Twisted chance of Hope

Astra paused and blinked confused "What? You're saying that despite me technically saying I am a threat and responsible for the recent shift of this nation.." she hushed him "Hush young man, besides... I always suspect the laws of the Sacred Context are too extreme in the punishment department…and I don't like Equinox' mystery as I did at least relieved somehow whoever this new ruler is doesn't want to haunt you down.."

Astra was still taken aback by her understanding but nodded appreciatively, "Thank you, Anastasia. I don't know what to say. I'll be cautious and won't bring trouble to your inn, I promise."

Anastasia "Good, Now GO TO BED free of charge…. may be to improve your cover or if you feel repaying me, give me money and" blushes "What is your real name? Maybe this one you gave me is another decoy kind… based in how you describe your former [real] job"

Astra hesitated, not sure whether to reveal his real name or not. After a moment of thought, he replied, "My real name is Aldol. And thank you, Anastasia. I appreciate your kindness." He then headed back to his room, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude for her understanding.

Astra spoke as he coughed a bit "Wait, that's my real nickname…my full name is Via Lactea De Valor…along with well" breathes heavily "Astra is also kind of the current name as that's the code name the Equinox herself calls me"

Anastasia listened, absorbing the information. She nodded and said, "Via Lactea De Valor, that's a beautiful name. I won't press you for more details. Just know that you can always find refuge here if you need it." With that, she bid him goodnight, and Astra, or rather, Via Lactea De Valor, returned to his room for some much-needed rest.

He slept for a few hours of relief yet he got oddly bashful and nervous (what's wrong with me? Why do I want her company so much?)

Astra, now known as Via Lactea De Valor, woke up feeling bashful and confused about the feelings he had developed for Anastasia. He couldn't quite understand why he wanted her company so much. As he pondered his emotions, he decided to get up and head downstairs to see if Anastasia was around.

Anastasia was missing, he panicked and rushed in switching into his Faction Knight Assasin attire (and his special mask) one for the mouth and the other for eyes of fishnet-like goggles as he dashed and slays more other assassins attempting to kidnap her until he gave mercy to the last one he knocks out for Future interrogation he ask Anastasia if she was okay? Despite seeing signs of defilement in her clothing.

Anastasia, looking shaken but determined, replied, "I'm okay, thanks to you. They didn't succeed. But I don't know why they targeted me. And... thank you for saving me, Astra."

Astra's expression was still stoic as he said, "It's my duty, and you shouldn't be involved in this mess. I'll make sure they won't come back. You should rest, you've been through a lot."

Anastasia nodded, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "Just... be careful out there, Astra."

Astra carried an unconscious assassin the rest dead as he used shadow travel back in the Inn he chains up with shadow construct for the assassin and despite being mildly feverish he was busy helping Anastasia wear new clothes with a softer voice without himself noticing "You sure you are okay? They didn't do anything to you right?"

Anastasia, now in fresh clothes and looking relieved, replied, "I'm physically fine, Astra, thanks to you. They didn't get a chance to harm me. But I'm scared and confused about why they targeted me."

Astra nodded, his concern showing despite his usual stoicism. "I'll get some answers from that captured assassin. But for now, stay safe. I'll be watching over you."

Anastasia gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Astra. You're not like what the rumors say about Faction Knights. You're different."

Anastasia chuckled softly. "Well, we're all a bit weird in our ways, aren't we? But I've seen something in you, Astra, something that goes beyond the rumors. I trust you, and I hope you can find peace and answers in whatever path you choose to follow."

Astra got a melancholic poker face again under the moonlight of 12:00 Ni.Fa as he spoke "I think I had an idea why they are targeting you.."

Anastasia looked at him, curious and a bit concerned. "Why do you think they're targeting me?"

Astra "They must've known info of suspicion a fugitive like me is protected by you..recall informing the remaining faction you inform about my disguised identity staying here? Knowing you are very honest"

Anastasia nodded, realizing the connection. "I did inform the Faction Knights about your presence here. So, they might have seen you coming here or heard about it somehow." She looked troubled, knowing that her actions may have inadvertently put Astra and herself in danger.

