Chapter Text
The Black Bulls thought they could have a normal time after coming home from the war. Well as normal as they could. But they all noticed one thing. Noelle. Every day like clockwork, she would go outside as soon as the sun rises then come back when it sets. They all assumed she was training like before. But it wasn't until they saw her just sit on the stone bench. She would sit there without moving.
It was an odd sight. And nothing the Black Bulls did could move her from the stone bench. Vanessa sat next to her and tried talking the Silva royal into shopping with her. Luck tried to get her into fighting. Magna tried to start a verbal spat with her. Charmy tried to feed her. Gordan tried to show her his dolls. Grey transformed into Asta to see if she could make her smile. Gauche had allowed Noelle to look at a picture of Marie to motivate her to move. Zora even tried to insult her to get her moving. Yet nothing works.
So they all stood across from her and just stared at her. Noelle's hair was loose hanging down framing her face. Her violet eyes were blank, her lips were pressed into a straight line with her hands folded on her lap. She was perfectly still. All she did was stare across, completely ignorant about the worried looks from her Black Bulls.
"Should I insult her again?" Zora asked them.
"It didn't work last time," Vanessa pointed out.
"But I sure had fun," Zora shrugged.
"Maybe I should sneak attack her!" Luck jumped forward.
Manga grabbed his shoulder, "Yeah, not gonna happen."
"It's hopeless," Charmy cried. "If she refuses food then she's already lost!"
That made Asta flinched.
"Charmy sorta right," Captain Yami said as he flicked his cigarette away. "Can you guys feel her Mana?"
All of them chorused no.
"Somethings up with this bench," He grabbed Asta's shoulder. "So slash it."
Asta didn't hesitate to follow his order. He pulled his sword out of his grimoire and slashed at the stone bench. The entire squad watch in horror as the bench disappeared only to reappear once again. So Asta slashed it again and again and again. Only for it to reappear after every slash. Yami put his hand on Asta's shoulder to stop him. Asta froze midair.
His eyes locked on Noelle's form. Her blank stare made his heart crush and twist into all sorts. He missed her facial expressions. He missed seeing her smile. He missed seeing her cheeks puff out when she's annoyed. He missed seeing her flip his hair over her shoulder. He missed seeing her nose twitch when she thinks of something funny. He missed Noelle.
The sword was stabbed into the ground. Asta didn't move away from Noelle. It was almost like he was a shield for him. He was afraid that Black Bulls would try to use their tactics again. What if Luck really does a sneak attack on her? There's no way Noelle could defend herself. He has to protect her. Asta refuses to allow anything to happen to her as she sits in this state.
"If Asta's sword can't cancel this . . . then we're screwed." Finral said.
"Then I'll try it again," Asta said.
Vanessa frowned, "What do we do Captain?"
Everyone turned to Captain Yami. He stared at Noelle with narrowed eyes as if to ask himself that. Then he called for Finral to make him a portal. Finral frowned but asked him where. Not even five minutes later, Nozel appeared with Captain Yami. Asta stared at him with a slight glare. To Asta, it doesn't matter that he apologized to Noelle, Asta will never trust him. He was too cruel. He wasn't an older brother protecting his little sister. He bullied her and refused to help her when he needed it.
Asta grabbed his sword, squeezing the handle while staring at Nozel. As if to warn him what Asta will do if Nozel tries anything.
Nozel stared at Noelle. He blinked before turning away.
"Megicula," Nozel said.
That caused everyone to freeze up. They all pictured the devil once again. Asta shivered, hating it. He thought about the devil and how Noelle pierced through their magic with her brand new spell. But he thought back to what was said. Megicula killed Noelle's mother right after she was born. Instead of the truth being set out due to the curse, Noelle was blamed for her mother's death. That devil caused more anger to boil in his stomach.
"Within three days Noelle will die," Nozel said, eyes looking down.
That's when chaos broke within the squad. Thousands of questions were being tossed towards Nozel. It was so loud but Asta could hear. All he could think was Nozel's statement. In three days Noelle will die. That made his stomach cooled. He wasn't sure if he wanted to scream or cry. But his body moved without thinking. He fell on his knees and grabbed Noelle's hand.
