In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Suna shapes her aura into a lightweight, rapier-like sword that is 45" / 1.1m long, its blade 40" / 1m in length and 1" / 2.5cm in width, weighing 2 lb / 0.9 kg. Its sharp blade is narrow and two-edged, and its handle is embellished with ornate swirling designs and a single indigo crystal for accent. This weapon is able to deal intermediate damage to its opponents, and Apex Predator gives an additional +3 Power stack-able buff caps after 5 attacks or +15. It will dissolve when broken by a higher-tiered spell or weapon.
Suna shapes her pure aura into a silver topaz-set ring that may be worn by herself or the target of choice, increasing the wearer's power stat by +4. If the ring is thrown at an enemy, it will burst in a singular aura explosion and deal intermediate damage to its target. Additional targets are buffed with +2 Power. Apex Predator gives an additional +3 Power stack-able buff caps after 5 attacks or +15. Buffed allies must stay within the spell's range, otherwise the ring will dissipate.
Suna plays a soothing melody on her instrument, enveloping her target(s) with her sound magic in a circular area. Upon contact, her healing spell will attempt to cleanse target(s) of any debuffs, hexes, curses, poisons, or venom. Archangel’s Blessing allows healing on multiple targets without dropping in potency. At the same time, the force of her spell causes enemies to be knocked back by 4 meters. For every 10 Power she has, the knock back range will be increased by 5 meters. Following ammo rules, for every 10 Control she has, she may knock back enemies another time, as long as the spell is sustained.
In the fight, Suna had been so concentrated on casting her spells that she barely heard the mercenary call out her name. However, the second time, she did hear her name from his lips. Her back was towards the dark mage, so there was no way he could have seen it, but a smile had instantly lit up her face. He was definitely the stronger of the two, so she doubted that it had impressed him. But at the same time, it was gratifying to have her hard work acknowledged.
She had momentarily forgotten about the thug leader--Jones, was it?--until he came back up from her knockback spell. The elf frowned. She would have to do something about this restraining spell of hers after this was all over. This was not enough, not strong enough. The lava user, whatever his association was to Hans, was clearly angry for something beyond the present injury. Perhaps a past hurt? Although she could not imagine Hans willingly inflicting pain or hurt on an innocent. She appraised the raging mage. Yes, it must have been something in the past. A past hurt that has consumed the poor man’s soul. Even his aura was murderous, as she could clearly tell. He had gotten to his feet and was screaming some sort of obscenities at Vera before throwing lava-coated fists at them.
Suna had gathered more of her aura, and was about to unleash her knock back spell again when Hans’ figure suddenly leaped in between them and blocked her way, swinging her Cadenza with no problem at all. The amount of aura in the room was intense, and the blue-haired mage stole some of it, forming Crescendo on her target, which was Hans. If he looked down, he would see an aura ring on one of his fingers. It would give him an additional boost, enhancing his power. She had also noticed that the thug who was holding Hans’ grimoire and sword had dropped them from her knock-back spell from earlier, and she started to sprint over to grab the two items. However, someone else reached there first.
"What an entertaining show you’ve put up, my dear." The pink witch still had the audacity to smirk at the blue-haired elf, looking perfectly at ease and unflustered by all the action going around. "Who would have thought that a dumb and mute failure would pick up some little tricks?" She clutched on to the grimoire tightly, but stepped over the sword. "That Jones is useless. Simply useless." Her necklace had begun to glow again, spilling pink smoke from it. "Look at him, wasting all his energy fighting someone they cannot win. He really is a masterpiece, that boy..."
During the long ramble, the sound mage had been eying the dark sword from the corner of her eye. Of course Vera would only be interested in the grimoire, and did not think much of that piece of metal. The moment when she had her eyes momentarily on the thugs and Hans, Suna darted in and grabbed the katana. She unleashed A Tempo again, using the force of the spell to blast the sword over to where Hans was. It had also pushed Vera back by a few meters, but not as much as before. Of course Vera would not have been dumb, and was expecting the second wave. But at least it cleared the smoke that had been spilling out. Suna would have to do something about that necklace...
