(The long-awaited-- okay, maybe not long-awaited, but still, you waited for it- sequel to "Sorcery of Salvation"! Wheee!

I'm trying to think of random things to say here to waste time. :D It's what I'm good at. Just ask my friends. "GOD all she ever does is slack off and do nothing!"

Okay, that is a lie-- I'm writing this, aren't I:D

Let's begin.

Markus, Professor Wilkens, Valerie, Dr. Chen © Nintendo

Humani © Nintendo)

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Witchcraft

Chapter One- The Setup

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The television blared loudly, its bright lights flashing in the dark room...

But its high volume and flashing luminescences failed to distract Markus, who continued to stare at the ceiling through half-lidded eyes.

Breathe... Relax...

The colors of the room began to fade to a pasty grey...

I am one with life...

The cerulean star glimmered in his mind's eye...

I am one... with--

Riiiiing.

His dark hazel eyes flew open.

"...damnit..."

Riiiiing.

Tiredly, Markus lifted himself off of the couch, walking over to the phone.

Riii--

"Good evening, Professor."

"Good evening, Markus. I assume you were practicing your witchcraft again?"

A tired smile played at Markus' lips.

"You do have a special gift for calling me just when I'm beginning my meditations."

"Perhaps you should consider meditating at another time then, Markus. Those mice you created are finally ready; I will need you to come in tomorrow morning at six."

Markus successfully fought back a groan.

"Alright... thank you, Professor Wilkens. I'll see you tomorrow, then."

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He was incredibly grateful that his coffee shop was always open.

At five forty-five, Markus strode in the front doors of Concordia, sipping his black coffee...

"Oh-- good morning, Dr. Vaughn. How are you today?"

Markus glanced over the top of his coffee cup to see who had spoken--

"Ah... good morning, Valerie. You're here early today, aren't you?"

Twenty-five-year-old Valerie Blaylock chuckled briefly, idly playing with her short, dark hair.

"Yes... Dr. Chen told me to work the four to two shift today, so... here I am. And what about you? You're not here usually until noon..."

"I have lab work to do today," Markus admitted to the resident, a small smile playing at his lips. "You won't see me much today anyways... I'll see you later, Valerie."

"Have a good day, Dr. Vaughn."

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"I must admit, Markus, I didn't actually expect you to come in so early."

The dark-haired surgeon chuckled, sipping from his coffee.

"I'd have been here earlier if I hadn't been stopped by Dr... Blaylock, is it? Anyways, what are we doing today, Professor?"

"We will be extracting most of one kidney from each mouse," Lloyd Wilkens announced, fixing his monocle, which threatened to fall from his eye. "I just received a new serum from the Humani organization... you will cover the remainder of the kidney with this serum. It's supposed to aid in and activate the cellular regeneration process."

"Alright..." Markus nodded. "Let's get started, then."

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(End chapter one.

DUN DUN DUN.

I love that sound effect. Like, you have no idea. :D

DUN DUN DUN.

I should probably stop soon... Hey, Val was here, aren't you all happy!

DUN DUN DUN.

I'll stop now.

Please review!)