As Mimosa guided us through the dungeon, Klaus began to "talk".
Klaus: That brat's name was Asta? That little fool. Does he honestly think he can get the better of us?
Yuno and I remained quiet and to ourselves. I was covering the rear while Yuno looked ahead guiding his Wind Ark.
Klaus: He does seem a most unusual boy. I sense not an ounce of power in him.
Mimosa: No, neither did I.
Klaus: *continues* What was the magic knight captain thinking? How can anyone be of use to a magic knight squad with no magic?
Yuno chimed in surprisingly as he defended Asta.
Yuno: Klaus, Sir. Asta's strong. I would suggest not underestimating him.
Klaus: As far as I'm concerned, it will be a miracle if they make it out of here alive.
I didn't say a word nor bother to defend Asta like I originally would have but...something inside me felt so hollow and full of disgust.
[The way people can just judge one another for their social background. How they can just come up and begin arguing, down-grading, and even physically fight for no good reason. And if there was a reason, the "attacker" would use the excuse of "they started it by not complying to the situation" when in reality, they came up to the victim and began the entire mess, all because they are commoners.]
I held my head in one hand in a stressful manner as these thoughts caused my blood to boil. The outburst earlier really took a toll on my emotions and it went as far to start hurting me physically too.
[I feel absolutely terrible for lying to Asta. It's just, I knew he would worry about me and I couldn't have that lingering in his mind. Asta's my brother and he would make a big deal about my situation. Yeah, he can trust Yuno to protect me but when Yuno isn't there, Asta will worry tremendously. I couldn't have that affecting his training. Even though we have our rivalry, I couldn't use that to gain a lead, that just isn't fair. So, lying to Asta was for his own good. *sigh* I meant what I said back there. This is exactly why we want to become the Wizard King, to change society and have everyone be as equals.]
As we approached the end of the hallway, an enormous room lay there for us to enter. When we got inside, we all seen a giant gold door that toward over us all. Yuno flew us closer to it as I gazed up towards the doors.
Mimosa: Isn't it simply marvelous?
Klaus: Some dungeon that was. Not much to it at all.
Yuno lowered his Wind Ark towards the ground as his spell disperse. We landed on our feet as Yuno looked over his shoulder to look at me. I had my head down scanning the area for any sort of traps, enemies, and so forth. Once I finished, I left my head down and continued to wallow in my emotions since the area appears to be clear. Yuno was beyond concerned and sighed. Yuno look back towards the door, he asked.
Yuno: So what's your plan for getting past this?
Mimosa: It doesn't seem like the Black Bulls have managed to find it yet.
Klaus: Of course they haven't. Despite their bluster, they never stood a chance of beating us here.
Mimosa: You're probably right.
Kluas turned around and darted his eyes at me.
Klaus: You're rather quiet.
I didn't look up or say a single word to Klaus. I felt like there wasn't a reason to say anything; he didn't ask a question nor was he trying to start a conversation. It just sounds like he wants to begin an argument and I already feel awful. Speaking to Klaus will only make me feel worse. Yuno stepped in and defended me.
Yuno: Leave her alone.
Klaus: I'm doing nothing wrong.
Yuno: You've done enough.
Kluas: What is exactly is "enough"?
Yuno: *rolls eyes* You can't be serious.
I felt bad that Yuno was dealing with Klaus so I decided to look up and finally speak.
Me: Thank you, Yuno.
He looked at me as a very weak smile formed on his ever so precious face. Yuno walked to me and stood by my side.
Klaus: I hope you know that your actions and obscure behavior will receive its consequences from the Captain.
Yuno: Whatever the case may be, I won't let you or anyone mess with Vanellope.
Klaus: *loses it* You are both absolutely ridiculous! Have you no decency? Commoners will never know and understand the severity of a noble's rage!
Due to us being very distracted by the constant and unnecessary "rage" from Klaus, we were vulnerable as we weren't paying any attention to what was happening. Sudden sounds of diamonds being formed were accelerating towards us. Before I could even react to what was about to happen, the painfully sharp diamonds attacked Mimosa. The attack affected her more than we could have anticipated as she fell to the ground in total pain. My eyes widened by the occurrence as my heart sank fearing the worst.
Me: MIMOSA!!
Quickly, I ran to her and knelt down to check if she was still alive. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me. Holding back my tears, the other two came up to check her as well. She looked at them both as Kluas spoke in panic.
Klaus: It pierced through her cloak of magical defense.
Me: This can't be right! I checked the area for any traps or enemies and it was clear!
Kluas: It surely wasn't a trap. It must have been....*turns and yells in anger*....Who Goes There?!
A young man, about Kluas's age, appeared from the beginning of the diamond trail that attacked Mimosa from behind. They had light purple spiky hair and "empty" pink eyes. He was an average height man with a slim figure, pale skin, and toned. Although he seemed to appear like any other human, he had a peculiar attribute about him. There were crystals embedded into his skin that lay in his forehead and chest. Then his aura felt so cold and menacing which in turn I knew, this guy means trouble.