"Come, come, Suna," she cooed. "Why not join forces?" She held a hand out, the hand not holding the four-leaf grimoire. "I can restore your voice. I can even put a good word for you in the Forest. You will be welcomed back to the sisterhood of your fellow witches. That is what you want, yes? All you have to do is to help me get this power from this dark mage and we can both return home and live happily ever after as witches. We don’t need those simple and disgusting men. They will only break your tender heart. Learn from me, break theirs before they can break yours. That’s where true power comes from. I know you can’t speak, but come now, you know that everything I’ve said is true."
Suna froze during this speech, though not because of any spells from the other witch - it was the pure force of words alone. As much as she hated it, Vera had hit right on what she had so desperately wanted all those years in her young life. It was true that she had always craved for the acceptance of her fellow people. If she could have an ally in Vera, she could also have the respect of her sister witches. All of her childhood sorrows could be wiped away, to a certain extent. However...
"No need." This time it was Suna’s turn to smirk at Vera’s look of surprise at her ability to speak. "I have a new life now." Her hands had not been idle during this time. Pink liquid sloshing, she held up the vial that held the potion that cured her voice, and with one swift movement, emptied its contents right on Vera’s face and over the necklace!
"It was never my intention to make you an enemy." Hans replied, his tone calmer in comparison to Jones' yet still holding signs of tension. With an irritated look in Jones' eyes, the lava mage lunged at the dark mage and once again the two came to blows, the magical rapier clashing with the thug's raging lava fists! However, the one equal exchange of attacks were now shifting in Hans' favor. Every time the merc struck Jones, it pushed the lava mage back. Both males were taking notice of this, Jones getting more aggravated, while Hans a little puzzled, feeling his power slowly grow. He knew this sword was strong, but didn't think it would be enough without more spells. It was then he looked down at his hand. A ring was around one of his fingers which he could sense mana coming from. Cracking a small smile, Hans had a pretty good idea where this came from. Suna surely is something else...
"What is this bullshit!?" Jones yelled out in frustration just as he conjured a small group of lava constructed hounds, all stampeding towards Hans! With ease, Hans was able to slice them all up until they were puddles of lava that faded away.
Jones looked like he was in the process of having a meltdown while Hans calmly kept the rapier up on guard. "Eh?" The merc noticed from the corner of his eye sliding to his side. Looking down, his eyes widened at the sight of his katana. He turned around to search for the source and saw Suna at the back...with Vera who was also holding his grimoire. The dark mage seemed more concerned over the elf however. "I'm on my wa-" Suddenly, a ball of lava hit Hans on the back of his head, blowing up on impact. "Gah!" the guy groaned as the back of his head started to burn a little. "Where you looking, Hans!?" As the merc turned around, he was met by Jones in mid leap with one of his hands formed into a spike ball of lava! Quickly, Hans raised the rapier up and blocked it! The two were now in the middle of a struggle, and it looked like Jones was starting to get the upper hand, parts of his body once again coated in that lava. Shifting his eyes, the merc used his free hand to pick up his still sheathed katana and rammed it against the thug's stomach, causing him to cough out and stagger back.
A mere seconds later, an agonizing scream could be heard from that same corner. Both Hans and Jones looked back to see Vera now on her knees rubbing her eyes furiously with her teeth gritted. The merc's grimoire was on the ground too...and so was the necklace. The pink liquid on the necklace slowly slipped itself into the cracks of the jewellery. A pink smoke formed around it, and started to rise from the necklace a demon being exorcised. One the smoke faded...the jewels on the necklace turned blue. Hans' mouth was slightly open. He was at a loss for words. It was there...his mother's necklace, just how he remembered it.
It wasn't over yet however.
