Coddiwomple Trivia #2: Delphia's name is a greek feminization to the name of the home to the famous oracle of Apollo (Delphi), a nod towards her role to the Clover Kingdom.

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"Yeah, no."

Delphia deadpanned at the man in front of her as he crashed onto his desk. Tears ran down his cheeks.

"B-But-"

"No."

She frowned, turning her head away when she saw his eyes beginning to widen.

"Stop it, Lord Julius."

"Please, Delphia?"

Delphia knew she doomed herself the second she took a glance at the blond. His eyes were wide, sparkling much like a baby doe. She huffed, rolling her eyes and summoned her cards, ignoring the squeals of her superior.

After satisfying Julius' magic fanboy wishes with a reading, she yawned, tilting her head in question.

"Why was I summoned?"

"Always so straight to the point, Delphia." Julius chuckled before he sobered. Delphia's back straightened at the change.

"There's been some skirmishes along the border near Velas. We aren't certain if they are robbers or mages from the Diamond Kingdom, but we can't take this situation lightly."

Delphia hummed, nodding. "Velas is one of our main defences besides Kiten against the Diamond Kingdom. If it were seized...."

Delphia trailed off, the air sombre at the thought.

"What would you see me do, Lord Julius?"

The vice-captain was curious. The number of field missions she had been assigned was slowly decreasing over the years. Though versatile, her magic was coveted, and as such, she was needed more within the capital than anywhere else. 

"Your mission is to go to Velas. Confirm the identities of these attackers and, if possible, subdue and capture." Julius ordered, stamping his seal onto the mission form in front of him.

"It will be done, Lord Julius." Delphia saluted.

She blinked as a knock sounded behind her. Her brows furrowed in confusion at the mischief on her king's face.

"Ah, yes, I forgot to mention that you will be teaming with two other magic knights," Delphia felt dread at the man's closed eye smile, "Please, come in."

The violet haired woman deadpanned when she caught sight of vermillion and silver locks.

"You have got to be kidding me..."

Purple eyes glared once they met cyan.

"Lord Julius, I'm sure Fuegoleon and I are more than enough for this mission." Nozel insisted once he understood the reason for Delphia's presence.

"Now now, Nozel. Delphia's abilities are sure to be an asset to this mission. Plus, the relationship between your families has been waning with your current animosity. We cannot allow the tradition between the Silva and Rotta to be sullied because you can't get along, now can we?"

Nozel frowned at the reminder of their family relations and reluctantly agreed.

"I will be leading this excursion." Nozel proclaimed, staring down at Delphia.

The vice-captain's expression was blank.

"I vote Leone to be our mission leader."

The Silva's eyes twitched as his rival stepped up and agreed with their youngest member.

"Come now, we mustn't linger. The attacks could happen at any moment, and we would miss our moment of opportune," The Vermillion instructed, "By your leave, Lord Julius."

The Wizard King nodded approvingly at the trio. "I am putting the Kingdom's safety within your hands. Send reports to headquarters once you come across the attackers' identities. Marx will update me on the situation. Good luck, Magic Knights."

Together the three saluted their King.

"Yes, sir!"

* * * * *

"Delphia, if you will."

The violette covered a yawn as she slipped out her grimoire. It glowed as she flipped through the pages, stopping at a specific spell.

Arcana Creation Magic: La Matta Settimo - Il Carro

[Seventh Trump - The Chariot]

The image of a card soon appeared on the ground in front of them. The picture of the chariot grew, and before long, the real thing was in before them.

"Your chariot awaits, my lieges." Delphia bowed, gesturing towards the summoned vehicle.

Nozel scoffed, but moved, making himself comfortable on one of the back seats on the chariot. Fuegoleon followed his lead before Delphia took her place at the front and used her mana to guide the chariot.

It wasn't long after they left that the two rivals began trading quips and bantering between themselves. Delphia let out a heavy as she listened to the two go back and forth, adding her own sarcastic remarks to annoy Nozel and alleviate her own boredom.

If I can't stop them, I might as well join them.

| Velas |

Upon arrival, the trio split up; Nozel spoke with the town's mayor. Fuegoleon began asking around on information on the attacks, while Delphia took out her cards, getting a reading on their attackers and the city.

It wasn't long before the magic knights rounded themselves up at their rendezvous point in the town's square.

"The mayor said that the attacks have been happening periodically for nearly the past week. All assailants wore dark robes with no indicators of whom they could be working for." Nozel reported.

"I've questioned the citizens and some of the magic knights on duty. The attacks don't have a set time, but the amount of time it takes for on duty knights to head to the attack zone had been steadily increasing." Fuegoleon frowned, "Delphia, has your magic found anything?"

The young woman hummed pleasantly as she stretched, having taken a seat by the large fountain. "Our attackers work for a greater force," Delphia began, "This city is not their final goal. The time increase for magic knights to arrive at the scene is because the attackers are trying to find when the patrols and defences are weakest. If we do not subdue them today, Velas' future will be unclear."

