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| >> Campfire Creative >> Fiction >> Death >> ID #1310107 |   |
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[Introduction]
Continued from "Invalid Item" 
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 Stormy is Editing He could feel nothing in the room. *Charlie, I think you should stop, you're exhausted.* Janus licked his face in worry. M *I...* Charlie sighed, looking over at the doctor. He really loved those ring curls, on a guy. They didn't make him look girly though, just... sexy. Was it okay to think that? *Yes, maybe you're right.* Stormy is Editing Janus licked his face again. *Sana's on her way, she's done and about ready to wake everyone up. Comeon, let's get out of here before he does wake up.* M *You're right,* Charlie agreed carefully making his way out of the room. He moved down the hallway and into the infirmary, leaning on walls as he did so. When should he tell Sana, now, later? Later, he decided as the world shifted around him and he tipped forward a bit. This would be a bad time. He over compensated and tilted back hitting his head on the hall, where he stayed until the dizziness passed. "Tea," he told no one in particular. Stormy is Editing "Yes Charlie, right here," came Sana's soothing voice. Something warm was pressed into his hands. "I've got the tea. I had a cup earlier, and now it's your turn." Her hand slipped under his body and helped him sit up. "Exhausted?" M "Quite," Charlie tipped the tea into his mouth. When it was gone he handed the cup back, "Sorry Sana, but is there more? Maybe some honey bars too?" Stormy is Editing She shook her head, "Not here, do you think you can make it to our rooms? I could help you?" M "Um, sure, maybe," but as he stood the world tilted and tipped worse than it had before. "No," he was sitting again. Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes, "Bear with me now," she said, and a moment later, they were in their room, Charlie's stomach feeling somewhat upset at the seemingly sudden movement they just went through. "Here," Sana propped him up on his bed, "I'll be right back." M *Janus, is my shoulder still...?* Charlie asked as he fell asleep. Stormy is Editing He woke to someone shaking him fairly thoroughly. "Charlie!" came Sana's voice from the fog surrounding his mind. M "Hm, just a bit longer..." He didn't even open his eyes. Stormy is Editing "Charlie! Wake up!" Sana's voice carried a bit closer to him.*Charlie!* came a voice in his mind. M "Hm," Charlie pried his eyes open, "What is it? Where's Einstein?" Stormy is Editing *Around my neck again,* Janus said, *Charlie, we've got to get out of here, it's time. Can you walk or does Loki have to pick you up?* Everything around Charlie seemed to be spinning and blurry. M Charlie had the sudden desire to laugh, *Oh I won't be walking just yet, no.* Stormy is Editing Strong arms wrapped around him and held him close. Then he was moving, the sound of a steady heartbeat right near his ear. Nothing else in the world seemed to be going on, the heartbeat took over him. He could feel his own heart start to beat in time to it, a steady pounding throughout his body. M It was odd, and any other time Charlie would have tried to understand it, but at the moment he simply could not. Stormy is Editing He was carried gently in those arms for several long minutes, then he was held in a lap, the warmth of the body lulling him back into sleep. Before he was completely out of it, he heard Janus say, *It's alright Charlie, you'll be fine once you've slept a bit.* M *Yes, sleep sounds good,* Charlie slept again, deeply. Stormy is Editing When Charlie woke up next, it was by his own awakening, and he was warm and comfortable in a fluffy bed with bright light coming in from the open windows near his bed. There were several vases of flowers on a table by his bedside, and Janus was sleeping on his stomach. He was dressed in a hospital gown. M The hospital gown was no surprise, that had been the last thing he'd had on. He yawned and stretched. *Janus?* Stormy is Editing Janus opened one eye and yawned himself. *Yes Charlie?* M *You're okay right? How long have I been out? What have I missed?* He looked at the flowers wondering who they were from. Stormy is Editing There were three obvious vases, one was from Sana, this was the largest one, one from Loki, and one from Jared, which was the smallest one. There was also a few behind those three, and a couple of small candy gift boxes in front of the vases.*I'm fine,* Janus started stretching himself. *Fine, fine. You've been out for three days, by the way, and you've missed the Chief yelling at Sana, Sana yelling at Loki, and both of your two new acquisitions yelling at each other.* M *You can hear them? What was the Chief so upset about?* Stormy is Editing *You getting so injured in the line of duty. The physical damage to your body caused some soul damage as well, seeing as you aren't very old and strong yet. I can hear them when I tune in on them. I clung to Sana when she went in to report to the Chief. I don't think she knew I was doing so.* Janus licked his paw and glanced up at Charlie in a mischievous manner. M *It's not her fault, she thought I was safely in bed. I hope she told him that. What was Sana yelling at Loki about?" Stormy is Editing *She thinks he held onto you for too long. I'm not sure what that was all about, she said something about letting you have his energy. I got confused partway through. Loki just kind of shrugged and asked for more pie, which just made her more angry I think.* M *He's dodgy and often difficult to understand. I'll have to talk to Sana about that. What have my new... acquisitions been going on about?* Stormy is Editing *I think they're fighting over body space,* Janus said, and instantly Charlie heard two more voices in his head.*No we are not!* said Welkin. *Oh honestly Janus, this again? I don't give a rats ass how much body space that great retarded serpent takes.* *There you go again, with the name calling.* *Well, if you had convincing arguments I might think you were intelligent.* *It's quite obvious you aren't intelligent,* Welkin sighed. M *Please don't argue, I imagine the two of you have very different thoughts and opinions, but arguing is not the only way to settle your difference. For the moment why don't the two of you just agree to disagree, unless there's something really important we need to address.* Charlie waited to see if either one would come up with something really important. Stormy is Editing *He,* said the dragon, *Is an ass.* He stated this firmly, as though it was a fact, not an opinion. Welkin snorted.*Indeed, and I'm staring at your ass, so you'd better watch out, or I might bite it.* M *Wow, it's like being back in Junior High except a couple of the kids in my head. I know you are both more mature than this. At least I think I know that.* Stormy is Editing *Hmph,* the dragon said eloquently.*My apologies Charlie,* Welkin actually sounded sorry, *I will try to remember to not argue over small things like this.* M *Thank you Welkin, it's just that I have a lot on my mind right now, so I'd rather not end up distracted by little things.* He looked at Janus.*Does Sana know about...* he paused realizing he didn't know the air dragon's name yet. *I'm sorry, you haven't told me your name yet,* he said to the dragon. Stormy is Editing *It is very nice to meet you Charlie,* the dragon said, and he sounded somewhat regal when he spoke, *My name is Eos, I am the Great Spirit of the Air.* M *It's nice to meet you as well,* Charlie smiled outwardly. He looked at Janus, *Eos, does she know about Eos?* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *Yes Charlie, she does. She found out when they were taking you to Warah. And... it wasn't long after that that she went to the Chief's office and then out and spoke with Loki.* M *Not good. How is she? Where is she now?* Charlie was surprised she wasn't there, but maybe she was with Jared? That could be a good thing. Stormy is Editing *I think she's in the forest, collecting herbs. She seemed to want to be alone. She was rather... upset overall.* Janus walked up Charlie's body and licked his face. *I'm sorry. I'm sorry this has to be so hard.* M Charlie sighed, relaxing at the familiar licking of his familiar. "Shit," he said, looking around the room. He would have to reassure her again. Would it be enough? *Why do I have all of these flowers, and candy?* Stormy is Editing Janus smiled and licked his paw for a moment. *Get well wishes. The candy is mostly from Loki and the Chief. The flowers are from a few of the people you've talked to.