The Dragel's Song II

by Chera Carmichael

  “I had magic right up until yesterday,” Neil explained.

  “What happened yesterday?”

  “My testing capsule caught on fire.”

  “Surtr’s pits,” Landon muttered. “You’re that one.” He shot a baleful glare at Benjamin, who stood off to the corner, a slight smirk playing about his face. “What are your symptoms and for how long?”

  A flicker of fear passed through Neil. He silently sent a prayer of thanks for the fact that he couldn’t quite react to anything too obviously. “I ate something bad yesterday,” he lied. “And it didn’t agree with me, so I took an early night. I couldn’t eat much this morning and I just feel very tired right now. Still can’t move much though.”

  Landon picked up his tablet and began to scribble notes across the screen. “I see. Anything else? When did you first notice your lack of magic?”

  “Right after I puked my guts up in the main hall that leads to the dorms.”

  “Right. What did you eat for dinner?”

  “Uh,” Neil mentally scrambled to remember what he’d actually eaten. He hadn’t eaten much, because none of it had agreed with him.

  “The regular meal set had herbed casserole, meat stew and orange cream pudding for their sides, entrée and dessert.” Benjamin said, lightly. “The Elites had lemon herb broth, golden stew and strawberry-orange-sunrise pudding.”

  Landon gave him a withering look.

  Neil hid a grateful smile. “It was probably the stew,” he said, lightly. “Hard to tell what’s really in it.”

  “A nutritionally sound meat substitute with the proper amount of protein, fat and necessary fiber,” Landon snapped.

  “There was a fruit cup too,” Benjamin added.

  Neil resisted the urge to hit him. He was too far out of range anyway. “I ate half a fruit cup and puked,” he said, flatly. “That was the trigger, I think.”

  “The fruit cup?” Landon frowned. He wrote it down and then sighed. “There’s not much I can do for you if I can’t perform a proper scan. Now, there are non-magical ways for me to examine you, if you’re agreeable. The results are fairly reliable and at the very least, I can check your vitals and take some blood. Is that acceptable?”

  Neil hesitated.

  “As it’s all happening under that one’s name, there’s nothing for you to worry about, cost wise,” Landon assured him, giving a slight jerk of his head in Benjamin’s direction.

  “That’s fine,” Neil said.

  “Lovely,” Landon drawled. “How’s your movement now?” He frowned at Benjamin. “Face the wall, if you would?”

  “Actually, I’ll just step outside,” Benjamin said, smoothly. “Give you two some privacy.”

  “If anyone wants to know why I’m not treating the-”

  “I’ll tell them I’m waiting on you finish writing up the report because I can’t stand to look at you,” Benjamin said, cheerfully. “They won’t have a problem.”

  Landon shuddered. “You will be the death of me,” he muttered. “Do whatever you like. I can’t stop you anyway.”

  Benjamin winked. “I know.”

  Neil was torn between relief and exhaustion. He appreciated the consideration for his privacy and personal space, but he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stay awake long enough to make it through the appointment.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  Neil stumbled out of the examination room an hour later. He tripped straight into Benjamin’s arms, and didn’t bother to stifle the groan.

  “We’ve got to stop meeting like this,” Benjamin chuckled. He helped him stand and flashed a grin to a weary Landon who stepped out, tablet in hand. “That bad?”

  “Worse,” Landon muttered. He printed out a receipt and handed it to Benjamin. “You’ll have to pick up the prescription, but it’s been formulated according to his results.” He frowned, a touch of worry showing through. “If that doesn’t work, bring him back in a week.”

  “One what pretense? Another headache?” Benjamin perked a brow.

  “I’m sure you’ll think of something. Say hello to your mother for me,” Landon inclined his head. “Good evening.” He disappeared back into the exam room, shutting the door firmly behind him.

  Benjamin stifled a laugh. “He hasn’t changed at all,” he said, fondly. “Come on, let’s get this filled for you.” He squinted down at the scribbled prescription. “A magical stimulant?”

