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.
Post by Bruadar "Bru" Beag on Nov 3, 2021 1:27:23 GMT -5
The changing autumnal air was making its way further from summer and closer to winter with each and every day, yet despite this, Bru felt no chill in the air against her bare feet. She had grown up in the wilds, and while she was taken care of by that strange forest man she barely remembered, she had always perfered to be as barefooted as possible. It let her feel the ground itself, and learn so much from it. She could feel the grit and texture of the dirt below her feet, and the way the supple changes in texture and feel grew with each new layer she unearthed as she dug her feet into the ground. She loved the feel of the earth below her. She watched on the small hill as she looked at the capital of the Clover kingdom, high upon its mountain with its little dolls all moving as they played their part in the game that was her life. She was 15 years old, yet in her mind she was still a child. Bru chuckled as she used her magic to create little charactures of some of the people, she couldn’t see their details, but she was imaginative enough to make them up as she went.
She wondered what it was like in that gold and silver town. What it meant to be in a city where there was so many people and noises. She had been in towns before of course, but she had never been to the capital. She had heard from the Black Rabbit that it was a dangerous place, full of many enemies. He had told her never to go there until he had deemed her strong enough. She knew better then to disobey his order. Elsewise, he would take her over from her body and move her far away, back into the forsaken realm. She hated when that happened. She hated being forced to live away from all the people and shiny things. Even as an infant, she had eaten all she could, taken all the shinies she could. But now with him as her protector she could do no such thing. She huffed softly, and kicked one of the painting down the hill, effectively killing it. The other fake puppets ran after their friend, crying painted tears as they mourned for their lose as she looked back to the city she so longed to visit.
“All the world will be your enemy, Bru, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, Painter with the swift fingers. Be cunning and full of tricks and you shall never be destroyed.” She did her best to mimic their voice, despite sharing the same body, their voice was so deep and dark compared to Brus own light and cute vocalizations.
The fall air was cool and pleasant, sweeping about the autumn tipped leaves in a poetic dance. It was a fairly beautiful day Mania mused as he traveled the low rolling plains just outside the cities outer limits. He had been a very busy rogue lately, so mania was enjoying the downtime in between jobs. Things have really been picking up for him, he thought whilst reflecting on the past month. Whilst walking around, Mania would happen upon a younger, barefoot girl ... or boy? The rogue was unable to discern Bru's gender because of the androgynous appearance they had. Mania would raise a wry brow, as he observed the younger mage who was talking to themselves. Mania couldn't quite catch what they were saying as he approached slowly and cautiously. The last thing Mania wanted was for them to become spooked by his sudden arrival.
Mania would ponder idle thoughts that were forming in his mind: like why was she all the way out here and alone? If anyone knew that people had their reasons, it would be the rogue himself. Having practically raised himself since when he was a wee lad. The young mage knew everyone had a story and sometimes that story just happened to be sad, though for Bru's case he would hope that wasn't the reality they were facing. "Hey there, It's lovely up here isn't it? Away from the city and its people.~ Mania's voice was smooth as he coolly spoke nonchalantly, his hazel eyes would drift from Bru to the horizon. The sun's light bleeding onto the rolling hills, bathing the town in the distance in a warm, amber tone. Looking back towards Bru who was wearing a cap and dark brown overalls, Mania would notice the magical creations.
They looked like people but carried a painting-like aesthetic Mania thought as he would draw a tad closer to the girl. She looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old and possessed magic. Though neither of those things would offer insight into the Bru's situation. Mania didn't want to impose on her, but also he knew that running into people outside the city made for tension that could choke the ambiance around. "Don't mind me, just out for a walk. The name's Mania kid~" The rogue spoke in a friendly voice and he even produced the most genuine smile he could muster to try and put her at ease should she find his presence troubling. He would take a seat atop the grassy hill, not terribly close to Bru, but nearby as he would kick his shoes off and feel the earthy texture with his bare feet.
Sometimes a rogue just needed a break from the world.