Her pale hands felt so cold against his. Asta looked down at it. He noticed the difference between their hands. It made him feel all sorts of ways. The long, slender hands against his short, stubby scarred hands. Asta's green eyes stared at them. He wished for Noelle's hands to be warm again. They should be filled with warmth. But instead, they are freezing cold! Then a single tear fell against his hand.
Asta looked up. He saw tears falling from Noelle's eyes. He called out her name ceasing all conversation behind him. Noelle's tears kept falling then small whimpers left her mouth. A single name left her mouth that made Asta want to punch him.
"N-no," Noelle breathed. "Stop it, N-Nozel."
Asta turned back to glare at him. Nozel stared at her with wide eyes.
"She's stuck in nightmares right now," Nozel said, trying to level his voice. "Megicula loved to test their subjects. For our mother, they had them fight right after Noelle's birth."
"If she's stuck in nightmares then we should wake her up!" Charmy said.
"Yes but how?" Vanessa said. "If she didn't wake up by Asta's scream then what will?"
"Fight her?" Luck suggested.
"No, let me light a fire under the bench. That'll sure wake her up!"
"What if doesn't? You'll burn her!" Vanessa shouted.
"What about Captain Dorothy Unworth?" Grey suggested as she hid behind Gauche.
Captain Yami nodded, "Yes . . . that's a good idea, squirt. Finral, portal."
A gray portal appeared behind Captain Yami. Asta turned back to face Noelle. He reached up to wipe away her tears. He always hated it when Noelle cried. She was too strong to cry, Asta always thought. She was too strong. For god's sake, she was the one who put damage on Vetto the Despair, Asta remembered. He wanted to scream. He wanted to cry. All he could do was stare at her and remember everything they've been through.
His thumb stroked her cheek. Her tears made Asta think back to the promotion ceremony. They were invited by the Wizard King himself. It was amazing and beautiful and so much food. It was awesome! Until her siblings decided to insult her. They attacked and insulted until she cried. Then Solid poured water over her causing Noelle to run out the room. But Asta stopped her. He refused to let her run away from those monsters. They don't deserve her tears!
Asta leaned forward connecting his forehead with hers. He wanted her to know that he's here. He will always be here for her. Noelle was his friend. Noelle was his squadmate. Noelle was everything to him. Asta has to keep her safe! Asta can't lose her. Never. He refuses to lose Noelle. He whispered her name. He sent her some of his strength to keep her alive. Asta knows she can fight this. Noelle can do anything, Asta's seen it before.
"You can do this," Asta told her. "You can fight this, Noelle."
She didn't reply. But Asta swore he felt her squeeze his hand.
"Come back," Asta whispered. "Come back to me, Noelle."
Asta didn't know why he said that. He couldn't help it. Then he heard Captain Yami back with the snoring captain. Asta backed away, giving some strength to Noelle before he let go of their intertwined hands. He stood next to his sword like a guard. When he turned back he watched Captain Dorothy. She slept as she walked forward. Everyone watched with bated breath.
Dorothy's grimoire opened with a pink aura. The pink aura wrapped itself around Noelle then around Dorothy. Noelle struggled inside the aura. Asta was so close to cut through it but Dorothy was thrown back. Her bright blue eyes opened in shock. She stared at Noelle with wide eyes then directed it towards Nozel.
"You guys didn't tell me her nightmares were this serious!" Dorothy pointed at them. "There's no way I can wake her up! She didn't hear me. All she could hear was nightmare Nozel."
"What do you mean you can't wake her up? Your magic is dreams right?" Captain Yami asked her.
"Yes but hers are different," Dorothy pouted. "The devil has strong magic. I can't cut through it."
"I can!" Asta shouted. "Let me in her nightmares. I can cut through the magic."
"With that fancy sword of yours?" She asked him.
Asta nodded, "I'm going to save her so put me in her nightmares!"
