𝔓𝔯𝔦𝔡𝔢 :: 𝔟𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔠𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔯

:: ɪɪ ::

    Everything was fuzzy and warm when Asta first woke up. It was weird, because it was winter and it was never warm in the church unless dinner had just finished cooking or the church was opened for service.

  Asta opens her eyes with a small groan and winces at her dry throat. She instinctively swallows, only for her throat to spasm. Asta bolts up with a wretch, coughing into her trembling hand.

  She barely hears a door creak open through her coughing until a cold and gentle hand carefully rubs her back. "Shh-shh. Asta, it's okay. It's okay. Take deep breaths."

  Asta follows Sister Lily's advice while pressing her back into her hand. Her breaths come out as wheezes as her coughing calms down. Something cold touches Asta's lip, making her flinch back, but it soon follows.

  "It's water. Drink, Asta. Slowly," Sister Lily says calmly. Asta nods her head and drinks slowly from the glass. Her throat soothes immediately at the cold liquid and Asta opens her eyes when a door is slammed open.

  "A-Asta!" Yuno's desperate shout makes the silver haired girl snap her head up.

  "Yuno! Don't run in the church! And don't startle your sister!" Sister Lily scolds, still speaking softly. "She's just woken up!"

  "S-sorry..." Yuno trails off guiltily, standing next to Asta's mat with her hands pulling at her shirt. Sister Lily sighs quietly before she gives the young girl a smile.

  "Asta, I'm glad you woke up. How are you feeling? You were out for a few days," Sister Lily asks gently. Asta blinks and looks up at the young nun before she opens her mouth.

  "I–" Asta winces and clears her throat. It felt like something was stuck inside.

  Asta clears her throat again before smiling up at the Sister. "'m fine. Body hurts..."

  "You got beaten to hell and back, brat. Of course your body will hurt," An unfamiliar voice rings through the room, making Asta jump.

  "Please do not curse in front of the children!" Sister Lily gasps softly before giving the other occupant in the room a small bow. "I-I deeply apologize, Lady Mereoleona! I simply–"

  "It's alright. This is a church. I know better than to cuss. Sorry," The other occupant–a woman–states with a slight shrug. Asta blinks and stares at the woman with wide eyes.

  She towered over them all and had her strong arms crossed over her chest. Her bright, burning hair was held up in a ponytail with some strands falling over her tanned face. She wore clothes that Asta knows are only from the stories Sister tells her and Yuno at night and her eyes were the prettiest blue she's seen.

  Asta points at the woman with an awestruck smile. "Pretty!"

  "Asta! You know pointing at people is rude!" Sister Lily gently pushes Asta's hand down before the woman laughs loudly.

  "You're quite bold, brat!" The woman exclaims before she places her hands on her hips. "I shouldn't be surprised. You said you were going to become the Wizard King, right? That's a big dream for a brat like you. Not even the nobles dream that big."

  That's right. The meanie hurting Yuno. The necklace. Her and Yuno's promise. Her and Yuno's rivalry.

  Asta blinks at the statement before scowling in determination. "I'll be th' Wiz-Wizard King! I will!"

  "No you won't!" Yuno shouts loudly with her arms crossed. "'cause I'll be the Wizard King!"

  "No! I will!" Asta shouts back, undeterred by Sister Lily's gentle shushing.