Astra spoke as he hugged her "After I get intel from that Assasin I shall probably leave as an Ex-faction knight..I appreciate it yet I must not let you get a less peaceful life because of me.." she froze noticing emotions in his eyes than ever before his voice subtle how he may had an attachment to her

Anastasia, feeling a mix of emotions, hugged Astra back. "You've already helped me more than you know," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly. "I don't want to see you get hurt. Be careful out there, Astra." She was beginning to realize that despite the danger, she felt a strong connection to this mysterious man, and it worried her deeply.

Then she pinched his cheek she noticed he was blushing and gazed away "Hehe, you better let me join you in interrogating that kidnapper." Astra cutely brushes off her hand "No, just..it won't be pretty okay? I still have habits How I handle targets..".

Astra's concerns were understandable, but Anastasia was determined. "I can handle it," she said with a determined look in her eyes. "I want to help you, and if that means interrogating someone, so be it. We make a good team, you know." She smiled warmly, feeling a sense of connection she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Astra sighs as he facepalm "fine , but on a condition you don't scream or look just listen..Plus no I don't think so you're just an innkeeper involve with a fugitive or rebel-" shriek a bit as he calms down as he notice she kiss bits of bottom lip.

Anastasia chuckled at his reaction and said, "I promise I won't scream or look, and I trust you, Astra." With that, they prepared to interrogate the captured assassin, not realizing that this unexpected alliance would continue to evolve into something more significant in the days to come.

Then Astra prepared himself as Anastasia was on standby he got an eerie apathetic voice from the assassin "Tell me what is your group like? Your assassination is so immature compared to me" as he had a magical dagger ready "Say..I remove any glyph or spell you prepare to commit seppuku with..if you don't wanna suffer tell me your motive why me? And target her?" The assassin truffled and spoke they are a special group that is a cult to worship Estella the Anti-Goddess..they only came around based on their delusions there is someone out there treating her like an enemy so they swore to carry out her values.."

Astra listened carefully to the assassin's words, and he couldn't help but think of the shadowy world he was once a part of. With a sense of understanding and perhaps a touch of sympathy, he spoke in a calmer tone, "I see, a misguided cult. But targeting innocent people is not the way to honor anyone's values. Now, tell me more about your group's plans and how to stop them."

The assassin reluctantly provided additional information about their cult's activities and hideouts, hoping to save themselves from Astra's blade. The interrogation continued as Astra and Anastasia worked together to uncover the cult's plans and protect the innocent.

He retract them as the Assassin remove her mask to reveal an adorable 18 year old 4'11 Feline(cat variation) Bestialkin that sways her tail and flick her ears as she also spoke she is a big fan of the shadow Knight out of all members of her cult and felt like she fell in love despite being nervous to be killed she just wants to know his face…while Astra scoffs that his face right now isn't his real face either

Astra couldn't help but be surprised by the appearance of the young feline Bestialkin assassin. He saw the mix of admiration, fear, and perhaps even a bit of infatuation in her eyes. He sighed and said, "Look, I appreciate the admiration, but what we do is not something to romanticize. You should leave this cult and find a better path in life."

The young assassin nodded, her eyes revealing a mix of emotions. Astra and Anastasia decided to let her go, hoping that she would choose a different, more positive direction in life.

As they watched her leave, Astra couldn't help but wonder if this encounter would have a lasting impact on her choices and if she'd truly walk away from the dangerous cult.

Then Anastasia awkwardly spoke the cat girl is still here tailing him as he spoke angrily despite being detached "Just ignore her…" she jumps over as he dodge her hug for she spoke "Nyaaa My name is Cheshie..."

Astra sighed and glanced at Cheshie, who seemed to be rather persistent. He couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for her situation. With a resigned tone, he said, "Cheshie, you really need to find a better path in life. This isn't a world where admiration for assassins will lead you to a happy future."

Anastasia chimed in, "He's right, Cheshie. We hope you make the right choices for yourself."

Cheshie looked down for a moment, her tail drooping. Then, she nodded slowly and said, "I'll try. Thanks for not hurting me, Shadow Knight."