"It's worth a try," Captain Yami said. "The kid has guts."
Dorothy sighed, "Fine but I'm not sure how long I can last. I already feel my magic draining just by it."
"Don't worry," Charmy grinned. "I got that part covered."
A pair of cooking sheep appeared next to her. Dorothy looked at it curiously before nodding. Asta looked at Noelle. Don't worry Noelle, I'm coming, Asta thought. Then he sat next to Dorothy. He felt the warm pink aura wrap around him. His squadmates told him to bring Noelle back and he promised he will. The next time he blinked he saw he was in a brand new place.
It was dark, freezing cold. All around him he heard cackles. It was the same devil that cursed Princess Lolopechka. Asta knew how hard Noelle found to keep the Princess alive. Asta shook his head. He needs to find Noelle. He took out his sword keeping it by his side.
"Noelle can't hear or see you," Dorothy told him. "You need to break through the magic in order to free her."
Asta nodded, "Okay."
He ran forward screaming out for Noelle. It was almost like he was on autopilot. All he wanted was to save Noelle. He wanted to bring her home. He needs to hear her tease him again. He needs to hear her laugh. He needs to hear her voice. He needs to see her smile. He needs to see her frown. He needs to see her blush. Asta has to see her alive and well again.
Asta stopped when he heard her scream. He shouted out her name. Asta ran towards her voice. He stopped when he finally saw her. Asta's eyes widened hated the expression on her face. She was terrified. She was crying and scooting backward. Her knees were scraped, her arms were bruised and her face was tear-stained. She stared at the person over her.
It was Solid, her older brother. He had a sick, sadistic smile on his face. He looked like a wild animal. His nails were sharp like talons, his teeth sharp and the evil laugh left his mouth. He swiped his hand, cutting her arm. Noelle cried out. She cried for help, for anyone. Solid swiped again cutting Noelle's face now. She fell back no longer could move. Noelle screamed and screamed. That was finally moved, Asta.
"Noelle! Noelle!" He shouted.
He tried running towards her but he was stuck in place. He wasn't moving forward at all. He was stuck in a loop. Asta swung his sword side to side trying to cut through the magic but he stayed in place. All he could do was heard her screams, her pleas but he can't reach her. He shouted her name in hopes that his voice would breakthrough. She needs to know that he is here and trying to save her.
"Solid, please!" Noelle pleaded. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't hurt me. PLEASE!"
Another swipe. Noelle just cried and screamed. While Asta kept swinging his sword and running. Then the devil's laughter rang through the area. Asta tried to run faster, he has to save Noelle. He shouted out her name.
Then Solid formed into someone else. Noelle allowed her head to drop, crying to herself. She curled up into a little ball. Noelle wrapped her arms around herself, begging for it all to end. Asta found himself tired but he still ran. He's going to reach her. He's going to save Noelle.
The form finally appeared. It was a woman, she looked just like Noelle. Her silver hair was put into a single ponytail, her violet eyes looked down at Noelle. Instead of the smiling portrait, Asta had seen before, she was frowning at Noelle. That only made Asta angrier than before. How dare this woman frown at her? She was Noelle's mother! She has no right to frown at her.
Noelle looked over. Her eyes widened seeing who it was. Asta stopped running to catch his breath. How is he able to save her when he can't reach her? Asta frowned trying to think. Finral could have used his magic. Perhaps Vanessa could create a plan for them. Even Luck could have helped him. Asta took in a deep breath to calm himself. His raging emotions won't help him save Noelle. It won't help him get her back.
"Mommy?" Noelle asked, voice breaking.
Asta grabbed at his shirt. Noelle shouldn't sound so broken, Asta thought.
"Mommy! Please look at me!" Noelle shouted. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry! Mommy, please I didn't mean to kill you. I promise!"
"You killed me, Noelle," Acier said in a bland voice. "How could you?"
Noelle cried out that she was sorry.
"Noelle!" Asta shouted. "Look at me! I'm here!"
"I'm sorry, Mommy. I'm so sorry," Noelle cried.
