ALEXiThymiA: Chapter 85: A Routine Checkup

Chapter 85

A Routine Checkup

Tuesday

Time Until Integration: 1 Month, 25 Days, 17 Hours…

Alexa had wisely decided to skip going to the dungeon Tuesday night after most of her pack and fellow students finally began relaxing enough to sleep under the stars. In all Alexa gained only a handful of hours of sleep before it was time to get up and get ready for the day.

As she awoke to greet the morning and begin cleaning up the area, so too did everyone else. Alexa had spent the night watching over those who gained new powers and crystals. Gina was the one who received the magic shard. Of everyone she seemed to be one of the people most capable of having a support staff mind set. This was a hard mindset to have, particularly in a school like theirs that all but encouraged everyone to strive for being the best. This was why Alexa wanted to make sure to not only encourage her, but to encourage others like her to join and not be afraid of being forced to fight.

Luke got his much-needed offensive strike capability. Alecia got the ice dragon’s strike and a minor resistance to the cold. Then there was the Fire Strike shard that Alexa got from the third dragon, which went to Julie. Then finally the Illusionary shard that allowed a person to create minor illusions on either themselves or in general, that one went to Kylie.

For a moment, Alexa wondered about the shard she missed when she was forced to avoid killing Magdala. Then she remembered the oddly protective nature the dungeon seemed to exude. There was something odd about the feeling she gathered from the dragon, something about the overprotective nature the dungeon had for its dragon. It wasn’t the typical servant’s devotion to a master, as there seemed to be something more to that interaction that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

Of course, Alexa used moments like these to work on puzzling out such mysteries. She knew she was terrible at emotional interactions, and while she had gotten to a point where she could mostly puzzle out why people reacted in certain ways, there were times like the time with the dragon and the dungeon that confused her. These were the moments that she tried to focus on, so she could avoid such events in the future. Mentally she went through the list of what she knew about dragons and dungeons from her previous interactions with them. In the three previous interactions the dungeons were all bound with deep scars and wished for the dragon who had enslaved them to be killed.

Then with the dungeon that housed the ancient Magdala there was a change. First the scars on the dungeon weren’t as deep, meaning that either Magdala wasn’t as harsh as the other dragon masters, or something else. Logic would dictate that it was likely not as harsh, but were there other options? Other reasons why? Could Magdala have come across the dungeon, killed the former master and subsequently come across as a better leader? Such an outcome seemed odd, but also could help answer everything based on what she now knew.

Looking at it, this scenario of Magdala as the savior made sense, though again there seemed to be too much protection going on from the part of the dungeon. In all Alexa was just happy to be out, but she also found it fortuitous that she managed to beat a dragon Seer so easily. This too had been bothering her, with such a high-level seer working against her, she expected more resistance from the beast. The entire thing just reeked of a setup, but why? Unless the purpose of that chance encounter was solely to break the cycle and force her to leave the dungeon when she did. If so, then why?

There were so many questions that Alexa had, but not many answers.

Fortunately, she got back to the campus proper with enough time to shower change, then immediately go to the principal’s office so she could change into her uniform. Apparently Bullford and Johnston were already on scene to provide additional protection detail. Her parents, well Judge and Warder, were also present and willing to provide additional security. Along with Sarah Marie Stevens, her large bodyguard and the few other agents who had come into town to help deal with the Red Countess also came along.

Alexa, or rather Aru’ka the long healer, made sure to heal the other guards and agents that she could before even leaving for the hospital.

Once again, her arrival was met with a lot of media attention. Lines of people were in front of the hospital, many of which were holding signs. Though unlike last time, where nearly all of the signs asked for healing, there were a few other signs in the masses today.

Thanks for Madison.

Madison Thanks You.

There were dozens of signs that all said similar things. Her mother, well her mother acting as her Judge persona asked. “What does Thanks for Madison mean?”

At that Captain Johnston who had been fighting a faint smile from her lips all morning answered.

“They are referring to the news clip of Aru’ka being the sole cause for killing the dragon in Madison yesterday.”

There was a pause, as Judge and Warder shared a look. That look seemed to say, did you know about this? Seeing the same look of confusion in their partner, they stopped and then turned to Alexa. Alexa nodded.

