Chapter 10- Cursed Canis Minor
The two set up a simple camp by the creek, with only a small fire, a single sleeping bag, and a makeshift shelter crafted from branches and leaves. Gordon slept soundly through the night, curled up in the sleeping bag, finally finding rest after the fatigue of the past few days. As Anastasia watched him, she resisted the urge to nuzzle his sideburns or shower him with affection, not wanting to risk waking him. Instead, she decided to go fishing for food, as the creek seemed to be one of the few non-poisonous features of the forest.
The curious wolves seemed to stay nearby, lurking in the background or snoozing by their camp. They somehow became the most unlikely of companions and she wondered how Gordon befriended them. Anastasia looked out to the creek, searching for signs of fish in the way that her father taught her. She sat at the edge, removed her boots and pants leaving only her underwear and tunic on. She walked over the creek, using her runes to keep her above water and came upon a dip in which some of the water was rushing. Figuring that this would be a good place for a trap, she summons her grimoire and begins to weave starlight in her hands.
"Cancer, hear my call…" She whispers.
A shimmering net of starlight glowing with a soft, silvery-blue hue, began to manifest in her hands as she wove. The strands of the net are composed of delicate, interwoven beams of light that pulse gently, resembling the flowing tides. As she continues to weave, the net unfurls gracefully in her hands, its ethereal texture reminiscent of the celestial crab's carapace. The starlight net sparkles as if dusted with stars, casting a gentle glow on Anastasia's face and the surrounding area. When she casts it into the water, the net glides smoothly over the surface, its luminescent strands creating ripples of light as it submerges, ready to capture any fish swimming below. She walked back towards the camp, then turned around and sat on the edge of the creek. Anastasia sat at the edge of the creek, curling her legs to her chest as she peered into the crystal-clear water, her eyes tracing the smooth stones and swaying plants at the bottom. The gentle flow of the creek stirred the dirt slightly, creating delicate swirls that danced in the current. Unable to resist her curiosity, she dipped her foot into the water, shivering as the chilly temperature sent a pleasant tingle up her spine. She watched the ripples radiate outward from her toes, fascinated by the way they disrupted the creek's surface, before settling back into its tranquil state. The cosmos mage smiled, taking in the simplicity of the moment, then her mind wandered back to her initial mission.
'Foxglove…Otherwise known as Digitalis Purpurea. It is tall, has stately spikes and tubular bells of purple flowers. It could have distinctive white or cream-colored interior markings, and a soft, velvety texture of the flowers. The leaves at the base of the plant are large and coarse and a cylindrical shape of the inflorescence.' She monologues as she tries to picture the plant in the reflection of the water.
Its potential to revolutionize medicine intrigued her, and she was determined to study it thoroughly. Yet, as she sat by the creek, her mind couldn't help but wander to Gordon and his struggles with his poison magic. The idea of training with him, helping him grow stronger and more confident in his abilities, pulled at her heart.
Conflicted, she considered the balance she needed to find between her duty and her desire to support him. The foxglove represented a significant opportunity to revolutionize medicinal techniques, potentially benefiting countless others. But training with Gordon felt deeply personal, a chance to forge a bond and aid him in overcoming his fears.
She sighed, watching the sunlight dance on the water's surface, as she weighed the two paths before her. Both were important, yet she knew she had to choose how to spend her time wisely. Perhaps there was a way to do both, she mused, to fulfill her mission while still standing by the poison mage's side. Anastasia lifted herself away from the creek, water droplets trailing down her legs as she stood then walked back to the camp. She summoned her magic carpet, allowing it to unfurl on the grass and sat on top, retrieving the publication and her Gordon doll from her bag. Leaning on the tree where they had their shelter set up, she reread the front page of the paper and nestled the doll on her lap. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Gordon turning over in his sleep, now facing her. Distracted, she looked at his sleeping face once more, intrigued at how his eyes disappeared into the black makeup. Suddenly it hit her why the author's name was so familiar, and she let out a gasp so loud that it startled him awake, his eyes shooting open with a jolt.
