Immense Trial and Tribulations

Then he felt a heartache , as he hid this internal pain well (must be the strain to suppress that avatar awakening no…it's the thirst for souls) as his mana eyesight glows his eyes to flickering purple for he wore a mask and drink a special potion he concocted himself to nullify his abilities and inform the Archaicans - Silhouette would handle their age range sorting as he quickly shadow teleported to the Inn where Anastasia is humming before hearing a tumbling sound and ask Astra what's wrong?

Astra appeared back at the inn, his emotions hidden behind a mask, and he calmly addressed Anastasia's question. "Nothing to worry about, Anastasia. I just had to attend to some matters with the recruits. How's everything here?" He tried to put on a composed façade, not wanting to burden her with his internal struggles.

She huffs as she stomp her foot as she take off his mask to see his aura very strong and shadowy..and his eyes are a Velvet Purple as she spoke "You mentioned earlier you hadn't taken a soul right during that elimination of cult members back then? Well what's happening? Tell the truth or you never experience the thirst of soul eating before? It almost feels like You are-" Astra grit his teeth and looks away as he clenches his chest "A what? A demonoid (physical type demons that originate in the mortal realm yet still have demonic base powers and features like the Demons from the Netherzone, difference they are killabke the Demonoids) I have slain some back then yet…I just assume they just pop out of nowhere ah-" breathes

Astra struggled to explain as he removed his mask and his true, shadowy nature became evident. He nodded slowly, acknowledging her concern. "Anastasia, it's not that simple. I have indeed taken souls, but I am not a demonoid. I'm something...different. My abilities are a result of my unique connection to Ecto-mana. It's a long and complicated story." He sighed, his purple eyes showing signs of inner turmoil.

Then he spoke "Yet , I never experience such thirst for souls since Usually when Estella trained me as a child and recharge my mana faster as it is unique predicament and doesn't want it slow" asmathic breathing "so I take lives for every mystical animal I killed…Never soul-eat anyone despite killing my targets so..I guess ever since I get to taste it when I suck the souls of vengeance against Estella for some my body wants more..Here make remedy to atleast neutralize here's the recipe I had used for so long " lend some folded old paper [Astra knew he might need to console to that useless yet kind goddess Spinel(mageress Chocola her mortal identity ) ]

Anastasia listened with concern as Astra explained his struggle with the thirst for souls. She took the folded paper from him, her eyes filled with worry. "Astra, I'll do my best to help you. We'll find a way to control this thirst, I promise." She glanced at the recipe on the paper, her mind racing with thoughts on how to create the remedy.

She then sighed and asked Astra "Yet here, drink a mild sleeping potion so you can rest I shall discreetly find someone able to brew it-" until she heard two familiar faces, Clifford and Cheshie worryingly spoke Astra left abruptly after meeting the current recruits and ask what's up?

Astra turned to Clifford and Cheshie, his eyes still bearing that eerie, velvet purple glow. He seemed drained but spoke with a determined tone. "I'm alright, don't worry. It's just the side effects of something I've been dealing with. Anastasia is helping me find a remedy." He paused for a moment. "But how did the sorting of recruits go in my absence?"

They spoke with force and confidence to reassure him it went smoothly yet due to his state they will update next time as Cheshie spoke "Oh and we learn one of the members Finn is an amazing Brewer and Mixologist.." Anastasia gasped and insisted despite it coming from their organization that is secretive and it's urgent she needs someone good at such making of concoctions.

Astra nodded in approval, feeling relieved that the sorting went well. "That's good to hear. And Finn's skills will definitely come in handy. Let's make sure to get that remedy first, and then we can discuss how to approach Finn for assistance. I trust you all to handle things here for the moment." He gave them a weary smile before turning back to Anastasia.

Anastasia spoke "But I may be good at making tea and coffee for guests of an Inn yet this recipe only someone like Finn can do it I insist he is familiar right? One of your recruits "Astra nods "Yes he is and a mere-folk, or gender-based term Mere-man so..I shall rest thanks to this sleeping potion you lent me, Anastasia.." sips the mild dose bottle and faints to sleep and his aura fades for now

Anastasia nodded and sighed with relief as Astra fell asleep. She then turned to Clifford and Cheshie and said, "Let's go find Finn and see if he can help with the remedy. We'll need it ready for when Astra wakes up. He's been through a lot today." With that, they left the room to seek out Finn and get the potion brewed.

After some time Finn spoke in awe "Fascinating ahem. I had no idea our leader has such deep-rooted weakness in exchange for his strength" Cheshie and Clifford ask him to hurry despite loving how he does his work and Finn spoke, his fish eyelids blink twice layers before uttering "Hear me, brewing takes time..besides Ad Astra is resting so no worries hmm..Soul-eating..I think it's a forbidden recharge method for any sort of mana type yet Ecto-born are more prone for the price well it's obvious Ecto means the Soul right?…it affects their ki (inner core soul/Core) and Mana Gauge " Anastasia awkwardly spoke "Sorry I am a magicless so…explain it well? More simpler."