“When did you have time to kill a dragon yesterday?” Judge asked.

Alexa wanted to comment that she killed two and almost three dragons yesterday, for a total of four dragons and one dragon retainer over the past forty-eight hours but ultimately, she chose not to.

“I killed the dragon in Madison shortly after leaving the dungeon on Monday morning.” Alexa answered.

“Before you killed the Countess?”

“Correct.”

“I see.” Judge said for a second, as she bit her lip in contemplation. Then she turned her attention to the TSI Captain. “You took Aru’ka out into the field shortly after she arrived back from her Trials, all to make her fight another dragon?”

“Peace Judge. I would almost swear you had some type of emotional attachment to Aru’ka.” Captain Johnston said, in a voice that all but said calm down, lest you want your enemies to target Aru’ka in your place.

Hearing those words Judy forced her body to relax, as she realized the Captain was correct. As much as she hated the idea of her daughter being placed in danger, she hated the idea that her actions from the past would come back to haunt Alexa in any way. That was why she forced herself to breath, then responded.

“You are correct. Perhaps I am a bit too attached to this new super. I just feel that she is a major asset and one we should be doing everything in our power to protect.” Judge said.

“Oh, that reminds me, a member from the League will be here.” Captain Johnston said.

“The League?” Jim and Judy both asked, shock on their faces.

“Yeah, I hope that won’t be too much of an issue for you two?” Captain Johnston said taking control of the conversation. Every once in a while, she would give a slight glance to Ms. Peacock who only nodded her agreement when anyone cared to look her way. It was clear that Ms. Peacock was trying to take as much of a backseat to this as possible.

Jim and Judy both looked down at the ground in concern at the comment. It was clear that this was a charged topic for the two, and rightly so. The last time they had met with anyone from the League, what was effectively thought of as the major league of Civilian Supers, that is Supers who worked for profit, was when the two had thrown their careers away to save their daughter.

Now that very same group who all but called them cowards was here now trying to recruit their daughter. The entire process made Jim’s blood boil as he thought about the situation. Taking a moment to calm himself, he turned to his daughter and watched her for a moment.

For her part Alexa was just being Alexa, observing everything from her peripheral view, but pretending not to notice anything. Seeing her Jim relaxed a little, she was a smart independent girl who was doing amazingly well, all things considered. Was he a bit annoyed about not being told that she was safe, sure. Was he someone mad about his daughter being used as the spear for a dragon assault sure? Was he jealous that she was being scouted by the League? Honestly the truth was yes, also if he was being honest with himself, he was a little worried about his daughter as well. The League were the type of people who would dive head long into the worst possible dangers knowing that media coverage would be the highest. They were the group that was worried about recognition first and foremost.

At first when Jim and Judy left the lines, they were called out for being cowards. It wasn’t until later when it was found out that they were dealing with a national emergency within their home states that the League issued a formal apology, but by then the damage had been done and it was too little too late for Jim and Judy. Also, that was when the Tri-state initiative first started, where Jim and Judy were given recognition for being supers who wished to serve their community. While Jim didn’t regret for a single moment any action he or Judy made. Every once in a while, he often thought what if.

Now that it was his daughter’s turn to shine, he didn’t want to discourage her or to influence her career path in any way. Finally, after a long second, Jim let out a long sigh and answered the Captain’s question, “no.”

“Good, because Wondra will be there.” Captain Johnston said.

“Wondra?” Judy asked, instant recognition coming from the woman who has been the single biggest draw for female viewers and equality within the League. A bastion for passing pro-feminine legislation, and the woman who walked out on a number of film sets due to their being linked to taking advantage of female actors.

Even at the name, Alexa found herself turning towards the Captain to make sure she heard everything correctly.

“Yes, Wondra, the only person ever recorded with an Apex Class.” Captain Johnston said.

At the fact that Wondra was a fellow Apex Class holder, Alexa turned her head entirely to look at the Captain. Johnston, seeing that she gained Alexa’s full and undivided attention just smiled. “Yeah, thought that would get your attention.” Johnston said, then continued. “We do need to make nice with Wondra, as she will likely be able to join us for our London trip.”

“Networking?” Judge asked, a cold tone to her words as she looked at the fact that their limousine was once again almost at the front of the hospital.