  “He says my magic is there, it’s just out of reach for some reason and he can’t tell why,” Neil said. He yawned into the crook of his elbow, marveling at the fact that the single shot he’d received had allowed his body to return to its properly functioning order. Relief didn’t even begin to cover how he’d felt when he could move on his own once more.

  “I suppose that makes sense,” Benjamin said. “Did he say anything about the blood tests?”

  “It’ll take a day or two, since there isn’t any real reason for him to rush it—because of your medical history?”

  “Ah,” Benjamin nodded. “Forgot about that. Sorry.”

  “That’s fine. I’m just glad I can move now,” Neil flexed his arms.

  Benjamin shared a smile and started down the hallway. Neil fell into step a moment later.

  It didn’t take long to sign the necessary paperwork for the emergency appointment and order the prescription. It would be delivered to Neil’s dorm room sometime after dinner and the first delivery charge was waived as a courtesy.

  “Thanks,” Neil said when they stood out in the main hallway again, away from all other ears. “You didn’t have to—all of that, I appreciate it.”

  Benjamin flashed a smile, the expression looking a bit forced now. “You’re welcome. I wish they’d update their student policies, but things are what they are.”

  “Yeah. It’s not too bad though.” Neil said. “So, uh, you two knew each other?”

  “Landon? He interned under my family’s private Healer, so yes.” Benjamin smirked. “He’s always been something of a worrywart, but I pay him enough to put up with me, so he doesn’t complain. I’m glad he was able to help. I hope you’re back to yourself again.”

  Neil rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. That makes two of us,” He looked away so he wouldn’t be caught staring at those hazel eyes which had now lightened to a shade of gold. There was something different about Benjamin Carson that didn’t seem to fit into the mental image that he’d always carried before.

  “See you around,” Benjamin said, after a moment. “Take care of yourself.”

  “Yeah. You too,” Neil said. His shoulders slumped as Benjamin turned away, starting down the hallway. He watched until Benjamin had turned the corner, before an odd, empty feeling swallowed him up. The tiny flicker of magic inside, seemed to dim even further, until it was nothing more than a wisp.

  “Neil!” Elyenka’s panicked voice drew his attention.

  He turned in time to stagger backward from the force of her hug. “Breathe, Yenka. M’fine,” he gasped out. “Breathing?”

  Her grip loosened fractionally as she trembled in his arms. A moment later she drew back, her soft green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I was so worried! Kendall’s beside himself, but he’s been sent to the Disciplinary Committee for mouthing off in class.” She looked away. “Are you alright? He said that you were—that you were—oh Neil!”

  Magic shimmered at fingertips, a lovely glittering ruby color as she tentatively reached out to touch his shoulder.

  Neil flinched back. “Better not,” he advised, apologetically. “I’m not really doing well with any type of magic right now,

  Elyenka’s hopeful hands dropped to her side and she bit her lip. “Right. Sorry. I should have remembered that, I just—you’re alright?” She looked over his shoulder at the sign for the MedBay. “Were you able to see someone?”

  “Y-yeah. Yeah, I was.” He offered his arm and plastered on a smile. “In fact, it’s nothing to worry about. They’re giving
me something to help with the magic thing and I feel fantastic right now.”

  Elyenka frowned. “Are you sure?” She looked from his proffered arm, back to his face, her hands on her hips.

  “I see, well, I know when I’ve been insulted,” he said, theatrically. “Excuse me, dear lady, I can tell when I am not wanted.”

  “Oh shut up, you!” She gave him a light shove, and then hugged his arm, falling into step beside him. “That was almost just like Kendall.”

  “It was, wasn’t it?”

  “Word for word. Expressions too.”

  Neil snickered.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  Lunch was spent with an animated Elyenka and a contrite Kendall who had managed to acquire punishment detail for the next three consecutive weeks. Neil shook his head after hearing the full story and pushed dessert over—along with Elyenka’s—in consolation.

