our captain up with my brother's captain... next thing I hear you'll be wanting to put them on a double date with Noelle and Tyrus.

Galgaria: OOOOOH, CAN WE!?

Selene: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Charlotte promptly spits out her drink!

Selena: Ma'am, is everything all right with you?

Charlotte: I- um- yes! I'm perfectly fine Selena. Galgaria's bold sentence just caught me off guard for a second.

Puli: Speaking of which, have there been any developments between the two of you?!

Charlotte: D-D-Developments? I don't understand what you're asking Puli.

Puli: You know, your sweet yet intense budding romance with the hunkster who happens to be your peer, who heads up the Black Bulls, obviously!

Blue Rose Knight: Did you two go on anymore dates, you know given you two had such a great time at the mixer!

Charlotte: I completely forgot about the mixer!

Charlotte: ....... I-I-I-I.

Puli: OHHH?!

Sol: Char?!

Charlotte: Yami's hand actually touched mine at the same time! Is this the casual touch that Puli was referring to in our timeout?

Sol: CHAR, ARE YOU INSANE?!

Puli: Captain?!

Yami: Oh for crying out loud, you don't gotta get so bent out of shape over a damn pepper shaker. Actin' like you got infected with the damn plague or something, I keep my hands clean.

Galgaria: Such a beautiful night for romance, wasn't it?

Wainsley: One more push in either direction and she would've been all his!

Charlotte: Oh, please ladies. Absolutely ridiculous, as if such a brute could ever hope to tame my blazing heart.

Puli: Not at all ma'am. You were in the right direction.

Selene: It's like I said, Captain Yami is just a total idiot when it comes to real life situations like love.

Selena: And this is coming from Puli Angel our resident romance expert and Selene Hail, our ever so lovely firecracker.

Charlotte: Is that actually true?

Come on give us all the hot goss, Captain! Are you guys together or what?! I can just see the babies you two would have, Dark Rose Magic!

Charlotte: Yami and I are not together, can we please drop any and all of my romantic ambitions!?

The Blue Roses sans Sol and Selene all gasp in fake shock....

Charlotte: Though if I am being brutally honest with myself.... I was actually planning on giving him a gift during the last captain's meeting and asking him to dinner. But as always, I wound up chickening out before I could.

Sol: As if Char would be arm candy for a dumb, stinky caveman like the Black Bulls Captain! Captain Yami is totally out of her league.

Charlotte: We have a battle to train for and win. That is where my focus is solely lays on.

Puli: Absolutely not, Captain. This is the best moment to strike! Think about it, every single one of the Magic Knights is on edge because of the upcoming clash with Spade. There's no telling if all of us will live or die... which is why all of us could a little extra love in our lives.

Blue Rose Knight: Yeah, exactly! Take a look at Selene's brother and Lady Noelle! That's a true power couple if I ever seen one.

Selene: Is this because I haven't been active in the boyfriend market? I'm happy for the guy but let him breathe, something's telling me you guys are just jealous Noelle snatched him up when she got the chance.

Blue Rose: I mean... I'm just kidding. I know I said I was itching for my dates for my snuggle bunny but in reality, who knows if this is truly the last time I'll ever see his radiant smile or gorgeous green eyes again? But truth is, I already do that now!

Wainsley nods confirming the same things with her own boyfriend.

Wainsley: I can't see my boyfriend since he lives in a town far in the Common Realm, but I make it a deal to chat with him via magic communication items every single night before he goes to sleep!

Sol: That's just gross Wains.

Wainsley: Don't be jealous, with your looks, you could land any man you wanted Sol!

Puli: You should cash in this once in a lifetime, Captain Charlotte!

Charlotte: What're you getting at Puli?

Puli: IMPENDING DOOM! It never fails to bring lovers together, that's how the young kid from the Black Bulls told me he and Princess Silva got together despite being squadmate for a few months. Think about it the same way with you and Captain Yami, battling the toughest adversaries of the Spade Kingdom, while the looming threat of a devil is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered for your love life!

Sol: Not you too, Puli! That's just crazy!

Puli immediately gets in her superior's face pushing the envelope.

Puli: Trust me this is the golden opportunity, Charlotte, darling!

Charlotte (or rather Puli): I can't be rescued by a man! Such a thing is against my hardened principles as a woman.

(Puli) Yami: The hell you going on about woman, you're the Prickly Princess are you not? You save my ass all the time. I'm madly in love with you, Charlotte Roselei! That's what's keep honestly since the beginning, waking up and seeing that knockout worthy face!

Oh Yami! Please Charlotte, will you make an honest man outta me and marry me! AND HAVE A LOT OF BABIES WITH ME?!

Yes...

Puli: Then you two will live happily ever after-

Charlotte: Now just hang on there one minute, Puli! NONE OF THOSE ARE HAPPENING AT ALL!

Blue Roses: BUT WHAT IF THEY DID?!

Charlotte: If we don't shape up ladies, then we are certain to be the first casualities of the upcoming war. Forget the excitement of impending doom! We... will... all.. die! Or have I not made that clear!? That's why we need to train harder than ever. All right then the time for rest is over, ladies.

