Timeline: During the Devil Trials, After Yami goes to dinner with Charlotte. Includes Scene rewrite from the Anime.
Chapter Rating: T
Chapter 6- House Agrippa Pt 1/ MacrocosmGordon looked at his captain through squinted eyes, a dark, ghoulish intensity surrounding him.
"No, I can never go home." He says clearly.
'Damn you're spooky…' Yami thought as he took a deep pull from his cigarette, exhaling the smoke from the side of his mouth.
"The prickly princess brought you up when we had dinner. Your family's famous, right? On account of the magic curses they work with?" The captain said, observing the poison mage's reaction, "I need you to pick their brains for info on forbidden curses."
"You want me to ask about forbidden curses?"
"Yeah, it could help us clear Asta's name. There are spells that warp our world and ruin lives through otherworldly power. Specifically, power borrowed from the world of devils. We need to learn as much about them as we possibly can."
'If our investigation into the devils doesn't progress' Gordon held his small Asta doll in his hand, looking at it in contemplation '...then Asta could be…'
"I'll do it, captain." He said finally "I'm expecting to fail but I'll try regardless. For the sake of my bestest friend, Asta"
"Good. Take him with you" He said as he rubbed his abdomen "Oh and those other two as well. I'm going to the bathroom…"
Gordon saluted as the captain walked away. He started pacing towards his room, a heady mix of reluctance to go home and looking forward to spending time with his friends, let alone having the opportunity to introduce them to his family. As he reached his room, he opened the heavy, wooden door with a groaning creak and entered.
'Most people are wary of curse-mages. And I was born into a distinguished family of them...So I never had any friends…'
He was on autopilot, shuffling in and grabbing his broom, his mind dreading a conversation about the magic he so loathed.
'It's not like I'm close to my family. Back when Asta's arms got cursed by a member of the third eye, I wrote to them asking how to break the spell and they didn't respond.'
He shuffled back out, walking zombie-like down the hall until he reached the living room. His demeanor changed as soon as he saw his friends standing there, eyes on him.
"Finally, you're here!" Snapped Gauche "Let's hurry this up so I can go back to working on my Marie altar"
"Ss-s-sso we're meeting new people?" Grey said, blushing shyly behind her hands "I feel embarrassed already!"
"Gordon-San! Hello! Thank you for helping me with this!" Asta said cheerfully. "Actually, I'm grateful you all agreed to do this!"
His mood uplifted as he heard the various responses from his squadmates. 'But still, things are different now. I have my friends with me, so I feel more confident.'
"Of course," He said as he nodded, "I'm always happy to help you, Asta."
The four exited the base and took off on their brooms, save Asta, who was dangling on the edge of Gauche's broom.
"Tch, who says I agreed?" Gauche said "Talk about abuse of power from our damn captain"
"So, Gordon, I hear your family is a big deal, they're super famous for their curse magic" Asta said as he hung from the broom. "No offense but I don't actually know what a curse mage does."
Gordon looked up at his bestest friend, wishing he could have ridden with him instead, then looked towards the sunset, contemplating his words.
"Curse mages… Well, they specialize in suffering. Their trade is in the infliction of pain and misfortune upon others." He took a deep breath as he recounted memories of his childhood. "I never wanted any part of that. I wanted to make friends with people and not cast curses on them so... I left that house behind me and rarely looked back."
Asta looked at his friend in awe. "That's crazy… I had no idea."
"You ran away from home? Do you think they'll still be willing to talk to you?" Gauche said "Oh and how about some assurance that we won't get cursed?"
"I could get cursed by a total stranger?" Grey whimpered as she hid behind her hands again "How embarrassing!"
"It's the curse part you should be worried about!" Gauche shouted, his irritation rising as he began to hear Asta screaming.
"AAAAA BOTH MY ARMS ARE FALLIN' ASLEEP!" He tightened his grip as he began to feel the blood leaving his upper extremities. "But I'm not done yet ya hear! My muscles are screaming in joy; they love the pain!"
Nero ended up tagging along, perching herself on Asta's head, sporting her usual blank expression.
