The Lonely Clover

The Growth of a Character

Asta wanted to train all the way to the kingdom. I let him and Yuno run ahead, because he had a point. If we stop being prepared, there will be a lot later on that will catch us unaware. It was strange though, because when they would stop from fatigue, I would be able to catch up with them fairly quickly without expending too much energy. When it happened for the final time and Yuno forced Asta to stop, I placed a comforting hand on their shoulders and smiled.

Yuno's POV

As soon as she touched him, he felt his energy return. His attention snapped to her direction but he could tell just by looking at her that she wasn't even aware of what she was doing in the first place. "Don't worry, you guys. You're doing so well anyway, but maybe we should try to save at least some of our energy for the time being, right?" Her soft words made heat flood his cheeks once again, and he turned away to stare off into the distance.

He could always tell when he made a move that she didn't understand. This time she flinched and pulled away, apologizing softly. He let out a soft sigh, knowing he wouldn't be able to explain how frustrated he was being around her.

I remember her, so why can't she remember me now that I know she's real?

Asta's POV

Feeling a sense of warmth flood his face, he knew what it meant.

"Yeah, let's rest! Want some pot potatoes?"

Obviously, I agree with her because we're all tired. So, it makes sense!

He managed to find good meat to cook for them, but he gave her the biggest amount without hesitation. "No, Asta! I can't even eat a fourth of this!" He could only laugh when she settled for taking a meager amount and gave him the rest.

Why does that bother me?

Y/n's POV

An idea suddenly crossed my mind as we let the food settle in our stomachs. I had figured out how to hide away my newfound wings by calming down so they seem to almost evaporate temporarily, but haven't really figured out how to use them in a way that would be helpful in the future.

As they ran ahead once again, I decided to attempt to fly as a way to practice for the future events that will soon be thrown our way. I brought my wings out and gave them a stretch before steadying myself. I started to push myself out with my legs, still very unsure of how I am supposed to get these things to lift me in the air.

I stopped several times trying to figure out why I was only running and not lifting off the ground or even going very fast. Asta and Yuno had run far enough ahead that they had made it to what looked like the edge of a mountain.

Maybe it's Asta's enthuis...LOUD voice, but boulders began tumbling down. I am so proud to see them use this as a way to train too.

There was a striking amount of silence around me. I could see everything, but it was happening so slowly. Asta with his sword. Yuno with his wind magic. As I finally was able to come at least a little closer without using my wings, a hot sense of awareness ran through my soul.

What is this? Why do I feel like something is wrong? What am I supposed to do?

They are near the mountain to my right. I turned toward the trees to our left and saw it. A serpent of some sort. Big black eyes, as thick as Asta's arms put together. If you stretched it out and survived, it would be taller than Yuno. Taller than all three of us combined. As I stared at it, I was aware of why I noticed its presence in the first place. It was heading toward Asta and Yuno so quietly, that it would without a doubt surprise them and hurt them.

No. WAIT!

"STOP!" My voice echoed through the trees like it had been blasted through a microphone.

I felt myself shoot forward at an inhuman speed and plucked the thing off the ground like it was nothing, clutching it in one hand with little effort. I held it tightly with an overwhelming amount of anger that was completely foreign to me.

I have never felt so much rage, but how dare this thing threaten my friends!

"You would dare hurt those dear to me?" I squeezed it tighter, feeling its skin slowly begin to leak through the gaps in my fingers. "Hurting those who have done no harm is abominable. You are subject to judgement." I said the final word with sense of finality.

The creature seemed to somehow dissipate within my grasp in a matter of seconds, little sparks that consumed it until it was nothing at all but a memory.

What was that? I felt so much...rage.

"Uh, y/n?"

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a very curious Asta. I turned to look at him, but when I did so, I realized that I am NOT this tall.

I was a little taller than Asta, but this is way too high!

"Y/n, you're flying. Do you know how to get down?" Yuno asked.

I am higher than even Yuno!

A sense of panic from the sudden realization had me start dropping back to the ground in record speed. I closed my eyes.

I don't even remember how I got up that high!

I felt warmth and my eyes shot open, making direct eye contact with Yuno who was holding me bridal style.

Yuno...caught me?

Before I could think too much into it, he had placed me back on my feet.

"You should control you magic so you don't cause problems for others." Yuno's words brought me back to my reality and I felt my heart drop.

I didn't say anything in response.

I'm not going to cry this time. It's not his fault I'm like this.

Before Asta could take up for me, I did a bow in apology. "I won't be a problem for you anymore."

I stood up and walked ahead, keeping my head down in shame.

Asta tried to talk to me. I couldn't think too much, so most of my answers weren't in-depth or even thought out. Just yes or no answers.

We aren't too far from the castle now. I'll work hard like I promised, but I'll support them if they want me to.

A sad smile set on my face.

Yuno...doesn't want me to.