Diamond Mage: You're in my way. Now move.
His voice was deep, frightening, and threatening. I was stumped for a moment when I finally saw Mimosa move her arm. She used her grimoire to use her magic to heal herself. When she spoke, I can hear the agonizing pain from her voice which made me feel sorry for her.
Mimosa: Plant-Recovery magic: Dream Healing Flower Cradle.
As her cradle held her nicely in a bed full of pink pedals, I went to her and held onto the vines which crated a "cage". I asked her worryingly,
Me: Mimosa, will you be kk?
Mimosa: *weak smile* I'll be fine Vanellope. I'm so sorry everyone. I should've been paying more attention.
I let a tear fall as I reached over to her hand and grabbed it. She held my hand as she too let a tear fall.
Me: No Mimosa. This was my fault. I shouldn't have been selfish and only thinking about myself and my emotions. I should've been more professional and acted like a knight but look what it resulted to. You're hurt and having to be in this state. I am so deeply sorry.
Mimosa: Please, don't blame yourself Vanellope.
I was going to continue but Klaus came up and said,
Klaus: You only need to focus on your own recovery. We shall take care of it.
Klaus turned around and pointed straight towards the diamond mage.
Klaus: You! What kind of a warrior would do such a thing as attacking from behind?!
Diamond Mage: I have no idea what you are asking. You are merely pebbles destined to fall be the wayside.
Then it hit me.
Me: He uses diamond magic which means, I have an advantage against this guy.
Yuno: Be careful. He has the signia of the Diamond Kingdom. He can be more powerful than we think.
Me: *smirks* Remember Yuno...I have the "signia" of the Diamond Kingdom too.
The diamond mage released an attack towards us with various spells. Klaus blocked one attack with his steal magic as Yuno used his hawk to destroy the Dimond "missiles". The attack that came to me was similar to Yuno's and I was able to take control on the diamonds but something went wrong. Though the smartest move would've been to send back the attack towards the diamond mage, I was only able to control it enough to send it up towards the ceiling. I looked at my hands in shock as it felt like the diamonds were only able to move in a leaner manner rather than let me move it freely. However, the diamond mage wasn't phased at all at the fact that I took control of his attack.
Klaus: Yuno! Vanellope! Back Me Up!
Us: Sir!
Klaus: When we get done with this barbarian, he won't soon forget the power of the Clover Kingdom's Golden Dawn.
The diamond mage continued to attack as we deflected every single move. I kept getting control of these attacks but as each one came at us, it grew more difficult to control.
Me: Controlling his diamonds are starting to become too much too bare! Something about his magic seems unnatural.
Yuno: "Unnatural"? What does that...
Out of the blue, diamond shards fell onto my open grimoire. The book glowed endlessly as Yuno and I were blinded for a moment. Then, a surge of energy flowed into me as I began to glow just as much as my grimoire did. I looked all over myself as the magic began to run across every nerve, vein, and bone within me. Looking at my grimoire, I seen some of my spells had "evolved" into something more powerful. The one's I noticed that had changed were my "Fire Storm" and "Earth of Imprisonment". They are now known as "Din's Barrage" and "Elegy of Emptiness". Once the glowing came to an end, I was panting as I was shocked by it all. Yuno asked in confusion.
Yuno: What just happened?
Me: My spells. Some of them changed into something way better. Almost like some kind of upgrade.
I clenched my fists and stood my ground. Running in front of Klaus and Yuno, I stopped myself and threw my hands forward while yelling.
Me: Elemental Magic: Elegy of Emptiness!
The ground began to shake as a huge circle formed around the diamond mage. The circle rose skyward from the ground as it towered over the diamond mage. They tried their hardest to break it down but my wall was too strong for them to tear down.
[Burn at the hands of a true magic knight mage you lifeless freak!]
Me: ELEMENTAL MAGIC: DIN'S BARRAGE!!
Instead of a single cloud hovering over my "prison", a black space was created as clouds of flame formed while boulders of lava shot down into the "imprisonment". I placed a larger and thick lid made of pure concrete on top of the "chamber" as my fire spell ended.
Calm. Silence. Eeriness filled the room.
We were still on guard as we panted in place.
Yuno: You think he's done?
Klaus: The situation is still too early to tell.
Yuno: But that attack was so...
*BOOM, CRASH, SWOOSH, GLUG*
The wall I had created was utterly destroyed as debris flew into the walls of the dungeon. The sound of forced air blew into us as we used all our might to stand in place. The lava created from the boulders of my fire cloud ran across the ground.
[No...I...can't believe this. This damn diamond mage managed to destroy my trap and he doesn't even have his grimoire out! What the hell is this guy??]
Klaus: Yuno, Vanellope! I'll stay here. And hold him off. Go on ahead into the treasure hall!
Yuno: Are you sure? He's extremely powerful!
Me: Let me stay and help! I can back you up and protect Mimosa!
Klaus: You both need to stop questioning me and do as I say! We're out of options! I don't like leaving this task in the hands of a couple of commoners but for the good of our kingdom, we will overcome our mission!