"Nobody cares!" Gauche snapped, "The only person who can ride at my back is Marie. So shut your mouth and just let go."
'My friends give me strength' Gordon thought as a smile spread on his face as he listened to their interactions.
"It'll be okay…I think" he said playfully.
"…Y-you think?" his entourage said in unison.
After a while of flying towards the sunset, the Bulls came upon a large iron gate, its bars slightly bent and weathered with age. The property was surrounded by a murder of crows, their black feathers rustling ominously in the chilling breeze. Dead trees stood like silent sentinels, their gnarled branches reaching towards the sky as if in a perpetual state of anguish. The air was thick with an eerie stillness, broken only by the occasional caw of a crow or the whisper of wind through the barren branches. In the midst of this macabre scene stood Gordon's home, a gothic-Victorian manor that exuded an air of eerie elegance. The dark, weathered bricks and towering spires cast long shadows across the grounds, giving the house a haunting yet dignified presence. Tall windows, framed by intricate ironwork, seemed to watch with a silent vigilance.
Despite its intimidating exterior, there was a sense of grim charm in the small details, a flowerbed of beautiful yet deadly poisonous plants lining the cobblestone path, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the surrounding decay. Belladonna, foxglove, and nightshade bloomed with a sinister allure, a testament to his mother's magical prowess. A vintage lantern hung by the front door, casting a soft, eerie glow, and the flicker of candlelight through the windows hinted at life within the dark walls. It was a place where beauty and decay coexisted, creating an unsettling yet strangely inviting atmosphere.
Gordon paused at the gate, taking a deep breath as he gazed at the familiar sight. Dread gnawed at him, but he steeled himself for the task ahead. For the sake of his friend, he would face the past he had tried so hard to leave behind. The other bulls looked on in utter intimidation, as if they walked into their own doom.
'I wanna go home…' They thought in unison.
"Let's do this" The poison mage said nonchalantly.
The gate creaked open with a haunting sound, revealing the path ahead.
"Their house looks pretty haunted," said Asta. "But, Now that I'm here I'm actually kinda excited to see what your family is like, Gordon."
"Getting spied on by a ghost would be so humiliating…" Grey mumbled as she clung to Gauche for dear life.
"Dammit Grey, get off me, will ya?" Gauche said, wriggling his arm.
Gordon raised his hand to knock, and the sound reverberated through the empty air, an eerie, hollow echo that seemed to linger longer than it should. "It's me…I'm home"
After a moment of tense silence, the door creaked open with a long, drawn-out groan, as if it hadn't been used in years. Four pairs of glowing red eyes appeared from the darkness of the home. Grey whimpered in fear, retreating even further behind Gauche. Everyone gasped at the sight as the family came into view.
The family each began to move their mouths, their words barely audible.
"It's wonderful to have you back, Gordon" Mumbled a woman.
"Hello, big brother…" A young girl said softly.
"Well, look at that, you decided to come home after all" murmured a tall imposing figure.
On the left a frail, trembling old woman grunted.
"THEY ALL LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME" The Bull's said in their unified shock at the unmistakable resemblance of the permanent makeup around their eyes and mouth.
"Let me introduce you," Gordon said, standing aside.
"First, this is my father Nathan…" He wore a sophisticated black trench coat with a striking red lining, a white neckcloth tied meticulously at his throat, and a burgundy inner vest beneath. His black top hat sat perfectly atop his head, casting a slight shadow over his stern, yet elegant face, where a pointy mustache curved sharply. The red glow of his eyes added an air of mystique and power.
"…Beside him is my mother, Jonna" She stood with an aura of grace and authority. She was dressed in a Victorian-style gown of deep red wine, adorned with gleaming pearls. Her timeless beauty was framed by her short hair and a small, rounded top hat that added a touch of whimsy to her otherwise regal appearance. Her red eyes, like Gordon's, hinted at both warmth and formidable strength.
