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.
Mass hysteria, that’s what and how the boy felt in this moment. Maybe he was naïve, perhaps a bit too ignorant and young to understand the politics and severity of actions in this world but at fifteen, what else did you expect? Dull and stupid, that’s how he felt after his casual entering to the Green Mantis Headquarters. Sure, he knew it was a dumb idea, but she seemed so nice, like she truly was rooting for the boy who wanted to use hard work to get him places and for a second, he believed her. For one measly second, he practiced with his broom every single day to get better at it for the sake of becoming a Magic Knight. Now, his daydreams of wearing the Green Mantis mantle and to fight with them for the sake of the country had been over once again. The last thing he wanted was to be affiliated with a cohort that only cared about themselves and showed face when they truly needed to. Meeting them again and in different circumstances would literally change any and everything. Sure, he barged in but was attacking necessary? The potency of the arrow, if she had been a centimeter off or if he’d move, Romeo would probably be dead and it was that fact that shook him deep into his commoner core. That’s all he was, that is literally all he would be.
[break][break] The man wasn’t sure where he was flying, his broom kept him going straight and the day began to dip closer into the afternoon and it seemed like Romeo was being pushed further and further away from where he was trying to go into the unknown. When he looked down though, it didn’t seem like he was in the Commoner Region anymore as the landscape had seemed a bit darker and what looked like bandits huddled in clusters hidden against the roadways for the sake of their own looting. “ Shit, shit, shit… ” Romeo’s control over his broom began to faulter as he tried to inhale and regain his composure, at such a high altitude it didn’t seem to be happening at all. It’s at this point that he knew he needed to descend and recent himself, praying to the Salamander himself for safe passage as one of the many born within the Summer months.
[break][break] He landed a bit off the path, a grassy plain area with a couple of large rocks where he could get a good vantage point if someone attacked. It’s the best he could do with the knowledge he had to keep safe. Romeo held it altogether until he landed, his steps a bit uneasy as he found his way to the top of the rock with his broomstick in hand and began to cry in a way that he never sobbed before. It was primal, guttural noises escaped his body as his breaths were so quick that it sounded like he was hyperventilating.
[break][break] The teenager was lost, confused and had no idea which way was home and he’d probably get his ass beat from his parents for this stupid charade, all because he thought he could be a stupid Magic Knight. Romeo’s hands were inside of his palms, tears still flowing as he couldn’t help but feel like the only solace in this moment would actually be death. He deserved to die after his idiotic actions of the day in the guise of optimism, there was nothing good about this and the light scar forming on his face would be a constant reminder of his idiocy, if he even made it home from here.
[attr="class","vailescroll"]Breathe in. [break][break] Breathe out. [break][break] Meditation. It was a better part of his day. Especially now, when his emotions were beginning to get the better of him. Tricks taught by his father, a technique honed over the years. Yes, when emotions ran high, it was better to take time to calm them, to let passion simmer down and away. [break][break] His eyes were closed, sitting crossed legged, alone. He’d spent enough time at the Lake with his father and sparing other family, he needed his time alone. Though, shadows never granted him such a mercy. When he opened his eyes, she was standing there. [break][break] “You’re not real.” [break][break] He said, his voice already tired with a sigh. [break][break]
“I’m as real as you think I am.”
[break] He said nothing to her. Vaile only let crimson eyes trail downwards, unable to lift them and see the construct that was in his mind. She was just an illusion, one that only he saw. She was gone from this world, and yet she remained in the one in his mind. [break][break]
“I’ll always haunt you.”
[break] Her shadows melded into his, silver hair was caught in the wind that didn’t exist. Eyes, the color of the clear blue sky, sparkled like sapphires, and yet they still held no shine. It was because she wasn’t real. The folds of her sundress fluttered in that imaginary breeze. She was beautiful as she always had been. But she wasn’t real. [break][break] “Won’t you?” [break][break] He whispered back, finally raising his head again. But just as she appeared to him, she was gone. Was he comforted by her presence? Even if she was just an illusion? The semblance of someone he wanted to be was lost when the world shattered all around him. She was nothing but a memory, she wasn’t real. [break][break] Thankfully the crash and the burn was enough to distract him. [break][break] “ Shit, shit, shit… ”
[break][break]He snapped out of his daze. Looking down and then further at the rocks and stiff cliffs below him. He reached out with senses, soon finding that it was a presence with little mana. Youthful, young. And in a rather sorry state. Vaile sighed, again, turning his head as he considered what he could do. Finally, he stood up, dusting himself off slightly. [break][break] His shadows restricted back unto themselves, no good to give the boy a scare. He straightened out his shirt collar, adjusting black leather gloves just slightly, the seal of House Blake, a Black Eagle, on the back of his palms. [break][break] Vaile stood up, looking over the ledge of the short cliff that he was atop while the young man was at the bottom. [break][break] “I would ask if you were alright, young Sir. But, I have no reason to doubt that you have quite a few worries on your mind.” [break][break] He spoke aloud, catching the crying young man’s attention as best he could. He spoke only what he presumed to be true. Vaile took a step, sliding down the steep slope with a bit of grace that one only had if they were assisted by magic. [break][break] “Take words from a stranger, young man, today may be a clouded sky, but tomorrow there will always be a sunrise.” Poetry wasn’t his best subject, but he’d grown to enjoy a good play of words. And sometimes, a kind comment was all one needed to hear. Crimson eyes narrowed, but his smile was a cautionary type of generous. [break][break] “If you’ve lost your way, perhaps I can help if you’d like.”
