Coddiwomple Trivia #12: Delphia once dyed her hair the same colour as her father's but changed it back when her Aunt Liliane mentioned how she and Langris could be mistaken as siblings.

- - - - - - - - - -

Owen could feel a growing headache emerging as he removed his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. His hand ran through his unkempt grey hair, eyes weary as he looked over his diagnosis over a particular patient for what felt like the millionth time. Every treatment he could possibly offer her did nothing more than keep her stable. He had even gone to other healers in hopes of gaining another opinion on the matter while ensuring his Delphia's identity was never revealed.

Physically she was fine, but the crystals monitoring her brain activity have stubbornly remained amber, flashing red every now and then, much to the healer's anxiousness.

Marx's attempts to use his magic to inspect her mental state had been thwarted, much to their concern and shock. Despite her oracular abilities, Delphia had never concealed her memories from her fellow advisor, trusting him with her knowledge. It had alarmed the two as Marx failed to access her thoughts as foreign magic obstructed him every time. The only thing the pair could do was act as sentries as the crystals flickered between amber and red.

Owen ruffled his already messy hair in resentment in his lack of abilities to ensure Delphia's awakening. What good of a healer was he if he couldn't even do this?

"You're not a bad healer, you know?"

His green eyes drifted sullenly towards the violet haired mage as she stared fixate in the cards dancing in front of her as they rearranged themselves to her whims. Her eyes glanced up to meet his own.

Owen stopped himself from rolling his eyes as he let out choked out a hollow laugh.

"Tell that to the dead mage in the next room."

Delphia sighed, waving her hand lazily for her cards shuffle, dainty fingers quickly grasping three of her choosing to look over.

"Tell me, Owen, was your diagnosis of the patient correct?"

Owen frowned, wondering where the younger mage was going with this but answered nonetheless. "Yes. I had rechecked it several times and even had the apprentices watch for any changes during the healing process."

"Did you deliberate over all possible avenues of treatment before choosing the best one for the highest chances of survival?"

"Of course."

"You even attempted to resuscitate him for 10 minutes before the others pulled you back."

"... I did."

"Then you did everything you could, Owen," Delphia affirmed, "You did your best."

His self-loathing reached an all-new high at those words, his nails almost drawing blood from his palms from how tightly he was clenching his hands to reign his temper. "And my best left me with a dead patient!" He was just point screaming at this point as he rose to his feet.

Delphia remained unfazed as the healer panted, shoulders tense, and his frustration evident on his face. With a flick of her wrist, the cards returned to her palm, and she slipped them into her pouch. Rising to her feet, she moved to stand in front of the embittered man.

"You're not a god, Owen. You can't save everyone," She reasoned, squeezing his shoulder in comfort.

"I let him die..." Owen's words were but a whisper as he nearly collapsed against the shorter mage. "What kind of healer is that?"

Delphia hummed as she allowed the man to rest against her, patting his back in thought. "You did everything to save him, Owen... that's the best healer we could ask for. Just work on that self-deprecation, would you? We can't have you destroying yourself when we have all these zealous alpha men walking about."

The greyed man was brought out of his reminiscing at the sound of rushing footsteps.

"Healer Owen! Healer Owen!"

He frowned, his grip on his quill tightening as one of his healing assistants came crashing into his office, bent over panting as she tried to regain her breath.

"What happened?" He demanded, climbing out of his seat as he saw the apparent panic in the woman's eyes.

The assistant gulped, eyes wide as she stuttered out, "Th-the monitoring crystals in L-Lady Rotta's room have all fallen into the red zone!"

It took less than a second for the healer to process the woman's words. It felt as if someone had punched him right at his solar plexus, robbing him of his breath. Gritting his teeth, Owen's gaze sharpened as he ran past the assistant, ignoring the sound of her steps as she attempted to catch up to him as he focused on his destination.

Running through the halls, he pulled out the magic device that connected him to Julius' office.

He inwardly cursed as the one who answered was, of course, his king's mushroom haired advisor.

"Owen, what's—"

"Get to the medical ward now! Delphia's a code red!"

The connection was immediately broken as Owen quickly ordered his assistant to grab all the equipment they may need. Turning the corner to Delphia's room, he witnessed a spatial portal open and had he not noticed it time, he would have very nearly collided with Marx. The blue-haired advisor flinched back at the near impact, but once their eyes met, they shared grim looks.

The current guards saluted the two men, and with a quick inspection of their grimoires to confirm their identities, the two slammed the door open, only to freeze and gape.

The crystals that once glowed ominously as they monitored the violet-haired patient's condition were now dull and black, the room empty of any presences, including the woman herself.

"She's gone?!"

The advisor was quick to round on the two mages on watch while Owen moved to inspect the room.

"Has anyone entered or left the room?" Marx demanded.