  “Thanks for the effort though.”

  “What are friends for?” Kendall quipped.

  “Use your brain next time,” Elyenka said, tartly. “What if I was in the middle of a demonstration and couldn’t check up on him? Getting yourself sent off to the DC doesn’t help anyone.”

  Kendall rolled his eyes. “I’ll remember that the next time I see my best friend knocked out and lying on the floor from a spell that he couldn’t even-”

  “Hey. Leave it. It’s fine,” Neil interrupted. “Really. Just—leave it.”

  His friends exchanged a look and after a moment, Elyenka sighed. “Fine. But make sure you take your medicine and you,” she stabbed her finger at Kendall. “Make sure you’re on your best behavior for the entire detail. Because of your lack of self-control, now I have to study by myself for the next three weeks.”

  “You’ve always studied by yourself,” Kendall grumbled. “How’s that any different than—Ow!” He pouted a moment later.

  “Keep that up and you’ll study by yourself for the rest of your term here,” Elyenka sniffed. “You might also have to find yourself a new girlfriend when your three weeks are up.”

  Kendall blushed. “Right. Sorry babe.”

  She cocked her head to the side.

  “Sorry Yenka,” he recited, obediently. They’d had this lesson before.

  “Good boy. Do you want seconds?” She nodded at his lunch tray. “I have extra meal tickets this week.” Her critical expression now betrayed her worry in her deeply furrowed brows.

  Kendall hesitated. He looked at Neil.

  “I’ll bring him a fruit cup,” Elyenka pushed away from the table and made her way back to the serving line, her meal tickets in hand.

  Neil grinned. “I’m guessing you weren’t planning on telling me that way? It’s about time you two got together.”

  Sheepishly, Kendall nodded. His gaze tracked Elyenka across the room and as she stood in line. He couldn’t even remember when they had actually become something from nothing. “It just sort of—it worked,” he faltered. “She gets me, you know?”

  “Yeah.” Neil smiled. That explained a lot more than either of them could explain. “Congrats to both of you.”

  “Thanks.”

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  Neil was the last one out of the classroom as the other students filed out ahead of him. He lagged behind, taking his time. That had been his last class of the day and the earlier exhaustion was catching up to him.

  He should have taken the rest of the day off, but missing classes had always affected his grades and he needed that scholarship more than anything else. It was the only ticket to freedom that he had and desperation drove him to maintain it as best as he could.

  A wave of dizziness washed over him and he paused, reaching out to steady himself with a hand on the wall. It took a moment for the nausea to pass and when he finally pulled himself together, the hallway was empty.

  Muttering to himself, he rounded the corner and nearly tripped over a young woman crouched on the floor, clutching her stomach. Her eyes were screwed tightly shut in pain and a steady stream of whimpers fell from her lips.

  She wasn’t a student, he could tell from her fancy outfit and the fact that she was pregnant—if the obvious swell of her stomach was anything to go by. Noir did not allow pregnant students at all, so she had to be a visitor, though what she was doing by herself, Neil wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

  “Excuse me?” he tried. “Are you alright?”

  Her eyes flew open and she gave a yelp of fright, before calming down when he hurriedly backed away, hands held out in front of him.

  “I’m not gonna hurt you or anything, I just—you don’t look so well. Can I call someone for you?”

  She stared at him, her mouth opening and closing, before she began to cry.

  Neil winced. “Oh, no, no, please don’t cry,” he muttered. “Look, I just want to help, alright? I’m not—I’ll go find you a Healer or something—someone.” He turned to leave and heard a string of foreign language that went right over his head.

  Turning around, he found the young woman curled up in the corner of the hall, her tears slowed. She spoke again when he looked at her, repeating herself, this time, slower.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t speak whatever that is,” Neil apologized. “Uh, but help? I can find you help? Or someone?” He spoke slowly and faced her, so she could read his lips, if it would help.

  Her hand went up to her throat and she muttered something again in the strange language, before a series of black letters inscribed themselves on a band around her throat. She coughed and wheezed for a moment, then slowly straightened up, using the corners to help herself stand.