"...My grandmother, Nilenia…" Wrapped in a heavy black coat, his grandmother appeared frail and trembling, her wrinkles etched deeply into her skin. Her short gray hair, though thin, was styled neatly under a rounded top hat of her own, a touch of black lace upon it. Despite her physical fragility, her red eyes retained a spark of the fierceness that had undoubtedly defined her younger years.
"...My little sister, Roxanne…" The young lady was the embodiment of gothic charm, reminiscent of Wednesday Addams. She wore a gothic-style dress, her black pigtails neatly tied with dark ribbons. Her face, like the rest of the family, was marked with permanent black eye makeup and black lipstick, her red eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and a quiet intensity.
Suddenly, a yelp pierced the tense atmosphere, causing everyone to turn. Asta had jumped forward, clutching his backside with a look of shock and pain. From behind him emerged a bull terrier, the family dog, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"AAAGH WERE UNDER ATTACK EVERYONE!" Asta shouted as he attempted to worm on the floor to wiggle the dog off of him.
"…And that's our dog, Nunnally."
'Even the dog looks like them…' Gauche and Grey thought
The family stepped closer, looking on in concern, mumbling amongst themselves.
"Oh no!" Said Jonna.
"She's mauling another guest!" Said Roxanne.
Grey screams, begging them not to curse her, hiding behind Gauche as he raises up a hand in alert to stop them from coming closer.
"Woah back it up! Don't all of you come here at once!"
Gordon rushes over to collect Nunnally, gently and swiftly removing her jaw from Asta's hind. "I'm sorry, Asta. Are you okay?"
Asta stands, rubbing his backside. "Uh yeah, sorry about the late introduction, I'm Asta. The girl with the face covered is Grey, and the guy in front of her is Gauche."
"We're all in the same Magic Knight squad" The poison mage said as he cradled Nunnally, stroking her belly. "They are the friends I mentioned in the letter I sent."
"We weren't expecting company tonight but since you came all this way…" Nathan mentioned "You and your friends will just have to stay for dinner."
As the bulls entered the house, Gauche's expression painted with uncertainty 'Why do his parents look the same? They aren't related or shouldn't be.'
Everyone gathered at the dining table and soon the table was filled with various strange foods, some of which would still be moving or blinking. The dining room exuded an air of Gothic elegance with a touch of foreboding. Dominating the space was a long, rectangular table, crafted from dark mahogany with intricate carvings of twisted vines running along its edges. The table was draped with a rich, deep red velvet cloth, its opulence matched by the ornate silverware and crystal goblets placed meticulously at each setting. High-backed chairs, upholstered in a dark, brocade fabric with patterns of creeping ivy, surrounded the table. The chair cushions were plush, offering a contrast to the hard, imposing wood of the rest of the furniture.
The dining table was an unusual sight, filled with a variety of strange and unsettling foods. A platter of snake eyes, glistening and eerily lifelike, sat next to a bowl of paralyzed frog legs, each limb poised as if ready to leap. There were roasted bat wings, delicately arranged on a silver tray, and a pie filled with unknown, writhing ingredients that seemed to move on their own. A decanter of blood-red wine stood next to a jug of bubbling, green potion, both adding to the table's otherworldly ambiance.
"Gordon, your mother's cooking must taste exquisite after all this time" Gordon's father said, sitting across from him "The creepy crawly snake eyes are especially scrumptious."
"Thank you dear," Jonna responded, sitting beside her husband "I recommend the paralyzed frog."
Nileena, at the next seat, pawed at a loaf of bread in her hands, trembling about "I want bread, where is the bread."
"There's a whole loaf in your hands" Roxanne muttered beside her.
"Oh. So, there it is" She squished the loaf and tore off a piece. "How'd it get off the plate?" She brought the bread to her mouth "Say, where did the bread go?"
"...It's in your mouth, grandma…" said the Young Agrippa, pointing at it with her eyes.
At the other end of the table, Gordon stared at his father mustering courage to speak. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on his shoulders, and he felt a knot tightening in his stomach. Nathan casually continued about his dinner, his fork and knife clinking gently against the dinnerware as he cut into his potion of paralyzed frog. The poison mage glanced at Asta, happily eating as he commented on how the food looks gross but tastes very good, and remembered they were on a mission, one that could be detrimental to one of his closest friends, should they fail.