Finn nodded and simplified his explanation. "Of course, think of it like this. Soul-eating is a dangerous way to replenish one's energy. It's forbidden because it has side effects, especially for Ecto-born like Ad Astra. It messes with their inner soul and mana balance, and that's why he's feeling this thirst for more souls now."

Cheshie and Clifford nodded in understanding, and Finn continued with his work to brew the remedy, ensuring it would be ready for Astra when he woke up.

Cheshie added "Unlike Umbral or Luminous born ...the thirst isn't prone or extreme it just actually expands their magi-reservoir, term for measuring both Mana Pool and Mana Gauge size…"

Anastasia nodded, absorbing the information. "So, Ecto-born like Ad Astra are at risk because their mana balance gets disrupted by soul-eating, while Umbral and Luminous born can benefit from it by expanding their magi-reservoir. That's quite a significant difference."

Cheshie and Clifford confirmed her understanding with nods and murmurs.

Finn added "It's an odd timing yet I overhear they are survivors like him amidst despite the Equinox decree during her reign of always giving all Ecto-born mana children to her….yet thanks to the actual 7 deities that gave mercy to at least let some survive by giving guidance our true mana sealed away and flukes the evaluation ceremony of every child at 5 years old.." as he gestured almost finished his potion remedy the reference on "I am also Ecto-mana born..don't inform As Astra yet when he wakes so…I hadn't killed or taken a life whether by soul-eating or actual murder yet had the magical knowledge of the Aether system (name of the magic system)"

Anastasia was genuinely intrigued by the insights Finn shared. "That's truly fascinating. It seems there's much more to the magic system in this world than meets the eye. And the fact that some Ecto-born like you and Astra managed to survive and even develop unique magical knowledge is remarkable. Thank you for sharing this with me, Finn."

Clifford and Cheshie nodded in agreement, appreciating the conversation.

Anastasia was genuinely intrigued by the insights Finn shared. "That's truly fascinating. It seems there's much more to the magic system in this world than meets the eye. And the fact that some Ecto-born like you and Astra managed to survive and even develop unique magical knowledge is remarkable. Thank you for sharing this with me, Finn."

Clifford and Cheshie nodded in agreement, appreciating the conversation.

Anastasia nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "It must be a challenging and uncertain journey for those Ecto-born survivors. We should respect their experiences and the unique paths they've had to follow. If there's anything we can do to support them or help with their awakening, we should consider it."

Clifford and Cheshie agreed, and they all felt a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the magical world they were a part of.

Cheshie then uttered "Still Finn, I still didn't expect you don't mind preparing this potion based on a recipe written by ad Astra himself!! As he is multi-talented no..truly lives to his reputation nya…why don't you mind this Inn-keeper lady around as I and Clifford mention she may be an ally yet Ad Astra doesn't involve her in our ideals or organization work."

Finn, with a gentle smile, replied, "I don't mind helping Anastasia with the potion because I can sense she genuinely cares about Astra. As for keeping her out of our organization's work, that's Astra's decision, and I respect it. It's essential to maintain secrecy and safety in our line of work."

Anastasia appreciated their concern for her and the boundaries set by Astra. "I understand the need for secrecy. I'm here to support Astra in any way I can, whether it's through my inn or other means. And thank you, Finn, for your assistance."

With the potion nearing completion, they continued their preparations, keeping Astra's well-being and their organization's mission in mind.

Astra meanwhile in his sleep, get a vague dream of his 4-year-old self happily joining hand in hand with his siblings, Cosmos (sister) and identical brother (Nova). The girl sister has Heterochromatic eyes (left eye green, right eye Blue) while Nova has Green eyes fully like shining emeralds while Astra's eyes shine like blue diamonds for they saw their adventurer father taking them how he beast takes certain creatures and explain to his kids why he only hunts for food when necessary"

In Astra's dream, the memories of his childhood played out vividly. They followed their father, who taught them the ways of the wilderness and the importance of understanding the balance of life and death. Astra, Nova, and Cosmos shared a bond of innocence and trust, basking in the love and care of their father.

As they ventured into the forest, their father pointed out various creatures, explaining the importance of responsible hunting. Astra's young eyes sparkled like blue diamonds as he absorbed the knowledge, a reminder of the simpler and happier times before the challenges of his later life.

The dream brought a mix of emotions, from warmth and nostalgia to a deeper understanding of the values instilled by his father. It was a glimpse into a past that had shaped Astra, making him the person he had become.

