Runaway Bulls

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**Previous Chapter**

## The News

In the Clover Kingdom's Royal Capital, home to the wealthiest nobles with the highest source of magic power, is the location of the Magic Knights Headquarters. Lead by the esteemed Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom. While the members of the Magic Knights squad the Black Bull's endure a life and death struggle of survival, the other squads of Magic Knights went about their daily lives. Within the Magic Knights headquaters, within a large room with a large round table in it center, a council of higher ups of the Magic Knights and esteemed nobles partake in a gathering meeting to discuss the state of the Clover Kingdom with the current Wizard King, Tristan Scalibur watching over it.

"Now then onto another, We've had a sudden rise in the Magic Item trafficing. Many of our young mages are acquiring illegal magic items before they obtain their grimoire. Such cause accquires them dangerous power beyond their control without the proper resource of a grimoire to harness it, leading to children risking their lives with every use. According to the reports this is mostly taking place within the towns of the Common Realm." One of the council members brought up.

Within these large halls of the headquaters building, One mage is found frantically running through the halls, in a hasten attempt to reach his destination at any cost despite the lungs in his breath giving out. "huh huh huh huh huh huh!"

"Your concerned about the commoners of all people? It's simple, anyone caught in illegal trafficing, whether selling or purchasing is branded a criminal in our kingdom, their reasons and age are irrelevant. Such behavior is expected among commoners." One of the other council members said causing others laugh in agreement with his statement.

The mage continued running though halls, his shoes echoing with every step he took. "huh huh huh! Out of my way!" He shouted at two Magic Knights walking in his path side by side, pushing them out of his way and continued running to his destination without any concern for them.

"Hey watch it!" The Magic Knights cried out in anger.

"Of course the commoners are the least of our concern, however should this illegal trafficing continue, it's possible it could spread to the Royal Capital, effecting our fair noble children." The first council member to speak informed. "If that happens then the situation would become a crisis." He continued causing the other council members to mumble to each other admitting to him being right.

The mage continued running through the halls again. His face sweating bullets while having deep fear in his eyes as dashes through. "Huh huh huh huh!"

Tristan sits in his chair, leaning over the table, resting his head on his hand. Showing utter disinterest in the topic of these selfish nobles. "Huh" He let out a sigh of bordem.

"Your majesty!" One of the council members slammed their fist onto the table grabbing his attention. "Are you paying attention? This is a serious matter!"

"Uhh yea, dont worry im following along hehehe" A sweat drop dripped down the side of Tristan's face as he let out a fake laugh. The council members went back to discussion. "Huh." He let out a sigh of relief this time. "*I hate coming to these meetings. This is suppose to be discussing improving ALL of the kingdom but all they do is strengthen the noble realms economy*." He then leaned back into his chair, using his arms as comforter to rest his head on. "*What i would give for something to exciting to happen already*."

It was then that the mage thats been running through the halls finally reaches his destination and bursts through the door of the council meeting room. "YOUR MAJESTY!" He cried out to the Wizard King in desperation causing all the esteemed higher ups to turn towards the interupted commotion.

"What is the meeting of this? We are in the middle of a meeting, how dare you barge in and interrupt us." One of the council members snapped at the intruder.

"Uhh, a...a thousand apologies lord, but i have an emergency report for his majesty the Wizard King!" The mage said while gasping for air, exhausted from his run.

Tristan let out a satisfying grin. "*Perfect timing*." Tristan thought happily as an opportunity just risen. He stood up from his chair. "It's fine, lets hear him out." Tristan eased the anger of the council members.

The mage waited for a moment to catch his breath. "Huh huh huh huh. We just received word that members of the Heart Kingdom has managed to slip through the boarder and has attacked the Black Bulls squad." He managed to explain.

The members of the council be shocked. "What this now!?" One of them shouted. Tristans eyes narrowed upon hearing the information.

"Those damn hearts. How were they able to slip through our boarder defenses? What good are having boarder guard Magic Knights if they cant even stop a few heart mages from crossing!" Another one of the council members shouted

"Please everyone, lets wait to hear him out more." Tristan made everyone quite to hear me. "Tell me, whats the state of the Black Bulls? Were they able to identify the attackers?" Tristan calmly asked

"The Black Bulls have taken major damage, the ones that partake in the battle are grievously injured, their base has destroyed and their vice captain, Kai Elio has been abducted. The one who reported the incident, Alana Merle wasn't present during the attack but from what she gathered from the ones who did, confirms that it was a two men group consisting of members of the Heart Kingdoms elites, the Spirit Guardians." The mage explains, answering his question honestly and faithfully.