"There's something I wanted to ask you, Father." He said, finally.
"You must be hungry for seconds." Nathan dodged.
"No, it's something else."
As Gordon conversed with his father in an attempt to retrieve an answer, Grey battled her instinct to turn tail and run as fast as she could out of the terrifying manor.
'Everywhere I turn, it's nothing but weird muttering…I have no idea what anyone is saying!' She fidgeted as she looked at the platter of snake eyes, one of which she could swear blinked at her. 'Oh, I wish Anastasia were here! She likes weird things! She could easily strike up a conversation!'
'What the hell is going on here, it's not easy to make me feel awkward but they found a way.' Gauche thought as he turned towards Grey.
"Hey, say something" He whispered to her "Come on, ask them about curses"
"I-I-I-I couldn't possibly…" she responded behind her hands, her voice raising pitch as she spoke "Gordon's just shaking while he stares at us. Tell him to do it!"
Gauche looks across the table where Nilennia was staring at the two, trembling away.
"Uh, no" Gauche said "That's Gordon's grandmother!"
"This food is amazing!" Asta shouts.
'Of course. Why would Asta be having fun?' Gauche thought as he battled with his irritation and discomfort.
Grey felt a faint sense of mana causing her to come out from behind her hands.
"Ah! Uh...hello?" She responds, looking at Roxanne who had her arm outstretched.
"Please take this as a token of my hope that we will be friends." She mumbled.
"Uhm, it's kinda hard to hear you…but I guess you want to give me something?" Grey says as she holds out a receiving hand.
A small ball landed in her hand with a squish and Grey looked down to see it. It blinked each of its three eyes separately and cackled, bearing its sharp teeth. Grey shrieks internally, halting in fear, unable to move out.
Gauche feels the pat of a withered hand on his shoulder and turns to see Nileena in his personal space.
"Oh, goodness is that actually you, Nathan?" She says as she looks at him closely "My, just look at how much you've grown. You will protect the House of Agrippa won't you, my dear boy?"
'This lady's lost it….' He seethed as he leaned away, now invading Grey's personal space.
His hair touched Grey's shoulder, bringing her out of her shock and she tossed the creature on to the table. Jonna stood up from her table gracefully and strode over to her Mother-in-Law, removing her from the mirror mage's space.
"I think it's time we took you to bed, all right?" She turned the crone away and ushered her into the dark hallway.
"Yes, but tell Nathan I'm counting on him." The frail old lady uttered "For the sake of our ancestor who made the contract, the curse of Megicula must be-"
"Right, don't fret." Gordon's mother cut her off, in hope that his son's friends didn't hear.
"Curse o' what?" Asta caught an ear shot.
Roxanne suddenly slams her hands on the table, startling the others, getting up abruptly.
"Nice to meet you." she says as she trots off into the dark hallway.
Nunnally barks and follows her.
As if the constant inaudible murmuring wasn't enough, the silence that befell the table after the Agrippa ladies left was even worse.
'Huh…it suddenly got really quiet' Grey says as she retreats into herself again.
The silence was broken by the creature that was flung on the table by Grey, cackling maniacally. Gauche covered it with a cup, then looked towards Gordon along with the other Bulls, giving him looks of encouragement, urging him to ask the question.
The poison mage stared at his father who continued to nonchalantly eat his meal. He sighed at the daunting task ahead, swallowed then took a deep breath.
"Father, I need to talk to you" he said sternly, finally breaking the silence.
Nathan looked up from his meal, meeting his son's eyes.
"I realize that I basically abandoned my family, so I don't have much right to ask but still, I have to ask because I want to help my friend no matter what."
"Hmm…" If Nathan had eyebrows, they would have turned up in curiosity at his son's surprising volume.
"It's about the forbidden curses and the devils behind them. Can you tell us whatever you know about them?"
"Hm…" His father groaned with a sigh.
