Timeline: Same as previous chapter

Chapter Rating: T for some foul language

Chapter 9- The Deadliest Poison is Loneliness

"JULIUS, YOU CONNIVING BASTARD!" Anastasia's voice rang out through the healing tower.

She stormed through the healing tower, a mixture of frustration and disbelief simmering beneath her composed exterior. Her normally calm demeanor had been thoroughly shattered by her brother's latest prank, and she couldn't help but let out a loud groan of irritation. With a huff, Anastasia rummaged through a room for yet another pen, hoping this one would last longer than the last. She knew her brother was somewhere nearby, likely enjoying her exasperation from a safe distance. He was a master at hiding, particularly when he'd pulled off one of his pranks.

As she stalked through the halls, the cosmos mage kept her eyes peeled for any sign of him. A flicker of movement, a suspiciously muffled laugh, anything that would give away his location. But as always, he was annoyingly elusive.

"Julius, I swear, when I find you…" she muttered, clutching her new pen with determination.

Without thinking, she absentmindedly tapped the pen three times, and with a small pop, it disappeared from her grip.

"FUCK!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in defeat.

A nearby healer looked over with a sympathetic smile, trying to stifle a chuckle at her predicament. Every time she absentmindedly tapped her pen three times with her nail, a habit Julius had gleefully noted, it would vanish into thin air. This wouldn't have been a problem if she hadn't been in the middle of taking important notes on her patients, only for her pen to disappear mid-sentence.

'What the heck did he enchant now?' She thought, observing her hands, 'Did he really enchant every pen in this damn place?'

She looked at her nails, the clear polish glimmering with tiny stars reflected light as she moved her fingers. 'Could it be…my nail polish?'

She didn't have time to look at the bottle to sense traces of mana and left it alone for now. Her brother's pranks were infuriating, but they were also a reminder of their bond, one filled with laughter, even at her expense. Anastasia quickly paced down the hall, back to the patient that she was seeing before she stormed out for a writing utensil.

"I sincerely apologize for that." She said to the Magic Knight "Now where were we?"

Digit Taliss, A knight from the Purple Orcas sat in the exam room on the bed, looking at her in concern. He appeared tired and confused. He explained earlier that he had been a victim of the elf reincarnation spell, and he had attacked a small village in the forsaken realm. The spell was broken by Asta, but he has been feeling off ever since, as if he still carried mana that was not his own and he had a hard time accepting it. Anastasia listened to him closely as he told his story and shared his concerns. She responded gently, asking him about the subtle differences that he would feel and if there was anything immediately threatening to himself or others. He declined but urged that he didn't feel like himself and wondered how to cope.

"It must be difficult to carry the weight of those memories." Anastasia said, nodding with understanding "It's important to remember that what happened during the possession wasn't truly you. The actions were influenced by the elf's consciousness."

"I know that logically, but the magic I have now feels like a constant reminder." He responded, "It's like I have someone else's abilities, and it's hard to reconcile with who I was before."

"I've seen others in your situation, and it's natural to feel disconnected." she said softly, thinking about Puli, knight of the Blue Rose who came in to see her yesterday. "But think of it this way: this magic is now part of you, a gift from a challenging experience. Rather than rejecting it, what if you viewed it as an opportunity to grow?"

Digit eyeballed her skeptically, "But how can I use it when it feels so foreign?"

"Well, start small. Experiment with your new abilities in a safe environment. The more you practice, the more you'll understand how it interacts with your own mana. Over time, it will start to feel like an extension of yourself."

"But what about the guilt? The things I did during the possession?"

"Guilt can be a heavy burden, but it can also be a catalyst for change." She said, leaning in "You have the chance to use your new abilities to help others and make amends. Each time you do, it's a step towards healing and acceptance."

The knight paused, taking in a deep breath "I hadn't thought of it that way… It's hard to shift my mindset, but I want to try."

"Wanting to change is the first step." She said as she smiled warmly "Remember, it's okay to ask for help. You're not alone in this journey, and there are people who care about your well-being."

Digit slowly perked up at her words, looking into her eyes with renewed hope. "I'll try to focus on what I can do now, rather than what happened in the past. Thank you, Nurse Anastasia"

"Anytime. Our doors are always open if you need someone to talk to." She said, gently squeezing his forearm.