* M *I'm not used to getting stuff like that,* Charlie felt a bit warm inside. *That was really nice of them.* Stormy is Editing Janus glowed and started licking Charlie's face again. *You're well liked you know? That's saying something. How do you feel? Still tired?* M *A bit, but not overly. Shall I get up and try walking around?* He half joked, but only half. *By the way, what happened to that medicine I took?* Stormy is Editing *Warah has it. I think you could try to walk a bit, stretch out at least. Test your weight? I asked Sana and she asked Warah, and he said it would be alright for you to move around when you woke. Warah seemed rather pleased to have the medicine you took, actually.* M *I'd like to talk to him about that when he has time. Could you let him know for me? Should I have you carry a note?* He smiled at the idea and slid into a sitting position, cautiously. Stormy is Editing Janus nodded and then slipped down Charlie's body, then onto the bed. He moved so he wouldn't be in Charlie's way when he did start to move. *I will Charlie.* Janus said. *You don't have to write a note, I'm supposed to tell Sana when you wake up anyway, she can tell him for me.* M *Alright, thank you Janus.* As sitting was fine Charlie tentatively moved off the bed, and tried moving around the room a bit. Stormy is Editing He managed to stand, and take one step. That was when his legs started to shake. M He grabbed hold of the bed. *That would be a no on the walking,* he explained as he held onto it hoping his arms weren't as weak as his legs. Stormy is Editing His arms didn't seem to be as weak, and after a moment, they stopped shaking. They didn't seem steady, but they stopped wobbling underneath him.*How sad. Really? I didn't think you'd gone through that much drainage.* M *You have to remember that just acquiring Welkin exhausted me. That night I called on numerous sea creatures for help, stood against Eos, sustained physical damage, acquired Eos, then magically sought out medication in two different places. I pushed myself more than a little.* Charlie continued to stand, putting a bit more pressure on his legs. If he pushed himself a bit he would probably benefit in the form of a swifter recovery. Stormy is Editing Janus was silent for a moment, then Charlie could feel him blushing. *Sorry,* he said softly, *You're right, I wasn't thinking. You probably shouldn't be walking after all Charlie.* He wobbled, and steadied a bit, then wobbled again. M *It's okay, really,* he pulled himself back up on the bed and sat on the edge stretching a bit. *I didn't let you come out so you missed a good bit of it. I love you very much and I worry about you.* Stormy is Editing Janus stretched over to Charlie and looked up at him with wide and loving eyes. *I love you too Charlie,* he said, licking Charlie's arm. *No one else has ever done for me what you have. I owe you my life, and I love you more as each day goes by.* M Charlie lifted Janus and snuggled him close. *Have you spoken to Sana?* Stormy is Editing Janus snuggled and started cooing. *Yes, she's on her way, and she told Warah already, so he knows.* M Charlie smiled and pet him, content to simply sit quietly and do so. *Thank you.* Stormy is Editing Janus stayed there, happy, until there was a knock on the door. "Charlie?" came Sana's voice, somewhat hesitantly. M "Hi Sana, come on in," he looked at the door. Stormy is Editing The door opened and Sana walked in. She was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, her hands a bit dirty and her face sun touched. "Hi," she said as she closed the door and walked over to him. "How are you feeling? You were really gone when I got to you." M "Sorry about that, I overdid it and didn't keep you informed. I really am sorry," he told her, "and I'm feeling better, although my legs are still pretty much useless." Stormy is Editing "Would you like to walk with someone? That way you won't fall or have to sit so quickly." Sana sat down in the chair next to his bed. She looked up at him, a small smile on her face. M He shook his head, "Not just yet. I tried standing for a bit, and if I can't stand without my legs wobbling all over I don't think I'm ready for walking, even assisted. How did you do? I heard you were collecting herbs." Stormy is Editing She nodded, "I've got some of the rare ones Warah was asking for. I thought, maybe, it would be good to do something rather than sit here and worry about you." She smiled softly, "I'm sorry Charlie, that you had to do so much. I should have gone out there, you shouldn't have had to face that alone." She looked like she was trying not to cry. M "You didn't even know I'd walked out there Sana. I didn't tell you, so you can stop beating yourself up. It's not fair for you to feel badly about something that you clearly had no control over. I chose to go alone. I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble. I really am. Please don't be upset with yourself okay?" His eyes were urgent as they rested on her. "I made my own choices." Stormy is Editing "I know that, it's just..." she paused, then sighed. "I really care about you Charlie, I don't want you to get injured like this. You were in a coma, and that's not an easy thing for a spirit to do." M "I'm sorry Sana," he said, "but it's still my fault, not yours. How about you accept my apology and we move on from there?" Stormy is Editing Sana looked uncertain, then nodded. "Alright. I can do that." She gave him a hesitant smile. "I hope you don't want a new partner now." M "No, I made a promise and I intend to keep it. I'm your partner until you want to stop being my partner, which means until Jared gets over his deep seated problem most likely. You're stuck with me no matter how many Great Spirits decide I need to go into a coma, unless you get sick of me." Stormy is Editing Sana looked at him, held her breath, then burst into tears, flinging herself on him. "Charlie!" she cried out, "I've been so worried about you!" M Charlie held her tightly, trying not to smile. It was funny how the fact that she was now sobbing seemed to indicate that all was right in the world. He patted her back, "It's okay Sana, everything is fine now." Stormy is Editing "But it wasn't before! I was so scared you wouldn't want me now that you've two spirits, and you got all sick, and I thought I wasn't good enough to help you, and you were struggling out there in the storm, but I wasn't doing anything but trying to contact the Chief.... and... and... and..." she lost herself in another burst of sobs and clung to him tightly. M He held her, rocked her and when she was calm enough to hear him through her sobs he spoke again. "Sana, your great, if it weren't for you I'd have never gotten this far so don't be silly. You can only help me when I ask for help right? I mean it's not like you can anticipate my every insanity." Stormy is Editing She was taking a breath when he finished that, and she ended up laughing at the end, causing herself to choke. "Oh Charlie, you've always been so good to me. Sometimes I feel like I'm the child in this friendship."*That's 'cause she is,* Eos said, and Charlie could feel him rolling his eyes. M "You're just Sana," Charlie replied, "and I'm just Charlie. That's all that we need to know about this friendship."*She's going through a tough time, and she is the one who taught me how to use magic. Without her I would never have mastered the basics.* Stormy is Editing Sana finally looked up at Charlie, and she gave him a hesitant smile. "Thank you, I'm sorry for losing it like this on you."*Basics can be taught by anyone Charlie, don't flatter her too much.* Eos said, but his voice was no longer vicious. M "It's okay, don't worry about it. You just have to remember everyone doesn't handle the same thing in the same way, that's all." Charlie loosened his arms so she could get away when she wanted. "Besides, I'm sure you've needed to cry for a little while." Stormy is Editing Sana wiped her face a bit, then struggled to get up. She'd splayed herself all across his bed, and now she was trying to cover up how much of herself she'd allowed to get wrinkled. She pulled out a kleenex and blew her nose once she was sitting up, and then it disappeared. "I did," she admitted softly, "I needed to cry, I'd been holding it in for days, because I knew... I knew that if I started to cry, I wouldn't be able to stop until I knew you were alright." She wiped at her face again, clearing the new tears that were appearing in her eyes. M "It feels wonderful to be cared about that much Sana. Do you want to go back to your room and tidy up a bit? I know you don't like people to see you just after you've been crying." Stormy is Editing Sana blushed and nodded. "Yeah, I'll be right back." She got up and smiled. "Thank you Charlie." She disappeared out of the door then, and Charlie was alone with Janus.