“Look if we aren’t networking, then we aren’t doing our job. At the very least, knowing that Aru’ka has resources in place to help can’t be all wrong.” Captain Johnston said.

With that there was a slight hush that fell over the occupants as they all thought about that comment. Then before anyone truly had time to recover, the vehicle came to a complete stop, and everyone moved to exit the vehicle as quickly as possible.

Sarah Marie Stevens was taken into the hospital first by her team of personal supers, followed shortly by Alexa’s group that consisted of the Principal, her parents, and the TSI agents.

With that, the group moved forward and entered the waiting room. Instantly upon entering, Alexa could feel that the energy of the entire building was different. Rather than the cold and oppressive aura that seemed to permeate the building from every dark corner, she found that the building had a slightly better feel to it. Though the building still seemed to have darker overtones of residual Necromancy that she could still feel.

Wondra who had staged the whole area to be a huge photo-op stood a few dozen paces away. She was already greeting Sarah Marie Stevens and her entourage as a way of getting good publicity for their upcoming trip. Then her eyes turned to Alexa, but she paused as she saw Alexa not even seem to pay any attention to her. Instead, she looked around the open lobby with a look of apprehension.

“One second.” Alexa said, as she stopped and stared upward at the ceiling.

Then everyone looked on as a giant ball of glowing white light appeared above her. Wondra like so many others looked up at the odd ball of light that all but seemed to glow with radiance that she had never seen.  The spell that was used was complex, intricate, and above all beautiful. Looking at the spell itself, it was clear that the spell was alive. Then when the ball of light looked like it was nearly full to bursting, Aru’ka the healer that she had been tasked with recruiting spoke the most beautiful word Wondra had ever heard.

“Hope.”

Chime.

There was a pure ringing tone that seemed to reverberate everywhere all at once.

***

In a second, all the tension that Wondra had felt about this random meeting was over. In that one moment she knew why she had been sent here. It was providence, her the best female warrior of her generation sent to recruit the next face of female equality. The feelings of peace running through her were unprecedented. For the first time in years, she felt as if all her former fears and concerns had been washed away. She was free. She felt no moral or impending obligations.  Better still the dark and gloomy demeanor that had overshadowed this place was now gone. As she looked around, it was almost like the entire building had been cleansed. The lights seemed brighter, and the overall atmosphere seemed to be happier all the sudden. Seeing this change, Wondra couldn’t help but find herself at a loss for words to say to the newcomer. Fortunately, she knew from experience that most women would be nearly gagging with shock at the chance to meet her.

This was why she was confused when after a few moments no one new came to greet her. As she looked, Aru’ka the healer was already making her way past the flabbergasted Wondra, as she made her way up the flights of stairs.

“Wondra did you feel that?” A news reporter asked.

Wondra stunned that the girl didn’t even acknowledge her looked shocked for a second, before shaking her head to realize she was being surrounded by reporters. Reports who likewise had been stunned but were now able to move as well.

“What?” Wondra found herself asking.

“Have you ever felt anything so pure?” The reporter asked.

Hearing the question, Wondra realized that was likely the perfect word to describe how she now felt. She felt pure, like all her sins had been absolved and she had nothing but potential before her.

“No...” Was all Wondra managed to answer before she moved to follow the procession of people and guards. It was a good thing, as Wondra almost found herself cut off from the procession by the overly enthusiastic TSI Agents who were on scene.

Rushing to pull up next to the healer, Wondra held out her hand and introduced herself. “Hi, I am Wondra.”

Aru’ka, never missing a step kept moving forward and answered. “I know.”

At that response, Wondra felt like she did on her first days as a super, how she felt so small compared to everyone that came before her. Despite her years, despite her power, this girl who was still by all means unclassed had a note of power and elegance to her that was nearly impossible to miss. Seeing her, Wondra knew she couldn’t leave here, not without leaving he with a favorable impression of their team.

“Well I guess the uniform kind of gave it away?” Wondra asked, drawing a few laughs from some of the media personnel who were following them up the staircase. Aru’ka just nodded.

Seeing her not quite cold reaction, Wondra knew this would be a bit tougher sale than she was used to, though smiling to herself she always did enjoy a good challenge.