Yuno and I stopped our attacks as we looked at one another. We had no idea what to do.
Me: Yuno, go to the treasure hall. I'll create my cherry blossom tree to help Mimosa heal quicker. It may not be as strong as her's but it will help enhance it.
Yuno: Alright. Just be careful. I can't lose you.
I looked at him with so much love and warmth in my eyes at what he said. Yuno turned away and headed towards the hall. I snapped myself out of it before anything else could happen and ran towards Mimosa. I looked at her and gave her a reassuring smile.
Me: I'm gonna help you heal a lot faster but you got to accept my healing magic, kk?
Mimosa: Yes, of course.
Getting in position, my grimoire began flipping pages as it got to my healing magic spells.
Me: Elemental Healing Magic: Cherry Blossom Awakening!
A beautiful cherry blossom tree formed as it grew from the ground. As it kept growing, the branches began to hover over Mimosa's flower cradle. Pink vines wrapped around the "bars" of Mimosa's cradle and flowers bloomed all over my tree and it's branches. The tree's bark was thick enough to protect Mimosa from any of the diamond mage's attacks as she can continue to heal herself. As the creation was finally done, I went to Mimosa with a smile.
Me: Thank you for accepting this gesture Mimosa.
Mimosa: How can I refuse such a grand gesture from my best friend?
My heart was filled with such warmth that I could cry any given second.
[I can't thank you enough Mimosa, you have no idea what you are doing by just being the kindest person in all the kingdom.]
I ran to help Klaus when I was thrown back from the attack the diamond mage had just done. Looking up from the ground, I seen Kluas was trapped and about to be killed from the hands of that fucking diamond mage. But before I could stand up, Yuno came to Klaus's aid.
Klaus: You imbecile! What are you doing? The mission needs to be your priority right now!
Yuno: No, Sir! You Are My Friend!
I was in complete and utter shock by what Yuno said.
[Yuno thinks of Klaus as a friend? But, why? Klaus was so rude and constantly belittled us...How can Yuno possibly....]
Then it hit me.
[I get it. I know Yuno enough to know why he said what he did. What's the point of fighting back with someone who thinks they are better? The point Yuno and I want to make is that we are all in this together and no matter what, we are all equal regardless of our "class". If we make it out of this, Klaus and I can have a calm and mature conversation about each other's point of views and come to an understanding. Then, we can call each other more than just comrades but say we are friends.]
Klaus: What were you thinking returning to the battle? We have a mission to complete!
Yuno looked over at Mimosa who was still severely hurt by the attack. He then changed his gaze towards me which I was still sitting on the ground with my surprised expression.
Yuno: First, we defeat him and then go to the hall together.
My expression changed to an accepting smile.
[Yuno has come a long way when accepting people in his life. The talk we had a while back when we were pre-teens really did impact him in a great way. Though we don't have any relatives or blood family, we still have each other. Yeah, it's a bit weird considering how I feel about Yuno and we say we are family but at the end of the day, we aren't blood related. Besides, the future family Asta, Yuno and I will create is going to be with the people we meet like our comrades, captains, and then, the ones we make with our significant other. We will have one big happy family.]
Yuno: Time to go. This ends now.
Yuno stood in place with full concentration. In a huge burst, a power so immense emerged from Yuno as a magic spiral formed around him.
Yuno: Wind Creation Magic: Engaging Swift White Hawk paired with Wind Blade Shower.
[Woah!! Dual casting?? He's using this spell?? The last time he used it, he nearly destroyed the rose garden back at base! Did he manage to somehow get control of it now?]
Yuno: Time to get out of our way diamond mage! The Golden Dawn will reach the hall first!
With full speed, the hawk charged directly towards the diamond mage and in a blink of an eye...
Me: No...
The diamond mage had created a sword so grand that one good hit can annihilate a full grown person. He swung his sword and instantly destroyed Yuno's attack. Yuno stood there, defeated and panting. Finally getting my ass up, I broke off a branch from my tree and ran towards Yuno. I wasn't going to be able to create another healing spell so this branch will have to do. I began ripping off the flowers and using them to hover around Yuno.
[With these, I can help restore some of his magic and help him gain some energy.]
Yuno: *panting* Vanellope. Thank you.
Me: Don't thank me just yet.
Yuno: *side smile* Looks like, *catches breath*, I'm still not strong enough to protect you.
My heart ached hearing this from Yuno. I tried my best to keep my composure as I continued to try my hardest to heal him.
Me: No, Yuno. Don't worry about that now. Just, accept my the healing magic, kk?
Yuno: Ok.
Slowly, Yuno fell onto to me as I held him in my arms. This attack exhausted him and I was starting to worry. I brought him down to the ground while still holding onto him tightly. I tried my best to use more magic but most of it was being used for Mimosa. I cared for Yuno as I continued to help him. Without any empathy, the diamond mage began to get ready to attack us with the sword that destroyed Yuno's attack.
Diamond Mage: Be gone.