With that, Cheshie turned and disappeared into the night. Astra and Anastasia watched her go, hoping that she would find a safer and more fulfilling way to live her life.

Then as they prepared to rest, both tired and Astra took his medicine things to a CHAOTIC funny turn as Astra and Cheshie on his rented bedroom tumbling down as she attempted to undress him for he spoke "Why did you admire me so much? Is the cult-like your home and no sense of purpose-" tried to dodge yet the girl has skills to use her feet and agile tail to make an accidental kiss that made Anastasia gasp in shock of what she just witness trying to pull Cheshie away from Astra as he breathes, froze and blushes.

The situation was definitely chaotic, and Astra found himself in an unexpected and rather compromising position. He stammered, "Cheshie, please, this isn't what I meant by finding a better path."

Anastasia, still surprised by what she had witnessed, quickly tried to separate the two and added, "Cheshie, you really need to learn some boundaries and respect personal space. And Astra, perhaps you should be more explicit when giving advice."

The awkwardness in the room was palpable, but eventually, they managed to sort things out, leaving Cheshie to reflect on her choices once again. Astra and Anastasia, on the other hand, decided it was finally time to get some well-deserved rest.

Astra scratched his head "I am not good with direct confrontation with girls.." Cheshie smirks "I got my first kiss with Shadow Knight-Senpai wait..innkeeper called you Astra right? Look despite being so tough you blushing…come on and my cult is indeed my birthplace and home…nyaahhheh..and come on don't you want affection? Plus I heard actual Bestialkin tribes from (Orange) Topaz Kingdom around here when someone is stronger than them they are partners!!" Anastasia blushed "Yeah that is true yet it's absurd you knew that and still act like an obnoxious Feline Bestialkin.."

Astra chuckled nervously, "Well, Cheshie, I appreciate the sentiment, but I think I've got enough on my plate right now."

Anastasia, still blushing and trying to hide her amusement, added, "You know, Cheshie, there's a time and place for everything. Let's just focus on getting some rest for now."

Cheshie pouted but eventually agreed, "Fine, but someday, Shadow Knight-Senpai, I'll make you mine." She then scampered off, leaving Astra and Anastasia alone in the room to finally get some much-needed sleep.

She sleeps like a cat and an adorable girl as she rests in Anastasia's bedroom she huffs and asks Astra if he notices him blushing in shock as she asks if she placed poison Astra asks "I think I got a panic pulse flair up" (not used to affection), then he turns to her "how about you? Did her kissing me upset you?" Anastasia shouted "Don't put it like that…plus Cheshie told me you don't like it despite your body expressing comfort and erm.." sways cutely "and she comments she can't be on her own since you confiscated her tools to commit seppuku if she betrays her cult she would be hunted down and anyways she isn't your type right?" Astra sighs, blushing "type? Like interest? I had no idea.."

Anastasia chuckled, "Oh, Astra, it's not about 'type' or 'interest.' I think she's just having some fun. As for her comment about my comfort, it's not about that. I'm just not used to seeing, well, such open displays of affection."

Astra nodded, "I understand. I'm not accustomed to it either."

They both had a moment of shared understanding as they tried to get some rest, navigating the complex emotions that had unexpectedly entered their lives.

Then she ask if he still has a fever

Astra shook his head, "No, I think the fever has finally subsided. Thanks for taking care of me."

Anastasia smiled, "You're welcome. Now, get some rest. You've had quite a day."

Astra ask "hey a favour I mean." His vulnerable side "I know this is sudden and I have read lots of literature to understand social circles somewhat in my previous quest can I experiment with my emotions?" Detach voice "like I don't feel anything strongly towards an enemy yet I guess pawn like her so..if you don't mind..try kissing me?"

Anastasia blushed, taken aback by Astra's request. After a moment of contemplation, she gently replied, "I appreciate your honesty and trust in me, but I can't do that. It wouldn't be right, especially considering your emotional detachment. Experimenting with emotions is one thing, but I don't want to make you or myself uncomfortable. Let's just focus on getting you well and figuring out your next steps."