The contact gave her a glimpse of the knight's mana and her mind wandered back to the publication she read about.

"Say, is your magic by any chance…Poison Plant Magic?"

His eyes slightly widened "Yes…why do you ask?"

She leaned back and placed a knuckle on her chin, contemplating the appropriateness of her question.

"I am interested in harvesting Foxglove. Do you know where I could find it?"

The knight pursed his lips and weaved his eyebrows. "Foxglove is highly toxic. Are you sure you want that?"

"I need it for research." She said, "On account of medicine."

"Poison plants for medicine?" The knight said, his curiosity piqued.

Anastasia nodded "There is something amazing happening. There is a way to use magic like yours for medicine, but I want to find it in nature first to understand its properties."

The knight, taken aback by her words, huffed in shock. The thought of magic like his, magic where people were wary and fearful, could be used for the betterment of people gave him a sense of purpose that he didn't realize he needed.

"I'm sorry…I know you came here for help and its weird for me to ask something from you, but this is for the future of the kingdom." she said, determination full in her eyes. "Please…Can you help me?"

"In the Forest of Poisonous beasts. It grows in abundance" He responded "But…are you sure this is okay?"

"Probably not," Anastasia snickered. "But don't tell anyone okay? People are fearful of what they don't understand but the King is working on changing that. We have to do our part, but until then, it's our secret!"

The cosmos mage winked and opened the door, signaling the end of their consultation.

"Take care!" She said then scurried out, leaving the mage baffled.

She rushed to her office, reached for a backpack in the shared closet and packed it with various items. She packed Scissors, a container for the plant, a heart tower robe and the publication, flipped to a sketch of the plant. She slammed her desk drawers closed, her heart racing with excitement at her next adventure. She thought about the stargazing opportunity in the forest and the magical beasts she would encounter. Would they be friendly or feisty? Would the forest try to kill her?

She trotted off to Lola's bakery on the way to her room, entering the warm, inviting space and inhaling the delicious scent of fresh bread. She stuffed her bag with sandwiches and treats then hurriedly slapped money on the counter. Her friend didn't even ask, just looked at her with concern, knowing she was up to something again. She paced to her room in the castle and opened the large door with a creak.

Anastasia's room in the castle was a small but cozy sanctuary, designed to be a perfect retreat for her starry pursuits. The walls were painted a deep midnight blue, adorned with glimmering star motifs that seemed to come alive in the soft candlelight. Large arched windows dominated one side of the room, offering an unobstructed view of the night sky. The windowsills were wide enough for her to sit and gaze at the stars for hours, her telescope perched nearby for a closer look at the celestial wonders. Near the windows, a finely crafted brass sextant rested on a small table, alongside a worn leather tome filled with notes about constellations and star magic. The room had a quaint bookshelf, its shelves neatly organized with a variety of tomes and scrolls, ranging from the intricacies of anatomy and medicine to detailed astrological charts. Potted plants were scattered throughout the room, bringing a touch of nature inside. Their vibrant green leaves created a soothing contrast to the dark walls, and the faint scent of herbs added a calming aroma to the space. A small closet stood in one corner; its door adorned with a long mirror that reflected the room's celestial decor. Her bed was simple yet comfortable, draped in light, airy sheets that matched the tranquility of her surroundings.

She hastily removed her dress and thigh high boots, pausing to look at herself in the mirror. Her curvy figure was highlighted by the soft lines of her form, revealing a physique that was both strong and graceful. The subtle athletic build she had developed from training with the Zodiac Infusion spells and her constant running around in the healing tower was evident. Her body wasn't bulky or overly muscular, yet it spoke of strength and resilience, with firm contours that attested to her dedication and hard work. Her medium bust and hourglass shape gave her a feminine silhouette that she had come to admire. She wasn't skinny or very round but had a healthy, robust appearance that balanced strength with softness. Her skin was smooth and radiant, and the gentle curves of her form exuded a sense of vitality and energy.