Was there only ignorance in youth? A plague on not being enough for the sheer fact that he hadn’t lived. Fifteen year olds had been old enough to gain their grimoires and obtain magic, they could test into the Magic Knights and yet, still there had been so much that the boy hadn’t known. The dark edges that held the world intact felt too intense in their grip for Romeo to pull himself away from. It was a dark spiral on his own unknowing. Slipping away from his conscious into something deeper, more sinister in nature as his mind flashed towards dastardly deeds for the sake of retribution. He imagined the Green Mantis based set ablaze, those who taunted and mocked him to be vengefully punished for their crimes against him, personally. And yet, without time, it was no wonder the boy couldn’t take a step back to feel and see where he contributed into his own undoing. Oh well, that was for old people who hadn’t had passion and angst to fuel them into madness. [break][break] The tears continued to flow as they began to comfort him in a rage. Gritted teeth, clenched fists and a menacing power growing inside of him until the words of a stranger struck him dumb for a second. He hadn’t expected to hear the kindness of other in a moment that he felt absolutely lost, could this truly be divine intervention? [break][break] Romeo lifted his head, gaze meeting with an ivory-maned adult who seemed too kind to be meddling in the affairs of the forsaken region. He wiped the tears from his eyes, let out his last sniffle as he pushed himself to his feet with his broom in hand. “ I, uhh. ” The teenager was truly at a loss of words at what he was trying to do at this point, his words radiated warmth but what if this was once of those times that his cluelessness brought his own folly once again. [break][break] “ Thanks. “ General manners thrown out of the window as he took in the other’s garb and gestures as someone who seemed somewhat well off. The poetry in which he spoke was meant for the nobles who had the time to study language and showcase their meanings in hidden metaphor, a luxury that Romeo had no time for. “ I’m just having a bad day, is all. This woman who I thought was my friend showed me that it wasn’t the case when I tried to come and ask for assistance. ” He would be as transparent as he could without giving everything away for the sake of his own anger. “ Do you live out here?” Romeo paused before looking around, the forsaken region hadn’t been awful but it surely wasn’t anything like the towns closer to the capital. “ You just don’t seem like someone who’s home is out here. ” That’d have to be nice enough, deciding to take the other’s words in mind as he asked for help. “ Are you familiar with Nashe Village? I got a little lost trying to get back home…” Maybe the man would be kind, a general direction is all he needed but he could also lead the man deeper and further from his own morbid sense of ruining a kid’s life for giggles. For now, he’d trust the fellow and his mystical words.
Well, he certainly was a loss for words. Vaile didn’t say much else in return, instead then, allowing the boy time to say whatever it was that he wanted. He was young, he needed some time to form more coherent thoughts and after such a crash and burn, it was necessary to do so.
[break][break]
Vaile nodded, letting his crimson eyes go softer, taking note of the young man’s raven black hair and toned physique. They were about the same height, though perhaps Vaile stood a bit taller and a bit slimmer, and perhaps with more confidence. That was how young people were tho…
[break][break]
“Thanks.“
[break][break]
Vaile took the time to listen to the young man’s troubles. Ah, betrayal of a friend? How poignantly awful. And a woman, how further distasteful. Vaile held little emotion on his face, a neutral pressing smile remained. He held his hands behind his back, tilting his head from back and forth at the appropriate times.
[break][break]
It was then he was faced with a question. He chuckled at the inquiry. “Would you think it so odd if I did?” Vaile countered a question in return. “What kind of person do I seem like then?” Teasing words wanted to have it some more, as if he was testing the young man, prodding him for a correct answer.
[break][break]
“I’ve a home near Sivert Lake. I’m out and about because I enjoy taking walks in the wilderness, and sometimes I suppose… I run into crashed crows on the ground.” Vaile motioned with his head at the young man before him. Revealing a rather boring truth and continuing to tease the young man’s predicament further. A crow, certainly not as elegant as a raven, nor as prideful as an eagle, but another black bird, usually known for its noise.
[break][break]
“I suppose you think that’s odd, for someone like me.”
[break][break]
Someone like me. But who was he? Vaile Valentine? Son of House Blake? Shadowed brother of the Heiress? Bastard child? Forgotten sibling? Petty words wanted to tear him apart from the inside, but in the end, he would only release a rather mystifying laugh. He knew what the boy was thinking, a commoner himself, would only think that a man with such grace and stature seemed to be of noble blood.
[break][break]
“Nashe Village, you say? That’s a bit far from here, young Sir, I think your broom took you quite a ways off.” He pointed in the general direction of the village, raising a gloved hand ever so slightly.