Wainsley: Captain Charlotte's amazing.

Blue Rose: She doesn't let romance cloud her judgement on anything!

Blue Rose: We should work super hard and put this threat behind us as quickly as humanly possible!

Charlotte: All right then. Sol, Puli, Selena, Selene, and Galgaria.... all of you are to attack me at once.

Sol: Copy that. We'll give it everything, Char!

Galgaria: Stone Creation Magic, Stone Rain!

Selena: Water Creation Magic, Cascade Destroyer!

Selene: Flame Creation Magic, Magma Twister!

She avoids all three attacks with relative ease, hopping to the air, and firing her briars at the women before Sol gets going...

Sol: Go Earth Magic, Mud Wall Partition!

BOOOM!

Selene: Thanks Sol!

Puli: HMMMMM!

Charlotte: You're too slow!

WRAPPPPP!

Puli: OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!

Galgaria: AHHHHHHH!

Selene: HUP! HUP! SHIT I SLIPPED, DAMN IT ALL! GAHHHH!

Selena: Galgaria, Selene! OH COME ON!

Sol: Oh no, she wasn't kidding! Too slow!

Blue Rose: The way Charlotte moves it's so crisp and elegant.

Wainsley: It's truly no wonder as to why Captain Yami is so in love with her!

The vines stop from hitting and coiling around Sol.... as she asks out loud.

Sol: What the hell, Char? GUUHHHHH! AUNTIE, AUNTIE AUNTIE! AW COME ON I TOTALLY THOUGHT I HAD A CHANCE RIGHT THERE IF FOR EVEN A SECOND!

Wainsley: It's safe to say we must do our best to not hold her back, everyone.

Charlotte: I permit you five to take a rest. Everyone else, come at me at once.

Some time passes on, and the girls all convene on a matter while Charlotte plans the next sparring session.... or rather their scheme on how to get their tsundere captain with her peer.

Blue Rose: Well, are we all agreed then ladies?

Sol vehemently denied everything they were going for.

Sol: Are you insane?! We can't do that, Char would bash it down so quickly!

Selena: Don't be so hasty Sol, I actually support it.

Galgaria: Not to mention, it would be a good way for us to train and get stronger if we're being honest.

The idea? A joint task training session with the Black Bulls with the primary motivation of getting Charlotte ever so closer to confessing her feelings for Captain Yami while also desiring to get stronger.

Blue Rose: Plus we'd be helping Captain Charlotte, too!

Wainsley: Yeah, yeah! Two birds, one stone! Come on Sol!

Charlotte: I wonder what they're discussing, their own strategy towards the upcoming battle right now? That's what I like to hear, ladies. You might just catch me off guard.

Galgaria approaches her captain, starry-eyed.

Galgaria: Excuse me, Captain. We have a proposition, you'd might like to hear us out on.

Charlotte: I'm listening.

Blue Rose: We're sad to admit this, but we're simply nowhere near your level in terms of being worthy training partners for a powerful mage like you....

Charlotte: That's nonsense. You're all coming along rather nicely, just not at the speed we'd all hope.

Jessica: No, no, Captain, you can be honest with all of us! Even with us all teaming against you, we still can barely manage to land even one hit against you, Ma'am.

Sol: At least have some dignity, you don't have to be so pathetic in front of Char.

Galgaria: But Jessica isn't telling any lies.

Selene: Which is why....

Wainsley: We thought it'd be more helpful if we'd train with a completely different squad instead to help bring our progress up more rapidly.

Charlotte: Hm... a different squad you say?

Galgaria: Exactly Ma'am! We feel we should pair up with Magic Knights who are on the same level if not slightly above us in terms of magic power. Like... the Black Bulls for example.

Charlotte: D-did you just say the Black Bulls?

Selena: Yes! They have to seem a decent mix of capable mages within the ranks ranging from the best to worst so I feel our capabilities would mesh with theirs the most compatible!

Jessica: Think about it! There's that kid Asta who can negate spells, that lightning mage Luck, Finral who uses Spatial Magic and so many other unique talents.

Selene: So we humbly ask you Captain Charlotte, could you please ask Captain Yami and request a joint training session out of them?

Charlotte: U-Um I- uh well let's see! I'm not sure whether they'll accept! I suppose I could try to find an appropiate moment to ask them!

Selene: Sure they will! Oh, big brother!

She suddenly whips out her magic communication device and with a devious smile, gets in contact with her dearest twin brother, the second highest ranking Black Bull of the Worst Magic Knight Squad.

Sol: Selene, NO!

But it was too late, Tyrus's mini image appears almost immediately on her device.

Galgaria: Oh my god, he's so much cuter when he's like that!

Tyrus: Hm? Who said that? Oh hey, little sister, Blue Rose Knights what can I spring you for?

Selene: You're not busy, are you?

