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Chapter 1 - Five Leaf Clover

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Yuno's POV
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I'm falling.

Falling further and further from the radiant light above.

The falling never seems to cease.

Senses that I rely upon the most have failed me, as the darkness envelops me. My bare, cold arm stretches above me in a futile effort to possibly latch onto any saving grace or miracle that could be bestowed upon me in this moment of need. Unlikely as it seems, I believe it's possible.

Wind; ravenous wind raging from the sliver of light above whips and lashes against my face. Oh how it mocks me, telling me to give in to the pain and forfeit all that I've worked tooth and nail for--all that I stand for. However, time is running out, as is my hope. My consciousness is fading, as the arm that had once kept me strong becomes so, so cold. It weakens, shivers, and slowly lowers.

As shameful as it sounds, I can't muster a single sliver of strength to resist it...

---

I awaken suddenly, gasping and choking for oxygen. After a minute or so, I finally catch my breath, as numerous beads of sweat stream down my face. I reluctantly raise myself from the overly soft matress on which I lay,  attempting to gain some sort of temporary composure. I glance to my left, only to notice that the dense curtains were never drawn closed the night before. As if on cue, the comforting beams of the morning flow through the tall glass panes, blinding my dazed vision and forcing my eyelids to squeeze tightly shut.

I frown and shift myself opposite from the persistent rays, hoping the change of posture would allow for peace and tranquility first thing in the morning. As I gently caress the neck and lungs that had betrayed me a few moments ago, I exhale, raising my hand to rest on my rapidly-beating heart.

It is then, at which I remember the 'nightmare' I had lived through mere moments ago. Then again, it would be wrong of myself to name an occurrence such as this a 'nightmare'. These peculiar happenings aren't the terrorising dreams of the supernatural that young children suffer from. The particular 'events' that seem to occur within my regular slumbers repeat endlessly, tormenting me, until I give in. (It does sound a little like a nightmare... Perhaps. Hmph.)

These particular occurrences of mine have been happening for weeks on end.

However this time,

I could feel pain.

Lots of it.

Not a single night am I able to sleep, which massively affects my productivity. I haven't told anyone about my issue though. How could I? Even someone as clueless as Klaus had noticed my strangeness the previous day, as much as I'm hesitant to admit. Staying and resting where I currently lounge would be an absolute dream come true, though I have endless jobs to attend to, being a respected Magic Knight and all. I can't afford to falter.

I reluctantly heave myself from the feather filled, unnecessarily large mattress. Barely able to function due to fatigue and lack of sleep, I barely muster a drunk-like stagger towards the closet.

~Time Skip~

"Yuno, Klaus, Langris, Mimosa. I have taken it upon myself to assign you four to a mission of utmost importance." Captain Vangeance declares.

I pause.

Mimosa pouts.

Klaus sighs.

Langris rolls his eyes so very obnoxiously, I wonder to myself the probability of them eventually becoming stuck inside the back of his head.