Tristans eyes remained narrow. "I see" He replied.

"Can those Black Bulls be anymore useless? Can't even hold off two Heart mages" One of the council members clench his teeth.

"Just what you would expect of the worst of the worst Magic Knight squad." Another council member added.

"They've come to take their vice captain? Wasn't he originally from the Heart Kingdom? Ive always believed he was a spy. It was a mistake to let him join the Magic Knights, how else would you have explained how they got through out defenses and found their hideout. I'd say let them have the rat."

"Ruffians tho they are, they attack a Magic Knights squad in our land, clearly this is nothing short of a declaration of war. We must be swift and wipe them out one and for all." Another council member informed.

"Now wait just a minute, it was the Black Bulls that made this report. Don't forget who they are, their ruffians and delinquents full nothing but peasants, commoners and outsiders and their captain is a dangerous monster. We mustn't take their word earnestly." One council member brought up. This caused the other council members to stop as they agreed with him.

"Yes he's right." One member said

"Who knows what their up to." Another member brought up

"Their always causing us trouble." Another member mentioned.

"Ok thats enough." Tristan calmly put an end to the ramblings of the council members. "Regardless of the Black Bulls reputation, they are members of the Magic Knights and therefore they are our trusted allies." He then stepped away from his chair and pushed in. "Now if you excuse me members of the council, I will taking my leave to see to this." He bowed and made his leave from the meeting room with the information mage following behind him.

He walked through the halls of the Magic Knights Headquarters, deep in thought by this situation. "So you say they've abducted Kai?" Tristan repeated as a question.

"Yes sir." The mage answered.

"*Is it because of the prophecy*? *Or do they have an invasion planned and need to prepare*? *Either way their willing to go to extremes and even sent their best to ensure success*. *So whatever it is*, *Its not something i can over look*, *however*..." Tristan thought in his head. "Tell me, have any actions been made upon receiving the distress call?" Tristan asked the mage behind him.

"Yes, a unit has been sent to the Black Bulls base for inspection and to take the wounded in for treatment." He informed.

"Very well, in that case ill take charge of everything else. I want you to deliver this message to the Violet Orca's stationed at the Heart's border. They are to increase security. Theres a chance they've already made their way out of our territory, but just be on the safe side tell them be on watch for anyone passing by, i want everyone inspected and i want them activate the boarders jamming barrier. If anything we can prevent any of the Hearts spatial gates opening on our side." He explained to the mage behind him.

"Right away sir." He responded

"And contact every squad available. I want them to search every corner of Heart Kingdom intruders. They are to bring in anyone they find suspicious." He ordered.

"Understood." He responded.

"Right now i want to keep Korag from finding out about the state of his squad. If he finds out now im afraid of what he might do." Tristan mumbled to himself loud enough for the mage to hear.

"Uhh" The mage hestated to interupt him.

"Hmm? What is it?" Tristan wondered turning his head towards him without turning his body to face him.

"Um, im terribly sorry sir but Korag was already on site of his base when we've received word." The mage answered concerningly.

Tristans eyes widened as he turned around completely. "What? So he already knows about it?" He asked frantically

"Y...yes sir." The mage answered worriedly

"Grrr thats not good." Tristan clench his fist. "In that case. I'll take that care of that personally. You go do everything ive asked you to." He told the mage.

"Right away sir!" The mage gave the Clover salute before running off to do what he was told.

As Tristan watched the mage run away from him, he mumbled to himself. "Dont do anything foolish Korag. We have to think this through." He said before walking away.

Over the following two weeks, tensions within the Clover Kingdom escalated as news of the attack on the Black Bulls squad spread. Tristan tirelessly coordinated efforts to secure the kingdom's borders and search for any suspicious activity. The Magic Knights were mobilized as they combed through towns and regions, determined to locate members of the Heart Kingdom who may have had infiltrated their territory. Throughout the two-week period, the story unfolded with intrigue, alliances, and hidden motivations. The tension between the Clover Kingdom and the Heart Kingdom grew palpable, as both sides braced for potential conflict.