Post by Bruadar "Bru" Beag on Nov 5, 2021 14:33:18 GMT -5
The voice that entered her ears was unknown to her, it was smooth and silky smooth. She turned her head, causing her large Brown eyes to lock with the man who had begun making him way up the hill. He was well dressed, but seemed more like a relaxed farmer then a guard or Knight. The young firl heard the mans words, but the part that stuck out to her the most was that he spoke of the city and its noises. Had he been from the capital? The painted creatures seemed to sense their masters new facination with the new man and as their friend turned to dust, they ran back up the hill and playfully tried to climb and interact with the man. As much as they were just playful extension of her magic, they had no personality besides feeding off of the residuals of Brus. They were little portrayals of the royalty, the knights, the commoners, and even a criminal rogue.
As the man sat and spoke his name of Mania, the Black Rabbit told her not to speak back, to just turn and run away like she always had. But the young artist had no fear of this man. She only had a desire to have them show her the city. She quickly moved to him and her voice was like that of a child. So full of energy and wonder at the fact that he had been to the city. She crawled to him like a anmal or child would and started to barrage him with a bunch of questions.
“Oh my god! you’ve been to the city?! whats it like?! what does it smell like?! is it true that you can get any kind of food you want in the capital? And that they have whole buildings dedicated to painting and stuff?! what about the king? Do you see the wizard king~? I bet he looks so cool! Oh! What about the snacks? Are they any good?!” the black rabbit tried to bull her away with her mind and body, but she was so fully in control it could barely even get its voice to be heard, but she still felt it trying to communicate. She spun around as if talking to someone else, and told them to back off, there was no way she wouldnt ask him questions. “oh stop black rabbit!” she turned back “Mister Mania! Please take me to the city! I wanna see the capital!”
The brightly colored magical people playfully climbed atop Mania's legs, dancing and beckoning the rogue's attention. Mania had never before experienced such magic, he would extend a hand whimsically indulging the animated creations. They appeared in the amorphous shape of what he understood to be nobles, farmers and even an adorable rogue were among the lot. The excitement in Bru's voice would bring a smile to Mania's face as he leaned back, palms flat upon the grassy hill. Hazel-colored eyes drifted to the sky that was painted with vivid orange and bright purples. The small girl was filled with wanderlust and she had a plethora of questions at the ready to slate her curiosity. Mania found it strange Bru had never been to the city, even if not just get supplies with her family. Mania would find himself pondering Bru's situation, further deliberating upon the countless possibilities.
Where was the rogue to begin?
"Yup, I've been there plenty of times. Seen all types of towns and cities, some of them were beautiful almost out a fairytale. They are filled with loads of people and lots of interesting things to do. Of course, there are all kinds of food you wouldn't believe. Like deserts that are sweet as honey~"
A light-hearted chuckle escaped the rogue's lips absentmindedly, the gentle autumn breeze swaying Mania's dark blue hair.
"Can't say Iv'e ever laid eyes on the fellow, but he's probably not cooler than me~"
Mania's roguish voice was confident and smooth as he spoke. The girl appeared to be talking to herself, she mentioned a black rabbit, the moniker held no meaning for the rogue, but it did raise questions. It was innocuous enough, but still strange nonetheless Mania thought, eyeing curiously as she asked the rogue to escort her to the big city nearby. Bru wanted him to take her to the nearby town, but Mania was wary, raising a brow as he would fall onto the soft, grassy terrain, his eyes falling upon the excited girl's visage as she turned back to Mania.
"Shouldn't you ask your parents, didn't they teach you to be careful of strangers?"