The men were rather undisturbed despite the rather ominous warning. Delphia leant back on her palms as she gazed up at the sky.

"You know when they'll attack next, don't you?"

The Black Bull smirked, cyan eyes glinting mischievously as they met narrowed purple of the Silver Eagles' Captain.

"Did you expect anything else, my Lord?"

* * * * *

Delphia stared off into the forest, hiding within the branches of a tree. Holding the trunk for the support, she closed her eyes and smirked as she sensed several mana signatures.

"Incoming. Half a league East. ETA 4 minutes."

The second the mages were in sight, the trio attacked. Having not expected any opposition, the mages hesitated long enough for the spells to hit. Delphia's sharp eyes caught sight of the ever-familiar diamond logo on one of the men's uniforms hidden beneath their cloak.

"Identity confirmed; they're Diamond Mages!" She called.

"Mission parameters, subdue and capture!" Fuegoleon reminded.

The only female nodded, grimoire glowing as she recited attack spell after another, her two mission partners following her lead.

The trio moved in tandem as they attacked and defended against the Diamond Kingdom attackers. One wouldn't expect their movements' cohesiveness with the lack of affection between the trio, most notably the animosity between the Silva and the Rotta. This, however, did not blind the trust their King had in them to protect the Kingdom. For despite the lack of visible affection, the trio knew no one better to fight with.

When Fuegoleon found himself lost in the heat of battle, Nozel was there to cool his head as he defended his blind spots with his Mercury Magic.

When Nozel found himself against several disadvantages, Delphia was there to switch his fortune against those odds.

When Delphia found herself surrounded, Fuegoleon and Nozel were soon at her side, the trio back to back as they attacked in complete unity.

This harmony can only come from years of duels and training. The rivalry between two men that soon grew into a triad with the arrival of their third member. One whom they both battle against and for. 

Mercury Magic : Silver Rain

Fire Creation Magic : Leo Rugiens

Arcana Magic : Frusta di Temperanza

[ Whip of Temperance ] 

In a rain of silver, fire and chains, the rest of the attackers were soon subdued.

Nozel snapped his grimoire close with a huff, a haughty look in his eyes as he stared down at the Diamond Mages.

"They weren't even worth our mana."

Delphia rolled her eyes as she finished sending an update to headquarters with her communicator.

"We're done. Fuegoleon, will you restrain them?"

"Of course, Delphia."

Fire Restraining Magic : Leo Palma

Delphia quickly summoned her chariot once again, while Nozel created a silver bird from his mercury to transport their prisoners. With everyone set, Delphia pushed the chariot forth with her mana.

After speaking with the town's mayor, they began their journey back to the Capital. The ride back was much quieter than the one on the way to Velas, much to the youngest's relief. It was rare to get a moment of peace back at the hideout, so she'd like to savour any second she can get. She nearly slumped in her place when she heard the Silver Eagle captain speak up.

"Your final spell... Frusta di Temperanza... was that union magic?"

Delphia frowned as she looked over her shoulder momentarily before focusing on the sky once more.

"Compound magic." She corrected.

From the spike of mana, she could tell this alarmed her two companions.

Fuegoleon and Nozel shared a look, frowning as they turned to their youngest.

"Which cards?" Fuegoleon narrowed his eyes.

Delphia sighed, shoulder slumping in defeat, knowing this will become an interrogation if she refused to answer.

Too much work to avoid their questions. Might as well be honest. 

"La Forza, L'impiccato, and La Temperanza." The Strength, The Hanged Man, and Temperance.

"Three trump cards?!"

Delphia jumped at the alarmed shouts, huffing as she steadied the chariot once more, glaring at the men over her shoulders.

"Problem?"

Nozel scowled at her challenging look.

"During our last spar, you could hardly achieve a union magic spell without losing a significant amount of mana and passing out," Fuegoleon scolded, concern seeping in his voice, "Are you able to handle the journey back to the capital?"

Delphia sighed. Sometimes it didn't pay to be the youngest of the three.

"My control on my mana has increased since our last spar, Fuegoleon. I'll be fine." She assured.

Fuegoleon frowned, observing his companion before reluctantly nodding. He'll just have to keep an eye on her.

"You will be staying at the Silva Estate tonight."

Delphia lost control of the chariot once more before she looked over her shoulder incredulously. She could see Fuegoleon giving Nozel the same look before it switched to one of understanding as he nodded in approval.

"Yeah, that'll be a no." She deadpanned, righting the chariot in place.

"That is an order."

Delphia narrowed her eyes, lightning striking between the two as their eyes met.

"I have paperwork."

"Pick them up and bring them along. You will be staying."

