20: Homecoming

**Yami's POV**

The attackers had disbanded, so the Captains all gathered outside of Headquarters, waiting for further instruction.

They were here, what, 30 minutes? Why'd they come and leave so quickly? They hardly accomplished anything but a quick battle...

I took a look drag of my cigarette, mulling it all over. It just didn't make any sense.

"Holy shit, is that Y/n?..." Charlotte mumbled while staring off into the distance.

All the Captains stopped their chatter and snapped their heads to see.

Oh, fuck...

Y/n smiled brightly while she walked next to Asta who rubbed the back of his neck shyly.

A piece of her hair had changed to a deep red color, and it made her eyes shine like liquid gold. She looked taller, tougher. And she radiated beauty.

A large, black beast walked next to her, cautiously observing the people around who passed by. It's tail wrapped through Y/n's leg.

My mouth dropped open slightly at the sight. She was beaming with confidence, and her mana ran wild. I could sense it even from here.

My heart raced as her head tilted back slightly while she laughed at something Asta said, the sound filling me with joy... It's really her.

"Wow," Fuegoleon whispered.

William let out a soft chuckle, obviously in awe at the woman before us.

"Y/n," Nozel bowed. He bowed for her?! "It's good to have you back."

"Nozel," she smile, bowing her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Hello, Captains. How good it is to see you all again."

"And it looks like you brought a friend," Jack cackled, infatuated more by the beast than with Y/n.

At least there's one man who's not completely captivated by her...

"This is Lunelle," she introduced while petting the panther.

She looked up and finally made eye contact with me, "Hey, Captain Yami."

I could barely even get myself to breathe, let alone talk, so I just gave her an upwards nod.

Smooth. Real Smooth.

She smiled politely before getting more serious, "Is Julius here? We should all talk."

Julius? What are they on first name basis now?

Mushroom Head walked out, "Y/n. The Wizard King would like to see you. The rest of you will be called in shortly."

She silently followed him, standing taller than she ever did before she left, while her pet kept close to her side.

She didn't even bother to look at any of us as she walked into the headquarters.

Who is this girl? Even I was a little intimidated...

"When Julius said she had become more powerful, this is not what I was expecting," William noted.

"Isn't she the coolest!?" Asta yelled out. "She has a panther!!!"

"Her mana, it's..." Fuegoleon trailed off.

"Remarkable," Asta's buddy finished off the sentence.

"She's definitely not that same peasant girl," Nozel remarked.

"Even I would have her on my squad now," Charlotte smirked.

"Yami," Nozel called. "You worried?"

I scoffed, "And what would I have to be worried about, Braid Boy?"

"She's clearly surpassed your sad excuse for a Magic Knight squad... There's no way she'll be returning to the Black Bulls."

I took a long puff of my cigarette, glaring at him.

"No way!!!" Asta yelled. "She would never leave us!!"

The other Hage boy spoke up, "I wouldn't be so sure."

"Huh!? What does that mean!!?!"

"I talked to her about changing squads before she even left... And now, well now it definitely doesn't make sense for her to stay there."

"Just cuz you think your Golden Dawn nobles are so special—" Asta got cut off.

"It's not about being a noble," Four eyes interjected. "It's about having a purpose. The Golden Dawn will give her purpose."

"Tch. I've had enough of this conversation. The woman can speak for herself," I added, getting pissed off by their words.

I didn't know William had all of the fucking Golden Dawn members recruiting her.

"I agree with Yami," Fuego chimed in. "Y/n is more than capable of deciding where she wants to be. And there's nothing wrong with her staying at the Black Bulls."

Nozel laughed.

"Aye, what are you laughing at!?" I yelled. "Not like she'd ever choose your squad."

"It's not the squad I want her to choose... It's me. Plus, I mean, I could make her a royal," he smirked.

Alright, that's it. His comment had me fuming.

"Say that shit one more time..." I threatened, reaching back for my sword.

"Don't tell me Yami has a little crush on his subordinate," Jack cackled.

"Everyone. Knock it off." Fuegoleon interjected.

I threw my cigarette on the ground and stomped it out.

I stared at Nozel, "We were together before she left. I don't know where we stand now, but I sure as hell won't let someone like you near her."

I saw everyone's eyes widened before I walked away. Some of them started calling after me, Asta included, but I entered into Headquarters without paying them any mind.

Fuck, what did I just do? Y/n's going to be so pissed.

••••

**Y/N POV**

"Y/n!!" Julius called. "Welcome back!"

"Hey Jules," I smiled.

He gasped as he looked at Lunelle.

"Is this Lunelle!?" he ran over and crouched next to her, petting her softly.

"This is her," I smiled as she began to purr. "Whoa, she's never let anyone else touch her before. I guess she likes you."

He cuddled his face up to hers, "Feelings mutual. I know you saw the Captains! Did you tell them about her!?"

"No, not yet..."

"Can I tell them!? Please!? Your magic is just so amazing!!" his eyes sparkled while looking up at me.

I laughed, "Of course. The less I have to talk, the better."

After a few moments, he stood back up, "There's things we have to discuss."

"Yes, I agree."

He began to pace slowly, "What do you know about the attack today?"

"Well, it definitely wasn't on par with what they had been describing last week. I have some theories, but I really don't know."

"Oh? And what are your thoughts?"

"Based off of my interaction with Kaito, they either came here to out me as a spy or to simply get a gauge of our strength."

He nodded, "Or both."

"Yes. Or both."

"It is unfortunate that your cover was blown. However, I am very glad you're home."

I smiled, thinking specifically of Yami, "Me too."

"Well, what should be our next move?"

"I think we keep a squad, and you, here at the Capital. Then, we divide the other squads across the border."

I continued, "We should make sure every squad Captain has a spacial magic user so they can get around quickly. Even if that means dividing up some of the members."

He nodded, "Yes, that sounds like a good start. Do you think they'll attack right away?"

"I think my absence will leave them scrambling a bit. I imagine they'll need some time to reorganize."

"Good. That's very good."

He was lost in his own little world when suddenly he snapped his head up in my direction, "Y/n. How are you?"

"Oh, uh... I'm good?" I said, confused by his question.

"You've been through a lot."

I nodded, avoiding eye contact, "Yes."

"Your sacrifice means a great deal."

I bowed my head, "Thank you, sir."

"Have you thought about my last letter?"

I cleared my throat nervously, "O-only a bit."

"You're next on my list to be a Captain... but until there is an opening, you'll need to rejoin a squad."

I nodded but remained silent. I do not want to think about this.

"Can I have some more time?" I asked.

"Absolutely. The king actually wants to hold a ball tonight in honor of the Magic Knights, so we'll be busy."

"A ball?"

He sighed, "Yes... After the attack, apparently he thinks that is what's necessary."

I laughed softly, "And you can't say no, huh?"

He smiled at me, "Only in my dreams."

It was silent for a moment.

"Well, should we bring everyone else in and regroup?"

I nodded.

"Great! Marx!"

The Mushroom Head man appeared in his little light cloud, "Yes sir?"

"Bring in the Captains!"

"Right away."

Julius walked back over to Lunelle, "I'm so excited for you to meet everyone!"

I laughed, "Mmm, I'm sure she's thrilled."

"And you? Are you thrilled?" he asked me.

I smiled, not wanting to let him down, "Of course."