Anastasia smiled softly at her reflection, feeling a sense of gratitude for the body that had carried her through countless challenges and adventures. It was a body built not only by her magical endeavors but also by her unwavering spirit and commitment to her craft. With a purposeful nod, she turned away from the mirror and began to change into clothes suitable for foraging. She selected a comfortable, loose-fitting tunic and sturdy pants that allowed for ease of movement, slipping them on quickly. The fabric was durable yet breathable, perfect for navigating through the underbrush and collecting herbs. She laced up her worn leather boots, which were well-suited for traversing rough terrain, and secured a belt around her waist to hold any tools or pouches she might need. She tied her hair back in a messy bun, tendrils of hair softly dropping around her head in soft waves.

Anastasia approached the large window in her room, the cool night air whispering against her skin as she pushed it open. The sky stretched out before her, a tapestry of stars twinkling against the deep blue canvas of the night. The moon hung high, casting its silvery glow across the landscape, illuminating the world with a gentle, ethereal light. She paused for a moment, offering silent appreciation to the moon and the stars. Their presence was a comforting constant, a reminder of the vast universe and the magic that flowed through her veins. The celestial bodies seemed to pulse with energy, resonating with her own inner light.

With a flick of her wrist, she summoned her magic carpet, woven from threads of starlight. The shimmering carpet unfurled before her, hovering just outside the window, its edges rippling with soft, cosmic energy. She stepped onto it gracefully, feeling the familiar hum of magic beneath her feet. As she settled onto the carpet, it rose gently into the air, carrying her away from the castle and into the open sky. The wind whipped through her hair, and she felt a thrill of freedom as she soared above the treetops, the ground far below her.

Gordon trudged through the dense forest, his strength waning after three days of relentless wandering. Each step felt heavier than the last, the exhaustion gnawing at his resolve. The forest, once a maze of mysteries, had become an oppressive weight, its shadows closing in on him as he fought to stay upright. He finally stumbled into a small clearing and collapsed against a gnarled tree, the rough bark pressing into his back. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and his mind was a whirlwind of frustration and desperation. He had hoped to find a way out or some sign of civilization, but the forest seemed to stretch endlessly before him, its oppressive silence broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures.

As he closed his eyes for a moment's respite, a sudden rustling in the underbrush snapped him to attention. He squinted into the shadows, and to his shock, a wolf emerged, its fur a striking shade of purple with eyes glowing an ominous red. The wolf's gaze was fixed on him, a curious and almost unnerving intensity in its stare.

"Now's my chance! Let's see how much stronger I've gotten since I've left the black bulls!"

His grimoire appeared beside him, glowing weakly, a reflection of the poison-curse mage's state. Poison clouds gathered at his palms as he directed the magic towards the wolf. The cloud flowed towards the wolf, hitting it in the face, its gasses dissipating around its form. To his dismay, the wolf seemed entirely unaffected, its stance remaining firm and its eyes never wavering from Gordon.

Without warning, the wolf lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air. The sharp sting of its attack registered only as a dull ache amidst the adrenaline surging through him. He barely had time to react before the wolf's claws raked across his back, leaving deep, searing scratches. Gordon's adrenaline surged as the wolf growled menacingly, its red eyes glowing with a fierce, predatory light. Instinctively, he collected his wooden dolls, turned and ran, the forest blurring around him as he fled from the relentless predator.

"My poison curse magic didn't work! Guess I'm weaker than I thought!"

Each step felt like a struggle against the pounding in his chest and the pain that had begun to seep through the haze of adrenaline. The wolf's growls echoed behind him, a constant reminder of the danger that pursued him through the dense, shadowy forest. His only thought was to escape, to find safety and, hopefully, to regain some semblance of control over the chaos that had engulfed him.

After what felt like ages of running, he finally came upon a creek that was flowing gently. He dropped to his knees beside the creek, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Without hesitation, he cupped his hands and scooped up several handfuls of the cool, clear water, drinking deeply. The refreshing liquid was like a balm to his parched throat and dry lips. He took in the soothing sensation, allowing himself a brief moment of respite.

'This is the first water I've found in three whole days. I can live by myself here for a while.' He mused.

After drinking his fill, he leaned over the edge of the creek and splashed water onto his face. The chill of the water was invigorating, washing away some of the grime and sweat from his skin. He cupped his hands again and gently wiped his face, feeling the tension and weariness slowly easing as the water cooled his flushed skin.