"YOU'RE RELATED!" she shouted.
Gordon lifted himself from the ground, sleeping bag and all, groggily looking at her.
"Wh-what?"
"It all makes sense now! A family famous for their curses and hexes! You mentioned that the first time we met!" She shuffled towards him on her knees and grabbed the sleeping bag, bringing him close "Nathan Agrippa! You're related to him, aren't you?"
Bewildered at her actions and still not quite awake, he slouched backwards in her grip, still attempting to return to the world of the waking.
"Uh...Yes Anase…That's my father" He mumbled. "Why?"
Another long gasp escaped her lips.
'And he asked me to meet his parents. Nathan Agrippa is one of his parents. Holy shit! I can't believe this,' Her eyes widened with wonder, and she released him, lost in her thoughts. 'To think I've been reading his work all this time and that's his father! It's incredible!'
Gordon plopped back onto the ground with a grunt. He slowly shuffled out of the bag, still bleary eyed as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.
"Why are you abusing me so early in the day?" He whined, wishing he had a few more minutes of sleep.
"I came here looking for this," She turned to the page with the sketch of the plant.
The poison mage wiped some grit off his eyes and squinted at the page. "Oh, Foxglove…"
"This publication was written by your father! The research he did about this, and its medicinal applications is incredible!" She continued "Wait…you know what it looks like?"
He nodded, "My mother grows it in her garden."
The cosmos mage's jaw dropped to the ground as she dramatically melted away by the news. Gordon watched her animated display, unsure of what to make of it, then stretched his limbs in an attempt to wake his body up. Suddenly he felt gravity pulling him down to the ground with additional weight on top of him. Anastasia's body warmth overwhelmed him as she wrapped her arms around his frame and nuzzled his sideburn, causing him to blush uncontrollably. His confusion mingled with delight at the unexpected gesture, and he wondered what had gotten into her.
"Anase, what's going on?" he asked, his voice a mix of amusement and embarrassment.
Her eyes were bright with excitement as she pulled back slightly, her grin infectious. "I know what I want to do," she declared. "As promised, Let's train together. We might not have much time because I have to get back to the healing tower, but once everything is settled, I want to meet your parents sooner than later!"
Gordon's heart swelled with a mix of joy and apprehension. The thought of her meeting his parents was nerve-wracking, yet he couldn't deny the thrill of sharing his world with her. Her resolve was palpable, and he found himself eager to see how this new chapter would unfold, knowing that it would bridge their worlds. She planted a firm kiss on his cheek causing him to smile shyly at her.
"When you're all washed up, let's get started!" She said, her grin widening _
Gordon, now washed up and refreshed, stood across from Anastasia at a respectful distance. His gaze flickered with uncertainty as he contemplated the idea of using his magic against her. The nature of his abilities made him hesitant, even though he trusted her implicitly. The cosmos mage stood with her feet planted firmly on the ground, her eyes alight with determination. She gave him an encouraging nod, her confidence in him unwavering.
"Don't hold back. I want to see what you can do."
He took a deep breath, trying to quell the nervous flutter in his stomach. "Are you sure about this, Anase? My magic is-"
"Deadly, yes. But I trust you," she interrupted gently, her expression softening. "Remember, I can heal myself, and this is about finding your strength."
Her reassurance steadied him, and he squared his shoulders, ready to begin. "Alright," he said, letting a small smile tug at his lips. "Let's see what I've got."
His grimoire appeared, tendrils of sickening poison emanating from it as they manifested into medium sized animals. He summoned his Aufwachen Dachs, and the three badgers stood before him, staring at the cosmos mage with an otherworldly intensity. Anastasia couldn't help but exclaim in excitement, identical to how her brother reacts when he sees new magic. Gordon chuckled at the reaction, seeing the stars in her eyes, even from that distance. She pulled herself together and summoned Canis Minor, who took on a form similar to the small wolf who befriended them. The summonses faced each other, the poison badgers snarling and hissing, while Canis Minor sat with a serene, yet alert posture, its eyes fixed on the badgers. The contrast between the dark, menacing badgers and the radiant, calming wolf was stark.
