Then they got awkward as Dorothy spoke "So the reason only the former Equinox knew your true appearance and none of us fellow Faction Knights….is you look the same age as Nova? Rather it's odd Chocola implied both of you are connected despite not being an outlander.." Astra processes how he can reply (Gosh, this is harder than I thought it would be….just after lately accepting what Chocola meant about my true family past)
Astra sighs, grappling with the internal struggle to reveal the truth. "Dorothy, it's complicated. We are connected, not just by appearance but by blood. Nova and I share a past that was intentionally hidden from both of us. We're not just Faction Knights; we're family, and our connection goes beyond the realms of Coloria. Chocola might have hinted at it, but it's a story that spans worlds, and I'm still piecing it together myself."
Dorothy's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and confusion. "Family? But how...?"
Astra nods, deciding to share a bit more. "We're twins. The reason our appearances match is because, in a way, we're the same age. There's a lot more to it, but it's a tale tangled with mysteries and secrets. I'm still learning about it myself."
Dorothy processes the revelation, her expression a mix of understanding and concern. "I had no idea... How does Nova feel about this?"
Astra's eyes darken slightly. "He doesn't remember. His memories were tampered with, and we're trying to untangle the knots together. It's a journey, Dorothy, and one with its share of challenges."
Dorothy nods empathetically, realizing the complexity of the situation. "If there's anything we can do to help, let us know."
Astra appreciates the offer, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Dorothy. For now, let me investigate the altar and the curse glyph. Maybe there's a key to unlocking the truth about our shared past."
Then he awkwardly scoots close to the potato mode condition of Nova as he feels really for the first time sympathetic "Still him an outlander….It's bizarre as the Equinox hide the truth of my family or connection to the truth…..raised to be her ideal right-hand man…well formerly—" then Dorothy is in awe Nova tried to say something in faltered words, yet not fully conscious despite the eyes open to blink "B…B..Brother…" as Astra uttered, "So this is his vegetative state of a reason why you're nursing to take some time off as a faction knight in this village?"
Dorothy nods, her gaze softened. "Yes, he's been in this state ever since that encounter with Estella. I've been looking after him, trying to understand the mysteries surrounding him. Chocola hinted that there's more to both of you and now I understand why."
Astra places a hand on Nova's shoulder, a mixture of regret and determination in his eyes. "I need to figure out more about this curse glyph on the altar. Chocola mentioned that it played a role in Nova's current state. If I can unravel its secrets, maybe it will lead us to the missing pieces of our past."
Dorothy offers her support. "I'll help however I can. We're all in this together, Astra. We may not fully understand the connections yet, but we'll find a way to bring Nova back."
Astra nods, appreciative of the support. "Thank you, Dorothy. I'm counting on it. And when Nova wakes up, I want him to know the truth about us, about his family."
Dorothy then got curious "So if Nova is an outlander from another world if you don't mind Astra…erm Cardinal no.0…..did the former (Estella) Equinox take you in back then? You seem disconnected and separated from the idea of outlander origin?"
Astra hesitates before responding, a complex mix of emotions crossing his face. "Yes, Estella found me when I was just a child. I don't remember much of my life before her. She raised me to be her loyal assassin, her tool for enforcing her authority. My memories are fragmented, and I'm still trying to piece together the truth about my past."
Dorothy listens intently, sensing the weight of Astra's words. "It must be difficult, not knowing your true origins. But you're not alone now. We'll uncover the mysteries together."
Astra nods, appreciative of Dorothy's understanding. "Thank you, Dorothy. And once we break the curse affecting Nova, we might uncover more about our shared history."
Dorothy agrees, determination in her eyes. "Let's get to the bottom of this, for Nova's sake and ours."
then Astra paused "And I want to apologize..." Dorothy asks "For what?" as she carries the vegetative Nova back to bed to let him groan to sleep, as Astra spoke "In my brainwashed in a non-traditional Integration ritual sense due to also secretly have ecto-mana like Nova...one of the few that lived in Coloria is...Well, how you, Tim, and Nova himself as kids at the age of 10 back in the main plaza of Amerite Village a very long time ago...despite I don't get it yet the Shadow abilities discreetly by majority by me...and Estella erased some memory moments when I trained you as a trainee faction knight before you were betrayed the promise your punishment is adjourned to return to your village here...the Old you I mean.."