Astra nodded with a sigh "Ahh sure sure..yeah very rude of me.." then Anastasia spoke blushed "On one condition, you close your eyes... If you really wanna test something and I don't mind we both consent and well…(he is so hot and precious why?!!! Despite being edgy he-) just tell me the point of the experiment"

Astra nodded in agreement. He closed his eyes and said, "Alright, my experiment is to understand how my body reacts to this kind of contact. Just a simple kiss, no deeper emotions attached." He waited, curious to see how he would react to the experience.

She then shyly with her short 5'2 height thanks to her boot heels matching his 6th foot and spoke "Don't open okay?" (Too bad his first kiss was taken by that cat brat…poor him) as she gently kissed him and slowly played with his tongue she senses a tinged of him whimpering with her it's pleasure as he kisses back playing with her tongue too and they hug each other.

As they kissed and embraced, Astra couldn't deny that he was feeling sensations he hadn't experienced in a long time. It was an experiment for him, but it also brought forth a sense of warmth and connection he hadn't felt in a while. They continued their kiss, exploring the feelings that had begun to stir within them.

Then they stop, breathing condense air as his eyes have more life in them , their heart racing as they awkwardly look away. Astra still composes "You didn't hate it, didn't you? I mean I might or my body somehow likes it so much..it's hard to say yet I kinda want it I mean.."

Anastasia blushed but smiled, "I didn't hate it at all. In fact, it was quite nice. I think you might be discovering that there's more to life than just revenge and detachment. Emotions and connections are important too." She reached out and gently held his hand. "It's okay to feel, Astra.".

Then he gasp feeling it mirrors a faint memory of his mother cradling his 4 year old self that it's okay to cry before he hugs her close to the corner of the wall , they stare at eachother intimately as he spoke with tears of joy dripping "Y-You mean th-that?"

Anastasia nodded, her own eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Yes, that's exactly what I mean. It's okay to feel, to connect with others, and to embrace the good moments in life. You don't have to be so detached all the time." She hugged him back, comforted by the change she saw in him.

She can hear his heart beating as he hugs her and gazes at her for she notices the hair dye fading Astra reveals his true face, removing his mask yes he has blue eyes yet they had dilation and highlights now, plus alluring gaze..his hair went the natural black and purple hue "Hey can we kiss again? Is that okay?"

Anastasia blushed and smiled her heart racing. "Of course, we can." She leaned in for another kiss, savoring the newfound connection between them.

Then they slowly embrace each other and tug in his rented bed to snuggle before he stops, feeling he might be aroused something he isn't used to at all as Anastasia giggles "Never really kissed a girl or crush on a girl before?" Astra has a confused expression "I guess not, frankly I always pretend to fit my mission and guise back often of times..yet what is this sensation why is my body wanting you so badly?"

Anastasia chuckled softly, understanding his confusion. "It's completely natural, Astra. You're experiencing feelings and emotions you've repressed for a long time. It's okay to embrace them." She held him closer, offering comfort and warmth.

And she teases "And it seems you probably never experience normal male puberty lustful urges? Or maybe since you repressed those emotions your mind isn't fantasizing about anything"

Astra blushed and admitted, "I guess not, or at least I never allowed myself to entertain such thoughts. My life has been rather focused on missions and survival." He sighed, feeling a mix of awkwardness and curiosity.

Then he turns away "Am I or is my body a pervert? Since in one of my observations these Normal Guys can't help but stare at female anatomy.." he pauses and wonder why is he getting attracted to her

Anastasia chuckled, "Well, I wouldn't call you a pervert. It's natural for people to have attractions and desires. You've just been repressing those feelings for a long time. It's a part of being human, even for a former Faction Knight like you." She reached out to gently touch his hand.

She can hear that doki doki between them as she asks "wanna keep going? And not gonna lie I actually had my love at first sight with you too since you rented your stay here.."

Astra hesitated for a moment, but the attraction he felt was undeniable. He smiled softly and replied, "I'd like that, Anastasia. Let's see where this goes." They leaned in for another kiss, and their story continued to unfold most unexpectedly.

Then she noticed his torso was undressed as she slowly asked if his nipples were sensitive he nodded, blushing more and even moaning a little before he felt his alter ego. Seeping out (grew older to match his physical age of the mindscape admiring her personality and beauty)