That psychotic laugh of Jones' brought Hans' attention back to him. "Serves that broad right! I would've done much worse to her however....At least I can melt you, Hans." While he said this, a ball of lava has started to form in Jones' hand, growing larger and larger until it was about twice the size as the others here. "It's been fun, but your faces are really starting to piss me off...Now DIE!" With that, Jones chucked the ball off lava. Gritting his teeth, Hans prepared himself and started to concentrate. His grimoire was free...so he could now use it! The book floated up and turned a few pages while a dark aura formed. The blade of the rapier was coated in darkness, giving off a dark blue color due to the combination of both magics, and with one vertical swing, the merc sent a wave of darkness the shape of a waning moon with a dark blue outline and it sliced completely through the incoming ball of lava, destroying it with ease!
"No...what the fu-" Hans leapt into the air towards Jones with the tip of the rapier facing downwards. As he landed in front of the unsuspecting thug, he tapped the blade of the blue sword onto the ground, creating a shock wave of darkness with hints of blue! It sent the thug flying far back until he slammed hard into a wall, leaving him knocked out, further confirmed from his grimoire falling to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Hans looked over at Jones' downed body before looking back at the two ladies, making his way towards them with both weapons in hand and grimoire floating at his side. They did it...It's over...
Name of Spell: Darkness Magic: Flying Chaos Slash Elemental Type: Dark Rank & Spell Type: Junior - Attack Creation Range & Speed: 23 meters - 10 m/s Mana Cost: 10 (Initial) - 5 (Sustain) Stats Effected: +4 Power (Battle Knight) Applicable Perks: Battle Knight/Quick Shot/Skilled Sniper
Description: As the user's grimoire flips to the page of the spell, the blade of the user's sword (or their arm if no weapon is in use) will be wrapped in a pitch black aura. The user then swings their sword (arm), releasing the dark aura from it in the form of a wave of darkness taking the shape of a waning moon with a length of five feet. The slash is mostly blunt, but is capable of leaving minor cuts to those struck with it, the dark aura fading away shortly after. The user can follow up with an additional slash every ten control gained. (Spell gains +5 Durability)
Name of Spell: Darkness Magic: Chaos Crash Elemental Type: Dark Rank & Spell Type: Junior - Attack Creation (AOE) Range & Speed: 5 meters - 10 m/s Mana Cost: 10 (Initial) - 5 (Sustain) Stats Effected: +4 Power (Battle Knight) Applicable Perks: Battle Knight, Quick Shot Description: Once the user's grimoire lands on the right page, the book will glow in a dark aura as the user taps the tip of their blade (or the bottom of their foot) on a solid surface, causing a shockwave of darkness to erupt around the user, damaging and knocking those who are within range back by two meters. Knock back increases by five meters for every ten power the user gains. (Spell gains +5 Durability)
Suna shapes her aura into a lightweight, rapier-like sword that is 45" / 1.1m long, its blade 40" / 1m in length and 1" / 2.5cm in width, weighing 2 lb / 0.9 kg. Its sharp blade is narrow and two-edged, and its handle is embellished with ornate swirling designs and a single indigo crystal for accent. This weapon is able to deal intermediate damage to its opponents, and Apex Predator gives an additional +3 Power stack-able buff caps after 5 attacks or +15. It will dissolve when broken by a higher-tiered spell or weapon.
Suna shapes her pure aura into a silver topaz-set ring that may be worn by herself or the target of choice, increasing the wearer's power stat by +4. If the ring is thrown at an enemy, it will burst in a singular aura explosion and deal intermediate damage to its target. Additional targets are buffed with +2 Power. Apex Predator gives an additional +3 Power stack-able buff caps after 5 attacks or +15. Buffed allies must stay within the spell's range, otherwise the ring will dissipate.