The pair were quick to deny, both in states of shock and confusion. During every switch during the guard detail, they'd do a quick inspection of the woman's room to ensure no foul play before moving to act as a sentry. They had sensed no anomalies and had seen the mage lying in her bed with the crystals glowing as they usually did.

"Whatever happened to Delphia, it was done quickly."

Marx frowned in confusion as he turned to the healer. Owen's hands hovered above the crystals, glowing scriptures appearing before him as he read each activity and status.

"The crystals only shut down five minutes ago," Owen stated sharply, "The medical ward's barrier has spells that make spatial magic ineffective. So whoever or whatever happened to Delphia-"

"-Must still be nearby!" Marx realized.

Just as the advisor was to take action, his communication device pulsed. Pursing his lips, Marx took out the device as a connection with headquarters came to life.

"Sir, it's an emergency! The city of Kiten has spotted a legion of Diamond Mages charging their way!"

Marx cursed, his mind quickly checking off any available squads. What terrible timing. With Delphia missing, the incident at Raquey, and now this attack by the Diamond Kingdom, their forces will undoubtedly take a hit.

"Have the Magic Knights stationed in Kiten ready for battle! Evacuate the civilians! Send word to the Golden Dawn to have their spatial mage transport the squad as close to the city as they can! They'll be our main assault team to subdue the Diamond Mages." Marx ordered.

"Yes, sir!"

Marx quickly shut off the connection, his eyes narrowing at the two guards. "Gather the other mages that guard Delphia. I want this building inspected for any foul play, and Delphia found!"

The two saluted as they rushed off. The blue-haired man's shoulders slumped in frustration. How in the hell does Delphia do this on a regular basis?

"I'll have healers ready to be dispatched to Kiten once the battle is over," Owen assured.

Marx nodded, his expression grim but determined, "I must inform Lord Julius at once."

* * * * *

"Great job, everyone!" Asta cheered. His eyes were sparkling despite having both his arms wrapped and bound against his chest as he sat cross-legged on one of the seats.

"You're the most beat-up of all of us," Noelle sweatdropped.

"Well, I'm not looking forward to this, but I'm gonna report to the Wizard King," Yami informed his squad, "Charmy, you're coming with me. Bring the prisoners."

"Will there be yummy food?!" She grinned.

"Nope."

Charmy froze in shock as usual at the thought of no food.

"Finral transport us there."

"Will there be pretty girls?!"

"Nope."

"D'oh..."

"I-I wanna go, too!" Astra's eyes sparkled at the idea of meeting the Wizard King again, "Please, sir, please!"

"You sure are full of energy..."

"Hey, you need to get plenty of rest so you can heal up. N-Not that I'm worried about you! Don't get the wrong idea!" Noelle stuttered out, turning away with a rosy blush as she pushed him away rather harshly.

"What's the big idea, Noelle?!" Asta cried, stopping as he felt a large, rough hand rest on his head.

"You are pretty hurt. Just stay out, kid." Yami said, "Or so I'd like to say, but I guess you were with me when the Wizard King gave us this mission. Fine, come with."

"Yes, sir!"

As the four were about to leave, Luck bounced in front of them, leaning into Finral's personal space much to the older mage's apprehension.

"Uh, yes, Luck?" The brunet questioned warily.

Luck laughed, grinning, "Transport me too!"

"Sorry, Luck, can't have you coming with us." Yami denied. Can't have more paperwork pile up with Phia out of commission.

"I wanna visit the vice-cap, though!" The blond nearly whined, "Gotta tell her about all the guys I beat up!"

The others in the squad perked up before turning to their captain with the same pleading eyes. Yami rolled his eyes, waving his hand lazily.

"Fine, fine, let's just go." He consented, hiding a smirk of amusement as the squad cheered.

Finral grinned, and with a flip of his grimoire, opened a portal to the Capital.

"Go on. Don't cause trouble for the old man. Phia ain't around to get ya out of trouble if you do."

The group waved at their captain, chattering among themselves about all the things they'll be telling Delphia. Finral quickly ran off to pick up some chicks once Yami dismissed him as well, mentally reminding himself to visit Phia once everyone had their turn. Yami, Charmy and Asta, in turn, made their way to the Wizard King.

* * * * *

"Here's the magic stone," Yami reported, holding out the blue stone to Julius.

"Well done, indeed." Julius praised, taking the stone in hand, "I'm sure you've heard, but many lost their lives fighting at Raquey. This should help them rest in peace. The Black Bulls accomplished this vital mission without losing a single member. Absolutely brilliant."

Julius was filled with pride as he stared at the Black Bull's Captain, one of his former juniors in his time in the Grey Deer. It seems that you've also grown stronger, Yami. The Wizard King can still recall the gossip when he had appointed the young man as a Magic Knight and eventually a captain of his own squad. But seeing the gruff teen in front of him, a man now, a mage feared and powerful, Julius couldn't be more proud and felt no regret for his choices.