Then Astra in this dream crybaby when he got scared away from an approaching Pegasus Pony (baby Pegasus) that Nova despite them all 4 years old triplet rt hey are give him headpats and Cosmos baby talks as hug "it's okay to cry and be scared Aldol….hehe , Pa is just telling us atleast the Pegasus likes you.."

Astra's dream continued with the innocence of his childhood. As the baby Pegasus approached, Astra became frightened and started to cry. In response, his siblings, Nova and Cosmos, comforted him with headpats and reassuring words. They showed him love and understanding, reminding him that it was okay to be scared sometimes.

In this heartwarming moment, their father's teachings about the natural world and its creatures took on a different light, emphasizing not just the practical lessons but also the importance of family bonds and emotional support. The dream painted a beautiful picture of their sibling connection and the love they shared as they faced life's challenges together.

Astra cried in his sleep murmuring "Father and Sister..if I ever meet you again..I am so sorry…I was unable to save brother and you are all unaware I am still alive right here since taken away.." then Anastasia gently wake him up to reassure she won't leave him in his daze (the others - Cheshie , Clifford and Finn were already back in their hideout out Shadow's Resurgence) as she handcomb his hair "Ready to take your remedy potion? It's ready…how long does it take to neutralize the thirst?"

Astra slowly awakened from his dream, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. He heard Anastasia's comforting words and felt her gentle touch as she reassured him. With a sigh, he sat up and nodded in response to her question.

"I'm ready," he said with a somewhat weary but determined expression. He knew that he had to take the remedy to quell the unnatural thirst for souls that had begun to trouble him.

Anastasia handed him the potion, and he took it, hoping it would bring him relief and allow him to continue his mission as the leader of Shadow's Resurgence.

Then he answered her query after drinking "the one that prepared this recipe for me ever since that person discreetly tried to save me..she well..she is the only surviving ally against the anti-goddess besides me..erm anyways this can neutralize my thirst for about 2-3 months or so..:as long as if I take a life never to try to suck their souls to recharge my mana quicker of habit.." Anastasia sighs in relief "aware of other methods?" Astra smiles softly that made the girl skip a beat for he spoke "ahh, easy..meditation and the mana of the environment…anyways you notice me crying in my sleep don't you? How embarrassing.." then Anastasia spoke, "Yet you cried on your sleep before when you first paid for your stay at my Inn despite not being close yet like we are now.."

Astra nodded in acknowledgment of her words, understanding that he needed to be mindful of his actions and the methods he used to recharge his mana. He appreciated the remedy that Finn had prepared for him, as it gave him a way to control the unnatural thirst.

As Anastasia mentioned his previous moments of vulnerability, Astra couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I suppose I have my moments of vulnerability, even if I usually hide them well. Thank you for being understanding, Anastasia. It's not something I'm used to sharing with others."

He glanced at her with a genuine smile, his eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions.

Anastasia blush "Yet , you already had these fluttering feelings for me right?" Astra spoke with dilated blue eyes "I dunno, I read romantic literature before and observe sort of pairs in my distant watchful eye and well..we did kiss or tried our first kiss together so.." blushes "Can I I mean can we kiss again? Even though I am already aware you confessed to me you fell for me since seeing me as a stranger at first and At the time we apprehended Cheshie with her quirky playful advancements that did motivate me to be curious why I wanted my first kiss to be you.."

Astra's cheeks turned a subtle shade of pink as he listened to Anastasia's words. He found her honesty endearing and couldn't deny his growing feelings for her. He leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto hers, and softly spoke, "Anastasia, I would be honored to share another kiss with you."

With that, he closed the gap between them and kissed her with a tenderness that reflected his genuine affection and the deepening connection between them.

Then as they kissed and played with their tongue unlike last time, bated breath let go as Astra spoke "You haven't kissed a person before infatuated with me? No have you fallen for certain people before me earlier in your life?"

Amid their kiss, Astra gently pulled back slightly, their lips still close. He looked into Anastasia's eyes and said, "I've lived a life filled with training, missions, and a singular purpose, and I've never allowed myself to be distracted by romantic feelings. You're the first person who's made me feel this way, and I'm grateful for it."

He then gave her a warm smile before drawing her close for another kiss, enjoying the newfound emotions that had entered his life.

Then as he released between kisses "wait I think that query was for you as well since probably due to being a normal magicless Archaican you well must've fallen for people before me right Anastasia? Did you?" 

Anastasia, her face still flushed, replied, "Well, I've had my share of admirers and flirtations, but none of them ever made me feel quite like this. You're different, Astra, and I can honestly say I've never felt this way about anyone before."

They shared another sweet kiss, both feeling the genuine connection that had grown between them.