  “Sorry, I’m not used to language spells,” she said, clearly. “It took me a moment to realize you were speaking something else.” She winced and pressed one hand to her ear and the other to her rounded belly. “What exactly were you offering?”

  Neil stared at her for another moment. Today was just one weird thing after another. “Help,” he said, faintly. “I was asking if—do you need help?”

  “I couldn’t possibly interrupt your day,” she said, smoothly. “From what I’ve heard of Noir, it’s backbreaking work day in and day out.”

  “I’m out of classes for the day.”

  “Oh?”

  “I can call someone, if you like?” Neil suggested.

  “I was on my way to the MedBay,” she said. “If you could help me there, I can handle everything else. I’m supposed to meet my other halves there, so you don’t really have to fuss too much.”

  “Right. Um,” Neil looked up and down the hall. “It’s uh, can you take a lift?”

  “It’s best if I don’t. The magic interferes, you know and the up and down feeling is terrible.” Her face turned slightly green.

  Neil felt himself growing slightly sick at the thought and he stepped forward, offering a hand. “I’ll walk you there, if you like.”

  “Would you? That’s very kind of you, but only if it won’t cause any inconvenience. I’m sure you have other things to do before the day’s over.”

  “Actually, I was thinking that I might skip work today, so, don’t worry about it.” Neil smiled, warmly. “Shall we?”

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  “Neil? That’s a lovely name. I haven’t heard it before.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I go by Calida,” she offered. “It’s a weird name, I know, but my parents liked it. What can I say?”

  Her smile was a bit strained, but Neil could tell it was from the effort of walking and not from the fact that she’d grown tired of his company. She was easy to talk to and they’d been discussing the awful prices of luxury baked goods—never mind that Neil didn’t have the slightest clue about them—and having a rather good time.

  They reached the MedBay in what seemed to be half the time that it had taken Benjamin to walk Neil there after the Magical Arts mishap. They waited in line, this time, chatting as if they’d known each other for years as the queue moved forward in slow order. r />
  Calida still held onto his arm by the time her turn came at the counter. She smiled pleasantly at the Medic behind the counter and pulled her ID card from the corded holder around her neck. “Calida Baronsworth, my partner, Terius, is an instructor here. He should have left specific instructions for my care?”

  Neil choked.

  The Medic took her ID card and swiped it at the side of the screen. She tapped at a few things on the display, then handed it back. “I’m to verify that you’re-” she stopped when something else flashed across the screen. “Terius Baronsworth is your-”

  “Partner,” Calida said, calmly. “And there should be two others registered on there. Tiberius and Dexter? If you could call them as well, I’d appreciate it.”

  The Medic nodded stiffly and tapped a few more things on the screen, before handing over a physical appointment card. “Please keep this on your person at all times, until you have seen an attending Healer.”

  “Thank you,” Calida took it and slipped it into the pouch around her neck with the ID card. “I’d like to wait in the exam room, if that’s possible?”

  The Medic sighed. “Someone will-”

  Landon appeared around the corner, escorting one of his patients out to the front room. “Make sure that you follow my instructions exactly,” he cautioned. “I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”

  The patient nodded and moved to stand in the payment queue.

  Landon looked down at his tablet. “Calida Baronsworth?” he called out.

  Calida perked up. “That would be me,” she said, cheerfully. “Neil, can you stay until someone arrives? I hate to impose, but, I’d really rather not wait alone.”

  “I’m not really the best to-”

  “You don’t have to stay if it’s a problem.”

  “…it’s not a problem,” Neil sighed.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  “Twice in one day, Hewitt,” Landon said, annoyed. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “I don’t speak your dialect,” Caldia said, accepting his hand to sit on the exam table. “He’s here for moral support until my absent lovers can pry themselves away from their ridiculous work schedules.”

  Landon cleared his throat. “I—see,” he said. “I cannot in-”