The tension in the air could be cut with a knife. The Bulls waited in anticipation for an answer as they watched Nathan dab at the corners of his mouth with a napkin. As much as he was reluctant to talk about curses, he couldn't help but be proud of his son for finding the courage to speak up. He figured it was the perfect time to give him a taste of the family legacy and introduce him to what he would inherit.
"Sure." Nathan said.
'...That was easy…' They thought in unison.
The group followed Gordon's father through the narrow, dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Outside, night had fallen, and a ferocious thunderstorm raged, shaking the old manor to its very foundations. Lightning flashed intermittently, casting eerie, jagged shadows that danced across the walls. The low rumble of thunder grew into deafening booms that seemed to reverberate through their bones, punctuated by the relentless pounding of rain against the windows.
"The Agrippa family has practiced curse magic and studied its enigmatic secrets for centuries. Tonight, I will show you the result." Nathan said as they progressed.
The flickering candle sconces lining the hall struggled to stay lit, casting a wavering, ghostly glow on their path. The air was thick with the scent of petrichor and wet earth. Every now and then, a particularly loud clap of thunder would make Grey flinch and whimper, the sudden burst of sound echoing through the cavernous space.
"In addition, I'll show you the secret arts that deal with poison, plague and death…"
Gordon's heart pounded in his chest, each beat matching the tempo of the storm outside. His father's tall figure moved with purpose, the red lining of his trench coat flickering like a sinister beacon in the darkness. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to close in on the poison mage, amplifying the weight of the conversation he knew they were about to have.
"Are you and your friends prepared?"
He glanced back at his friends, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension, then with a nod, steeled himself and pressed forward, determined to face whatever lay ahead.
The large wooden door to Nathan's workshop opened with a loud groan. A vicious thunderclap roared outside as their eyes fell upon the various grotesqueries strewn about the large workbench in the middle. An underdeveloped skeleton hung in the corner, as if it were a macabre decoration. Strange, glistening concoctions bubbled in beakers, their contents shifting colors in the dim light. The smell of sulfur and decay permeated the air, mixing with the scent of old books and candle wax. Books, ancient and worn, were stacked neatly on the opposite side, their spines cracked, and titles faded with age. Near them, a large scale held a collection of peculiar items, each one more unsettling than the last, their forms distorted and indistinguishable in the shadowy gloom. Grey screamed in fear, clinging for dear life to Gauche, followed by a whimper from Asta. Nero flew to a dark corner in an attempt to be as far away from the scene as possible.
"No way. What the hell?" Gauche whispered under his breath, struggling to keep his strong composure for the sake of the woman clinging to him.
Even Gordon was disturbed. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, as he took in the scene, failing to make sense of what he was seeing and could only think of the worst.
"Beautiful, don't you agree?" Nathan says with an unsettling laugh. "This is the workshop where I conduct all my research. Along with curses, I study every form of pain there is."
"I knew that curse Magic was sinister, but this is even worse than I imagined…" Gordon mumbled.
"My dear boy." Nathan turned around to face the entourage, an otherworldly gleam in his eyes, "Rather than despair that you were gone, I have eagerly awaited your inevitable return." His fingers traced some bits and bobs on the table "Thanks to your poison magic, you are the perfect candidate to inherit and advance my research."
"Sorry father," Gordon said as his face hardened, "I only came here to ask about devil-related curses for Asta. I have no intention of staying."
Asta gasps lightly in awe of his friend, unsure of how to react.
"Don't be like that…" Gordon's father said as he widened his arms as if presenting the grandeur of his work "Death can be caused by poisons, plagues and curses. If you stay, I can teach you about every cause of death there is."
Gordon gasps, droplets of sweat forming on his face as he clenches his fists. He thought about Anastasia in her practice in the healing tower. How she toils away for the people of the kingdom and the memory of her slumped helplessly in her bed at the healing tower after the battle of the Clover Kingdom.
"What is a life worth to you?" He said through his teeth, his blood beginning to boil.
