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.
[attr="class","withoutyouscroll"] Sivert Lake. [break][break] It was summer, so most cherry blossoms had already fallen away, revealing leafy green branches that spread out along the lakeside. Vaile stood along the eastern edge, his figure standing out in the shadow of the canopy. He looked down, seeing the pattern of dark grass stitched with the afternoon sunlight that peaked through the leaves. [break][break] The waters of the lake remained calm and serene. It was like a reflection of blue, mirroring the sky and clouds above. There were many legends about the area. Vaile himself could name quite a few that explained why this place was always as gorgeous as it was. Whenever he came here, even the darkest thoughts that raced in his mind seemed to quell. [break][break] So that was perhaps why the shadow mage had returned. After a very long talk with the Summoner, he had left her camp behind without so much as a farewell. [break][break] They would see each other again. There was no doubt to that, at least for now. [break][break] As for what he decided to do until then… [break][break] He breathed out again, running gloved hands through his silver hair. While he had slept, he still felt tired. That burdening blanket of weariness dared not to leave him be. Perhaps it was sadder to say he was growing too used to it. He saw small waves travel across the water as he looked up, picked up by a rather strong gust of summer wind. Crimson eyes reflected dark red in the water. And if he looked at his reflection, he could see another figure there. A ghost. [break][break] The skirt of her white-spotted sundress fell to her knees, the fabric catching in a nonexistent wind. Silver curls, the same color as his own hair, laid gently on her bare shoulders. Dainty hands were held in front of her, fingers curling in a small pose akin to prayer. Sapphire eyes looked nowhere. Her reflection was clear in the lake, but no one stood beside him. [break][break]
“What do you want to do?” [break][break] She said to him. [break][break] He still didn’t have an answer for her. [break][break] She faded away with the waves. [break][break] Vaile lifted his head, his senses suddenly picking up on a presence of mana nearby. It wasn’t odd to see Sivert Lake have visitors, most often lovers who wished to receive some good tidings by the romantic waters. He masked his mana signature, becoming almost invisible to anyone without a decent enough sensory skillset. [break][break] Was he curious? Perhaps. Did he care about this visitor to the waters? Not particularly. [break][break] They likely wouldn’t care to see him there either.
[attr="class","nyahPOSTIT"] Being outside was always an odd experience for Pasha. It meant interacting with strangers and maintaining one's manners, but the young mage wasn't familiar with either. They were taught the basics of proper behavior, however it wasn't reinforced, so they often make mistakes. As for social interactions, well… Pasha spent more time in a cellar than they have ever held a conversation. Either way, the path to power often involves leaving one's nest and so there they were: venturing out into the world beyond their bubble. [break][break] It was interesting roving from one place to another, practicing their magic along the way, and one of Pasha’s favorite parts of travelling are the stories. They developed a habit of listening to rumors and gossip as they made their way through whatever communities littered their way. Many interesting things happen out in isolated areas, so it wasn’t long for the rumor of Sivert Lake to reach their ears. A place where lovers go. [break][break] Now, it would be foolish to say the mage headed there for romantic reasons - that wasn’t even a concern of theirs. What spurred them on to follow this rumor was the idea that some being inhabited the lake, one that is said to bless partners with good tidings. So Pasha set the lake to be their destination, intending to confront whatever it was for their father’s lesser capacity for love. [break][break] And if the lake has nothing to say for itself, then Pasha will strike it down! Somehow. They didn’t think that far ahead yet. [break][break] The young mage trudged down a path with heavy footfalls. They were nearing the lake, from what they could tell by the crudely drawn map given to them by a kind passerby who foolishly believed they headed there for a rendezvous with some imaginary partner. Although, it was a good cover should Pasha really encounter whatever it was in that lake and wind up slaying the thing. [break][break] Again, the goal wasn’t killing the spirit of love or what-have-you, but if it was their fault Pasha was unworthy of love, then they have no choice but to fight. [break][break] A flicker of light catches their eye, and soon Pasha found themself staring out across the lake. They were alone, thankfully. No one would be around to watch their confrontation. But then again… there was no one around to call forth the spirit of the lake, and Pasha definitely can’t. Especially if the thing can sense their intentions. [break][break] “Hey!” Pasha called out to the lake, yelling from its shores and watching closely for any response. [break][break] But nothing responded, so Pasha called out again - and again the lake responded in kind. [break][break] Grabbing a rock from beside their foot, Pasha throws it harshly towards the lake with another yell.