'I'll hunt for food alone. Sleep alone and just wash my face alone like this…'

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the poison mage allowed himself to relax, his eyes closing as he savored the simple pleasure of the clear, flowing water. It was a small comfort amid the trials he had faced, a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, there were moments of respite to be found. His mind wandered back to the base, missing his friends more than he expected.

'Back at the hideout Asta and I would wash each other's backs.' He thought about the Base's bathhouse, yearning for its hot water.

'Some nights I drink with Vanessa while we talk about our dreams.' He reminisced about days where he would pretend his Vanessa doll would be drinking with them too.

'Gauche let me help take care of his marie doll every once in a while. And luck and I would almost fight to the death…'

He took a deep breath and tilted his head back allowing his gaze to wander to the sky. The canopy of trees had thinned here, offering a clearer view of the stars twinkling above. He traced their patterns with his eyes, trying to spot familiar constellations in the vast expanse.

'I must improve myself but the thought of being alone has become so painful, even though that was normal for me before I joined the black bulls.' A lump began to form at his throat 'Before I met her…'

The constellations, though not as distinct as they might be from the open sky, brought a small measure of solace. He remembered nights spent stargazing with Anastasia, sharing stories and laughter under the celestial canopy. The stars had always seemed to connect them, a silent, radiant witness to their moments together. The memories of the cosmos mage, her laughter, her smile, the way she would light up at the sight of the stars, overwhelmed him. He thought about how much he missed her, how much he longed for her presence. The realization of her absence hit him like a wave, and he felt a pang of longing that made it difficult to breathe.

'I wonder what everyone is up to tonight…'

He fantasized about Captain Yami finding his letter, eyebrows weaving with worry as he read the letters. He thought about him gathering the bulls urgently, ordering them to go find him.

'Someone will come looking for me. I just have to trust them.'

Gordon's moment of reflection was abruptly shattered by the sound of rustling bushes.

"You guys! You found me already!"

His heart leaped with the hopeful thought that perhaps someone had come to rescue him, but as the bushes parted, his relief quickly turned to dread. Emerging from the underbrush was not a friendly face but the same, purple-furred wolf, now accompanied by a much larger, imposing wolf.

"That must be the smaller one's mother!"

The larger wolf let out a deafening roar that reverberated through the clearing, its eyes burning with fierce anger. It was clear that the mother was furious at the poison mage for having attacked her offspring. The sound of the roar was enough to make his blood run cold. He scrambled to his feet, panic flooding his senses.

"Poison Curse magic: Aufwachen Dachs!"

The poison badgers materialized in a haze of dark, swirling mist. He sent them charging toward the wolves, hoping their venomous attacks would deter them. However, the mother wolf was unfazed. Her thick, impenetrable fur seemed to repel the poison with ease.

"It's no use, my magic isn't affecting these things at all!"

With a powerful swipe of her paw, the mother wolf batted him away like a ragdoll. He was thrown across the clearing, the wooden dolls flying away from him, landing hard on the ground with a grunt of pain. His vision swam as he struggled to rise, feeling the weight of his exhaustion and fear bearing down on him.

'This is it, I'm going to die alone without anyone at my side!'

The wolves slowly stalked, their growls and snarls a constant reminder of the peril he faced. Gordon looked up to see the faces of those who would take his life but instead, noticed his wooden dolls grouped in front of him as if defending him from his impending doom.

'Wait…'

He looks beside him to see the Anastasia doll, looking at him and swore he could see a silhouette of her encouraging expression.

'The black bulls did not abandon me after all. Nobody did!' The moment of realization hit him harder than the wolf 'I understand now, I don't need solitude to make me stronger.'

Determined to make things right, he gathered the last reserves of his strength. He pushed himself to his feet, each step heavy but resolute. The pain and exhaustion were unbearable, but he forced himself to trudge toward the massive wolf, ignoring the throbbing in his limbs.

'No, I'm strong because of the bond I share with them. Loneliness is the deadliest poison of all, and the only antidote that cures it is the love of my dear friends.'

With a deep breath, he fell into the fur of the mother's leg, embracing it tenderly.

"I'm so sorry, I let fear take over and I wrongfully attacked you and your little one." He spoke with a ragged but sincere voice. "As a magic knight who has been tasked with protecting this land, that's a mistake that can never be forgiven." He buried his face into her warm, coarse fur. "You're my allies and fellow residents of the clover kingdom. What's more, you are my friends too."