[Context of his POV flashback - as the events unfolded in his suppressed memories. He saw the young girl, Dorothy Stone, being taken into custody for stepping into the Forbidden Valley territory. He couldn't help but sense a familiar aura among the children in the village who had accompanied her. As the kids tried to defend Dorothy, Astra began to feel a connection, a sense of déjà vu. The boy with black hair and crystal green eyes, so similar to his own besides his only difference that eyes being blue, caught his attention. It was a strange feeling as if he was looking at a long-lost sibling He then left. The shadow of the knight is busy calling to gather all villagers to listen to his announcement, as The young assassin/knight Astra blends in amongst the corners of the shade of the village houses and listens thoroughly before taking action that the new Criminal is a child of the village's head Dorothy Stone who was a novice Haddassah (female magical nun of the temple) at the time the same age as Astra at 10 years old, she got heterochromatic eyes (right eye violet-grey and the other sunstone black) as she got dragged by other adults to the assigned faction knight taking her in as the chief of the village (Dorothy's father) apologize for such a sweet daughter of his to commit taboo…Astra wondered at the time what TABOO did she do? Well, the knight explains she WENT TO THE end borders that protect this powerful isolated peaceful empire, thus since she has stepped foot on the Forbidden Valley (Gradience) territory…she shall be judged by the Hierarchy/Order in front of her eminence….However, 10-year-old Astra sensed a familiar mana-link or aura although weak was a boy that looked like him (identical twin) that had the most crystal pretty green eyes, and black hair same as the young assassin afar … the young village boy dropped whatever basket he was holding and shouted and drag another friend with short Pink hair..his bangs covering a few his eyes and hard to see yet uttered along that they could be at fault too as all three of those kids did go to the end mountains to prepare firewood for winter!!! She just trip and accidentally touch the ground of Forbidden Valley's soil..she isn't suppose to be punished by something so simple (Astra present watch this as the current Assasin realize he may probably met his brother although unaware at the time without notice) During this the girl herself reassured her friends with a smile "no it's my fault , my sin' for the taboo!! Leave my friends alone…I can atone for my sins if it's for the betterment of my village" the chief which was her father approve and help in chaining her close to the mount of the knight that takes her custody before the boys tries to run to reach her , 10 year old Astra seen the black haired boy with green eyes overpowered young adults piling into him as he sense colorful auras to be Frank he can see it yet by instinct he can tell what he has to do prevent any issues in getting the new prisoner (thus Dorothy) before he used his shadows unknown to anyone that stun Nova to Move to the ground as the pink haired shy boy Tim got an exchange with nova of their names mention and shouted "HURRY save DOROTHY , she has done nothing wrong we can't let them take her!!!" Before Tim shyly tried to follow suit yet felt a stun, but this time the shadow ability grip of Astra on him secretly got tenser and tighter because he can sense Tim has a weaker aura so it was best to apprehend him this way before Nova screamed in tears of anger as adults manage to apprehend him not to bother why Al of a sudden the two boys got motionless as Tim gaze at Dorothy (the girl had a sad smile) swaying away by the skies as the two boys gaze..10 year old Nova cried out before both of them knocks out as Astra breathes and let go of his secret shadow stun ability and return to the Emerald castle…due to the emotional detachment he cannot understand anymore why they are begging her to stay if she broke a taboo (his blue now soulless eyes gaze afar as he return to his post)]
Dorothy listens in disbelief as Astra recounts the suppressed memories of that fateful day when she, Nova, and Tim were just children. She tries to process the fact that Astra, in his shadowy role, played a part in their childhood. Astra continues with an apology, expressing regret for the roles they played in the events that unfolded.
Dorothy's emotions are a mix of shock and empathy. She knows that the circumstances of their past are complex, entangled with forces beyond their understanding. As Astra finishes his recount, Dorothy places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"We were all children then, caught in a web of fate that we couldn't comprehend. What's important now is that we work together to uncover the truth and break the curse affecting Nova. We can't change the past, but we can shape our future."
Astra nods a sense of gratitude in his eyes. Dorothy determined to move forward, looks at the still-dazed Nova and softly says, "Let's find a way to bring him back, and in doing so, we might discover more about ourselves and the mysteries that bind us."
Dorothy smirks as she tucks Nova into bed, she shuts the bedroom door and turns to Astra "Anyways besides Nova umm...How are the other remaining Faction Knights and Uncle? (Nirven/Cardinal no.1) , he leads them to accept Chocola is the new Equinox lately for these past months?"
Astra sighs, a mix of weariness and concern evident on his face. "The transition has been challenging for some. Chocola, despite her newfound role, is still adapting, and not everyone is fully on board with the changes. Niven, well, he's doing his best to maintain order, but there's an undercurrent of tension."
Dorothy nods, understanding the complexities involved. The abrupt shift in leadership, especially after Estella's fall, has undoubtedly left its mark on the faction. "Chocola has big shoes to fill. I hope they realize the importance of unity, especially with the prophecy looming over us."
Astra agrees, "Yes, the prophecy. It hangs over Mythlandia like a shadow. We must be prepared, and that involves not just dealing with Nova's condition but also addressing the underlying issues that have plagued our land for so long."
Dorothy crosses her arms, contemplating their next steps. "We need to gather the Faction Knights and discuss a plan. It's time to confront the challenges that lie ahead, both in restoring Nova and preparing for the prophecy's fulfillment."
Astra nods in agreement, and together, they leave the room to seek out the other Faction Knights and Uncle Nirven, hoping to find solutions to the mysteries that bind them.
Astra almost coughs (his way of laughing) to try to connect to Dorothy as she heeds to ride her dragonlike mount, while Astra prepares his shadow abilities for she feels in shock "What?" Astra asks, but Dorothy huffs to look away for Astra notices her bashful face "Is it because of the way you address the leader of the faction knight's as an uncle? well, I am aware he is the figure you look up to when you first emerge your duties of a faction knight.."
Dorothy chuckles nervously, adjusting her cloak. "Well, it's a bit more than that. Uncle Nirven was a mentor to me, not just in the ways of the faction knights but in life itself. He guided me when I was still finding my footing. The 'uncle' is a term of respect and gratitude, not just a formal title."
Astra nods in understanding, his demeanor softening. "I see. Family goes beyond blood, doesn't it?"
Dorothy smiles, appreciating Astra's grasp of the sentiment. "Exactly. Now, let's focus on the task at hand. We have a prophecy to decipher and a friend to bring back."
They ride off together, determined to face the challenges that await them, both in restoring Nova and in fulfilling the destiny that Mythlandia has laid out for its inhabitants.