[attr="class","withoutyouscroll"] It wasn’t someone he expected. [break][break] After all, it was a single presence, little mana, likely a youth of some regard. Not a pair, like visitors usually did come in. Finally, though, Vaile realized that he, too, had come there alone. [break][break] He supposed there was little for him to think that it was odd to visit the lake alone. [break][break] But perhaps it was a single hopeless or hopeful young mage, praying to get the lake’s good tidings for whatever romantic endeavor that such youths often found themselves pursuing. Vaile could believe a story such as that. [break][break] He looked towards where he felt the mana spike and saw the youth of long raven hair. Steps were taken carelessly, barging without much thought. It was the way of naïve youth, though Vaile could hardly remember when he had been like that, if he had been like that at all. They were a little distance away, but not so far that Vaile couldn’t hear a distinct yell emanate from the young mage. [break][break] “Hey!” [break][break] It was a single word, a greeting, but made with such forceful intent. And then they repeated it, Vaile simply standing in the shade with an abruptly neutral face. [break][break] Just what was this youth doing? [break][break] Vaile witnessed a rock being through into the lake’s clear waters, the ripples tearing through the once glassy mirrored surface. Vaile watched as the miniature waves faded through the water, soon his curiosity getting the better of him. [break][break] Was the youth angry? There didn’t seem to be such hateful intent behind their actions. Unfortunately, though, he still couldn’t exactly tell. Sighing a little, he supposed he couldn’t just let the youth remain disturbing the peace of the lake. What if there had been a pair of lovers who came searching for it? [break][break]
Vaile stepped over, his footsteps still rather silent. But he allowed his presence to be noticed now, if the youth even had some semblance of a sensory skill Vaile himself did not know. [break][break] “If you intend to greet the fish and frogs.” Vaile said, turning to catch the attention of the youth. “You’re only scaring them away.” [break][break] Crimson eyes narrowed, but his mouth curled into a slight smile.
[attr="class","nyahPOSTIT"] Pasha was readying to throw another rock with rising frustrations, when they suddenly detected mana behind them - closer than possible if they had just arrived. It was shocking, but not surprising either way; Their sensory abilities needed work. However, it meant that whoever it was, was hiding from them prior, otherwise the young mage would have noticed the nearing mana from further away. [break][break] Clutching the rock in hand, the mage turned to face the stranger while moving to a defensive stance while the man spoke. “If you intend to greet the fish and frogs. You’re only scaring them away.” Pasha’s eyes narrowed as they listened before relaxing their stance and dropping the glare, replacing it with a cheerful smile. [break][break] They chucked the held rock off to the side as they replied. “Ah, well. Maybe you have a point.” With a shrug, they stepped away from the shore. “Although it’s not the fish or the frogs I’m after. Perhaps you could help me find what I’m looking for…?” [break][break] Pasha approached the man, keeping their friendly mood. To say they suspected this stranger as an image for the spirit of the lake, or whatever, would be scarily accurate. But, they aren’t so much of a fool to believe in it either. If he is a spirit of love, then the question Pasha will ask should have an obvious answer; and if he is a spirit of the lake or water, then Pasha might apologize for chucking rocks into the lake and ask if it knows a spirit of love. And if this stranger is simply just a man, then what a waste of time! Pasha needs answers, and they won’t get anywhere with some person in the way. Not that they’d be able to do anything, anyway. [break][break] The young mage extends their hand in greeting. “My name is Pasha, and I really do hope you’ll help me. See, I heard rumors of people receiving blessings from this lake and I was curious about who or what could do such a thing. So I came here looking for answers, as well as whether it’s possible to ferry a blessing across distances to a certain individual. Oh and worry not, I only hope for a singular person to receive a blessing - it’s not even for myself!” [break][break] “So I’ll ask again, would you please assist me?”
[attr="class","withoutyouscroll"] “Perhaps you could help me find what I’m looking for…?” [break][break] As expected, it was neither fish nor frogs that the young mage was inherently looking for. Vaile could’ve guessed that from the very start, but it was still more entertaining to tease than to give the inherently right answer. [break][break] Vaile didn’t immediately answer the youth’s odd inquiry. The silverette’s face remained remarkably neutral about the encounter. Because honestly, if the raven-haired youth was searching for what Vaile was expecting… [break][break] … then the Blake could not help the young mage at all. [break][break] Their tone was friendly, and so was their demeanor. Vaile could not sense any ill-intent, and that was apparent enough. Perhaps their only fault was the fact that their naivety was worn so well on their sleeve. [break][break] Vaile looked at the hand in greeting. Crimson eyes stayed considering if he wanted to take it or not. He listened well to the youth’s explanation. [break][break] Pasha. [break][break] Certainly, naivety was so well worn on their sleeve. [break][break] Vaile extended his hand in similar greeting, though the gesture was less deliberate and seemingly too casual. “I know of the Lake’s legends, and I know enough to tell you that’s not exactly how its supposed blessings work.” The silverette gave a cautious response, keeping his words careful, as if this version of the truth was going to upset the youth. Expectance of one thing often led to a disappointing acceptance of reality. And perhaps Vaile himself knew too well of such a paradoxical tragedy. [break][break] “There is nothing definitively spiritual or supernatural that inhabits the waters, only fish and frogs.” Vaile explained, “People come here only for the legends of the lost lovers, who centuries ago were reunited at the at these shores.” He then motioned to the crystal clear waters beside them, letting his shoulder drop as he shook his head. “Their love was a blessing upon this place, giving it its beauty and serenity, and today many lovers come here to view the waters hoping to gain some of that blessing for themselves, a blessing of a beautiful and long-lasting love.” [break][break] Of course, what he said was all too good to be true. “In the end, it’s only a story. No one even knows if it’s true or not.” [break][break] “But the Lake is still pretty, and people like to visit it. And the story itself, well,” Vaile shrugged again, “It’s quite a romantic one.”
