The Beast and the Sword Book 2: The Changes

Page 37: A New Day, A New Beginning

The Wizard King concluded the attack on the Royal Capital had been the work of anti-Clover Kingdom terrorists.

He declared his intent resolutely opposing them and the masses were fully supportive. The invasion was enabled by the disappearance of the mages who maintained the capital's magic barrier.

Had the enemy done away with them... Or had they defected?

The fact of this as well as what the enemy had been truly after, was not made public.

***

(Third Opening Theme: Gintama Opening 15-Pride Kakumei Performed By CHiCO w/Honeyworks)

-Medical Ward; Magic Knight Headquarters-

A week had gone by since the invasion had occurred, as everything had seemed to have returned to normal. Despite all that had occurred, the citizens of Clover had gone about their usual business and lives, as they remained completely unaware of the Magic Knights business with a certain someone.

In a spacious room with only two doors and a few toys scattered about, Prism had been sitting on the large round bed provided, wearing a simple white tunic shirt and loose gray pants as she looked to be playing with a puzzle; the scales and dragon arm and claws had still been seen on her body as her eyes were still completely white.

The wings she had grown prior were small on her back though, it still looked a bit crooked. It had all been wrapped in a set of bandages and a cast in an attempt to get it straight.

She placed the shapes in the correct socket, before she showed it to Asta who had sat in front of her.

"That's great Aurora!" Asta said, as he gave Prism a pat on the head, causing her to pur; the spirits that sat around her shifted into bright colors, "You got it all right! I'm so proud!"

"That only took her six tries." Feodora said, as she was next to her, "Not too bad."

"Still you did a very good job--" Yuno commented with a smile which made Aurora giggle; Yuno had been seen sitting at her bedside, "--We couldn't be more proud."

Ringo who had been watching the whole thing wrote down notes on his clipboard as he said, "Huh, very interesting. She does have some intelligence like a human baby does. She got that faster than I thought she would."

Noelle gave a pant as he said. "Thank Mana it's over."

"Gee I wonder when we're gonna stop being a Mana milk factory." Pluck added as he had bags under his eyes.

Asta sighed, "I still can't believe it's been a week. I thought for sure Prism would've come back by now, but she hasn't."

"That new incantation did burn a lot out of her, more than using other people's magic and probably the other incantations she's used so far--" Feodora pointed out, "--I guess it's to be expected."

"It's strange to see her like this for so long." Yuno commented, "I know you said the effect was long lasting, but I didn't think this is what you meant."

Pluck collapsed on the bed as he couldn't help but complain, "Ana latta as me. Might as well stock up on mana again--another restless ni--" Soon the group had been shocked when they heard a snore from Pluck, though the only exception--he was snoring with his eyes open.

"HE'S ASLEEP ALREADY?!" Asta and Feodora thought in unison.

Noelle shivered as she said "That still creeps me out."