*She's come a long way since she first found out. I'm surprised she's talking to you so well.* M *Crying does a world of good, besides, she can see I don't want a new partner. We'll probably continue to see echoes of this for some time however.* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *I'm sure we will. You'll just have to keep on, as though you understand you're not going anywhere. She's rather self-centered in this way. Must be Jared's fault.* M *That added to a natural inclination I think. You know I never had anyone. I think if I didn't have you or the Spirits and I fell in love with someone and that person proceeded to try to make me hate them I'd develop some high level anxiety about all relationships myself.* Stormy is Editing Janus crawled up Charlie's body and licked his face. *I'm not going anywhere Charlie,* he said, smiling. Janus sat down on Charlie's shoulder and put his head on Charlie's cheek.*I think she's going to be alright, once she realizes she doesn't have to worry about you going anywhere,* Welkin said. *You'll grow beyond her eventually Charlie, you should be prepared for that,* Eos said, his voice was not angry or mean, just calm, as though he was stating a fact. M *Hopefully by that time she will be with Jared again,* Charlie told Eos. He felt a pang of regret as he realized that what Eos said was most likely true. In fact a part of Charlie had been wondering if he and Sana could work together long term or not for a while now.*I know you won't leave me,* he said to Janus, *I count on that.* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *Yes, you can count on that.**It is likely. It is.* Eos seemed to shift a bit on his arm. *I suspect you are going to be something we all fear some day,* he said it flippantly, but in a way that made Charlie believe he might just be serious. M He shook his head, *I don't know about that Eos. I'm still prone to coma's and such as demonstrated. In the end I think I'm just another ghost, if one with aspirations.* Stormy is Editing *Keep putting yourself down child, and you won't get anywhere. People have fallen worse in similar circumstances. You have great potential.* M Charlie shrugged, *I'm just saying. It's not that I'm putting myself down.* Stormy is Editing Eos became silent and it was only a moment later that Sana was opening the door again, "It's alright for me to come in again?" she said softly. Her face was completely put back together. M "I'm not changing if that's what you mean," Charlie joked. Stormy is Editing Sana grinned, "Yes, that is one of the things you could be doing that you wouldn't want me to walk in on." She closed the door behind her and then sat down in the chair next to Charlie's bed. "Warah said to thank you for the research, it's been fun." She shook her head, "and the Chief said it was an excellent job, what we did at the end, so congratulations go out to you too on that." M "Thanks, I was actually hoping to talk to Warah. Did he tell you what that medicine I found was then?" Stormy is Editing She shook her head, "He hasn't figured it out yet, he's still running tests. I suspect he'll be working on it for hours yet. He hasn't left his lab for over a day now." M "I hope someone's been feeding and watering him," Charlie grinned. Stormy is Editing Sana blinked, then burst out laughing. "That's wonderful! I'm sure he's been eating," she said in between laughs. "He just gets preoccupied when there's something interesting to study." M "What about the chief? What is he happy with exactly?" Since all Janus had mentioned was him yelling at Sana who most assuredly hadn't deserved it. Stormy is Editing "Well, he said we prevented a whole mess from happening. If we hadn't been there to stop the storm, it would have taken the whole ship and St. Peter would have had deaths he wasn't supposed to have on his hands. He also said we used our environment to our advantage in taking care of the problem at hand."*Hmph, I wanted those deaths,* Eos didn't really sound annoyed, just sounded like he felt he should be annoyed. M Charlie didn't have anything nice to say about "those deaths", so he said nothing at all."Well then it all turned out for the best, right?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "Yes, it did." She was silent for a moment. "Charlie?" M He tilted his head to the side, "Yes?" Stormy is Editing "Is it... is it really hard to have those two? With you all the time I mean." M *Not yet,* Charlie replied, *I see potential for problems, but only because they don't seem to approve of each other much.* Stormy is Editing ((Um... I think you meant to have "" instead of **))"I see," she figited a bit. "So... it's okay so far? Nothing big yet?" M ((Sure did!))"No, nothing big yet, why?" Charlie was fairly certain there was something beyond the question, an experience of some sort or something. Stormy is Editing She shrugged and shook her head, "Just wondering. I didn't want to interrupt if something big was going on or anything. I mean you've got a different kind of practice ahead of you now, and it's going to be a lot of work and you'll probably be very busy and in the meantime I'll have to spend the time finding something for myself to do and so I didn't want to get in the way of anything at all because I know how important it is and...." she took a breath. She was shaking now, and trying not to look like she was upset, even though she was trembling from head to toe. M Charlie shook his head, "Sana, calm down, and look at me, okay?" He tried to meet her eyes, ready to say more but not until she calmed a bit. Stormy is Editing She caught his eyes and took a breath, then tried to take another one. "Sorry, sorry I just..." but whatever she just was, got lost as she took another breath. Her body calmed a bit and she clenched her hands in her lap. M "First off, if something is going on with them for some reason and it is more important than what is going on with us, I will ask you to wait for a moment or two while I sort things out. If it's important to both of us I will tell you what is going on as quickly as I can. Is that agreeable?" Stormy is Editing Sana looked at him and then she relaxed. Not the little relaxation she'd had so far, but a total, complete relaxation. "Charlie," she said, her voice not even quavering, "I think that's a wonderful idea. Should we have a code word or something? In case we're out in public and can't communicate freely?" M "Hm," he smiled, "I could tell you I need to meditate. What do you think? Most people would know to leave me alone if I said that." Stormy is Editing Sana thought about that. "I think that's a great idea. It's not something that everyone would do, and yet, it's something you can do just about anywhere." M "Good," Charlie nodded, "now, second, what is all this about me needing a different type of practice now, being very busy and you needing to find something to do?" Stormy is Editing She took a deep breath. "You need to practice using your Spirits, don't you? Jared did, he practiced until he was able to call his out with a thought. He practiced until he was able to use his Spirit freely and easily, as it is a type of your power." M "I'm not worried about it, I know how to call them, and I don't expect to need them often. I won't call them for anything trivial, so unless our cases get ridiculously difficult I don't expect to be bothering them too much." Stormy is Editing *Oh, you don't do you?* Eos said, and Charlie felt as though Eos was a bit annoyed at that.*No, he's more realistic than you think he is,* Welkin said, a hint of approval to his voice. "I... I see..." Sana smiled more broadly at Charlie. "It's so much different this time. I actually feel... not so abandoned." M *No, I seriously doubt you'd want to be bothered for our everyday trials. You aren't a pet or something, to be summoned for the littlest thing.* Charlie clarified, fairly certain he was being reasonable."Just, let's try this and save our worrying for when an actual problem crops up, okay?" He smiled at her warmly. Stormy is Editing *Hmph, there is that. I wouldn't have bonded myself to you if I thought I would be your strength.