Together We Make A Clover.

Chapter 16: Inspiration. Determination. Confusion.

Announcer: No Hands.

[You can't be serious?? None of these damn captains rose their hands for Asta! Why?! WHY!? He beat Sekke fair and square. He showed determination and strength. Yes, Asta didn't pass any of the tests with "magic" but he never gave up! Isn't that enough?!]

Asta just stood there. The perplexity that must be forming within his mind must make all this seem misleading. Not a muscle was moved by Asta. Not a blink was happening. Nothing. People in the crowd kept yelling at him to move and to give it up. Such comments were spat out saying Asta was a disgrace, pathetic, and worthless. I hated how much people looked down on Asta and they never give him a chance!

Me: Asta...

Yuno: How...

Captain Yami: Well that's not a surprise.

Captain Yami's voice roared through the air grabbing the attention of every soul here. Captain Yami stood up from his chair while the other captains watched in surprise.

Captain Yami: Even though your combat skills are far acceptable, your source is unknown. So none of these uptight captains want to deal with that. All most captains want is the magical abilities of their subordinates.

The air began to get dense and extremely heavy as a purple aura surrounded Captain Yami. Yuno gasped as I tried to understand what was happening and anticipated the next few moments. Captain Yami jumped from the balcony above where he stood and approached Asta. The closer he got to Asta, the pressure of the air got thicker. I used my magic to lighten the air around Yuno and I but it was a struggle.

Captain Yami: *points in Asta's face* You said earlier that you wanted to be the next Wizard King, right? That means you have to surpass the 9 captains that are here. Look me in the eyes kid, am I intimidating? Do you still have the nerve to say that you're going to become the next Wizard King? Even without powers?

Asta: *clenching fists and looks down* Even if I don't make it into a magic knight squad...*stands tall* I'm still going to become the Wizard King someday!!

Silence.

[Now, everyone is witnessing the determination and hope that lies within the soul of Asta. You'll always have my respect brother.]

Captain Yami: *obnoxiously loud laugh* Your funny kid! Come join my squad...I'm telling you that I'll let you join the Black Bulls. *menacing* By the way, dealing isn't an option. I'll make your life so miserable in the Black Bulls that you'll be torn to shreds.

Asta: WHAAAT??

Captain Yami: Pass those obstacles and you're on your way in becoming the Wizard King.

Asta: *determined* Yes Sir!

Yuno smiled proudly while I burst into tears. I was so happy for Asta! Seeing his reaction and the emotional rollercoaster that he faced just now; I WAS SO PROUD OF ASTA! He is an inspiration! Little time passed as Asta finally began to walk his way to us. I opened my arms so wide and Asta flew right into them. We both cried in total happiness.

Me: Asta! I'm so proud of you! You made it into a magic knight squad!

Asta: Thank you Vanellope. Thank you for never giving up on me!

Yuno: *chuckles* You're both such cry babies.

We let go as Asta wiped away his tears of joy. He smiled triumph and stated,

Asta: Well, I couldn't just let you two surpass me, right? What kind of rival would I be if I did?

Yuno: *blunt* a lousy rival.

Me: Yuno, do you always have to be mean?

We smiled at each other and did our "clover" handshake. The sun began to set and the exam officially ended. Night fell over us as we stood in the coliseum waiting for our captains. Not many people were around since most of the examinees were rejected and left the area.

Me: Welp, that's that.

Yuno: Sure is.

Asta: Ok. You guys are Golden Dawn and I'm Black Bulls. This is officially where our rivalry begins.

Me: How many times have we said "this is where our rivalry officially begins"?

Yuno: More than it needed to be said.

Me: Mmmmmm yeah, you're right.

Asta: Well then, now it's official!

Yuno: Because you actually got in a knight squad.

Me: You always have to be mean, huh?

Yuno: It's so easy towards Asta.

Asta: *cries* Why am I always being bullied?!

Me: Aww Asta, it's because we love you.

Yuno: That makes one of us.

Me: Yuno!

As we laughed and faced one another, a hand was placed on my shoulder from behind me. The touch was no where familiar to me so I quickly turned around ready for a fight when...

???: You don't need to be frightened.

Asta and Yuno both gasped while seeing who it was.

Me: Captain of the Silver Eagles?? Uhhhh...why are you...

Captain of the Silver Eagles: May I have a word with you?

Me: Uhhhhh...sure.

Captain of the Silver Eagles: My name is Nozel Silva. The reason I came to speak with you was to inform you how surprised I was to see your appearance.

Me: Well...I'm just as surprised as you and confused to be having a conversation with a magic knight captain and...

Asta: *butts in* Do you know him?

Me: No...Or I don't think so.

Captain Nozel: I knew your father, David.

All: WHAT??