Mania would show some concern, but his question also served to get her to divulge information. Though it seemed innocent, it would allow the rogue to understand Bru, just a bit better than he could if was kept in the dark. She would probably pout Mania mused wondering how she would respond. Bru was ecstatic about him taking her to the city, but he would first need some answers. The rogue wasn't put off by the idea and he was headed that way to get some goods for the road. It all worked out, so there was no real reason to deny Bru. Still, though, kids like her should be more careful, not everyone was a good person. WC: 478 TWC: 937
Post by Bruadar "Bru" Beag on Nov 8, 2021 13:42:55 GMT -5
Bru listened in wonder as the man before her explained. He really had been to the big city, and had lived among its people. She could tell by the way he was speaking. She didn’t detect a hint of a lie. Sadly, she was so unskilled in social cues that she also didn’t think that he might just be a very good liar. Having spent such little time with any other figure except her father who died recently and her forever passenger the Black Rabbit. As he spoke, she reached out almost as if to touch him to make sure he was real, But she stopped feeling the black rabbits tendrils digging at her mind a bit to remind her of safety. He may not have been able to stop her from talking to him, but he would do what ever he could to make sure she stayed safe. The paintings on his lap played, and climbed over him like a living play area in the park. The rogue pushed one of the others, and it began its fall to a splattery death from Manias shoulder. It made no noise as it fell.
For bru, who coul see it, she didn’t reach out to save the little noble as it fell to its destined fate. But she did, for a second let her attention be captivated by the death about to happen infront of her as the poor creature splattered. She chuckled and then laughed herself to a belly giggle that made her feel warm inside. Before she stopped to collect herself. She was a child at heart, and children are often cruel without reason. But as he spoke of her parents, she stopped laughing and grew a bit shyish. She unconciously sat with her knees in her chest and her chin resting on her knees. She debated telling him that she didn’t have any parents, but it was still a sore spot for her that her father had died recently. The Black rabbit nibbled at her mind, telling her to say nothing and to leave this man to his own devices. She didn’t need to go to the city. It was dangerous and full of enemies. She fought not to do as the black rabbit said, but she failed as she began to open her mouth to speak again, but failed and fell short of getting the words out.
Mania noted the subtle shift in Bru's disposition when he asked of her parents. The sad undertones are hidden beneath the surface of the girl's somber eyes as Mania attempted to dive within its deep depths. The rogue was good at reading body language, something someone who was observant and had sound intuitive reasoning such as he could discern such subtleties. Mania saw that Bru was trying to muster words, but they would be pickpocketed from her lips before she could mouth them. The rogue regarded Bru with an empathetic look as he sat upright and stood to his feet. Mania would slowly draw closer to Bru and attempt to place a hand on her faintly shaking shoulder. Mania would look directly at Bru - a cool smile pressing his lips. Whatever darkness she harbored, the rogue wouldn't press the issue, instead, he understood the implications of her actions far better than what she herself could have guessed. Whatever the case had been, Mania thought it best to pocket the question and would choose to raise her from the precipice of sadness.
"What's your name kid? If you keep it a secret I'll take you to the city. Show you where they have the best food at and we can walk around till your feet are sore."
Mania would reach his free hand out towards Bru, his pinky finger prominently sticking out to imply a pinky promise with the younger girl. For one reason or another Mania sympathized with Bru, perhaps it was because she reminded the rogue of himself when he was younger. Though unlike him, there was still a light that glimmered faintly in her eyes. That light was something Mania no longer possessed. He had made peace with his darkness or best he could have and simply exist with the demons of the past that haunted him. Bru had a talent for magic so she would not be worse for wear in the future he thought, but she would definitely be lonely. Humans after all are social creatures that craved company and outer stimuli from one another. If Bru needed another, Mania would acquiesce and see to it that she was never alone again. The world was far too cruel for a child to be all alone, the stark reality of such a notion would make Mania sad. Sad for himself and others alike who struggled to survive such a reality. This world was filled with such wonders and also with an unimaginable, almost unbearable pain.
This ugly, yet beautiful world... WC: 423 TWC: 1,360
Post by Bruadar "Bru" Beag on Nov 13, 2021 23:09:24 GMT -5
What did Bru think she was doing? So far from the forest she called home, she was lost to the thoughts of the Black Rabbit. Overwondering about her world and what she was doing in it. She was lost in a clouded mindset now, her anxiety and the influence of the Black rabbit was making her nervous. She would need to run away, to escape before he tried to hurt her. Her heart race raced as the silver thread of the Black Rabbit began to tighten around her neck like a noose. Yet as his words left his mouth and touched her ears offering her a chance to see the big city, a chance to finally be where the people could be. In an instant the tightened noose that had wrapped aorund her neck was gone as if it had never excisted. Tears welled up in her eyes and she tackle hugged him thanking him profusely, before she remembered he had asked for her name. She rolled off him and like a child she tried to help him up as she spoke.