Suna plays a soothing melody on her instrument, enveloping her target(s) with her sound magic in a circular area. Upon contact, her healing spell will attempt to cleanse target(s) of any debuffs, hexes, curses, poisons, or venom. Archangel’s Blessing allows healing on multiple targets without dropping in potency. At the same time, the force of her spell causes enemies to be knocked back by 4 meters. For every 10 Power she has, the knock back range will be increased by 5 meters. Following ammo rules, for every 10 Control she has, she may knock back enemies another time, as long as the spell is sustained.
It had been a gamble. Suna did not know if the vial’s contents would do anything to the aroma witch, but at the very least, it would cause some painful burns. Vera’s enraged scream had pierced through the room, causing even Suna to wince. It even cut through all the fighting and action on the other side of the room. As the pink mage clawed at her eyes, the elf darted in and got hold of the necklace. The jewels, which were once reddish-pink, had now turned back to blue. This must have been the true form of Hans’ mother’s necklace, and she held onto it tightly in her hand. She had also moved to grab the grimoire as well, but before she could, it floated up and the pages started flipping by themselves.
Glancing at the other side of the room, she saw its rightful owner still standing up, terribly deadly and handsome at the same time. She smiled as she looked on, admiring how he was able to control and form his spells even when his grimoire was at a distance. Even though there were times when the lava user had seemed to gain the upper hand, she watched as Hans pushed through. What she did not expect was for him to add his own spell onto her rapier, enhancing it even more. Her Cadenza had never looked more beautiful in its dark blue hue, shimmering in its aura and the darkness that coated it as it delivered the final blows.
Suna suddenly heard an unfamiliar, raspy voice right below her. She almost did not recognize the voice belonging to the aroma witch, who was crawling on the ground towards her. Immediately the blue elf formed another Crescendo ring, and leaping back, she threw the ring at the pink witch, and it exploded in a grand display of dense aura. As it exploded, it pushed the other female back, back to the wall and effectively knocked her out unconscious. For the time being, she would not stir, nor see what had happened. Not for a long, long time.
Suna breathed out a sigh of relief. After making sure the other thugs were not moving, she immediately ran over to where the dark mage had been. "Hans! Are you okay? Those burns look terrible! Stop, don’t move." She commanded, readjusting her harp properly and starting A Tempo again, hoping to ease some of the burn wounds the man had received from the lava user. For now, she could cleanse him of minor hurts and injuries.
After she was done, the sound mage sent her harp back into her grimoire. Stepping back, she critically analyzed her work. He would still need a proper healing physician to attend to those wounds, but at least they do not look half as bad as before. Without missing a beat, stepped forward and aimed to wrap her arms around the man. "I’m glad you’re okay," the words came out muffled, as she had her face against him, then quickly pulled back. Her face had flushed hot at her bold move, but she did not regret it.
It was also now that the adrenaline suddenly wore off, and she felt her entire body wanting to collapse. She was not used to casting and sustaining so many spells at the same time, and she felt suddenly weak. She leaned on to his arm for support, and looked up to his beseechingly. "Take me out of here?"
Hans was on his guard as he witnessed Vera still moving. She may be in a pretty bad shape, but that didn't mean he should be careless. The witch could still have something up her sleeve. Fortunately it didn't seem that way as an explosion from one of Suna's spells sent the defeated woman flying. Hans' head followed where the woman had landed, and watched her for a second. She was just as motionless as Jones now, leading the merc to sigh in relief.
The sudden shout of his name caused Hans to turn his attention back to the approaching Suna, making a small surprised expression as the elf started to conjure a healing spell. Looking around on the burns and bruises on his body, they were mostly gone with the more serious stuff fading a bit. He certainly felt a lot better now, not just because of the healing...but because Suna appeared okay as well. "Thank you, Sun-" as the man looked back in Suna's direction, he was welcomed by a sudden, unsuspecting...embrace!?
The merc gasped lightly, dropping both his sword and the elf's rapier, their collision with the ground being the only sound heard in this warehouse after Suna's words.