Tyrus: Well, I'm on a date with Noelle but lucky for you guys, she dove into a store wanting to get some decorations for her room is what I'm guessing. So you guys got me at the perfect time, she won't be out for at least another ten, twenty minutes with the rate she's going.

Wainsley: GREAT, COULD YOU TALK TO OUR CAPTAIN THEN?!

Charlotte: WHAT?!

But she again is too late, as the next thing she's witnessing is the saluting professionalism of Tyrus beaming at her.

Tyrus: Greetings, Captain Charlotte! Your Blue Rose Knights said you wanted to speak to me on something important, what troubles you?

She swallows her pride and puts her game face on.

Charlotte: If it is no trouble I'd like for you to pass a message to Yami as soon as you can track him down.

Tyrus: Absolutely, it'll be my priority once Noelle and I head back to the hideout, what is the nature of your message so I can let him know in advance?

Charlotte: Perfect. I'd like for him-

Marx: Captain Charlotte, do you have a moment to spare?

Charlotte: Oh! Absolutely.

Marx: I understand you're on a communication with Sir Tyrus and I do apologize to the both of you.

Tyrus: It's no trouble at all Sir Marx, you're of higher standing since you work directly next to the Wizard King. Please, take over.

Charlotte: And it's all right, we were just discussing the possibility of a potential joint training session with his Black Bulls.

Tyrus: Oh, we welcome that with open arms. As soon as I find Captain Yami, I'll let him know, Captain Charlotte. Good day.

He promptly ends his side of the communication.

Charlotte: Now then, what was it you needed, Sir Marx?

Marx: It's about the next Captain's meeting. Am I correct in assuming you'll still be available at that time?

Charlotte: You'd be correct. I shall be there.

Marx: Understood, I'll leave you to it then.

He ends the call, leaving Charlotte with just her knights, void of any distractions.

Charlotte: All right, we better continue as planned. As for the proposed joint training session, it's all up to Yami to see if he will accept.

Blue Roses: RIGHT!

The next day rolls around and the Magic Knight squad Captains stroll in one by one, starting with Vangeance, then Nozel and Fuegoleon, followed by Dorothy and Kaiser, Rill and Jack with Charlotte bringing the rear up thinking of the possibility at hand.

Charlotte: A joint training session with the Black Bulls? I wonder if he'll suspect anything behind my motivations..... No, this is not only good for the Kingdom, but my Blue Rose Knights as they wish to become stronger as well!  We must become as formidable as possible if we're to stand a decent chance against our new enemy alongside the Heart Kingdom.

Yami: Oi, what're you zonin' out for, Prickly Princess? Don't you know that type of thing can get you killed on the battlefield?

She turns around to find the person of her affections standing behind her, then gulping.

Charlotte: All right, this is it Charlotte. Surely Tyrus told Yami about the idea. Now it's time to drive home the point about having our squads train together.

She steps in rhythm but then she stumbles.... right into Yami's big, beefy arms.

Yami: Whoa, easy there! You all right? I guess even the Stone Cold Prickly Princess has her rare moments of clumsiness. Never thought I'd see the day that actually happens.

She blushes rapidly, feeling the heat rush all over her body... she tries formulating words to get out of her yapper... but soon the heat and embarrassing nature of the situation of being saved by her suitor just becomes too much for her and per usual with the Blue Rose Knights squad captain....

Charlotte: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I'M SORRY YAMI, I JUST CAN'T WITH YOU!

Yami: Damn she did me dirty again. If I didn't know any better, I'm starting to think she just plain hates my guts and heart of gold. That or somethin's just wrong with me.

Marx: All of the captain are here and present except the Blue Rose Knights Captain, Sire.

Julius: I see.... Charlotte must've delayed again. Then again she and Yami were late to the Star Festival a couple months ago.... I'm starting to suspect he might be a bad influence on her whenever they do hang out. What could it possibly be this time around?

Marx: I don't know... then again she did briefly mention yesterday that her squad proposed the idea of a potential joint task training session with the Black Bulls to prepare for the battle with Spade. I wonder if this incident could be related to that one, Julius.

Julius: A joint.... task training session? Ah... now I see, it seems the Black Bulls and Blue Rose Knights have given me an idea...

Marx: Hm?

The Wizard King sets his piping hot cup of tea down, thinking of the population.

Julius: We both know the entire population is still terribly exhausted and frightful after the Eye of the Midnight Sun's attacks and repeated invasions.

Marx: Yes. There's no denying that.

Julius: So why don't we do something to alleviate the people's stress and give them all something to have hope in? Surely they must be worried as to whether the Royal family can protect their lives. It's of the utmost importance we restore the public's faith in the Magic Knights, that they can feel safe and secure again, while also improving the strength and unified moral of all their squads. If we can manage just that, then we'll be much better prepared for the upcoming fight against Spade and their devil Megicula.

Marx: I'm sorry, what is it you're exactly proposing here, Sire?

Julius: Haha... what we're going to do Marx my dear friend.... is have a battle between all of the Squad Captains!

F.W.C. 7,591 Words!

End of Chapter One Hundred Eighteen!