“My name is Bruadar Beag, But Mister Black Rabbit calls me Bru.” she said with a happy tilt to her voice. Her eyes which had held deep sadness not moments before now held a hope an sparkle like that befitting a child hearing that old saint nick had visited them in the night. She moved away as she ran to the tree to look at the city from its shadow. She couldn’t wait. She would get to eat as much of the new strange foods as she could, and she doubted her feet would get sore, but she didn’t mind at all. She was so eager and excited to go to the city that the presence of the Black rabbit was nbarely felt in her body at the moment. For the first time in a long time she felt something like hope in her chest, making her feel warm.
She turned to look at Mania and smiled happily. She had a moment where her skin blushed, and she turned back to the city slowly approching the end of dusk. The sunlight highlihgting her as it began to set fully. The lights in the town could be seen, it looked like a small party or festival was planned. Bru was jsut stunned at the lights. In the forest and hills, she only had the light of fires she built herself to keep her warm and protected from wild animals. “oh wow! Look at all those Fires! Is something important happening? Is there gunna be a big cook out?!” she looked at him happily, eager to experiance new things.
Mania was surprised as Bru embraced him, he would pull her close and wipe the tears from her eyes gently. She was repeatedly thanking the rogue, which really tugged on Mania's heartstrings. He was glad he had happened to come across the young girl, she was definitely in need of being around other people. That much was clear from his short interactions with her. Running his hands through her hair, he felt a bit worried as to who this black rabbit character was. It caused him to raise a brow leerily, wondering if it was an imaginary friend or something more insidious.
"Nice to meet ya Bru."
The sadness buried in Bru's large brown eyes had been washed away, now replaced by whimsical happiness. Mania would get to the bottom of this mister black rabbit later he mused, as he watched Bru look out towards the nearby town. She was enamored by the multitude of lights that shone like strobes of brilliant fires. He would walk towards the edge of the hill where the gorgeous sunlight illuminated the pair in its own amber image. Placing a steady hand on her shoulder, he would follow her line of sight towards the town.
"I'm not sure, so lets go find out~"
Mania would coolly state as he reached for the girl's hand and begin making his way down from the grassy hill. To the dirt road towards town, he guided Bru and entered the town. The was in fact a small festival taking place, decorations and plenty of folks lined the filled streets, enjoying the festivities. As they ambled through the town there were plenty of sights to take in, stalls, and games for the children. Mania would look towards Bru who was filled with wonder as she was no doubt taking in everything for what he assumed to be her first of many alongside the rogue.
"What do you want to do first Bru? There's tons of games and food~"
Mania asked the girl as they sifted slowly through the crowded streets. There was still plenty of daylight left and the two's options were limitless. WC: 354 TWC: 1,717
Post by Bruadar "Bru" Beag on Nov 28, 2021 23:42:05 GMT -5
The hand that placed itself on her shoulder was like a fathers, or older brothers. And for a moment strange memories flickered in her mind that barely registered for her as even happening. A forest coated in paint, the trees torn and ripped apart by magic of ink and pigment. A gentle fatherly hand placed upon the shoulder of the memory holder, as it wasn’t a memory Bru was familiar with, as far as she was aware she didn’t even understand her magic. The young child like witchling used it almost instinctively and as such had no understanding of the greater uses she could achieve by using her grimoire. The hand that had placed upon the unknown shoulder was wizened with wrinkles, and as the figure the memory was held under turned to look, a happy feeling spread through Brus body, though she had no idea it was from the memory.
As he spoke and encouraged her to go find out with him, She smiled up at him a toothy and very happy grin from ear to ear. As they approched the dirt road from the grassy hill, the remaining painted figured that had been waiting for orders dissapeared, turning into little puddles of paint based mana that dissapeared shortly after ward, the little creations of hers were mere afterthoughts now after all, she had all the entertainment she needed now and as such those little playthings no longer even existed in her mind. Her bare feet touched the dirt road as with every step they approched the small town. The hand that had taken hers was new to her, she had not been with human contact or a long time, and as such she held onto that hand like a life line.