He had never been close to her before, nor anyone else save his mother. Despite all that has happened, the elf had a pleasant scent and warmth to her that made Hans silently wish she'd never let go. He looked down, mostly seeing her smooth blue hair, feeling the woman's face against his chest. It made his heart race. He didn't know what to say, but it was obvious what he should do. Yet, he struggled to do it...His arms were risen in an attempt to return the favor, but he didn't know why he was still hesitant. The embrace may not have been long, but to the merc it felt like an eternity. Even as she let go, Hans still had his arms out for a few seconds before finally realizing and started to rub the back of his head as he averted his eyes. "I'm...glad you're okay too." he said with a nod, but still looking away.
From the corner of his eye, the merc noticed Suna getting a little shaky and as she started to lean in his direction, the guy caught her placing an arm around the woman. Guess she used up so much magic. She was conjuring so many spells at once, something Hans still struggled to do. Hans believes that the woman is amazing, that was certain. With a small smile, the dark mage nodded to Suna's request and placed her on his back. He then crouched down to pick up his sheathed katana as well as the rapier if it was still there and placed them in the same holder on his waist, fortunately big enough to hold at least two blades. His grimoire descended back to its resting place and the merc was just about to leave out until he noticed from the corner of his eyes...the necklace!
Being so concerned about Suna, he almost forgot it. The man picked it up, and looked at it, getting hit with a wave of nostalgia. It was just how he remembered it. Hans looked towards Suna's face whether she were still awake or not while his smile lessened, something coming to mind. He then placed the necklace in his pocket and walked out, happy to be done with this madness.
~~~~
After a bit of time has passed, Hans and if she were still with him Suna would be on another horse ridden carriage on their way back to that small town where it all started. Hans was not sure where else to take Suna since going back to his old home might be a bad idea if Jones and his goons decide to hunt them down again. Only Vera would probably know where they went, but she didn't seem to be a threat anymore. Plus there was a certain someone the two needed to check up on.
Arriving back at the town, Hans paid the driver and stepped out of the carriage, ether holding his hand out to help Suna out, or carrying her once more if she were still feeling weak. "Guys!" As the horse ridden carriage rode off, Hans heard a familiar voice yelling out to them. Turning his head in the direction of the source, Hans was met with a familiar face, maneuvering himself around some people and towards them. "Simon?" the merc said, causing the lightning mage to nod, a look of relief on his face. He appeared to be doing fine after the previous encounter with the pink witch. "Where have you guys been!? The note said you were coming here, but I couldn't find you guys." He claimed, looking around at the town. "I've asked around both yesterday and today thinking something had happened." The man then turned to look at the two again with some concern in his expression. "Hell, it looks like something did happen...Was it Vera? Where is she now?"
Honestly, she did not know what had spurred her to embrace the dark mage. After all, she was not a touchy person, and rarely expressed her feelings to those she had just met. However, he was different - something drew her to him, even though she did not know what it was exactly. Regardless, it had somehow happened, and she did not regret her impromptu action.
Although, there was one small nagging thought on the back of her mind, one that she did not know how to deal with. In all the conversations she has heard or the books she has read, the elf had learned that men only liked strong women. As for her? She was weak, and she knew that. All the people she has met, she has walked away amazing...and painfully aware of her own weaknesses. Why, even those junior Magic Knights she had met impressed her with their abilities. Training with a certain squad’s vice captain had confirmed that as well. Also, there was no way he could be attracted to her. No way. Even if he did not push her away when she hugged him... Then she stopped herself right there.
Wait, why am I even thinking about this? The elf tried to push away all those thoughts. Witches don’t get into relationships... Even if she had decided to leave her witchy past behind, it did not mean that the mindset she grew up with would be so easily changed. If anything, she knew and was well-acquainted with the strict code of living in the Forest. Undoing twenty years of a certain lifestyle and perspective was no easy feat, and not something that could be changed overnight. Those types of things take time. However…
Suna peeked over at the man sitting with her. After waking up and finding herself in the carriage, she had feigned dozing off again, not wanting him to know about her inner turmoil. She felt like she had exposed herself too much during this whole event. But then again, he did put his arm around her to steady her when her knees gave way, and had even carried her on his back.
