17: Choices

My story went #1 for the Black Clover tag!!! Ahhhhh I'm freaking out!! Thanks for reading everyone 🖤🖤🖤

"Y/n!!" Magna and Noelle yelled as we approached them.

"Uh, hey," I whispered, forcing a small smile.

They both gave me a hug.

"We were so worried!" Noelle called.

"Yea... Um, sorry about that."

"No worries, kid. We're just glad you're safe," Magna added.

"Should we head out? Or stay somewhere here for the night?" Asta asked.

"Can we at least leave the village? Stop somewhere nearby for the night?" I whimpered.

They all looked at me with pity. "Yea, of course, Y/n," Asta put his arm my shoulder.

We travelled a bit before finding a clearing in the woods to stay in.

"I'll be up for a little while. I can take first watch," I offered.

"I'll stay up with you," Asta offered and the other two went off to sleep.

The night was peaceful and quiet. The stars shined without hesitation, inviting our awe-inspired stares.

There was a cool breeze blowing through the meadow, with soft sounds of critters scurrying about around us as fireflies carefully lit up the wildflowers.

There's nothing better than a late summer night. I've missed the countryside. It's beauty was undeniable.

"Y/n," Asta called me to attention. "Was that where you grew up?"

I nodded without taking my eyes off the celestial scene above.

"Why'd you go home?"

"It's not home."

"Well, why'd you go...back?"

"I don't know, Asta. I feel so lost... I just want to know where I belong."

He paused for a moment, and I felt his hesitation.

"Hey, uh, want to go on a detour? Just you and me?"

That got my attention, so I turned to him, "Really? Sure!"

We left a small note for Magna and Noelle, letting them know we'd meet back at the hideout, and took off on my broom.

"So where are we headed?"

"Hage! My home village!!"

"Wait really?!"

"Yea! We should make it by the morning!"

We flew all through the night, and as the sun began to rise, a giant skull came into view.

"Whoa, is that?..." I trailed off.

"The demon skull! From the first Wizard King's victory!"

I stared in shock, "I've witnessed a lot in my travels, but that has to be the coolest thing I've ever seen."

He laughed proudly. "There! There's the church!!"

I landed in front of the quaint church, already feeling an aura of love poor out from around it.

"So this is the home of the legendary Asta?"

"And Yuno, too! You remember him!?"

"Of course, how could I forget?" I smiled at the thought of my first introduction of the other Hage boy.

"Sister Lily!" Asta called as a beautiful young woman walked out of the church holding a small child.

"Asta! You're home!! Oh, and you brought a friend!"

"Sister Lily! This is Y/n! She's our newest squad member."

I bowed my head slightly, "Hello, Sister. I'm sorry for intruding on you without warning."

"Nonsense! Asta and any of his friends are always welcome!"

I smiled, "Thank you."

Suddenly, a small group of kids ran out and surrounded Asta. Greeting him with questions, cheers, and hugs.

"Father Orsi is out right now, but you made it in time for breakfast! We have some other guests as well. I hope that's alright."

I looked at the entrance of the church and saw three Golden Dawn members walking out.

"YUNO!" Asta screamed. "KLAUS! MIMOSA!"

I stared at the black-haired knight who approached us with a soft smile.

"Asta. Y/n. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, just taking a little trip! Trying to lift Y/n's spirit!" Asta yelled while throwing his arm around me.

"I see," Yuno replied.

"Y/n, it's wonderful to see you again!" Klaus called.

I smiled softly at the three of them.

"You all make yourself at home. I'll go finish breakfast," Sister Lily announced before walking back into the church.

"Uh, Miss," a small voice called while pulling on my leg. "Will you play with us?"

I crouched down to look at the little girl with big, bright blue eyes, "Of course. Hmm let me think?... Have you ever played hide and seek?"

Her eyes widened with excitement, "Yes!" She squealed as the other children gathered around.

"Ok, you go hide. And I'll find you!"

As the kids took off, I stood up and looked at the Magic Knights around me who all stared with smiles.

"What? Are knights not allowed to have any fun?"

"Ha! Good luck finding me!!" Asta yelled while taking off.

I looked at the Golden Dawn members, "Let me guess, you're all too mature to play?"