Turning to the front, her cheeks puffed in frustration. Nozel smirked, leaning back, knowing he won. Fuegoleon chuckled at his childhood spar mates. They'll never change.

* * * * *

"Wonderful job, magic knights. I didn't expect anything less," Julius complimented, "I'll be sure to note this down for the next Star Awarding Ceremony. Each squad will be receiving a several stars due to the importance of this mission."

"Thank you, Lord Julius, though a few star won't make much of a difference for the Black Bulls."

Delphia yawned, shifting her weight onto one leg as she glanced at Nozel with her tired, half-lidded eyes.

"I'm sure Captain will be happy. Though Lord Julius, about these attacks..."

The three men's attention was caught in the way the young mage's eyes glowed subtly with her mana.

"Expect another in Kiten."

Julius hummed, quickly jotting down a note to be sent to headquarters to increase security in Kiten.

"Thank you for the insight, Delphia. You are all dismissed."

With a final salute, the three were off.

Before Delphia wandered too far, Nozel called after her.

"Be there in an hour. Do not be late."

Waving lazily over her shoulder, she hopped on her chariot and was off.

* * * * *

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.

.

.

Delphia stared blankly up at the ball of uncontrolled water as it wreaked havoc upon its surroundings.

This place gets more chaotic every year.

Seeing her squadmates congregate outside the hideout, she sighed and made her way to them.

"What happened?"

They all brightened, seeing her.

"Phia, you're back!"

"How was the mission?"

"Let's fight, Vice-captain!"

"Phia, eat this!"

Delphia thanked the shorter woman as she took a bite of the cupcake. Pointing up, she stared at her squad, eyes glinting.

"Someone explain."

They shivered.

"Someone's magic is out of control," Gauche stated the obvious.

"Such immense magical power... this is gonna get bad if we don't do something."

Delphia frowned as her eyes stuck on the girl trapped within her own magic.

"If we attack it with magic, she may not make it out alive."

"Finral, can you use spatial magic to get her out?" Delphia wondered.

The man waved his hands furiously. "No way, Phia. I can't get anywhere near that thing."

"Right. If only we had someone who could nullify magical powers..."

As if summoned, Asta came flying in, caught safety by Yami.

"You came flying by at the perfect time. Go do something about that." Yami ordered, pointing towards the source of destruction.

"Woah woah woah!" Asta protested, "How am I supposed to do that? I can't fly up there!"

Delphia sweatdropped, already knowing what was about to happen as Yami pulled his arm back.

"Quit your yapping!" Yami glared, "Now is the time when you need to go beyond your limits!"

Delphia whistled as the boy was sent flying into the air. Not even a second later, the magic was nullified by Asta's sword, the two falling as water rained down on the rest of the squad.

"Finral!" Delphia called.

"On it, Phia!"

With his magic, Finral was able to safely get the two on the ground, though the landing was still rather harsh.

"Nice done, kid!" Yami praised.

Asta thanked him before his attention was caught on his fellow newbie.

"Hey, you..."

Delphia's eyes watched as the silver-haired girl's hands clenched as the attention was placed on her.

You're a failure.

They're gonna make fun of me again.

"That's some crazy magic power!"

Delphia couldn't help but the chuckle at Asta's reaction. She watched fondly as the girl stared at her squadmates in shock as they praised her ability and welcomed her warmly into the fold.

She stepped up, kneeling to hold a hand out to the girl still sitting on the ground. The Silva stared at the familiar face in surprise.

"Lady Rotta..." She murmured, slowly grasping her hand.

Pulling her up, Delphia smiled, eyes glinting in pride.

"You've grown, Noelle. Keep it up."

Noelle's eyes teared up, covering her face she sniffed before moving to hide in the woman's chest, arms wrapping around the familiar source of comfort from her childhood. Delphia's eyes softened, and as she met the eyes of her squad. She hummed, resting a cheek against silver hair.

"Your journey only starts here. Welcome to the Black Bulls, Noelle."

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[ Delphia's Spells ]

Arcana Creation Magic : La Matta Settimo - Il Carro

| Arcana Creation Magic : Seventh Trump - The Chariot |

Summons a chariot from a card for transport.

Arcana Magic : Frusta di Temperanza

| Whip of Temperance | 

A compound spell between the major arcana cards, The Strength, The Hanged Man and Temperance. It creates highly dense chains that cancel both spells it comes in contact with and a mage's ability to access their mana once captured.

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A/N That's right! I finally updated! This has actually been lingering in my drafts for a while, so sorry. Thank you for all the comments. I'm glad my readers are enjoying the story. Please leave comments on what you think. They really motivate me to write more. Don't be afraid to ask questions but I won't answer directly if the question would reveal spoilers. 

Hope everyone's holidays are going well! Late Merry Christmas to everyone or however you greet anyone at this time. 

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UPDATED: 26/12/19

PS. How do you all feel with the decade ending in a few days?