Her mother turned away, "How could you kill me, Noelle?"
Noelle threw herself at her mother wrapping her arms around her mother's legs. Noelle cried and screamed sorry at her mother. But Asta watched as the form shifted into someone else. Nebra replaced her mother's form and kicked her away. Noelle rolled away landing on her stomach. She looked up. The fear replaced the sadness. It was the same amount of fear displayed when she faced Solid.
Asta got up to his feet and tried running towards her. But the devil Megicula appeared. It large, black form blocked Asta's view of Noelle. The curled horns seem to move. Their long clawed hands clapped together. A giant white mouth formed with sharp teeth. Another laughter left its mouth.
"Noelle is very strong," Megicula laughed. "But it seems that her mental strength is finally breaking. How interesting, yes?"
Asta put his sword between them, "I will cut through you to get to Noelle!"
"Will you? How far are you willing to get her?"
"Anything," He hissed.
The devil smirked, "Then by all means. Show me. I love to learn."
Megicula flew upwards splitting into different forms. Noelle was being tossed around by Nebra who laughed at her. When Noelle hit a wall, she slid down trying to take in as much air as she could. Nebra shifted into Captain Yami. Asta felt himself freeze seeing their squad captain. Captain Yami looked down at Noelle with indifference, he took a long drag of his cigarette. Noelle looked at him. A single look of hope flickered in her eyes.
"Pathetic," Captain Yami said.
Noelle gasped.
"You joining the Black Bulls was a mistake," He said. "If this is your passing your limits then pathetic."
"N-no," Noelle shook her head.
"Nozel was right," Captain Yami flicked his cigarette. "The Black Bulls may be for misfits and the lowest of the lows for Magic Knight squads. And somehow you don't belong in my squad."
Noelle stared at her hands. They were shaking. Asta felt stuck, he was frozen. He never imagined Captain Yami to say those things. He was their Captain. He believed in them when no one else would. He may be tough but he cared about his squad. And everything this Captain Yami said, would have never left the real Captain's mouth. He knows Noelle is strong. Asta knows Yami believes Noelle is strong.
Asta took a deep breath and lifted his sword up. Then he threw it as if it was a dart. It pierced through Captain Yami's form. Both of them watched as the black mass fell on the ground with Asta's sword there. Noelle looked back up, she stared at the sword with wide eyes. Asta felt a sense of relief when nothing else formed. He started to run towards her only to find that he was in the same problem as before. He was running in place.
"A-Asta?" Noelle asked.
He stopped running. Can she see him? Does she know Asta is here to save her? Does she know that Asta will always be here for her? Does she know the entire Black Bulls squad is waiting for her to come back? Does she know how much they need her? Does she know they don't think of her as weak or worthless?
If she doesn't then Asta will always be there to remind her. He always will!
Her shaky hands reached out to the sword. Her finger touched the handle. Asta took in a deep breath. For the first time being here, Asta saw her relax. if his sword could make her feel relaxed then that means she would still fight if she knew Asta was here.
"Asta?" Noelle asked looking around.
"I'm here!" Asta waved his arms with hopes he'll be seen. "I'll always be here, Noelle!"
But she didn't hear him and Noelle's peace didn't last long. The black muck started to form underneath Asta's sword. Megicula's laughter echoed in the nightmare realm. Then the form shaped into the Rades' zombies they faced in the capital. Multiple zombies grabbed Noelle, trying to pull at her all directions. Noelle tried to call for her magic but it never came. Asta watched as they ripped her skin, her clothes and yank out her silver hair.
Her screams filled his ears. Asta gritted his teeth together. Running gets him nowhere and he only has three swords! So tossing them like darts can only happen two more times. And those raging zombies are going to need more than two more swords. Megicula appeared in front of Asta. Its long claw tapped their chin, looking at Asta with an eyebrow raised.
"I never knew how much fear one little human could have," Megicula giggled. "But she's tough like her mother! It's taking longer to break her. A worthy test subject indeed."
"Noelle isn't some test subject!" Asta shouted at the devil.