Magic Knights' Headquarters bustled with heightened activity. The air was charged with a mix of tension and anticipation, as the approaching meeting of the Magic Knight captains loomed. The grand entrance hall, adorned with intricate tapestries and towering suits of armor, saw the captains of each squad converging. One by one, the captains made their entrance, each reflecting the unique characteristics of their respective squads.

Within the majestic corridor of the Magic Knights' Headquarters, an atmosphere of expectancy and strain pervaded. The commanders of each division were assembling, their demeanour mirroring the distinct attributes of their individual teams. Among this distinguished gathering, a persona of royal elegance and formidable might marked her arrival. Dahlia Clover, the sovereign princess and captain of the Coral Peacocks, advanced into the chamber with an aura of unbreakable determination. Her eyes, keen and probing, surveyed the assembly, recognizing the countenances of her fellow leaders. Her stance was erect, her motions graceful and deliberate, a vivid contrast to the stereotypical portrayal of a pampered royal. She was in her battle attire, buffed to a radiant shine, reflecting the illumination as she traversed, but it was her essence that truly radiated. Here stood a woman who had challenged conventional norms, who had opted to exercise her influence rather than indulge in opulence. Her noble lineage was not a restriction but a stage, a means to instigate transformation. As she occupied her designated position at the conference table, the resolve in her eyes was unmistakable. She was not present as a symbolic figure; she was there as a guide, a combatant, a woman of decisive action. The predicament involving the Black Bulls and the Heart Kingdom was serious, and Dahlia was prepared to confront it directly.

Just as the discussions were set to commence, a presence of unmistakable nobility and authority made its entrance. Through the arched doorway strode a figure dressed in robes of regal blue and silver, a color palette that bore the emblematic tones of the Silva family. The onlookers' attention was immediately captured by the aura exuding from the captain of the Silver Eagles, Dante Silva. Dante's entrance was a study in refined elegance and magnetic charisma. His silver-white hair cascaded with an ethereal grace, catching the light in a way that suggested both power and otherworldliness. His amber eyes, as sharp and penetrating as a falcon's, scanned the assembly with an astute awareness.

In the midst of captains and knights, Dante's presence was undeniably captivating. As he reached the designated spot at the table, a sense of anticipation rippled through the room.

"*This situation has certainly escalated beyond mere rumors,*" Dante mused silently to himself, his thoughts a labyrinth of strategies and considerations. "*The Black Bulls, Heart Kingdom agents, and the potential implications on our relations…*" His mind traversed the complex web of alliances, power dynamics, and the boiling pot of chaos. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest, a subtle reflection of the intricate strategies taking shape within his mind.

Walking into the Magic Knights Headquarters, a feminine figure gracefully strode in like a stag prancing across a forest. With a frown adorning her beautiful face, Miko Hamaru quietly moved past the knights toward her destination.

Her nature remains quiet as she made her way towards her designated spot. Her quiet demeanor and the frown on her face unnerved the others around her as acting this way was uncharacteristic of her.

Taking her place with the other captains, Miko remained quiet as she recalled the current situation. *‘This is troublesome, it’s common knowledge that Kai is from Heart but he cut his ties with them. So why would they come now? It's been years since he appeared. So Why?*’ Sparks of electricity cascaded down Miko’s left arm slightly as her thoughts became erratic. Breathing gently, Miko calmed herself as she recalled in her mana. *‘Stay calm Miko, The Wizard King will think of a situation hopefully.’* Miko thought warily as she rubbed her arm.

Black flames began appear making the appearance of the Magic Knight Headquarters eerie upon what was happening. Among the flames was an alluring feminine figure who stepped forward emerging gracefully. While her entrance was unsettling for some, her presence was enchanting for the beauteous captain herself, Feuer Chloris. While her elegant face adorn a stern expression she remained tranquil and composed yet in her mind many questions began to surface in her mind that left her with the single question of why.

As she made her way to her place where the other captains are, she could only ponder upon the situation and what the next phase of action would take place. "*So this is what comes down to. Kai is taken back to Heart though...it doesn't seem to add up. Then again, something will come of it sure enough.*" Feuer thought to herself as she closed herself lost in a train of thought.