The mother wolf paused, her fierce eyes softening as she listened to his heartfelt apology. The raw emotion in Gordon's voice, the vulnerability he displayed, seemed to touch something within her. Slowly, the anger in her eyes faded, replaced by a look of cautious acceptance. The smaller wolf, having watched the exchange, approached the poison mage timidly. It nuzzled his leg gently, an unspoken gesture of forgiveness and understanding. His heart swelled with a mixture of relief and gratitude. He remained there, kneeling and holding onto the mother wolf's leg, his spirit lifted by the acceptance he had received.

"Gordon? Is that you?"

The poison mage's heart skipped a beat as he heard Anastasia's voice. He looked towards the source and saw her hovering over the creek on her magic carpet. Her expression was a mix of bewilderment and concern, unsure of what to make of the scene unfolding before her. She had flown towards the sound of the wolf's roar, her heart racing with worry, only to find him in a state of vulnerability and exhaustion. Her familiar and comforting presence was like a lifeline. The anguish and struggle he had been facing seemed to momentarily dissolve in the face of her arrival. However, he couldn't get past the feeling of apprehension since he saw her in such a different way in his dreams.

"W-which one are y-" He began to slump as his exhaustion consumed him, his slight moment of vulnerability being the catalyst.

With a gasp, the cosmos mage hopped onto the ground, running towards him, but was barred by the small wolf, growling in his defense. She stilled in observation, torn between her urgency to be at Gordon's side or to take the time to calm the wolf. She chose patience and slowly held out a hand to the snarling wolf.

"Please…I'm a healer." She said softly, "Let me help."

She approached slowly, her skin tingling with the breath of the wolf. Its nose slowly unfurled as it sniffed her hand, her worry for Gordon spiking. After a moment, it nudged her hand with its muzzle, then stepped aside, allowing her to approach the poison mage. She rushed to his side and cradled his frail frame. Her healer's instincts kicked in as she began to assess him. She looked at his sunken eyes, the prominence in his cheekbones indicating the starvation he's endured. Her brows furrowed in concern, wondering how long he had been there. Anastasia noticed a thick, warm substance on the hand that cradled his back and looked to see his dark blood coloring her fair palm. She gently turned his body towards hers and summoned her grimoire, casting Celestial Sanctuary, channeling her healing energy towards him as they were bathed in gentle starlight. She examined the claw marks, noticing something peculiar. Traces of venom lingered in the wounds, yet Gordon showed no signs of poisoning. Intrigued, the healer wondered if his magical attribute could confer a resistance to poison. She probed the wounds further, her fingers hovering over the edges of the venomous claw marks. The venom seemed to be neutralized, as if Gordon's body had somehow rendered it inert.

'Fascinating,' Anastasia thought as her eyes widened, her mind racing with the implications.

As the healing energy continued to flow, Gordon's eyes fluttered open, his gaze tracing up her body, meeting hers. A flicker of recognition sparked in his eyes, followed by relief.

"Anase…It's really you right?" He said weakly "You came for me?"

"You…" She sighed, her emotions welling up in her eyes "I didn't even know you were here! You look terrible! What happened?"

A soothing warmth spread through him as her magic worked to heal his injuries. The pain and fatigue began to melt away under the touch of her power, confirming that she was, in fact, real. He looked up at the cosmos mage, her eyes conveying concern and irritation yet still held traces of her adoration for him.

"I'm sorry," he said, looking up at the cosmos mage with gratitude. "I thought I had to handle everything on my own. I've been running from the truth... from the people who care about me."

Anastasia's gaze was steady, her voice firm yet gentle. "Strength doesn't come from running away, Gordon. It comes from facing your challenges, knowing that you're supported by those who care for you. You don't have to bear it all alone."

A smile slowly spread on his face, her words a balm to the suffering he endured and a reinforcement to his earlier realization. "Thank you Anase. I'm glad you're here."

He turned his head back towards her abdomen, burying his face in her clothing. The mother wolf and her offspring curled up around them, their earlier hostility replaced by a serene acceptance. The scene, once fraught with danger and fear, had transformed into one of unexpected peace and connection.

The Deadliest Poison is Loneliness- End