"Human life is both fragile and brief. Don't you understand me, son?" A scarlet grimoire appeared before Nathan, an ominous black aura surrounding it. "Perhaps I should demonstrate…"
His 5 leaf grimoire opened and turned its pages. A sickening, slick black fluid began to surround the fingers of Gordon's father.
"Black oil creation magic: Curse filled nails."
The bulls shifted in alarm and Asta quickly equipped the demon destroyer sword, standing in front of them.
"Everyone get back!" He yelled.
As the nails solidified, they extended with astonishing speed towards the group. With a swipe of his sword, he broke the ones headed towards his friends, but missed the one headed towards his own neck. Asta shouted as the nail pierced his skin, and something was drawn out from his body.
"ASTA!"
The anti-magic mage suddenly stopped shouting, confused as to why he wasn't dead. "Eh? Why do I feel fine?"
Nero returned to her perch on Asta's head in response to the screaming.
The nail returned to Nathan, morphing into words that only he could read. He took a moment to decipher it and nodded in approval.
"Hm, your temperature seems fine. You seem healthy. I'm not detecting a single physical Abnormality, though it strikes me as odd that you have no magic."
"Want a minute, father." Asked Gordon, as he took a step forward "What are you doing?"
"I'm working." He responded with an eerie giggle. "I took the family's vast knowledge of curses, combined it with my research on germs and poisons, and applied that knowledge to the subjects of health management and medical treatment."
"Health management and Medical treatment?"
"Yes, I am the first to take the family business in a new direction. So, I can only treat normal ailments right now. Hence why I had no help to offer when I heard that your limbs had been afflicted with an ancient curse."
The Black oil mage retracted his magic and stashed away his grimoire.
"Say. Is something the matter?" he said, tilting his head in the way that Gordon does as he watched Asta staring at him.
"No, but if you've been using what you know about poison and death and horrible curses to make medicine and stuff like that, then the Agrippa family business isn't hurting people; it's helping them get better." Asta said, verbalizing his realization.
"That's right. Has been ever since I took over." Nathan responded proudly.
"I honestly had no idea." Gordon mumbled shakily "All this time I thought you were cursing people to die in agony."
The poison mage brought a hand to his mouth, feeling a tumultuous mix of guilt for assuming the worst of his family and relief for this newfound understanding. The weight of his misconceptions bore down on him, yet the knowledge of his father's true intentions lifted a burden from his heart.
"You people need to learn how to communicate!" Gauche shouted as he snatched his arm away from Grey "And you need to get rid of all this creepy stuff!"
"T-this just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover!" She said.
As Gordon stood there, his mind drifted to Anastasia and her work at the healing tower. Her dedication to healing and nurturing others had always been a source of admiration for him. Now, knowing that his family shared a similar mission, a spark of hope ignited within him.
"You know," Gordon began hesitantly, looking up at his father, "Anastasia, the cosmos mage I've also mentioned in my letter, works at the healing tower in the royal capital. She's... she's incredible at what she does. Maybe someday, once she's recovered from the battle, she could visit. I think she'd be really interested in seeing how you've been using our magic for medicine."
His father's eyes softened, and a hint of a smile played at his lips. "I'd like that. It sounds like she's a remarkable young woman. It would be good to share our knowledge and maybe even learn from each other."
Gordon nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. The idea of bringing the cosmos mage into this part of his life, of bridging the gap between his family's legacy and his future with hers, felt right. It was a step towards reconciling his past with his present, and the thought of it brought a small, hopeful smile to his face.
"So, father, does this also mean that you really will help me save my friend?"
"Why of course I will." Nathan said with enthusiasm "But the subject of devils and forbidden magic is both varied and elusive. So, let's start by discussing your specific situation tomorrow. You must be tired after all of the events today."
'Wait…we have to stay?' Grey and Gauche thought, already yearning to go to the comfort of the outside world.
"Right!" Asta said "Thank you so much for your help!"