Emerging into the headquarters, a man in full, glowing golden armor with an elagant red cape baring the insignia of the Clover Kingdom's strongest Magic Knights squad, the Golden Dawn on the center of the cape, walks through. This man's very first step rendered the Magic Knights with the build breathless, as their mouths became agape as he approached with such a commanding presence and carried himself with such confidence. The man wasted no time checking the scenery nor cared about the people around him and preceded towards his destination to the captains meeting room. The man in shining golden armor, Arthur Hisumi.

Unlike the other captains, Arthur had zero interest in the topic at hand. As he found the kidnap of a Black Bull to be of little imporatance to him and possibility of war to be rediculous therefore he showed no concern for the situation.

After the captains have taken their seats within the meeting room, awaiting the arrival of the man who called them all in. As they waited, the door to the room opened slightly, as a young girl with long violet hair peeked through. Her presence was captivatingly adorable, while pale in comparison to Feuer's beauty, she makes up for in her cuteness, Sakura Mato. Her face jumped to surprise as she burst the door open and ran in. "Ahhhh, p...please tell me i didn't keep you all waiting." She said concerningly, her face blushing from the embarrassment and ran to take her seat among the captains to avoid the awkward situation. "I'm very sorry." She cried out. She was very nervous being in the presence of the other captains, making her unable to sit and relax.

The atmosphere within the room was tense, as the captains sat silently awaiting for the arrival of their Wizard King. Everyone sitting with serious and concerning look with the eminent threat of war looming over their heads. Suddenly a flash of light flickered within the room with Tristan Scalibur appearing in the room as the light dwindled down and vanished. "Hi there everyone." He greeted with a welcoming smile while casually waving at them. "Sorry to keep you all waiting, but I appreciate you guys comming." He said with no concern about the tension in the air. "Now before we begin, i believe we're missing someone." He obviously pretended to wonder as he stepped to the side.

He creating a flashing light similar to before as Korag Gildamesh emerged from the light screaming and shouting in anger, flinging and swinging his arms around in a fit of rage. "mmmmm! mmm mmmm mmmm!" He tried to shout only to no avail due to his hands and mouth binded by Tristans magic.

Tristan walked up to the table and took his seat among the captains. "I caught myself a big one here trying to rush head first through the Heart Kingdoms boarders. But after some sweet talking, i managed to talk him out of it." Tristan said, letting out a sincere smile.

"MMMMMMMM!" Korag tried to shout as he attempted to reach over and strangle Tristan but was unable to get close to him.

"Now then, lets get this meeting started. Before we get into the discussion, have we had any reports about the search party at all? Sakura?" Tristan asked, blantly ignoring Korags gagged screams.

"Huh Me? I umm." Sakura stuttered as the captains turned their focus to her to hear her report causing her to blush from the sudden attention. "W...well the squad members out guarding the boarder have reported no suspicious activity... no one has come in or out differently." Sakura informed.

"Very well." Tristan answered, with sakura letting out a sigh of relief that shes not the center of attention anymore. "What about the search party?" Tristan asked the other captains.

"All of my knights have come up empty handed," Dante responded as he nonchalantly looked up at the ceiling. "We out our ear to the ground, thumbs in the scales, and nothing. However the hell those guys got in so easily is beyond me, let alone how they got out with not issue." He then turned his head over to Feuer. If I recall correctly you women were also out looking, you find anything? Other than some chores to do of course."

Feuer gazed over to Dante with a calm expression on her face as it remained stoic. "Unfortunately, none of them came up with anything regarding any leads," Feuer replied shaking her head, "at this point, they've been going around in circles trying to piece this together."

Miko’s left eye twitched as she heard Dante’s comment but remain silent as she listened to Feuer’s response. A sigh released from her lips as she spoke, “My subordinates are having similar problems, there are no tracks for them to follow.” Placing her head in her hands, Miko asked in concern, “What are we going to do?”

"Now now, everyone calm down!" Tristan tried to ease the tension, trying to put up a smile with a sweat drop dripping down his head. He then cleared his throat to get to back to serious matters "Now then, if they havent been discovered yet then im afaid it means the intruders have appeared to vanished without a trace then. Their means of entry unknown and its entirely possible they've existed the kingdom without being spotted through our border patrol." Tristan assess the situation.