"Would a guinea pig work better?"
Asta didn't reply. This time he glared at the devil. Asta pulled out a sword and held it in front of him. He allowed the devil form to cover his upper body. A growl ripped from his mouth. He's going to rip this devil into shreds for hurting Noelle! Noelle doesn't deserve any of this! She deserves everything good. Noelle had saved Asta so many times. She had saved the Clover Kingdom so many times. And he'll be damned if he allows anything else to hurt her.
He leaped from his place using the devil magic he was able to jump in front of Noelle. His sword slashed the zombies. With every zombie, he slew another one formed. It didn't matter because Noelle was in danger. He was going to keep her safe. He can't lose her! Noelle was everything to him. He's going to bring her back. He's going to make sure she's returning safety to the Black Bulls hideout.
Asta needs Noelle back home with him. He needs to train with her again. He needs to see her tease Manga again. He needs to see her giggle with Vanessa. He needs to see get into verbal spats with Zora again. He needs to see her happy when Captain Yami compliments her. He needs her to go on missions with him again! He needs her. Asta will always need Noelle.
Which is why he's doing everything in his power to bring her back to him!
Another growl left his mouth. He pulled out the other sword and slashed the other side of him. Noelle's horrified screams gave him the will to keep pushing. He ignored the burning in his arms, the burning in his legs, and the pain of his gritting teeth. The devil magic made his body feel numb but he kept going. He hates hearing her horrifying screams. Asta hates the tears streaming down her face.
In Asta's eyes, Noelle should be smiling. She should be practicing her magic getting better so she could prove everyone wrong who doubted her. She should be laughing with the girls of Black Bulls. She should be cooing over little animals they find during their adventures. Noelle made plans to see Kahono next month! Asta will make sure all those things will happen.
With a final thrust, he cut down the final zombie. Noelle pulled her knees to her chest. She wrapped her arms around her legs, a horrible gut-wrenching sobs left her mouth. Asta felt the devil form leave his body. He looked down at her with tears filling his eyes. He hated this. He can slay every horrible nightmare Megicula can create but Noelle still can't see him.
He kneeled down in front of her. His bright green eyes scanned her face. Slowly he reached out to touch her face. He wished to feel the warmth of her face again. He wished to see her eyes staring at him with happiness. So he cupped her face. She felt freezing cold. It was the same cold from when he heard her hand. Noelle gasped and stilled. She reached up, her hand went through his hand but she looked around.
"Someone there?" Noelle asked.
Asta grabbed one of his swords and stabbed it in front of her. She can tell someone is here. Which is good. All Noelle needs to know that Asta will help her. He reached out to grab her hand. Noelle gasped and jerked away from his grasp. But Asta stayed still. This is all good progress. Now he needs to find a way to free Noelle from this nightmare. He will always be there to save her.
"Hold on, Noelle," Asta whispered. "I'm trying to think, believe it or not."
But Noelle has ripped away from him. He watched in horror as Vetto the Despair appeared. Noelle let out another scream that made the room shake. Even Asta felt a little terrified by seeing the reincarnated elf again. Vetto the Despair laughed and laughed. Noelle landed in front of him, looking around with wide eyes. Asta saw the scene as if he was back in the Underwater Temple once again. All their comrades laying on the floor, almost greeting death's door. It was a horrible sight.
"I'll make you feel all the despair!" Vetto shouted. "Despair! Despair! Despair!"
Noelle covered her ears. She let out a scream as if drown out Vetto's voice. Asta lifted his sword and stared at the reincarnated elf that made his bone shake. He let out a battle cry then sliced his sword through him. As his form disappeared, the only thing that remained was his voice chanting 'despair' over and over again. Asta watched in horror as Noelle banged her forehead on the floor. Asta ran towards her to make her stop before she hurts herself but Megicula appeared in front of Asta.
"You're ruining my research, human," Megicula snapped.
"And you're keeping Noelle away from me, devil," Asta growled.
"Fine," Megicula grinned cruelly. "I'll let Noelle go if you can defeat her greatest fear."