"Go, Canis!"
The celestial wolf barked in acknowledgement, surging forward with a burst of speed, its glowing form a blur against the dim light of the forest. The poison badgers hissed and leaped to meet the challenge, their claws flashing in the dim light as they lunged at the celestial wolf. The clash was immediate and fierce. Claws scraped against ethereal fur, and sharp teeth snapped in the air as Canis Minor and the badgers engaged in a brutal ballet of aggression. Canis Minor's barks echoed through the clearing, sharp and commanding, while the badgers responded with growls and snarls, their attacks swift and vicious.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the wolf's agility and radiant aura turned the tide of battle. With every clash, it deflected the badgers' attacks with ease, retaliating with powerful swipes and bites, tearing apart the badgers' throats one by one. The final clash came as Canis Minor unleashed a decisive bite, sending the last badger to dissipate into the atmosphere. Anastasia watched the intense skirmish with a critical eye. As Canis Minor stood victorious, its fur shimmering with a victorious glow, her expression hardened.
She looked up at Gordon, her voice firm and unwavering. "You're holding back. I know you're capable of more. Again."
The poison mage, catching his breath, looked at her with a mixture of surprise and frustration. He sucked his teeth, still grappling with his hesitation, but her unwavering gaze and the intensity of the training pushed him to confront his fears head-on. He summoned his badgers once more, steeling himself for the next round.
This time, they charged with renewed ferocity, their eyes gleaming with an aggressive glint. Their attacks were more coordinated, their strikes more vicious. They darted around Canis Minor, slashing and biting with a relentless drive. Canis Minor met their aggression with a resolute stance. The celestial wolf moved with a graceful, fluid rhythm, its movements in perfect sync with its owner's will. Despite the badgers' enhanced ferocity, Canis Minor dodged their attacks with agile precision, its own claws and teeth flashing in retaliation. The clash of magic and ferocity was a spectacle of light and shadow. The clearing echoed with the sounds of battle: the snapping of jaws, the swish of claws, and the occasional yelp of a badger. Canis Minor's movements were a mesmerizing display of controlled power. Each badger that fell was met with a decisive, yet graceful strike, maintaining the wolf's dominance in the fight. When the dust settled, Canis Minor stood tall once more, the victor of the fierce battle. The poison badgers, though tenacious, had been outmatched by the celestial wolf's prowess.
Anastasia's eyes narrowed with a blend of frustration and encouragement. She crossed her arms and shouted, her voice sharp and commanding. "You need to push yourself further! I know you can summon even greater power. This is about overcoming your limits. Try again."
Despite his exhaustion and the weight of his own doubts, Gordon forced himself to nod in agreement. Deep down, he knew she was right; this wasn't just about a physical battle, it was about facing his own inner demons and finding the strength to overcome them. He couldn't help but think of Captain Yami's words and how they had always pushed him forward, but now they seemed like a distant memory. As he summoned his badgers once more, he couldn't ignore the fear that lingered in his mind - the risk of losing everything to a Devil because of his own weakness. The thought of losing his newfound happiness with Anastasia was almost too much to bear. But then again, so was the thought of spending an eternity alone, haunted by the same fears and doubts that plagued him when he roamed the forest. His determination and mana rose together, causing the badgers to grow uncontrollably larger.
His magic surged through his body, emanating from his fingertips and pouring out of his mouth in a dark, terrifying display. He channeled all of his rage, fear, and frustration into his creatures, infusing them with an otherworldly power that radiated from their fur. The permanent makeup on his eyes and mouth contorted into twisted lines, crawling up towards his hairline like malevolent vines. His scarlet gaze blazed with infernal intensity, mirroring the ferocity of the badgers under his command as they wildly snarled and snapped. A deep growl rumbled in his throat as he prepared to attack with his all. Anastasia smirked; her eyes gleaming with excitement at the surge of malevolent energy knowing he was finally getting serious.
