Date #Six

A low buzz of conversation hummed around the castle courtyard. Talk of drama that occurred in the northern mountains mingled with rumors about the relationship between the Black Bull's and Blue Rose Knight's Captains. Many speculated the only way they got together was Yami wooed Charlotte with a new ultra-amazing spell, or Charlotte must've been going through a mid-life crisis. Others dismissed the whole affair as reading too far into the Captain's friendship.

The members of the squads in question knew better. Over the past six weeks, they had seen their Captains develop a bond stronger than any spell and deeper than anyone could've originally assumed. But together they were also happier, more confident as leaders, and astonishingly capable on the battlefield.

However, no one knew why the Wizard King had invited all the squads to the castle for a special brunch and announcement. The Magic Knights Entrance Exam was still a month away, and that would hardly require this much attention.

Julius was known to add finesse to particular things that sparked his interest, so everyone quelled their curiosity and enjoyed some time catching up with acquaintances. Asta was the first to make a scene, running at top speed towards his soul-brother, Yuno. Without even a flinch Yuno accepted his fate and was bowled over.

"Astaaa! You have to learn to put on the breaks," Noelle huffed, catching up to him.

"But I wasn't built with brakes!" he protested.

"Good to see you, too," Yuno groaned, still topped on the ground, mixed in a knot of his and Asta's limbs.

"I have this super amazing move to show you! No way you'll be able to top this!" Asta leaped up and drew his sword.

Noelle had to dodge before Asta accidentally sliced through her, throwing the sword over his shoulder. "Hey, watch it!" she called.

"My bad!" Asta turned to give Noelle apologetic puppy eyes.

"Oh, nevermind," Noelle mumbled from a few paces away, her face tinted pink. "You ready?"

"I was born ready!" Planting his feet, Asta readied for their combo move.

"You were born an idiot," Yuno mumbled, dusting himself off. "I bet I can cancel out your move before it even hits me," he challenged.

"You're on! Go, Noelle!" Asta's face slipped into determination, and his eyes honed in on Noelle's wand which she held at her chest.

Suddenly she crossed her arms and turned to the side. "Hold on! Why are you looking at me?" she squeaked.

"I need to be ready when you cast the spell!" Asta replied.

"But you don't need to look at me... like that..." Her face was now red and her wand lowered.

"Fine," Asta threw a smirk at Yuno, "I can do it with my eyes closed."

"What?" Noelle exclaimed. "We've never even practiced that before!"

Asta turned to her, eyes shut, but face still somehow intently trained on her chest. She huffed, then drew her wand back, and pivoting on one foot, spun towards him and cast the spell. "Water magic, Point-Blank Sea Dragon's Roar!"

A massive dragon's head made of water loomed over Asta, it's jaws spraying water in an impressive display and trapping him in gaping jaws. Just as he was being swallowed up, his demon-dweller sword cut through the dragon's head and drew in the threatening water, leaving not a drop behind.

The courtyard went silent, the other knights startled from their conversations by the sudden commotion. Yuno sighed, and Asta raised his sword. It glowed an electric blue, patterns of clashing waves shimmering on the blade's surface.

With two swift and succinct swipes, a roar ripped through the still air as the dragon's jaws revived, teeth sharpened and speeding towards Yuno. In less than the blink of an eye, Yuno had cast a spell of his own. A whirlwind clashed with the turbulent water a mere foot from his face, whisking both spells in the air above the crowd before a shower of tiny, sparkling droplets rained down.

Asta's eyes shot open. "Wait! I didn't see what happened, that's not—"

A second wind spell hit him square in the chest, knocking him down along with Noelle, who stood to his side.

"Ow," he groaned.

"Um... Asta," came Noelle's voice, now timid.

"What?" He tried to maneuver his hands to prop himself up, but felt something oddly squishy in one palm.

"ASTA!!!" Noelle shoved him aside. He grunted as the ground met the side of his face.

A shadow fell over the other half, accompanied with an overly stern energy.

"Enough." Nozel's words were sharper than the dragon's fangs.

Asta scrambled to his feet and apologized. "I'm sorry, sir."

Noelle was also back up on her feet, head held low. "I shouldn't have let him—"

"It's no matter." Nozel cut her off. "The Wizard King is about to address us, so behave."

All three nodded.

"Told you so," Yuno muttered under his breath, one side of his lips pulled up in a victorious smirk.

"Thank you all for coming," Julius's voice then filled the air, speaking from a podium on the far side of the courtyard. "I have arranged this event to congratulate the Magic Knight squads as a whole for their accomplishments. Both your victories in combat, and fellowship in the streets of the Clover Kingdom, is not only appreciated but needed. Your skills are invaluable as mages, as citizens, and most importantly, as friends and family."

"The other reason I have asked you to gather today is to reveal an important development in our ranks. With the Magic Knights Entrance Exam around the corner, we have taken into consideration the current status of each squad. New members are pivotal to the growth and development of our forces. So also, are the relationships formed by years of serving together."

"Without further delay, I am pleased to announce the creation, or union, of a new Magic Knights Squad: The Black Briar Knights."

A/n: Hey guys... What do you think?

I'd like to take a moment to express my thanks for the support this story has received. I am 100% positive it would not have gotten this far without all the feedback and love from you readers.

Once again, I'm going to ask what you want to see in the upcoming chapters. Should I keep Elle and her brother Liam as OC's? Or focus on the cannon characters? Should we keep it light-hearted, or go for more dramatic?

I do have more plans for this story (several options, in fact), but I'm going to take a break for the holidays. After that, I'll be balancing writing this story with a Levi fic, so it may be a few months between new chapters. I love writing YamiChar with all my heart, so I don't think I could ever completely stop. And if you get the chance, take a look at my other stories as well ^_^

Best of wishes to you all!