*She nodded, "Alright," she said softly, smiling softer now. "I think I can do that. But I won't promise to not become jittery every once in a while. I can't promise that." M "That's fine, you wouldn't be Sana if you didn't and what would be the fun in that?" Stormy is Editing Sana grinned, "No fun of course, it's only fun when I'm acting crazy and doing irrational things, isn't it?" M "I'm so glad you're feeling better." Stormy is Editing There was a knock on the door, and then it opened. "Hey Charlie," said Warah as his appeared around the door. "How are you? Can you stand yet?" M Charlie stared at him for a moment before he realized what he was doing. Warah was... was this like the ghost version of puberty or something? He hadn't expected to find men attractive at all, he'd rather assumed it would be women and now it seemed he had a special desire for doctors. He shook his head and focused on the question instead of the man who had asked it."Yes, but I shake pretty regularly when I do it. I stood a bit anyhow, just for the exercise," he replied with a grin. Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, "Good idea." Warah came all the way into the room then, closing the door behind him. "Let's take a quick look, shall we?" He came over to the bed and extended his hands, closing his eyes as he did so. Charlie felt a shiver of warmth creep from his toes all the way up his legs, all the way up his body, down his hands and up to the top of his head. When that was all done, Warah opened his eyes and smiled."Doing well. You're going to want to stand for as long as you possibly can once more today. It should be at least five minutes. Your spirits are not meshing properly with your body, and I suspect that's because you got two of them in such a short amount of time. Are they really loud?" M He blinked at Warah, confused, "loud? No, it don't think so. I mean, how do you mean?" Stormy is Editing Warah smiled, "When they talk to you, are their voices particularly loud? Do you feel like they are screaming every time they talk?""The voices told me to do it," Sana mumbled, a small smile on her face. M Charlie laughed, then shook his head, "They seem similar to Janus, a bit louder, but they are a great deal larger and older so it seems natural." Stormy is Editing "Good," Warah smiled at Sana, "Because if they were too loud that would mean their magics were taking over your body. Since that doesn't seem to be so, I feel a bit relieved." M "Oh, I won't let them do that," Charlie said, "I'd find a way to evict them first. They've been very polite so far, except with each other, although I think we've resolved that as best as we can." Stormy is Editing Warah chuckled, "Yes, many of the elements do not get along. You have water and air, right? They're not usually very kind to each other." M "They've agreed not to bother me with trivialities though. I believe they will do their best to stick with their word on that." He really was just so... there was that hair, the wave in it, it fell just perfectly, those shoulders. His shoulders looked comfortable, very comfortable. Charlie nearly shook his head again. What was wrong with him? Stormy is Editing "That's good," Warah said, grinning at Charlie. "It would be terrible if they used your mind as beating grounds for each other. Now, whether or not they like to admit it, they belong to you." M Charlie nodded, shook his head and nodded again. Then there were his eyes so intense and alive behind his glasses. How could he have missed those eyes? "I might need to rest a bit again," he said aloud, though he hadn't really meant to. Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, "I'll leave, I just wanted to check up on you, see how you were doing. I'll have some results for you tomorrow on the meds you gave me. Thanks for the fun, by the way, it's been great so far!" M "They were the only magical thing I could find among his possessions." Blond ring curls, okay, there really was something wrong with him, and didn't those glasses suit Warah perfectly? His eyes widened and he looked down, studying his hands and Janus carefully. "I'm eager to hear what you find." Stormy is Editing "Great, I look forward to returning and telling you all about it until you fall asleep from boredom." With that, he turned and headed back to the door, "Well then, I'm out of here, I'll see you tomorrow," and with that, he was gone, in a quick flash of happiness."Are you alright Charlie?" Sana asked softly. M "Guh," Charlie said, falling back onto his pillow. "Do ghosts go through puberty?" He didn't think, he just asked, because Sana would just think it was the Spirits if he didn't admit the real problem. Stormy is Editing Sana blinked. "Well, sort of," she hedged. "Um... did you suddenly find Warah very attractive?" M Charlie nodded slowly, his his eyes closed. "Mmhm," he vocalized. Stormy is Editing Sana smiled, and placed her hand on Charlie's shoulder. "We still mature, you know? Our bodies stay the same age, but our spirits are still maturing. It takes it's shape in different ways, so I suspect it's time for the hormones to start acting up. Plus, you got the emotional spirit, so your likely to be a bit more aware of your emotions for a while." M Charlie opened his eyes and looked at her, "The other doctor too," he said, "on the ship." Stormy is Editing "Oh he was a cute one, wasn't he?" Sana said, giggling a bit. "I have to admit that one myself." M "You think so too?" Charlie opened his eyes and looked at her, "Those ring curls looked so good on him." Stormy is Editing Sana blushed and giggled again, "Yeah, I think so too. He had a very winning smile as well. I could have wished he would smile at me all the time." M It was odd, but hearing Sana say that made him feel better. "Janus accused me of flirting with him." Stormy is Editing Sana grinned, "Were you?" M "No, I was just trying to keep him busy like you asked. At least that all I think I was doing." Charlie shook his head, "but who knows, I'm not sure I'd know flirting if I saw it." Stormy is Editing Sana leaned back, "You'll learn all about that in time. I'm sure you'll catch on eventually in that respect, I mean, you're young, but not so young to not have anyone flirt with you." M "So, does that mean that you don't think Warah is cute?" Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "There's something about Warah that makes him... not very attractive to me. I think it's that he's very flighty. I mean, looks wise, he's very cute, but..." She shrugged. M Charlie thought about that. "You know, I like that about him. He's so lively and always thinking. I can see why you wouldn't though. You need someone who's there for you. He could never be counted on. I think that's a lot of the problem between you and Jared right now. He's scared of not being able to be there for you, and he hasn't been there for you for a while, so you're hurt. You still find him attractive though, because you know that in his normal personality he is dependable." Stormy is Editing Sana blinked and blushed. "Yeah," she said softly, "I guess you could say that about him. I really..." she paused. "I really love him, even if he doesn't believe me. I can only hope that he get's better overall." She stretched. "Well Charlie, I think it's probably time for me to go." M Charlie nodded, "I really will try to get some sleep. Thanks Sana, I feel better now that I've talked about it." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded and moved to the door, "Sleep well Charlie, I'll see you again later." With that, she left, leaving Charlie and Janus alone.*I think she's going to try to relax now. Good luck Sana,* Janus said, licking Charlie's face. M *Do you really think I was flirting with that doctor?* Charlie closed his eyes again, pulling the covers around him. Stormy is Editing Janus snuggled close to Charlie, *Not really, but it was fun to tease you.* M *Janus!* Charlie yawned and stretched. *When I wake remind me to stand for a while again, okay?* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *I will, sleep well Charlie.*(I'm just passing it to you in case of anything last you want to say. I've got stuff more to do, but wanted to give it to you one last time.) M (urm... go!) Stormy is Editing *Blue clouds, red clouds, Charlie was flying through them again, but this time he was going so fast he couldn't see who was on each cloud. Shapes blurred past him, and as they did, he was certain he saw himself on each cloud. Charlie wondered why that was, or if it was even true. After going through the clouds after clouds, Charlie stopped suddenly. He was floating in an expanse of sky that was completely empty. He was staring at all the bright blue wondering what he was doing, and after a few minutes, he was falling towards the ground. The sky seemed to be letting him go completely and after a few heart stopping moments, he fell onto a soft patch of moss. Charlie had landed in a thick forest with trees so thick around that he couldn't see the sky through the branches. It was completely silent, and as he stood to dust himself off, he could hear every move he made, as though the noise itself was forbidden here. He looked around and noticed that there was a small pathway he could walk through, and as he did so, he could hear a voice, softly, speaking to him. *Help me! Please, you must help me!