Hans… You’re different. It unsettled her to know that he was the one causing all these conflicting thoughts in her head, when it should not. Not only with her head, but also something else. But, it was not something she could quite identify. Nothing like her heart or anything. Nothing like that. The elf dismissed that quickly. Besides, it was not like she had never met other male humans before, either.
On that note, she wondered how the lightning mage was doing. They were going back to the small town where it all started, and she hoped the poor guy was all right. After all, they did just leave the town with no notice or word. The blue-haired elf was jolted up when the carriage stopped, marking the end of their journey. She took the proffered hand from Hans, though she turned her head away so he would not see the sudden flush. Every kind thing he did was affecting her, and she did not like how she could not control it. Luckily for her, someone had come running up to them to divert their attention.
"Well, we just took a little trip out of town." She smiled slightly at Hans, then back at the other man. "Vera would not be seeing you for a while, so there’s no cause for worry. She will not be back around these parts for a long, long time." There was a hidden implication in her words, but she did not think Simon needed to know all the details. It was not that important now, anyways. "Also, you have perfect timing."
She felt around her pouch. Yes, it was still there. The other glass phial that she had gotten from the apothecary place. It was amazing how throughout all this time, it had not cracked or shattered under all the rough actions. She held it out to the lightning mage. "Here. We got this at the potion shop, and it’s thanks for your help. The lady said it’s good for reviving someone who has fainted. At the very least, it should help wake you up if you ever need it." She was glad that the woman back there had given them a practical potion. Also, there was something else bothering her that she needed to ask. "I never got the chance to ask, but what happened to you and your wife?" Assuming that the lightning mage would give them some sort of explanation, she nodded. "Best of luck to you."
But now, Suna stood there a little awkwardly. She had decided to cut ties with the Forest, but it would take her some time to move out and resettle. What now? Perhaps she should go house hunting. Maybe in the Common Region? She has heard there were some beautiful houses near the forests. Maybe she should do a little bit more travelling before deciding to settle down. As for Hans… She knew he did not have a place he regularly stayed at, since he was a mercenary. However, a tiny part of her yearned to see him again after they parted ways here...
WC: 880 ⊹ TOTAL WC: 9,045 ⊹ TAG: @morty2 NOTES: All you bro シ
"Well..." Hans crossed his arms and was just about to tell Simon what was going on, but stopped himself as the elf chimed in. The merc looked a bit confused as the girl as she smiled back at him and continued to explain, being vague with her words. Being more of a straightforward kind of person when it comes to most things, Hans didn't understand why she didn't tell Simon about all that has happened, especially the part about taking down Vera which would've probably put him more at ease. Well, it would've been a pretty lengthy explanation, either way, Hans just decided to stay quiet on it. "Hmm, eh I sure hope so." the lightning mage said, rubbing the back of his head. He didn't seem to want to dig deeper into this as well, and just let it stay. He trusted these two enough.
"Oh?" Both Simon and Hans looked at the elf questionably about the former's apparent perfect timing. The lightning mage took the vial Suna offered him which the dark mage quickly recognized. He almost forgot about that vial. He had his doubts about it, but from how the woman sounds, it did its job. Despite how...odd she was, that potion lady wasn't all talk after all. This also reminded Hans of how the liquid in that vial 'cured' his mother's necklace, meaning it had more of a connection with the magic Vera was using, plus there was that whole thing about the potion lady acting strangely when the evil witch was mentioned. Perhaps this could wait for another time. Hans already had enough of this Vera related stuff, and it was time to actually relax.
"Huh..." Simon examined the potion before placing it in his pocket with a thankful smile. "I really appreciate it Suna, but don't worry. It's not like I faint frequently or something." the man claimed with a little lighthearted laughter. The subject then went on to Simon's wife which caused a small shift in the mood. Even Hans appeared surprised, not expecting her to be upfront about it, but the merc would be lying if he said he wasn't curious as well.