"Uh umm." Sakura was hesitant to say something. "I-is it possible they have another passage way in our kingdom besides the border?" She questioned.

"Hmm" Tristan thought for a moment. "Yes i suppose its possible." He considered

"And what exactly is keeping us from an offensive approach moving forward?" Dante asked as he raised his hand looking over at the wizard king.

Tristans eyes narrowed upon hearing Dantes question as he looked back at the bind and gagged Korag who was waiting for this specific answer this whole time. Tristan let out a sigh. "As you all are aware, the tension between clover and heart are very fragile, the slightest inconvenience on either territories could spell all out war. Thats why the mere mention of a member of the heart infiltrating our fair kingdom is not to be taken lightly regardless of the situation. However at the same time, the actual authority to declare war against another kingdom falls upon more hands then just I, the Wizard King. It would require the decision of the council as well as the reigning king himself to decalre such an action." He explained the method this works. "And is where the problem lies." He continued. "The council is made up of elite nobles and royals and experience magic knights, they have as much pride in themselves as the Magic Parliament therefore they can be very uh...adamant about their decision. requiring cold hard evidence that heart actually infiltrated the kingdom." He then turned to look back at Korag. "Which is why their not going to take the words of the Black Bulls, who are notorious for being a thorn to the magic knights, seriously." He then looked down in regret before turning back to the other captains. "And once i report the result of this meeting to them that we have no been able to find any of them combined with the lack of evidence found at the Black Bulls base. It's unlikely they will be convinced there was ever a heart intruder in clover." He concluded his reasoning as he got up from his seat and walked towards Korag.

"I know your attachment to Kai, Korag, but he's beyond our help now. I will appeal to the council to establish a way to retrieve kai from the Heart Kingdom diplomatically. I would ask you please refrain from doing anything reckless." Tristan pleaded while undoing the binding.

Korag, now free from Tristans binding magic growls at him. "You got to be kidding me. Those heart eye freaks beat up my squad and you tell me theres no evidence? Those same members are in the medical ward because of it! One of them being my own daughter." Korag shouts angrily.

"I understand Korag, and i 100% trust in you and your squads report, however my trust alone isnt enough." Tristan tries to explain.

Arthur scuffs at Korag. "All of this nonsence because of the traitorous outside you've harbored for all these years. If anyones to blame for the events transpired its you. Your attachment this boy is foolish." Arthur called out, once again showing no interest to this subject what so ever which causes Korag to glare at Arthur as tension grew between them.

"Thats enough both of you. Korag this decision is final." Tristan demanded.

Tristan turned towards the seat captains "As for the rest of you! This meeting is adjourned, please return to your base and maintain high alert. This surprise attack must not happen again. Be prepared to recieve orders of defense from me at any moment. I will not let them catch us off guard again do i make myself clear?" He commanded the other captains. "Dismissed."

As the captains made their leave Tristan took his seat with his hands held together while deep in thought. "Feuer I need to speak with you for a moment." He called to the Blue Rose captain who was the last about to leave the room.

Feuer looked over to Tristan then headed over to him with a curious expression that spread on her face. "Is there something wrong Tristan," Feuer queried.

Tristan remains deep in thought with a serious look in his eyes, not even turning to look at her. "Tell me. what are your thoughts on this situation?" He asked.

Feuer took a moment to gather her thoughts then sighed to herself as she finally found the words she wanted to say. "Honestly, there's too much to even express what is going on at this rate," Feuer explained, "at the same time, it's difficult to wrap my mind around the current situation with Kai and what the Heart Kingdom wants with him."

"Is that so? Well then allow me simplify it." Tristan stood up from his chair and approached the window to gaze upon the people below. "Your aware of Kai's origins correct? Having originated from Heart? Well, because he was originally belonging to the Heart Kingdom, the moment Kai crossed the border, it became a political matter. It is basically viewed as them retrieving their captured comrade to the eyes of the council and therefore will not take action until i make my plea. It is now at a delicate situation and therefore it is out of the Magic Knights hands. If any of our magic knights get does anything reckless then the results would lead to war." He then turned around to face Feuer. "Know of anyone that would do something as reckless as this?"

"Honestly none come into mind that I can think of," Feuer replied shaking her head, "however if there was indication that someone would pull off something this reckless, they did this rather strategically when we least expected it."