Oblivion (A Black Clover Story)

Eleven

When I came to, Finral was holding me, fanning me with his hand. For once, it didn't feel like he was being weird because I was a girl. It felt like he was genuinely trying to wake me up and tend to my wounds. I opened my eyes and looked right at him. "Finral," I whispered, signaling that I was awake now.

"She's awake!" he exclaimed, and I heard cheers from Asta. "Are you okay? You're hurt!"

I smiled as I sat up, although my body hated me for it. It was a painful thing to do, but I knew I had to anyway. "I'm alright. They're only minor wounds, so they don't hurt too badly. What... What happened?"

"That guy is unconscious. But before he passed out, he said something about not risking hurting you or Gauche. Does that mean anything to you?"

I shook my head. "No. I've never met the guy before in my life," I trailed off, thinking about what possible connection I could have with him, and if he really is the reason I have amnesia. "Thank you for making sure I was okay, Finral," I smiled.

This made him blush a little, but then he stopped. The hair stood on the back of my neck again. Everyone stood up, paying close attention as another dark portal opened up, revealing three figures. One by one, we all saw samples of what they were capable of. And when that Licht guy said they surpassed him in combat... I got another chill down my spine. They were called the Third Eye. Vetto the Despair, Fana the Hateful, and Raia the Disloyal. I certainly didn't want to fight them.

Their attacks ensued, and although I was able to use a bit more of my magic to defend, we were all backed into a corner. All three of them attacked at the same time, and the trajectory was headed right for Yami. Since he was conveniently standing right in front of all of us, we would die along with him...

Just then, I felt a strong presence of mana belonging to three people. One of them... Felt all-too-familiar. I knew who it was before I even saw his face. But when the light that generated from their attacks dissipated, I saw the backs of Captain Charlotte, Captain Jack, and... Nozel.

Of course that bastard had to come save my ass!

Captain Jack mocked Yami, only to get him to respond with, "Aww man, another second or two and something would've awakened in me. What're you gonna do about this, you lousy so-called friends?"

Nozel turned his head to look Yami in the eye. "I'm amazed you can even say those words when you look like that. I'm going to execute you myself someday, so be ready and wait, foreigner." Then, we made eye contact. I wasn't sure what he was thinking, but neither of our expressions changed. He looked away.

"Look who's talking. You and your stupid haircut," Yami shot back, getting a giggle out of me as I felt a little lightheaded from the wound on my forehead. I stood between Finral and Gauche, but ultimately chose to lean on Finral for support.

"S-sorry," I whispered, "I might pass out if I stand on my own."

He put his arm around me to support me. "It's fine. I don't mind."

"Of course you don't," I laughed.

The conversation between Yami and the captains went on and on until the members of the Third Eye butted in, but they were pretty much ignored and continued talking anyway. I didn't pay much attention until Nozel started speaking. He seemed to be thinking out loud at first, commenting on how it was a perfect opportunity to defeat the top members of the Eye of the Midnight Sun all at once. "Wow, you're so cool," Yami teased sarcastically.

"Begone from my sight, foreigner," he snapped back.

"Thanks for your consideration, Mr. Ball o'Pride," Yami continued. I had to hold my bloodied hand up to my mouth to keep me from laughing. That made Nozel turn around, and we made eye contact again, but only for a brief moment. He seemed more focused on how bloody I looked. Is that a hint of concern I see? How surprising, you damned royal. "Hey, I wonder how he gets his hair like that!" Yami yelled loudly, making me smile even bigger.