Klaus pushed his glasses up, "I'm sorry, Y/n, but I will not participate in childish games."

I shrugged and walked off, "Your loss."

"Wait!" Yuno called. "Let me go hide with the children."

"Me too! I'll go find Asta!" Mimosa squealed.

I smiled as they walked off, and Yuno looked back just slightly, giving me a soft smile in return.

••••

After breakfast, I sat outside on a small bench, watching Asta and Mimosa play with the children.

"Do you mind if I sit with you?" Yuno asked.

"Not at all," I smiled, making room for him.

"So, are you enjoying Hage?"

"I actually really love it. It's so quiet and beautiful. A lot cleaner than where I'm from too."

"It's definitely a special place," he smiled softly. "So, where are you and Asta coming from?"

"Oh, well, we were actually in Saussy."

"That's where you're from, correct?"

I nodded simply.

"And what were you doing there?"

"Well, to be honest, I don't really know. I took off from the Black Bulls hideout two nights ago, and wound up back where it all started."

I sighed, "Asta found me in the shed where I grew up, and suggested we visit here. I think he was trying to cheer me up."

"And, did it work? Are you feeling better?"

I looked at him, "Much better."

"Y/n, if you don't mind me being too forward... Well, I don't understand. Why'd you leave?"

I laughed softly, "I've been getting asked that a lot lately. You'd think I would have a decent answer by now. But, to be honest, I don't really know. I just feel like I don't belong anywhere."

"Did you feel as though you belonged in Saussy?"

"No.. Definitely not."

"I'm sorry the Black Bulls haven't felt like home."

"It's not their fault. I love my squad mates. It's just, something's missing. But I don't think it's from them... I think it's just something in me. I'm missing something."

"Y/n," his tone became even more serious than normal. "Have you thought about joining the Golden Dawn? I'm not saying it would solve everything, but I think it would give you more purpose."

"You're incredibly strong and intelligent. You should be building on that."

I looked off at Asta. "I don't think I could ever leave my team," I whispered. "I can't imagine how much that would hurt them."

He lightly put his hand on mine, "I understand the bonds you've made, but if your goal is become a better mage and help more people, you may never feel fully satisfied where you're at."

I exhaled deeply at his words. He's probably right.

I actually joined the Black Bulls to meet Asta. To have him help train me, teach me more about anti-magic. He's who I've been searching for.

I also hoped Yami would be able to help me focus in on my Blood Magic. I've been told all our magic is similar, and I desperately wanted their expertise.

But ever since I've gotten there, it's been nothing but distractions.

The worst part is, I know I only have myself to blame... I fell for my Captain. Like an idiot. I've spent more time goofing off than training.

But could I really leave them? Could I really abandoned my squad? My friends?

I watched Asta spin around the children one by one, his loud laugh filling the soft morning air. Would I even want to leave them?

As my mind wandered through the countless possibilities, a white bubbled formed in front of us, showing a man with blue hair and a bowl cut.

"Holy shit!" I yelled, jumping from the sudden interruption. "Scared the hell out of me..."

"Hey! It's Mushroom Head!" Asta yelled while running over to us.

"Y/n. Your presence is requested at the Capital immediately. The Wizard King desires to see you. Please bring Asta and the 3 Golden Dawn members."

With that, he quickly disappeared again.

Oi, what the fuck do they want now? And how do they always know where I am!?

"Well," Klaus started in, giving me another scare and causing me to jump out of my seat.

"What the hell! Where'd you even come from!?"

Asta and Yuno laughed at me.

"We should leave immediately," Klaus finished without even acknowledging me.

"Right!" Asta yelled.

As they took off to make preparations, I looked at Yuno who was still sitting.

"What do you think that was about?" I asked him.

"I'm not sure," he answered while standing and taking a step forward to be directly in front of me.

He grabbed my hand softly, "Think about what I said, Y/n. If you're going to see the Wizard King, this may be your chance to ask him about the Golden Dawn."

I nodded, "Thanks, Yuno. I'll think about it."

He quickly pulled away as Asta reappeared. "Let's go!!" he yelled. "We can't keep the Wizard King waiting!!"