* It echoed through his body, the pain in the voice. Each step Charlie took made the voice get louder, *PleASE HElp ME!* the voice faded in and out. Charlie began to run, intent on finding the voice and helping it. He ran, and ran, and ran, and as he burst through another set of trees, he was enveloped in white, his eyes stung, and he was suddenly sitting upright in his bed. Janus had been flung off of his shoulder, and Charlie was drenched in sweat. His heart was racing, and he could still hear her voice, soft in his mind, *Help me.* *What's wrong?* Janus asked, shaking himself and walking carefully over to Charlie. M *Someone needs help, do you hear her?* He listened intently for the voice to repeat. Stormy is Editing Janus seemed to be listening as well, and after several minutes, he crawled up Charlie's body and licked his face. *I think... I kinda think it might have all been part of your dream.* He sat back and looked into Charlie's eyes. *What were you dreaming?* M *But I still heard her when I woke,* Charlie insisted. It had been odd, but he had woken suddenly, maybe it had still been related to the dream. *I was walking in a forest and...* he stopped, backed up and told Janus the dream from the beginning. Stormy is Editing Janus listened and made no noise until Charlie was done. Then he sat back, licked a paw and thought for several moments. *I think that the voice was still related to the dream. I also think that someone is trying to reach out to you through your dreams. If I recall correctly, you had a cloud dream in the past, right?* M *Yes, on the ship, but I don't understand. The clouds can't be literal and how could they be important. I traveled through them but ended up in a forest. What can I do about it?* Stormy is Editing Janus shook his head, *I'm not sure. It's very strange. I think the clouds represent magic of some variety. I don't know about the forest, it could be an actual place, an imaginary place, or an alternate place, like the Agency is. I wonder who is calling out to you, and why you specifically. Perhaps it is your magic? Have you taken your shield down lately?* M *I haven't had any reason to,* Charlie looked at him, *why?* Stormy is Editing *Perhaps you have gained new abilities? Perhaps here, where there is no chance of you getting out of hand you should do so?* Janus licked his paw again and then lay down on Charlie's lap. M Charlie leaned against the pillow and concentrated. Putting up the shield was instant for him but taking it down took a bit of concentration these days. He was so used to having it there. Stormy is Editing He could feel each part slip off of him, like a veil that was coming up to let the sun in. Once the last part of the shield was off, he felt an oppressive heat come over his body, he could see all kinds of colors and he heard so many noises in his head, that he felt like he was going to faint.*NO! It's burning!* *Get away from the damn pie Loki!* *Hahahah! You can't catch me!* *Where is that damn pen?!* *Oh, shit, I've lost!* *Get out of my damn FACE!* *Where's my mommy?* *I'm hungry!* *I hate being dead.* *This is so great to eat! I need to tell the others!* *Charlie!* Something warm and wet went across Charlie's face. He had his head in his hands, and he could see so many colors everywhere, all over the place, everything had colors... it was so violent that he felt sick to his stomach, the world was twisting and moving in jerks. M Charlie slammed his shield firmly back into place and lay down on the bed panting. *If that's what no shield feels like I'm keeping it up!* Stormy is Editing Janus licked his face in concern, *That's a lot more power than expected. You've opened up something more I think. You're... you've... really got range. Charlie, you have new gifts, you need to train them.* M *Sure thing, can we do that with my shield up?* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *Yes, we can. I think you have gained the ability to hear normal people's thoughts, not just animals, and to see magics of everyone around you.* M *We can?* Charlie's mind voice was considerably more cheerful. *Good, great, will Sana be able to help do you think?* Stormy is Editing Janus licked at Charlie's face again, *I think she's going to be a bit more helpful with this training than the last, as she has some knowledge of it. It's alright Charlie, you can relax. I didn't realize it was so strong, I'm sorry.* M *For what? No, it's okay, don't worry about it.* Charlie sat up then carefully slid onto his feet and tried standing for a while looking for a clock to time it. Five minutes. Stormy is Editing As he stood, his legs gave out completely under him and he collapsed on the ground. He felt as though his world was shaking, and he was light headed.*Charlie!* Janus bounced down and put his face right near Charlie's, *What happened?* M *I... don't know. I thought I should stand since... Janus, get Warah, or Sana to get him.* He showed no sign of intending to move. Stormy is Editing Janus nodded and a moment later, he said, *Oh, Warah is on his way!* He licked at Charlie's face. *I'm so confused!* M Charlie sighed and tried to pull himself into a sitting position slowly. Stormy is Editing His whole body shook, feeling heavy and somehow, not quite right. That was when the door opened. "Charlie!" came Warah's voice, concerned. "What on earth happened?" M Charlie shook his head gingerly, "Not sure, can't sit." Stormy is Editing Strong hands went under his arms, and gently lifted him up. He was completely in Warah's arms for a moment as he put him carefully back on the bed, lying him down. He brushed the hair out of Charlie's eyes, and looked down at him. "You're radiating," he said in amazement. "What happened to your power?" M "I was just... I had a dream, someone needed help, could still hear her when I woke." Charlie took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm himself. "Janus thought I should drop my shield to check my powers so I tried it. It was really bad so I put it back up. Then, a bit later I tried to stand." He stopped to look at Warah, who was still ridiculously good looking. Stormy is Editing Warah was leaning over Charlie, his hands near Charlie's head. One lifted and was placed gently on Charlie's chest. "So, you dropped your shield, that's what that power surge was about a little bit ago. Interesting." Charlie could feel a tendril of energy, bright green, flow into him. He could feel as it went and looked at something yellow inside of himself. Then he felt as the green stroked against something red. Charlie had never felt these sensations before. "When you put your shield back on, was it as strong as usual?" M Charlie thought about it, "Yes, it didn't feel any different." He checked over his shield. Stormy is Editing It seemed to be perfectly in order. He felt that green energy brush against something that was blue inside of him, and it felt like a shiver of fear. Warah's eyes widened. "You're feeling this, aren't you? You've never felt this way before? When I've checked you over?" M Charlie shook his head, "No, I've never felt it before, but I do now. It doesn't hurt or anything. I just... feel it, and my shield is as usual." Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, his eyes returning to normal. Then he felt the green brush against a green inside of him and then a white. Once Warah's energy was done, it went through every inch of Charlie's body, ad then finally stopped, slipping back into Warah."Well, it looks as though you've just had an opening of some new gifts, I'll have to have them bring you tea and nut bars. Then maybe some good food to eat as well. That might help. Don't try to stand again until I see you next." M Charlie nodded, "I'm not really up to it just now anyhow, but why did they open? I just don't understand." Stormy is Editing Warah shook his head, "This happens sometimes, especially if the person is new to their powers. And also especially if they have just acquired great spirits. Often times people will gain powers after the surge of energy that happens when a spirit attaches themselves to you." M "You were still surprised," Charlie ventured. "What surprised you?" Stormy is Editing Warah sighed. "Charlie, there are only a few people who have the gift of healing. Even less of those people have the ability to do much with that. Less of those have the ability to heal anything other than the normal spirit or body pains. You," he took a breath and caught Charlie's eyes, "You now have the ability to heal plants and animals. You can heal minds, you can have these gifts suddenly, and very strongly. I don't understand why or where they came from. I haven't seen another person with mind healing since I've been working here. I've been the only one, and mine isn't very strong, it sucks in fact." He held Charlie's eyes and then looked away, straightening up. "It's something I've always wanted to have." M Charlie tilted his head and looked at Warah for a moment. "Thank you Warah," was all he said, because anything else would only rub salt in a wound. Although the wound was really not at all Charlie's fault, and Warrah was sure to get over it in time. Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, and smiled that wonderful bright smiled of his. "It's no problem Charlie, please let someone know if you continue to have problems with things not focusing properly." M Charlie nodded, "I will. I'm sorry I interrupted you. Were you still working on the potion?" Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, "Yes, it's been great fun! I should have the results in a little bit. Oh, don't worry about bothering me. I don't mind a little interruption. I'll let the staff know to bring the food I spoke of. I'll see you later on," and with that, Warah left the room, not quite closing the door behind himself."Charlie?" came Sana's voice from the doorway. M "Sana, did I have Janus wake you?" Stormy is Editing Sana slipped inside the room, "No, I woke when the power surge went over me. It's alright, I don't mind." She closed the door and came closer to Charlie. "Feeling weird?" M "More than, did you hear what Warah said?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "This is... kind of strange Charlie. I'm not sure what to say. You've got new powers, and they're all hard to train ones." She sat down next to Charlie's bed. "This is going to be a pain." M "Janus said I have the ability to hear normal people's thoughts, and to see magics of people around me. Are those difficult to train, or do you think he misinterpreted them?" Charlie asked, looking at her. Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "He's done an exceptional job of interpreting magics, so I'm willing to believe him. So, you can do that too." She took a deep breath. "You've grown up quite quickly Charlie, we have a lot of work ahead of ourselves now. They're not too difficult to train, I can train them both." M Charlie smiled, "That's what Janus said. He said you'd be very helpful for both." Stormy is Editing "Thank you Janus," Sana said, smiling at him. Janus licked his paw in embarrassment. M "I think we should start with the easier ones first, don't you?" Charlie looked to her. "That way at least some things will be under control before I face the difficult ones." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "Yes, certainly. When you're able to start training, I'll work on the mind speech. Since you already know how to use your animal speech, it shouldn't take you too long to figure this out." M Charlie nodded. "I feel badly about Warah. I wonder why he's always wanted more mind healing so badly." Stormy is Editing Sana shrugged, "I don't know. It's a gift not many people know about, since very few people have it. In fact, until now, I didn't even know he had it at all." M "I sure didn't," he sighed, "I'm sorry Sana, let me know if the tea comes." He closed his eyes. Stormy is Editing "It's alright Charlie," she said, and her hand started stroking his head softly. For several moments they were like that, then there was a knock on the door."Come in," Sana said, and a moment later, "Charlie, the tea and nut bars are here." M Not yet asleep Charlie opened his eyes. "Thanks." Stormy is Editing After Charlie had eaten, and drunk the tea, and eaten some more, Sana smiled and stood up. "Well, that's it, go to sleep Charlie, I'll see you again in the morning." He was asleep before she was even out of the room.* All night, he could hear a soft voice in his head, *Help me,* it whispered, *help me.* M *Where are you? Who are you?* Charlie questioned desperately. Stormy is Editing *Help me, please help me,* the voice said just as desperately. *I'm hurt, and I can't find my way out! It's so dark!* M Charlie ran toward the voice trying frantically to find the person it belonged to. *I want to, but I can't find you. I don't know where to look!* Stormy is Editing *I'm scared! It's so frightening out here! Help me, please, please.* But no matter how fast he ran, he couldn't find the voice, and all he saw was darkness. Nothing was light, nothing was visible to him at all. M If only he could light the place somehow. If only Sana were there, she could call fire. He tried to call fire himself, magical fire to light the area around him. Stormy is Editing He felt something burn inside of him, and something started to form in his hands. It wasn't fire, but it was a small ball of blue light. M He held it out, trying to see his surroundings. Stormy is Editing All he could see was what looked like tree trunks. *Help me, can't you help me? Please?* He couldn't see anything other than the tree trunks. M *Can you see the blue light?* He continued looking all around. Stormy is Editing *Blue light? No, I just see nothing.* There was the sound of crying. *I'm all alone, everyone else is dead.*That was when Charlie saw a sliver of bright white lying on the ground a foot away from him. M It was the first clue he had of anything, so he headed for it, his eyes focussed on it. Stormy is Editing As he got closer, he noticed that the ground was slick, and when he looked down, he saw red everywhere, glistening on everything he could see. When he looked at the white, he saw a pure white horse body, it's whole body covered with lines of blood. It's hooves were gone, blood was pouring from it, and a foot away was another body on the ground, blood was flowing from it as well. He saw several bodies, tens of bodies, all bleeding from their missing hooves, and from holes on their foreheads.*Please, everyone is gone, help me before they find me too, please.* M *Unicorns,* his mind and stomach realed wildly. *Unicorns, you're a unicorn. Where... are... you?* Sick as he felt he was more desperate than ever. He couldn't throw up here, like this, he needed to find the one that survived. *How do I find you?* He reached out with his mind for a night creature who might lead him. Stormy is Editing *I don't know where I am, I don't know how to get you to me! I've been scared forever, and then there was this voice, it was you, please, please help me. Please!*Here, somehow, there didn't seem to be a single creature. Suddenly, all the bodies started burning. Charlie could hear a loud cackling laughter behind himself as the scent of charring flesh rose around him. *No! They're just going to kill me! They can't kill me! I'm the last one, I'm the last!* the voice cried out desperately. As Charlie's stomach clenched and ached, and as he felt sick and disgusted, he felt the warm fire around him, and.... Charlie woke with a start again, his body drenched in sweat, the scent of burning flesh in his nose, and the sight of all that blood around him made him turn, and vomit over the side of the bed. M Shaking and wishing he dared to try to find a sink, Charlie cried out, *Janus!* He didn't know what to say next however and what came next made little sense in context, *Unicorn.* Stormy is Editing A hand was patting him on the back. *It's okay Charlie, breathe, take a deep breath, let me get some water.* The hand disappeared and after a moment, a figure came into the room.A boy, about 12 or so, with silver hair and bright green eyes came closer to Charlie. There was a bowl in his hands and a washcloth. *What happened?* came Janus's voice in his head and the boy started gently wiping Charlie's face. The boy was wearing nothing at all. M *Unicorns, dead, Janus you... you're... one left, just one, but we have to do something, and you... have hands," he accused. Charlie's head spun. Stormy is Editing The boy, Janus, snickered, *Yes Charlie, I have hands. I've been practicing this every night, in order to become stronger myself, but I've never been able to completely transform before. Tonight, though, I no longer have fur on my back.