The poison badgers, now relentless, pounced with a renewed intensity. Their attacks were swift and brutal, striking at Canis Minor with unrestrained aggression. The celestial wolf, though valiant, struggled against the onslaught. The cosmos mage grunted, feeling the struggle and poured more mana into her summon. Claws and fangs found their mark, each strike sending ripples of pain through its shimmering form. She found herself struggling to keep up with healing her beast, the poison from the badgers decaying Canis' body at an accelerated rate. Anastasia's Grimoire shone with a brilliant white light as she raised her hands to the sky, drawing mana upon the stars, shouting as she channeled magic to her summon' s defense as fast as she could. Runes encircled the beast, buffering its defense but they were soon contaminated with a dark aura, then shattered by Gordon's cursed magic. Gordon shouted with raw, feral emotion, as his pack went in for the kill, dark tendrils pouring out from him as they whipped and shattered new runes that Anastasia would create. Despite the celestial wolf's best efforts, the combined might of the badgers and their commander's primal power, proved overwhelming. The celestial wolf's defenses were breached, pinned down with each badger locking its jaw within its body, and with a final, pained growl, it succumbed to the relentless assault.
As the last traces of magic faded, something extraordinary occurred. A cursed poison from the badgers' jaws seeped through to Canis Minor's form and it began to shimmer and pulse with an unusual energy. The badgers' poison and Canis Minor's celestial magic began to intertwine, creating a swirling vortex of light and shadow. From the merging of these magical forces, a new creature began to materialize. It emerged from the remnants of Canis Minor and the poison badgers, a being that combined the elements of both. This new summon was a magnificent blend of celestial grace and primal ferocity, with a shimmering, ethereal coat and eyes that gleamed with a mix of cosmic and predatory intensity. The creature stood poised and regal, with a form both majestic and intimidating. It released a haunting, ethereal howl that resonated through the sky, causing birds to flee their trees in fear. It possessed the strength and agility of Canis Minor, but with an added layer of the poison badgers' fierce energy. Its presence radiated an aura of enigmatic power, a testament to the unique fusion of magic that had occurred. Anastasia and Gordon watched in awe as the new summon, a stunning amalgamation of their combined magic, flexed its limbs, shook its body and surveyed its surroundings. The creature's eyes locked onto the poison-curse mage, and strode towards him, sitting right in front.
The cosmos mage's eyes sparkled with excitement and amazement as she caught her breath. "Canis Minor is…. cursed?" she said, her voice filled with wonder. "Fascinating!"
Anastasia ran up to the creature, kneeled in front of its large form and began to examine it. She gently caressed its fur, sensing the delicate balance of life-giving energy and decaying death. Gordon, still catching his breath, stared at the new summon with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. He had faced his fears and unleashed a power he had never imagined possible. The training had been grueling, but the results were nothing short of spectacular. She gazed at the magnificent new summon, its celestial grace and primal power a testament to his growth and the incredible fusion of their magic. She gestured for the beast to sit, but from her it did not take commands. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she realized that Gordon's magic had taken over it. The poison mage reached out his hand to greet the creature and it set its head on his hand, nuzzling it affectionately. Anastasia's heart swelled with pride as she witnessed the interaction then turned towards him, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Gordon," she began softly, her voice tinged with warmth and sincerity, "Do you see this? You've pushed yourself beyond what you thought possible and look at what you've achieved. This... this is extraordinary."
Her words hung in the air, a blend of awe and affection. With a gentle smile, the cosmos mage reached out and cupped his face in her hands, her touch tender and reassuring. As she looked into his eyes, she could see the mixture of exhaustion, exhilaration, and newfound confidence. Without hesitation, she leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to his lips. The kiss was soft and filled with all the emotions she felt, pride, love, and a deep, unwavering support. It was a kiss that conveyed more than words ever could, a promise of unwavering commitment and a celebration of their shared journey. His eyes widened in surprise, and his heart fluttered at the unexpected, yet deeply meaningful gesture. He felt a wave of warmth and happiness wash over him, the intensity of the moment melting away the fatigue and stress of the past few days. As he pulled her closer, their embrace deepened, the kiss becoming a moment of shared triumph and affection. When they finally parted, Anastasia's eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and affection.