She had not seen a place as magical as this. The lights and sound and smells were almost overwhelming if not for her own toxic curiosity bringing about a much stronger need to stay and learn and explore and discover. As they made their way fully into the towns main entrance she was almost immediately presented with a stall of food, and shiny red apples on sticks made of polished wood. The place next to it was selling cooked meat, the smell of the barbaque sauce and the sound of the crackling fire assaulted her senses and made her empty stomuch growl so loudly even over the noise of the festivities it could be heard by those close by. So as they walked by a stall selling those strange red apples that shined like the sun on water at sundown, with sticky little fingers as she had from learning to steal from animals and bees she reache dout and took one from another child as they passed. The noise and bodies of the crowd covered her well to the people around and even as the child cried once they had distance, Bru bit into the candied sweet and nearly melted. She pulled her hand free of Manias grip to ensure she had as best a grip on her candy treat as possible, and stopped to devour it quickly as she could.
In the short moment of grabbing and devouring, she had become seperated from Mania if only for a few second, but it was long enough to allow a crowd to form between them. Yet the little girl was lost in the wonder of the food she so greedily devoured, and as such didn’t even notice. The sticky red candy lay in pieces upon her lips and hands, melted from the heat of her touch, causing her hands to become sticky and red tinged as if with bloody red coloring.
Mania watched as Bru swiped the candied apple treat from a child they passed. The rogue merely smiled as he thought she had the potential for a roguish lifestyle. She would release his hand, but Mania wouldn't mind as he looked ahead to a stall in the distance. They had a game of scooping goldfish from a bucket, Mania remembered playing something similar when he was much younger back in the Spade Kingdom. He had only did it once but still recalled how fun it was for him. Perhaps Bru would enjoy it he thought, he would look down to his right, but the girl would be gone - vanished like a magic trick. Though the rogue appeared calm, cool and collected, he was surprised he had lost track of Bru. Worried he looked to his immediate right and left, but still, the brown-haired girl was not seen.
"Bru? Where are ya?"
Mania called out for the young girl as he pushed and sifted through the heavily crowded streets. The rogue didn't think she was taken, mostly because she had appeared overwhelmed by all the stimuli and powerfully interested in the sights and smell. She had to just wander off he thought as he continued searching for her. It wouldn't take Mania long, he came across Bru, whose hands were sticky and red as if she had just committed murder. Truthfully seeing the sight was somewhat scary, but Mania abolished the thought as he approached her. The rogue didn't care if she stole candy from other children or even committed murder, but if she was going to be in his care she would have to be more attentive as to not become lost or separated. If Mania didn't solve this issue now, nipping it in the bud, he was sure it would one day come back to bite him.
"Bru you can't be going off on your own. Promise me you won't go away without telling me? Its very important you promise me this, its for yer safety."
Mania was kneeling down to her level and as he spoke the rogue would retrieve some napkins from a nearby stall before attempting to clean the innocuous girl's hands. Mania didn't want to come off as too harsh, he was just extremely worried. Especially given his line of work, it wasn't a reach to say that he could have made some enemies along the way, ones who wouldn't think twice about hurting a hair on Bru's head. Mania, though would never allow it. His magic was especially catered to protecting others should he prioritize it, but this was one of the first times he found himself thinking of another before himself. The notion brought a slight smirk to the rogue's face as he would finish cleaning Bru's hands.
"I'm not mad or anything Bru, but we have to stick together. You asked to see the town with me, so we have to be together when exploring, okay?" Once more seeking reassurance from the young girl, Mania hoped she could understand him as he gave a wider, sincere smile. The rogue would rise to his feet whilst patting himself off.
"It's gonna be hard trying to be a guardian for this girl.... but i don't think I mind much really..."
Mania's internal thoughts would echo in his mind as he extended a hand, hoping Bru would take it. WC: 564 TWC: 2,281