Simon placed his hands in his pockets and sighed, seeming like he was expecting this to be asked eventually. "Well, I told her about my...unfaithful deeds." He said, tone lowered as he looked wistfully to side. "I...neglected to tell her about the control, and you know, the whole Vera thing. Didn't want her to worry, or put her in any danger, especially our child." the man added with a bittersweet smile. Hans again couldn't find the words for this sort of situation. His arms slowly fell to his sides as he listened, feeling bad for the guy. "She took our child and left. Went to live with her parents at the common region. It's a lot safer up there in comparison to this mess..." He laughed lightly, but the signs of sadness and regret were still on his face. He then shook his head and looked back at the elf. "Knowing that gives me some peace....Sometimes you just have to make tough choices for the sake of those you love." He looked at Suna, then to Hans, thinking of something but decided on keeping it to himself. "I should be on my way. It's nice to see you're both alright. I'll catch you both around." With that, Hans gave a nod while Suna wished him luck. With a wave, Simon walked off...just leaving these two.
Hans watched Simon fade deeper and deeper into a crowd of people and once he was gone, the dark mage realized he still had someone with him. "U-uh.." the man looked in Suna's direction before shifting his eyes. He was honestly expecting her to leave as well, but part of him was glad she didn't...despite how awkward it was starting feel. There was something he was thinking about doing ever since they got on the carriage back to this town. He wasn't sure whether to go through with it or not, and was still unsure about it. His hand went towards one of his pockets, but hesitated. Was this really a good idea? This was a tough choice...which immediately reminded him of what Simon said, but isn't exactly sure why this was related...or rather he was denying the reason. Still, this thought gave Hans enough confidence to dig into his pocket and as he pulled what he was searching for out, the merc quickly stood in front of Suna. In his hand...was the necklace, now blue and cleansed of Vera's wickedness. Without a word, the merc placed it around the elf's neck if she allowed him to and backed up a little. "...In case Vera returns. It could help with injuries, and ward off some curses. At least...that's what she told me..." Hans claimed, referring to his mother.
There were still some doubts about what he just did...with hints of disbelief. This belonged to his mother after all, and was something she cherished very much. Still...as he looked down at the necklace and back up at Suna, his doubts slowly washed away. There was something about this that just felt...right, that this woman was the perfect new owner for this. He wasn't sure exactly how to activate it himself, but Vera seemed capable of doing it, so perhaps Suna had that same touch as well?
"It...also looks...good...on you..." Hans said, his tone having an amusing mixture of hesitance and confidence while looking away, rubbing the back of his neck. With that, the man quickly turned around and started to walk off, but not before pausing, and glanced back at her. "See you, Suna." he'd say before turning back around and walking off, a slight smile making its way to the guy's face. With all the bumps that had happened these past two days, Hans was more relieved that it happened instead of it being over.
All in all, Suna was relieved that this was all over. Who knew that a chance meeting at Sivert Lake had turned into this flurry of events? If she had not followed Hans into the woods, she would not have met him or the lightning mage. If she had not met those two, she would not have had to deal with Vera. Just the thought of that pink witch left a dissonant note in her song. But then again, they would not have been summoned by Simon if it were not for Vera, and without her, they would not have travelled to Aries Garse to find Hans’ mother’s necklace.
In the end, they had all won their own battles. The sound mage had determined that she was going to leave the Forest for good, and leave her witchy past behind to start afresh. As for Hans, she was sure he must be glad to find his mother’s necklace; it must have brought him some sort of closure, even though she supposed he had to go through some pretty difficult struggles. The thugs, and that leader whom he defeated--it had all worked out in their favor, though, and she knew they were walking out with important lessons learned. However, she would be lying if she did not admit that she would be glad for some quiet time after all this activity.