She rested her forehead gently against his, her breath warm against his skin. "You've done so well," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so proud of you."
"I couldn't have done this without you." He said with a smile "quite literally…"
He closed the distance between them once more, weaving his fingers through her hair. She softly inhaled and released a sound indicative of savoring a tasty treat. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tip toeing and pressing her body to his. He tightened his embrace, a low rumble resonating in his throat. He would savor this woman, who believed in him with unwavering determination. He would treasure her, she who pushed him to the point of frustration, to be better. He would love her, the cosmos mage, who would encourage his growth and grow together with him. He pulled back, his red eyes tracing the stars in hers, emotion welling up in his throat.
"Anastasia Novachrono…"
Her eyes widened at the sound of her full name. "Yes?"
"Will you…" he swallowed hard "...be my girlfriend?"
She raised her eyebrows, and a large smile slowly spread across her face. In the background, the cursed celestial beast mirrored her emotions, its fur gleaming with a brighter intensity. She hopped up and wrapped her legs around him, squeezing him in her embrace. He stumbled on his feet as he caught her, caught off guard by her reaction.
"I thought you would never ask!" She shouted, giggling gleefully "Yes!"
The bond between them, solidified by their shared experiences and the magical fusion they had created, now felt stronger than ever. Gordon fell for the cosmos mage's infectious joy and began laughing himself, spinning her around. After a millennium of loneliness, after the tribulations that came with his family history, after the challenges of his own self-esteem, he was positive that now he would never have to face it alone again. Gordon would never have to hide his magic again. He had all of his friends back at base. He had discovered his abilities in a new light. His future was set in a transformative way to help people based on his father's work and now, he found someone who truly accepted all of him. As they stopped, the poison mage set his companion down and there they stood together, their hearts connected by the triumphs and trials of their journey. Looking at each other, they knew that together they could face whatever came next.
As she looked at him, she noticed the change in his makeup. There was an intensity to them now, a dark beauty that matched the raw power he had just unleashed. She reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing against the intricate patterns that adorned his skin. Her touch was featherlight as she traced the outline of the now-altered makeup, marveling at the way they seemed to pulse with a life of their own.
"How come it's different now?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.
Gordon blinked, taken aback by her question. "Huh? Is something on my face?" he responded; confusion evident in his tone.
Anastasia smiled softly, her fingers still exploring the new shapes his makeup had taken. "Your makeup changed," she murmured, her eyes flicking between the markings and his deep, scarlet gaze. "It's like… it evolved with your magic."
Confused, he walked over to the creek, crouching down to see his reflection in the water. He noticed the transformation in his appearance, the dark waves that framed his face now slowly receding, almost as if they were alive and retreating back to their original form.
"Huh... I'm… not really sure," he murmured, touching the pattern by his lips, feeling the slight tingle of residual magic.
"Do you feel any different?" Anastasia asked, her gaze following his movements intently.
"No, not really," Gordon replied, still studying his reflection. His eyes flickered back to her, a hint of uncertainty in them as he asked, "Do I look scary?"
"Well…yes?" She replied, her voice laced with uncertainty.
The poison-curse mage's head whipped back at her response, a frown creasing his browbones. As he locked eyes with the cosmos mage, he noticed her cheeks reddening slightly. She quickly looked away, awkwardly twiddling her fingers.
"Really?" he said in disbelief, stepping closer.
His grip tightened gently around her arms as he loomed over her, his towering presence suddenly intimidating. His eyes widened unnaturally, casting a ghastly shadow across his face. Anastasia's heart pounded in her chest, the heat rising to her cheeks as she gazed up at him, utterly entranced.
"I-I think you're making me… Scaroused…" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she quickly covered her face with her hands, trying to hide the deepening flush.
Gordon blinked, her words looping in his mind until they hit him with full force. His face flushed beet red, and steam seemed to comically pour out of his ears. He stumbled back slightly, his hands dropping from her arms as he tried to process what she just said. The usually stoic and collected poison mage was now a picture of bewilderment, his mind short-circuiting at the thought.