"Aren't you a little too happy-go-lucky, old man?"

Julius smiled. "You've truly become a magnificent Magic Knights Captain, Yami."

"Cut it out," The foreigner cradled the back of his head in an almost flustered manner, "I'm 28 now, you know? You're embarrassing me."

"Oh, sorry about that!"

""If you want to say you're right, then proof it with the results you get from doing things your way." That's what you told me, Julius. I've said this before, but all I did was prove that you were right. And these guys, my Magic Knights..." Yami slammed his hand around Asta's shoulders, much to the injured boy's displeasure as pain erupted down his spine. "...proved that I was right."

"Yeah..." Julius moved, placing a hand on Asta's shoulder, causing the boy to straighten up in shock, "Asta, you've earned another achievement. You're another step closer to becoming the Wizard King. I look forward to seeing what you do next."

A rosy blush coated the teen's cheek from the king's praise as he straightened, eyes gleaming with his burning determination. "Yes, sir!" Julius blinked in confusion, nothing how fidgety the boy was getting. "U-um, Wizard King, sir, I have a r-request."

"What is it?"

"C-Could I have your autograph?!"

Julius anime fell.

"Sure, I'll write it right on your face." Yami glowered, holding a quill up in a threatening manner.

"Please, no!"

"You jerk. Get nervous around me, too!"

"I do, I do!"

Julius' eyes sharpened as he sensed a familiar mana signature, signalling a communication spell was appearing.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Wizard King."

"Mushroom head." Yami greeted, as everyone's attention turned to the blue-haired advisor.

"Who are you calling, Mushroom head?!" Marx refocused, "No, now's not the time for that!"

"What's the matter, Marx?"

"The border town of Kiten, which has a history of skirmishes with the DIamond Kingdom, is under attack by a Diamond Kingdom squad!"

"They couldn't have chosen a worse time." Julius frowned.

Marx was quick to open the surveillance spell connected to Kiten to show the city's current ongoings. Julius' eyes narrowed, seeing several of the mages a part of the Diamond squad.

"Wh-What's with that massive horde of people?!" Asta gaped.

"This looks like a bit more than their usual harassment." Julius noted, "Not to mention the ones leading this army..."

"Yes, sir." Marx confirmed his King's thoughts, "We believe they're Lagus, Brocks, and Yagos. Three of the Eight Shining Generals."

Seeing Asta's confusion Yami was quick to explain, comparing the generals to the Magic Knight Captains.

"This isn't good. Kiten is one of our cornerstone border defences alongside Velas." Julius lips pursed in thought, "It'll be easier for the Diamond Kingdom to invade if they take it. Marx, what of the extra protections we've added to the city?"

The advisor winced, eyes never removing itself from the surveillance spell. "After the attack on Raquey, we removed a quarter of the defences to cover the lack of mages available," He admitted, "But even the original defences we had planned would have been limited against the number Diamond have sent."

The group watched in shock as the Diamond kingdom began their assault, wiping out most of the Magic Knights charged with protecting Kiten. Much to Marx's relief, he noticed the Golden Dawn had arrived at the scene, having received their orders from Headquarters.

"The Golden Dawn rushed to the scene, but they're up against three of the Eight Shining Generals and that many troops. I'd like to send reinforcements," Julius stated.

"The Crimson Lion Kings went to the Ioto Mountain Range on another range. The Silver Eagles are tied up with the Spade Kingdom..." Marx reported.

"You want me to go, Julius?" Yami suggested, "I'm pretty sure Finral's been there before, so we can go immediately."

"Are you sure, Yami? You just returned from the Underwater Temple."

"Sure. I'm pretty invincible right now anyway, and..." Yami's mind flashed to a certain masked captain, "There's a guy I'm a little concerned about."

"I'd feel better if you were to go. I'd like to go, but..."

"We need you here, Wizard King. If this is a feint, their next target will be the royal capital." Marx reminded.

"What he said. I can't just leave. Besides, the King is here."

"Shit. I should've had Finral come up here with us," Yami frowned, "That useless bastard."

"Captain Yami! Take me with you!" Asta requested.

"With your arm like that?"

"There must be people who couldn't get away! I'm sure I can do something!"

"No," Yami denied, "Someone who's as beat up as you will just get in the way. Go home."

"But-" Asta was cut off as Charmy swiped her arm in front of him.

"As his senior, I'll go along and protect him." Charmy reasoned, eyes determined to meet her Meal Saving Prince, "That makes it all right, doesn't it?"

"You two, especially you, Charmy..." Yami's lip quirked in disbelief, "Oh, fine. Come with me, you dumbasses."

The duo cheered as Yami ushered them out. Pausing at the doorway, he glanced over his shoulder. "Tell Delphia we'll be visiting her late, would ya? Can't have the brat worryin' when she should be focusing on wakin' up."