[attr="class","nyahPOSTIT"] Pasha grinned happily when the man shook their hand. Although the man remained hard to read for the time being, it appeared he would play nice. Besides, Pasha couldn’t help their building excitement. The man practically agreed to help them! [break][break] Only, when the man said “I know of the Lake’s legends, and I know enough to tell you that’s not exactly how it's supposed blessings work.” An ache formed in their chest, but they will remain hopeful. After all, that was just about the blessings. He hasn’t confirmed or denied the existence of the spirit. But then again, the man could just be lying - he could still be the spirit, he could be testing them. [break][break] So Pasha listened with a tight smile as the man told them the legend. They watched when the man gestured to the lake itself. But then, it all led to disappointment once again. [break][break] "W… what? But…" if it was all a lie then… It really is all my fault. A throb of pain ached from their head, making them clutch their forehead with a hand and drawing out a gasp. [break][break]
Of course it's your fault, we've been over this. You just never learn, never listen.
[break] They took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, relaxing their hand from their forehead. Their head will probably hurt for a while, but that’s entirely their fault for setting such high hopes. The revelation of the spirit of love not being real confirmed that it is Pasha’s fault for being so unlovable, only now they have nothing to take that hurt out on. Unless they attacked the older man - but the man could hide himself completely, so he must be powerful and it would be dangerous to attack him. Also, the man might still be a spirit, and he could be playing with them. [break][break] Their fingers gripped the hems of their sleeves tightly, and with a quivering smile, Pasha looked back up at the man’s face. “Who-” the word was shaky, making them clear their throat to rid the nerves before trying again. “Who cares about a pretty lake and some dumb story? That doesn’t help me - I thought you would help me.” [break][break] Pasha chewed on their bottom lip, trying to keep calm, when they suddenly scowled. “Fish and frogs? What is with you and fish and frogs? Are you some sort of creep?” [break][break] Taking a small step away from the man, Pasha gave him an incredulous look; attempting to direct the attention away from their earlier upset with teasing. “Sorry, old man, but if you will not help me, then I’m going to have to ask you to leave - especially with how ‘romantic’ you find this place. Unless, of course, you happen to know something else about it?”
[attr="class","withoutyouscroll"] "W… what? But…" [break][break] Vaile could have expected the disappointment, the disenchantment. His expression remained passive, neutral. Crimson eyes strayed away, looking out across the mirror surface of the lake and his ears still picked up upon the drabble that the youth continued to spew. [break][break] And perhaps a small smirk still escaped onto his lips. That was right, the naivety of youth. [break][break] Vaile held no real offense when there was an explosive reaction. There was little he could say to calm the emotions of the youth. At the mentioning of creep, he almost couldn’t hold in the little chuckle. Truthfully, he’d been called much worse. [break][break] He was asked to leave. Something he wasn’t entirely unsurprised to hear. Though, the inquiry came afterwords was still something to find minuscule amusement in. [break][break] “Unless, of course, you happen to know something else about it?” [break][break] The shadow mage shook his head, shrugging his shoulders for full effect. “If I did, I’m certain I would tell you.” [break][break] He waited another moment, obviously not taking the youth’s request to immediately leave. As a late summer wind picked up locks of silver hair, Vaile could only wonder if once upon a time he had once been as naive and a bit tempered as the youth beside him. [break][break] “If you came here looking for a lover’s blessing, then you must have a lover.” Vaile casually stated. “And yet you come here alone.” He motioned to the lone youth, pointing out their lack of a partner. [break][break] “Is it a mutual love? Or perhaps an unrequited pining?” His finger was placed on his chin, mocking a classic thinking position. “It could be familial as well,” Vaile continued. “Or perhaps simply platonic.”
[attr="class","nyahPOSTIT"] “So you’re telling me that only people who are already successful in love get blessings? Sounds utterly ridiculous to me,” Pasha huffed, crossing their arms in annoyance at their predicament. This Old Creep here - who was probably sneaking around the lake and probably snooping on couples - expects Pasha to believe that people who are already in love deserve more blessings than anyone who doesn’t? The dark-haired youth gritted their teeth before muttering under their breath, “Completely stupid.” [break][break] A familiar itch was developing in the back of Pasha's head and the throbbing ache increased, but all the mage could do was shake their head in response and look for something to distract their frustrations. Pasha bent low to scoop up some smaller rocks into their hand and went back to the shore of the lake, uncaring for the other mage. Then, with their empty hand now holding a single rock, they hurled the stone towards the lake without a sound. This was simple, easy, and the best way to detract from the heavy disappointment weighing over them; Pasha had to keep a levelled mind. The last thing they want is to black out around a stranger. [break][break] That brings up a good point though, so after throwing a second rock, the blood mage peeked over their shoulder at the man and spoke up again, prepping another rock to toss. “What are you doing here, anyway? Peeking on couples with that invisibility spell or whatever like the Old Pervert you are? Unfortunately for you, there’s no one around to satisfy you or your creepy habits.” [break][break] [exit]