"A-anyway…Shall we take a break?" Said Anastasia, trying to avoid panic "I think we got a good catch."
"S-sure, I could eat," Gordon responded.
Their wolfen friends had emerged from the forest, curiously walking up to the new beast. The cursed Canis was the perfect size between the small wolf and its enormous mother. They sniffed about the celestial wolf, assessing its strength. Canis' tail swayed gently, allowing the wolves to circle it. The mages looked onward as they waited for a large fish to cook over a spitfire.
"Hey, see if you can get Canis to play with them," Anastasia whispered.
"Huh? Me?"
"Yes you! While Canis is cursed, it doesn't take commands from me anymore, I can only maintain its form."
Gordon contemplated her words and returned his eyes back to the spectacle. The small wolf hopped around the beast, attempting to provoke it and Canis only watched without reacting. As he watched the poisonous gases swirling inside its ethereal form, mingling with starlight, he thought about the playful aspects of Anastasia's personality. He raised a hand towards the beast and tried to channel that towards it. The constellation gently pulsated within, his mind playing thoughts of the mischief she caused in the tavern where they first met and the prank she played on both him and Grey. The beast began to hop in response to the little one, nipping at its feet. The small wolf barked happily, nipping back at its legs. The two beasts began chasing each other, rolling around in the dirt. The mother's tail wagged wildly; her eyes gleaming with want to join. Anastasia laughed with the wolves, sharing in their joy and she looked at Gordon, whose eyes shone with a mixture of joy and disbelief.
Interrupting the moment of joy, a familiar crackle of mana filled the air, materializing a screen in front of the cosmos mage.
"Marx?"
"Lady Anastasia, where have you been?" He said, exasperated, "Your brother I can understand, but you, this isn't like you!"
"Excuse me?" she said, exaggerating a hand on her chest "I happen to be doing some field research, like Julius…probably"
Marx's eyes travelled the screen and to his disdain he sees her fingers Intertwined with those of the poison mage, who is staring at the screen expressionless.
"Field research…I see" he said, scowling "I'm sure Dr. Owen and his majesty will be interested in hearing about your findings when you return. Sooner than later" he spat, shutting off the screen.
"Jeez, what's his problem?" Anastasia scoffed.
As her words hung in the air, a pang of guilt twisted in Gordon's stomach. Watching the exchange, he felt the weight of Anastasia's responsibilities settle heavily on him. He knew how crucial her role at the healing tower was, and the thought that he might have kept her from those duties gnawed at him. He shifted uneasily, glancing at her, who seemed unfazed by Marx's reprimand. Despite her casual demeanor, the poison mage couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow to blame for her absence. His heart sank as he wondered if their time together had been a selfish distraction, one that pulled her away from her important work. Anastasia seemed to sense his unease and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Her smile was full of warmth and understanding, as if she could read the conflict in his mind. But even her comforting presence couldn't fully dispel his self-reproach.
"Don't worry, he does this all the time," she said rolling her eyes.
Determined to support her without hindering her responsibilities, he resolved quietly to do whatever he could to ensure the cosmos mage could return to her duties without delay. Watching her respond to Marx with calm confidence, he found comfort in her resilience and dedication. Though the guilt lingered, he drew strength from her example, vowing to balance his desires with her commitments. He gave her hand a squeeze, looking at her with renewed determination. When she turned her head to look at him, she felt his lips meeting her forehead. Blush painted her face in reaction, and she stilled in confusion.
"G-Gordon?"
"Thank you so much for taking the time to be with me Anase" he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I know you have your responsibilities, so while you tend to them, I'll wait for you at my parents' house."
He cradled her face in a hand, watching her eyes glimmer as she listened to him. "You've given me confidence in my magic and now, if I study with my father, I'm sure I'll be able to use it for good."
Her heart warmed at his words and although it pained her to know that their time together was over, she was ecstatic that he was able to take away a valuable lesson. She hung on to the confidence of his voice and they shared a tender embrace.
"Alright." She said, "Let's go home then."