* Janus turned so Charlie could see the smooth back of his body. Then he turned back and continued to wipe Charlie's face. *Now, you were saying something about Unicorns Charlie, what is that?* M *The voice, she's a unicorn and all the other unicorns in the woods are dead and someone burned them. They took their horns and hooves and burned them. She thinks she'd the only one left and she's in danger. I, we, have to do something Janus. I don't know how, but I can't just sit here and let this happen!* Stormy is Editing Janus finished washing Charlie's face, then started cleaning the mess he made on the ground. *Calm down or you're just going to make your stomach more upset.* He cleaned for a moment, then he stood up, *We'll find a way Charlie, to free her, save her.* M Charlie was taking slow deep breaths. *We have to Janus, we have to.* Stormy is Editing *I know, I know Charlie.* He disappeared, then reappeared with a new, clean bowl of water. *It'll take a moment though, we need to find where that place is. And honestly, all you can tell us is that it's a forest.**It's the Hilden Forest,* Welkin said, his voice soft and sad. *Definitely,* Eos agreed. *There's no way you're finding that Unicorn.* M *What do you mean there's no way? There has to be a way. People don't have prophetic dreams they can't do anything about,* Charlie objected immediately. Stormy is Editing *There's no way!* Eos said right back at him.*Eos, calm down.* Welkin said, sighing. *He means that there's no way because that forest was burned down to the ground over a hundred years ago. It was just after the Unicorn wars. The whole forest is gone now. It doesn't exist.* M *But... so the dream was the past? It was the long ago past? But this unicorn is still alive, I heard her. Could she be there, where the forest used to be? She says she can only see darkness.* Stormy is Editing Charlie could almost feel Eos and Welkin looking at each other. *I don't think so Charlie,* Eos said. *The forest has been gone for a long time, and on top of that... even if you could get there, where would she be? I mean it's not really logical to expect any living creature would be living where there was nothing alive to eat, communicate with and such.**The last time someone went to the Hilden Forest,* Welkin said softly, *They came back shaking and vomiting violently. They said that the lingering sadness at a forest so badly ruined tore out his soul and left him damaged beyond repair. He quit being a detective as soon as he could, and then proceeded to be reborn, in order to escape the pain of it all. I don't think it's a good idea to go there.* *But!* Janus spoke up for the first time since the conversation begun. *If Charlie is feeling this Unicorn, certainly they're still alive somehow! Maybe, maybe it needs to be healed? Maybe Charlie is the only one who can do that?* M *Where is it?* Charlie asked, his tone determined. *I need to know.* Stormy is Editing *I won't tell you,* Eos said firmly.*I won't tell you until you promise me to not go out there until you're trained,* Welkin said just as firmly. M *I promise I will not go until I'm as trained as I can get considering the resources available to me. I promise. In exchange you will help me get there in any way you can,* Charlie stipulated. Stormy is Editing There was a smile to Welkin's tone as he said, *It's a promise. Don't forget Charlie, your end of the bargain. The way to the Hilden Forest is through yourself. It's a journey that is very difficult to make. You might not be able to take Sana with you. We'll help you, Eos and I, we are your spirits after all.* M Charlie nodded, *Good, I need some sleep now. There's a lot to do tomorrow.* He leaned back into the bed, the image of a boy coming to his mind.*Janus, can you be you again? That boy form is helpful but really disconcerting.* Stormy is Editing He heard a real life chuckle, *It'll take me a minute, I'm still not used to doing this.* It took about five minutes, but then the furry shape of Janus was crawling up Charlie's body. *Are you going to be alright?* Janus asked worriedly. M *Yes, but there won't be time to fool around, I need to get these powers trained as quickly as possible,* and then he was asleep. Stormy is Editing This time there were no dreams, and he woke up to the feeling of someone shaking him. "Charlie, Charlie!" came Sana's voice. M "Sana?" Charlie blinked at her and yawned. "Am I well enough to start training?" Stormy is Editing Sana blinked down at him. "Can you stand?" she asked quickly. M Charlie sighed, "I'm not allowed to try until Warah comes in. Once I can will I be well enough?" Stormy is Editing Sana took a seat and sighed. "Why are you so intent on training? I mean I understand wanting to learn what you've got, but... it seems as though you're being impatient." M Charlie shook his head. For some reason his instinct was not to tell her. He fought it off, they had to work together. He needed to be honest. "I've been having these dreams," and he went over them again, recounting what he'd seen and what he believed. "I have to find her, and I can't do that until I'm trained. She's lost somewhere, completely alone." Stormy is Editing Sana looked thoughtful. "We haven't seen Unicorns around for quite some time..." she started hesitantly. "If it's true that there's one alive somewhere, we should be doing something to help her. I can understand why you'd want to do something, but..." she looked into his eyes. "After what happened with Loki, and how we've got cases out our respected asses, I just can't see that the Chief will let us do anything about it. We can try though." M Charlie looked at her, startled. "Oh, I didn't intend to ask," he told her, "this feels sort of..." He wanted to say it felt personal, but in that case he shouldn't involve her either. "It feels more like a necessity than work." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "But we'd have to get to wherever you think the unicorn is. The Chief would know if we just left and weren't working on cases. Do you want to deal with him being angry like that?" M "When do I get my first vacation?" Charlie mused aloud. Stormy is Editing "After your first year of work. But the vacation is dependent on us not having cases that immediately require our attention." Sana looked at him sadly. "It'll be a while yet." M "I can't not go when I'm ready. He will either understand or not. I will not get you in trouble again," he told her sincerely. "If you think we should talk to him, we will." Janus was aware of much deeper thoughts. If the chief wouldn't let him go he would not be trying to take Sana. He would go alone and make it clear that Sana had no way to stop him. Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let's just focus on your training. I think you shouldn't tell anyone other than me about this for now. That way, no one can rat you out." M "Only you, the spirits and Janus," Charlie nodded, "I agree for now. So, when I can stand, I'll be ready to start training?" Stormy is Editing Sana smiled, "Yep, when you can stand, that means your body has finished processing the overflow of energy that took you by surprise. It shouldn't be too long, so - " she was cut off by the sound of someone knocking on the door."Charlie!" came Warah's cheerful voice through the door. "You awake?" M "I am, come in," he replied glancing at the door. He realized that he was eager to see Warah for many more reasons than one. Stormy is Editing The door opened, Warah entered, and the door closed. Warah had tied his hair back for the first time since Charlie had been at the Agency, and the stray hairs flying about his face made him look like a devilish boy. "Feeling alright? Have you eaten yet today?" M "Not today," suddenly Charlie realized how ridiculously hungry he was, "and I sort of got sick last night so... I should probably eat." He couldn't take his eyes off Warah. "Your hair looks good that way," came out of his mouth before he realized it was going to. Stormy is Editing Warah put his hand to his hair, as though just realizing it was different. "Oh? Thanks!" He grinned at Charlie. "We'll have to get you some food. You got sick? It's probably related to the influx of energy in your body. Your stomach probably couldn't handle it all. We'll try a lighter meal for you this morning." He walked over to Charlie and put a hand on him. That green energy that Charlie had felt before was streaming into his body again, and although it was still a new sensation, Charlie couldn't feel it as strongly as he had the day before. It went quickly through his body and then stopped. Warah smiled."Well, that's a good thing, looks like