➨Past.

It was an extremely rainy night. Your mother had insisted that you, her, and your father find shelter before the storm picks up (more so apparently) and makes it impossible to navigate around.

Eventually, you reached a village that you never caught the name of. She was in the front, your father brought up the rear. It was something you always knew he was upset about. He believes that the man should lead the women, and shield them from oncoming dangers. She argued that protection bore no gender.

She was fierce regardless. So he never stood much of a chance when it came to having the upper hand in these short lived arguments.

Inside the unrecognizable town, you wanted to look around the area and possibly meet the people who lived there. Maybe see what type of buildings were around if you could see anything at all.

"What are we doing here again?" You questioned, looking between both parents for an answer.

"I told you; looking for shelter." She replied.

"No no, but why here?"

She said nothing afterwards, and instead led you up a path to a basic looking house, with a person in a purple clock standing out front. You tried to make out what it was, but it was foreign to your eyes.

This person opened up the front door to the house, and you were ushered inside by your father. Looking up at this mystery citizen while you swiftly passed them.

Immediately, you scanned the home. It was cozy and simple, much to your liking. This was the basic dining and living area you could see. And there was a hot meal on the table. Your stomach growled as if you were starving.

"Y/N please," your mother unzipped her jacket. "Ah, it's always good to see you, Zara. How have you been?" She said turning around.

The person came from behind you, the heavy boots making you flinch. "I've been great! The Purple Orcas are treating me right, and I can't complain much about work."

A Purple Orca?

So that's why his cloak was purple. You knew that was one of the Magic Knight squads.

You were born in the Clover Kingdom, but your father was from Spade, and your mother was from Heart. So you travel between the three. Spade was... a little harder to enjoy at times because of all of the mess going on. Mess that you didn't quite understand at the moment.

Heart was beautiful though. Everyone (mostly) was so nice to each other, and it was like one big village to one another. Once again, for the most part.

"How's your son? He's a little older than Y/N right? Has he received his grimoire?" Your mother asked this new man named Zara.

Zara nodded with a smile on his face. "You must forget he's only 2 years older than Y/N!" He lets out a roar of a laugh. "He has 3 more years before that day comes around! Ah, but if I'm being honest, I'm not sure where the kid has run off to. I told him to be back by dinner and I believe it went in one ear and out the other."

Your mom came over and tapped you on the shoulder. "Here, let's go wash our hands."

To that you followed her. In the background, your father and Zara started engaging in conversation. You admired all the photos on the wall as you were led down the hallway. Most of them had two people, a few only had one. You turned into the bathroom and your mother flicked on the light.

"Mommy, who's Zara?"

She turned on the water and lifted you up so you could reach the faucet and the soap. "He's very popular around this village. In fact, he's the first commoner to ever become a Magic Knight. It's a huge honor to be in the same room as him, you know. So treat him with respect."

Respect was one of her ground rules. Something you chose to never disobey because of how hard she preaches and teaches it.

"I thought only rich people could become Magic Knights." The soap rinsed off your small hands, and back into the drain. She placed you down so you could use the hand towel.

Now she washed her own hands. "It's not an uncommon thought. I think Zara is just the first of many. He's going to make it very far, you just gotta keep an eye out."

Keep an eye out, huh?

"Do you have to become a Magic Knight? It sounds kinda scary."

The water shut off, and she patted her hands dry on the towel and hung it back up. "Of course it's not a requirement. Some kids just really want to make better and peaceful lives in their Kingdom so they go for it."

She didn't really address the scary part. Maybe it's not too bad then?

"Let's not keep the guys waiting, okay?"

While you walked back, you knew that you forgot to ask another question. Although, it must've not been important because it left your mind the moment it was there. So instead, you chose to stuff your face.

Most of the talking had drained out from your ears because you were too busy eating. The only thing that picked up and that you listened to was between your dad and Zara.

"How is Spade? I know that here in the Clover Kingdom most people are wary about beyond the borders regardless. But Spade is like a forbidden topic."

Your father used a napkin to wipe his chin. "I'll never be surprised by that. I understand it though. Our military doesn't take kindly to... anyone, really. Getting in and or leaving is difficult. Plus the speculation of evil doesn't help our case."

Zara laughed, "oh you know they're going to be scared of their own shadows at this point! My friend, you're always welcomed here in this village in this home at the very least. Your whole family too, of course."

Sometime during that, the front door opened and a new person joined for a few seconds. Your back was facing the door, and they didn't stick around for too long. You must've said hello to them, and didn't pay them any mind.

Plus... you were quite focused on clearing your plate.

That person never joined you guys for dinner anyway.

You were quite content with this peaceful aura. Both your parents, and this new guy named Zara. He was funny, and made a lot of jokes. Plus he was kind to you, and your father and mother. Not everyone was like that.

If only you knew at the moment that the veil you were in was going to dissipate sooner or later, you might've acknowledged it more. That the lessons you were learning were going to fade on one side and strengthen on the other.

Maybe just maybe.

Or perhaps, you wouldn't have joined the Golden Dawn.

At least then, you would've had time to spend under the veil before it started peeling away.

Or before Spade shot right through it.