Yami's brow quirked in confusion when he noticed the minute wince Marx attempted to hide at the mention of Delphia but decided to confront that later, having a mission to focus on.

Once the trio left, Marx quickly turned his attention to his King.

"Lord Julius-"

"Yes, yes, Marx. I've already finished the paperwork you've given me."

"I-It's not that, Lord Julius! It's Delphia— She's missing!"

* * * * *

"What do you mean we aren't allowed in?" Vanessa questioned, lips pursed as the guards stopped them from entering the secured ward.

"Apologies, Black Bulls, but the ward is on lockdown at the moment. No one is allowed in or out by the orders of Marx Francoise and Head Healer Owen."

"But our Vice-Captain is in there!" Magna scowled.

"We assure you that we are prioritizing Lady Rotta's safety."

"Eh?" Luck's eyes were wide, his usual smile strained as his eyes flickered between the entrance and the guards, "Then why can't I sense her mana?"

The Black Bulls tensed. They all knew that when it came to mana sensory, Luck was in his league of his own and even acknowledged by all the Magic Knight Captains. Delphia was always easy for him to find with her unique mana, so if he wasn't able to sense her when they were standing right outside... then Delphia wasn't there at all.

The group's faces darkened, their grimoires opening and glowing ominously as they stared at the now wary and tensed guards.

"Oi," Gauche glowered, "What happened to our vice-captain?"

* * * * *

Lotus glanced over his shoulder at the two captains he had escaped with some of his underlings and Brocks. He smirked as he took out his communication device, giving out another mass order.

"Phase Two, Start!"

Around Kiten, the Magic Knights were in shock states as they found themselves ambushed by the hidden Diamond mages who lay in wait during the first part of the battle. The once organized and prepared mages now found themselves in disarray, many cursing as they realized their mana reserves were already dangerously low.

The mages were shocked at the sudden turn of events, including the Golden Dawn, as they found their opponents utilizing affinities that countered their own.

Langris gritted his teeth, glaring at the mages before him. A glance at his fellow knights around him was enough for him to figure out that the Diamond Mages had used the first battle to gain intel of their forces and moving their remaining mages where they'd have the highest chances of victory.

Yami and William watched on in shock. Sharing a look, they moved to reach the ground level when they also found themselves surrounded by a significant number of mages. They frowned, pressing themselves back to back, blocking and taking down as many mages as they could, but with the numbers against them, it would take time before they could assist their comrades on the ground.

Above the chaotic city, a figure slowly became visible, their feet steady, as they stood with one foot crossed in front of the other along the thin handle of their broom. Their eyes gleamed mysteriously as they flickered across the city, taking note of all the combatants. Their eyes darkened, narrowing on the mages below her in concentration as cards floated around her. Their grimoire rose, the pages flipping as they glowed, mana powering through the individual.

Arcana Magic : Il Matta Ventunesimo - Provvidenza Mondiale

[ Twenty-First Trump - World Providence ]

The fighting mages froze, staring at the sky in shock as Kiten was suddenly enveloped by a holographic image of a card. Those familiar with the spell felt their hearts race, their minds malfunctioning momentarily as they processed what this meant.

"Wait-" Asta gaped.

"This is-" Finral could feel his eyes beginning to brim with tears as he grinned.

"So, she's here..." Langris smirked.

Arcana Magic : La Matta Tredicesimo - Culla Della Morte

[ Thirteenth Trump - Death's Cradle ]

The Magic Knights shivered as a pulse of mana suddenly erupted from the centre of the city, passing through them like a chill, sending shivers down their spines. They watched in awe as their opponents' movements became sluggish before the Diamond Mages that had not retreated with the first wave finally collapsed where they stood. While not entirely understanding the situation, each Magic Knight used their magics to restrain their adversaries in case the spell wore off.

Yami grinned, glancing up at the sky where he could sense a greatly missed ki was coming from while William caught the unconscious mages as they fell, also feeling a sense of elation at the mana surrounding the city.

Yami smirked as his dark eyes finally met with hazed cyan.

"Took you long enough, sleeping beauty."

- - - - - - - - - -

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Kind of sad I can't go and hang out with my friends today, but we spend yesterday night up until 4AM watching scary movies while dressed in costumes. Can't sleep so might as well edit and post this right? Anyone else have plans today? 

Thanks do all my readers! Love seeing all your comments! They really encourage me to write. Also, welcome to the Island to my new readers where I laze about and let my imagination run wild for your entertainment. 

....I think I might just make this various x oc story, but I'm more plot focused than anything romantic in all honesty. 

Question: Anyone dressing up today and if you are what? If you aren't, what would you want to dress up as? I'm a Black Among Us character lol. Cheap and easy. 

- - - - - - - - - -

UPDATED: 31/10/20