She nodded, listening as Simon explained the situation with his wife. "I’m sorry to hear that," she said sympathetically, "But I’m glad that you did the right thing. I hope that one day she will understand it all." Though she did not regret the advice she gave to the man, she did feel for his cause. It was not an easy thing to do, and it was understandable why the wife left with the child. However, she still hoped that sometimes in the future, it would be resolved somehow.
"The Common Region, you say?" Her elven ears perked up at the mention of that place. "I’ll be around that area, so I can check up on her and make sure she’s doing all right, if you’d like." She offered. Whether the lightning mage was going to give her the address to where his wife lived was up to him, but Suna had already decided to find the woman and her child and make sure they were safe and sound. "See you..." She gave a little wave as the man left.
Leaving her alone with Hans.
Well, not exactly alone, as there were still other people milling around, but he was the only one that mattered. "Erm..." She cast her eyes down, shuffling at the dirt underneath her boots. Suddenly shy, she was not quite sure what to say. After all this adventure, she was truly glad to meet him. Yet, the more she spent time with him, the more she felt a kinship with him. Was it kinship, or something else? She still was not quite sure, but that was how she explained it.
It was not for his looks that drew her in, but it was his calm and steady personality, the sure and confident way he handled anything that came his way, and also those small acts of kindness. Those were what attracted her to him, and she found comfort in his presence. He was someone she could trust, and would gladly fight alongside again in the future if it came to that. Of course, all these were thoughts that ran through her head--there was no way she was going to say them out loud. Definitely not. Especially when she herself was not quite sure what to do with this strange warm feeling.
"So umm..." She never really knew how to say goodbye. Or rather, she never had someone to say farewell to. There were a multitude of feelings she had within her, but somehow, she just could not put them into words at the moment. She raised her head, and was about to say something to break the silence when a dark figure stepped closer. For one fleeting moment, she froze, not knowing what to expect. So many scenarios ran through her head, but she could not have predicted what Hans did next. He had reached into his pocket and pulled out his mother’s necklace.
The elf was confused. Did he want to show her what it looked like? During all this time, she had not gotten a good look at it, and now she could see it. It was a beautiful and delicate necklace, with one large blue stone set amidst a string of smaller ones, set between small and delicate white gems. She watched as the marine stones sparkled as they caught the sunlight. So this was its pure form, clear and blue, unlike the dark and sinister red when it was in Vera’s possession. "It’s beautiful," she murmured, and nodded as she admired it. However, what he did next shocked her.
Without an explanation, he placed it around her neck, and if he was looking at her face, her mouth had dropped, forming a perfect o. She heard his brief comment about the necklace’s properties--of what it could do, according to his mother--but her mind had not quite come to terms as to what had just happened. "T-thank you..." The elf blushed when he said it looked good on her. She looked down at the necklace, and touched it gently with her fingertips. After all this time, all the pains he had taken to get it back… "A-Are you sure? Don’t you want to keep a token of hers?" She could hardly believe that the mercenary would want to part with such a personal item. After all, it symbolized his past, and from what she had gathered, it symbolized one of the most important people in his life.
To think that he would part with it…but he seemed sure about it. As for her doubts, most were put to rest, at least for the time being. For all she knew, he valued and trusted her enough to keep his mother’s necklace, and she would do everything in her power to keep that trust. "Thank you," she whispered again, putting her entire hand over the stones. "I promise to take very very good care of it." She did not say it, but she knew she would be wearing it every day from now on. It would be a constant reminder of what they had gone through, what they have won, and most importantly, it would remind her of him.
"See you, Hans," she called softly after his retreating form. "And thank you...for everything." A bright smile lit up the young woman’s face, illuminating her features. Somehow, she knew they would meet again.
One day.
- fine -
WC: 1,130 ⊹ TOTAL WC: 10,175 ⊹ TAG: @morty2 NOTES: Whew, what a ride! Thanks for doing all this with me!