[break][break]
Vaile then lowered his hand, crossing his arms in front of him as he returned to a more casual stance.
[break][break]
“Though, perhaps you shouldn’t be so quick to trust strangers if you can’t trust your friends.”
Romeo could not appreciate the other’s maturity in such a sullen moment, the reality of the world felt like the hot sting of a slap across the face. His life so far in the lower echelons of reality were one-dimensional at best. There hadn’t been the hidden agendas, deterring motivations and the political backstab that most royals felt as they worked hard and tirelessly to hold the powers their ancestors had worked to obtain. This nuanced sense of hurt had been microscopic in comparison but for a young man, an ambitious teenager with yearnings, this was a betrayal that he wasn’t sure if he could ever redeem. [break][break]Stunned by his response, Romeo couldn’t help but let his face twist itself into perplexion. To the young rice farmer, he seemed as someone who resided in the glass homes of the nobility through his garb and general appearance, it was obvious that he took care of himself and spoke with quite the eloquent gift of diction. “ I’m not here to judge you, sir. ” Romeo forced himself to a quick back pedal, not wanting to get into another fight with someone he was certain was miles ahead of him in both power and control of his grimoire. A status Romeo knew he had to and wanted to fight for throughout the rest of his life. “ But you seem like a noble, someone with a silver spoon shoved in their mouth. A man who has the time to use words as a weapon. ” His eyes narrowed in at the man’s light jab, deciding to send his own assault as classless and without accuracy but still, hopefully as effective. [break][break] This is why he hated those who looked down upon the commoners, it felt so patronizing. The idea that he wasn’t good enough because he couldn’t string together words in form or had unlimited time to study and practice their own magic by design. “ Crows too, have their own ferocity. “ He chimed in, if he would be seen as a squawking beast, he might as well make some damn noise then. [break][break] He seemed nice enough but the jabs against him felt unnecessary for a man who had already felt like he had been kicked down by the realities of life. “ Guess I’m not meant for the broom then, huh. ” A harsh sigh escaped his lips, eyes peering over to the man who seemed to enjoy prodding at the teenager’s misfortunes. [break][break] “ I’d agree with you but I don’t have much more to lose at this point. ” His tone was somewhat defeated, only a sliver felt like he would still get himself home, somehow. “ It’d be rude if I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Romeo, lost rice farmer of Nashe Village. ” Perhaps he could glean the man’s identity through his last name, but he wouldn’t push if the other hadn’t wanted to share. For now, he’d settle into the silence for his own sake. The man often ended up eating his own foot from his constant habit of oversharing.
[attr="class","vailescroll"] “ I’m not here to judge you, sir. ” [break][break] But hadn’t he already? Ah, there it was, an admission of such said judgments. Vaile kept a neutral expression on his face, his mouth curling up in a slight smile. Perhaps he was entertained by the thought… a noble? He carried himself as one didn’t he? He looked the part, didn’t he? He said nothing at the further comment, crimson eyes narrowing slightly. Words as weapons… commoner, saying such things as that. [break][break] Maybe he wasn’t so hopeless after all. Vaile chuckled once, the sound itself akin more to a slight scoff. [break][break] “You’re only half right, kid.” Vaile shrugged, his tone suddenly becoming all the more casual. “I’m only a half-noble. And bastards like me simply have to learn how to survive as best we can.” [break][break] He stretched out his arms behind his back, yawning a bit, still somewhat tired from his meditation. He supposed that wasn’t the point of said meditation, but who wouldn’t grow tired after settling down all other senses. [break][break]
“He is just a kid.”
[break]
His voice of reason echoed in his mind. He paused, considering what else he could have done, what other things he could have said. She always came out, told him things like that. A white shadow that whispered words in his ear. [break][break] “ Crows too, have their own ferocity. “ [break][break] “Don’t take me the wrong way, kid.” Vaile sighed, resting a gloved hand on his neck. “Just looked like you needed a bit of a distraction from… all this.” He motioned to the young man’s broom and well, the rather mussed face he had from a bit of crying and more. “I don’t mind crows either, sometimes being noisy is the only way you can get heard.” [break][break] Indeed. [break][break] The next comment about the broom had Vaile shrugging once more. “Not everyone is. Brooms are only so dependable anyway.” Vaile didn’t use them often himself, but he knew how to well enough. [break][break] But on the words of trust, it seemed as if the young man didn’t have much else to lose as he so directly stated. Vaile decided to not elaborate further, for the sake of the kid’s sanity. And well, he was finally given a name. [break][break]
“Nice to meet you, Romeo, lost rice farmer of Nashe Village.” Vaile said in return, his grimoire floating freely from his side. A dark tome, with black leather and darker pages. “I am Vaile Valentine, bastard son of House Blake.” With a glow of dark aura, pages of his grimoire flipped freely as it floated in the air. Shadows trembled under his command, before swirling together and forming a familiar shape of a bird, large enough to carry the both of them. [break][break] One of the wings stretched outward as the bird itself tilted its body, allowing Vaile to step up onto its back. [break][break] “Allow me to take you back, I doubt that broom of yours can handle another go around.”