Asta narrowed his eyes, "I'll do anything to keep her safe."
Megicula laughed.
Before Asta could ask the devil why they were laughing, Vetto's form split into several people. Asta's eyes widened seeing all the Black Bulls squad. Captain Yami, Vanessa, Finral, Charmy, Grey, Gauche, Gordan, Zora, Manga, Luck, Henry, and Secre with their backs facing Noelle. He stared at himself, watching as his back faced Noelle like she wasn't there. The silence was deafening.
Noelle sat up looking around confused. She looked at her Black Bulls squad. Asta watched as hope filled her eyes. He wondered is this her worst fear? Is she afraid of the Black Bulls? Why? They're a family? The band of misfits can find solace within their squad. Noelle knows this. Well . . . Asta thought she did. His hand tightened on the sword handle waiting to see how this is going to play out. All Noelle's fears were intense and he imagines this will be.
Her eyes went to Vanessa, "Vanessa?"
Her voice broke. It was scratchy and very sore from her screams. Asta's lips pressed together as he looked over her body. It was covered in bruises, dried blood and stretches littered her skin. Her silver hair was messy and knotted. She looked like a pure mess. But that little spark of hope made her look so beautiful in Asta's eyes.
Noelle got to her feet, her shaky legs moved forward. She reached out grabbing the back of Vanessa's robe. Fresh tears fell out of her eyes. Noelle called out for Vanessa again. But the tall girl ignored her. Then it finally hit Asta what Noelle's biggest fear is. It's the one family who actually area about her, turning their backs against her. They no longer want her. Asta blinked. That's not true, he thought. He watched as Noelle turned to the nightmare version of Asta.
"Asta?" Noelle asked, softly.
This isn't right, he thought. Asta would never ignore Noelle. He would never turn his back against Noelle! Noelle's his squadmate. They joined together at the same time! They are the newbies together. They both saved each other more than they could count. They may have gotten off on the wrong foot but Asta will always be there for her. If she ever needs him. Asta will never leave her side. He refuses too!
He raised his sword and ran forward, "NOELLE!"
He slashed through the nightmare version of him and looked at Noelle. With the butt of his sword, he tapped her forehead. Slowly, he watched as the magic fade from Noelle's eyes. She blinked, looking around before landing on Asta. A loud sob left her mouth. Without thinking, Asta pulled her into a hug. He felt her hands grip his shirt, twisting the fabric in her hands and her hot tears stained his shoulder. He rubbed the back of her and sighing out of relief.
"Noelle," Asta breathed.
Noelle replied with a cry, her grip tightened.
"I'm sorry happy you're back . . . back to me," He whispered.
"Asta!" Captain Dorothy's voice called out. "You better hurry! I'm losing control!"
Asta felt Noelle gasp and shouted no over and over again. Asta wanted nothing more than to calm her down. Tell her that everything is going to be okay. Yet all he could do was hold her and whisper they're going home. He felt Megicula fade away but something told him this wasn't over. And he will fight for her. He will keep her by his side forever.
"Dorothy! Let's go!" He shouted.
Noelle flinched.
But the next time Asta opened his eyes, he was sitting next to Captain Dorothy. He grabbed his sword and slashed the bench. This time the bench stays away, Megicula is keeping its sick promise. Asta jumped out, catching Noelle before she landed on the ground. Noelle's eyes opened, looking around panicked before screaming once more. She pushed away from Asta.
They all watched as she checked over her arms and legs. Asta found himself relieved seeing her injuries weren't there anymore. Dorothy put her hands on her forehead with a loud huff.
"Woah, Noelle," Dorothy said looking at her. "If you had to go through for a whole week, you're really strong!"
Noelle blinked.
"Hey Princess," Vanessa moved first. "I missed my Black Bulls girl."
Vanessa reached out to hug Noelle. Noelle slammed against her keeping her in a tight grip. Asta thought back to her worst fear about how they would turn their back's against her. He hopes that she sees how wrong that fear is. How much the Black Bulls are a family. They will never leave her.
Asta will never leave her.