The next day…
Anastasia sat cross-legged in her room at the healing tower, the tranquil space a stark contrast to the chaos of recent battles. Her eyes were closed, her breathing steady and deep, as she sought the calm center of her mind. As heart kingdom runes surrounded the perimeter of the room, Stars and constellations floated gently around her, casting a serene, ethereal glow over the room. It was as if the very essence of the cosmos had descended to accompany her in this moment of meditation. As she delved deeper into her meditation, the stars around her began to pulse and dance in harmonious rhythm. Constellations shifted and realigned, their shapes shimmering with a radiant, otherworldly light. The air itself seemed to hum with celestial energy, a soft, soothing vibration that resonated within her very soul.
She reached for "Zenith," the point of utmost concentration where her mind and magic became one. In this state, her thoughts were clear, her heart steady, and her magic thrummed with enhanced power. The stars responded to her silent call, swirling around her in a majestic display of cosmic beauty. Images of planets began to orbit around her, their colors vibrant and rich, creating a cosmic ballet in the air. Nebulae swirled and expanded, their ethereal clouds of gas and dust painted in hues of pink, blue, and purple, adding a mystical touch to the space. The room transformed into a living galaxy, each star and constellation filling the space with a sense of infinite wonder. It was as if anyone who entered would find themselves transported to the heart of the universe, surrounded by the boundless mysteries and splendor of the cosmos. The light from the stars bathed the cosmos mage in a gentle glow, highlighting the serene expression on her face and the subtle rise and fall of her breath. In this state of Zenith, her magic was enhanced, each breath she took resonating with the energy of the universe. The celestial bodies seemed to pulse in time with her heartbeat, their light and presence amplifying her power even in stillness. The room was a sanctuary of cosmic wonder, a testament to her connection with the stars and her mastery of the magic that flowed through her.
The door to her room gently opened, followed by a soft gasp of voices in wonder. Dr. Owen, Marx and Julius walked in, looking in fascination at the galaxy that surrounded them. Julius' eyes shone with a reflection of the stars as he chased planets and constellations. Marx stilled, watching his skin glow with starlight as if he were being embraced by the king's sister. Owen looked on with pride and admiration, sensing the powerful aura of healing and enhancement that surrounded Anastasia as confirmation that he had taught her well. The stars continued their gentle dance, casting soft shadows and glimmers of light across the room. It was a scene of unparalleled beauty and tranquility, a testament to the profound power and grace of the cosmos mage.
"Isn't my sister's magic amazing?" The King said proudly as he raised his hands to the miniature universe, catching the constellation of Libra in his hands "Look! It's my sign!"
"It's impressive to see how fast she's recovered" Dr. Owen said, adjusting his glasses "You wouldn't have happened to have a hand in that, would you?"
"What, with my measly amount of magic?" He said, a hint of trickery in his voice "Certainly not."
Marx looked at Anastasia in her stillness. He was amazed that in just a few days, she went from beaten and torn, to well and producing an enormous amount of mana. She was a radiant vision, embodying the very essence of tranquility and grace. He couldn't help but admire how the celestial display seemed to enhance her beauty, making her appear like a goddess of the night sky. The delicate way her hair framed her face and the serene expression on her lips drew him in, leaving him momentarily breathless. He watched her draw in a deep breath and her body began to shift. The cosmos mage brought her slender legs out from under her, swiveling them over the edge of the bed. Her eyes still closed as she maintained Zenith, she slowly rose from the bed as if in a trance.
"Gosh you guys are noisy…" Her playful voice reverberated through the room in a mystical echo, but her physical mouth did not move.
Anastasia's body began to sway as if she were beginning to dance.
"But it's good, I need to practice this…"
The men stood, fascinated by the sight. She began to move, her body flowing with the rhythm of an unseen melody. The planets expanded their space, bending and changing into a marvelous milky way. She twirled in Marx's direction, stopping right in front of him. Her eyes opened slightly, revealing light from the cosmos seeping through and a playful smile spread on her face.
"Dance with me, Marx" She beckoned, outstretching her hand with a giggle.