the energy level has dropped significantly. What that means is that your body has absorbed a great deal of the energy to use in maintaining your spirit, and you won't be plagued quite as much with power surges. Sana should start the training sessions you're going to need today. Perhaps in the afternoon. Would you like to try to walk a bit?" M Charlie nodded and grinned, "I'm aloud to stand?" Stormy is Editing Warah grinned back, "Yep! Here," he extended his arms and put them under Charlie's shoulders, "Let's start by getting you into a sitting position." He carefully lifted Charlie so he was sitting up in the bed. "How do you feel?" M Hot, Charlie managed, however, not to report that feeling, "Fine," he said instead, "not dizzy at all yet." Stormy is Editing "Good!" Warah said happily. Then he stood back. "Go ahead and put your feet on the ground, then you can try to stand. I'll be right here in case something goes wrong." M Charlie carefully put his feet on the ground. It was funny how very exposed he suddenly felt in the hospital gown. Then, he tried putting weight on his feet, slowly. Stormy is Editing As he leaned forward, the world tilted, but not any more violently than when he first woke up in the morning. He closed his eyes briefly and when he opened them again, the world was steady. Warah grinned."Good?" He backed up a step, "Try walking towards me." M Charlie gave it a try, thinking that the really appealing thing about Warah's hair was not the hair that was back. It was the strands escaping and framing his face, accentuating his eyes. Stormy is Editing He was shaky, the movement was somewhat uneasy, but overall rather steady. "One more step," Warah encouraged, taking another step back. M Charlie followed. Stormy is Editing He was able to take a total of five steps before he started feeling really woozy. Once that happened, Warah was there, putting his arms around Charlie. "There, we'll get you to your bed now, you've done really well." With that, Warah started leading the way back to the bed, keeping his arms around Charlie the whole time. M It was wonderful. Charlie wondered if he would ever get used to feeling this way about, well, anyone. "Thanks Warah," he said as Warah helped him back into the bed. Stormy is Editing Once he was back in bed, Warah took a step back and grinned, "No problem. I want you walk until you feel that kind of strain every six hours until I tell you otherwise, deal?" M Charlie nodded, "deal. Sana can start training me?" Stormy is Editing Warah blinked, "Yes, she can start training you, as soon as you feel up to it. But you must eat before your training every time, that'll help your energy to not become too excited." M Charlie nodded, "alright, thank you Warah. How is the medicine research coming along?" Stormy is Editing Warah grinned, "Done! I'm done! Wanna know?" M Charlie's eyes sparkled in anticipation, "yes, tell me!" Stormy is Editing Warah took a seat and continued to grin. "Well, it's a really simple formula and they added a touch of newborn energy.""Oh my god, how?" Sana gasped, her eyes wide as she looked at Warah. Warah shrugged. "Someone must have been at a maternity hospital or something to get a hold of that." Warah shrugged, "That's what was making the difference, just that little bit of energy." M "So how does that work?" Charlie asked, curious, "Is there anything to it at all before the energy, or is the solution basically constructed to support the energy?" Stormy is Editing "It's a support system so the energy doesn't become "old" energy, it stays new and fresh." Warah grinned. "It's amazing, and it's amazing that someone figured it out, I'm incredibly curious who did." M "So, backing up to Sana's question, how exactly would you go about gathering that type of energy?" Stormy is Editing "Well, not very easily. You'd have to be somewhere where children were born, and have someone really innocent handle the energy, and then put it into a specially prepared container of some variety, and then, you'd have to have that innocent person move the energy to the medicine it was housing. So, all in all, it's really a very big rigormiral. (sp is bad, sorry, can't figure it out, and I've tried.) I mean if this person is using this stuff regularly and can sell for really high bucks, it's probably worth the pain, but..." Warah shrugged. "Most people wouldn't be able to depend on that. This is really, really complex. I want to know who thought of this and tried it." M "Hm, isn't Loki's stalker some sort of Doctor? Could he be involved?" Charlie asked, thoughtful. Innocence made him think of unicorns. Unicorns made him a little sick to his stomach, well, the topic of them anyhow. Stormy is Editing Warah's eyes lit up, "Kaine! Of course, how could I have not thought about him. That's incredibly possible. I would think he has the resources to do this kind of work. It seems so... complex and incredibly sensitive for him to be involved, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was." Warah put his head on his hand. "Kaine... what good would it do for you to create something so seeped in goodness?" M Charlie shrugged, "I don't know the man or anything, but maybe the attraction is more making someone so good do something so unbalanced. Or, depending on his personality perhaps just proving that he can. On the other hand it could just be another ploy to eventually lure Loki in some direction or another since I've heard that's his favored activity. Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, "Oh yes, that's his favored activity all right, and he really does enjoy it to no end. I wish he'd just..." Warah shook his head, "No, never mind." He looked up at Charlie, "Well, now you know, and if you find any of it anywhere else, you'll have to let me know, alright?" M Charlie nodded, "Of course I will. Have you reported it to the boss? I think it's probably the reason for many extended lifespans. Getting it out of circulation could take some cases off of various agents plates." Stormy is Editing Warah blushed, "Well, yeah, I should report it shouldn't I? I hope he doesn't ask me to destroy it..." M Charlie smiled, "Surely you could tell him you need to study it further and these a preliminary results, right? After all, you never know when you might need to study it further. A similar medicine might pop up again and you'll need something to compare it to." Stormy is Editing Warah grinned, "I like the way you think, it's just that the last time I had something interesting like this to play with-""It got taken away from you because you were experimenting Warah," Sana said coldly. "Not because you were researching it." Warah blushed. M Charlie shook his head, "wouldn't you need non-ghosts to experiment with this?" Stormy is Editing Warah nodded, "Yeah, that's what animals are for." Sana shook her head. M "So you were experimenting on animals? Live animals? Are there many around? What did you have?" As often happened to him when he spoke to Warah his curiosity had been engaged, and he couldn't stop asking questions. "What were you trying to learn?" Stormy is Editing "Well, it's not like real animals come here very often, but sometimes when detectives go out and the barrier is opened, strays come in. The littlest ones I take for my experiments. See-""Enough!" Sana said, standing up. "If you two are going to go about and discuss such terrible things, I'm going to go out of the room." Warah blushed. M "But..." Charlie stared at her for several moments, then he turned to Warah, "visit me again sometime," he told him. "I'd try hunting you in the lounge, but if I was up to that I'd have a case," he was more than a little disappointed to have to end the conversation. He was certain that his voice reflected it. *Why is she so upset?* he asked Janus. Stormy is Editing *I think it's the whole injuring innocent animals thing, but I can't tell you for a fact.* Janus licked his paw.Warah smiled and nodded, "Alright, I'll do that, have fun with your training, I'll tell them to send breakfast up to you now." Warah stood, and Sana sat. M *Experiments don't always injure the recipients, it's a common enough way to, oh never mind, you don't need a speech right?*"Thank you Warah, it was good to talk to you again." Stormy is Editing *I am an animal. I understand the implications of research.* Janus continued to lick his paw."It was good to talk to you again as well, I'll stop by later, take care." With that, he left the room, leaving Sana with Charlie. "I'm sorry Charlie, I just don't think that Warah is very ethical when it comes to his experiments." |
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