His eyes widened in nervousness at the request, and he turned towards Julius who gave an amused shrug. Dr. Owen looked on with his arms crossed, an amused smile playing at his lips as well. A bead of sweat appeared on the memory mage's face, then he outstretched his slightly trembling hand. He yelped as Anastasia pulled him towards her, twirling him about as if they were children playing ring-around the rosie. Julius began clapping to their rhythm, tapping a foot as well.
"L-lady Anastasia, W-wait!" Marx stuttered as he struggled to keep up.
"Come on Marx! Get in the rhythm!" She shouted as she pushed him away, still holding on to one of his hands then twirled towards him, causing him to give her a one-armed embrace.
"Wow! That looks like fun!" Exclaimed Julius "Me next!"
"I feel like my mana is being buffered" Observed Dr. Owen.
Marx was caught off guard, his heart racing with surprise and a tinge of embarrassment. Her laughter and joy spread like contagion through the room. She turned towards him again, weaving her fingers through his and whisked him into another spin. The ethereal dance, the sparkling constellations, and her infectious joy slowly drew him into the moment. His stoic demeanor softened, and a genuine smile broke across his face. He found himself laughing, spinning with Anastasia in a dance that felt both exhilarating and oddly comforting. For a few fleeting moments, the celestial magic that enveloped them seemed to create a world just for the two of them, a bubble of joy and connection amid the vast expanse of the universe. Her celestial eyes sparkled with delight as she guided Marx through the dance, her movements as fluid as the stars themselves.
Finally, as the dance slowed and they came to a gentle stop, Anastasia held both of his hands, looking at the memory mage with a heartfelt expression. "Marx, I want to thank you," her voice echoed as the scenery began to fade and the room returned to its mundane. "For always taking care of me and my brother."
The galaxy faded from the cosmos mage's mouth and eyes, and she now spoke normally, "I know how much you've stressed out about us, especially recently, and I want you to know that you're appreciated."
Marx, still catching his breath and savoring the warmth of the moment, nodded. "Lady Anastasia," he replied, his voice steady but carrying a note of emotion. "Its…it's a pleasure, really…I'm glad I could be here for you."
"What was that, Anase?" Julius said, trotting over "Was that a Mana Zone spell?"
"Yes actually. Dang you're good." She said, causing the King to smile "It's something I've been working on in my free time. I call it Macrocosm."
"Macrocosm?"
"Yes. I have to reach a point called Zenith first in order to use it." She explained. "So far, I find meditation helpful, but just now with the dancing, I realize that this might be more effective…"
"Wow! So, it's like you're channeling mana with your body by movement!?" Julius' voice began to rise with excitement.
"Yeah! I can get to Zenith by dancing too!" Anastasia's voice followed her brother's in volume. "And with this zone I can enhance others' mana, up their defense, and heal them all at once!"
"THAT'S AMAZING SIS!"
"DID YOU FEEL IT JULIUS!? DID YOU FEEL YOUR MANA ENHANCING!?"
"YEAH, I'M GONNA SAVE ALL OF IT!"
Marx smiled at the siblings at it again with their magic geekery. Dr. Owen chuckled at their banter and clapped his hands.
"Well, we have some news. Anastasia, you're getting discharged." He said, "However…"
Dr. Owen nodded in the King's Direction.
"Right" Julius cleared his throat "Sorry to put you to work so soon after your recovery Anase, but I need a favor."
The Cosmos mage gently shook her head with a smile. "It's okay Brother, I'm ready to work."
"I need you to accompany some Black Bulls to the Heart Kingdom."
"Oh…" Anastasia's expression dropped.
"While you were in recovery, two of them, Asta and Secre, were arrested by parliament for 'Coercion with Devils.' They have a lead in the Heart Kingdom, and being how you were born there, I figured you might be the perfect guide."
She took in his words slowly, letting out a long sigh. Julius could feel a hint of emotion from his sister's stomach dropping.
'Home…It's been a decade since I've been there.' She thought as she took a few paces towards her bedside table, staring at the bull's robe. 'Well…a friend of his is a friend of mine…so…'
"Alright," She said, equipping her belongings and throwing the Bull's robe over her shoulders, "When are we leaving?"